cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extended phase I evaluation of vincristine, irinotecan, temozolomide, and antibiotic in children with refractory solid tumors.

Background The combination of irinotecan, temozolomide, and vincristine is appealing because of potentially synergistic mechanisms of action and non-overlapping toxicities. This phase I study was designed to determine the toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of escalating daily protracted doses of irinotecan given in this combination. With extended accrual, we more fully explored the toxicity of multiple courses at the MTD. Procedure Patients under 22 years with recurrent or refractory solid tumors were eligible. A course of chemotherapy was given every 28 days. Cefpodoxime was given for diarrhea prophylaxis. Vincristine (1.5 mg/m2, max 2 mg) was given intravenously (IV) on days 1 and 8. Temozolomide (100 mg/m2/day) was given orally on days 1–5. Irinotecan was given IV over 1 hr on days 1–5 and 8–12. Dose escalation was done in the standard 3 + 3 cohort design, starting at 15 mg/m2/day. Results Twenty-five of 26 eligible patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. They received 111 courses (1–13, median 4). Dose limiting toxicity (DLT—pancreatitis, transaminitis) was seen in two of three patients at dose level 2 (20 mg/m2). No patients at level 1 had DLT during the first two cycles. Thus, the MTD of irinotecan in this combination is 15 mg/m2/day × 10 doses. Hematologic toxicity was mild and not prolonged. Grade 3 diarrhea was seen in five courses. Responses included two complete and two partial with 12 stable disease (SD) (median 6 months). Conclusions This combination is safe and shows activity in pediatric patients with recurrent malignancy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:909–915 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Buckling of a heavy lamina by an edge displacement

Abstract A heavy lamina lies horizontally. By pushing on one edge the lamina buckles. This paper studies the post-buckling characteristics for a given edge displacement. The heavy elastica equations are solved by perturbation and by numerical integration.
Relativistic Transport Equations for Electromagnetic, Scalar, and Pseudoscalar Potentials

The authors propose a particular form of relativistic transport equations arising from the classical limit of single-time Wigner function for Dirac particles evolving in the presence of scalar, pseudoscalar, and electromagnetic fields. These relativistic Vlasov-type equations for the particle and the antiparticle sector of the Fock space can be also obtained assuming the validity of the Liouville`s equation given a suitable classical Hamiltonian and the associated force. 11 refs.
Subperiosteal rib-saving approach to kidney

An operative approach to the kidney is described which takes advantage of the single attachment of the eleventh and twelfth ribs to their vertebral bodies, and an avascular plane that is present in the periosteal bed of the rib. By separation of the posterior attachments, the rib can pivot posteriorly and give a wide exposure of the kidney. By using an approach through the bed of the rib, the vascular supply to the intercostal space is avoided and less operative blood loss occurs. Saving the rib, rather than transecting it, avoids pleural and glove damage during the operation and adds a firmness to the wound not present when the rib is excised.
Surgical results in patients with pulmonary atresia-major aortopulmonary collaterals in association with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Background Pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals (PA/MAPCAs) is a complex form of congenital heart disease. One to two percent of patients with PA/MAPCAs will also have total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). This study summarizes our surgical experience with this rare combination of life-threatening congenital heart defects. Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who had surgery for PA/MAPCAs in association with TAPVC. From November 2001 to March 2011, 9 patients presented with this combination of defects. Eight of the 9 patients had heterotaxy with an unbalanced atrioventricular canal and functional single ventricle. The ninth patient had double outlet right ventricle (two ventricles). Timing of surgical intervention was typically predicated on the degree of pulmonary venous obstruction. The median age at surgery was 14 days. All nine patients had surgical correction of TAPVC, unifocalization of MAPCA's into a central confluence, and placement of a shunt. Results There was one early mortality ( Conclusions The PA/MAPCAs, in association with TAPVC, is a challenging combination of defects. The data suggest that the combination of PA/MAPCAs and TAPVC can be undertaken with a reasonable midterm prognosis.
705-5 Comparison of Radiofrequency Lesions in the Canine Left Ventricle Using a Saline Irrigated Electrode Versus Temperature Control

