cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on parasitic castration: Soft tissue and shell weights of Ilyanassa obsoleta (Mollusca) parasitized by larval trematodes☆

Abstract The shell lengths, dried shell weights, soft tissue wet weights, and soft tissue dry weights were ascertained for noninfected Ilyanassa obsoleta and for the same snail species naturally infected with the following digeneans: Himasthla quissetensis, Zoogonus lasius, Cercaria dipterocerca, Lepocreadium setiferoides, Microphalloides nassicola, Stephanostomum tenue , and Microbilharzia variglandis . Analyses of the data obtained indicate that infection with all of the trematodes listed above causes neither enhanced growth of soft tissues nor accelerated lengthening of the shell. However, snails infected with sporocysts of Z. lasius have significantly heavier shells than do noninfected snails. These data suggest that infection with Z. lasius may have caused enhanced growth in the form of increased calcium deposition in the shell of I. obsoleta , possibly as a result of parasitic castration. In addition, the mean dry weight of the soft tissues of snails infected with M. variglandis , when normalized for shell length, is significantly lower than that of noninfected snails, possibly as a result of parasite-induced pathology. Finally, comparisons among infected snails indicate a trend toward increased soft tissue dry weight in snails infected with L. setiferoides , although the mean dry weight of these snails does not differ significantly from the mean dry weight of noninfected snails.
A technique for emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in adults using a small caliber endoscope (GIF-P2)

The small caliber peroral endoscope (GIF-P2) was efficient and safe in the detection of lesions in a series of 69 patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The authors describe a technique of examination that they have found appropriate to this problem.
Exercise assessment of transgenic models of human cardiovascular disease.

Exercise provides one of the most severe, yet physiological, stresses to the intact cardiovascular system and is a major determinant of the utilization of metabolic substrates. The adaptations to e...
Aromatase inhibitors as add-on treatment for men with epilepsy

Manipulation of neurosteroids to treat epilepsy has been an area of active research. The effect of testosterone on brain excitability and seizure threshold has been mixed; the estradiol metabolite of testosterone increases brain excitability, while the reduced metabolite of testosterone, 3alpha-androstanediol, decreases brain excitability, likely through an action at the gamma-amino butyric acid A receptor. Therefore, the metabolites of testosterone produce opposite effects on brain excitability in seizure models. Aromatase is the enzyme for the conversion of testosterone to 17beta-estradiol. Aromatase inhibitors could decrease brain excitability by decreasing local estradiol levels and therefore, could be beneficial for the treatment of epilepsy. Aromatase inhibitors are US Food and Drug Administration-approved and have a long history of safe use in menopausal women with breast cancer. This review presents the results of using anastrazole in an open-label, add-on manner in a small group of men with epilepsy in order to improve seizures. The results suggested some effect on reduction of seizures and no side effects. Testosterone levels did increase, but not to above the normal range. Letrozole used in a single case was also beneficial for seizures. It was concluded that aromatase inhibitors may be a useful adjunct to the treatment of epilepsy, but habituation to the treatment may be limiting. Many men with epilepsy have low testosterone, and aromatase inhibition may be helpful in restoring levels to normal. Modulation of reproductive hormones by aromatase inhibition as well as enhancement of the 3alpha-androstanediol pathway may be an avenue of epilepsy treatment that would not produce sedative side effects, which is often a limiting factor with standard antiseizure medications. A further interesting result is that elevated follicle stimulating hormone and luteal stimulating hormone levels were associated with seizure reduction, suggesting that they may be a biomarker for a beneficial effect of aromatase inhibition on brain excitability.
Why did TD-Gammon Work?

Although TD-Gammon is one of the major successes in machine learning, it has not led to similar impressive breakthroughs in temporal difference learning for other applications or even other games. We were able to replicate some of the success of TD-Gammon, developing a competitive evaluation function on a 4000 parameter feed-forward neural network, without using back-propagation, reinforcement or temporal difference learning methods. Instead we apply simple hill-climbing in a relative fitness environment. These results and further analysis suggest that the surprising success of Tesauro's program had more to do with the co-evolutionary structure of the learning task and the dynamics of the backgammon game itself.
Non‐Equilibrium Effects in Gliding Arc Dischargesa

: The properties of the non-equilibrium Gliding Arc plasma were studied both experimentally and theoretically. The propagation of the plasma column was recorded continuously by using a high-speed video camera. A theoretical model was developed to determine the characteristics of the equilibrium-nonequilibrium transition. The transition is explained by the drastic change of the dominant ionization channel when the contribution of the thermal ionization to the electron density balance becomes less important than that of the direct electron impact ionization. According to our theoretical model, the majority of the Gliding Arc power (up to 75–80%) can be dissipated in the cold non-equilibrium stage. Powerful non-equilibrium plasma can be generated from the initially thermal Gliding Arc discharge.
Second language verb-argument constructions are sensitive to form, function, frequency, contingency, and prototypicality

