cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Couples Therapy When Both Partners Have a Current Alcohol Use Disorder

Although behavioral couples therapy (BCT) has considerable support in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), studies have not examined BCT for dual problem couples in which both partners have current AUD. This study compared outcomes after BCT for dual problem couples (n = 20) with outcomes for single problem couples in which only one partner had AUD (n = 386). Results showed that dual problem and single problem couples did not differ significantly on degree of improvement in abstinence following BCT. A case example illustrates the application of BCT when both partners have a current AUD.
Interaction between sleep and metabolism in Drosophila with altered octopamine signaling

Sleep length and metabolic dysfunction are correlated, but the causal relationship between these processes is unclear. Octopamine promotes wakefulness in the fly by acting through the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in the fly brain. To determine if insulin signaling mediates the effects of octopamine on sleep:wake behavior, we assayed flies in which insulin signaling activity was genetically altered. We found that increasing insulin signaling does not promote wake, nor does insulin appear to mediate the wake-promoting effects of octopamine. Octopamine also affects metabolism in invertebrate species, including, as we show here, Drosophila melanogaster. Triglycerides are decreased in mutants with compromised octopamine signaling and elevated in flies with increased activity of octopaminergic neurons. Interestingly, this effect is mediated at least partially by insulin, suggesting that effects of octopamine on metabolism are independent of its effects on sleep. We further investigated the relative contribution of metabolic and sleep phenotypes to the starvation response of flies with altered octopamine signaling. Hyperactivity (indicative of foraging) induced by starvation was elevated in octopamine receptor mutants, despite their high propensity for sleep, indicating that their metabolic state dictates their behavioral response under these conditions. Moreover, flies with increased octopamine signaling do not suppress sleep in response to starvation, even though they are normally hyper-aroused, most likely because of their high triglyceride levels. Together, these data suggest that observed correlations between sleep and metabolic phenotypes can result from shared molecular pathways rather than causality, and environmental conditions can lead to the dominance of one phenotype over the other.
Approaching our patrons: From passive to active virtual reference

Targeting the goal of increasing virtual reference (VR) usage, a novel interactive virtual reference (iVR) model is proposed. In contrast to the traditional passive one-way model, iVR encourages active VR service by dynamically watching patrons' information-seeking behaviors using the VR assistant. A prototype iVR system with one dimension VR assistant triggering metric was designed as a research platform based on the iVR model. A pilot user study was conducted and the initial results indicated that users did not reject the active VR services in general and this warranted us to continue our exploration.
Kinesis and the Nature of the Human Person

Human movement is a matter of beings, not mere bodies. Motion is not something external to human beings. It is not just something we do, but something we are. Building on the work of Aristotle, Brague, and Polanyi, I will argue that human beings are beings-at-work. Being is not so much a “what” as it is a “how.” Human beings are organic not static. Human beings are beings that grow, mature, value, desire and learn. Human beings are beings that metabolize, breathe, run, and jump. Such motion is life. To properly understand human beings one must understand kinesis in this richer sense. In turn, to properly understand human movement, one must understand human beings. The study of “human movement” is irreparably damaged if one cannot begin to articulate what the “human” in “human movement” means. But what is a human being? Why should the human person be understood as more than a mere lump of water and chemicals? Aristotle's conception of the human person, found in On the Soul, provides an intriguing answer to...
Asymptotic throughput of the FED-STD-1052 data link protocol

There has been a rapid evolution of data communication technologies specially adapted to the challenges of HF skywave channels. The 1980s saw the development of advanced HF modems that achieve significant processing gains through adaptive equalization and advanced coding. The standardized HF data link link protocol of FED-STD-1052 and MIL-STD-187-721C effectively uses the capabilities of these new modems to achieve reliable data delivery at rates well above those previously attainable. This paper presents a straightforward mathematical model for predicting the throughput of user data that can be achieved by the HF data link protocol (HFDLP) and the single-tone HF data modem over a wide range of channel conditions. This model is based upon measurements of modem performance, and is validated by measurements of protocol throughput. The model can be implemented in a spreadsheet so that HF system designers can easily predict and optimize the performance of their systems. Measurements of other popular HF protocols are included for comparison.
CPR training in the community

To provide a profile of potential rescuers of cardiac arrest victims, 1,271 randomly selected subjects were interviewed by telephone. Thirty-nine percent had formal instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), 90% knew the emergency telephone number (911), and 5% had performed CPR. Subjects with training were significantly younger than those without (36 vs 48 years old) (P
Exploring Perceptions of Acceptability of Sexting in Same-Sex, Bisexual, Heterosexual Relationships and Communities

