cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep state-specific neuronal activity in rat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus is not altered by local serotonin and norepinephrine depletion

The relay cells in dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) represent one among many populations of neurons throughout the neuraxis that display systematic alteration of spontaneous rate and pattern of discharge concurrent with change in state of arousal. Both noradrenergic (NE) and serotonergic (5-HT) systems innervate dLGN and are implicated in sleep-wake control mechanisms. Our study was designed to test the influence of these systems upon sleep state-related multiple unit activity in the dLGN. Two monoamine neurotoxins, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine and 6-hydroxydopamine, were injected locally into dLGN to destroy NE and 5HT afferents individually and in combination. In three separate treatment groups, mean monoamine concentrations in dLGN were reduced in relation to the contralateral, vehicle-injected, control dLGN to: 1) NE-17%, 5HT-14%; 2) NE-46%, 5HT-28%, and 3) NE-6%, 5HT-77%. In no case was chronic sleep state-related cell activity in dLGN significantly altered. We conclude that afferent monoaminergic inputs are not critically related to the mechanisms underlying normative shifts in sleep state-related neuronal activity in dLGN.
Cause or Catalyst: The Interaction of Real World and Media Crime Models

The effect of exposure to media content containing criminal models is unresolved with two perspectives currently competing. One perspective perceives media provided models of crime functioning as direct causes of criminality or as crime triggers; the other sees media crime models serving as crime forming catalysts or as crime rudders. A study of copycat crime provided an opportunity to simultaneously weigh evidence for both models by examining the comparative roles of real world versus media provided crime models. Data obtained from the anonymous surveys of 574 male and female correctional inmates was employed. Results show that individual offenders, particularly young males, exposed to both real world and media crime model sources were at higher risk for copying criminal behaviors. While both real world and media sources contributed to predicting past inmate copycat behaviors, they also interacted significantly. With the additional enhancement of real world models, the media appear to form crime by providing instructional models to inclined individuals. The results did not support strong direct media exposure effects and the model of media as stylistic catalysts for crime was more supported. The media remains best perceived as a rudder for crime more than as a trigger.
Chronological sequence of pigment development in the kernels of pecan cultivar ‘Stuart’

Abstract The majority of the visual color development in the kernel of pecan (Carya illinoensis (Wang.) K. Koch.) occurs after the onset of the dehiscence period. Pigments or their precursors were extracted from cream-colored kernels as early as 8–9 weeks prior to this period. The extractable pigments were found almost exclusively in the testa of the kernel. Compounds extracted under similar conditions from the pecan shuck and shell did not correspond chronologically in peak absorbance or fluorescence or in thin layer chromotography characteristics with those from the pecan kernel and probably represent distinctly different types of molecules.
Involvement in multiple problem behaviors of young urban adolescents

This paper examines four areas of “problem behavior” (i.e., delinquency, high-risk sexual behavior, school failure, and substance abuse) in a sample of urban sixth and seventh grade students. We report descriptive statistics regarding rates of problem behaviors in each of the four categories and examine their interrelationships. The results suggest that the prevalence of problem behaviors in this sample is substantial. Data show a high degree of co-occurrence among problem behaviors in different areas, although many individuals also exhibit more limited involvement. These results underscore the importance of studying younger adolescents in poor, urban communities who may have different patterns and rates of problem behavior involvement than older youth from other contexts. The data also suggest that efforts to prevent high-risk involvements for youth in poor, urban communities should be broad-ranging and be implemented prior to middle school.
Engaging and Retaining Vulnerable Youth in a Short-term Longitudinal Qualitative Study

This article focuses on five aspects of data collection that were effective for successfully engaging and retaining 11 vulnerable youth in a short-term longitudinal qualitative study of school and work transitions. Each youth in this study attended five meetings with the researcher over the course of three to four months, and there was no attrition. The five strategies discussed are: (1) use of self and researcher role; (2) screening procedures; (3) initial interview; (4) structure and process of participant stipends; and (5) frequency of contact. The article also reviews selected literature on retention of participants in longitudinal studies and highlights areas in which further research on engagement and retention is needed.
Atypical Antipsychotic Medication and Substance Use-Related Outcomes in the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Using national administrative data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), clinical change in veterans with schizophrenia and comorbid substance abuse and dependence (n = 249) was assessed with the Addiction Severity Index. Outcomes among those switched or maintained on an atypical antipsychotic were compared with those treated with conventionals. For the entire sample and those on an atypical during the last assessment, paired t-tests showed significant decreases in the alcohol and psychological ASI scores. However, multivariate analysis showed no greater improvement in alcohol, drug, or psychological scores in individuals who were switched to (n = 33) or maintained on (n = 161) an atypical antipsychotic as compared to those who were treated with conventional at the final assessment (n = 55). Patients treated with atypical antipsychotics achieved no greater improvement in substance-related outcomes that patients who were not.
Significant associations of CHRNA2 and CHRNA6 with nicotine dependence in European American and African American populations.