We used free association tasks to investigate second language (L2) verb-argument constructions (VACs) and the ways in which their access is sensitive to statistical patterns of usage (verb type-token frequency distribution, VAC-verb contingency, verb-VAC semantic prototypicality). 131 German, 131 Spanish, and 131 Czech advanced L2 learners of English generated the first word that came to mind to fill the V slot in 40 sparse VAC frames such as ‘he __ across the …’, ‘it __ of the …’, etc. For each VAC, we compared these results with corpus analyses of verb selection preferences in 100 million words of usage and with the semantic network structure of the verbs in these VACs. For all language groups, multiple regression analyses predicting the frequencies of verb types generated for each VAC show independent contributions of (i) verb frequency in the VAC, (ii) VAC-verb contingency, and (iii) verb prototypicality in terms of centrality within the VAC semantic network. L2 VAC processing involves rich associations, tuned by verb type and token frequencies and their contingencies of usage, which interface syntax, lexis, and semantics.
A comparison of activity‐based to event‐based prospective memory

Summary: Four experiments were conducted that directly compared activity-based to event-based prospective memory. In general, when a goal is established to perform an activity at the conclusion of a different activity, successful completion suffers as comparedwithassociatingthesameintentionwithaconcrete environmentalevent. Inthisregard,activity-basedperformancewas worse than comparable event-based conditions. However, certain conditions such as making transitional points salient between tasks and providing practice may ameliorate these differences between the two kinds of intentions. Other variables that may discriminate between these two kinds of intentions are considered; but the initial evidence favours the notion that ultimate goal completion covaries with the type of intention that is established initially at encoding and the degree of environmental support provided at retrieval. Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Activitiesthatcannotbecompletedatthecurrentmomentmust be delayed to a future point in time when the conditions are more favourable for successful completion. Such tasks and goals are stored as declarative representations; and they are labelled prospective memories to highlight a distinction
Shock-Free Configurations in Two- and Three- Dimensional Transonic Flow,

Efforts to replace Sobieczky's complicated analog computations of solutions to the hodograph equations by a fast elliptic solver in order to generate shock-free airfoil designs more effectively are described. The indirect design of airfoil and wing shapes that are free from shock waves even though the local flow velocity exceeds the speed of sound is described. The problem of finding an airfoil in two dimensional, irrotational flow that has a prescribed pressure distribution is as addressed. Sobieczky's suggestion to use a fictitious gas for finding shock-free airfoils directly in the physical plane was the basis for a more efficient procedure for achieving the same end.
Disparities in preferences for receiving support and education among patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Background: The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the established treatment for patients with a history of or at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Patients receiving an ICD are diverse, and little is known regarding their preferences for support and education postimplantation. The purpose of this study was to examine race, gender, and age preferences for receiving support and education (e.g., written, verbal). Methods: Participants (N = 108, 75% Caucasian, 74% male, age 65 ± 11 years) completed a research team-designed survey at a regularly scheduled clinic visit with the cardiac electrophysiologist at an academic medical center or offsite clinic. Descriptive statistics, Pearson χ2, and independent t-tests were conducted. Results: The study demonstrates important associations between race, gender, and age with patient preferences for support and education with regard to ICD care. African Americans preferred written materials (P = 0.006) and a phone call with the cardiologist (P =0.036). Women preferred an ICD support group (P = 0.023), a phone call with the device nurse (P = 0.027), and a professional counselor (P = 0.049). Women's choice to receive education from their cardiologist approached significance (P = 0.055). Patients ≤67 years of age preferred to receive support via an Internet chat room with other ICD patients (P =0.036), and to receive education via an Internet Web site (P = 0.022). Conclusions: Findings suggest methods of providing better care to ICD patients by offering them support and educational materials in their preferred modality. These data can aid in optimizing clinical care. Incorporating assessments of individual preferences into future clinical trial design is desirable.
Elastic Moduli of Glasses by a Dynamic Method

The elastic moduli and speed of sound of twenty-three optical glasses, a series of Na2O3, CaO3, SiO3, and B2O3 glasses, and some specimens of fused silica were measured by a dynamic method. Each specimen, in the shape of a prismatic bar, was vibrated in four different ways: longitudinally, flexurally on the wide side, flexurally on the thin side, and torsionally. Good agreement was found on Young's modulus as determined by the first three methods. The torsional mode was used to obtain the shear modulus. Statically and dynamically determined values of Young's modulus for six sample glasses also showed good agreement.
Ideal Behavior of Water Solutions of Strong Electrolytes and Non-electrolytes at High Concentrations

