cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An eight-week-old boy with left scrotal mass

Scrotal ultrasonography (US] revealed a mass replacing the entire left testis (Figure 1). The mass had heteregeneous echogenicity and there was a small associated hydrocele (Figure 2). The epididymis was normal in appearance and there was no evidence of skin thickening. The right hemiscrotum and contents were normal. Computed tomography (CT] was performed for the purpose of evaluating pelvic and abdominal lymph nodes. No lymphadenopathy was identified. The left scrotal mass was of soft-tissue density with no necrosis or calcification. There was no definite invasion of the scrotal wall or spermatic cord.
Weak information work in scientific discovery

Scientists continually work with information to move their research projects forward, but the activities involved in finding and using information and their impact on discovery are poorly understood. In the Information and Discovery in Neuroscience (IDN) project we investigated the information work involved as researchers make progress and confront problems in the practice of brain research. Through case studies of recent neuroscience projects, we found that the most difficult and time-consuming information activities had parallels with Simon's explication of weak methods in scientific problem solving. But, while Simon's weak/strong distinction is an effective device for interpreting information work, his general conception of how discovery takes place is artificially constrained. We present cross-case and case-based results from the IDN project to illustrate how the conditions of problem solving Simon associated with weak methods relate to information work and to identify additional weak aspects of the research process not considered by Simon. Our analysis both extends Simon's framework of what constitutes the discovery process and further elaborates how weak approaches influence the conduct of research.
Simultaneous confocal fluorescence microscopy and optical coherence tomography for drug distribution and tissue integrity assessment

The effectiveness of microbicidal gels, topical products developed to prevent infection by sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, is governed by extent of gel coverage, pharmacokinetics of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and integrity of vaginal epithelium. While biopsies provide localized information about drug delivery and tissue structure, in vivo measurements are preferable in providing objective data on API and gel coating distribution as well as tissue integrity. We are developing a system combining confocal fluorescence microscopy with optical coherence tomography (OCT) to simultaneously measure local concentrations and diffusion coefficients of APIs during transport from microbicidal gels into tissue, while assessing tissue integrity. The confocal module acquires 2-D images of fluorescent APIs multiple times per second allowing analysis of lateral diffusion kinetics. The custom Fourier domain OCT module has a maximum a-scan rate of 54 kHz and provides depth-resolved tissue integrity information coregistered with the confocal fluorescence measurements. The combined system is validated by imaging phantoms with a surrogate fluorophore. Time-resolved API concentration measured at fixed depths is analyzed for diffusion kinetics. This multimodal system will eventually be implemented in vivo for objective evaluation of microbicide product performance.
Induction methods in prospecting for hot water

Abstract It is commonly observed that in areas where abnormally heated water is rising to the surface, the electrical conductivity of the ground is significantly higher than in adjacent rocks. This has been the basis for the use of direct-current electrical prospecting methods in the search for an evaluation of geothermal power prospects. However, it can be argued theoretically that induction electromagnetic prospecting methods should be more effective in searching for conductive zones than direct current methods. We have used four electromagnetic methods in the evaluation of geothermal prospects: the audio-frequency magneto-telluric method, the two-coil profiling method, the two-coil frequency-domain sounding method, and the coil/wire time-domain sounding method. The audio-frequency magneto-telluric method is a very simple means for reconnaissance to depths of a few hundred meters. The two-loop profiling method provides high resolution for conductive zones within the first 20 or 30 meters of the surface, and may be used in detailing the surface expression of hyperthermal manifestations. The two-loop sounding method may be used to measure conductivities to a depth of 1 or 2 kilometers, even when the surface resistivity is too high to allow the use of direct-current methods. The wire/coil method may be used to map the source of anomalous heat into the lower crust and upper mantle.
For the Love of Learning Science: Connecting Learning Orientation and Career Productivity in Physics and Chemistry.

An individual's motivational orientation serves as a drive to action and can influence their career success. This study examines how goal orientation toward the pursuit of a graduate degree in physics and chemistry influences later success outcomes of practicing physicists and chemists. Two main categories of goal orientation are examined in this paper: performance orientation or motivation to demonstrate one's ability or performance to others, and learning orientation or motivation through the desire to learn about a topic. The data were obtained as part of Project Crossover, a mixed-methods study which focused on studying the transition from graduate student to scientist in the physical sciences and included a survey of members of two national professional physical science organizations. Using regression analysis on data from 2353 physicists and chemists, results indicate that physicists and chemists who reported a learning orientation as their motivation for going to graduate school were more productive, in terms of total career primary and/or first-author publications and grant funding, than those reporting a performance orientation. Furthermore, given equal salary, learning-oriented individuals produced more primary and/or first-author publications than their nonlearning oriented counterparts.
Alterations in cholinergic muscarinic and somatostatin binding sites in a patient with idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction.

