cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causes and consequences of adult sex ratio imbalance in a historical U.S. population

The responsiveness of individuals to partner availability has been well-documented across the literature. However, there is disagreement regarding the direction of the consequences of sex ratio imbalance. Specifically, does an excess of males or females promote male–male mating competition? In an attempt to clarify the role of the adult sex ratio (ASR) on behaviour, here we evaluate both competing and complimentary expectations derived from theory across the social and biological sciences. We use data drawn from a historical, nineteenth century population in North America and target several life-history traits thought to be affected by partner availability: age at first birth, relationship status, completed fertility and longevity. Furthermore, we assess the role of various contributors to a population9s ASR. We find that both the contributors to and consequences of sex ratio imbalance vary over time. Our results largely support predictions of greater male pairbond commitment and lesser male mating effort, as well as elevated bargaining power of women in response to female scarcity. After reviewing our findings, and others from across the literature, we highlight the need to adjust predictions in response to ASR imbalance by the: (i) culturally mediated mating arena, (ii) variable role of demographic inputs across time and place, (iii) constraints to behavioural outcomes across populations, and (iv) ability and accuracy of individuals to assess partner availability. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Adult sex ratios and reproductive strategies: a critical re-examination of sex differences in human and animal societies’.
Mitral regurgitation in patients with severe aortic stenosis: diagnosis and management

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) frequently coexist. Although some observational studies have reported that moderate or severe MR is associated with higher mortality, the optimal management of such patients is still unclear. Simultaneous replacement of both aortic and mitral valves is linked to significantly higher morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in minimally invasive surgical or transcatheter therapies for MR allow for staged procedures in which surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (SAVR/TAVR) is done first and MR severity re-evaluated afterwards. Current evidence suggests MR severity improves in some patients after SAVR or TAVR, depending on several factors (MR aetiology, type of valve used for TAVR, presence/absence of atrial fibrillation, residual aortic regurgitation, etc). However, as of today, the absence of randomised clinical trials does not allow for evidence-based recommendations about whether or not MR should be addressed at the time of SAVR or TAVR. A careful patient evaluation and clinical judgement are recommended to distinguish patients who might benefit from a double valve intervention from those in which MR should be left alone. The aim of this review is to report and critique the available data on this subject in order to help guide the clinical decision making in this challenging subset of patients.
Abstract WMP60: Association Between Liver Cirrhosis and Stroke in a Nationally Representative Cohort

Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by a coagulopathy associated with both hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications. However, the risk of stroke - hemorrhagic and ischemic - in patients ...
Effects of low-level sarin and cyclosarin exposure on hippocampal microstructure in Gulf War Veterans.

Abstract In early March 1991, shortly after the end of the Gulf War (GW), a munitions dump was destroyed at Khamisiyah, Iraq. Later, in 1996, the dump was found to have contained the organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents sarin and cyclosarin. We previously reported evidence of smaller hippocampal volumes in GW veterans with predicted exposure to the Khamisiyah plume compared to unexposed GW veterans. To investigate whether these macroscopic hippocampal volume changes are accompanied by microstructural alterations in the hippocampus, the current study acquired diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI), T1-, and T2-weighted images from 170 GW veterans (mean age: 53 ± 7 years), 81 of whom had predicted exposure to the Khamisiyah plume according to Department of Defense (DOD) plume modeling. We examined fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and grey matter (GM) density from a hippocampal region of interest (ROI). Results indicate that, even after accounting for total hippocampal GM density (or hippocampal volume), age, sex, apolipoprotein e4 genotype, and potential confounding OP pesticide exposures, hippocampal MD significantly predicted Khamisiyah exposure status (model p = 0.005, R2 = 0.215, standardized coefficient β = 0.26, t = 2.85). Hippocampal MD was also inversely correlated with verbal memory learning performance in the entire study sample (p = 0.001). There were no differences in hippocampal FA or GM density; however, veterans with predicted Khamisiyah exposure had smaller hippocampal volumes compared to unexposed veterans. Because MD is sensitive to general microstructural disruptions that lead to increased extracellular spaces due to neuronal death, inflammation and gliosis, and/or to axonal loss or demyelination, these findings suggest that low-level exposure to the Khamisiyah plume has a detrimental, lasting effects on both macro- and micro-structure of the hippocampus.
A Case of Atorvastatin-Associated Necrotizing Autoimmune Myopathy, Mimicking Idiopathic Polymyositis

Statin-induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM) is a rare side effect of statin use which manifests as progressive muscle weakness. Because statins are a widely prescribed medication for coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and many other diseases, many patients are at risk of developing SINAM or one of the many other statin-induced myopathies. Due to identification of an antibody specific to this disease, we were able to diagnose SINAM in a patient whose symptoms had progressed to the extent that they were debilitating. Our case describes SINAM in a patient undergoing treatment with a statin for an extended period of time, diagnosis of the disease process, treatment, and resolution of symptoms.
Primidone and Movement Disorders