Contrary to widely held beliefs, many concentrated aqueous solutions of strong electrolytes and nonelectrolytes are shown to behave ideally by calculating the activity of water (aw) from vapor pressure data. The mole fraction of water (xw) is equal to the water activity aw(Raoult’s Law) when the mole fraction of water is calculated by accounting for water strongly bound to the solute, which is then not available to act as solvent. In this case xw=(55.51−mHT)/(55.51−mHT+im), where m is the molality of the solute particles, i is the stoichiometric number of solute particles produced per mole of dissolved solute, and HT is the thermodynamic hydration number HT. Published reservations about previous work of this type are addressed. The values of HT vary little over wide ranges of concentration and correlate with the Hofmeister series, the B coefficient of the Jones-Dole viscosity equation, and other properties of water. Activity coefficients of the bulk or “free” water remain at unity even at high concentrations.
A variable head to disk spacing controller for magnetic recording on rigid disks

An apparatus is presented that allows the spacing dependence of magnetic recording devices to be studied by positioning the head at arbitrary (and continuously variable) heights above a rigid magnetic disk operating at a high, constant linear velocity. The spacing between the head and the disk is sensed electronically, and deviations from the desired height are removed by a sophisticated electromechanical control system. No air bearing is used. This control system utilizes an adaptive learning machine to build a model for the topography of the disk, and then uses this model to anticipate repeatable runout. As much as a 40-dB reduction in residual spacing error relative to that possible with a conventional control system can be achieved. >
Behavior of Light-Framed Wood Roof-to-Wall Connectors Using Aged Lumber and Multiple Connection Mechanisms

Ensuring a complete load path in light-framed wood structures is critical in providing proper load transfer during wind and seismic events. Roof-to-wall metal-connectors are often used to accomplish this goal. Currently, the design and construction community utilizes published metal connector capacities found in manufacturer documentation or other design aids to properly size connectors for a given demand. However, with the ever-increasing trend of using recycled dimensioned lumber and in situ retrofits of older buildings, the limited supply of research in this area is becoming more apparent. At present, the state-of-the-practice does not provide guidance to account for changes in material properties in structurally sound reclaimed or aged lumber. This study uses dimensioned lumber that was extracted from decommissioned buildings, originally built in the 1960s, to examine the effect of reclaimed dimensioned lumber on the design strength of connections by using metal-connectors. Through the use of testing ...
Incomplete, delayed functional recovery late after reperfusion following acute myocardial infarction: “Maimed myocardium”

The objective of the current editorial is to introduce a new concept ("maimed myocardium") that we believe describes more accurately the incomplete, delayed recovery of LV function that may occur late after reperfusion after AMI. It has been demonstrated previously that myocardium remains viable for a prolonged period in many patients with nonsustained coronary occlusion, despite the occurrence of myocardial necrosis; late reperfusion may result in myocardial salvage in reversibly ischemic (stunned) segments (complete recovery) and in intensely injured (maimed) segments that display partial return of LV function over time (incomplete recovery). Clinically, the basis for maimed myocardium is the observation that delayed, LV functional recovery may occur in partially infarcted segments where there has been an antecedent ischemic insult of sufficient duration to result in some degree of myocardial necrosis. Certain acute coronary syndromes characterized by nonsustained coronary occlusion followed by spontaneous reperfusion (e.g., non-Q-wave AMI) or drug-induced reperfusion induced by the exogenous administration of thrombolytic therapy are associated with incomplete, delayed recovery of LV function as detected clinically by partial improvement in serial radionuclide-ejection measurement, enhanced metabolic integrity of cardiac tissue by F-18 deoxyglucose myocardial imaging, and scintigraphic findings of reverse thallium redistribution--findings that support the presence of partially viable myocardium that has been incompletely salvaged during reperfusion late after AMI. Experimentally, delayed LV functional recovery has been reported in animal models in which prolonged coronary occlusion (hours to days) followed by reperfusion is associated with late recovery of regional LV function in myocardial segments subtending border (stunned) zones and central infarct (maimed) zones. In studies in animals and human beings, postextrasystolic potentiation and pharmacologic inotropic interventions may augment maimed and stunned segments, although the magnitude of regional contractile reserve that can be unmasked with these interventions is quantitatively less in the maimed than in stunned segments. In summary, the propensity of intensely injured or partially infarcted LV segments to display intermediate functional recovery followed by reperfusion late after coronary occlusion suggests that even severely depressed but residually viable cardiac muscle can be salvaged incompletely over time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
2005 Special issue: Hippocampal mechanisms for the context-dependent retrieval of episodes