We present a comparative study of cholinergic muscarinic and somatostatin binding sites on isolated membranes from mucosa and tunica muscularis of normal and dilated parts of the proximal jejunum obtained at surgery from a patient with idiopathic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IIP) syndrome. We found a statistically significant diminution of cholinergic muscarinic and somatostatin binding sites in mucosa taken from the dilated part of the jejunum, compared with those taken from the normal part. Tunica muscularis of the dilated part of the jejunum contained a significantly higher concentration of peripheral cholinergic muscarinic binding sites (M2) than the normal part did, whereas concentration of Mi cholinergic muscarinic and somatostatin binding sites was similar in both examined parts. These results indicate that HP-syndrome may be related to alterations in cholinergic muscarinic binding sites in the tunica muscularis of the intestine.
Norway Seen from Abroad: Perceptions of Norway and Norwegian Tourism: An Image Study

Abstract This study was designed to begin to understand how Norway is positioned as a tourism destination by college students. The article reports findings from three groups of students in Australia, Canada, and the United States. Results indicate that Norway is positioned as a mountainous, snowy country with great winter recreational opportunities and friendly people. Beyond that, Norway's image is blurry. Implications for marketing strategies are included.
Vulnerability of brain tissue to inflammatory oxidant, hypochlorous acid

CNS inflammation is a sequela of a variety of neuropathological conditions resulting in extensive tissue loss. Inflammation is mediated primarily by phagocytic cells, but the mechanisms of CNS tissue destruction are not fully understood. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is by far the most abundant agent generated by phagocytic cells and may be the major mediator of inflammatory tissue damage. However, the effects of HOCl on nervous tissue have not been examined. In this study we used an in vitro model system of rat brain slices to determine neurotoxicity of HOCl. The slices were exposed to HOCl at pathologically relevant doses, and the incorporation of [3H]leucine into proteins and lipids was analyzed in total homogenate, and in particulate fractions obtained by density gradient centrifugation. The results demonstrated that a brief HOCl exposure profoundly suppressed protein biosynthesis in the slices. Also, lipid synthesis was suppressed in nonmyelin particulate fraction. However, lipid synthesis in myelin was significantly stimulated in HOCl-exposed slices indicating that oligodendrocyte response to the oxidant differs from that of other CNS cells. The effects of HOCl could be blocked by coadministration of antioxidants, i.e., N-acetylcystein (NAC), uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA). The protective potency of the antioxidants was NAC>UA>AA. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that HOCl generated by phagocytic cells during inflammatory episodes has a potential to damage surrounding CNS tissue, and that tissue damage can be prevented by HOCl scavenging with clinically applicable antioxidants.
Natural circulation of electrically conducting liquids in fusion reactor blankets

Abstract A simple model has been developed for heat transfer in fusion reactor blankets with liquid breeding regions, allowing for natural circulation and the presence of strong magnetic fields. The results have been compared with the limited information available. For typical fusion blanket dimensions and temperature differences, natural circulation can be the dominant heat transfer mechanism in the molten salt flibe even over 10 Tesla magnetic field strength; it will increase heat transfer appreciably in the liquid lithium-lead mixture Li 17 Pb 83 for magnetic field strengths less than about 10 Tesla; and can be neglected in liquid lithium if the magnetic field is over 1 Tesla.
The role of cannabis use within a dimensional approach to cannabis use disorders.

