cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Models of Marriage Formation and Fertility

2 different models of the marriage formation process are described. Both seem logical and promise to yield accurate results. A condition is hypothesized whereby the different models yield dissimilar predictions about future marriage and fertility levels. The condition described is 1 where a cohort is substantially larger than cohorts preceding and following it. As the cohort worked its way up the age groups prevailing marriage patterns were disturbed. The 2 marriage models yielded widely different predictions. On the basis of both hypothetical and real data it was possible to make a judgement as to which model predicted most accurately.
A Comparative Evaluation of Warning Label Designs

The objective of this research was to compare the effectiveness of different warning label designs. Three different warning label designs for a portable electric heater were tested: (1) a traditional non-human factored label; (2) a color-coded “ski pass” label attached near the male end of the electric cord; and (3) a color-coded “interactive” label that required the user to interact with the label in order to use the heater. Subjects were informed that they were participating in a problem-solving experiment. Their task was to devise a system, meeting various constraints, to melt a votive candle in a cup. Several potential heat sources were available including an unsafe heater and extension cord combination. The results showed that the interactive design was most effective in attracting the users' attention, but none of them were effective in mediating safe user behavior.
Endoscopic Management of Pancreatic Pseudocysts

Techniques of endoscopic pseudocyst management continue to evolve, but the principles of proper patient selection and careful consideration of the available therapeutic options remain unchanged. Endoscopic management is considered first-line therapy in the treatment of symptomatic pseudocysts. Clinicians should be vigilant in the evaluation of all peripancreatic fluid collections to exclude the presence of a pancreatic cystic neoplasm and avoid draining an immature collection. Expectant management with periodic observation should be considered for the minimally symptomatic patients, even after the traditional 6 weeks of maturation. Further, symptoms, complications, and expansion on serial imaging should prompt intervention by endoscopic, surgical, or percutaneous methods. Pseudocysts should only be punctured when the wall has had sufficient time to mature and after pseudoaneurysm has been ruled out by careful imaging. Small to moderately sized pseudocysts (< 4–6 cm) that communicate with the pancreatic duct are good candidates for endoscopic transpapillary stenting. For larger lesions requiring transmural drainage, EUS guidance is preferable, but good results can be achieved with ENL. EUS may be particularly useful in permitting drainage in patients with suspected perigastric varices or if an endoscopically visible bulge is not apparent. Necrosis is a significant factor for a worse outcome; aggressive debridement with nasocystic or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-cystic catheter lavage plus manual endoscopic techniques for clearing debris should be used. Endoscopic failure, especially in cases with significant necrosis, should be managed operatively. Percutaneous drainage is a good option for immature infected pseudocysts or in patients who are not optimal candidates for other procedures. Close cooperation between endoscopists, surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other healthcare providers is paramount in successfully managing these patients.
Multichannel fusion models for the parametric classification of differential brain activity

This paper introduces parametric multichannel fusion models to exploit the different but complementary brain activity information recorded from multiple channels in order to accurately classify differential brain activity into their respective categories. A parametric weighted decision fusion model and two parametric weighted data fusion models are introduced for the classification of averaged multichannel evoked potentials (EPs). The decision fusion model combines the independent decisions of each channel classifier into a decision fusion vector and a parametric classifier is designed to determine the EP class from the discrete decision fusion vector. The data fusion models include the weighted EP-sum model in which the fusion vector is a linear combination of the multichannel EPs and the EP-concatenation model in which the fusion vector is a vector-concatenation of the multichannel EPs. The discrete Karhunen-Loeve transform (DKLT) is used to select features for each channel classifier and from each data fusion vector. The difficulty in estimating the probability density function (PDF) parameters from a small number of averaged EPs is identified and the class conditional PDFs of the feature vectors of averaged EPs are, therefore, derived in terms of the PDFs of the single-trial EPs. Multivariate parametric classifiers are developed for each fusion strategy and the performances of the different strategies are compared by classifying 14-channel EPs collected from five subjects involved in making explicit match/mismatch comparisons between sequentially presented stimuli. It is shown that the performance improves by incorporating weights in the fusion rules and that the best performance is obtained using multichannel EP concatenation. It is also noted that the fusion strategies introduced are also applicable to other problems involving the classification of multicategory multivariate signals generated from multiple sources.
How useful are stem cells in PD therapy