Primidone with its two active metabolites, phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonic acid (PEMA), is an anticonvulsant drug that is indicated for the treatment of partial epilepsy. In addition to treatment of seizures, it is also indicated as the first line therapy for the management of essential tremor. The mechanism by which primidone exerts its antitremor activity is not known; however, there is evidence that GABAergic system and the GABAA receptors play an important role in regulating motor activity.
Women's health. The role of advanced practice nurses in the 21st century

Advanced practice nurses have the capability of providing a variety of services in women's health care. The role and functions of certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists are discussed. Current issues and barriers to advanced practice nursing are presented and include role definitions and regulations, second licensure, educational level, prescriptive authority, third party reimbursement, admitting privileges, and malpractice reform. Future directions and recommendations are provided.
Ventral Abdominal Hernia Repair: MIS Extraperitoneal Repair Techniques: eTEP Rives, MILOS/EMILOS, and Onlay MIS Repair

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) ventral hernia repairs were first described by Le Blanc in 1993 with the laparoscopic approach and an intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) implant. The development of laparoscopic techniques included several modifications such as the use of new coated meshes, new fixation devices, and, perhaps most importantly, changes in surgical technique. Laparoscopic techniques have proven themselves in the last 20 years as safe and effective treatments for ventral hernias, despite increased rates of intra-abdominal complications. Advances in MIS ventral hernia repair, such as the robotic platform, have enhanced the ability to operate on the abdominal wall through fully articulated instruments and improved optics and visualization. Surgeons quickly began performing MIS repairs without IPOM, returning to traditional techniques such as onlay and sublay. After robotic surgery ushered this trend, several MIS surgeons without robotic access began performing these techniques using traditional laparoscopic/endoscopic instruments. In this chapter, we will explore several of these extraperitoneal techniques.
The Deficiency Zero Theorem

Recall that the reaction networks of deficiency zero can contain hundreds of species and hundreds of reactions. In such cases, the corresponding differential equations will be extraordinarily complex. When the kinetics is mass action, these will amount to a large and intricate system of coupled polynomial equations in perhaps 100 species concentrations and in which a large number of perhaps unknown parameters (rate constants) appear. Recall too that not much is known in general about systems of polynomial equations, even fairly small ones. Nevertheless, when these derive from deficiency zero networks, quite a lot can be said.
Flap based reconstruction for the defects of Fournier's gangrene

Background: Fournier's gangrene is necrotizing fasciitis of the perineal area caused by mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. It is a devastating disease that requires serial debridement besides intravenous antibiotic therapy. It often results with extensive and disfiguring soft tissue and skin loss. Plastic surgeons are always consulted for coverage of the defects. Wound coverage varies from simple wound care to free-flap reconstruction. Most of the cases require regional or distant flaps. Vacuum-assisted closure might be a good option until definitive coverage, but its application is quite difficult due to genital organs and anus. In this review article, flap-based reconstruction of the perineogenital area is discussed rather than the pathophysiology or primary treatment of the Fournier's gangrene. Methods: Literature review is performed on Pubmed and Google Scholar in Turkish, English, and French languages. Conclusion: Eradication of the infection and supportive patient care are the most important initial steps in the treatment of the Fournier's gangrene patient. This is followed by functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the resultant defect. The reconstructive ladder, from simple wound care to free-flap surgery, guides the reconstructive decision-making process.
Using mutual information as a cocitation similarity measure