The direct physiological effects that promote nicotine dependence (ND) are mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In line with the genetic and pharmacological basis of addiction, many previous studies have revealed significant associations between variants in the nAChR subunit genes and various measures of ND in different ethnic samples. In this study, we first examined the association of variants in nAChR subunits α2 (CHRNA2) and α6 (CHRNA6) genes on chromosome 8 with ND using a family sample consisting of 1,730 European Americans (EAs) from 495 families and 1,892 African Americans (AAs) from 424 families (defined as the discovery family sample). ND was assessed by two standard quantitative measures: smoking quantity (SQ) and the Fagerstrom Test for ND (FTND). We found nominal associations for all seven tested SNPs of the genes with at least one ND measure in the EA sample and for two SNPs in CHRNA2 in the AA sample. Of these, associations of SNPs rs3735757 with FTND (P = 0.0068) and rs2472553 with both ND measures (with a P value of 0.0043 and 0.00086 for SQ and FTND, respectively) continued to be significant in the EA sample even after correction for multiple tests. Further, we found several haplotypes that were significantly associated with ND in the EA sample in CHRNA6 and in the both EA and AA samples in CHRNA2. To confirm the associations of the two genes with ND, we conducted a replication study with an independent case–control sample from the SAGE study, which showed a significant association of the two genes with ND, although the significantly associated SNPs were not always the same in the two samples. Together, these findings indicate that both CHRNA2 and CHRNA6 play a significant role in the etiology of ND in AA and EA smokers. Further replication in additional independent samples is warranted.
Report of the Editor of the American Political Science Review , 2004–2005

This completes my fourth year as editor of the APSR . The main theme of last year's annual report was continuity from the previous year in the flow, processing, and variety of the papers that we received and the articles that we published. That theme dominates this year's report as well, for only a glance at the tabular data reported below will be needed to establish the incremental character of the year-to-year changes that we experienced in the number and diversity of the papers that we received, the time it took to process them, and the outcomes of our review process. Having said that, I hasten to add that this year we have devoted extensive time and energy to an exciting new project, which I will discuss at the end of this report.
Crystal Growth of Calcium Carbonate in Hydrogels as a Model of Biomineralization

In recent years, the prevalence of hydrogel-like organic matrices in biomineralization has gained attention as a route to synthesizing a diverse range of crystalline structures. Here, examples of hydrogels in biological, as well as synthetic, bio-inspired systems are discussed. Particular attention is given to understanding the physical versus chemical effects of a broad range of hydrogel matrices and their role in directing polymorph selectivity and morphological control in the calcium carbonate system. Finally, recent data regarding hydrogel-matrix incorporation into the growing crystals is discussed and a mechanism for the formation of these single-crystal composite materials is presented.
Contrast of the biological activity of negatively and positively charged microwave synthesized CdSe/ZnS quantum dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals that have found use in bioimaging, cell tracking, and drug delivery. This article compares the cytotoxicity and cellular interactions of positively and negatively charged CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDs prepared by a microwave method using a murine alveolar macrophage-like cell culture model. Keeping the core semiconductor the same, QD charge was varied by altering the surface capping molecule; negatively charged QDs were formed with mercaptopropionic acid (MPA-QDs) and positively charged QDs with thiocholine (THIO-QDs). The size and charge of these two QDs were investigated in three types of media (RPMI, RPMI + FBS, and X-VIVO serum-free media) relevant for the biological studies. MPA-QDs were found to have negative zeta potential in RPMI, RPMI + FBS, and serum-free media and had sizes ranging from 8 to 54 nm. THIO-QDs suspended in RPMI alone were 250 nM). Both types of QDs were internalized via clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Using real-time, live cell imaging, we found that MPA-QDs interact with the cell surface within minutes and progress through the endocytic pathway to the lysosomes upon internalization. With the THIO-QDs, the internalization process was slower, but the pathways could not be mapped because of spectroscopic interference caused by QD aggregates. Finally, MPA-QDs were found to associate with cell surface scavenger receptors, while the THIO-QDs did not. This study indicates that the surface charge and aggregation characteristics of QDs change drastically in biological culture conditions and, in turn, influence nanoparticle and cellular interactions.
Long term bromocriptine therapy in Cushing's disease.

Recently, bromocriptine has been successfully introduced as medical therapy for the pituitary hypersecreting syndromes of hyperprolactinemia and acromegaly. Subsequently, an inhibitory effect on ACTH secretion was reported using bromocriptine in Cushing’s disease. While most studies have focused on the acute response to bromocriptine, few have investigated the response to chronic therapy with this agent. In this report, we describe a patient with Cushing’s disease in whom an acute inhibition of ACTH and cortisol was demonstrated following bromocriptine and in whom the long term administration of bromocriptine as the sole therapy produced a transient beneficial response. Further pharmacologic testing suggested this inhibitory effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was mediated through dopaminergic stimulation.
On the mechanisms of transport and biological significance of antibodies in external secretions.