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders. The onset of PD is usually after the age of 50. Clinical symptoms of PD are not manifested until 60-80% of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain have been affected. Cell replacement has been a promising approach for the treatment of PD. Fetal mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons seemed to improve the motor disability in patients in some early studies. However, the clinical application of this approach may be limited by ethical and logistic concerns, as well as by side effects. On the other hand, embryonic stem (ES) cells are promising candidates because of their ability to provide an unlimited supply of specific cell types, their accessibility to genetic modifications, and their broad developmental potentials. Transplants of undifferentiated ES cells were able to proliferate and fully differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in a rodent PD model. One of the concerns though is the risk of tumor formation. The tumorigenic potential of ES cells seems to be greatly reduced when cells are predifferentiated into dopaminergic neurons in vitro before implantation. Recent developments in the induction of pluripotent stem cells from somatic adult cells provide a tremendous opportunity for this field. Initial success has been reported in a rodent PD model using iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells). However, whether this initial result can be successfully translated into human clinical studies still needs to be determined.
RELATING EFFECT AND RESPONSE TRAITS IN SUBMERSED AQUATIC MACROPHYTES

Reliably predicting the consequences of short- or long-term changes in the environment is important as anthropogenic pressures are increasingly stressing the world's ecosystems. One approach is to examine the manner in which biota respond to changes in the environment ("response traits") and how biota, in turn, affect ecosystem processes ("effect traits"). I compared the response and effect traits of four submersed aquatic macrophytes to understand how water level management may affect wetland plant populations and ecosystem processes. I measured resource properties (nutrients in sediment and water), non-resource properties (pH, alkalinity, sediment temperature, oxygen production), and biotic properties (periphyton biomass) in replicated outdoor monocultures of Stuckenia pectinata, Potamogeton nodosus, P. crispus, and Zannichellia palustris. After seven weeks, three of eight replicates of each species treatment were subjected to a temporary water draw-down that desiccated aboveground plant parts. The four species differed in their effects on ecosystem properties associated with nutrient uptake and photosynthetic activity. Shoot growth rate was negatively correlated with light transmittance to the sediment surface whereas root growth rate and root:shoot ratio were correlated with a species' ability to deplete nutrients in sediment interstitial water. Occupation of space in the water column was correlated with water alkalinity and pH and with sediment temperature. Root growth rate was related simultaneously to species effects on sediment nutrient dynamics and recovery of ecosystem properties after water draw-down. This suggests that this morphological trait may be used to predict the effects of environmental change on ecosystem functioning within the context of water level management. Expanding these analyses to more species, different environmental stressors, and across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems should enhance predictions of the complex effects of global environmental change on ecosystem functioning.
Long-range C-H bond activation by Rh(III)-carboxylates.

Traditional C–H bond activation by a concerted metalation–deprotonation (CMD) mechanism involves precoordination of the C–H bond followed by deprotonation from an internal base. Reported herein is a “through-arene” activation of an uncoordinated benzylic C–H bond that is 6 bonds away from a Rh^(III) ion. The mechanism, which was investigated by experimental and DFT studies, proceeds through a dearomatized xylene intermediate. This intermediate was observed spectroscopically upon addition of a pyridine base to provide a thermodynamic trap.
EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF A POSSIBLE ORYCTODROMEUS CUBICULARIS (DINOSAURIA) BURROW

Abstract The hypsilophodont Oryctodromeus cubicularis from the Cretaceous Blackleaf Formation of Montana represents the first dinosaur interpreted to be from a burrow fill. The skeletal remains occurred within an incompletely preserved chamber at the end of an S-shaped tunnel. Unlike many fossil vertebrates associated with burrows, the Oryctodromeus remains were disarticulated and elevated within the graded fill. To test whether this skeletal arrangement reflected in situ burial from within or transport into the burrow, we constructed a half-scale burrow model using PVC pipes and conducted a series of sediment infilling experiments with appropriately scaled, disarticulated rabbit skeletons. Experimental trials varied incoming flow velocities, sediment supply, dry or water-filled chamber conditions, and initial placement and weight of skeletal elements. Twelve of the 13 trials resulted in complete rearrangement of the skeletons, six trials left bones elevated above the base of the chamber floor, and six re...
Human Papillomavirus Infection and Vaccination.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection that can be sexually transmitted and result in health consequences including genital warts and cancers. Two vaccines, Gardasil® [Human Papillomavirus Quadrivalent (Types 6, 11, 16, and 18) Vaccine, Recombinant] and Cervarix™ [Human Papillomavirus Bivalent (Types 16 and 18) Vaccine], have been approved for the prevention of HPV and HPV-related diseases. Objectives To explore facilitators and barriers associated with HPV vaccine utilization and compliance regarding vaccine series completion in school-aged, adolescent, and young adult females in the United States; to discuss HPV infection and highlight the safety and efficacy of the HPV vaccine; and to illustrate delivery strategies that can improve immunization rates and review implications for healthcare providers. Methods A literature review was performed using health-related online databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMED, Web of Science, EBSCOHost and Google Scholar) and archival searching to identify current vaccination rates and factors associated with vaccine uptake. Results Despite the availability of vaccines that prevent cancer, acceptance and utilization rates of both HPV vaccines are less than recommended by the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). Some of the barriers to HPV vaccination include lack of provider recommendation, negative parent or patient attitudes and beliefs, cost, and missed clinical opportunities. The primary facilitator to HPV vaccination is a strong provider recommendation. Conclusions Healthcare providers can enhance HPV vaccine utilization by taking an active role with patients. Strategies include education and advocacy for receiving the vaccine, maximizing access to the HPV vaccine, and implementing new strategies for vaccine-delivery.
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF PCB CONTAMINATION ON FEMALE PLUMAGE COLOR AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN HUDSON RIVER TREE SWALLOWS