Abstract Context Cannabis consumption is central to diagnosis of cannabis use disorders; yet, most research on cannabis disorders has focused just on diagnosis or criteria. The present study examines the ability of a frequency and quantity measure of cannabis use as well as cannabis abuse and dependence criteria to discriminate between individuals across the cannabis use disorder continuum. Method A representative sample of USA adults in 2001–2002 ( N = 43,093) were queried about the past year frequency of cannabis use and each Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) cannabis abuse and dependence criterion. Factor analysis and item response theory (IRT) models were used to define the relationship between observed responses and the underlying unobserved latent trait (cannabis use disorder severity) among past year cannabis users ( n = 1603). Results Factor analyses demonstrated a good fit for a one-factor model both with and without the cannabis use criterion and no differential criterion functioning was demonstrated across sex. The IRT model including the cannabis use criterion had discriminatory power comparable to the model without the cannabis use criterion and exceeded the informational value of the model without the cannabis use criterion in mild and moderate ranges of the severity continuum. Discussion Factor and IRT analyses disprove the validity of the DSM-IV abuse and dependence distinction: A single dimension represented the criteria rather than the two implied by the separate abuse/dependence categories. IRT models identified some dependence criteria to be among the mildest and some abuse criteria to be among the most severe—results inconsistent with the interpretation of DSM-IV cannabis abuse as a milder disorder or prodrome of cannabis dependence. The consumption criterion defined the mild end of the cannabis use disorder continuum and its excellent psychometric properties supported its consideration for inclusion in the next edition of DSM as a criterion for cannabis use disorders. Additional work is needed to identify candidate consumption criteria across all drugs that apply to the milder end of the severity continuum while also improving overall model performance and clinical diagnostic utility.
Hematopoietic colony-forming cells derived from human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated, pluripotent cells that can be maintained indefinitely in culture. Here we demonstrate that human ES cells differentiate to hematopoietic precursor cells when cocultured with the murine bone marrow cell line S17 or the yolk sac endothelial cell line C166. This hematopoietic differentiation requires fetal bovine serum, but no other exogenous cytokines. ES cell-derived hematopoietic precursor cells express the cell surface antigen CD34 and the hematopoietic transcription factors TAL-1, LMO-2, and GATA-2. When cultured on semisolid media with hematopoietic growth factors, these hematopoietic precursor cells form characteristic myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocyte colonies. Selection for CD34+ cells derived from human ES cells enriches for hematopoietic colony-forming cells, similar to CD34 selection of primary hematopoietic tissue (bone marrow, umbilical cord blood). More terminally differentiated hematopoietic cells derived from human ES cells under these conditions also express normal surface antigens: glycophorin A on erythroid cells, CD15 on myeloid cells, and CD41 on megakaryocytes. The in vitro differentiation of human ES cells provides an opportunity to better understand human hematopoiesis and could lead to a novel source of cells for transfusion and transplantation therapies.
Web 2.0 Articles: Content Analysis and a Statistical Model to Predict Recognition of the Need for New Instructional Design Strategies

ABSTRACT This article presents a study of Web 2.0 articles intended to (a) analyze the content of what is written and (b) develop a statistical model to predict whether authors’ write about the need for new instructional design strategies and models. Eighty-eight technology articles were subjected to lexical analysis and a logistic regression model was developed. Lexical analysis was used to determine the specific content of the articles, and logistic regression was used for prediction. The findings consist of a concept map and suggest that (a) Web 2.0 applications are most commonly used in reading, writing, and literacy instruction; and (b) two variables (design of information use and design of integration) can be used to predict whether an author writes about the need for new instructional design strategies to make effective use of Web 2.0 applications.
Pathophysiology of vitamin E deficiency in monkeys

In a comparative study of vitamin E deficiency in Old and New World monkeys, 14 cynomolgus and 12 cebus monkeys were selected at 1 year of age from animals raised in our primate nursery and were fed either a diet containing 8% coconut oil or stripped safflower oil with or without added tocopherol. During the first year 0.2% cholesterol was added to all diets as an atherogenic stress. Plasma lipids, complete hematology, and plasma tocopherol values were monitored sequentially and complete histopathology, including electron microscopy, was performed terminally. Sudden death of undetermined cause occurred in 3 monkeys fed the safflower oil without vitamin E diet. After approximately 1 year, deficient cebus monkeys consuming safflower oil developed a progressive, macrocytic, hemolytic anemia. A similar, milder anemia was produced in the cynomolgus after 2 years and was accompanied in late stages with muscular weakness. Anemia did not occur with the coconut oil diet. Hemosiderosis resulting from the hemolysis was observed in the spleen, liver, and lung. In monkeys fed safflower oil without vitamin E a remarkable accumulation of lipofuscin and ceroid was observed in macrophages of the intestinal lamina propria, liver, lymph nodes, lung and spleen, and in hepatocytes, aortic and coronary artery endothelial cells, and retinal pigment epithelium. The latter was accompanied by macular degeneration of retinal photoreceptor outer segments. Despite the effect on vascular cells, tocopherol did not influence the extent or severity of atherogenesis induced by cholesterol feeding. Safflower oil was associated with more severe deficiency disease than coconut oil, and cebus monkeys were more adversely affected than cynomolgus even though the deficiency syndrome was similar in the two species. Am. J. Clin.Nutr. 27: 1130-1140, 1974.
Darwin and Darwinism: the (alleged) social implications of the origin of species.