Recent evidence suggests that the antibodies present in certain external secretions are produced locally, and that the predominant immunoglobulin in these secretions appears to be γA, which is complexed to a nonimmunoglobulin glycoprotein referred to as the secretory “piece” or T chain. The secretory immunoglobulin system may be of importance in determining local flora and the resistance of mucous membranes to colonization by potentially pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and may be involved in hypersensitivity reactions on mucous surfaces as well as in certain so-called autoimmune processes.
MEASURING PEDESTRIAN QUALITY OF SERVICE FOR MIDBLOCK STREET CROSSINGS: SELECTION OF POTENTIAL DETERMINANTS

The Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of developing a statistically estimated model of pedestrian quality of service for midblock street crossings as part of its Multimodal Quality of Service Program. This model is to be used in evaluating the level of service of street segments for pedestrian street crossing. The actual development of the model, including methodological issues explored, data collection, and model calibration and validation, is reported separately. A process was used to select potential determinants of perceived pedestrian quality of service for midblock street crossings. This process is structured and involves two steps. The first step involves the selection of a set of potential determinants through a theoretical analysis of pedestrian behavior for street crossing. The theoretical consideration ensures that these potential determinants have a sound behavioral foundation. The second step involves narrowing down this theoretical set through a practical analysis of planning needs and data requirements by an advisory committee. This practical consideration ensures that the final set of potential determinants and the model both are practically relevant.
Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1α Confers Protection Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Role of the Cardiac Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1α–CXCR4 Axis

Background— Stromal cell–derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) binding to its cognate receptor, CXCR4, regulates a variety of cellular functions such as stem cell homing, trafficking, and differentiation. However, the role of the SDF-1α–CXCR4 axis in modulating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is unknown. Methods and Results— In mice subjected to ischemic preconditioning, myocardial SDF-1α mRNA was found to be increased 3 hours later (P<0.05). Myocardial SDF-1α and CXCR4 mRNA and protein were found to be expressed in both cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. SDF-1α production increased significantly after 1 or 4 hours of hypoxia and 18 hours of reoxygenation in cultured myocytes (P<0.05) but did not change in fibroblast cultures. In isolated myocytes, CXCR4 activation by SDF-1α resulted in increased phosphorylation of both ERK 1/2 and AKT and decreased phosphorylation of JNK and p38. Cultured myocytes pretreated with SDF-1α were resistant to hypoxia/reoxygenation damage, exhibiting less lactate dehydrogenase rele...
Rapid Calculation of the Periodic Steady State for Electronically Switched, Time Varying Power System Loads

The periodic steady state of power distribution system loads is studied for electronically switched, time varying cases. Many loads of this type appear on contemporary power systems as energy saving and controllable demands. Several alternative methods of calculating the periodic steady state are discussed and a new method is proposed based on the frequency modulation property of the discrete Fourier transform. The new method is termed the gain-shift formula (GSF) because the format of the technique entails adding frequency shifted terms which represent the parameter to be calculated. An example of a triac-switched load on the distribution system is given. The main advantages of the GSF are: rapid calculation of the periodic steady state; and efficient calculation of the frequency spectrum of voltages and currents in the periodic steady state.
Identification of inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase using an enzyme-coupled transmethylation assay

The phosphoethanolamine methyltransferase, PfPMT, of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a member of a newly identified family of phosphoethanolamine methyltransferases (PMT) found solely in some protozoa, nematodes, frogs, and plants, is involved in the synthesis of the major membrane phospholipid, phosphatidylcholine. PMT enzymes catalyze a three-step S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methylation of the nitrogen atom of phosphoethanolamine to form phosphocholine. In P. falciparum, this activity is a limiting step in the pathway of synthesis of phosphatidylcholine from serine and plays an important role in the development, replication and survival of the parasite within human red blood cells. We have employed an enzyme-coupled methylation assay to screen for potential inhibitors of PfPMT. In addition to hexadecyltrimethylammonium, previously known to inhibit PfPMT, two compounds dodecyltrimethylammonium and amodiaquine were also found to inhibit PfPMT activity in vitro. Interestingly, PfPMT activity was not inhibited by the amodiaquine analog, chloroquine, or other aminoquinolines, amino alcohols, or histamine methyltransferase inhibitors. Using yeast as a surrogate system we found that unlike wild-type cells, yeast mutants that rely on PfPMT for survival were sensitive to amodiaquine, and their phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis was inhibited by this compound. Furthermore NMR titration studies to characterize the interaction between amoidaquine and PfPMT demonstrated a specific and concentration dependent binding of the compound to the enzyme. The identification of amodiaquine as an inhibitor of PfPMT in vitro and in yeast, and the biophysical evidence for the specific interaction of the compound with the enzyme will set the stage for the development of analogs of this drug that specifically inhibit this enzyme and possibly other PMTs.
Generation of coherent UV radiation by optical wave-mixing processes in atomic potassium