Abstract Chemical contaminants in the environment can influence both morphological and behavioral traits. Ornamental traits such as plumage color may be especially valuable in detecting the effects of toxic chemicals in the environment, although they have been little used to date. We examined patterns of plumage color in subadult female Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) breeding in an area on the Hudson River that had high levels of PCB contamination and compared them with specimens from other parts of the species' range and with data from two previous studies of plumage color. Tree Swallows are one of the few species of birds where females, but not males, have a distinctive subadult plumage during their first breeding season. Females from four breeding colonies in contaminated areas had significantly more adult-type blue-green coloring than females from the rest of the species' range. Subadult female plumage color at these sites formed a continuum between the normal dull brown plumage found elsewhere a...
Understanding the Role of Paracellular Transport in the Proximal Tubule

Fluid and solute reabsorption by the proximal tubule is the result of both transcellular and paracellular flux. The role of transcellular transport has been extensively studied, but the importance of paracellular flux has not been as thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this review is to update concepts about the contribution of paracellular transport for reabsorption by the proximal tubule.
Evaluation of the attenuation, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a live virus vaccine generated by codon-pair bias de-optimization of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus, in ferrets

Codon-pair bias de-optimization (CPBD) of viruses involves re-writing viral genes using statistically underrepresented codon pairs, without any changes to the amino acid sequence or codon usage. Previously, this technology has been used to attenuate the influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus. The de-optimized virus was immunogenic and protected inbred mice from challenge. In order to assess whether CPBD could be used to produce a live vaccine against a clinically relevant influenza virus, we generated an influenza A/California/07/2009 pandemic H1N1 (2009 pH1N1) virus with de-optimized HA and NA gene segments (2009 pH1N1-(HA+NA)(Min)), and evaluated viral replication and protein expression in MDCK cells, and attenuation, immunogenicity, and efficacy in outbred ferrets. The 2009 pH1N1-(HA+NA)(Min) virus grew to a similar titer as the 2009 pH1N1 wild type (wt) virus in MDCK cells (∼10(6)TCID50/ml), despite reduced HA and NA protein expression on western blot. In ferrets, intranasal inoculation of 2009 pH1N1-(HA+NA)(Min) virus at doses ranging from 10(3) to 10(5) TCID50 led to seroconversion in all animals and protection from challenge with the 2009 pH1N1 wt virus 28 days later. The 2009 pH1N1-(HA+NA)(Min) virus did not cause clinical illness in ferrets, but replicated to a similar titer as the wt virus in the upper and lower respiratory tract, suggesting that de-optimization of additional gene segments may be warranted for improved attenuation. Taken together, our data demonstrate the potential of using CPBD technology for the development of a live influenza virus vaccine if the level of attenuation is optimized.
Too few services to separate

Winifred Bell, DSW, is Codirector, Center for Studies in Income Maintenance Policy, School of Social Work, New York University, New York, New York. She has an intimate knowl edge of the welfare system, having previously been Demonstration Project Specialist, Bureau of Family Services, Welfare Administration, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. In his recent articles in the New Yorker, Moynihan assails the social work profes sion (among other groups) for helping de feat the Family Assistance Plan (FAP). He writes:
On the efficient acceleration of clouds in active galactic nuclei

In the broad line region of AGN, acceleration occurs naturally when a cloud condenses out of the hot confining medium due to the increase in line opacity as the cloud cools. However, acceleration by radiation pressure is not very efficient when the flux is time-independent, unless the flow is one-dimensional. Here we explore how acceleration is affected by a time-varying flux, as AGN are known to be highly variable. If the period of flux oscillations is longer than the thermal timescale, we expect the gas to cool during the low flux state, and therefore line opacity should quickly increase. The cloud will receive a small kick due to the increased radiation force. We perform hydrodynamical simulations using Athena to confirm this effect and quantify its importance. We find that despite the flow becoming turbulent in 2D due to hydrodynamic instabilities, a 20% modulation of the flux leads to a net increase in acceleration --- by more than a factor of 2 --- in both 1D and 2D. We show that this is sufficient to produce the observed line widths, although we only consider optically thin clouds. We discuss the implications of our results for photoionization modeling and reverberation mapping.
Police Officer Selection Procedures: Speculation on the Future

This paper discusses educational requirements and paper-and-pencil tests in the context of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act for the screening and selection of police officers.
Invasive human brucellosis infection in travelers to and immigrants from the Horn of Africa related to the consumption of raw camel milk.