The debate regarding to which similarity measure can be used in co-citation analysis lasted for many years. The mostly debated measure is Pearson’s correlation coefficient r. It has been used as similarity measure in literature since the beginning of the technique in the 1980s. However, some researchers criticized using Pearson’s r as a similarity measure because it does not fully satisfy the mathematical conditions of a good similarity metric and (or) because it doesn’t meet some natural requirements a similarity measure should satisfy. Alternative similarity measures like cosine measure and chi square measure were also proposed and studied, which resulted in more controversies and debates about which similarity measure to use in co-citation analysis. In this article, we put forth the hypothesis that the researchers with high mutual information are closely related to each other and that the mutual information can be used as a similarity measure in author co-citation analysis. Given two researchers, the mutual information between them can be calculated based on their publications and their co-citation frequencies. A mutual information proximity matrix is then constructed. This proximity matrix meet the two requirements formulated by Ahlgren et al. (J Am Soc Inf Sci Technol 54(6):550–560, 2003). We conduct several experimental studies for the validation of our hypothesis and the results using mutual information are compared to the results using other similarity measures.
Frequency of Advanced Cardiac Life Support Medication Use and Association With Survival During In-hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Abstract Purpose Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is common in the United States, with >200,000 people experiencing an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) annually. Recent medication shortages have raised the question of the frequency and type of medication used during cardiac arrest resuscitation. We sought to determine the frequency and quantity of medications used during IHCA. Methods This retrospective, single-center, medical record review was performed at a large, urban teaching hospital. Adults ≥18 years old who had an IHCA with confirmed loss of pulse between January 2017 and March 2018 were identified. A standardized data collection tool was used to extract data from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the frequency and quantity of medications used during the IHCA. Secondary outcomes included median time to defibrillation and frequency of sodium bicarbonate use, including among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Findings Criteria were met for 181 IHCA events. Demographic characteristics were 71% black, 17% white, mean age of 65 years, and 46% women. Epinephrine was given in 86.7% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 4.2 mg. Sodium bicarbonate was given in 63.5% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 9.0 g (1.9 amps). Amiodarone was given in 30.9% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 311.8 mg. Median time to defibrillation was 2 min (interquartile range, 1–4 min). Preexisting ESRD was present in 24.8% of patients, of whom 71.1% received sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate administration was associated with a lower likelihood of survival to discharge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11–0.66) as well as a lower rate of return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.95). Magnesium administration was associated with a lower rate of ROSC (OR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15–0.98). Of note, in patients with preexisting ESRD, no medications were significantly associated with a change in likelihood of survival to discharge or rate of ROSC. In patients without preexisting ESRD, magnesium was associated with a lower rate of ROSC (OR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.77). Implications We found that in a hospital with established rapid response and code blue teams, numerous medications that are not recommended for routine use in cardiac arrest are still administered at significant frequencies. Furthermore, substantial amounts of drugs with known recent shortage are used in IHCA. Inc.
Hepatitis C Virus Cure in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection Dampens Inflammation and Improves Cognition Through Multiple Mechanisms

Background Chronic inflammation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection increases cognitive impairment. With newer, direct-acting antiviral therapies for HCV, our objective was to determine whether chronic inflammation would be decreased and cognition improved with HCV sustained viral response (SVR) in coinfection. Methods We studied 4 groups longitudinally: 7 HCV-monoinfected and 12 HIV/HCV-coinfected persons before and after treatment for HCV, 12 HIV-monoinfected persons, and 9 healthy controls. We measured monocyte activation and gene expression, monocyte-derived exosome micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression, plasma inflammation, and cognitive impairment before and after therapy. Results Plasma soluble CD163 and neopterin were decreased in HCV mono- and coinfected persons. Blood CD16+ monocytes were decreased in coinfection after HCV treatment. Global deficit score improved 25% in coinfection with the visual learning/memory domain the most improved. Hepatitis C virus SVR decreased monocyte interferon genes MX1, IFI27, and CD169 in coinfection and MX1, LGALS3BP, and TNFAIP6 in HCV monoinfection. Monocyte exosomes from coinfected persons increased in microRNA (miR)-19a, miR-221, and miR-223, all of which were associated with decreasing inflammation and nuclear factor-κB activation. Conclusions Hepatitis C virus cure in coinfection brings monocyte activation to levels of HIV alone. Cognitive impairment is significantly improved with cure but not better than HIV infection alone, which strong suggests that cognitive impairment was driven by both HIV and HCV.SummaryHCV cure in HIV coinfection improves monocyte and plasma activation markers and increases cognitive function in the visual learning/memory domain.
MRSA Septicemia With Septic Arthritis and Prostatic, Intraretinal, Periapical, and Lung Abscesses.

Introduction Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia is a life-threatening illness and a major global health care problem. It can cause metastatic and complicated infections. Case presentation A 58-year-old man with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus presented with altered mental status after a fall. He was found to have a hip fracture, diabetic ketoacidosis, and MRSA bacteremia. This was complicated by septic knee arthritis, prostatic abscess, intraretinal abscess, periapical abscesses, and pulmonary abscesses. He was treated with intravenous vancomycin and oral linezolid and eventually recovered. Discussion Severe metastatic MRSA infection was likely due, in part, to the patient's uncontrolled diabetes, as he has no underlying immunodeficiency and was HIV negative. Prostatic abscesses are a relatively rare occurrence that typically develop in immunocompromised patients. Conclusion This case is an interesting confluence of sequelae of MRSA bacteremia and reinforces the necessity for clinicians to be diligent when evaluating a patient with a suspected prostatic abscess.
Nanoparticles exhibit greater accumulation in kidney glomeruli during experimental glomerular kidney disease