Behaviors ranging from delivering newspapers to waiting tables depend on remembering previous episodes to avoid incorrect repetition. Physiologically, this requires mechanisms for long-term storage and selective retrieval of episodes based on the time of occurrence, despite variable intervals and similarity of events in a familiar environment. Here, this process has been modeled based on the physiological properties of the hippocampal formation, including mechanisms for sustained activity in entorhinal cortex and theta rhythm oscillations in hippocampal subregions. The model simulates the context-sensitive firing properties of hippocampal neurons including trial-specific firing during spatial alternation and trial by trial changes in theta phase precession on a linear track. This activity is used to guide behavior, and lesions of the hippocampal network impair memory-guided behavior. The model links data at the cellular level to behavior at the systems level, describing a physiologically plausible mechanism for the brain to recall a given episode which occurred at a specific place and time.
Analysis of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor with MEMS based rotor flux sensing

Interior permanent magnet (IPM) synchronous motors have advantages such as high torque and power density over a wide speed range when compared to conventional permanent magnet, synchronous reluctance and induction machine technologies. However, the introduction of IPM machines into industrial and commercial products has been limited due to the complexity of controlling the nonlinear reluctance torque. This paper presents an analysis of the use of micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) to detect magnetic flux levels in the rotor of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor. It is found that a small network of rotor flux sensors yields an estimate of the instantaneous torque. This provides a method for controlling the net electrical torque of the IPM machine thereby overcoming a significant obstacle in the industrial and commercial adoption of IPM motor technology.
Emerging Quantum-Dots-Enhanced LCDs

Quantum dots (QDs)-based backlight greatly enhances the color performance for liquid crystal displays (LCDs). In this review paper, we start with a brief introduction of QD backlight, and then present a systematic photometric approach to reveal the remarkable advantages of QD backlight over white LED, such as much wider color gamut, higher optical efficiency, enhanced ambient contrast ratio, and smaller color shift. Some popular LC modes are investigated, including twisted nematic, fringing field switching (FFS) for touch panels, multi-domain vertical alignment (MVA) for TVs, and blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC) for next-generation displays. Especially, QD-enhanced BPLC combines the major advantages of FFS and submillisecond response time. It has potential to become a unified display solution.
An evaluation strategy for potential QTc prolongation with chronic azithromycin therapy in cystic fibrosis

Chronic azithromycin therapy is recommended for CF patients with persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization. Other macrolide antibiotics have been reported to cause QT prolongation, but cardiac effects of azithromycin have not been studied in pediatric populations. We analyzed changes in QTc interval after starting chronic azithromycin in a pediatric CF population. Adolescent males showed increased QTc intervals after initiation of therapy. Given the possible effects of azithromycin on the QTc interval, particularly in patients predisposed to cardiac events, we suggest that the QTc interval of CF patients should be monitored throughout the course of chronic azithromycin.
Child and Adolescent Suicide

Penny (she liked that much better than Penelope), a black female, was only 12 years old, but already she had lived a lifetime. Her cocaine-addicted father walked out when she was 5, only weeks after her brother was born and was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy. Her father was never to be seen again. As a single parent, Penny’s mother was overwhelmed with the demands of attending to her brother’s needs. Penny frequently was thrust into a surrogate parent role in order to help her mother merely cope. Yet, Penny was still a child and when her mother could afford them, babysitters were hired to alleviate the stress on both Penny and her mom. That was the good news. The bad news was that one babysitter, a middle-aged woman, had a teenage son who, whenever he could, sexually abused Penny. As is common to scripts like this, Penny was “sworn to secrecy” lest some more intolerable fate were to befall her or her brother. So the walls went up.
Mucosal vaccination with an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces a strong central memory response and protects non-human primates against lethal challenge (VAC4P.1104)

There is an urgent need for new vaccine(s) that protect efficiently against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), as well as, to better understand the correlates of a protective host response to Mtb infection. Aerosol infection of macaques with the redox-stress deficient mutant, Mtb:Δ-sigH, resulted in the recruitment of significantly more inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue, which is associated with protection from Mtb infection in mice, macaques, and humans. We therefore hypothesized that vaccination with Mtb:Δ-sigH could protect against a lethal Mtb challenge significantly better than a comparable Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. A single vaccination of the aerosol delivered, live-attenuated strain completely protected macaques from lethal Mtb challenge. Protection was associated with three-to-four log lower bacterial burden, significantly reduced granulomatous pathology and clinical features of Mtb infection, as well as, a strong T cell central memory response when compared to BCG-vaccinated animals. A higher magnitude, as well as, breadth of polyfunctional T cell responses was detected in the Mtb:Δ-sigH vaccinated animals. This includes an increased recruitment and turnover of central and effector T cells in the lung post vaccination compared to BCG-vaccinated animals. These results point to the protective qualities induced by a live-attenuated mucosal vaccine for protection against lethal Mtb challenge, and its future in TB vaccine initiatives.
Congestive Heart Failure and Noncardiac Operations: Risk of Serious Morbidity, Readmission, Reoperation, and Mortality