Most scientific theories, even revolutionary ones, change the practice of a particular science but have few consequences for culture or society at large. But Darwinism, it has often been said, is different in this respect. Since the publication of The Origin of Species, many have claimed that Darwinism has a number of profound social implications. Here, I briefly consider three of these: the economic, the political, and the religious. I suggest that, for the most part, these supposed implications have been misconstrued or exaggerated. Indeed, it is reasonably clear that the chain of implication sometimes primarily ran in the opposite direction—from, for instance, economics and political theory to Darwinism.
Detection of food intake from swallowing sequences by supervised and unsupervised methods

Studies of food intake and ingestive behavior in free-living conditions most often rely on self-reporting-based methods that can be highly inaccurate. Methods of Monitoring of Ingestive Behavior (MIB) rely on objective measures derived from chewing and swallowing sequences and thus can be used for unbiased study of food intake with free-living conditions. Our previous study demonstrated accurate detection of food intake in simple models relying on observation of both chewing and swallowing. This article investigates methods that achieve comparable accuracy of food intake detection using only the time series of swallows and thus eliminating the need for the chewing sensor. The classification is performed for each individual swallow rather than for previously used time slices and thus will lead to higher accuracy in mass prediction models relying on counts of swallows. Performance of a group model based on a supervised method (SVM) is compared to performance of individual models based on an unsupervised method (K-means) with results indicating better performance of the unsupervised, self-adapting method. Overall, the results demonstrate that highly accurate detection of intake of foods with substantially different physical properties is possible by an unsupervised system that relies on the information provided by the swallowing alone.
On multiple training for bidirectional associative memory

The minimal number of times for using a pair for training to guarantee recall of that pair among a set of training pairs is derived for a bidirectional associative memory. >
Rare-Earth Permanent Magnets: Development Trends and their Implications for the Industry

The various types of rare earth-cobalt magnets and their properties are briefly reviewed. A survey of applications is given, with emphasis on commercially successful devices. The use of rare-earth magnets is often economical, despite their high cost. Such magnets are now used in electric watches and clocks, industrial motors, computer printers, etc., and they are seriously considered for large electrical machines and even mass-produced consumer items, including automotive devices.
A large range extension and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the monotypic North American aquatic gastropod genus Cincinnatia (Hydrobiidae)

The freshwater gastropod genus Cincinnatia (Hydrobiidae: Nymphophilinae) contains a single species, C. integra (Say, 1821), which is distributed across much of eastern North America from the Great Lakes region to the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain. Here we use morphological and molecular evidence to evaluate the taxonomic status of a Cincinnatia population that was recently discovered in an upper reach of the Rio Panuco basin (northeastern Mexico) c. 700 km distant from its most closely proximal congeners. The Panuco basin population cannot be consistently differentiated from C. integra by its shells, although it differs from previously reported material of this species in several details of reproductive anatomy. The Panuco basin population differs from specimens from the type locality area and five other populations of C. integra by 1.5–2.6% mtCOI sequence divergence, but was no more differentiated than most of the other populations and was not consistently resolved as a monophyletic subunit of Cincinnatia using these molecular data. Based on this evidence we treat this population as belonging to C. integra pending a more comprehensive study of morphological and genetic variation across the broad geographic range of this species. This new record represents a large range extension not only for Cincinnatia, but also for the entire North American nymphophiline radiation, whose previously recorded southern limit was the Cuatro Cienegas basin in Coahuila.
Growth hormone responses to acute resistance exercise with vascular restriction in young and old men

Abstract Objective Resistance exercise (RE) stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion in a load-dependent manner, with heavier loads producing larger GH responses. However, new research demonstrates that low-load RE performed with blood flow restriction (BFR) produces potent GH responses that are similar to or exceed those produced following high-load RE. We hypothesized that low-load RE with vascular restriction would attenuate the known age-related reduction in GH response to RE. Design In a randomized crossover design, ten young (28±7.8years) and ten older (67.4±4.6years) men performed bilateral knee extension RE with low-load [20% of one-repetition maximum (1RM)] with BFR and high-load (80% 1RM) without BFR. GH and lactate were measured every 10minutes throughout a 150-minute testing session (30minutes prior to and 120minutes following completion of the exercise); IGF-I was measured at baseline and 60minutes post-exercise. Results Area under the GH curve indicated that both age groups responded similarly to each exercise condition. However, young men had a significantly greater maximal GH response to low-load RE with BFR than the high-load condition without BFR. Additionally, younger men had greater maximal GH concentrations to low-load RE with BFR than older men ( p =0.02). The GH responses were marginally correlated to lactate concentration ( r =0.13, p =0.002) and IGF-I levels were unchanged with RE. Conclusions GH responses to low-load RE with vascular restriction are slightly higher than high-load RE without vascular restriction in young men. However, low-load RE with vascular restriction did not attenuate the known age-related reduction in GH response with exercise. These data suggest that while low-load RE with vascular restriction is as effective for inducing a GH response than traditionally-based high-load RE, there is a more potent response in young men.
Coronal mass ejections: origins, evolution, and role in space weather