The maximum power deliverable by present radiofrequency (RF) ablation systems is limited by an impedance rise which occurs when the temperature at the electrode-tissue interface reaches 100 z C. The limitation in power limits the depth and diameter of the lesion. The present method to avoid an impedance rise and maximize power delivery utilizes a thermistor in the ablation electrode. The power is varied to maintain a target temperature and prevent the temperature from exceeding 90–95 z C (temperature control approach-TC). An alternative approach utilizes saline irrigation of the ablation electrode (active cooling) to prevent an impedance rise at high power (IR approach). The purpose of this study was to compare LV lesion size produced by the IR and TC approaches. In 15 anesthetized dogs (18–22 kg), a 7F deflectable catheter with a lumen and 5 mm tip electrode containing a thermistor and 6 Irrigation holes (located radially, 1 mm from tip) was inserted into a carotid artery and advanced to the LV under fluoroscopic guidance. RF current was applied at one site by manually controlling voltage (30–80 V) to maintain the electrode temperature at 80–90 z C (TC) and at a second site using saline irrigation (60 ml/min) and constant voltage of 90 V (IR). In 3 additional dogs with remote myocardial infarction (3–6 months), a total of 4 RF lesions was made at the border of the scar, all by IR approach (IR MI). The 15 dogs were sacrificed 6 days after ablation and the 3 dogs with infarction were sacrificed 4 hours after ablation Results. Voltage (V) Power (W) Imp Rise Elect tem (°C) Lesion Depth Diameter (mm) TC 15 57 ± 13 36 ± 17 3/15 84 ± 3 9.3 ± 2.0 12.7 ± 2.4 IR 15 90 ± 0 * 88 ± 8 * 6/15 38 ± 4 * 12.1 ± 2.4 * 20.5 ± 2.8 * IR MI 4 90 ± 0 81 ± 10 3/4 36 ± 3 8.6 ± 1.0 16.0 ± 2.4 * p l 0.01; TC vs. IR All impedance rises occurred after g30 seconds and with electrode temperature l80°C and an audible pop, suggesting release of steam from below the endocardial surface instead of boiling at the electrode-tissue interface. Conclusions 1) Electrode cooling by saline irrigation allows sustained RF energy at high power; producing larger and deeper lesions in normal LV myocardium; 2) the deeper lesions with a cooler electrode suggests direct resistive heating occurs relatively far from the electrode; and 3) reasonable lesions can be obtained in infarcted LV using irrigation.
Solar system: Not just a storm in a teacup.

The cloud that emerged above the south pole of Saturn's moon Titan in 2012 has been found to consist of hydrogen cyanide particles. This unexpected result prompts fresh thinking about the atmosphere of this satellite. See Letter p.65 In May 2012 the Imaging Science Subsystem on-board the Cassini spacecraft identified a large cloud-like structure above the dark southern pole of Saturn's largest moon Titan. Since then the cloud has been seen at very high altitudes (300 km) and high southern latitudes in regions of the atmosphere where temperatures were too high to allow the condensation of any of Titan's known trace gases. This mysterious cloud has now been characterized using near-infrared spectra from Cassini's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer. The data reveal a cloud composed of micrometre-sized hydrogen cyanide (HCN) ice particles and are consistent with dramatic cooling of Titan's atmosphere inside the winter polar vortex in early 2012. Such a cooling — to temperatures a hundred degrees colder than predicted by circulation models — contrasts with the high-altitude warming observed previously in the polar vortex.
Identifying Biological Network Structure, Predicting Network Behavior, and Classifying Network State With High Dimensional Model Representation (HDMR)

This work presents an adapted Random Sampling - High Dimensional Model Representation (RS-HDMR) algorithm for synergistically addressing three key problems in network biology: (1) identifying the structure of biological networks from multivariate data, (2) predicting network response under previously unsampled conditions, and (3) inferring experimental perturbations based on the observed network state. RS-HDMR is a multivariate regression method that decomposes network interactions into a hierarchy of non-linear component functions. Sensitivity analysis based on these functions provides a clear physical and statistical interpretation of the underlying network structure. The advantages of RS-HDMR include efficient extraction of nonlinear and cooperative network relationships without resorting to discretization, prediction of network behavior without mechanistic modeling, robustness to data noise, and favorable scalability of the sampling requirement with respect to network size. As a proof-of-principle study, RS-HDMR was applied to experimental data measuring the single-cell response of a protein-protein signaling network to various experimental perturbations. A comparison to network structure identified in the literature and through other inference methods, including Bayesian and mutual-information based algorithms, suggests that RS-HDMR can successfully reveal a network structure with a low false positive rate while still capturing non-linear and cooperative interactions. RS-HDMR identified several higher-order network interactions that correspond to known feedback regulations among multiple network species and that were unidentified by other network inference methods. Furthermore, RS-HDMR has a better ability to predict network response under unsampled conditions in this application than the best statistical inference algorithm presented in the recent DREAM3 signaling-prediction competition. RS-HDMR can discern and predict differences in network state that arise from sources ranging from intrinsic cell-cell variability to altered experimental conditions, such as when drug perturbations are introduced. This ability ultimately allows RS-HDMR to accurately classify the experimental conditions of a given sample based on its observed network state.
Some Effects of Logging and Associated Road Construction on Northern California Streams