Summary Background Brucellosis is the commonest zoonosis worldwide and typically results from ingestion of unpasteurized goat and sheep milk and cheese. Consumption of camel milk is common in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, but is an infrequently reported source of brucellosis. Methods We report three immigrant patients seen in one hospital system between 2007 and 2013 with brucellosis due to the consumption of camel milk. Results The case patients presented after 3–14 days of symptoms following travel to countries where Brucella is endemic. All three patients were bacteremic. One patient had definite infective endocarditis, one had possible endocarditis and one patient presented with acute brucellosis. The diagnoses were made expeditiously and appropriate treatment initiated. Conclusions Knowledge of travel, local customs and immigration patterns are keys to early Brucella diagnosis and optimal treatment. Previous reports implicating camel milk as the source of Brucella infection have been limited to patients living in or traveling to and from the Middle East. This report highlights the acquisition of Brucella infection in travelers to and immigrants from the Horn of Africa related to the consumption of camel milk.
Toxicity of Some Herbicides to the Screwworm

Two recent events in the USDA Screwworm Eradication Program created the need to know whether certain herbicides were toxic to Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel): Aircraft previously used to carry herbicides were being considered to distribute sterile screwworms. Also, an unusually high mortality observed among sterile flies packaged for release might have resulted from contact with supplies contaminated by certain herbicides.
Effect of 2-acetylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide (diamox) on sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and buffer content of saliva.

Summary and Conclusions1. Daily administration of 2-acetylamino-l, 3, 4-thiadiazole-5-sulfonamide provokes a pronounced decrease in sodium, bicarbonate and buffer content of paraffin-stimulated human saliva in both normotensive and hypertensive patients. Potassium level of saliva was not affected. 2. Changes in saliva sodium, potassium, bicarbonate and buffer content which followed administration of carbonic anhydrase inhibitor were similar to those observed in normotensive persons in whom metabolic acidosis was induced with ammonium chloride.
Ultrasonic solvent extraction of gallium with Kelex 100

Using ultrasound for the solvent extraction of gallium with Kelex 100 dramatically increased the rates (up to 15 times) of extraction in both artificial and real solutions. Among the modifiers, 2-undecanone performed the best; among the diluents, Escaid 200 produced the best results. With the application of ultrasound, temperature did not effect gallium extraction. Further, through the intermittent use of ultrasound, energy consumption can be decreased significantly.
An NICU infant stress reduction QI team: applying research findings to clinical care.

Article-at-a-Glance Background In 1992 the 29-bed, Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles discovered that nursing care strategies designed to support the normal development of premature infants, as suggested by research findings, were often inconsistent with existing policies, protocols, and physician preferences. Starting the Infant Stress Reduction Quality Improvement (QI) Team In 1993 a QI team set out to recommend changes in patient care which would reduce newborns' stress in the NICU. Given the complexity of neonatal care and the diversity of team members' professional training, the hospital contracted with a psychologist to present a two-day NICU training program that emphasized the application of current research findings regarding the physiologic and developmental effects (that is, complications) of stressors on infants. Implementing changes Changes in care required negotiations with the physicians and directors of affected departments, extensive rewriting of policies, clinical evaluations, requests of additional supplies, and comprehensive staff training. Changes were made in the NICU environment (for example, light and noise reductions), NICU admission process (for example, placing of umbilical arterial lines, flexed positioning of infant extremities, thermal stress), developmental care (for example, the infant's need for soothing, ability for social interaction), and suctioning procedures (for example, suctioning and lavaging only when the infant is symptomatic rather than on a preset schedule, keeping the infant's head midline instead of turning it from side to side). Results Improvement in a six-month period following implementation of the team's recommendations were identified, supporting the initial hypothesis that redesigning procedures and care protocols could reduce the stress of the patients in the NICU.
Effect of Soybean ( Glycine max L.) on Hot Flashes, Blood Pressure, and Inflammation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses certain medicinal effects of soybeans. Many potential benefits have been linked to the intake of soy products according to epidemiological investigations, such as on hot flashes, also known as “hot flushes,” and other menopausal symptoms, including the effect on blood pressure and inflammation. The soybean is a versatile legume that contains high-quality protein and minimal saturated fat and is an essential unique dietary source of isoflavones—a group of diphenolic compounds classified as phytoestrogens. Soy has received attention as an alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) largely because of these isoflavones. The estrogen-like effects of isoflavones in combination with low reported frequency of hot flashes has prompted the investigation of the effect of soy on menopausal symptoms. Soy nuts also decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressures in hypertensive, prehypertensive, and normotensive women. It lowered levels of LDLC and apoB in hypertensive, hyperlipidemic women. Soy nuts also lowered levels of inflammation. The main adverse effects of soy include gastrointestinal complaints. Soy is a common food causing allergy, with manifestations including urticaria, itching, hives, rash, diarrhea, dyspnea, diaphoresis, and anaphylaxis.
Continuous Infusion Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Perioperative Pain Management.