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are an important element of coronal and interplanetary dynamics. They can inject large amounts of mass and magnetic fields into the heliosphere, causing major geomagnetic storms and interplanetary shocks, which are a key source of solar energetic particles (E>1 MeV). Until recently, our understanding of the origins and early development of CMEs at the Sun was very limited. We knew that CMEs were frequently associated with erupting prominences and long-enduring X-ray arcades, but our physical understanding of how and why CMEs are initiated was poor. However, recent studies using the excellent data sets from the Yohkoh, SOHO, Wind, ACE and other spacecraft and ground-based instruments have improved our knowledge of the mass ejection process and how it effects space weather. The author reviews some of the well-determined coronal properties of CMEs, what is known about their source regions, and what their manifestations are in the solar wind. One exciting new type of observation is of halo-like CMEs, which suggest the launch of a geoeffective disturbance toward Earth. Several studies have shown a good correspondence between halo CMEs accompanied by near-sun center surface activity and subsequent magnetic clouds and geomagnetic storms at earth. In addition, halo CMEs are important for understanding the internal structure of CMEs since their source regions are near Sun center and near-earth spacecraft may be likely to sample material along their central axes.
Immediate loading of implants in partially and fully edentulous jaws: a series of 27 case reports.

Background: The concept of immediate loading of dental implants has been researched in animal and man. High predictability with titanium screw implants can be expected under certain circumstances. Delayed loading, which is empirically based, may offer roadblocks to success in the complex case. Micromotion under a denture, retention of compromised teeth, and the necessity for multiple implant surgeries complicate the situation. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate whether in partial and fully edentulous patients, titanium screw implants may be installed and loaded within 72 hours. Methods: The study included 27 jaws (23 mandibles and 4 maxillas) in patients who refused to wear a denture or were told of the possibility of immediately loading their implants. Criteria similar to delayed loading was utilized. The patient had to have adequate volume and density for a minimum of 4 (10 mm) implants in the mandible and 6 in the maxilla, in addition to other requirements. After a thorough presurgical eva...
Quality Assurance and Control Considerations in Environmental Measurements and Monitoring

Quality assurance and quality control have become accepted as essential parts of all environmental surveillance, measurements, and monitoring programs, both nuclear and non-nuclear. The same principles and details apply to each. It is primarily the final measurement technique that differs. As the desire and need to measure smaller amounts of pollutants with greater accuracy has increased, it has been recognized that quality assurance and control programs are cost-effective in achieving the expected results. Quality assurance (QA) consists of all the actions necessary to provide confidence in the results. Quality control (QC) is a part of QA, and consists of those actions and activities that permit the control of the individual steps in the environmental program. The distinction between the two terms is not always clearly defined, but a sharp division is not necessary. The essential principle of QA and QC is a commitment to high quality results. The essential components of a QA and QC program are a complete, written procedures manual for all parts of the environmental program, the use of standard or validated procedures, participation in applicable interlaboratory comparison or QA programs, replicate analysis and measurement, training of personnel, and a means of auditing or checking that the QA and QC programs are properly conducted. These components are discussed below in some detail.
Modeling of elastic modulus evolution of cirrhotic human liver

A micromechanics-based composite model is developed for the elastic behavior and its modulus evolution of cirrhotic human liver correlated with different pathological stages. Microstructurally, the cirrhotic liver is hypothesized to be pathologically elastic nodules embedded in the soft tissue matrix whose hyperelastic behavior is controlled by the Veronda-Westmann model. Under finite deformation, the total strain energy of the liver is collected through the combination of that in nodule particles and that in the tissue matrix. The overall constitutive relation of the pathological liver can further be established through the nonlinear hyperelasticity theory. Predictions of the elastic modulus and its pathological evolution are compared with available experimental data.
Simulated ground motions for hypothesized Mw = 8 subduction earthquakes in Washington and Oregon

