cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of Remote Varenicline Sampling to Promote Treatment Engagement and Smoking Cessation

INTRODUCTION Medication sampling is a clinically useful tool to engage smokers in the quitting process. Whether varenicline is suitable for sampling purposes is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, uptake, and preliminary outcomes of varenicline sampling. METHODS Smokers (N = 99), both motivated to quit and not, were recruited and randomized to varenicline sampling versus not, with 12 week follow-up. The intervention consisted of mailing one-time samples of varenicline (lasting 2-4 wks), with minimally suggestive guidance on use. RESULTS Uptake of varenicline was strong, at 2 weeks (54% any use, 66% daily use) and 4 weeks (38%, 46%), with 58% of medication users seeking additional medication. Most users followed conventional titration patterns, self-titrating from 0.5 mg to 2 mg. Relative to control, varenicline sampling increased motivation (p = 0.006) and confidence to quit (p = 0.02), and decreased cigarette smoking (p = 0.02). Smokers receiving varenicline samples were significantly more likely to achieve 50% reduction in cigarettes per day (CPD), both immediately following the sampling exercise (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 4.12; 95% CI: 1.39 to 12.17) and at final follow-up (AOR = 4.50; 95% CI: 1.56 to 13.01). Though cessation outcomes were not statistically significant, there was a 1.5 to 3-fold increase in quit attempts and abstinence from varenicline sampling throughout follow-up. These outcomes were comparable among smokers motivated to quit and not. CONCLUSIONS Unguided, user-driven sampling of varenicline sampling is a concrete behavioral exercise that is feasible to do and seems to suggest clinical utility. Sampling is a pragmatic clinical approach to engage more smokers in quitting. IMPLICATIONS Use of evidence-based pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation is low. Medication sampling is a pragmatic behavioral exercise that allows smokers to experience the benefits of using them, while promoting positive downstream effects towards quitting. While previous studies have shown that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) sampling is viable and effective, whether this extends to varenicline is unclear. Results from this trial demonstrate that varenicline sampling is feasible, safe, and suggestive of clinically important steps toward quitting, deserving of a larger trial. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT #03742154.
Animal Agriculture and the One Health Approach.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, One Health is the integrative effort of multiple disciplines to attain optimal health for people, animals, and the environment. 1 The On...
Power in politically charged networks

Abstract We offer a theory and measure for determining powerful nodal positions based on potential inter-actor control in “politically charged” networks, which contain both allies and adversaries. Power is derived from actors that are dependent on the focal actor and sociometrically weak, either due to a lack of alternative allies or from being threatened by others. We create a new Political Independence Index (PII), compare it to other established measures, and illustrate its use in the setting of an international network of alliances and military conflicts from 1946 to 2000. Results show that politically independent nations as measured by PII have smaller increases in military personnel than others over time.
Cerium oxide nanomaterial with dual antioxidative scavenging potential: Synthesis and characterization.

Many studies have linked reactive oxygen species (ROS) to various diseases. Biomedical research has therefore sought a way to control and regulate ROS produced in biological systems. In recent year...
Screening for Hypertension in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement.

Author(s): US Preventive Services Task Force; Krist, Alex H; Davidson, Karina W; Mangione, Carol M; Cabana, Michael; Caughey, Aaron B; Davis, Esa M; Donahue, Katrina E; Doubeni, Chyke A; Kubik, Martha; Li, Li; Ogedegbe, Gbenga; Pbert, Lori; Silverstein, Michael; Stevermer, James; Tseng, Chien-Wen; Wong, John B | Abstract: ImportanceHypertension is a prevalent condition that affects approximately 45% of the adult US population and is the most commonly diagnosed condition at outpatient office visits. Hypertension is a major contributing risk factor for heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.ObjectiveTo reaffirm its 2015 recommendation, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the benefits and harms of screening for hypertension in adults, the accuracy of office blood pressure measurement for initial screening, and the accuracy of various confirmatory blood pressure measurement methods.PopulationAdults 18 years or older without known hypertension.Evidence assessmentUsing a reaffirmation deliberation process, the USPSTF concludes with high certainty that screening for hypertension in adults has substantial net benefit.RecommendationThe USPSTF recommends screening for hypertension in adults 18 years or older with office blood pressure measurement. The USPSTF recommends obtaining blood pressure measurements outside of the clinical setting for diagnostic confirmation before starting treatment. (A recommendation).
Alpha and beta changes in anxiety in response to mass shooting related information