Background Congestive heart failure (CHF) predicts surgical morbidity and mortality. However, few studies evaluate CHF's impact on noncardiac operations. Because of CHFs serious threat to health and survival, surgeons must understand risks CHF poses to patients undergoing a diverse array of operations. Study Design We used 2009 to 2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Files to estimate the risk of serious morbidity, reoperation, readmission, mortality, and other postoperative complications associated with preoperative diagnosis of CHF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis provided odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes in 34 ACS NSQIP procedure groups, controlling for age, sex, race, emergency surgery status, American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification, body mass index, and selected laboratory values. Results Unadjusted ORs indicate adverse effects of CHF on surgical outcomes for most procedures considered. When adjusted for age and other confounders, CHF persists with adverse effects on most outcomes, including serious morbidity (OR 1.52, 95% CI, 1.44 to 1.61; p 48 hours were complications most affected by CHF. Conclusions Congestive heart failure strongly predicts serious morbidity, unplanned reoperation, readmission, and surgical mortality for noncardiac operations. Surgeons must pay particular attention to recognizing CHF and optimizing perioperative management when considering surgery.
Testicular Sparing Surgery for Prepubertal Teratoma of the Testis: A Clinical and Pathological Study

Abstract We report on 5 patients 14 months to 6½ years old with prepubertal teratoma of the testis treated by testicular sparing tumor enucleation. All 5 patients had no evidence of recurrence at a mean followup of 96 months. Recognizing that this is not accepted therapy for testis tumors, 17 orchiectomy specimens containing teratoma from children were histologically analyzed in cooperation with the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Tumor Registry. All patients were prepubertal at orchiectomy (3 months to 8 years old) and all are well with a mean followup of 174 months. Histological examination revealed no foci of teratoma separate from the main tumor in any specimens. Immunohistochemical studies with placental alkaline phosphatase, a marker for malignant germ cells, were done to detect carcinoma in situ in the seminiferous tubules of these testes. This test did not reveal any intratubular malignant germ cells (carcinoma in situ). Based on our clinical experience with testicular sparing tumor enucleation, the histological findings on Armed Forces Institute of Pathology review demonstrating no associated carcinoma in situ and the universally benign behavior of prepubertal testicular teratomas, we recommend a testicular sparing operation rather than orchiectomy for testicular teratoma in prepubertal patients.
Regulation and its role in the prevention of building-associated illness.

Many groups have as their common goal the maintenance of acceptable indoor air quality, which protects occupants from adverse health effects and discomfort, but no one group possesses the interest or expertise to deal with all of the IAQ issues. Nonetheless, conclusions can be made regarding available alternatives to mitigate indoor air quality problems, including building-associated illness. It has been suggested that congressional action is needed in three areas related to BAI and IAQ: Recognition that controlling outdoor air only--even if "health based"--will not result in substantial improvement of public health; Definition of responsibilities for achieving healthful indoor environments; and Resolution of jurisdictional disputes between various federal agencies. Through their studies of buildings whose occupants complained of building-associated illness, NIOSH and others have concluded that inadequate supply and distribution of outdoor air to indoor spaces are the most common causes of SBS. Nonetheless, there are no reports of follow-up studies which confirm that the recommended ventilation upgrades actually solved the IAQ problems. Other reports indicate that maintenance, energy management, and air distribution are as important as ventilation rate. Corrective action, therefore, should include these issues. Systematic research directed toward providing cost-effective and innovative solutions should be the driving force. Rather than regulation, governments should assist in funding the necessary research, providing educational, technical and legal assistance, and developing policy options directed at reducing indoor air pollutants. In those cases where the specific causes of IAQ problems can be identified, remedial actions should be immediately implemented utilizing available technology. It has been suggested that "sick buildings" resulted from too much emphasis on efficency and safety and not enough on occupant health and well-being. Because health has been defined as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being not merely the absence of disease or infirmity," greater emphasis should be given to the concept of control and maintenance of healthy indoor environments (i.e., "healthy buildings") through utilization of quality assurance measures. Also, human response, system performance, and service factors should be utilized to assure an acceptable building performance. Finally, building designers, contractors, owners, managers, and operators must be knowledgeable regarding indoor air quality problems and their consequences and work together to build and maintain healthy buildings. This includes developing training, education, monitoring, and preventive maintenance programs to assure accountability for the proper management of the building systems. The certification (or licensing) of those responsible for providing indoor air quality has been suggested.
Selection of human spermatozoa by a hyperosmotic two-layer Percoll gradient *