Loss and dysfunction of glomerular podocytes result in increased macromolecule permeability through the glomerular filtration barrier and nephrotic syndrome. Current therapies can induce and maintain disease remission, but cause serious and chronic complications. Nanoparticle drug carriers could mitigate these side effects by delivering drugs to the kidneys more efficiently than free drug through tailoring of carrier properties. An important extrinsic factor of nanoparticle biodistribution is local pathophysiology, which may drive greater nanoparticle deposition in certain tissues. Here, we hypothesized that a "leakier" filtration barrier during glomerular kidney disease would increase nanoparticle distribution into the kidneys. We examined the effect of nanoparticle size and disease state on kidney accumulation in male BALB/c mice. The effect of size was tested using a panel of fluorescent polystyrene nanoparticles of size 20-200 nm, due to the relevance of this size range for drug delivery applications.Experimental focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was induced using an anti-podocyte antibody that causes abrupt podocyte depletion. Nanoparticles were modified with carboxymethyl-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) for stability and biocompatibility. After intravenous injection, fluorescence from nanoparticles of size 20 and 100 nm, but not 200 nm, was observed in kidney glomeruli and peritubular capillaries. During conditions of experimental focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, the number of fluorescent nanoparticle punctae in kidney glomeruli increased by 1.9-fold for 20 and 100 nm nanoparticles compared to normal conditions. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and leveraging kidney pathophysiology in engineering new, targeted drug carriers that accumulate more in diseased glomeruli to treat glomerular kidney disease.
Teaching Electricity and Magnetism Using Kinesthetic Learning Activities

As students learn physics, they are often required to reason about the behavior of macroscopic and microscopic phenomena, and to synthesize prior knowledge from several different areas of physics to construct understanding of new ideas. This can be a tremendously difficult cognitive task for novice students, especially when the unfamiliar phenomena described are potentially microscopic or abstract. Therefore, it can be very helpful for physics instructors to develop and employ pedagogical techniques that help students to visualize and to reason productively about these concepts. A particularly effective strategy uses kinesthetic learning activities (KLAs).
Evolving role of entrectinib in treatment of NTRK-positive tumors.

Targeted therapy has shown to be a very effective treatment in tumors with specific genomic drivers. Trk has proven to be one such target. Efforts to target the Trk fusion with specific inhibitors have shown remarkable responses in a tumor agnostic fashion, with responses seen even in patients with intracranial metastasis. Entrectinib is a first-generation Trk inhibitor with impressive activity in early phase trials performed in patients with NTRK fusion positive solid tumors and ROS1 positive non-small-cell lung cancers with subsequent approval for those indications. Entrectinib was also found to be effective in treatment of brain metastasis and generally well tolerated.
Recensione a Virginie Bridoux, Les royaumes d’Afrique du Nord, Émergence, consolidation et insertion dans les aires d’influences méditerranéennes (201-33 av. J.-C.), (Bibliothèque des Écoles Françaises d’Athènes et de Rome, 387), École Française de Roma 2

Book review: Virginie Bridoux, Les royaumes d’Afrique du Nord, Emergence, consolidation et insertion dans les aires d’influences mediterraneennes (201-33 av. J.-C.), (Bibliotheque des Ecoles Francaises d’Athenes et de Rome, 387), Ecole Francaise de Roma 2020, 281 p.; ill. isbn 978-2-7283-1421-8
IGF1R/IR Mediates Resistance to BRAF and MEK Inhibitors in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma

The use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma is limited as patients relapse on treatment as quickly as 6 months due to acquired resistance. We generated trametinib and dabrafenib resistant melanoma (TDR) cell lines to the MEK and BRAF inhibitors, respectively. TDR cells exhibited increased viability and maintenance of downstream p-ERK and p-Akt as compared to parental cells. Receptor tyrosine kinase arrays revealed an increase in p-IGF1R and p-IR in the drug resistant cells versus drug sensitive cells. RNA-sequencing analysis identified IGF1R and INSR upregulated in resistant cell lines compared to parental cells. Analysis of TCGA PanCancer Atlas (skin cutaneous melanoma) showed that patients with a BRAF mutation and high levels of IGF1R and INSR had a worse overall survival. BMS-754807, an IGF1R/IR inhibitor, suppressed cell proliferation along with inhibition of intracellular p-Akt in TDR cells. Dual inhibition of IGF1R and INSR using siRNA reduced cell proliferation. The combination of dabrafenib, trametinib, and BMS-754807 treatment reduced in vivo xenograft tumor growth. Examining the role of IGF1R and IR in mediating resistance to BRAF and MEK inhibitors will expand possible treatment options to aid in long-term success for BRAF-mutant melanoma patients.
Tactical Aspects of Bargaining and Mediation

In any bargaining situation, the representatives of the bargaining groups will take actions to enhance the likelihood that a settlement will favor their interests. Each side will try to determine how the choice of a particular issue agenda or bargaining tactic will affect the final settlement. Although bargainers choose issue agendas, strategies, and tactics to advance their interests, at times these actions may actually limit the chances of reaching a settlement. Even when a settlement could leave both sides better off than the continuation of the dispute, bargaining tactics can create obstacles that prevent a successful search for an agreement.
Pointwise Ergodic Theorems

We denote by \({\tilde F_B} = {\tilde F_B}(\Omega ,F,m)\) the space of all measurable B-valued functions with the seminorm $$|f|{P_b} = \mathop {\inf }\limits_{\alpha \geqslant 0} arctam[\alpha + m(\{ \omega :|f(\omega )|\} )];$$ convergence in \({\tilde F_R}\) is the same as convergence in m.
Marketing and the Tragedy of the Commons: A Synthesis, Commentary, and Analysis for Action

The authors contend that solutions to the most pressing environmental challenges will result from understanding and solving social traps such as the commons dilemma. They propose a synthesis for an...
Differences of symptoms in head and neck cancer patients with and without lymphedema.