Abstract The present study investigated how an individual's state anxiety may change before and after exposure to different types of information about mass shootings. Changes were analyzed as either alpha or beta changes; beta changes indicate a “recalibration” of one's anxiety as opposed to experiencing a direct change. A total of 364 participants from a midwestern university were randomly assigned to one of three conditions, in which they read either emotional information (a news article about mass shootings), unemotional information (statistics about mass shootings), or a filler article. Before and after reading these articles, participants responded to questions from the state portion of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Analyses revealed that participants experienced alpha changes in anxiety after reading either article related to mass shootings, but not after reading the filler article. Furthermore, participants did not experience beta changes after reading any of the articles. These results demonstrate that information about mass shootings is likely to elevate anxiety levels regardless of its emotionality, and that these are direct changes as opposed to cognitive recalibrations. The results may be relevant for news sources reporting on mass shootings or professionals attempting to educate about mass shootings.
GAD 65 Antibody Encephalitis Presenting as New Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) (P2.2-023)

Objective: N/A Background: NORSE is defined as a new onset of refractory status epilepticus without a clear active structural, metabolic or toxic cause in a patient without active epilepsy. In up to half the cases a possible or probable cause is found-most commonly autoimmune or paraneoplastic encephalitis while infectious causes are less common. A 64-year-old female was presented with sudden onset altered behavior consisting of reduced word output and unresponsiveness. She had intermittent jerky movements of the head and eyelid fluttering. EEG monitoring demonstrated non-convulsive status epilepticus originating from the right frontotemporal region. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) given included Ativan, Keppra, and Vimpat. She was later started on Midazolam infusion and Depakote, Clobazam and Topamax were added. The seizures persisted and she was placed in pentobarbital coma. Brain CT, CT angiogram and MRI were within normal. CSF revealed positive oligoclonal bands. Workup for infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune/paraneoplastic disease was negative except for markedly elevated serum GAD 65 Antibody at >250 units/ml (normal Design/Methods: N/A Results: N/A Conclusions: Autoimmunity is a frequent cause of intractable epilepsy accounting for 20% of the cases. It is prudent to test all patients with new-onset drug-refractory epilepsy for antibodies in the serum and spinal fluid as patients require immunotherapy in addition to AEDs. Literature indicates that autoimmune epilepsy varies in its response to immunotherapy with patients having VGKC antibodies being more responsive to treatment and those with GAD 65 antibodies least responsive as demonstrated by our patient. Disclosure: Dr. Sanei Moghaddam has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sheikh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pirzada has nothing to disclose.
Preparation and Thermoelectric Properties of Some Rare Earth Chalcogenides

Rare earth sesquisulfides were synthesized by the direct combination of the constituent elements (i.e., 2R + 3S→ R2S3). This method produces chemically pure products if high purity materials are used, but often produces mixed phases (1), because this is a gas (sulfur vapor) - solid (rare earth metal) reaction under the conditions the reaction is normally carried out. The gas-solid reaction is dictated by not only the reaction temperature and the composition of the reaction mixture but also the pressure of gaseous species. As is the case for many gas-solid reactions, the reaction product (RSx) forms as a dense hard skin on the metal surface, and sulfur must diffuse through this sulfide layer into the metal core for the reaction to proceed. Many times this kinetic factor is difficult to circumvent (2).
Experimental Models of Symbiotic Host-Microbial Relationships: Understanding the Underpinnings of Beneficence and the Origins of Pathogenesis

The study of beneficial associations of plants and animals with microorganisms is in its infancy. This chapter describes the very beginnings of a characterization. The understandable historical focus on determining the basis of devastating pathogenic diseases, as well as technical impediments to studying the dynamic and complex interactions between microbial communities and their hosts, have hindered one's ability to obtain an accurate understanding of the relationships of animals and plants with the microbial world. Studies of mutants in rhizobia indicate that components of the symbiont’s lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are also important in inducing normal infection thread formation and the eventual release of the symbionts into host cortical cells. Overall, a remarkable number of host mechanisms used to avoid infection by pathogenic microbes, such as production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and “antimicrobial” proteins and peptides, appear to play significant roles in the legume-rhizobium (LR) and squid-vibrio (SV) associations. Taken together, the available data on the LR and SV symbioses suggest that interactions between the partners involve molecules traditionally associated with host defense, although they appear to be modulated differently in these beneficial associations. Studies of the coevolution and coadaptation of humans and their microbial communities present an opportunity to gain new understanding about how our ancient migrations, dietary changes, and social innovations helped shaped our current biology, and how they influenced the origins of, our susceptibilities to, and the spread of various pathogenic symbioses.
The Effect of Dextran and Streptokinase on Cerebral Function and Blood Flow after Cardiac Arrest

EEG activity and regional cerebral blood flow were studied during 5 h of maintenance following 12–16 min of cardiac arrest in 33 anesthetized dogs. Group I received no treatment. Group II received dextran 40. Group III were given both dextran 40 and streptokinase. In Group III the duration of flat EEG was significantly shorter than in Group I or II (P < 0.002 and < 0.008). The EEG score at 3 h had already reached a significant level as compared to Group I (P < 0.005 at 3 h and P < 0.002 at 5 h). The blood flow in the grey matter and hippocampus was greater in Group III than in Groups I and II. After 3 h the flow in Group III had already reached a significant level (P < 0.0002, both grey matter and hippocampus) as compared to that in Group I. The findings suggest that impaired cerebral perfusion and function after cardiac arrest are most likely secondary to a combination of hemoconcentration, hyperviscosity, microthrombi formation, and edema at the microcirculatory level. Thus postischemic encephalopathy is in part due to perfusion abnormalities present after arrest, and is therefore amenable to therapy.
Correlations, causes and heuristics in surveys of life satisfaction