Communication over the Internet is helpful for marginalized individuals in their efforts to feel a part of the collective whole and gain personal empowerment. For individuals who identify as part of the LGB community, the Internet can be seen as a tool to take control of their lives, may promote self-esteem, and foster a sense of belongingness. The purpose of the study was about sexting practices on college campuses in general. It builds on the existing body of knowledge by attending specifically to sexting rather than the previous literature about engagement in sexual behavior online. Participants responded to a survey on sexting and technology use as well as questions from the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory–Revised (SOI-R) and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Identity Scale (LGBIS). Findings indicated that sexting is viewed as more acceptable in same-sex relationships compared with heterosexual relationships. Implications for future research include exploring how greater degrees of perceived acceptability ...
Computer-assisted molecular structure construction for coal-derived compounds

A new technique, Computer-Assisted Molecular Structure Construction (CAMSC), has been developed for the structural elucidation of coal-derived compounds. It utilizes elemental analysis, n.m.r. spectra and molecular weight data to determine the allowable combinations of functional groups constituting the structure. CAMSC is applied to four cases of experimental data from the literature. The results compare well with those obtained by other methods and in some cases provide additional information.
Notes on Church-State Affairs

Taliban authorities arrested Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry, American aid workers with the German-based group Shelter Now, on 2 August for show ing a video about Jesus in an Afghan home. Two days later, the Taliban ar rested six other Westerners who worked for the group as well as sixteen Afghan staff members. There were four Germans (Georg Taubmann, Katrin Jelinek, Margrit Stebner, and Silke Durrkopf) and two Australians (Diana Thomas and Peter Bunch). The Westerners were indicted on 30 September and allowed to have a lawyer, Atif Ali Khan of Pakistan. On 31 August, the Taliban closed down two other Christian relief agencies: the International As sistance Mission (IAM), which operated eye hospitals and clinics, and Serving Emergency Relief and Vocational Enterprises (SERVE), which worked on shelter and solar energy. The IAM and SERVE workers were expelled from the country. The 11 September attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the succeeding military campaign by the United States in Afghanistan delayed a trial for the imprisoned aid workers. The military campaign then led to the occupation of Afganistan's capital city Kabul by the U.S.-backed Northern Al liance. Retreating Taliban forces took the prisoners with them in a cold metal container truck as far as Ghazni. Taliban authorities agreed to release the prisoners to the International Committee for the Red Cross, but this plan col lapsed as troops from the Northern Alliance subsequently took the jail in Ghazni. These troops took charge of the Westerners, and later U.S. helicop ters airlifted them to Pakistan. Taliban forces meanwhile continued to col
Natural resonance theory: I. General formalism

We present a new quantum-mechanical resonance theory based on the first-order reduced density matrix and its representation in terms of natural bond orbitals (NBOs). This “natural” resonance theory (NRT) departs in important respects from the classical Pauling-Wheland formulation, yet it leads to quantitative resonance weights that are in qualitative accord with conventional resonance theory and chemical intuition. The NRT variational functional leads to an optimal resonance-weighted approximation to the full density matrix, combining the “single reference” limit of weak delocalization (incorporating diagonal population changes only) with the full “multireference” limit of strong delocalization (incorporating off-diagonal couplings between resonance structures. The NRT variational functional yields an error measure that serves as an intrinsic criterion of accuracy of the resonance-theoretic description. The NRT program structure, algorithms, and numerical characteristics are described in supplementary material, and detailed chemical applications are presented in two companion papers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 19: 593–609, 1998
Dissociating location-specific inhibition and attention shifts: Evidence against the disengagement account of contingent capture

The study of attentional capture has provided a rich context for assessing the relative influence of top-down and bottom-up factors in visual perception. Some have argued that attentional capture by a salient, irrelevant stimulus is contingent on top-down attentional set (e.g., Folk, Remington, & Johnston, Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance 18:1030–1044, 1992). Others, however, have argued that capture is driven entirely by bottom-up salience and that top-down factors influence the postallocation speed of disengagement from the irrelevant stimulus (e.g., Theeuwes, Acta Psychologica 135:77–99, 2010a). In support of this speed-of-disengagement hypothesis, recent findings from the modified spatial-cuing paradigm show that cues carrying a no-go target property produce reverse, or negative, cuing effects, consistent with inhibition of the cue location from which attention has been very quickly disengaged (Belopolsky, Schreij, & Theeuwes, Perception, & Psychophysics, 72, 326–341, 2010). Across six experiments, we show that this inhibitory process can be dissociated from shifts of spatial attention and is, thus, not a reliable marker of capture. We conclude that the data are inconsistent with the predictions of the disengagement hypothesis.
Essential thrombocytopenic purpura in the newborn infant, report of first case treated by splenectomy.

