cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroactive Steroid (3α,5α)3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP) and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine MCP-1 Levels in Hippocampus CA1 are Correlated with Voluntary Ethanol Consumption in Cynomolgus Monkey.

Background Neuroactive steroids such as (3α,5α)3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP, allopregnanolone) are potent neuromodulators that enhance GABAergic neurotransmission and produce inhibitory neurobehavioral and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption reduces 3α,5α-THP levels in human plasma, but has brain region- and species-specific effects on central nervous system levels of 3α,5α-THP. We explored the relationship between 3α,5α-THP levels in the hippocampus and voluntary EtOH consumption in the cynomolgus monkey following daily self-administration of EtOH for 12 months and further examined the relationship with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function prior to EtOH exposure. We simultaneously explored hippocampus levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the neuroimmune response to EtOH, following chronic self-administration. Methods Monkeys were subjected to scheduled induction of water and EtOH consumption (0 to 1.5 g/kg) over 4 months, followed by free access to EtOH or water for 22 h/d over 12 months. Immunohistochemistry was performed using an anti-3α,5α-THP or anti-MCP-1 antibody. Prolonged voluntary drinking resulted in individual differences in EtOH consumption that ranged from 1.2 to 4.2 g/kg/d over 12 months. Results Prolonged EtOH consumption increased cellular 3α,5α-THP immunoreactivity by 12 ± 2% (p < 0.05) and reduced MCP-1 immunoreactivity by 23 ± 9% (p < 0.05) in the hippocampus CA1. In both cases, the effect of EtOH was most pronounced in heavy drinkers that consumed ≥3 g/kg for ≥20% of days. 3α,5α-THP immunoreactivity was positively correlated with average daily EtOH intake (Spearman r = 0.76, p < 0.05) and dexamethasone inhibition of HPA axis function (Spearman r = 0.9, p < 0.05). In contrast, MCP-1 immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with average daily EtOH intake (Spearman r = −0.78, p < 0.05) and dexamethasone suppression of HPA axis function (Spearman r = −0.76, p < 0.05). Finally, 3α,5α-THP and MCP-1 immunoreactivity were inversely correlated with each other (Spearman r = −0.68, p < 0.05). Conclusions These data indicate that voluntary, long-term EtOH consumption results in higher levels of 3α,5α-THP, while decreasing levels of MCP-1 in the CA1 hippocampus, and that both changes may be linked to HPA axis function and the magnitude of voluntary EtOH consumption.
Arrhythmias in Patients ≥80 Years of Age: Pathophysiology, Management, and Outcomes

Abstract Advances in medical care have led to an increase in the number of octogenarians and even older patients, forming an important and unique patient subgroup. It is clear that advancing age is an independent risk factor for the development of most arrhythmias, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Patients ≥80 years of age have significant structural and electrical remodeling of cardiac tissue; accrue competing comorbidities; react differently to drug therapy; and may experience falls, frailty, and cognitive impairment, presenting significant therapeutic challenges. Unfortunately, very old patients are under-represented in clinical trials, leading to critical gaps in evidence to guide effective and safe treatment of arrhythmias. In this state-of-the-art review, we examine the pathophysiology of aging and arrhythmias and then present the available evidence on age-specific management of the most common arrhythmias, including drugs, catheter ablation, and cardiac implantable electronic devices.
Skeletal Muscle Lipid Composition Parallels Clinical Phenotype Extremes

Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) is generally associated with insulin resistance and lipotoxicity. However, the “athlete’s paradox” is well documented, where IMCL levels are similar between athletes and patients with type 2 diabetes despite discrepant levels of insulin sensitivity. Differences in muscle lipid metabolites between aerobically trained, lean, insulin-sensitive (LT) vs. sedentary, overweight/obese, insulin-resistant (OIR) individuals remain insufficiently characterized and may help to explain the “athlete’s paradox.” LT [n=14: 50% females, 28.5±1.6 years (Mean±SE)] and OIR [n=24: 79% females, 29.8±1.6 years] subjects each provided 2 muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis (bilateral, 6 hours apart, ≥48 hours after last exercise, ≥8 fasting, overnight admission prior to biopsy) for mass spectrometry analysis. At a separate visit, insulin sensitivity was quantified by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (mg glucose/kg FFM/min). As the sequential biopsy results were not significantly different, the results were averaged for each subject. Compared with the OIR group, the LT group had lower BMI (22.3±0.5 vs. 36.2±1.2 kg/m2:p Disclosure L.S. Chow: Research Support; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. D.G. Mashek: None. T. Bosch: None. A. Bantle: None. M. Petterson: None. D.R. Dengel: None. M.D. Jensen: Other Relationship; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S. Consultant; Self; Novo Nordisk A/S.
Use of bisphosphonates in orthopedic surgery: pearls and pitfalls