Purpose:To review the use of continuous infusion (CI) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as an alternative modality for pain control in surgical patient populations.Methods:A PubMed and MEDLINE search was conducted from 1964 through February 2016 using the following search terms alone or in combinations: continuous, infusion, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, and surgery. All English-language, prospective and retrospective, adult and pediatric studies evaluating intravenous or intramuscular CI NSAIDs for surgical pain were evaluated for inclusion in this review.Results:Twenty four prospective and retrospective publications evaluating CI NSAIDs were identified: 12 in abdominal surgery, 7 in orthopedic surgery, and 5 in pediatric surgery. Specific CI NSAIDs utilized included diclofenac, indomethacin, ketoprofen, and ketorolac. Most studies compared the CI NSAID to placebo or an alternative analgesic and evaluated pain control, supplem...
Rare case of losartan-induced cough complicated by rectus sheath haematoma: in a patient on rivaroxaban therapy

Spontaneous rectus sheath haematomas and cough secondary to losartan are individually rare conditions. Abdominal wall haematomas present with abdominal pain and abdominal mass. Most patients are managed conservatively; Surgery or embolisation is indicated for shock, infection, rupture into the peritoneum or intractable pain. This is a man aged 65 years presented with dry cough and right-sided abdominal pain. He started losartan a few weeks prior to the onset of cough and had been on rivaroxaban for prior deep venous thrombosis. The right side of his abdomen was distended, bruised and tender. His haemoglobin dropped from 13.3to 9.5 g/dL. CT abdomen/pelvis showed a large 14.5×9.1×4.5 cm haematoma within the right lateral rectus muscle. His only risk factor for developing rectus sheath haematoma was cough in the setting of anticoagulation. Dry cough due to angiotensin receptor blockers is rare, but can have very serious consequences.
A Newly Revised Master's Degree in Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership at the University of Northern Colorado

In response to calls on physical education teacher education (PETE) programs to better prepare teachers for a broadened role in school-based physical activity promotion, the University of Northern Colorado has recently established a Master of Arts in teaching physical education and physical activity leadership (MAT PE-PAL) degree. The five-semester program is delivered with fall and spring classes offered completely online, and summer classes that consist of both online and on-campus learning experiences so that current school professionals can enroll. The curriculum includes traditional master's level courses in physical education, as well as newly designed courses intended to foster leadership skills in comprehensive school physical activity programming. There are four main components that permeate the curriculum: (1) a strong pedagogical foundation, (2) applied research and evaluation techniques, (3) a broad understanding of the school health environment, and (4) leadership skills. Courses are intentio...
Additional analysis of mtDNA from the Tommy and Mine Canyon sites

Abstract Ancient mitochondrial DNA analysis of samples from the Chaco outlier Tommy and Mine Canyon sites (dating to PII and PIII, respectively, and located near Farmington, New Mexico) originally revealed distinctly different haplogroup frequency distributions from one another. An additional twelve samples were added to those already published (Snow et al., 2010), bringing the total number of individuals with mitochondrial DNA data to 60. The additional samples diminished this difference but maintained the statistically significant distinction between the sites, pointing to a potential sampling bias at the Mine Canyon Site that might explain some, but not all, of the difference. The sites were compared with those from both modern and prehistoric populations in the desert Southwest and Mexico to better understand the regional context of the inhabitants, as well as inter-regional relationships, demonstrating that the Tommy Site fits well within the general Southwestern pattern, while the Mine Canyon Site stands out due to its higher than normal frequency of haplogroup A2. Thirteen burials from a kiva structure at the Mine Canyon Site are compared to the remainder of the excavated burials from the site in terms of mtDNA, burial position, pathology, and grave goods. The statistically significant differences of the kiva burials are discussed in terms of possible evidence of site abandonment, disease, slavery, and witchcraft.
What Hath We Wrought

Modern societies are left to grapple with the tension between strongly held ideals, such as freedom of speech and a free Internet, and purveyors of malevolent software or false content. How can nations work with the technology sector to explore solutions to these issues?
A classification scheme for characterizing visual mining