Satisfaction with life domains is more highly correlated with interpersonal than with intrapersonal comparisons (Emmons and Diener, 1985). The hypothesis of the present studies is that the high correlations reflect inferences of social comparison from global satisfaction. Paradoxically, such inferences are most likely in private domains (love life, friends), where social information is scarce and relatively unimportant as a determinant of satisfaction. Study I replicates the Emmons-Diener findings, but also finds that subjects judge recent changes more important than social standing as a determinant of life satisfaction, especially in private domains. Study II examines an order effect in judgments of satisfaction. As hypothesized the correlation between social comparison and global satisfaction is higher (in private domains only) when global satisfaction is judged first than when the order of judgment is reversed.
Standard-Model-like Chiral Spectra and the Origin of the Families

We outline our approach to understand the family structure through the idea of a SM-like chiral fermion spectrum, one that is derivable from anomaly cancellation conditions in the same way as the one family SM, under an extended symmetry, which after breaking to the SM symmetry yields the three families as the residual chiral content. An example of a relatively simple scalar sector which gives an acceptable symmetry breaking pattern and naturally hierarchical quark mass matrices is also discussed for a successful $SU(4)_A\otimes SU(3)_C\otimes SU(2)_L\otimes U(1)_X$ model. This is a summary of a seminar given at the 37th IUKT winter school, for the proceedings.
Role of the blood–brain barrier in the evolution of feeding and cognition

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) regulates the blood-to-brain passage of gastrointestinal hormones, thus informing the brain about feeding and nutritional status. Disruption of this communication results in dysregulation of feeding and body weight control. Leptin, which crosses the BBB to inform the CNS about adiposity, provides an example. Impaired leptin transport, especially coupled with central resistance, results in obesity. Various substances/conditions regulate leptin BBB transport. For example, triglycerides inhibit leptin transport. This may represent an evolutionary adaptation in that hypertriglyceridemia occurs during starvation. Inhibition of leptin, an anorectic, during starvation could have survival advantages. The large number of other substances that influence feeding is explained by the complexity of feeding. This complexity includes cognitive aspects; animals in the wild are faced with cost/benefit analyses to feed in the safest, most economical way. This cognitive aspect partially explains why so many feeding substances affect neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and cognition. The relation between triglycerides and cognition may be partially mediated through triglyceride's ability to regulate the BBB transport of cognitively active gastrointestinal hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin.
The Use of Pricing Information in Service Advertisements

Abstract Pricing tactics used by service providers are vital to service marketing strategy. Moreover, the inclusion of those pricing tactics in marketing communications may provide critical information cues to a consumer involved in the service decision process. The current study uses content analysis to examine the use of four different pricing tactics in retail vs. professional service advertisements. In particular, the following four pricing cues were investigated: (1) actual service price, (2) price discounts/savings, (3) reference prices and (4) odd prices. Results indicate that retail services are far more likely to provide pricing information in their advertisements than are professional services. Additionally, retail service providers use other pricing tactics more readily than professional service providers. Implications of our findings are offered.
The Viscoelastic Shear Behavior of a Structural Adhesive

The increased use of adhesives in the automobile, aerospace and other industries is noted. The need to understand the viscoelastic nature of polymeric adhesives is assessed. Previous bulk tensile constant strain-rate, creep, relaxation, and delayed failures studies on an epoxy adhesive are summarized. New constant strain-rate and creep data for symmetric rail shear and symmetric lap shear geometries of the same epoxy adhesive are reported. It is shown that significant viscoelastic shear behavior, including delayed failures, do occur. The linear viscoelastic methods and results from previous tensile studies are extended to the condition of shear. Predictions are shown to be at variance with experimental results. The reasons for deviations are discussed; i.e., the possibility that linear viscoelastic analytical procedures are inappropriate and the likelihood that viscoelastic phenomena are different in bulk tensile, bulk shear and lap shear geometries.
Use of student interviews to identify and refine threshold concepts for biochemistry (618.23)

Threshold concepts are fundamental concepts that require mastering in order to progress towards a deeper understanding of a discipline. Despite their importance in teaching and curriculum reform efforts, threshold concepts have not yet been identified for biochemistry. Using an iterative approach involving over 75 faculty members and over 40 students from diverse institutions nationwide, we have developed a list of candidate threshold concepts, which will inform the design of new active learning materials and assessment tools. Student interviews, conducted with biochemistry and organic chemistry students from five different institutions, were essential in refining the pilot list developed by faculty. Each focus group interview probed student understanding of two of the three candidate threshold concepts: dynamic equilibrium, intra- and intermolecular interactions, and individual versus populations of molecules. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed wide variability in student understanding of these c...
Diagnostic strategies for acute presentation of pulmonary hypertension in children: Particular focus on use of echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, magnetic resonance imaging, chest computed tomography, and lung biopsy