A pulsed dye-laser beam (ωL) pumped by a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser is focused into a heat-pipe oven containing potassium vapor (nk ≈ 1016 cm−3). Two-photon resonant four-wave and six-wave mixing processes using the potassium 8s 2S1/2 state are investigated. Thirty-two coherent UV radiation lines are generated within the range of 300–400 nm through the processes ωUV = 2ωL ± ωIR and ωUV = 2ωL − ω′IR − ω″IR ± ω‴IR, where ωIR are frequencies of laser-induced IR waves generated in the vapor near the transitions 8S–7P, 7P–7S, 7P–5D, 8S–6P, 7S–6P, 5D–6P, etc. The influence of resonant enhancement on the UV line intensities and the phase-matching condition are analyzed.
A Graph-Theoretic QoS-Aware Vulnerability Assessment for Network Topologies

How to assess the topology vulnerability of a network has attracted more and more attentions recently. Due to the rapid growing number of real- time internet applications developed since the last decade, the discovery of topology weakness related to its quality of service (QoS) is of more interest. In this paper, we provide a novel QoS-aware measurement for assessing the vulnerability of general network topologies. Specifically, we evaluate the vulnerability by detecting the minimum number of link failures that decrease the satisfactory level of the QoS-Optimal source- destination path to a given value, which means a topology with a smaller amount of such link failures is more vulnerable. We formulate this process as a graph optimization problem called QoSCE and provide several exact and heuristic algorithms for various QoS constraint amounts. To our best knowledge, this is the first graph-theoretical framework to evaluate QoS-aware topology vulnerability. Through extensive simulations, the performance of the proposed algorithms are validated in terms of assessment accuracy and time complexity.
Recent hydrologic change in a Colorado alpine basin: an indicator of permafrost thaw?

Hydrologic and hydrochemical studies have been conducted in Green Lakes Valley, Colorado Front Range, USA, above 3550 m since 1982. They show a classic seasonal hydrograph dominated by snowmelt and an earlier date for the start of spring flow and for peak flow over the period of record. This is consistent with patterns found at lower elevations in Colorado and throughout western North America. They also show an increasing trend in flows in September and October of 2.6 � 0.7 mm a -1 which is not found elsewhere and cannot be accounted for by increased autumn precipitation and the melting of surface ice. Because this late-season increase is not found at the highest elevations or in basins in which there is no evidence of permafrost, it seems best explained by the thawing of alpine permafrost at intermediate elevations. This is corroborated by an increase in the concentration of base cations and silica, and particularly in Ca 2+ and SO4 - , in the stream discharge starting in 2000. As with the physical hydrology, the geochemical signals have not been detected at the higher elevations in the basin, though they have previously been associated with streamflow from a small rock glacier in the valley. The combined evidence suggests the degradation of ice-rich permafrost on the north-facing slopes of the valley below 3700 m, where it has been detected at 3 m depth by geophysical surveys.
A Note on Adam Smith's Application of an Interval Estimate Approach to Probability in the Wealth of Nations (1776)

Adam Smith was the first economist to use interval estimates in an application involving economic analysis. In general, the expected value and/or expected utility (subjective expected utility) rules can’t be applied in the real world of decision making because there is missing evidence.
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer: the Promise and the Perils

The scientific goal of deriving human pluripotent stem cell lines via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has become a reality in the past few years. In the early days of this research, however, the degree of hype and promise surrounding human SCNT was matched by equally ardent warnings of its ethical perils. This commentary compares the predicted promises and perils of human SCNT to the current scientific and ethical realities, taking note of underappreciated issues that have emerged in the interim.
Bridging the Worlds

In this article the author comments on the article “The Very Separate Worlds of Academic and Practitioner Periodicals in Human Resource Management: Implications for Evidence-Based Management,” by S...
Corn oil and hypercholesteremic response in the cholesterol-fed chick.

SummaryDietary experiments in the cholesterol-fed chick have demonstrated that a higher level of serum cholesterol is achieved when cottonseed oil is fed instead of corn oil. Reconstituting the distilled fatty acids of cottonseed oil, and adding a small amount of my-ristic acid so that the proportions of the major fatty acids in corn oil were observed, did not make cottonseed oil fatty acids behave like corn oil in restricting the rise in serum cholesterol. Comparison of the whole corn germ with expressed and solvent extracted corn oil revealed that it was a much more potent agent for limiting the hypercholesteremia and subsequent atherosclerosis than the more refined products. It seems unlikely that this difference between corn oil and cottonseed oil in the effect on the hypercholesteremic response of the cholesterol fed bird could be explained by a difference in fatty acid composition.The authors are indebted to Irene Carr, Marianne Nijenhuis, and Michael Golden for technical assistance in this work.
Measles vaccines--a positive step toward eradicating a negative strand.