Abstract The effects of logging and associated road construction on four California trout and salmon streams were investigated from 1966 through 1969. This study included measurements of streambed sedimentation, water quality, fish food abundance, and stream nursery capacity. Logging was found to be compatible with anadromous fish production when adequate attention was given to stream protection and channel clearance. The carrying capacities for juvenile salmonids of some stream sections were increased when high temperatures, low dissolved oxygen concentrations, and adverse sedimentation did not accompany the logging. Extensive use of bulldozers on steep slopes for road building and in stream channels during debris removal caused excessive streambed sedimentation in narrow streams. Sustained logging prolonged adverse conditions in one stream and delayed stream recovery. Other aspects of logging on anadromous fish production on the Pacific Coast are discussed.
Pediatric Hypertension: Diagnosis, Evaluation, Management, and Treatment for the Primary Care Physician

This monograph is intended for the primary care physician or nurse practitioner caring for children to assist in managing the growing epidemic of hypertension in the pediatric population. The approach is one to assist with the measurement of blood pressure (BP), the identification and diagnosis of hypertension, understanding the new concepts that end-organ damage due to hypertension occurs even in childhood, beginning an evaluation for the etiologies of hypertension and associated comorbidities, and finally, addressing therapeutic lifestyle changes and the issues of whom to treat with the proper selection of antihypertensive medications. A more detailed discussion of this topic can be found in a recently published
Conservation implications of the diffusion of Christian religious ideals in rural Africa

Throughout developing countries, major world religions are spreading into areas important for biodiversity conservation, and little is know about the potential effects of this expansion. This paper examines the effect of religious ideals on mechanisms that underlie changes in population growth, economic development, and land conversion within a polygamous, agro-pastoral society near Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania where Christianity is spreading rapidly. Mixed qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis are used to (1) identify primary Christian ideals and church messages within local communities regarding family planning, development, and land use; and (2) estimate the association between church membership and household measures of family size, school enrollment, and land use controlling for other factors. Findings indicate that the effects of church messages and membership may be consistent with conversation goals to limit population growth, promote local development, and encourage certain land uses over others.
Reducing costs and length of stay and improving efficiency and quality of care in cardiac surgery.

Abstract Background . The present era of health care places major emphasis on significantly reducing cost and resource utilization while maintaining quality of care and patient satisfaction. Clinicians are being challenged to achieve this within the framework of a patient subset that is increasing in severity of disease and risk-adjusted mortality. The Brigham and Women's Cardiac Surgical Services Management Group was formed in 1987 to help accomplish these goals. Methods . The principles we have followed involve protocols and people. The multidisciplinary group includes the chiefs of cardiac surgery and anesthesia, chief residents, physician assistants, perfusionists, intensive care unit nursing personnel, and case managers. Weekly meetings address every aspect of problems arising in the cardiac surgical service; separate weekly morbidity and mortality conferences are held. The Care Coordination Team establishes and monitors clinical pathways and recommends ways of improving all aspects of the service through a process of daily review on an individual patient basis. Results . The volume of cardiac surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital has increased steadily. The length of stay overall has decreased about 15%, and similarly, cost and total charges have also decreased. In addition, patient satisfaction has increased to a level of about 95%. Conclusions . The goals of cost-containment with improved patient care and outcome are possible through the collaborative efforts of representatives of all the personnel involved in cardiac care, as well as leadership by the surgical faculty.
The effect of electrophoretic lignocaine blockade in the region of the carotid sinuses on spontaneous and water diuresis

The effect of electrophoretic lignocaine blockade in the region of the carotid sinuses on changes in the intensity of spontaneous and water diuresis was investigated on anaesthetized dogs. After the blockade a reduction in spontaneous diuresis was observed and a marked and statistically significant restriction of water diuresis was noted as compared with the control experiments. The reduction in diuresis after the blockade was of a brief duration and did not appear to be related to changes in the intensity of the filtration through the kidneys, which was only slightly lower, but to changes in reabsorption. In all probability, the carotid blockade is connected with a dominance of hormonal effects by elimination of the effect of the nervi vagi, osmoreceptors of the carotid arteries and in particular the chemoreceptors of the carotid body.
Decomposition methods for large linear discrete ill-posed problems

The solution of large linear discrete ill-posed problems by iterative methods continues to receive considerable attention. This paper presents decomposition methods that split the solution space into a Krylov subspace that is determined by the iterative method and an auxiliary subspace that can be chosen to help represent pertinent features of the solution. Decomposition is well suited for use with the GMRES, RRGMRES, and LSQR iterative schemes.
A hybrid approach to theoretical analysis of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor

A static analysis of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) is presented based on a new discrete/continuum approach to modeling the dynamics of biomolecules. This hybrid method utilizes knowledge of the intramolecular potential and molecular configuration to generate a field of elastic modulus tensors. These tensors, which relate the local stress and strain for each atom in the biomolecule, can be used to judge the local rigidity as well as indicate regions of high stress. Comparing the tensor fields for an unrelaxed and a relaxed configuration, the microscopic structure of BPTI is found to be anisotropic and to have regions of stress even when it is relaxed in the potential field. However, when these fields are averaged over the whole protein or over individual residues the structure becomes more isotropic and the stressed regions vanish. Using these averaged tensors, we calculated bulk properties such as Young's modulus and the Lame constants and they agreed with previously reported values.
Theoretical formulation for electron transfer coupled to multiple protons: Application to amidinium-carboxylate interfaces