Visual mining refers to the cognitive process which integrates the human in analysis of information when using interactive visualization systems. This paper presents a classification scheme which provides user-centered representation of goals and actions that a user performs during the visual mining process. The classification scheme has been developed using contentanalysis of published literature containing precise descriptions of different visual mining tasks in multiple fields of study. There were two stages in the development. First, we defined all the sub-processes of visual mining process. Then we used these sub-processes as a template to develop the initial coding scheme prior to utilizing specific data from each of the publications. As analysis proceeded, additional codes were developed and the initial coding scheme was refined. The results of the analysis were represented in the form of a classification scheme of the visual mining process. The naturalistic methods recommended by Lincoln and Guba have been applied to ensure that the content analysis is credible, transferable, dependable and confirmable.
The VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL-Depression Endpoint Prevention (VITAL-DEP): Rationale and design of a large-scale ancillary study evaluating vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid supplements for prevention of late-life depression.

Abstract Rationale Depression is a leading cause of disease burden and disability for older adults; thus, prevention is a priority. Biologic and observational data support potential mental health benefits of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids; however, it is unclear whether these supplements can prevent late-life depression. Design We describe the novel methodology of a large-scale study: VITAL-DEP (VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL-Depression Endpoint Prevention), an ancillary to the VITAL trial. Primary Aims of VITAL-DEP are to determine effects on prevention of depression and on trajectory of mood symptoms of long-term (mean = 5 years) supplementation with vitamin D (vitamin D3 [cholecalciferol], 2000 IU/day) and marine omega-3 fatty-acids (eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid, 1 g/day), in a 2 × 2 factorial design, among 25,874 older adults. Secondary Aims will evaluate: vitamin D's effects among African-Americans (an at-risk group for vitamin D deficiency); both agents' effects among those with high-risk factors or sub-syndromal depression in a sub-set of ~1000 participants with detailed examinations at baseline and 2-year follow-up; whether baseline nutrient levels influence depression risk and/or modify agents' effects. Additional planned analyses will use pre-randomization blood samples available in ~17,000 participants to address whether key biomarkers and factors influence long-term mood and depression risk and/or the agents' effects. Conclusion VITAL-DEP applies all modalities of state-of-the-art prevention research – universal, selective and indicated. VITAL-DEP will clarify effects of supplemental vitamin D and/or omega-3 on mood, and inform clinical care and public health guidelines on the use of these agents for prevention of depression in mid-life and older adults.
A pilot study of galunisertib (LY2157299 monohydrate) plus stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

270Background: TGF-β, the strongest known immunosuppressive cytokine, modulates the hepatic immune response to various antigens and to ionizing radiation. When activated, TGF-β blocks the effector ...
A Review of Alternative Access for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

With the advent of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), appropriately selected intermediate-, high-, and extreme-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) are now offered a less invasive option compared to conventional surgery. In contemporary practice, TAVR is performed predominantly via a transfemoral arterial approach, whereby a transcatheter heart valve (THV) is delivered in a retrograde fashion through the iliofemoral arterial system and thoraco-abdominal aorta, into the native aortic valve annulus. While the majority of patients possess suitable anatomy for transfemoral arterial access, there is a subset of patients with extensive peripheral vascular disease that precludes this traditional approach to TAVR. Fortunately, innovation in the field of structural heart disease has led to the refinement of alternative access options for THV delivery. Selection of the most appropriate route of therapy mandates a careful consideration of multiple factors, including patient anatomy, technical feasibility, and equipment specifications. Furthermore, understanding the risks conferred by each access site for valve delivery—notably stroke, vascular injury, and major bleeding—is of paramount importance when selecting the approach that will best optimize the outcome for an individual. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of alternative approaches to transfemoral arterial TAVR as well as the available outcome data supporting each of these various techniques.
Micellar Effects in Steady-State Radiation Induced Reactions

The primary chemical result of the irradiation of water after the deposition of energy is the formation of the following species: $${\text{H}}_{\text{2}} {\text{O}}\, \to e_{aq}^ - + \bullet H + \bullet OH + H_2 + H_2 O_2 + H_{3^0 }^ + $$ (1) With gamma rays the primary products given in reaction 1 are formed inhomogeneously in small widely spaced clusters in what has been known as spurs within a time scale of 10−10 to 10−8 second.1 After the spur is formed, these entities diffuse into the bulk of the solvent or competitively react with each other and with the solvent to form H2 and H2O2 or to reform water. Using scavengers the primary yields have been determined to be: \(G_{e_{aq} }^ - = 2.8 \pm 0.1,\,G_H = 0.6 \pm 0.1,G_{OH} = 2.6 \pm 0.1,G_{H_2 } = 0.45\) and \(G_{H_2 O_2 } = 0.17_.^{ - 2} \) A knowledge and appreciation of the rate constants for the primary chemical species with each other and with dissolved solutes3 are commonly and profitably employed to simplify aqueous radiation induced reactions. Table I lists rate constants for some of the most frequently used reactions.
MS-Based Approaches for Nucleic Acid Structural Determination