The amplitude and duration of strong ground motions from hypothesized Mw = 8 subduction zone thrust earthquakes in the Puget Sound-Portland region were estimated using a semi-empirical method. The simulation procedure assumes the rupture surface may be represented by a grid of fault elements. Finite difference wave simulation in a detailed 2-D velocity structure identifies direct S and the Moho postcritical reflection as the primary components of the S wave field at horizontal distances of 0 to 150 km. Green's functions containing these two arrivals are computed with generalized ray theory in an equivalent 1-D structure for each source element-receiver propagation path. Scattering and attenuation structure are empirically modeled by the use of corrected accelerograms from Mw ∼ 7 Michoacan, Mexico, and Valparaiso, Chile, aftershocks for the fault element source functions. Different site conditions are empirically included in the simulation procedure by using empirical source functions recorded on rock and soil sites. Spatial variations in slip on the fault (asperities) are introduced by weighting the fault elements. The technique has been validated for large subduction zone earthquakes by modeling acceleration time histories and response spectra from the 1985 Michoacan ( Mw = 8.0) and Valparaiso ( Mw = 8.0) main shocks (Somerville et al. , 1991). Fault models for the Puget Sound and Portland regions and seismic velocity structure models have been adapted from published regional studies. Uncertainty in the location of the asperities on the fault surface results in a large degree of uncertainty in the simulated ground motions at a given site. If distance is defined as the distance to the closest asperity, then the variability in the ground motions is reduced, indicating that this uncertainty can be lessened by constraining the depth of the asperity. The ground motion estimates are relatively insensitive to the difference in fault dip between the Puget Sound and Portland fault models. The attenuation of peak acceleration with distance r from the fault asperity for a Mw = 8 subduction earthquake is given by In ( PGA ) = 1.5 − 3.33 In ( r + 128 ) + 0.79 s , where s is a site term equal to 0 for rock and 1 for soil. When distance r is the distance to the fault plane, the attenuation relation is In ( PGA ) = 2.8 − 1.26 In ( r ) + 0.79 s . Formal estimates of uncertainty in the calculated ground motions have been obtained by estimating both parametric uncertainty (from the range of source models of hypothesized Cascadia subduction earthquakes) and modeling and random uncertainty (from the misfit between recorded and simulated ground motions of the 1985 Michoacan and Valparaiso earthquakes). For periods less than 1 sec, the estimated response spectral velocities on soil sites in the Seattle-Olympia region are about twice those recorded during the 1949 Olympia and 1965 Seattle Wadati-Benioff zone earthquakes, and the durations of strong motion on rock sites are significantly longer (45 to 60 sec versus 10 to 15 sec).
Factors that predispose, prime and precipitate NREM parasomnias in adults: Clinical and forensic implications

Sleepwalking and related disorders are the result of factors that predispose, prime and precipitate episodes. In the absence of one or more of these factors sleepwalking is unlikely to occur. Predisposition to sleepwalking is based on genetic susceptibility and has a familial pattern. Priming factors include conditions and substances that increase slow wave sleep (SWS) or make arousal from sleep more difficult. These factors include sleep deprivation, alcohol, medications, situational stress and fever among others. The patient with a genetic predisposition to sleepwalking and with priming factors still requires a precipitating factor or trigger to set the sleepwalking episode in motion. Classical theories of sleepwalking were based primarily on case reports. Recently some of these theories have been tested in the sleep laboratory. Experimental sleep deprivation studies of sleepwalkers generally report an increase in complex behaviors during SWS, although one prominent study reported the opposite effect. However, the generally accepted theory that alcohol and medications can induce sleepwalking episodes remains entirely based on clinical and forensic case reports. Alleged cases of alcohol related sleepwalking often involve individuals lacking the generally accepted characteristics of sleepwalkers but with very high blood alcohol levels that could in and of itself account for complex behaviors noted without the presence of sleepwalking. Further, the effects of high levels of alcohol dramatically decrease SWS, a finding inconsistent with sleepwalking. Case reports of medication-related induction of apparent sleepwalking most often present a complex medical and psychiatric history associated with multiple medications. These patients often lack the clinical history and other criteria currently required for the diagnosis of sleepwalking. The medication-related behaviors may instead represent some other condition in an awake, but impaired patient. Sleep laboratory research has identified sleep disordered breathing, periodic leg movements, noise and touch among others as proximal triggers of sleepwalking episodes. Treatment of these triggers may result in resolution of sleepwalking without medication. Further sleep laboratory research is needed before experimental findings can be used for routine diagnostic and forensic purposes.
“TRIMing” the Patient Population to Increase the Benefit of mTOR Inhibition

inhibitor. This approval was based on a 6.9-month improvement in progression-free survival and a trend to overall survival benefit at the interim analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.57 to 1.04) (7). Similar results were observed from a randomized phase II trial in metastatic breast cancer. The combination of everolimus and tamoxifen improved response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival, as compared with tamoxifen alone. The question of overcoming resistance relative to the HER2 locus was more recently addressed in the phase III BOLERO-3 trial (NCT01007942), which compared trastuzumab plus vinorelbine with or without everolimus in metastatic breast cancer patients
Dimensions in Operations Research