This paper presents a theoretical formulation for electron transfer coupled to the motion of multiple protons. This theory is applied to proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) through amidinium–carboxylate salt bridges, where the electron transfer reaction is coupled to the motion of two protons at the proton transfer interface. The rate for the donor–(amidinium–carboxylate)–acceptor system is found to be substantially slower than the rate for the switched interface donor–(carboxylate–amidinium)–acceptor system. This trend is consistent with experimental data for photoinduced PCET in analogous systems. The calculations indicate that this difference in rates is due mainly to the opposite dipole moments at the proton transfer interfaces for the two systems, leading to an endothermic reaction for the donor–(amidinium–carboxylate)–acceptor system and an exothermic reaction for the donor–(carboxylate–amidinium)–acceptor system. The deuterium kinetic isotope effects are found to be moderate (i.e., kH/kD<3) for...
Stratigraphic Occurrence and Correlation of Early Tertiary Vertebrate Faunas, Trans-Pecos Texas: Agua Fria–Green Valley Areas

ABSTRACT The Devil's Graveyard Formation, Agua Fria–Green Valley area of Brewster and Presidio counties, Texas, has produced the early Uintan Whistler Squat local fauna from the basal conglomerate and the lower member, the late Uintan Serendipity local fauna from the middle member, the early Duchesnean Skyline local fauna from the base of the Bandera Mesa Member, an early Chadronian unnamed local fauna from the Cotter channels, and the early Chadronian Coffee Cup local fauna from the middle part of the Bandera Mesa Member. Stratigraphic positions for and composition of the local faunas are given. Faunas from the Cotter channels and Montgomery bonebed are correlated with the Porvenir local fauna of the Vieja area. The Coffee Cup local fauna is correlated with the Airstrip local fauna of the Vieja area. K-Ar dates associated with each of the local faunas extend from 49.7 and 46.9 to 32.2 m.y. The Skyline local fauna lies above a date of 42.7 m.y. and beneath the Cotter channels and Montgomery bonebed. The s...
Age-related changes in the polypeptide composition of β-crystallin from bovine lens

Abstract βH-Crystallin and βL-crystallin were isolated from bovine lenses of widely varying age. Electrophoretic analysis of the disaggregated polypeptide chains demonstrated marked age-related shifts in relative polypeptide abundance, both among the polypeptides common to βH and βL and those unique to βH. The data suggest the possibility that post-synthetic modifications may occur in bovine β-crystallin, as has previously been shown for bovine α-crystallin.
Oxidative recession, sulfur release, and Al2O3 spallation for Y-doped alloys

Second-order spallation phenomena have been noted for Y-doped Rene'N5 after long term oxidation at 1150 degrees C. The reason for this behavior has not been conclusively identified. A mass equivalence analysis has shown that the surface recession resulting from oxidation has the potential of releasing about 0.15 monolayer of sulfur for every 1 mg/sq cm of oxygen reacted for an alloy containing 5 ppmw of sulfur. This amount is significant in comparison to levels that have been shown to result in first-order spallation behavior for undoped alloys. Oxidative recession is therefore speculated to be a contributing source of sulfur and second-order spallation for Y-doped alloys.
Some properties of a class of biased regression estimators

Abstract For the linear statistical model y = Xb + e , X of full column rank estimates of b of the form (C + X′X) + X′y are studied, where C commutes with X′X and Q + is the Moore-Penrose inverse of Q. Such estimators may have smaller mean square error, component by component than does the least squares estimator. It is shown that this class of estimators is equivalent to two apparently different classes considered by other authors. It is also shown that there is no C such that ( C + X ′ X ) + X ′ Y = M y, in which My has the smallest mean square error, component by component. Two criteria, other than tmse, are suggested for selecting C. Each leads to an estimator independent of the unknown b and σ 2 . Subsequently, comparisons are made between estimators in which the C matrices are functions of a parameter k. Finally, it is shown for the no intercept model that standardizing, using a biased estimate for the transformed parameter vector, and retransforming to the original units yields an estimator with larger tmse than the least squares estimator.
Mammalian primitive erythrocytes: neither fish nor fowl

Mammalian primitive erythroblasts undergo enucleation in the circulation, thus refuting the long-standing perception that primitive erythroblasts remain nucleated and are more similar to nucleated avian, fish, and reptile red cells than to definitive red cells of mammals. During mammalian
Scrotal Swelling in Children