Bisphosphonates are medications known to decrease bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastic activity. They are the first-line therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis because a significant body of literature has proved their efficacy in reducing the risk of fracture in the hip, spine and other nonvertebral osseous sites. In addition, the use of bisphosphonates has significantly decreased morbidity and increased survival, and they have also proved to be cost-effective. Unexpected adverse effects have been reported recently, but the benefit of bisphosphonates use outweighs the risks. This article reviews the current use of bisphosphonates in orthopedic surgery.
Rationale for the Effective Use of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in Early Drug Development

Premarketing development of new drugs is time-consuming, costly, and does not always lead to optimal dosages. DiMasi and coworkers (1991) estimate that the mean development time of new drugs approved during the mid-80’s was 11.8 years and the average direct cost was 117 million dollars. Despite such lengthy and costly premarketing research efforts, as of April 1991, 8.3% of 192 new drugs approved during the 1980’s had undergone significant dosage changes in the approved drug labels (examples: midazolam, zidovudine, buprenorphine, alprazolam). These dosage changes were prompted by a recognition that modifications in recommended doses or dosing intervals would lead to even more efficacious or safer therapy in individual patients. Thus, if efficiency in premarketing drug development is measured by its duration, cost and optimality of dosages, it appears that the process is often inefficient.
Trees, Roots and a Brain: A Metaphorical Foundation for Mathematical Art

The ideas and language of mathematics have played an important role in the development of the visual arts. Whether it is perspective geometry giving rise to academic realism, or the revolutionary work of Kandinsky, mathematical thinking and language have framed the art process by expanding the way we view and conceptualize reality. Furthermore, the aesthetics of mathematics has spirited art movements such as Constructivism as well as informed the minimalism and conceptual work of such artists as Max Bill, Sol LeWitt, Mel Bochner and Agnes Denes, who have questioned the very foundational relationship between art and idea. Delivering rich visualizations with a masterly aesthetic, contemporary artists such as Brent Collins, Helaman Ferguson and Tony Robbin continue the mathematics-art saga with forceful leadership. As an emerging Math-Artist, I aim to advance a mathematical art that explores subject matters in a philosophical-metaphorical context. By cross-pollinating symbols and ideas from a multitude of spaces both cultural and mathematical, I seek to create works that promote a deeper visual and conceptual critique of objects of both nature and mind. I begin this project with a distillation model of vision that uses as parameters: nature, art and mathematics. Using a tree-root metaphor I will present three metaphorical-visual relationships between art and mathematics. These visual metaphors will become the foundational visual philosophy for a metaphor-based mathematical art.
Using machine learning in communication networks [Invited]

In this paper, we first review how the main machine learning concepts can apply to communication networks. Then we present results from a concrete application using unsupervised machine learning in a real network. We show how the application can detect anomalies at multiple network layers, including the optical layer, how it can be trained to anticipate anomalies before they become a problem, and how it can be trained to identify the root cause of each anomaly. Finally, we elaborate on the importance of this work and speculate about the future of intelligent adaptive networks.
Duration of Fame and Extent of Semantic Knowledge of Famous Names in Cognitively Intact Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE The greater resilience of older memories relative to recent memories has primarily been demonstrated in clinical groups, but this phenomenon has been less extensively examined in cognitively intact older adults. Additionally, most studies of person-identity have only examined recognition or familiarity of a famous face or name, and there has been less systematic study of access to more specific person-identity semantic knowledge. The current study examined the effect of both memory age and extent of semantic knowledge on famous name recognition and retrieval of person-identity biographical information in healthy older adults. METHOD We examined recognition accuracy and response time of famous names at three time epochs (recent fame, transitory fame and enduring fame) in cognitively intact older adults. We also compared access to semantic knowledge that differed on the degree of specificity of biographical information: categorical, associative, and attribute knowledge. RESULTS As predicted, participants recognized transitory famous names more quickly and accurately than recent famous names. Additionally, participants recognized enduring famous names more accurately than transitory famous names and recent names. We also found that categorical semantic knowledge was accessed more quickly and accurately than semantic knowledge for associative and attribute information. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide data on the cognitive structure and retrieval of person-identity knowledge and memory age in older cognitively intact individuals.
Brain Protein Synthesis Rates in the UM-HET3 Mouse Following Treatment With Rapamycin or Rapamycin With Metformin