The vast majority of the human genome consists of sequences that do not code for proteins. Understanding their function must rely on approaches that are capable of providing more than mere sequence information. Alone or in combination with other techniques, mass spectrometry (MS) can provide an excellent platform for investigating non-coding nucleic acids (NA) at many different levels. This chapter reviews MS-based approaches developed to pursue the structural elucidation of species that are not readily amenable to the classic high-resolution techniques. Indeed, MS has recently found increasing applications as a detection platform for chemical probes used to interrogate NA structure in solution. These developments have been riding on the concomitant advances of computational approaches, which are rapidly closing the resolution gap with NMR and crystallography by taking full advantage of the sparse constraints afforded by alternative techniques. Further, the hierarchic nature of NA structure, which is characterized by the three-dimensional organization of discrete structural elements, lends itself well to the investigation by techniques that are capable of revealing the position of structure-defining interactions. For this reason, novel strategies are being developed to study secondary, tertiary, and quaternary interactions in the gas phase, which may retain memory of the solution architecture. The popularization of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has opened new avenues for investigating the overall topology of non-coding elements, which promise to contribute significantly to the elucidation of progressively larger NA systems.
The Role of Emotions in a Theory of Motivation

One might anticipate that the study of motivation and emotion would be intimately linked. In support of this expectation, a psychological journal exists with the title Motivation and Emotion, of which Professor Heckhausen is one of the advisory editors, and psychology courses often carry the same name. But surprisingly, theories of motivation and thoughts about emotion have not been united. Motivational theories only incorporate the pleasure-pain principle of emotions, postulating that individuals strive to increase pleasure and to decrease pain. In contrast, emotion theorists point out many distinctions between emotions, so that the crude delineation between pleasure and pain alone is manifestly inadequate for describing feelings. Indeed, even the pleasures associated with aggression and sexual fulfillment, which formed the basis for the all-embracing notion of pleasure advanced by Freud, are quite likely to be distinct. I doubt that the emotion associated with the killing of father is akin to the pleasure of sleeping with mother! In addition, these feelings are certainly distinguishable from the pleasures derived from occupational attainment or social success, such as pride and feelings of competence that have been so throughly studied by Professor Heck-hausen and his students.
A diversity of transcriptional responses to reduced dopamine in SNc and VTA in a mouse Tyrosine hydroxylase KO model of Parkinson\'s Disease

Decreased levels of brain dopamine are one of the early characteristics of Parkinson9s Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting both cognitive and motor features. To date, the majority of animal models of Parkinson9s Disease are based on a selective perturbation of mitochondria, with resulting death of dopaminergic neurons due to oxidative stress. Here we use DAT:Th KO mouse model that causes a selective depletion of striatal dopamine, by inactivation of the tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) gene in dopamine transporter expressing neurons. We analyzed transcriptome responses in the pre- and postsynaptic dopaminergic brain regions of dopamine deficient animals. We find a number of dopaminergic genes differentially expressed in SNc and VTA as function of dopamine. Furthermore, we detected a diversity in responses between SNc and VTA that could reflect a difference in a variability of DA neurons in pathogenesis of PD. Neither Dorsal Striatum, nor Ventral Striatum and Prefrontal Cortex of DAT:Th KO animals shows an overall change in transcriptome. Surprisingly, half of DAT:Th KO animals that show near-normal levels of Th transcripts display an overall expression pattern more similar to wild type animals than to the remaining DAT:Th KO mice. Those animals could represent recruitment of a pathway attempting to compensate for dopamine loss.
Immune Checkpoint Blockers and Ovarian Cancer.

Although the idea, called “cancer immunotherapy,” is very appealing and has previously been shown to work in several mouse models of cancer, it has in general been very difficult to translate cancer immunotherapy approaches to humans. Because of this frustration, by the 1990s, many scientists and biotechnology companies had given up on the idea of cancer immunotherapy. After few years, first detection T-cell suppression of effect of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) molecule was established. Antibody (Ab) to CTLA4 could increase T-cell starting a completely new age of tumor immunology. Immune checkpoints are new ways in manipulation of immunological control over malignant tumors. It has lent an important measure to manage, especially recurrent and refractory cancers and those cancer where there is an unmet need like recurrent melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and recurrent ovarian cancer. As a new development, this subject is experiencing rapid progress, and multiple avenues are opening up. Although there are many hurdles to overcome this needs constant updating, especially for students of ovarian cancer who are looking at it with much hope.
No Tachyphylaxis During Postoperative Continuous Epidural 0.125% Bupivacaine Infusion