1. George W. Kaplan, MD* 1. 2. *Clinical Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine; Chief of Urology, Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Determine when to treat hydroceles. 2. Describe the primary difference between testicular tumors and hydroceles. 3. Delineate the treatment of torsion of the testis. 4. Describe the abnormalities that frequently are associated with epididymitis. 5. Explain the best method of detecting varicocele. Scrotal enlargement is seen with some frequency in children and adolescents. There are a number of lesions in the differential diagnosis whose import varies from mundane to life-threatening. Recognizing these lesions and making the diagnosis can enhance the efficacy of any practicing clinician. Lesions can be divided into chronic (or at least subacute) and acute, and the differential diagnosis of each category is substantially dissimilar. ### HYDROCELE Hydroceles are seen very frequently in children and with some regularity in newborn males. A hydrocele is a collection of fluid between the layers of the tunica vaginalis surrounding the testis. In children, hydroceles usually appear because the processus vaginalis is patent between the peritoneal cavity and the scrotum. During the first year of life, the processus vaginalis often closes spontaneously, and the hydrocele usually resolves. However, if the patent processus vaginalis is sufficiently enlarged, it is unlikely to close spontaneously, and a hernia (a viscus that protrudes into the patent processus vaginalis) is likely to be present. Hydroceles are easily recognized as swelling in the scrotum, either unilaterally or bilaterally (Table 1⇓ ). They may cast a bluish hue to the overlying scrotal skin, especially in infants and younger children. Transillumination of the hydrocele, if positive, will establish the presence of fluid. If the hydrocele collapses with gentle pressure, a hernia component is likely. In general, hydroceles in infants younger than 1 year of age are allowed to resolve spontaneously; even very large noncommunicating hydroceles in infants often resolve spontaneously (Table 2⇓). Hydroceles that …
Perceptions of China in the Turkish Korean War Narratives

Abstract Turkey’s decision to enter the Korean War in the early 1950s was a major event in the republic’s history. As the country became a NATO member after the war, most scholars see this event as the beginning of a new era in Turkish foreign policy. This article argues that the Korean War has also been important in shaping the long‐term image of East Asian cultures and peoples in Turkish collective memory. The article’s main focus is on the Sino‐Turkish military encounter and the representation of China and the Chinese in the Turkish war memoirs, journals, and other narratives. This study also aims to discuss the critical role of these narratives in constructing a negative image for China while they created a favorable cultural stereotype for Koreans and Japanese.
The fire frequency analysis branch of the pyrostatistics tree: sampling decisions and censoring in fire interval data

Statistical characterization of past fire regimes is important for both the ecology and management of fire-prone ecosystems. Survival analysis—or fire frequency analysis as it is often called in the fire literature—has increasingly been used over the last few decades to examine fire interval distributions. These distributions can be generated from a variety of sources (e.g., tree rings and stand age patterns), and analysis typically involves fitting the Weibull model. Given the widespread use of fire frequency analysis and the increasing availability of mapped fire history data, our goal has been to review and to examine some of the issues faced in applying these methods in a spatially explicit context. In particular, through a case study on the massive Cedar Fire in 2003 in southern California, we examine sensitivities of parameter estimates to the spatial resolution of sampling, point- and area-based methods for assigning sample values, current age surfaces versus historical intervals in generating distributions, and the inclusion of censored (i.e., incomplete) observations. Weibull parameter estimates were found to be roughly consistent with previous fire frequency analyses for shrublands (i.e., median age at burning of ~30–50 years and relatively low age dependency). Results indicate, however, that the inclusion or omission of censored observations can have a substantial effect on parameter estimates, far more than other decisions about specifics of sampling.
Calculation of actinic fluxes with a coupled atmosphere-snow radiative transfer model

[1] A one-dimensional atmospheric radiative transfer model has been extended to include scattering and absorption by multiple layers of snow. Empirical values for scattering coefficients for wet and dry snow and for absorption by impurities are derived from previous observations of snow albedo and irradiance attenuation depth, thus avoiding the uncertainties inherent in modeling the optical properties of ensembles of individual snow grains. Vertical profiles of spectral actinic flux within the model snowpack are computed and compared to those of down-welling spectral irradiance. The ratio of these two quantities is a strong function of solar zenith angle near the snow surface but rapidly approaches ∼0.25 (the isotropic limit) at depths greater than a few centimeters. Calculated rates of in-snow nitrate (NO3−) photolysis confirm that this process can explain at least part of the enhanced NOx concentrations observed in the atmospheric boundary layer above snow.
Water-stable, hydroxamate anchors for functionalization of TiO2 surfaces with ultrafast interfacial electron transfer

A novel class of derivatized hydroxamic acid linkages for robust sensitization of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) under various aqueous conditions is described. The stability of linkages bound to metal oxides under various conditions is important in developing photocatalytic cells which incorporate transition metal complexes for solar energy conversion. In order to compare the standard carboxylate anchor to hydroxamates, two organic dyes differing only in anchoring groups were synthesized and attached to TiO2 NPs. At acidic, basic, and close to neutral pH, hydroxamic acid linkages resist detachment compared to the labile carboxylic acids. THz spectroscopy was used to compare ultrafast interfacial electron transfer (IET) into the conduction band of TiO2 for both linkages and found similar IET characteristics. Observable electron injection and stronger binding suggest that hydroxamates are a suitable class of anchors for designing water stable molecules for functionalizing TiO2.
Transgenerational effects of social stress on social behavior, corticosterone, oxytocin, and prolactin in rats