A case of essential thrombocytopenic purpura in a newborn infant is reported. It is one of the few cases where the mother of the patient did not herself have this disease. It is believed to be the first case in a newborn infant which was treated by splenectomy. Observations are made to aid in the selection of such cases for surgery and which, incidentally, lend support to the humoral theory of the pathogenesis of the disease. A newborn infant with essential thrombocytopenic purpura may be expected to benefit from splenectomy, providing the usual indications exist, only if the mother is herself free of the disease.
A Descriptive Analysis of Transitional Housing Programs for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005 focuses on safe and independent housing for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). The focus on housing in the latest version of VAWA suggests recognition by Congress that removing barriers and increasing access to safe housing is critical to our nation's response to IPV, and that this type of systems-level response is necessary to reduce the link between IPV and subsequent homelessness. This study examines the current state of transitional housing programs (THPs) and discusses future program considerations, including the need for evaluation studies that consider the possible impact that transitional housing programs have on the rates of violence toward women and their children, and on women's ability to achieve economic stability after separating from their abusive partners.
Long-term trends in alkalinity in large rivers of the conterminous US in relation to acidification, agriculture, and hydrologic modification.

Abstract Alkalinity increases in large rivers of the conterminous US are well known, but less is understood about the processes leading to these trends as compared with headwater systems more intensively examined in conjunction with acid deposition studies. Nevertheless, large rivers are important conduits of inorganic carbon and other solutes to coastal areas and may have substantial influence on coastal calcium carbonate saturation dynamics. We examined long-term (mid-20th to early 21st century) trends in alkalinity and other weathering products in 23 rivers of the conterminous US. We used a rigorous flow-weighting technique which allowed greater focus on solute trends occurring independently of changes in flow. Increasing alkalinity concentrations and yield were widespread, occurring at 14 and 13 stations, respectively. Analysis of trends in other weathering products suggested that the causes of alkalinity trends were diverse, but at many stations alkalinity increases coincided with decreasing nitrate + sulfate and decreasing cation:alkalinity ratios, which is consistent with recovery from acidification. A positive correlation between the Sen–Thiel slopes of alkalinity increases and agricultural lime usage indicated that agricultural lime contributed to increasing solute concentration in some areas. However, several stations including the Altamaha, Upper Mississippi, and San Joaquin Rivers exhibited solute trends, such as increasing cation:alkalinity ratios and increasing nitrate + sulfate, more consistent with increasing acidity, emphasizing that multiple processes affect alkalinity trends in large rivers. This study was unique in its examination of alkalinity trends in large rivers covering a wide range of climate and land use types, but more detailed analyses will help to better elucidate temporal changes to river solutes and especially the effects they may have on coastal calcium carbonate saturation state.
Stochastic Regression Models and Consistency of the Least Squares Identification Scheme

Consider the multiple regression model $${y_n} = {\beta _1}{x_{n1}} + ... + {\beta _p}{x_{np}} + { \in _n},\quad n = 1,2,...,$$ (8.1.1) where the ∈n are unobservable random errors, β1,...,βp are unknown parameters, and yn is the observed response corresponding to observed design levels xn1,...,xnp. When the design levels xn1,...,xnp are random variables, the regression model (1) is called stochastic.
Analysis of intraluminal impedance measurements

Intraluminal impedance is an emerging technique to monitor the esophagus so that the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux episodes can be observed. The impedance traces of the esophagus have wide variations which correspond to the occurrence of activities such as swallow or reflux that cause the impedance to change. This paper presents a technique to detect and classify reflux episodes from intraluminal impedance. Evaluation of the technique based on 660 h of combined data from 30 patients showed that the proposed methodology can detect episodes in the esophagus to a sensitivity of 89% with positive predictivity of 83%.
Interference-aware fair rate control in wireless sensor networks

In a wireless sensor network of N nodes transmitting data to a single base station, possibly over multiple hops, what distributed mechanisms should be implemented in order to dynamically allocate fair and efficient transmission rates to each node? Our interferenceaware fair rate control (IFRC) detects incipient congestion at a node by monitoring the average queue length, communicates congestion state to exactly the set of potential interferers using a novel low-overhead congestion sharing mechanism, and converges to a fair and efficient rate using an AIMD control law. We evaluate IFRC extensively on a 40-node wireless sensor network testbed. IFRC achieves a fair and efficient rate allocation that is within 20-40% of the optimal fair rate allocation on some network topologies. Its rate adaptation mechanism is highly effective: we did not observe a single instance of queue overflow in our many experiments. Finally, IFRC can be extended easily to support situations where only a subset of the nodes transmit, where the network has multiple base stations, or where nodes are assigned different transmission weights.
Invasion of the Florida Citrus Ecosystem by Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Asymmetric Competition with a Native Species, Cycloneda sanguinea