Determining the etiology of pediatric pulmonary hypertension is essential to appropriate management. Assessment of the patient requires complete history and physical examination as well as the use of investigative modalities including echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, cardiac magnetic reson
Dating Desert Ground Water

Tritium in Arabian rainfall has followed the trend observed in North America with peaks in 1958 and the spring of 1959. These measurements will be useful for future hydrologic studies. Water from wadi gravels averages 10 yr old. Carbon-14 measurements of deep waters indicate ages of several thousand years.
Corporate governance and earnings management: going beyond agency theory and secondary data

Earnings management has had a consequence in financial disasters such as Enron, WorldCom and Nortel – more recently, it is alleged in the Lehman bankruptcy, which ushered in a global financial meltdown. Yet despite increased regulation and focus on governance and auditing, researchers find that earnings management remains a common practice. Accounting academics have responded to the governance and earnings management issue by conducting studies using secondary data for governance variables and financial models that try to measure earnings management indirectly. Meanwhile, many best practice governance variables have become commonplace with little variability, and there is strong evidence that both the agency causal model and the earnings management measures are seriously flawed. This paper develops a mixed-mode research model based on agency theory and stewardship theory to explain earnings management, and suggests a more direct measure of its occurrence, namely the degree of board information asymmetry.
Relative Fitness of Greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) Biotypes E and I on Sorghum, Wheat, Rye, and Barley

Greenbugs, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), present a well-documented example of the ability of insects to overcome designed host plant resistance. Four green bug biotypes have been identified on wheat, Triticum aestivum L., and 3 on sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, since green bugs were identified as pests of small grains. Biotype E has been the predominant biotype since the mid-1980s. Greenbug biotype I is the most recent greenbug biotype identified in field plantings of small grains and may be replacing biotype E. Replacement of biotype E green bug by biotype I will depend on the fitness of biotype I on biotype E-resistant cultivars. We attempted to predict this event by assessing relative fitness of the 2 biotypes, defined by life history characteristics on sorghum, wheat, rye, Secale cereale L., and barley, Hordeum vulgare L. We used several sorghum cultivars or lines with different reported levels of resistance to greenbug biotypes E and I, and 1 cultivar or line each of wheat, barley, and rye with reported resistance to biotype E. Biotype E development time, intrinsic rate of increase ( rm ), and to a lesser extent number of offspring produced were adversely affected by E-resistant and I-resistant sorghum cultivars or lines, whereas biotype I was only adversely affected by I-resistant cultivars or lines. Even on I-resistant cultivars or lines, biotype I outperformed biotype E. Wheat line CI 1795 and barley cultivar 'Post', previously identified as resistant to greenbug biotype E, also showed resistance to green bug biotype I. No differences occurred in the reproductive characteristics of greenbugs between E-resistant and E-susceptible rye cultivars. Given these differences in fitness on both E- and I-resistant sorghum and the importance of sorghum to greenbug population dynamics in the central and northern plains (compared to wheat, barley, and rye), it is likely that as increasing acreage is planted to these sorghum cultivars biotype I will replace biotype E.
Perfusion Technology in the Hypothyroid Patient

Cardiopulmonary bypass may, by necessity, have to be performed in patients who are frankly hypothyroid. In treating five such patients, all of whom required coronary revascularization, it was noted that fluid balance during perfusion was considerably different than that in the normal population. In order to attempt to evaluate this difference, ten consecutive euthyroid patients having revascularization and the five hypothyroid patients were compared to correlate all fluid absorbed and excreted with the duration of bypass, the serum sodium, and subsequent weight gain. Fluid intake, urine output, and retained fluid were significantly elevated in the hypothyroid as compared to the euthyroid group, while serum sodium following operation was not significantly different While there are considerable data indicating that hypothyroidism is associated with abnormal salt and water excretion, there is no information concerning the alterations which occur during cardiopulmonary bypass. The present study indicates that hypothyroidism is associated with significant diuresis (without administration of exogenous diuretic agents during cardiopulmonary bypass). The proposed explanation for this diuresis rests with the assumption that with cardiopulmonary bypass and appropriate fluid administration, the contracted blood volume in hypothyroid patients expands acutely and a diuresis results.
Studies on inhibition of 5-hydroxy-tryptophan decarboxylase by phenylalanine metabolites.