Objective To investigate whether a hyperosmotic Percoll solution improves the spermatozoal recovery rate of a two-layer Percoll gradient. Design A total of 49 semen samples were prepared by both the conventional two-layer Percoll gradient and a hyperosmotic Percoll gradient. Setting In vitro fertilization laboratory of a tertiary care, university-affiliated hospital. Patients Semen samples were obtained from patients attending semen analysis. Main Outcome Measures The number of spermatozoa recovered, percentage motility, percentage normal morphology, and their survival at 24hours were assessed after preparation by both Percoll gradients. Results The hyperosmotic Percoll gradient resulted in a significantly higher total and motile sperm recovery rate. The degree of increase in total sperm recovery was significantly higher in abnormal semen samples compared with normal semen samples. Percentage normal morphology of sperm samples prepared by hyperosmotic Percoll was improved compared with conventional Percoll but was only significant in abnormal semen samples. However, percentage motility of sperm samples prepared by the hyperosmotic Percoll was significantly lower than those prepared by conventional Percoll gradients. Conclusions The hyperosmotic two-layer Percoll gradient improved motile sperm recovery but also recovered more immotile sperm, leading to a decrease in percentage motility. This technique may allow us to recover more spermatozoa when we come across samples of low sperm concentration.
Talking to Slaves in the Plautine Audience

Based on a full reading of the Plautine corpus in light of theories of class resistance (Michel de Certeau, James C. Scott), this essay argues that the palliata grew up in the 200s bce under conditions of endemic warfare and mass enslavement, and responded to those conditions. Itinerant troupes of slaves and lower-class men performed for mostly humble audiences, themselves familiar with war and hunger; the best of these troupes were then hired to perform at ludi in the cities of central Italy. The first sections of the essay look at types of speech and action in the plays in which slave or poor characters make use of these shared experiences: jokes about flogging and hunger, fantasies of revenge and escape, double speech. The latter sections examine the evidence for lower-class constituencies in the 200s bce and for actors, writers, and venues to match, arguing that none of these categories can be treated monolithically.
McGarvey Iteration Technique

This chapter discusses the application and procedure of McGarvey iteration technique. It is applicable to first-order ordinary differential equations. It yields a sequence of approximations to the solution. The method consists of generating a sequence of functions by a recurrence relation. The initial function used is arbitrary. The solution of the nonlinear ordinary differential equation is approximated. It is found that any constants of integration are not used in evaluating th e { Tn }. This part of the analysis is independent of whether one chooses such constants, or not.
Abstract 4350: Human oral microbiome and prospective risk for pancreatic cancer: a population based, nested case control study

Background: A history of periodontal disease and the presence of circulating antibodies to selected oral pathogens have been associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in prospective studies; however, relationships of oral microbes with pancreatic cancer have not been directly evaluated. We conducted a prospective study to examine the relationship of oral microbiota with subsequent risk of pancreatic cancer. Methods: We selected 361 incident pancreatic cancer cases and 371 matched controls from two prospective cohort studies, the ACS Cancer Prevention Study (CPS) II and the NCI Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). From pre-diagnostic oral wash samples, we characterized the composition of the oral microbiota using bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between oral microbiota and risk of pancreatic cancer, controlling for the random effect of cohorts and other covariates, age, race, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and history of diabetes. Findings: Carriage of oral pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were associated with higher risk of pancreatic cancer (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR]p.g = 1·59 and 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1·15-2·20; ORa.a = 2·19 and 95%CI = 1·15-4·15, respectively). Greater relative abundance of phylum Fusobacteria was associated with decreased pancreatic cancer risk (OR per percent increase of abundance = 0·92, 95%CI = 0·87-0·98). Risks related to these phylotypes remained after exclusion of cases that developed within two years of sample collection, reducing the likelihood of reverse causation in this prospective study. Interpretation: The study provides evidence that the oral mcirobiota plays a role in the etiology of pancreatic cancer and may point to accessible means for prevention of this disease. Citation Format: Xiaozhou Fan, Alexander V. Alekseyenko, Jing Wu, Eric J. Jacobs, Susan M. Gapstur, Mark P. Purdue, Christian C. Abnet, Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, George Miller, Jacque Ravel, Richard B. Hayes, Jiyoung Ahn. Human oral microbiome and prospective risk for pancreatic cancer: a population based, nested case control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4350.
Striking the right chord

Unsustainable, inefficient, often violent, and marked by stark inequalities of wealth and opportunity, cities are increasingly vulnerable to social and economic crises, natural disasters, climate change, and other challenges of the coming era. Yet in The Well-Tempered City, Jonathan Rose remains passionately optimistic about our potential to rebuild innovative, resilient, integrated urban communities and restore balance and harmony.
MicroRNAs Alterations in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia Are Independent of Loci of Genomic Imbalance As Detected by Oligonucleotide Array CGH (oaCGH)