Field data collected from the major citrus-producing regions of Florida over the past 5 yr indicate that the introduction of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), has increased in abundance while the formerly dominant Cycloneda sanguinea (L.) has declined. What is known of the diet breadth, habitat preferences, and thermal thresholds for development of these two species indicates considerable niche overlap. The larger H. axyridis has many intrinsic advantages over C. sanguinea, including higher fecundity and fertility, and a lower rate of larval cannibalism. In laboratory tests, adults and larvae of H. axyridis consumed eggs of C. sanguinea more readily than vice versa. All H. axyridis adults provided with either a conspecific or a heterospecific second-instar larva killed and ate it, whereas only 15% of C. sanguinea adults consumed a second-instar larva of H. axyridis over a 24-h period. Larvae of H. axyridis were more aggressive against larvae of C. sanguinea in laboratory tests than vice versa; even when H. axyridis larvae were paired with a C. sanguinea larva 2 d older and two to three times as large, they won 67% of contests. In choice tests, larvae of both species preferred to feed on dead C. sanguinea larvae than on dead H. axyridis larvae. Larvae of H. axyridis were capable of completing development exclusively as intraguild predators on C. sanguinea larvae, whereas the reverse was not true. The data suggest that H. axyridis is a highly evolved interspecific competitor, whereas C. sanguinea is adapted more to intraspecific competition and has few defenses against H. axyridis. Competitive displacement of C. sanguinea by H. axyridis appears to be in progress in the citrus ecosystem in Florida.
To Marry or Not to Marry

Although the number of people who choose to remain single has increased over the past decade, about 95% of contemporary Americans are still expected to marry at some time in their lives.1 This statistic represents a slight increase over the early part of the century. Despite the fact that an increasing proportion of the under-30 group has never married, the proportion of the population reaching their 40s without marrying is at an all-time low. This trend may signal postponement, but it may also mean that a larger proportion of younger people will never marry, a phenomenon that can have major societal implications.
Fall in intracellular PO(2) at the onset of contractions in Xenopus single skeletal muscle fibers.

It remains uncertain whether the delayed onset of mitochondrial respiration on initiation of muscle contractions is related to O2 availability. The purpose of this research was to measure the kinet...
Positive-homogeneous operators, heat kernel estimates and the Legendre-Fenchel transform

We consider a class of homogeneous partial differential operators on a finite-dimensional vector space and study their associated heat kernels. The heat kernels for this general class of operators are seen to arise naturally as the limiting objects of the convolution powers of complex-valued functions on the square lattice in the way that the classical heat kernel arises in the (local) central limit theorem. These so-called positive-homogeneous operators generalize the class of semi-elliptic operators in the sense that the definition is coordinate-free. More generally, we introduce a class of variable-coefficient operators, each of which is uniformly comparable to a positive-homogeneous operator, and we study the corresponding Cauchy problem for the heat equation. Under the assumption that such an operator has Holder continuous coefficients, we construct a fundamental solution to its heat equation by the method of Levi, adapted to parabolic systems by Friedman and Eidelman. Though our results in this direction are implied by the long-known results of Eidelman for \(2\mathbf{b}\)-parabolic systems, our focus is to highlight the role played by the Legendre-Fenchel transform in heat kernel estimates. Specifically, we show that the fundamental solution satisfies an off-diagonal estimate, i.e., a heat kernel estimate, written in terms of the Legendre-Fenchel transform of the operator’s principal symbol—an estimate which is seen to be sharp in many cases.
Complications of endopyelotomy: analysis in series of 64 patients.

AbstractWe review the complications and failures in our first 64 patients who underwent endopyelotomy. There were 2 intraoperative complications (3.1 per cent) necessitating an open operation. Postoperative complications included leakage around the stent or irritative bladder symptoms, which were treated by repositioning the stent, and 2 instances of ureterovesical stenosis, which have led us to stent the entire ureter in recent cases. There were 7 failures, 4 in patients who in retrospect were not suitable candidates for the percutaneous operation (long stenotic segment and redundant renal pelvis) and 3 for which there was no obvious cause. All failures were apparent soon after removal of the stent that was inserted at the end of the procedure.
Cluster Size Measurements in an Ionized Cluster Beam System

Ionized Cluster Beam (ICB) deposition has Received considerable attention in recent years because of its potential application to low temperature semiconductor and metal film growth. To better understand this deposition process, however, it is necessary to determine the properties of the cluster source and the cluster size distribution obtained. This paper discusses the design of a time-of-f1ight mass spectrometer with single atom resolution for the measurement of cluster size in a conventional ICB deposition system. Results have been obtained for silver and germanium deposition. In both cases most of the clusters have been found to consist of less than 35 atoms. With the high resolution spectrometer it has been possible to show that certain cluster sizes are more stable than others.
Differential Ovarian Responses After Injections of Follicle-Stimulating and Pregnancy Urine in Very Young Female Rats.∗