Measles is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths among children worldwide. The development of a measles DNA vaccine may prevent the complications associated with non-infectious vaccine approaches and eventually contribute to global measles eradication (pages 776–781 ).
Chiari type 1 malformation, corpus callosum agenesis and patent craniopharyngeal canal in an 11-year-old boy:

We describe the neuroimaging findings of an 11-year-old boy who presented with mild occipital headache and precocious puberty. This child was found to have a combination of various midline anomalies including a Chiari type 1 malformation, corpus callosum agenesis and patent craniopharyngeal canal with adjacent intracranial dermoid cyst.
Analysis and Evaluation

This chapter describes the analysis and evaluation of physical protection systems (PPS) design. After the PPS objectives have been established and a new or upgraded design has been developed, it is necessary to analyze the effectiveness of the design in meeting the objectives. A rigorous quantitative analysis is required for protection of assets with unacceptably high consequence of loss, even if the probability of an adversary attack is low. A qualitative analysis is more suitable when evaluating lower security applications. Analysis of the PPS establishes the assumptions under which a design was formed, relate system performance to threats and assets, and allow a cost–benefit decision to be made. A PPS is a complex configuration of detection, delay, and response elements that can be analyzed to determine system effectiveness. The analysis helps in identifying system deficiencies, evaluating improvements, and enables cost-versus effectiveness comparisons. Quantitative analysis is used for assuring protection of critical, high-value assets where testing data is available, either from performance tests run on the PPS or from tests run in the laboratory.
Targeting HIV Transcription: The Quest for a Functional Cure

Open image in new window HIV Transcription and Tat Protein. HIV Tat protein (A), bound to the TAR RNA stem–loop structure, binds to the P-TEFb complex (B), activating transcriptional elongation by RNA polymerase (C). The illustration also shows HIV Rev (D) bound to the Rev-response element and CRM1 (E), a cellular protein involved in transport through the nuclear pore
Preliminary Investigation of the Changes in Fecal Streptococcal Population due to Diet and Time of Day in Horses

A growing number of equine studies examine management factors that influence the microbial populations in regions of the gastrointestinal tract using culture-independent molecular techniques. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to evaluate changes in fecal streptococcal populations in horses fed different maturities of teff hay with fecal samples collected at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM. The objective of this study was to use qPCR and species-specific probes for 16S ribosomal DNA to quantify the percentage of equine hindgut streptococcal species (EHSS) relative to the total bacterial load in the feces. Feces from horses fed the most mature teff hay had the lowest %EHSS, and feces collected at 12:00 had the highest %EHSS (P < .05). Our interest in investigating %EHSS developed out of research that examined associations between changes in EHSS populations and the onset of laminitis. Although we expected almost no risk of laminitis in these forage fed horses, our hypothesis was that the different carbohydrate fractions in the three maturities of hay would result in differences in %EHSS in horses fed these hay maturities. The supply of carbohydrates, nonstructural or structural, influences the microbial species composition through the gastrointestinal tract. This study highlights the occurrence of measurable changes in %EHSS due to subtle changes in dietary nonstructural carbohydrate and also changes in samples taken at different times of day. This information is useful to others considering investigations of dietary influences on gastrointestinal microbial populations, particularly those that plan to use feces as their main sample medium.
Structurally Simple Benzylidene-Type Photolabile Diol Protecting Groups

Two structurally simple photolabile protecting groups for releasing 1,2- and 1,3-diols have been developed. The diols can be protected in high yields and released from their corresponding acetals with high chemical efficiency.
Gynecologic Oncologist Views Influencing Referral to Outpatient Specialty Palliative Care

Objective Early specialty palliative care is underused for patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies. We sought to understand how gynecologic oncologists9 views influence outpatient specialty palliative care referral to help inform strategies for improvement. Methods/Materials We conducted a qualitative interview study at 6 National Cancer Institute–designated cancer centers with well-established outpatient palliative care services. Between September 2015 and March 2016, 34 gynecologic oncologists participated in semistructured telephone interviews focused on attitudes, experiences, and preferences related to outpatient specialty palliative care. A multidisciplinary team analyzed transcripts using constant comparative methods to inductively develop a coding framework. Through an iterative, analytic process, codes were classified, grouped, and refined into themes. Results Mean (SD) participant age was 47 (10) years. Mean (SD) interview length was 25 (7) minutes. Three main themes emerged regarding how gynecologic oncologists view outpatient specialty palliative care: (1) long-term relationships with patients is a unique and defining aspect of gynecologic oncology that influences referral, (2) gynecologic oncologists value palliative care clinicians9 communication skills and third-party perspective to increase prognostic awareness and help negotiate differences between patient preferences and physician recommendation, and (3) gynecologic oncologists prefer specialty palliative care services embedded within gynecologic oncology clinics. Conclusions Gynecologic oncologists value longitudinal relationships with patients and use specialty palliative care to negotiate conflict surrounding prognostic awareness or the treatment plan. Embedding specialty palliative care within gynecologic oncology clinics may promote communication between clinicians and facilitate gynecologic oncologist involvement throughout the illness course.
Regulation of Energy Expenditure in Aging Humans