Purpose Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients are at risk for developing external and internal lymphedema. Currently, no documentation of symptom differences between individuals with and without head and neck lymphedema is available. The purpose of this analysis was to examine symptom differences among HNC patients with and without lymphedema. Methods Data were drawn from three cross-sectional studies of HNC patients >3 months post-cancer treatment (total N = 163; 128 patients with lymphedema, 35 without lymphedema). External lymphedema was evaluated via physical examination; internal lymphedema was identified through endoscopic examination. Participant's head and neck lymphedema status was categorized into two groups: no indication of external or internal lymphedema and at least some indication of external or internal lymphedema. Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Head and Neck (LSIDS-HN (2) tightness; (3) heaviness; (4) warmth; (5) pain without head/neck movement; (6) problems swallowing mashed or pureed foods; (7) trouble breathing; (8) blurred vision; (9) feel worse when flying in an airplane; and (10) swelling. Conclusions Findings suggest that HNC-related lymphedema may be associated with substantial symptom burden. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to replicate the findings.
Endocrinology and hormone therapy in breast cancer: New insight into estrogen receptor-α function and its implication for endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer

Estrogen and its receptor (ER) are critical for development and progression of breast cancer. This pathway is targeted by endocrine therapies that either block ER functions or deplete ER's estrogen ligand. While endocrine therapies are very effective, de novo and acquired resistance are still common. Laboratory and clinical data now indicate that bidirectional molecular crosstalk between nuclear or membrane ER and growth factor receptor pathways such as HER2/neu is involved in endocrine resistance. Preclinical data suggest that blockade of selected growth factor receptor signaling can overcome this type of resistance, and this strategy is already being tested in clinical trials
Involvement of PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation in the early stages of apoptosis and DNA replication.

We have focused on the roles of PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation early in apoptosis, as well as during the early stages of differentiation-linked DNA replication. In both nuclear processes, a transient burst of PAR synthesis and PARP expression occurs early, prior to internucleosomal DNA cleavage before commitment to apoptosis as well as at the round of DNA replication prior to the onset of terminal differentiation. In intact human osteosarcoma cells undergoing spontaneous apoptosis, both PARP and PAR decreased after this early peak, concomitant with the inactivation and cleavage of PARP by caspase-3 and the onset of substantial DNA and nuclear fragmentation. Whereas 3T3-L1, osteosarcoma cells, and immortalized PARP +/+ fibroblasts exhibited this early burst of PAR synthesis during Fas-mediated apoptosis, neither PARP-depleted 3T3-L1 PARP-antisense cells nor PARP -/- fibroblasts showed this response. Consequently, whereas control cells progressed into apoptosis, as indicated by induction of caspase-3-like PARP-cleavage activity, PARP-antisense cells and PARP -/- fibroblasts did not, indicating a requirement for PARP and poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins at an early reversible stage of apoptosis. In parallel experiments, a transient increase in PARP expression and activity were also noted in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes 24 h after induction of differentiation, a stage at which ~95% of the cells were in S-phase, but not in PARP-depleted antisense cells, which were consequently unable to complete the round of DNA replication required for differentiation. PARP, a component of the multiprotein DNA replication complex (MRC) that catalyzes viral DNA replication in vitro, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ates 15 of ∼40 MRC proteins, including DNA pol α, DNA topo I, and PCNA. Depletion of endogenous PARP by antisense RNA expression in 3T3-L1 cells results in MRCs devoid of any DNA pola and DNA pol δ activities. Surprisingly, there was no new expression of PCNA and DNA pol α, as well as the transcription factor E2F-1 in PARP-antisense cells during entry into S-phase, suggesting that PARP may play a role in the expression of these proteins, perhaps by interacting with a site in the promoters for these genes.
An Empirical Study of Unsupervised Rule Set Extraction of Clustered Categorical Data Using a Simulated Bee Colony Algorithm

This study investigates the use of a biologically inspired meta-heuristic algorithm to extract rule sets from clustered categorical data. A computer program which implemented the algorithm was executed against six benchmark data sets and successfully discovered the underlying generation rules in all cases. Compared to existing approaches, the simulated bee colony (SBC) algorithm used in this study has the advantage of allowing full customization of the characteristics of the extracted rule set, and allowing arbitrarily large data sets to be analyzed. The primary disadvantages of the SBC algorithm for rule set extraction are that the approach requires a relatively large number of input parameters, and that the approach does not guarantee convergence to an optimal solution. The results demonstrate that an SBC algorithm for rule set extraction of clustered categorical data is feasible, and suggest that the approach may have the ability to outperform existing algorithms in certain scenarios.
NRQCD Prediction for the Polarization of the J/psi Produced from b-decay