SummaryAdministration of high phenylalanine diets to weanling rats resulted in serum phenylalanine levels of 3 × 10−3M. At these concentrations, the decrease of kidney 5 HTP decarboxylase can be overcome by supplementation with excess pyridoxal phosphate. However, if incubation was carried out with 3 × 10−2M inhibitor, the inhibitor effect can no longer be reversed by supplementation with cofactor. The inhibition of phenylalanine and its derivatives, phenylpyruvic, phenyllactic, and phenylacetic acid, is competitive and substrate-dependent at pH 8. The Km for 5 HTP decarboxylase is estimated to be 5.12 × 10−4.
Dynamical evidence for sublattice melting in a superionic conductor: NMR on CuI

Abstract An anomalous increase in the NMR relaxation rates of the copper and iodine nuclei in CuI has been observed as the insulator-to-superionic conductor phase transition is approached. This increase in the relaxation rates supports the idea of a sublattice melting as a major source of the high ionic conductivity in these materials. From these measurements and other available data at high temperatures, it is concluded that in the superionic phase the copper sublattice is indeed molten.
Electrical conductivity of Ag7PSe6 and Cu7PSe6

Abstract The argyrodite compound Ag 7 PSe 6 exhibits a change in the slope of its temperature dependent electrical conductivity at a temperature noticeably lower than that at which its crystal structure changes from the P 2 1 3 space group to the F 4¯3 m space group. The related argyrodite compound Cu 7 PSe 6 exhibits two discontinuous changes in conductivity coincident with crystal lattice transformations from the Pna 2 1 to the P 2 1 3 structure and from the P 2 1 3 to the F 4¯3 m structure. Both compounds are found to be mixed conductors.
RAF around the Edges — The Paradox of BRAF Inhibitors

The recent success of BRAF inhibitors represents a great stride forward for melanoma research. When used to treat patients with melanoma who harbor the BRAF V600E mutation, these inhibitors lead to the remission of even advanced lesions. However, resistance to BRAF inhibitors emerges within months. Of added concern is the development of secondary tumors, most commonly cutaneous squamous-cell carcinomas and keratoacanthomas, in response to BRAF inhibition.1 In this issue of the Journal, Su et al. found that BRAF inhibition leads to increased MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling and secondary tumor development when another oncogene, HRAS, is activated.2 This is due . . .
Vapor−Liquid Equilibria of Binary Mixtures Containing Nitroethane with Five Alkyl Esters at 101.3 kPa

Vapor−liquid equilibria (VLE) were measured at 101.3 kPa, in a range of temperatures from 350.28 to 387.00 K, for five binary mixtures formed by nitroethane with ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, methyl propionate, and ethyl propionate. Calculations of nonideality of the vapor phase were made with the Soave−Redlich−Kwong equation of state. The thermodynamic consistency of the data was tested via Herington analysis. The experimental VLE data were reduced, and binary parameters for four liquid models, such as van Laar, Wilson, NRTL, and UNIQUAC, were fitted. A comparison of model performances was made by using the criterion of average absolute deviations in boiling point and in vapor-phase composition.
Oral tolerance and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Orally administered antigen encounters the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) which has the inherent property of not only to protect the host from ingested pathogens but also to prevent the host from reacting to ingested proteins. Thus, orally administered antigens induce systemic hyporesponsiveness to fed proteins and this phenomenon is termed oral tolerance. It was first described in 1911 when Wells fed hen egg proteins to guinea pigs and found them resistant to anaphylaxis when challenged. In 1946, Chase fed guinea pigs the contact-sensitizing agent 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and observed that animals had decreased skin reactivity to DNCB. Oral tolerance has also been observed in humans fed and immunized with keytiole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) [45]. There have been many studies trying to elucidate the mechanisms of oral tolerance [74, 113] and now it is clear that oral tolerance is mediated by T cells through different mechanisms depending on the dose of antigen fed. Low-dose antigen favors the induction of regulatory T cells which suppress Thl cell-mediated responses and high-dose antigen induces T cell clonal anergy or deletion (Fig. 1). In recent years, oral tolerance has been used successfully to treat autoimmune diseases in animal models and is now being applied to the treatment of human diseases [113].
PATTERN COMPLEXITY AND AFFECTIVE AROUSAL

A method for quantifying the complexity of a class of patterns is presented which is based on considerations of (1) the proportional areas of the parts of the pattern, (2) the number of different parts, and (3) the number of symmetrical axes in the pattern. An attempt was made to relate pattern complexity as so defined to judgments of the pleasantness of the patterns. The obtained relationship required the assumption that (1) pleasantness decreases as the absolute magnitude of stimulus complexity increases and (2) pleasantness increases and then decreases as complexity becomes increasingly different from the adaptation level complexity of all patterns being judged.
The Effect of Ethylene Glycol, Glycine Betaine, and Urea on Lysozyme Thermal Stability.