Abstract Abstract 5022 Background: Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) remains a heterogeneous group of diseases with variable patient outcomes and no well-defined targeted therapy. We studied microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles and their relation to the diagnostic and clinical parameters in CMML, and compared it their genomic DNA alteration with oligonucleotide array CGH (oaCGH). Design: Bone marrow samples from 22 patients with CMML were studied. Seventeen patients presented with CMML-1 and 5 with CMML-2. Nine cases had total WBC count of less than 13×109/L. All cases were negative for BCR-ABL1 translocation. Microarray studies were performed using Agilent human miRNA microarrays (version 1.0) containing probes for 470 human and 64 human viral miRNAs cataloged in the Sanger database v9.1. Selected miRNA were validated using Quantitative real-time PCR using ABI TaqMan microRNA assay. Agilent human oaCGH microarrays (105k) containing probes for more than 99000 sequences were used to study genomic DNA. Results: None of the microRNAs that were significantly altered or were associated with predictive power in select CMML subtypes were mapped to loss or gain loci by oaCGH. Although few were mapped close to a specific amplified or deleted region. Conclusions: Significantly over- or under-expressed miRNAs are found in subtypes of CMML, that do not correlate with genomic gain and loss regions as detected by high density oaCGH. Our finding might imply that multiple underlying mechanisms at level of DNA/RNA and microRNA are responsible for heterogeneity of CMMLs. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The psychosocial burden of psoriatic arthritis

Abstract Objective To assess the psychosocial impact of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), describe how health-related quality of life (QoL) is affected in patients with PsA, discuss measures used to evaluate the psychosocial impact of PsA, and review studies examining the effect of therapy on QoL. Methods A targeted review on the impact of PsA on QoL and the role of tailored psychosocial management in reducing the psychosocial burden of the disease was performed. PubMed literature searches were conducted using the terms PsA, psychosocial burden, QoL, and mood/behavioral changes. Articles were deemed relevant if they presented information regarding the psychosocial impact of PsA, methods used to evaluate these impacts, or ways to manage/improve management of PsA and its resulting comorbidities. The findings of this literature search are descriptively reviewed and the authors׳ expert opinion on their interpretation is provided. Results The psychosocial burden of PsA negatively affects QoL. Patients suffer from sleep disorders, fatigue, low-level stress, depression and mood/behavioral changes, poor body image, and reduced work productivity. Additionally, each patient responds to pain differently, depending on a variety of psychological factors including personality structure, cognition, and attention to pain. Strategies for evaluating the burdens associated with PsA and the results of properly managing patients with PsA are described. Conclusions PsA is associated with a considerable psychosocial burden and new assessment tools, specific to PsA, have been developed to help quantify this burden in patients. Future management algorithms of PsA should incorporate appropriate assessment and management of psychological and physical concerns of patients. Furthermore, patients with PsA should be managed by a multidisciplinary team that works in coordination with the patient and their family or caregivers.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to Bone Marrow Only B-Cell Lymphoma: A Very Rare Entity With an Even Rarer Presentation.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare hyperinflammatory syndrome. It is categorized as familial or acquired, most commonly caused by infections, malignancies, rheumatologic and immunodeficiency disorders. Irrespective of the etiology, the age at the onset is the strongest prognostic factor, hence it is extremely important to have a high suspicion for HLH, diagnose it promptly and initiate treatment without any delay. We encountered a 70-year-old female patient who initially presented with left-sided facial weakness and pancytopenia, secondary to diffuse stage IV B diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with isolated bone marrow involvement with secondary HLH. J Hematol. 2017;6(2-3):49-51 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jh324w
Abstract 19595: Anatomic and Clinical Predictors of Need for Repeat Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Introduction: Although clinical predictors of the need for repeat procedures after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) have been evaluated, anatomic predictors have not been well defined. Hypothesis: Anatomic features on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging can identify patients most likely to require repeat ablation. Methods: From Jan. 2004 to Feb. 2014, 307 patients underwent CMR prior to initial AF ablation at our institution. Ablation strategies along with the need for and timing of repeat ablation were determined at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: Out of 307 patients, 119 (38.8%) underwent repeat ablation at a mean of 15.0 ± 19.2 months after the initial procedure. Among repeat procedures, 62% were performed primarily for recurrent AF and the remaining for left atrial tachycardias. Across the entire cohort at the initial procedure, mean age was 62.0 ± 10.8 yrs, 75% were male, 23% had persistent AF, 90% had radiofrequency ablation and the remaining had Cryoballoon ablation, without significant differences between those undergoing a single vs. repeat procedures. Other baseline clinical parameters including EF and presence of hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea were also similar between groups. However, on CMR performed prior to the first ablation, pulmonary vein (PV) ostial diameters were significantly larger in all PVs among those requiring repeat procedures: right superior PV 19.4 ± 4.0 vs. 21.4 ± 4.5 mm (p 2 ) and left (28.0 ± 5.3 vs. 29.2 ± 6.5 cm 2 ) atrial areas were larger among those requiring repeat procedures, the differences were not significant. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing AF ablation, clinical variables were not significantly different between those requiring a single vs. repeat procedures. However, PV dimensions assessed by CMR were significantly larger among those likely to require repeat procedures. Further study is required to determine whether strategies at the initial ablation can be used to mitigate the increased risk of need for repeat procedures among those with larger PVs.
Comparison of two decellularized dermal equivalents.