Presented at the Meeting of the Division of Particles and Fields, August 1996, in Minneapolis. The work presented here is based upon a recent paper (hep-ph/9608413) done in collaboration with Oscar F. Hernandez, Ivan Maksymyk, and Helene Nadeau. The NRQCD predictions for the polarization of the J/psi produced in b->J/psi+X, as well as the helicity-summed production rate are presented.
ITS-Engineering: providing adaptive teaching in the engineering tutor

The successful learning of an engineering student depends substantially on the instructor's ability to adapt instruction, both the content and the various teaching styles, to individual differences among students. The emergence of computer applications in education and training, such as intelligent tutoring systems, provides a viable alternative to achieve these teaching tasks. Computerized instruction is a significant tool for the effective application of adaptive teaching. ITS-Engineering is a tutoring system shell intended to provide a developing framework for applications in the engineering domains with less time and cost. Based on R.M. Gagne's (1985) instructional design and the multiple teaching style paradigm, the application is able to deliver instruction that adapts in both content and teaching styles. The available teaching styles in ITS-Engineering include instructor oriented, guided discovery, user initiated and exploratory styles. The instructor oriented and the guided discovery style represents the teacher control paradigm. In contrast, the user initiated and the exploratory style represent the learner control paradigm. The application of these teaching styles and their adapting capabilities are demonstrated in ITS-CPM (Intelligent Tutoring System for Construction and Project Management); an ITS application developed within the framework of ITS-Engineering.
Pressure dependence of baroreceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in rat skeletal muscle

To determine whether microvessels in resting or contracting skeletal muscle constrict during baroreceptor activation, vascular diameters were measured in the spinotrapezius muscle of adult rats (n = 12) during occlusion of the common carotid arteries. Neural and myogenic components were distinguished using two types of occlusion: 1) "normal" (arterial pressure was allowed to increase with baroreceptor activation) and 2) "isobaric" (arterial pressure was maintained constant by decreasing blood volume). During normal occlusions, intermediate and small arteriolar diameters decreased in resting and contracting muscle (10-15% and 25-30%, respectively). Large arterioles and all-sized venules distended slightly (approximately 5%) in resting muscle, but diameters were maintained or decreased in contracting muscle. When arterial pressure was maintained constant (isobaric), the microvascular responses to baroreceptor activation in both resting and contracting muscle were essentially eliminated. We conclude that nearly all the arteriolar constriction observed in the spinotrapezius muscle during normal carotid artery occlusion is myogenic in origin, secondary to increased arterial pressure. This pressure-dependent constriction is augmented during skeletal muscle contraction and functional vasodilation.
Biological Challenge in the Assessment of Anxiety Disorders

The widespread use of so-called “biological” challenges in the anxiety disorders has produced an impressive literature that has helped elucidate the nature and phenomenology of panic attacks. Yet, researchers have barely scratched the surface in terms of demonstrating the practical relevance and utility of such procedures in the routine assessment and treatment of anxiety-related disorders. What seems needed are studies showing that the use of such procedures contributes to better, more efficient, and accurate treatment targeting and outcome. That is, it will require demonstrating practical utility. The challenge for those using panicogenic procedures is to show their practical relevance in clinical settings.
The 3500 Å1A2 - X̃1A1 transition of formaldehyde-h2, d2, and hd: Vibrational and rotational analyses☆

Abstract The polarizations of representative bands in the 1A2-1A1 systems of H2CO, D2CO, and HDCO are determined by analysis of rotational fine structure of the absorption spectra. In addition to bands of types A, B, and C, there are observed Coriolis couplings about inertial axes a, b, and c. From these identifications the six excited-state fundamental vibrational frequencies are found and confirmed for each molecule: All except the CH stretching frequencies are reduced by at least 25% on electronic excitation. Overtones of the out-of-plane bending mode are discussed in detail. The upper state geometrical parameters obtained from the rotational fine structure are r 0 (CH) = 1.092 A , r 0 (CO) = 1.321 A , ∠HCH = 121.5° and an out-of-plane angle of 20.5°.
Direct gene transfer into muscle

Gene therapy has great promise for the treatment and the prevention of a broad range of inherited and acquired diseases. Gene transfer methods currently explored include the use of viral vectors and physical-chemical methods. Plasmid DNA can be taken up by skeletal muscle cells in vivo without any special delivery mechanism and persist long-term in an extrachromosomal, non-replicative circular form. Thus, foreign genes can be expressed permanently in skeletal muscle. At present the efficiency of gene transfer is not high enough to treat genetic muscle diseases. However, even at the relatively low efficiency of expression we are able to achieve at present, plasmid DNA transfer seems to be a very promising way of programming cells in vivo to secrete proteins for immunization purposes.
Ethical Dilemmas in Sport Psychology: Discussion and Recommendations for Practice.