The four-week student project described in this article is an extension of protein thermal denaturation experiments to include effects of added cosolutes ethylene glycol, glycine betaine, and urea on the unfolding of lysozyme. The transition temperatures and van’t Hoff enthalpies for unfolding are evaluated for six concentrations of each cosolute, and the results are used to calculate cosolute preferential interaction coefficients with folded and unfolded lysozyme. Preferential interaction coefficients are used to explain lysozyme stability in cosolute solutions.
Tunable optical delays

Recent record breaking all-optical delay experiments based on fiber parametric wavelength conversion and dispersion are presented and analyzed. Impairment mechanisms and ultimate limits of the delay-generating concept are outlined.
International comparison GT-RF 78-14: power (1 mW) at 50 MHz in 50- Omega coaxial line

An international comparison of power standards at 50 MHz was organized at the 1978 meeting of the Groupe de Travail pour les Grandeurs aux Radiofrequences. Eleven national laboratories from Canada (pilot laboratory), USA, Japan, Australia, France, FRG, Italy, UK, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Hungary participated. The traveling standards were two commercially available thermistor mounts supplied by the pilot laboratory. The measured values of effective efficiency fall within a range of 0.15% for the majority of participants. Periodic remeasurement at the pilot laboratory showed no evidence of drift over the five-year span of the intercomparison. >
Mechanical and Neurological Response of Cat Spinal Cord under Static Loading

The force/deformation relationship of the exposed spinal cord of cats was studied when the force was gradually applied posteriorly at T10. A linear elastic behavior was identified for deformation less than 0.5 mm, but it was not observed when the static force was no longer supported by the dural sheath. Nonlinear force/deformation, along with a strong hysteresis during a cycle of compression and decompression. The mechanical behavior remained practically the same in a repeated loading if the deformation was less than 2 mm. The motor function of cats did not recover after the cord had been compressed to 4 mm. The associated static force was about 15% of the dynamic force producing the same deformation.
Analysis of Big Data Technologies and Method - Query Large Web Public RDF Datasets on Amazon Cloud Using Hadoop and Open Source Parsers

Extremely large datasets found in Big Data projects are difficult to work with using conventional databases, statistical software, and visualization tools. Massively parallel software, such as Hadoop, running on tens, hundreds, or even thousands of servers is more suitable for Big Data challenges. Additionally, in order to achieve the highest performance when querying large datasets, it is necessary to work these datasets at rest without preprocessing or moving them into a repository. Therefore, this work will analyze tools and techniques to overcome working with large datasets at rest. Parsing and querying will be done on the raw dataset - the untouched Web Data Commons RDF files. Web Data Commons comprises five billion pages of web pages crawled from the Internet. This work will analyze available tools and appropriate methods to assist the Big Data developer in working with these extremely large, semantic RDF datasets. Hadoop, open source parsers, and Amazon Cloud services will be used to data mine these files. In order to assist in further discovery, recommendations for future research will be included.
Detection of content adaptive LSB matching: a game theory approach

This paper is an attempt to analyze the interaction between Alice and Warden in Steganography using the Game Theory. We focus on the modern steganographic embedding paradigm based on minimizing an additive distortion function. The strategies of both players comprise of the probabilistic selection channel. The Warden is granted the knowledge of the payload and the embedding costs, and detects embedding using the likelihood ratio. In particular, the Warden is ignorant about the embedding probabilities chosen by Alice. When adopting a simple multivariate Gaussian model for the cover, the payoff function in the form of the Warden’s detection error can be numerically evaluated for a mutually independent embedding operation. We demonstrate on the example of a two-pixel cover that the Nash equilibrium is different from the traditional Alice’s strategy that minimizes the KL divergence between cover and stego objects under an omnipotent Warden. Practical implications of this case study include computing the loss per pixel of Warden’s ability to detect embedding due to her ignorance about the selection channel.
Pathogenesis of alcoholic hepatitis

SUMMARY Alcohol abuse accounts for more than half of the prev-alence of liver ﬁbrosis and cirrhosis in the westernworld. Fibrosis of the liver is a wound-healing processthat occurs due to persistent hepatocellular injury. Untilthe end-stage of chronic alcoholic liver becomes mani-fest, the liver undergoes several reversible stages of liverdisease: alcohol-induced fatty liver – steatohepatitis –perisinusoidal/perivenular ﬁbrosis – cirrhosis. All stagesprior to liver cirrhosis are potentially reversible.Although the major mechanisms of ﬁbrogenesis areindependent of the origin of liver injury, alcoholic liverﬁbrosis features several special characteristics. Animportant aspect in alcoholic liver disease is the pro-nounced inﬂammatory response of Kupffer cells andother types of leukocytes (macrophages, neutrophils,lymphocytes), due to elevated gut-derived endotoxinplasma levels. This leads to ampliﬁed formation of reac-tive oxygen species (ROS) and cell-toxic or pro-ﬁbro-genic cytokines (e.g. TNF-a or TGFb
Possible pleiotropic effects of genes specifying sedative/hypnotic sensitivity to ethanol on other alcohol-related traits.