The methods of dimensional analysis, which are used in the physical sciences, can also be used to advantage in operations research. The basic classes of dimensions in operations research are those of time, quantity, and money. In this paper we describe the dimensions of quantities in probability distributions, inventory, linear programming, and in queuing. Some illustrations are given on the use of dimensional analysis in O.R.
Anorexia induced by cytokine interactions at pathophysiological concentrations

Interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induce anorexia when administered intracerebroventricularly at doses that yield estimated pathophysiological concentrations reported in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Our hypothesis is that pivotal cytokines released during pathological processes interact to induce anorexia during disease. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the intracerebroventricular microinfusion of individual or multiple combinations (8 dyads and 5 triads) of IL-1 beta, IL-8, and TNF-alpha on feeding and the microstructure of eating in rats maintained ad libitum. Estimated pathophysiological concentrations of cytokine combinations exhibited additive or synergistic activities in inducing anorexia. Computerized analysis of behavioral patterns demonstrated that the most effective treatment (triad of 1.0 ng IL-1 beta + 20 ng IL-8 + 20 ng TNF-alpha/rat, n = 11) decreased nighttime meal size by 42% and feeding rate (meal size/meal duration) by 26%, whereas it increased the satiety ratio (postprandial intermeal intervals/meal size) by 80%; meal duration and meal frequency were not significantly affected. Analysis of meal parameters in 4-h intervals revealed a maximum effect during the first 4-h interval after the intracerebroventricular administration. The time course during this initial 4-h interval analyzed in 10-min periods was similar for IL-8 (n = 10) and TNF-alpha (n = 11), and both were significantly different from the time course induced by IL-1 beta (n = 10) and the most effective triad (n = 11). Intracerebroventricular microinfusion of heat-inactivated triad or intraperitoneal administration of the most effective triad, in doses-equivalent to those administered centrally, had no effect on feeding. The results suggest that estimated pathophysiological concentrations of cytokines in the CSF act centrally and additively or synergistically to decrease feeding, and this effect may participate in the anorexia frequently accompanying pathological processes.
Drug-eluting stents for saphenous vein graft lesions: the limits of evidence.

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have been a major advance in interventional cardiology, but evidence for using these devices does not exist for all types of lesions or for all subsets of patients. One area where data have been lacking is the indication of diseased aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts (SVGs
A multi-decade time series of kelp forest community structure at San Nicolas Island, California (USA)

Abstract San Nicolas Island is surrounded by broad areas of shallow subtidal habitat, characterized by dynamic kelp forest communities that undergo dramatic and abrupt shifts in community composition. Although these reefs are fished, the physical isolation of the island means that they receive less impact from human activities than most reefs in Southern California, making San Nicolas an ideal place to evaluate alternative theories about the dynamics of these communities. Here we present monitoring data from seven sampling stations surrounding the island, including data on fish, invertebrate, and algal abundance. These data are unusual among subtidal monitoring data sets in that they combine relatively frequent sampling (twice per year) with an exceptionally long time series (since 1980). Other outstanding qualities of the data set are the high taxonomic resolution captured and the monitoring of permanent quadrats and swaths where the history of the community structure at specific locations has been recor...
Abstract 274: Root Cause Analysis of Deaths in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarctions: What Can We Do Better?

Background: Improving quality of care for patients presenting with ST elevation Myocardial infarctions (STEMI) is a national priority. However, recent data demonstrate that mortality has not changed despite numerous targeted efforts. Identifying potential areas in care that can be further optimized to decrease mortality remains a priority. Methods: We performed a root cause analysis of all patients who died following primary PCI during index hospitalization from 2008 to 2013 at the University of Michigan (n=25 deaths). Using a standardized data collection form, two interventional cardiologists reviewed patient care received prior to arrival to the catheterization lab, while in the catheterization lab, and after primary PCI to determine cause of death and to rate potential preventability of death on a Likert scale. Results: Majority of deaths were deemed unpreventable. Symptom-onset-to-medical care time was rated as the most common potentially preventable factor. Conclusion: Mortality following primary PCI was deemed mostly unpreventable. However, improvement in total ischemic time, and in particular symptom-onset to-medical care, was identified as one potential target that might be of value in further reducing the mortality associated with STEMI. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Three distinct velocities of elongating RNA polymerase define exons and introns