It has been reported by Collip et al. that P.U. extract injections begun on the 6th day of life cause a thecal hypertrophy after 10 injections. In 5 litters of rats (each composed of 4 treated and 1 control) we have injected, daily, an amount of extract of follicle-stimulating urine which will induce a marked response in hypophysectomized male and female rats. Injections continued from the 6th to the 11th day of life up to the 16th or 17th day did not induce any ovarian change so far as we have been able to determine. Neither ovaries nor uteri were increased in weight and the vaginae did not open. In a series autopsied on the 21st day of life there was an increased ovarian weight and a marked stimulation of the follicles, but no thecal hypertrophy. These results show a marked difference between the action of F.-S.U. and P.U. extracts. They also show that the gamete and granulosa must undergo some maturation change before they are capable of responding to the follicle-stimulating hormone.
An Ultraclean Tip-Wear Reduction Scheme for Ultrahigh Density Scanning Probe-Based Data Storage

Probe-based memory devices using ferroelectric media have the potential to achieve ultrahigh data-storage densities under high write−read speeds. However, the high-speed scanning operations over a ...
A Fungus Observed on Egg Clusters of the Gypsy Moth, Porthetria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

During November and December 1971 the entomogenous fungus Paecilomyces farinosus [2][1] (Dickson ex. Fries) Brown and Smith was observed growing on egg clusters of the gypsy moth, Porthetria dispar (L.). This fungus has not heretofore been reported on gypsy moth eggs, although its colonies are quite conspicuous. In this note, its association with gypsy moth eggs, distribution, and abundance on egg clusters of the gypsy moth in Connecticut are reported. [1]: #fn-1
A Model of Intermediate Market Response

Traditional market share models can be elaborated by combining nonstationary stochastic models of brand choice with econometric models. A variable Markov model is described which allows assessment ...
A new procedure for processing strong-motion earthquake signals

Abstract A new procedure for routinely processing strong-motion earthquake signals using state-of-the-art filter design and implementation techniques is presented. The model, shown to be both accuratet and efficient, is sufficiently flexible so that the signal sampling period and filter parameters can be easily varied. A comparison of results from the existing United States model (Trifunac and Lee, 1973) and the proposed model show significant differences in the ground motion and response spectrum characteristics for the same set of filter limits. Drifts in integrated velocity and displacement characteristics and theoretically incorrect asymptotic behavior of response spectrum curves arising out of the existing United States processing scheme have been eliminated. In addition to the importance of appropriately selecting a low-frequency limit for band-pass filtering the signals, this work demonstrates the sensitivity of the acceleration trace to the particular choice of a high-frequency limit.
Immune activation in the central nervous system throughout the course of HIV infection.

Purpose of review Robust and dynamic innate and adaptive responses characterize the acute central nervous system (CNS) response to HIV and other viral infections. In a state of chronic infection or viral latency, persistent immune activation associates with abnormality in the CNS. Understanding this process is critical, as immune-mediated abnormality in nonrenewable CNS cells may result in long-term neurologic sequelae for HIV-infected individuals. Recent findings In humans, immune activation is reduced by suppressive combination antiretroviral therapy, but persists at abnormally elevated levels on treatment. CNS immune activation is initiated in acute infection and progressively increases until combination antiretroviral therapy is started. Newly identified characteristics of the CNS immune surveillance network include features of homeostasis and function of brain microglial cells, lymphatic drainage from CNS to cervical lymph nodes, and cells in cerebrospinal fluid associated with neurocognitive impairment. Summary More research is required to determine whether early intervention to reduce infection limits the immunopathology established by sustained immune responses that ultimately fail to resolve infection, and to unravel mechanisms of persistent immune activation during treated HIV so that strategies can be developed to therapeutically protect the brain.
Moving on: Narrative Perspectives on Grief and Loss

This chapter offers a narrative understanding of the nature of grief and loss, and proposes a narrative approach to working with these issues in clinical social work practice. The nature of the renegotiation of meaning following loss is explored, as well as the varieties of grief and loss that social workers may encounter in their practice. Clinical case illustrations are provided.
Direct Aspiration Catheter Fracture and Retrieval during Neurothrombectomy.