Social stressors such as depressed maternal care and family conflict are robust challenges which can have long-term physiological and behavioral effects on offspring and future generations. The current study investigates the transgenerational effects of an ethologically relevant chronic social stress on the behavior and endocrinology of juvenile and adult rats. Exposure to chronic social stress during lactation impairs maternal care in F0 lactating dams and the maternal care of the F1 offspring of those stressed F0 dams. The overall hypothesis was that the male and female F2 offspring of stressed F1 dams would display decreased social behavior as both juveniles and adults and that these behavioral effects would be accompanied by changes in plasma corticosterone, prolactin, and oxytocin. Both the female and male F2 offspring of dams exposed to chronic social stress displayed decreased social behavior as juveniles and adults, and these behavioral effects were accompanied by decreases in basal concentrations of corticosterone in both sexes, as well as elevated juvenile oxytocin and decreased adult prolactin in the female offspring. The data support the conclusion that social stress has transgenerational effects on the social behavior of the female and male offspring which are mediated by changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Social stress models are valuable resources in the study of the transgenerational effects of stress on the behavioral endocrinology of disorders such as depression, anxiety, autism, and other disorders involving disrupted social behavior.
THE LOGIC OF ROLE THEORY: ROLE CONFLICT AND STABILITY OF THE SELF-CONCEPT

Abstract Non-monotonic logic offers a useful framework for modeling human reasoning in social settings where role conflict arises from contradictions among roles, norms, and constraints. This paper uses non-monotonic logic to specify the processes by which an individual chooses actions (based on self-concept and norms) and observers then make attributions about the individual (based on actions and norms). By linking the choice and attribution processes together with the assumption that the individual gradually internalizes attributions, we obtain a feedback loop governing change in the self-concept. Analysis of this feedback loop reveals that the self-concept may reach a stable long-run state–an “absorbing self” – only if the normative system is logically consistent.
Evaluation of the time-resolved spark for the determination of sodium, potassium, and calcium in microsamples

This paper describes the evaluation of a time-resolved graphite spark source emission spectrometer built for the purpose of determining Ca, Na, and K in nanoliter volume samples of renal fluid. Subnanogram detection limits calculated from the working curve slope and the uncertainty of the sample signal are reported for Ca, Na and K; these detection limits are some three orders of magnitude higher than the shot noise limit. With the use of Li as an internal standard, working curves from 0 to 1 ng of Na, K, and Ca are shown. System performance data are given, and the utility of the analysis is discussed.
Differential sensitivity of intestinal brush border enzymes to pancreatic and lysosomal proteases.

Abstract Isolated human intestinal brush border membranes were used as sources of enzyme to study their degradation by proteolytic enzymes. Human intestinal brush border hydrolases undergo degradation by two separate proteolytic systems. Sucrase and alkaline phosphatase are degraded by pancreatic proteases (e.g. chymotrypsin) at neutral pH, whereas trehalase is degraded by lysosomal extracts at acid pH. Both the membrane bound and membrane free isolated enzymes had similar sensitivity to proteolytic enzymes. Thus, initial removal from the membrane is not essential as a prerequisite to proteolysis. It is postulated that the brush border membrane of the intestine is subject to proteolysis by pancreatic enzymes from the external cell surface and by lysosomal proteases within the cell.
Using geolocated Twitter data to monitor the prevalence of healthy and unhealthy food references across the US

Abstract Mining the social media outlet Twitter for geolocated messages provides a rich database of information on people's thoughts and sentiments about myriad topics, like public health. Examining this spatial data has been particularly useful to researchers interested in monitoring and mapping disease outbreaks, like influenza. However, very little has been done to utilize this massive resource to examine other public health issues. This paper uses an advanced data-mining framework with a novel use of social media data retrieval and sentiment analysis to understand how geolocated tweets can be used to explore the prevalence of healthy and unhealthy food across the contiguous United States. Additionally, tweets are associated with spatial data provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) of low-income, low-access census tracts (e.g. food deserts), to examine whether tweets about unhealthy foods are more common in these disadvantaged areas. Results show that these disadvantaged census tracts tend to have both a lower proportion of tweets about healthy foods with a positive sentiment, and a higher proportion of unhealthy tweets in general. These findings substantiate the methods used by the USDA to identify regions that are at risk of having low access to healthy foods.
Screening drug-induced arrhythmia events using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and low-impedance microelectrode arrays