The practice demands required of sport psychologists often complicate the direct and specific fulfillment of several ethical regulations. Many practitioners face specific issues of confidentiality and the appropriate use of informed consent, challenges to practicing within areas of competence, issues regarding termination, and challenges that arise from multiorganizational demands and the formation of multiple relationships. Although ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association direct practice in order to protect both the client and the practitioner from difficult and dangerous situations, these guidelines typically pertain directly to traditional practice efforts. Within sport psychology, although ethical practice requires consideration of established guidelines, the specific demands of the population and setting complicate traditional adherence to such parameters. Sport psychologists must be flexible in their practice and carefully consider how the Ethics Code can both benefit athlete-clients and minimize inherent practice difficulties.
Emergency Department Crowding: Old Problem, New Solutions

Emergency department (ED) crowding is becoming an increasing problem in EDs throughout the United States for a multitude of reasons, including an increase in patient volume and a decrease in available EDs. Crowding has an adverse impact on the ability to deliver quality and timely care and may contribute to adverse patient outcomes. Conceptually, factors that contribute to ED crowding can be divided into three domains, which correspond to their "sites of action": input, throughput, and output. A number of measures have been developed to better quantify crowding and its effects. More research needs to be done to better understand the factors that contribute to crowding, the impact of this problem on patients and ED throughput, and how to alleviate this nationwide crisis.
Preferential Co–Si bonding at the Co/SiGe(100) interface

The initial stages of the reaction of Co with Si0.79Ge0.21(100) were studied in situ with extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and reflection high energy electron diffraction. The Si:Ge ratio in the first coordination shell of Co in sub-monolayer Co films was found to increase with film thickness and annealing temperature, indicating preferential formation of Co–Si bonds. The impact of the observed preference for Co–Si bonding on the morphology of epitaxial CoSi2/Si1−xGex heterostructures is discussed.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Dementia

Comparison of Trail-making Parts A and B and the Shipley Conceptual Quotient of 18 index patients (M age = 29 years) and 18 controls indicated no dementia for the index patients.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Dental Procedures Are We Drilling in the Wrong Direction

The possibility that bacteremia from the mouth could cause infective endocarditis (IE) was first suggested >100 years ago, and it was later reinforced by others who targeted the viridans group streptococci from poor oral hygiene and dental extractions.1–3 These observations, along with the advent of antibiotics, eventually led to the first guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) in 1955. Antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) became the primary focus for prevention of IE and a standard of care for countries around the world. Controversy concerning efficacy and safety issues has existed for >30 years, and there has been a progressive reduction in the patient populations and the procedures suggested for AP since that time. Of concern, and in spite of a decreasing emphasis on AP for cardiac patients, upwards of 25 noncardiac patient populations are recommended for AP by some clinicians out of concern for systemic infections that might originate from dental procedures (eg, prosthetic joints).4 Article see p 60 Significant differences in recommendations from experts in the United States, United Kingdom, and other countries over the years highlight the lack of convincing data to either support or reject this practice. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom issued new recommendations in 2006, which took the bold step of eliminating AP altogether.5 Current (2007) AHA guidelines narrow the focus to only 4 cardiac groups at higher risk for a bad outcome from IE but who represent ≈10% of all people at risk for IE.6 The AHA-defined moderate-risk groups represent ≈90% of people at risk for IE, all of whom were recommended for AP before 2007. There are, therefore, no …
The Problem with Growth as the Solution

Does economic growth mean economic progress? The author answers emphatically "no." Progress must be measured in other ways, and by focusing on growth we've shortchanged our citizens.
Newborn screening--setting evidence-based policy for protection.

Although the importance and clinical successes of newborn screening are well recognized, many issues in policy and practice remain controversial. Dr. Marvin Natowicz explains that political will wo...
The Effects of the Hurricane Katrina on Louisiana'S Gulf Coast

In wake of Hurricane Katrina, devastation was eminent. As on the new and television the people, business and industries were greatly affected by this catastrophe; however, no one is mentioning the effects of the hurricane on Louisiana's coastal land. It is true that the people and businesses are returning to southeastern Louisiana, but some effects experienced by the coastline are irreversible and permanent. In addition to the major impact during the considerably short time period of the storm, Louisiana was already on pace of losing its wetlands. Tracking the loss of land will help prevent future loss of Louisiana's coastline.
XERORADIOGRAPHIC ANATOMY OF THE EQUINE DIGIT AND METACARPOPHALANGEAL REGION

The purpose of the project was to use xeroradiography to provide a reference for radiographic anatomy of the equine digit and metacarpophalangeal region. The left foredigits and metacarpophalangeal joints of a mature horse and a 30-day-old foal were radiographed, using xeroradiographic techniques. Fifteen xeroradiographs, illustrating standard projections of each area, were selected and appropriately labeled to demonstrate normal radiographic anatomy of these regions. These xeroradiographs have been used successfully for several years to teach radiographic anatomy of these areas to first-year veterinary students at North Carolina State University.
The double quasar 0957+561 as a gravitational lens: further VLA observations