Background Application of direct aspiration catheters has revolutionized acute stroke care and has led to significant improvement in clinical outcome with a good safety profile. Catheter fracture and retention is a rare but potentially devastating complication. Case description Here we present two cases of acute stroke complicated by aspiration catheter fracture and retention. Successful catheter retrieval and revascularization was achieved in both cases. The stenosis or tortuosity of vascular anatomy appears to be the probable contributor to catheter breakage by anchoring the catheter with resultant fracture at the constraint point from catheter withdrawal tensile stress. Conclusion This report describes application of snare devices in retrieving a broken catheter during thrombectomy in the anterior and posterior circulation, and therefore presents a technique that can be safely utilized to address catheter breakage complicating thrombectomy in different vascular anatomic locations.
Membrane-Bound Enzymes in Plant Lipid Metabolism

Because of the heterogeneity of plant cells in terms of structure and function, assignment of membranous enzymes to a specific membrane system, i.e., plasma, organelle, or cell wall, is difficult. Progress in examining plant membrane-bound enzymes in detail has therefore been slow. Recently, however, density-gradient separation techniques, coupled with reliable marker enzymes, has been applied to a number of problems with some success (Moore et al., 1973). A further refinement is the employment of plant cells grown in suspension cultures under controlled conditions (Moore and Beevers, 1974). This material is reasonably uniform in age and development and has the added advantage of allowing the experimenter the opportunity of manipulating the milieu of the cell suspension under controlled conditions. With this background in mind we shall limit the contents of this chapter to a discussion of soluble and membrane-bound enzymes which participate in plant lipid metabolism.
Learning in Gastropod Mollusks

Among the six classes of mollusks, apart from that on the cephalopods the greatest amount of work relating to behavioral and neuronal plasticity has been done on the gastropods. The Gastropoda are a very large (over 80,000 species) and diverse class which have invaded every type of habitat with the exception of the aerial one. Their particular attractions to workers in neurophysiology and behavior are basically two. First, their diversity increases the likelihood that there will be one or several species readily available virtually anywhere on earth. A stroll in the marine intertidal is almost certain to turn up several snails, limpets, or nudibranchs, and numerous species of the families Lymnaeidae, Planorbidae, and Physidae inhabit pond, stream, and lake shores. There are snails and slugs inhabiting most leafy areas and dry grasslands. Even the sands of parched deserts support a gastropod fauna; e.g., Sphincterochila survives in the Negev (Yom-Tov, 1970; Schmidt-Nielsen et al., 1971).
The Impact of Price Transparency for Surgical Services.

Increasing insurance deductibles have prompted some medical centers to initiate transparent pricing. However, the impact of price transparency (PT) on surgical volume, revenue, and patient satisfac...
Pluralistic Ignorance of Physical Attractiveness in the Gay Male Community.

Researchers have found that a disproportionate percentage of men diagnosed with eating disorders identify as gay, and there is extensive evidence that gay men have significantly more body image con...
Simplified LC/MS assay for the measurement of isolevuglandin protein adducts in plasma and tissue samples

Isolevuglandins (IsoLGs) are a family of highly reactive 4-ketoaldehydes formed by lipid peroxidation that modify the lysyl residues of cellular proteins. Modification of proteins by IsoLGs have been shown to contribute to disease processes such as the development of hypertension. Accurate quantitation of the extent of protein modification by IsoLGs is essential for understanding the mechanisms whereby these modifications contribute to disease and the efficacy of interventions designed to prevent this modification. The previously described LC/MS assay to quantitate IsoLG protein adducts was extremely labor-intensive and time consuming, and while it offered reasonably low intra-day variation for replicate samples, variation when replicate samples were processed on separate days was significant. These limitations significantly restricted utilization of this approach. We therefore performed a series of studies to optimize the assay. We now report a significantly simplified LC/MS assay for measurement of IsoLG protein adducts with increased sensitivity and lower intra-day and inter-day variability.
Benefits of Roller Derby: The Roller Girl Perspective

Roller derby consists of two teams vying for points played on a flat oval track wearing quad skates. The specific research questions asked were: What are the characteristics of roller derby league members? What are the motivations of women who join roller derby leagues? What are reasons for continuing to participate? Do roller derby participants identify specific characteristics of the sport that distinguish it from other sports? Are there specific benefits from roller derby women seek and receive? An on-line survey was used and qualitative data were analyzed (n=1597). Based upon the data, a typical respondent is Caucasian, 20 to 40 years of age, heterosexual, in a married/domestic partnership, and has a post-secondary degree. Reasons for joining included looking for a new way to get exercise, add something new and different to my life, and roller derby might fit my personality. For continuing, the following reasons were ranked as important; roller derby adds richness to my life, I like the idea of overcoming obstacles as a team, and I like the social interaction. Because of participation, they benefited several ways including a positive opinion of self, health improvement, increased relationships, and an added outlook.
Modeling and prediction of flow-induced hemolysis: a review