Background Initial sensitivity to ethanol is a predictor of alcohol abuse that has been studied extensively in both human and animal populations. Selection for initial sensitivity to the sedative/hypnotic effects of ethanol resulted in the long-sleep and short-sleep lines of mice. Some of the genes selected in these lines could also specify differential responses in other ethanol-related phenotypes and, perhaps, for other drugs of abuse. We assessed congenic mice carrying a single quantitative trait locus (QTL) from the inbred long-sleep (ILS) or inbred short-sleep (ISS) strain on the reciprocal background for a number of ethanol- and pentobarbital-related phenotypes. Methods Each congenic strain was tested for ethanol elimination rates at 4.1 g/kg, ethanol-induced ataxia at 2.0 g/kg, ethanol-induced hypothermia at 4.1 g/kg, and pentobarbital-induced loss of righting reflex (LORR) at 60 mg/kg. Additionally, the ILS.ISS congenics were tested for low-dose ethanol-induced activation (LDA) at five doses ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 g/kg ethanol, and the ISS.ILS congenics were tested for LDA at 1.8 g/kg of ethanol. Results There was little difference in the ethanol elimination rate between congenics and background strains, although a modest sex effect was found, with the females eliminating ethanol more rapidly than the males. We were unable to replicate previous differences found in LDA for the Lore1 congenic on the ISS background, because none of the congenics differed from controls for LDA. Lore5 congenics showed a differential effect of pentobarbital-induced LORR in the expected directions. The Lore1 congenics on the ISS background showed more ethanol-induced ataxia than the ISS controls. Additionally, the hypothermic response seems affected by Lore4 and Lore5 and maybe others. Conclusions At least two regions carrying a QTL specifying sensitivity to high doses of ethanol cospecify altered sensitivity in other measures of alcohol action. Specifically, these QTLs clearly affect ethanol-induced hypothermia and pentobarbital-induced LORR and possibly ethanol-induced ataxia.
Spectrum of Al vii in the vuv

The spectrum of Al VII is re-examined in the vuv. A laser-produced plasma is used as a light source. Twenty-four newly classified lines are reported. No new energy levels have been determined.
Distinct Mechanisms of Apoptosis-induced Compensatory Proliferation in Proliferating and Differentiating Tissues in the Drosophila Eye

In multicellular organisms, apoptotic cells induce compensatory proliferation of neighboring cells to maintain tissue homeostasis. In the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, dying cells trigger compensatory proliferation through secretion of the mitogens Decapentaplegic (Dpp) and Wingless (Wg). This process is under control of the initiator caspase Dronc, but not effector caspases. Here we show that a second mechanism of apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation exists. This mechanism is dependent on effector caspases which trigger the activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling for compensatory proliferation. Furthermore, whereas Dpp and Wg signaling is preferentially employed in apoptotic proliferating tissues, Hh signaling is activated in differentiating eye tissues. Interestingly, effector caspases in photoreceptor neurons stimulate Hh signaling which triggers cell-cycle reentry of cells that had previously exited the cell cycle. In summary, dependent on the developmental potential of the affected tissue, different caspases trigger distinct forms of compensatory proliferation in an apparent nonapoptotic function.
The Short-Lived Matα2 Transcriptional Repressor Is Protected from Degradation In Vivo by Interactions with Its Corepressors Tup1 and Ssn6

The Matα2 (α2) protein is a transcriptional repressor necessary for the proper expression of cell type-specific genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Like many transcription factors, α2 is rapidly degraded in vivo by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. At least two different ubiquitin-dependent pathways target α2 for destruction, one of which recognizes the well-characterized Deg1 degradation determinant near the N terminus of the protein. Here we report that the α2 corepressors Tup1 and Ssn6 modify the in vivo degradation rate of α2. Tup1 modulates the metabolic stability of α2 by directly binding to the Deg1-containing region of the protein. TUP1 overexpression specifically stabilizes Deg1-containing proteins but not other substrates of the same ubiquitination enzymes that recognize Deg1. Point mutations in both α2 and Tup1 that compromise the α2-Tup1 binding interaction disrupt the ability of Tup1 to stabilize Deg1 proteins. The physical association between Tup1 and α2 competes with the ubiquitination machinery for access to the Deg1 signal. Finally, we observe that overproduction of both Tup1 and Ssn6, but not either alone, strongly stabilizes the endogenous α2 protein. From these results, we propose that the fraction of α2 found in active regulatory complexes with Tup1 and Ssn6 is spared from rapid proteolytic destruction and is stabilized relative to the uncomplexed pool of the protein.
Northern Hemisphere freezing/thawing index variations over the twentieth century