Background—Drug-induced arrhythmia is one of the most common causes of drug development failure and withdrawal from market. This study tested whether human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) combined with a low-impedance microelectrode array (MEA) system could improve on industry-standard preclinical cardiotoxicity screening methods, identify the effects of well-characterized drugs, and elucidate underlying risk factors for drug-induced arrhythmia. hiPSC-CMs may be advantageous over immortalized cell lines because they possess similar functional characteristics as primary human cardiomyocytes and can be generated in unlimited quantities. Methods and Results—Pharmacological responses of beating embryoid bodies exposed to a comprehensive panel of drugs at 65 to 95 days postinduction were determined. Responses of hiPSC-CMs to drugs were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with the reported drug effects in literature. Torsadogenic hERG blockers, such as sotalol and quinid...
An automated method to control preload by compensation for stress relaxation in spontaneously contracting, isometric rat mesenteric lymphatics.

Objective: Our objective was to devise a system to automatically correct for stress relaxation of isometric rat mesenteric lymphatics (90–120 μm, ID). Stress relaxation is a particular problem in isometric studies of highly distensible vessels and is evident as a time-dependent, secondary decline in force after an abrupt length increase. Because the phasic contraction pattern of lymphatics is exquisitely sensitive to changes in preload, stress relaxation makes stable contraction patterns difficult to achieve and analyze.Methods: A DMT wire myograph was modified to accommodate an Inchworm piezo stack in series with a standard micrometer drive to permit automated control of vessel caliber/force. The force output of the myograph was digitized and computer algorithms were devised to servo control force by changing vessel diameter.Results: The system was tested on passive lymphatics, passive small veins, and lymphatics exhibiting spontaneous force transients. The software was designed to temporarily disable se...
[18F]-Group 13 fluoride derivatives as radiotracers for positron emission tomography

The field of 18F chemistry is rapidly expanding because of the use of this radionuclide in radiotracers for positron emission tomography (PET). Until recently, most [18F]-radiotracers were generated by the direct attachment of 18F to a carbon in the organic backbone of the radiotracer. The past decade has witnessed the emergence of a new strategy based on the formation of an 18F-group 13 element bond. This approach, which is rooted in the field of fluoride anion complexation/coordination chemistry, has led to the development of a remarkable family of boron, aluminium and gallium [18F]-fluoride anion complexing agents which can be conjugated with peptides and small molecules to generate disease specific PET radiotracers. This review is dedicated to the chemistry of these group 13 [18F]-fluorides anion complexing agents and their use in PET. Some of the key fluoride-binding motifs covered in this review include the trifluoroborate unit bound to neutral or cationic electron deficient backbones, the BF2 unit of BODIPY dyes, and AlF or GaF3 units coordinated to multidentate Lewis basic ligands. In addition to describing how these moieties can be converted into their [18F]-analogs, this review also dicusses their incorporation into bioconjugates for application in PET.
Proving Harder Theorems by Axiom Reduction

Automated Theorem Proving (ATP) problems may contain unnecessary axioms, either because some of the axiomatization of the theory is irrelevant to the particular theorem, or because the axiomatization is redundant by design. ATP systems do not have effective techniques for detecting that axioms are unnecessary (or unlikely to be necessary) to the proof of a theorem. Axiom reduction removes combinations of axioms from an ATP problem, and submits the resultant axiom-reduced problems to an object ATP system. When ac ombination of only unnecessary axioms is removed, the problem may be quickly solved.
Commentary: Describing Differences—Possibilities and Pitfalls

Reports of attempts to investigate, characterize, compare, and contrast those who are mentally ill fill the literature and invite controversy. It seems to be part of human nature to reestablish and define the differences between us. Creative descriptive studies continually challenge our perspective, yet they must be balanced with thoughtful consideration of possible selection bias, an understanding of how a perspective may influence a particular view, and an appreciation of statistical constraints, before describing differences as predictive risk factors.
Highly sensitive frequency-resolved optical gating based on third-harmonic generation in organic films

We report on the diagnostic of ultra-fast pulses by frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) based on strong third harmonic-generation (THG) in organic films. The high THG intensity allows for the characterization of pulses emitting at telecommunication wavelengths using a low cost portable fiber spectrometer.
The Trial of Bishop King (Read v Bishop of Lincoln)

The trial of Bishop Edward King (1829–1910) and the judgment which issued from it proved a landmark in the history of the Victorian Church of England. The judgment was also a turning point in the history of the Catholic Revival, and the bitter series of ritual disputes to which it gave rise. Edward Norman categorised the trial as ‘One of the most important, as well as one of the most extraordinary episodes in the religious history of the nineteenth century.’ R. W. Church, Dean of St Paul's, hailed the judgment as ‘The most courageous thing that has come out of Lambeth for the last 200 years.’ Others, inevitably, given the passions roused by the ritualist controversy, took a more jaundiced view; but few serious Church people were indifferent to the result.
Parents' Priorities for AAC and Related Instruction for their Children with Angelman Syndrome