The sensory level of analgesia and motor blockade were measured in 12 healthy patients undergoing gynecological laparotomy during combined epidural and general anesthesia. After the initial dose of 12 ml of plain bupivacaine 0.125%, a continuous epidural infusion of bupivacaine 0.125%, 12 ml/h, was initiated for pain treatment scheduled for 32 hours. No patients received narcotics. Initial level of sensory analgesia was Th6.8 ± 0.8 to S2.4 ± 1.1 (mean ± SEM). During the postoperative period six patients maintained the initial bilateral level of sensory analgesia and motor blockade. Five patients had a unilateral blockade. One patient had sufficient bilateral analgesia for 12 hours, but requested to withdraw from the study without giving a reason. Acute tolerance (tachyphylaxis) was not observed during the study, but half of the patients had a unilateral block.
Use of Prediction Intervals in Network Meta-analysis.

Network meta-analysis (NMA) is an increasingly popular tool to synthesize direct and indirect evidence for simultaneously comparing multiple treatments. Although guidelines have been developed to improve NMAs,1 the quality of methodology and reporting of many NMAs is inconsistent with the rapid growth of their publication rates.2 Within the context of conventional pairwise meta-analyses, it has been advocated to routinely report 95% prediction (or predictive) intervals (PIs) alongside 95% CIs.3,4 Prediction intervals give the range within which the results of a future study might lie. They can also be used to effectively appraise heterogeneity and avoid the problems of the popular I2 statistic.5 However, the practice of using PIs is uncommon in NMAs. As in conventional meta-analyses, heterogeneity frequently exists in NMAs owing to differences in study setting, participants, treatment definitions, and so on. This may affect the validity and interpretation of the NMA. To account for heterogeneity, random-effects models are usually applied, and evidence users often focus on the summarized overall results with 95% CIs. Confidence intervals and PIs are used for different purposes. Suppose an NMA compares multiple treatments for obesity, with its primary outcome as weight loss. Confidence intervals describe uncertainty in overall weight loss for various treatment comparisons among the populations in the NMA. As such, their widths typically shrink toward 0 as the number of studies increases. In addition to uncertainty in overall results, PIs’ widths incorporate the variation caused by heterogeneity between different studies. When a new patient comes to the clinic, PIs (rather than CIs) should be used to predict the new patient’s weight loss and thus recommend the optimal treatment.
A hybrid phytoremediation system for contaminants in groundwater

Impacted groundwater at hazardous waste release sites often contain mixtures of contaminants. It can be relatively easy to treat some compounds ex situ. However, mixtures of some compounds can be difficult to treat. A method to extract and treat complex mixtures of contaminants of concern using phytotechnology is proposed in this paper. A specific case study is described wherein a hybrid phytoremediation system is compared and contrasted with conventional groundwater and phytoremediation technologies. Nitrate is used as an exemplar co-contaminant since nitrate contamination is (1) widespread in the United States, and (2) difficult and expensive to treat. The approach involves using contaminated groundwater as a source of irrigation water for a phytoremediation grove. Groundwater would be extracted using conventional groundwater extraction methods. Groundwater then would be pumped to multiple irrigation zones under the control of an autonomous irrigation system. Each zone would consist of a number of trees. The root system for each tree would be modified to function as a confined treatment cell that facilitates contaminated water uptake. The irrigation controller would optimize the amount of groundwater that can be extracted and treated while preventing surface water runoff away from the phyto component.
Mesothelioma Biomarkers: A Review Highlighting Contributions from the Early Detection Research Network.

Background: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos related neoplasm which can only be treated successfully when correctly diagnosed and treated in early stages. The asbestos exposed population serves as a high risk group which could benefit from sensitive and specific blood based or tissue based biomarkers. This review details the recent work with biomarker development in MPM and the contributions of the NCI Early Detection Research Network Biomarker Developmental Laboratory of NYU Langone Medical Center. Methods: The literature of the last 20 years was reviewed in order to comment on the most promising of the blood and tissue based biomarkers. Proteomic, genomic and epigenomic platforms as well as novel studies such as "breath testing" are covered. Results: Soluble Mesothelin-Related Proteins (SMRP) have been characterized extensively and constitute an FDA-approved biomarker in plasmawith diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic value in MPM. Osteopontin is found to be a valuable prognostic biomarker for MPM, while its utility in diagnosis is slightly lower. Other biomarkers such as calretinin, fibulin 3, and High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) remain under study and need international validation trials with large cohorts of cases and controls to demonstrate any utility. Conclusions: The EDRN has played a key role in the development and testing of MPM biomarkers by enlisting collaborations all over the world. Impact: A comprehensive understanding of previously investigated biomarkers and their utility in screening and early diagnosis of MPM will provide guidance for further future research.