Despite decades of research related to hemolysis, the accuracy of prediction algorithms for complex flows leaves much to be desired. Fundamental questions remain about how different types of fluid stresses translate to red cell membrane failure. While cellular- and molecular-level simulations hold promise, spatial resolution to such small scales is computationally intensive. This review summarizes approaches to continuum-level modeling of hemolysis, a method that is likely to be useful well into the future for design of typical cardiovascular devices. Weaknesses are revealed for the Eulerian method of hemolysis prediction and for the linearized damage function. Wide variations in scaling of red cell membrane tension are demonstrated with different types of fluid stresses when the scalar fluid stress is the same, as well as when the energy dissipation rate is the same. New experimental data are needed for red cell damage in simple flows with controlled levels of different types of stresses, including laminar shear, laminar extension (normal), turbulent shear, and turbulent extension. Such data can be curve-fit to create more universal continuum-level models and can serve to validate numerical simulations.
Spatio-temporal additive regression model selection for urban water demand

Understanding the factors influencing urban water use is critical for meeting demand and conserving resources. To analyze the relationships between urban household-level water demand and potential drivers, we develop a method for Bayesian variable selection in partially linear additive regression models, particularly suited for high-dimensional spatio-temporally dependent data. Our approach combines a spike-and-slab prior distribution with a modified version of the Bayesian group lasso to simultaneously perform selection of null, linear, and nonlinear models and to penalize regression splines to prevent overfitting. We investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method through a simulation study and provide comparisons with existing methods. We illustrate the methodology on a case study to estimate and quantify uncertainty of the associations between several environmental and demographic predictors and spatio-temporally varying household-level urban water demand in Tampa, FL.
The quest for Holocaust memory in Polish films, 2012–2016

Fantasies of Jews returning to Poland after the Holocaust have become a staple of post-Communist Polish cultural expression. Recent Polish films, Aftermath (2012), Ida (2013), and Demon (2015) repr...
Outcomes of heart transplantation from hepatitis C virus-positive donors.

BACKGROUND National data demonstrate that increasing opportunities exist for organ donation among hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected individuals. METHODS We developed a clinical practice protocol for the acceptance of HCV+ organs for HCV- patients who underwent heart transplantation (HT) and retrospectively reviewed the outcomes at our institution. Inclusion criteria were as follows: all adult patients listed for HT. Exclusion criteria were as follows: pre-existing HIV or active hepatitis B viremia in the recipient/donor. RESULTS We transplanted 21 patients from HCV+ donors. Nineteen were viremic donors, and 2 were non-viremic donors. The recipients included 18 patients who underwent HT alone, and 3 patients who underwent combined heart-kidney transplants. There was no HCV transmission from the non-viremic donors (n = 2). All 19 recipients of the viremic donors developed HCV infection (100% transmission). The median age of the viremic donors was 34 years (interquartile range 30–46), and 84.2% were considered US Public Health Service–increased risk. Induction immunosuppression consisted of anti-thymocyte globulin (7/21), basiliximab (7/21), or none (8/21). Maintenance immunosuppression comprised tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. Post-operative Week 2 HCV viral load was not related to induction. Direct anti-viral agent (DAA) therapy for a 12-week course consisted of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (14/19, 74%), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (2/19, 11%), elbasvir/grazoprevir (2/19, 11%), and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (1/19, 5%). All the patients on DAA therapy cleared viremia. The sustained virological response rate at 12 weeks in 18 evaluable patients was 100%. CONCLUSIONS We report successful single-center experience using HCV+ organs for HT into HCV- recipients. We believe that there is utility in using such organs to expand the current donor pool. Further long-term follow-up is needed.
Creating change, challenging structure: graduate and faculty perspectives on the implementation of an interprofessional education program in veterans affairs primary care.

Interprofessional clinical education programs have the potential to impact participants’ professional expectations and practices related to team-based care. In this qualitative study, research team...
Hypothalamic Grafts and Neuroendocrine Cascade Theories of Aging

Transplantation of fetal brain tissue has been reported for several structures including the cortex,1 supraoptic and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei,2 and substantia nigra.3 We report here transplantation of another brain structure, the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA), from 17- to 19-day prenatal rats to reproductively senescent female rats, aged 15–17 months. On the basis of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) immunocytochemistry initiated 9 weeks after transplantation, grafted POA appear to have survived and to exhibit LHRH-positive cell bodies and fibers both afferent to and efferent from the host.
Alcohol dependence potentiates substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor signaling in the rat central nucleus of amygdala.

Behavioral and clinical studies suggest a critical role of substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) signaling in alcohol dependence. Here, we examined regulation of GABA transmission in the medial subdivision of the central amygdala (CeM) by the SP/NK-1R system, and its neuroadaptation following chronic alcohol exposure. In naive rats, SP increased action potential-dependent GABA release, and the selective NK-1R antagonist L822429 decreased it, demonstrating SP regulation of CeM activity under basal conditions. SP induced a larger GABA release in alcohol-dependent rats accompanied by decreased NK-1R expression compared to naive controls, suggesting NK-1R hypersensitivity which persisted during protracted alcohol withdrawal. The NK-1R antagonist blocked acute alcohol-induced GABA release in alcohol-dependent and withdrawn but not in naive rats, indicating that dependence engages the SP/NK-1R system to mediate acute effects of alcohol. Collectively, we report long-lasting CeA NK-1R hypersensitivity corroborating that NK-1Rs are promising targets for the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Diastolic Coronary Artery Compression in Constrictive Pericarditis.