Changes in the ground thermal regime in high-latitude cold regions have important consequences for surface and subsurface hydrology, the surface energy and moisture balance, carbon exchange, as well as ecosystem diversity and productivity. However, assessing these changes, particularly in light of significant atmospheric and terrestrial changes in recent decades, remains a challenge owing to data sparseness and discontinuous observations. The annual freezing and thawing index can be useful in evaluating permafrost and seasonally frozen ground distribution, has important engineering applications, and is a useful indicator of high-latitude climate change. The freezing/thawing index is generally defined based on daily observations, which are not readily available for many high-latitude locations. We thus employ monthly air temperatures, and provide an assessment of the validity of this approach. On the basis of a comprehensive relative error (RE) evaluation we find that our methodology introduces errors of less than 5% for most high-latitude land areas, and works well in many midlatitude regions as well. We evaluate a suite of gridded monthly temperature datasets and select the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit (CRU) temperature product, available for 1901–2002. We are thus able to provide a continuous long-term 25 km × 25 km gridded Northern Hemisphere freezing/thawing index. Long-term climatologies of the freezing/thawing index delineate the cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere, as well as areas of seasonally frozen ground and permafrost. Objective trend analysis indicates that in recent decades, no significant changes have occurred in Russian permafrost regions; however, seasonally frozen ground areas are experiencing significant warming trends. Over North America, Canadian and Alaskan permafrost regions are experiencing a decrease in freezing index during the cold season, while coastal areas and eastern Canada are seeing significant increase in warm season thawing index. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Effect of Polymer Seed Coating with Micronutrients on Soybeans in Southeastern Coastal Plains

Polymer seed coating with micronutrients may affect soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) growth and yields under dryland conditions. The objective of t his study was to determine the effect of two seed application rates (265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds -1 ) of polymer based mixture of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn) micronutrients on dryland soybeans near Blackville, SC from 2011 to 2012. Soybeans were evaluated for plant Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Leaf Area Index (LAI), plant height, seed weight and grain yi elds. Compared to untreated control, polymer seed coating significantly increased grain yields by 8.1 and 14.0% with seed applications at 265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds -1 , respectively. Plant NDVI improved by 10.5% with a pplication of polymer seed coating treatment at 395 mL 100 kg seeds -1 . Seed coating at 265 and 395 mL 100 kg seeds -1
Expert Preference System: computer assisted system for developing expert utility functions

Abstract The Expert Preference System is a computer assisted procedure for developing a decision maker's preference utility function. The system will elicit proper preferences for different levels of criteria from the decision maker by supplying useful information and by checking inconsistencies in the responses. The system will then determine the mathematical function that will best predict and describe the decision maker's preference utility function.
The effects of a hypothalamic peptide factor, MIF and its cyclic analog on tolerance to haloperidol in the rat.

Abstract The effects of the hypothalamic peptide, ProLeuGlyNH 2 (MIF) and its analog, cyclo (LeuGly) (CLG) on the development of tolerance to haloperidol were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Chronic oral administration of haloperidol (1.5 mg/kg/day) for 21 days resulted in the development of tolerance to its pharmacological effects. A dose of haloperidol (3 mg/kg ip) exhibited an absence of cataleptic as well as hypothermic response in chronically haloperidol treated rats. Subcutaneous administration of MIF or CLG (2 mg/kg each) daily one hour prior to haloperidol injection blocked the haloperidol-induced tolerance as evidenced by the appearance of both the cataleptic and hypothermic responses. It is concluded that the hypothalamic peptide hormone, MIF may be important in regulating chronic effects of neuroleptic drugs.
Spontaneous Thrombosis of Deep Cerebral Veins: A Complication of Arteriovenous Malformation

An uncommon type of stroke in children is presented. An intracranial arteriovenous malformation in a 13-year-old boy spontaneously occluded about 22 months after surgical intervention. Precipitating factors, such as bacterial infections, could not be demonstrated in this patient, who had been attending school since the time of the craniotomy. The histological features of venous encephalomalacia in the galenic territory are contrasted with hemorrhagic encephalomalacia as seen after arterial occlusions: in the former, hemorrhages are more widespread and edema is more pronounced.
SPONTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA IN A FERRET

A female ferret (Mustelo furo L.) was killed because of a neoplasm that involved the oral cavity interfering with prehension and mastication of food. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm revealed a squamous cell carcinoma.
Paradoxical release of growth hormone during oral glucose tolerance test in patients with abnormal glucose tolerance

Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on 24 patients characterized as having abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) and on 27 control subjects. Serums for glucose, growth hormone and insulin determinations were serially obtained for 4 hr after glucose administration. As serum glucose declined 2 hr or more after glucose ingestion a rise in growth hormone, as has been previously described, was observed in 40% of control subjects and 12% of AGT patients. However, of interest was a paradoxical early increase in growth hormone levels noted in 44% of lean AGT subjects occurring during the first 2 hr of the test with glucose levels rising. This response was seen in only one of 8 obese patients with AGT and in none of the control subjects. An abnormality in the hypothalamic glucose receptors in the ventromedial nucleus is a possible explanation for the changes observed. It is possible that this early inappropriate increase in growth hormone release may in some nonobese subjects with AGT contribute to the abnormal oral glucose tolerance tests observed.