The regulation of daily energy expenditure and its components in aging humans in considered in this review. Specifically, the effects of age on resting metabolic rate (RMR), the thermic effect of a meal, body composition, and the interaction of these variables with physical activity in both men and women are considered. The possible modulators of the age-related decline in RMR are examined by exploring the influence of alterations in body composition, physical activity, and the sodium-potassium pump. Thereafter, the status of energy requirements in healthy and diseased individuals is examined. New information is presented regarding the use of the doubly-labeled water technique to measure daily energy expenditure and its applicability to the determination of daily energy requirements in free-living older persons.
A probabilistic asteroid impact risk model: assessment of sub-300 m impacts

Abstract A comprehensive asteroid threat assessment requires the quantification of both the impact likelihood and resulting consequence across the range of possible events. This paper presents a probabilistic asteroid impact risk (PAIR) assessment model developed for this purpose. The model incorporates published impact frequency rates with state-of-the-art consequence assessment tools, applied within a Monte Carlo framework that generates sets of impact scenarios from uncertain input parameter distributions. Explicit treatment of atmospheric entry is included to produce energy deposition rates that account for the effects of thermal ablation and object fragmentation. These energy deposition rates are used to model the resulting ground damage, and affected populations are computed for the sampled impact locations. The results for each scenario are aggregated into a distribution of potential outcomes that reflect the range of uncertain impact parameters, population densities, and strike probabilities. As an illustration of the utility of the PAIR model, the results are used to address the question of what minimum size asteroid constitutes a threat to the population. To answer this question, complete distributions of results are combined with a hypothetical risk tolerance posture to provide the minimum size, given sets of initial assumptions for objects up to 300 m in diameter. Model outputs demonstrate how such questions can be answered and provide a means for interpreting the effect that input assumptions and uncertainty can have on final risk-based decisions. Model results can be used to prioritize investments to gain knowledge in critical areas or, conversely, to identify areas where additional data have little effect on the metrics of interest.
Effects of different rotation speeds on microstructure, hardness and corrosion resistance of the Au-Cu alloy

In this work, Au-Cu alloys were prepared using the permanent magnetic stirring method. A pair of permanent magnets driven by a rotating motor was selected to induce the rotating magnetic field. The influences of different rotation speeds on secondary dendrite arm spacing, dendritic segregation, hardness, and corrosion resistance of Au-Cu alloys were investigated. The experimental results revealed that the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) first decreased with the rotation speed increasing, and thereafter increased due to the sharp decrease of magnetic flux density. Generally, the dendritic structure of alloys can be refined remarkably by a rotating magnetic field, but with a too high rotation speed, the degree of grain refinement was reduced. Moreover, it was found that, the segregation of Au element only was slightly improved, but that of Cu was obviously increased by the permanent magnetic stirring. Along with the refinement of SDAS, the hardness and the corrosion resistance of Au-Cu alloys were significantly increased.
Effects of tracking scale on user performance in virtual reality games

We explore how scaling a user’s tracking data may impact performance in an immersive virtual reality game, which may have implications for fairness and accessibility of many applications. In our study, which used an HTC Vive room-scale VR system, users play the role of a factory worker who must remove deformed bread from a production line. Users were scaled to a reference height, such that taller than average users were rendered shorter and had shorter reach and shorter than average users were rendered taller and had longer reach than normal. Users also performed with unscaled tracking data. Our analysis indicates that there was no systematic advantage of being taller or shorter than normal, and scaling users may have had a detrimental effect. Moreover, scale changes were noticed by many users who had conflicting preferences for various application-specific reasons, indicating that application strategy can be affected by scale. Results suggest that while virtual reality tracking data may be scaled to compensate for user differences in physical height or reach, care must be taken to ensure that performance will benefit.
Syndicate Size and the Choice of Covenants in Debt Contracts

ABSTRACT I investigate whether and how syndicate size influences the type of covenants used in debt contracts. Prior theory and evidence suggest renegotiation considerations from coordination diffi...
Assimilation, Marriage, and Lesbian Liberation