Abstract Phasic coronary artery compression during diastole is a rare phenomenon. We describe a case of diastolic coronary artery compression which was caused by constrictive pericarditis. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Genetic circuit characterization by inferring RNA polymerase movement and ribosome usage.

To perform their computational function, genetic circuits change states through a symphony of genetic parts that turn regulator expression on and off. Debugging is frustrated by an inability to characterize parts in the context of the circuit and identify the origins of failures. Here, we take snapshots of a large genetic circuit in different states: RNA-seq is used to visualize circuit function as a changing pattern of RNA polymerase (RNAP) flux along the DNA. Together with ribosome profiling, all 54 genetic parts (promoters, ribozymes, RBSs, terminators) are parameterized and used to inform a mathematical model that can predict circuit performance, dynamics, and robustness. The circuit behaves as designed; however, it is riddled with genetic errors, including cryptic sense/antisense promoters and translation, attenuation, incorrect start codons, and a failed gate. While not impacting the expected Boolean logic, they reduce the prediction accuracy and could lead to failures when the parts are used in other designs. Finally, the cellular power (RNAP and ribosome usage) required to maintain a circuit state is calculated. This work demonstrates the use of a small number of measurements to fully parameterize a regulatory circuit and quantify its impact on host. Debugging a genetic circuit is frustrated by the inability to characterize parts in the context of the circuit. Here the authors use RNA-seq and ribosome profiling to take ‘snapshots’ of a large circuit in different states.
The Effect of High Efficiency Building Technologies and PV Generation on the Energy Profiles for Typical US Residences

The penetrations of high efficiency technologies and photovoltaic (PV) generation are increasing in the residential sector. Technologies such as improved insulation and efficient HVAC systems significantly affect the energy profile of a house. This effect varies due to climate characteristics, i.e. temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speeds. The effect of other technologies, such as efficient water heaters, lighting, or kitchen appliances, is mainly governed by human behavior, which may be represented by a schedule. This paper studies the performance of both climate-influenced and scheduled household devices among different levels of efficiency through combined computational and experimental methods. Three houses were constructed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and were outfitted with robots that mimicked the occupation of a family. The houses represented three categories of residences, namely, typical builder, retrofit, and near net-zero-energy. With the energy and weather data collected from 2009 to 2014, a total of four house energy models were developed to account for equipment changes throughout the years. The studies performed using these models considered the behavior of the HVAC systems, PV system, and water heaters as well as climate effects.
Statistical fragility of randomized clinical trials in shoulder arthroplasty.

Background The P value is a statistical tool used to assess the statistical significance of clinical trial outcomes in orthopedic surgery. However, the P value does not evaluate research quality or clinical significance. The Fragility Index (FI) is an alternative statistical method that can be used to assess the quality and significance of clinical research and is defined as the number of patients in a study intervention group necessary to convert an outcome from statistically significant to statistically insignificant or vice versa. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the statistical robustness of clinical trials regarding shoulder arthroplasty using the FI. The secondary goal was to identify trial characteristics associated greater statistical fragility. Methods A systematic review of randomized clinical trials in shoulder arthroplasty was performed. The FI was calculated for all dichotomous, categorical study outcomes discussed in the identified studies. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to evaluate all studies and characterize associations between study variables. Results A total of 13 randomized controlled trials were identified and evaluated; these trials had a median sample size of 47 patients (mean, 54 patients; range, 26-102 patients) and a median of 7 patients (mean, 5.8 patients; range, 0-14 patients) lost to follow-up. The median FI was 6 (mean, 5; range, 1-11), a higher FI than what has been observed in other orthopedic subspecialties. However, the majority of outcomes (74.4%) had an FI that was less than the number of patients lost to follow-up, and most outcomes (89.7%) were statistically insignificant. Conclusion Randomized controlled trials in shoulder arthroplasty have comparable statistical robustness to the literature in other orthopedic surgical subspecialties. We believe that the inclusion of the FI in future comparative studies in the shoulder arthroplasty literature will allow surgeons to better assess the statistical robustness of future research.
Cavitation causes brain injury

In this study, an artificial transparent head surrogate with high-speed photography discovers the formation and collapse of cavitation bubbles near the contrecoup regions as the head is exposed to a sudden translational impact. The cavitation damages the brain surface and produces a shock wave through the brain matter. Based on a novel experimental design, this new finding uncovers the mystery of the motion and deformation of the soft brain matter, which is not visible otherwise. It suggests that current brain injury criteria may underestimate the risk of head collision.