Immunologically inert allogeneic acellular dermal scaffolds provide a matrix with molecular architecture close to native tissues, which synthetic scaffolds cannot. Not all nature-derived scaffolds possess the same biological and physical properties. The different properties of scaffolds supporting cellular growth used for manufacturing tissue engineered grafts could lead to different implantation results. The scaffold properties should be carefully considered in order to meet the expected outcomes of tissue engineered grafts. In this report, we evaluated the cellular growth on AlloDerm® and Allopatch, 2 acellular scaffolds derived from human cadaver skin, using a fabricated 3D organotypic culture with primary human oral keratinocytes to produce an ex vivo produced oral mucosa equivalent (EVPOME). A well stratified epithelium could be constructed on both scaffolds. AlloDerm® and Allopatch EVPOMEs were also implanted into severe combined immunodeficiency mice to compare the ingrowth of blood vessels into the dermal component of the two EVPOMEs. Blood vessel counts were 3.3 times higher (p = .01) within Allopatch EVPOMEs than within AlloDerm® EVPOMEs. An oral and skin keratinocyte co-culture, separated by a physical barrier to create a cell-free zone, was used to evaluate cell migration on AlloDerm® and Allopatch. Slower cell migration was observed on Allopatch than on AlloDerm®.
Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Parkinson’s Disease and Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is an effective therapy for multiple neurological conditions. Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism are neurodegenerative conditions in which BoNT has emerged as a therapeutic option for many symptoms, especially when other medical therapies have failed to provide satisfactory relief. BoNT is helpful in the management of blepharospasm, bruxism, camptocormia, cervical dystonia including anterocollis, sialorrhea, seborrhea, and overactive bladder. BoNT is a safe and effective therapy for this patient population when administered by skilled physicians.
A Low Viscosity Lunar Magma Ocean Forms a Stratified Anorthitic Flotation Crust With Mafic Poor and Rich Units

Much of the lunar crust is monomineralic, comprising >98% plagioclase. The prevailing model argues the crust accumulated as plagioclase floated to the surface of a solidifying lunar magma ocean (LMO). Whether >98% pure anorthosites can form in a flotation scenario is debated. An important determinant of the efficiency of plagioclase fractionation is the viscosity of the LMO liquid, which was unconstrained. Here we present results from new experiments conducted on a late LMO-relevant ferrobasaltic melt. The liquid has an exceptionally low viscosity of 0.22−0.19+0.11 to 1.45−0.82+0.46 Pa s at experimental conditions (1,300–1,600°C; 0.1–4.4 GPa) and can be modeled by an Arrhenius relation. Extrapolating to LMO-relevant temperatures, our analysis suggests a low viscosity LMO would form a stratified flotation crust, with the oldest units containing a mafic component and with very pure younger units. Old, impure crust may have been buried by lower crustal diapirs of pure anorthosite in a serial magmatism scenario.
Patient-reported outcome measures for young people with developmental disabilities: incorporation of design features to reduce cognitive demands.

Use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) may increase the involvement of young people with developmental disabilities in their healthcare decisions and healthcare-related research. Young people with developmental disabilities may have difficulty completing PROMs because of extraneous assessment demands that require additional cognitive processes. However, PROM design features may mitigate the impact of these demands. We identified and evaluated six pediatric PROMs of self-care and domestic life tasks for the incorporation of suggested design features that can reduce cognitive demands. PROMs incorporated an average of 6 out of 11 content, 7 out of 14 layout, and 2 out of 9 administration features. This critical review identified two primary gaps in PROM design: (1) examples and visuals were not optimized to reduce cognitive demands; and (2) administration features that support young people's motivation and self-efficacy and reduce frustration were underutilized. Because assessment demands impact the validity of PROMs, clinicians should prospectively consider the impact of these demands when selecting PROMs and interpreting scores. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) design features can reduce assessment demands related to cognitive processes. Pediatric PROMs underutilize design features that decrease cognitive demands of self-reporting.