The twin quasars 0957+561 A,B, separated by only 6 arc s on the sky, have been shown to have nearly identical redshifts (ze ≃ 1.41, za≃1.39) by Walsh et al.1, who suggested that they were the double image of a single object, split by the gravitational refraction of an unseen massive intervening object. Further optical spectroscopy2 has confirmed the remarkable similarities of the emission and absorption spectra of the two quasars, and strengthened the case for a gravitational lens model. Radio maps at 6 cm made with the Cambridge 5-km telescope3 and with the VLA4 showed that, in addition to two unresolved sources coincident with the optical quasars, there were extended regions of radio emission, apparently associated with the north (A) quasar which greatly complicated the gravitational lens hypothesis. We now report a full 12-h synthesis made at the VLA at 6-cm wavelength5 which confirmed the earlier maps and showed additional features at lower flux levels. In particular, this map revealed two small radio ‘jets’, one close to each of the quasars. The absence of corresponding second images of either of these jets near the other quasar was used to rule out models in which the gravitator was located near the midpoint of the line between A and B (ref. 5).
MORPHOLOGICAL AND ONTOGENETIC STUDIES ON TORREYA CALIFORNICA. II. DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEGASPORANGIATE SHOOT PRIOR TO POLLINATION

A B S T R A C T KEMP, MARGARET. (Smith Coll., Northampton, Mass.) Morphological and ontogenetic studies on Torreya californica. II. Development of the megasporangiate shoot prior to pollination. Amer. Jour. Bot. 46(4): 249-261. Illus. 1959.-The development of the megasporangiate of Torreya californica during the first part of its maturation cycle of 26 months is described in detail. This first developmental period extends from the initiation stage in late July of one year through pollination of the young ovules in April of the following spring. At the end of this period, the reproductive shoot is a loosely organized, compound, determinate structure. It consists of a short primary axis which originated in the axil of one of the last formed bud scales or one of the first formed foliage leaves of the vegetative bud. This primary axis bears only 2 lateral and oppositely placed prophylls which stand at right angles to the subtending structure. In the axil of each prophyll is a short secondary axis which bears 2 successive pseudodecussate pairs of subopposite, sterile, scale-like perianth segments below a solitary, erect, terminal ovule. The integument of the ovule originates as a single lateral primordium, but its margins quickly merge and at pollination time it is a tubular envelope free from the nucellus. The nucellus, which is massive and contains a single deeply imbedded megasporocyte, terminates the secondary axis. Histogenetically, both primary and secondary axis systems of the megasporangiate shoot resemble a vegetative dwarf shoot. They both originate as axillary mounds of uniformly meristematic cells, whose apices soon exhibit a zonal pattern comparable to that of the apex of the vegetative shoot of the same species. The determinate nature of the primary axis is caused by cell senescence in its apex. The prophylls of the primary axis and the perianth segments of the secondary axes are comparable to bud scales of the vegetative bud in their arrangement, their origin from subsurface layers, the presence of apical and subapical initials which produce their first. vertical growth, a basal intercalary meristem which completes their elongation, and marginal initials which produce a slender wing to the lamina of each type of cataphyll. At maturity all 3 types of cataphylls are basically similar in their histology. The apex of each secondary axis, at the initiation of the integument, shows an altered cellular pattern which rapidly becomes organized into a conspicuous fanshaped coaxial system as the central portion develops directly into the massive, cauline nucellus. This coaxial apical configuration differs markedly from the zonal pattern of the vegetative shoot apex and also from the similar zonal pattern in the apex of the primary axis of the megasporangiate shoot and its secondary axes during an earlier period of indeterminate growth.
Is the momentum of a tunneling electron real or imaginary? An alternative description of the tunneling process

The momentum of a tunneling electron is real if its rest mass in the barrier acts as a reservoir which can trade rest energy for kinetic energy in accordance with special relativity. The Buttiker-Landauer expression for the tunneling time follows directly from this thermodynamic picture.
Gender, Academics, and Interscholastic Sports Participation at the School Level: A Gender-specific Analysis of the Relationship between Interscholastic Sports Participation and AP Enrollment

While literature demonstrates that interscholastic sports participation is associated with positive academic outcomes, this relationship is rarely analyzed at a macro-level (the school-level). To date, there is no research examining whether increases in schools' female and male interscholastic sports participation rates is associated with increases in female and male AP enrollment rates. Using a national sample of 4,644 public high schools during the 2009-2010 school year, we test several gender-specific hypotheses linked with the association between schools' sport participation rates and advanced placement enrollment rates (AP math, AP science, AP foreign language, and overall AP enrollment). The findings reveal that schools' female and male sports participation rates have a positive association with schools' female and male AP math, AP science, AP foreign language, and overall AP enrollment rates. Moreover, the findings suggest that females benefit more than males in regard to the positive relationship between interscholastic sports and AP enrollment.