This investigation examined the extent to which a set of 98 best practices in AAC, previously agreed upon by a panel of experts in AAC and inclusive education, reflected the actual preferences of 32 parents of children diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome. Parents' responses were examined in relation to whether their children were currently in mostly integrated (MI) settings with children without disabilities, or mostly segregated settings with other children with disabilities. With two exceptions, both groups, regardless of their children's current placements, viewed the practices favorably. When asked to prioritize the most important communication skills they wished their children to attain, all of the most frequently cited priorities were reflected in items contained in the questionnaire, supporting the social validity of the questionnaire as truly reflecting parents' priorities for AAC instruction. Implications of this investigation are discussed, along with next steps.
An eight-bit divider implemented in asynchronous pulse logic

Asynchronous pulse logic (APL) is an adaptation of quasi delay-insensitive (QDI) techniques using easily controllable timing assumptions that speed up the handshakes without changing the high-level dataflow model. We review the basic properties of APL circuits and techniques for describing them in and compiling them from a higher-level representation. We describe a reasonably complex test chip consisting of an 8-bit integer divider. Finally, we describe performance results from low-level SPICE simulations of the test chip. The results show that it is possible to design, with a high degree of automation, complex systems with a throughput of 10 CMOS transitions (less than 15 F04 delays) per cycle.
Gastroesophageal reflux after sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese patients

Abstract Background Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in morbidly obese patients and a high body mass index is a risk factor for the development of this co-morbidity. The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on GERD is poorly known. Methods We studied the effect of LSG on GERD in patients with morbid obesity. A retrospective review of 28 consecutive patients undergoing LSG for morbid obesity from September 2008 to September 2010 was performed. Results A total of 28 patients, 18 women and 10 men, were identified, with a mean age of 42 years (range 18–60). The mean weight and body mass index was 166 kg and 55.5 kg/m 2 , respectively. The mean percentage of excess weight loss was 40% (range 17–83), with a mean follow-up time of 32 weeks (range 8–92). All patients had a pre- and postoperative upper gastrointestinal radiographic swallow study as a part of their routine care. Of these patients, 18% were noted to have new-onset GERD on their postoperative upper gastrointestinal swallow test after their LSG procedure. Using the GERD score questionnaire, all patients were interviewed to evaluate their reflux symptoms. We had a 64% response rate, with 22% of patients indicating new-onset GERD symptoms despite receiving daily antireflux therapy. All respondents were extremely happy with their surgery and weight loss to date. Conclusion LSG might increase the prevalence of GERD despite satisfactory weight loss. Additional studies evaluating esophageal manometry and ambulatory 24-hours pH-metry are needed to better evaluate the effect of LSG on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.
Language Change Quantification Using Time-separated Parallel Translations

We introduce a systematic approach to language change quantification by studying unconsciously used language features in time-separated parallel translations. For this purpose, we use objective style markers such as vocabulary richness and lengths of words, word stems and suffixes, and employ statistical methods to measure their changes over time. In this study, we focus on the change in Turkish in the second half of the twentieth century. To obtain word stems, we first introduce various stemming techniques and show that they are highly effective. Our statistical analyses show that over time, for both text and lexicon, the length of Turkish words has become significantly longer, and word stems have become significantly shorter. We also show that suffix lengths have become significantly longer for types and the vocabulary richness based on word stems has shrunk significantly. These observations indicate that in contemporary Turkish one would use more suffixes to compensate for the fewer stems to preserve the expressive power of the language at the same level. Our approach can be adapted for quantifying the change in other languages.
Improved normalization results for digit on-line arithmetic

In digit on-line arithmetic, operands are introduced a digit at a time. After the first few operand digits have been introduced, the result begins to appear a digit at a time. This feature of digit on-line arithmetic allows a significant amount of overlapping of arithmetic operations. Digit on-line arithmetic can sometimes produce unnormalized results. This can present a problem for the divide and square root algorithms. If the divisor and radicand are highly unnormalized, these algorithms will not produce the correct results. Two advances in overcoming this problem are presented. First, several techniques for producing results that are closer to being normalized are developed. Second, it is shown that normalized results are not necessary for divide and square root to work properly. Combining these results yields algorithms that will always give the correct results.
Quality and Consumer Decision Making in the Market for Health Insurance and Health Care Services

This article reviews the literature relating quality to consumer choice of health plan or health care provider. Evidence suggests that consumers tend to choose better performing health plans and providers and are responsive to initiatives that provide quality information. The response to quality and quality information differs significantly among consumers and across population subgroups. As such the effect of quality information on choice is apparent in only a relatively small, though perhaps consequential, number of consumers. Despite the wealth of findings on the topic to date, the authors suggest directions for future work, including better assessment of the dynamic issues related to information release, as well as a better understanding of how the response to information varies across different groups of patients.