Differential elongation rates of RNA polymerase II (RNAP) have been posited to be a critical determinant for pre-mRNA splicing. Molecular dissection of mechanisms coupling transcription elongation rate with splicing requires knowledge of instantaneous RNAP elongation velocity at exon and introns. However, only average RNAP elongation rates over large genomic distances can be inferred with current approaches, and local instantaneous velocities of the elongating RNA polymerase across endogenous genomic regions remain difficult to determine at sufficient resolution to enable detailed kinetic analysis of RNAP at exons. In order to overcome these challenges and to investigate kinetic features of RNAP elongation at genomic scale, we have employed global nuclear run-on sequencing (GRO-seq) method to infer changes in local RNAP elongation rates across the human genome, as changes in the residence time of RNAP. Using this approach, we have investigated functional coupling between the changes in local pattern of RNAP elongation rate at the exons and their general expression level, as inferred by sequencing of mRNAs (mRNA-seq). Our genomic level analyses reveal acceleration of RNAP at lowly expressed exons and confirm the previously reported deceleration of RNAP at highly expressed exons, suggesting variable local velocities of elongating RNAP that are potentially associated with different inclusion or exclusion rates of exons across the human genome.
Efficiently Estimating Ambient Near Mid-Air Collision Risk for Unmanned Aircraft*

The ambient probability of near mid-air collision (NMAC) is the probability of NMAC in a particular environment without any risk mitigation due to, for example, air tra c control (ATC) surveillance, separation assurance, or avoidance maneuvers. This probability has also been referred to as the baseline probability of NMAC, and is of particular interest when determining the required risk mitigation. In past literature, this probability has been calculated based on estimates of aircraft density, assumptions of locally uniformly distributed aircraft, and the use of gas models for making these calculations. Stakeholders for unmanned aircraft operations have become increasingly interested in determining such probabilities within speci c airspace volumes to identify suitable locations and times of operation for ight of unmanned aircraft in non-restricted civil airspace. This paper outlines an approach that uses recorded surveillance data and intended ight paths to estimate the probability of NMAC. The method takes a geometric approach that is computationally more e cient than direct Monte Carlo simulation. Such a method could have broad use for safety assessment, policy making, airspace planning, and alternatives analysis.
Thermally Activated Transmissive Optical Elements for Rejection of Laser Radiation

The sacrificial thermal shutter/reflector concept is suitable for optical power limiting in optical systems containing an intermediate focus and uses a thermally activated chemical process to form a mirror that reflects a large fraction of the incident laser light. Under normal illumination, the thermal reflector component is a transmissive optical element at or near a focal plane of an optical system. A pulse from an incident laser beam heats a film of precursor chemicals on the optical element and thereby converts it to a localized reflective metallic mirror. For visible laser pulses longer than 0.1 ms, the thermal shutter provides optical limiting at energies below the ANSI Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) standard for laser eye protection. For shorter pulses, near-MPE limiting is achieved. See-through during exposure is also possible with these elements. Various thermal shutter chemistries and efforts to form optically clear thin precursor films are described. The laser testing results highlight the importance of the substrate and absorber in these devices.
Gas-phase kinetics study of reaction of OH radical with CH3NHNH2 by second-order multireference perturbation theory.

The gas-phase kinetics of H-abstraction reactions of monomethylhydrazine (MMH) by OH radical was investigated by second-order multireference perturbation theory and two-transition-state kinetic model. It was found that the abstractions of the central and terminal amine H atoms by the OH radical proceed through the formation of two hydrogen bonded preactivated complexes with energies of 6.16 and 5.90 kcal mol–1 lower than that of the reactants, whereas the abstraction of methyl H atom is direct. Due to the multireference characters of the transition states, the geometries and ro-vibrational frequencies of the reactant, transition states, reactant complexes, and product complexes were optimized by the multireference CASPT2/aug-cc-pVTZ method, and the energies of the stationary points of the potential energy surface were refined at the QCISD(T)/CBS level via extrapolation of the QCISD(T)/cc-pVTZ and QCISD(T)/cc-pVQZ energies. It was found that the abstraction reactions of the central and two terminal amine H...
The Effects of Separation from a Friend on the Social Behaviors of Preschool Children

Summary The effects of separation from a friend on the social behaviors of preschool children were studied by observing same-sex pairs of friends and of non-friends in a standard play setting. S s were 54 preschool and kindergarten boys and girls. Trios (N = 18) of S s were formed, and each trio included a younger friend, an older friend, and a same-sex peer who was unfamiliar to either friend. Friendship condition, sex, and order of pairing of friends and nonfriends within trios were the independent variables of interest. Significant order × condition and order × sex × condition interactions were not attributable to separation. Rather, when dyads composed of a younger friend and a nonfriend were the first trio members to play together, high frequencies of ignoring and rejecting behaviors occurred. These behaviors were more common for female than for male dyads.