The issue of assimilation is not unique to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered legal theories and litigation, thus the first task of this Article is a survey of the current legal theoretical interventions regarding assimilation in legal culture. Part II of this Article analyzes specific themes in legal scholarship regarding assimilation. Part III of this Article then distills three of these themes into concerns for lesbian legal theory: the problem of constitutional equality, the consideration of coercion, and lastly the more abstract investigation of the state’s interest in questions of assimilation. After a brief history of same-sex marriage and similar legal devices as developed in the United States, Part IV of this Article argues that marriage implicates serious and insoluble problems of constitutional equality, specifically questions of Sex-Equality , Familial Marriage (Incest), and Plural Marriage; the problem of compulsory matrimony, and the problem of marital identity and the state (including marital status discrimination). Because the issue of children and child-rearing is often coupled with marriage, Part V of this Article briefly examines the same concerns raised in the context of marriage in relation to lesbian parenting. Finally, this Article concludes that questions of assimilation with regards to marriage and parenting need to be taken much more seriously in our advocacy, litigation, and scholarship than previously, if we are to honor any claim to be a movement which includes liberation among its goals.
Performance Per Watt - Benchmarking Ways to Get More for Less

The electrical cost of managing information systems has always been a concern for those investing in technology. However, in recent years the focus has increased, both because of increased costs of electricity and decreased costs of other components of the equation.
Identifying Areas at Greatest Risk for Recent Zika Virus Importation - New York City, 2016.

INTRODUCTION The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene sought to detect and minimize the risk of local, mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission. We modeled areas at greatest risk for recent ZIKV importation, in the context of spatially biased ZIKV case ascertainment and no data on the local spatial distribution of persons arriving from ZIKV-affected countries. METHODS For each of 14 weeks during June-September 2016, we used logistic regression to model the census tract-level presence of any ZIKV cases in the prior month, using eight covariates from static sociodemographic census data and the latest surveillance data, restricting to census tracts with any ZIKV testing in the prior month. To assess whether the model discriminated better than random between census tracts with and without recent cases, we compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each week's fitted model versus an intercept-only model applied to cross-validated data. For weeks where the ROC contrast test was significant at P < 0.05, we output and mapped the model-predicted individual probabilities for all census tracts, including those with no recent testing. RESULTS The ROC contrast test was significant for 8 of 14 weekly analyses. No covariates were consistently associated with the presence of recent cases. Modeled risk areas fluctuated across these 8 weeks, with Spearman correlation coefficients ranging from 0.30 to 0.93, all P < 0.0001. Areas in the Bronx and upper Manhattan were in the highest risk decile as of late June, while as of late August, the greatest risk shifted to eastern Brooklyn. CONCLUSION We used observable characteristics of areas with recent, known travel-associated ZIKV cases to identify similar areas with no observed cases that might also be at-risk each week. Findings were used to target public education and Aedes spp. mosquito surveillance and control. These methods are applicable to other conditions for which biased case ascertainment is suspected and knowledge of how cases are geographically distributed is important for targeting public health activities.
Headache in Pregnancy and the Puerperium

Migraine is the most common cause of headache during pregnancy. Pregnancy increases risk for many causes of headache, including pathologic vascular processes. Headache associated with neurologic signs or symptoms or that is progressive and refractory to treatment; acute in onset; and severe, postural, or different from typical headaches should be evaluated. Work-up should include cerebral and cerebrovascular imaging and monitoring for hypertension. Acetaminophen is first-line symptomatic treatment during pregnancy, and evidence supports triptans rather than butalbital combination analgesics as second-line treatment. Propranolol is preferred preventive treatment, and amitriptyline and verapamil may be considered. Treatment of migraine during lactation is less restrictive than during pregnancy.
Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia and Other Neurovascular Compression Syndromes

Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVCS) result from the chronic pulsatile effect of posterior fossa arteries and veins on the neighboring neural structures. Trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) being the most common, other cranial nerve compression syndromes include hemifacial spasm, geniculate neuralgia (or nervus intermedius neuralgia), vestibular paroxysmia, and vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia. Ventrolateral medullary arterial compression may be the cause for neurogenic essential hypertension and vascular compression of CN IX and X producing vocal cord dysfunction (uncontrollable cough). While conservative therapies are often attempted, microvascular decompression provides the most effective relief. In this chapter, we review the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology of trigeminal neuralgia and briefly summarize other NVCS. The relevant anatomy of most common compressing vasculature is described, including the petrosal venous complex and its tributaries. Additionally, we describe our technique and experience in microvascular decompression surgery for TGN and lower cranial nerve compression and the advantageous application of the operative neuro-endoscope and intraoperative neuromonitoring.
Theatre of Nepal and the People Who Make It

Theatre of Nepal and the People Who Make It is the first comprehensive look at Nepali theatre for readers outside of Nepal. Charting Nepali theatre from ancient times to the present and from the metropolis of Kathmandu to far-flung regions, this book highlights the history of formal theatre and connects it to shifting political and social conditions in the country. Sourcing extensive fieldwork, it takes us backstage to meet individual theatre makers and learn their unique attributes and stories. From these intimate glimpses and the intertwining of political history with theatrical expression, a portrait emerges that conveys the character of Nepalis who, in spite of adversities, continue to dramatize their hopes, fears, principles, and priorities through theatrical means.
Evaluating the construct validity of the King-Devick test in a psychological outpatient clinical sample

The King–Devick test (K–D) has demonstrated sensitivity as a screener measure of ocular motor and cognitive problems. Despite its empirical support in the assessment of patients with certain injuri...
Post-infantile giant cell hepatitis: A single center's experience over 25 years.

Background Giant cell hepatitis in the adult population remains very poorly defined with only 100 case reports published in the literature over the last three decades. Aim To present our center's experience in an attempt to learn about the predisposing factors, outcomes and efficacy of proposed therapeutic interventions for giant cell hepatitis. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted through the electronic records of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. We queried 36726 liver biopsy reports from January 1, 1991 to December 6, 2016. Our search yielded 50 patients who were identified as carrying a definite diagnosis of post-infantile giant cell hepatitis (PIGCH) by pathology. The data collected included demographic information, laboratory data (liver function tests, autoimmune markers) and transplant status. In order to better analyze patient characteristics and outcomes, subjects were separated into a non-transplant (native) liver group and a post-liver transplant (allograft) group. Results The incidence of PIGCH was approximately 0.14% of all biopsies queried in the 25-year period. The mean age was 48 years with 66% females. Liver function tests were classified as 38.2% cholestatic, 35.3% hepatocellular and 26.5% mixed. Autoimmune hepatitis was found to be the most prevalent predisposing factor leading to PIGCH constituting 32% of cases. Management consisted mainly of immunosuppression, viral targeted therapy, supportive care and in six cases liver transplantations. Conclusion The diagnosis of PIGCH remains clinically challenging and requires a high index of suspicion as well as a thorough history, physical examination, serological workup and liver biopsy. Treatment of the underlying cause can result in clinical stability in a large number of cases.
Renal Effects and Recovery in Patients Receiving Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy

Introduction Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has shown significant therapeutic potential but carries risk of treatment related toxicity. There is limited data describing risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) related to CAR T therapy. Objectives To identify the incidence of AKI and recovery of renal function in patients undergoing CAR T therapy. Methods We analyzed adult patients given FDA approved CAR T cell therapy February 2018 to 2019 for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) at our center. Patients received axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta®) (34/46, 74%) or tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah®) (12/46, 26%). All creatinine's prior to and following CAR T infusion until last follow up were collected. Maximum (max) grade AKI [grade 1 (creatinine 1.5 - 3-fold baseline)] was calculated based on KDIGO criteria. Renal recovery was assessed using creatinine 30 days post max grade AKI. Results Forty six patients, median age 63 years (range 19-85) of whom 33 (72%) were men underwent CAR T therapy for relapsed/ refractory NHL. Patients had a median of 4 lines of chemotherapy (range 2-10) prior to CAR T, including autoSCT (n=9, 20%), alloHCT (n=3, 7%), and both auto and alloHCT (n=1). Lymphodepletion regimens were either cyclophosphamide/fludarabine (n=43, 93%) or bendamustine (n=3, 7%). Baseline co-morbidities were hypertension 13/46 (28%) and diabetes mellitus 1/46 (2%). Median baseline creatinine was 0.8 (range 0.5 – 2) mg/dL, and median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 88 [(range 36-160) mL/min/1.73m2, GFR ≤ 60 in 4 patients]. No patient was on dialysis prior to infusion. Five of 14 patients with baseline urinalysis had ≥30 mg/dL protein. Median overall follow up was 8.3 (95%CI: 6.8 - 11.4) months. Renal injury Fourteen patients (30%) had any grade AKI during available follow-up. Of these, 10/14 (71%) had grade 1, 2/14 (14%) had grade 2, and 1/14 (7%) had grade 3. Median day onset for max grade AKI was 48 (range 6 to 100) days. Nephrotoxic medication exposures prior to AKI included acyclovir in 10 (71%), vancomycin in 11 (79%) and ibuprofen in 1 (7%). Of the 14 patients who developed AKI, 11 (79%) also had cytokine release syndrome (CRS). For these patients, median peak C reactive protein level was 12 (range 0.4 to 34) mg/L and median interleukin-6 level was 179 (range 14 to 23,752) pg/ml. After removing competing events (relapse, progression or death), cumulative incidence of grade 1 AKI was 15.2% (95% CI 4.7-25.7) and grade 2 AKI was 2.2% (95% CI 0-6.5) by day +100. Incidence of AKI shown in Figure 1. Creatinine returned to baseline in 11/12 (92%) patients alive at 30 days post AKI. Conclusions Our study shows that the incidence of AKI is low in patients receiving CAR T therapy. Majority of AKI was grade 1 and returned to baseline within 30 days. A larger study sample will likely help elucidate risk factors associated with development of AKI in these patients.