Treatment with the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin (RAP), alone and in combination with the antidiabetic drug, metformin (RAP+MET), extends lifespan in mice. The mechanisms underlying lifespan extension are unclear. One possibility is improved capacity for proteostatic maintenance. We have previously characterized peripheral protein synthesis rates following treatment with RAP. However, it is unknown if RAP+MET elicits similar changes, or if either treatment affects protein synthesis in the brain. We hypothesized that 8 weeks of treatment with RAP and RAP+MET would alter brain protein synthesis rates to reflect proteostatic processes. Using the stable isotopic tracer, deuterium oxide (D2O), we demonstrate in UM-HET3 mice that protein synthesis rates measured in whole brain were unaffected by treatment in young male mice, whereas RAP+MET decreased mitochondrial protein synthesis in young females. Conversely, RAP increased mitochondrial protein synthesis rates in older females. Activity through the AMPK/mTOR pathway was affected in a sex-specific manner in young mice, and minimal changes were observed in the older cohort. Thus, we establish D2O for measurements of biogenesis in the brain. These results provide initial insights into the effects of RAP and RAP+MET on brain protein synthesis. Additionally, these data emphasize that responses to slowed aging treatments vary with sex and age.
Testing the Production Approach to Markup Estimation

Under the production approach to markup estimation, any flexible input should recover the markup. I test this implication using four manufacturing censuses and store-level data from a US retailer, and overwhelmingly reject that markups estimated using labor and materials have the same distribution. For every dataset, markups estimated using labor are negatively correlated with markups using materials, exhibit greater dispersion, and have opposite time trends. Non-neutral productivity differences can reconcile these findings. I develop a flexible cost share estimator to model such heterogeneity. Using this estimator, markups estimated with different inputs are positively correlated in the cross-section and time series.
Pathophysiology of Lacunar Stroke: History's Mysteries and Modern Interpretations

Since the term "lacune" was adopted in the 1800s to describe infarctions from cerebral small vessels, their underlying pathophysiological basis remained obscure until the 1960s when Charles Miller Fisher performed several autopsy studies of stroke patients. He observed that the vessels displayed segmental arteriolar disorganization that was associated with vessel enlargement, hemorrhage, and fibrinoid deposition. He coined the term "lipohyalinosis" to describe the microvascular mechanism that engenders small subcortical infarcts in the absence of a compelling embolic source. Since Fisher's early descriptions of lipohyalinosis and lacunar stroke (LS), there have been many advancements in the understanding of this disease process. Herein, we review lipohyalinosis as it relates to modern concepts of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). We discuss clinical classifications of LS as well as radiographic definitions based on modern neuroimaging techniques. We provide a broad and comprehensive overview of LS pathophysiology both at the vessel and parenchymal levels. We also comment on the role of biomarkers, the possibility of systemic disease processes, and advancements in the genetics of cSVD. Lastly, we assess preclinical models that can aid in studying LS disease pathogenesis. Enhanced understanding of this highly prevalent disease will allow for the identification of novel therapeutic targets capable of mitigating disease sequelae.
Financial burden and quality of life among early‐onset colorectal cancer survivors: A qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed at ages <50 years old (early-onset CRC) has been increasing in the United States, resulting in a growing number of early-onset CRC survivors who may face significant financial and quality of life (QOL) challenges. OBJECTIVE Identify themes from a patient advocate discussion about the impact of CRC on financial burden and QOL among early-onset CRC survivors. METHODS We conducted a semi-structured, stakeholder discussion among 14 early-onset CRC survivors and one caregiver who were members of an advocacy group. The discussion focused on the financial and overall QOL impacts of CRC. The meeting was recorded, transcribed and coded in ATLAS.ti, using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Cancer stage at diagnosis among advocates with CRC ranged from 2 to 4; about half of the attendees had no evidence of disease, and about half were undergoing treatment. Employment (career trajectory, lost wages, health insurance/benefits, performance) emerged as the dominant theme of the financial impacts discussion. Lifestyle impacts of disease and survivorship included both emotional and physical side-effects. Diagnosis experience, missing information about CRC treatment and side-effects, financial stress and strain on relationships were the primary themes for the overall QOL impacts. CONCLUSION Given the growing incidence of CRC in those under 50, it is particularly important for providers to be aware of these patients' financial, emotional and QOL needs, and to develop care plans that specifically address these areas of concern for early-onset CRC survivors.
Power Decoupling Technique for Reducing DC-Link Capacitor of Switched Reluctance Machine Drive

Switched reluctance machine (SRM) imposes a high ripple in the battery current which increases the size of the dc-link capacitor and reduces the power density of the system. This paper presents a power decoupling technique to reduce the dc-link capacitor of SRM drive. A bi-directional cascaded buck boost (CBB) converter is used in parallel to the SRM drive to filter the ripple current with the use of low dc link capacitors. The proposed converter processes the partial power to decrease the size of the drive without having any effect on the machine’s performance. This converter requires reference current for the inductor generated from the switching sequence of the main SRM drive. State variable feedback with integral controller is used to control the converter. Simulation results are provided to show the validity of the proposed method.
A comparison of Triple I classification with neonatal early-onset sepsis calculator recommendations in neonates born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis

To compare the early-onset sepsis (EOS) calculator recommendations for infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis with those made by the Triple I classification. Retrospective analysis of chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates ≥35 weeks. EOS risk was calculated with baseline risks of 0.5/1000 and 4/1000. Mothers were retrospectively categorized using the Triple I classification. Calculator recommendations were compared with the Triple I classification recommendations. We included 687 chorioamnionitis-exposed neonates. With a baseline risk of 0.5/1000, the calculator recommended no evaluation in 68.4% of infants of mothers with confirmed Triple I. With a baseline risk of 4/1000, 62.3% of infants of mothers with confirmed Triple I and 57.1% of infants born to mothers who did not meet fever criteria would have received evaluation. The EOS calculator with either baseline risk does not recommend evaluation in a large number of infants born to mothers with confirmed Triple I.
Glomangiomatosis of the Upper Extremity.

We describe a 43-year-old woman with a 23-year history of recurrent extradigital glomus tumors (glomangiomatosis) of the hand and forearm. She presented with a typical presentation of pain, tenderness to palpation, and hypersensitivity of the affected regions. After surgical resection, she continued to present with new locations of tumor burden and progressively malignant features of the tumors. This exceedingly rare presentation highlights the importance of vigilantly monitoring patients for recurrence with glomangiomatosis.
Time to Rethink Upfront Surgery for Resectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma? Implications from the Neoadjuvant Experience

While surgery is a mainstay of curative-intent treatment for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHC), the role of neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has not been well-established. We sought to describe trends in NT utilization, characterize associated factors, and evaluate association with overall survival (OS). Retrospective cohort study of 4456 surgically resected IHC patients within National Cancer Data Base (2006–2016). NT included chemotherapy alone and/or (chemo)radiation. Descriptive statistics used to describe the cohort. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models were used to examine factors associated with NT administration. Analyses conducted comparing OS among upfront surgery patients and NT patients using propensity matching using nearest-neighbor methodology and adjustment using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Association between NT and risk of death evaluated using multivariable Cox shared frailty modeling. Utilization of NT did not significantly increase over time (11%-2006 to 16%-2016, trend test p = 0.07) but did increase among patients with clinical nodal involvement (cN+, 13% to 36%, p = 0.002). Factors associated with NT use include cN+ disease (odds ratio [OR] 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–2.15) and advanced clinical T stage: T2 (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.33–2.06); T3 (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.13–2.02). After propensity matching, NT associated with a 23% decreased risk of death relative to upfront surgery (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.61–0.97). Findings were similar after IPTW (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.78–0.88). NT is increasingly used for the management of IHC patients with characteristics indicating aggressive tumor biology and is associated with decreased risk of death. These data suggest need for prospective studies of NT in management of patients with potentially resectable IHC.
Use of botanical gardens as arks for conserving pollinators and plant-pollinator interactions: A case study from the US Northern Great Plains

Botanical gardens have contributed to plant conservation through the maintenance of both living and preserved plant specimens for decades. However, there is still a large gap in the literature with regards to understanding the potential conservation value botanical gardens could provide for local pollinators. We investigated how plant-pollinator community structure and diversity may differ between botanical gardens and native habitats by sampling and comparing between two environments: a restored native grassland patch within a local botanical garden and fifteen native, remnant temperate grassland sites in the Northern Great Plains. We found pollinator diversity within the restored native grassland patch was greater than 55% of total remnant temperate grassland transects throughout the entire flowering season, while plant diversity and network community metrics between the two environments remained similar throughout, except that remnant prairies have more links (higher connectance) with pollinators than the garden patch. Overall, our findings demonstrate the promising role restored native grassland patches in botanical gardens could play as reservoirs for local pollinator communities by supporting plant-pollinator interactions comparable to those found in native habitat remnants in the same region.
A Multistate Decomposition Analysis of Cesarean Rate Variations, Associated Health Outcomes, and Financial Implications in the United States.

Objectives Cesarean rates vary widely across the U.S. states; however, little is known about the causes and implications associated with these variations. The objectives of this study were to quantify the contribution of the clinical and nonclinical factors in explaining the difference in cesarean rates across states and to investigate the associated health outcome of cesarean variations. Study Design Using the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases, this retrospective study included all nonfederal hospital births from Wisconsin, Florida, and New York. A nonlinear extension of the Oaxaca–Blinder method was used to decompose the contributions of differences in characteristics to cesarean variations between these states. The risk factors for cesarean delivery were identified using separate multivariable logistic regression analysis for each State. Results The difference in clinical and nonclinical factors explained a substantial (∼46.57–65.45%) proportion of cesarean variations between U.S. states. The major contributors of variation were patient demographics, previous cesareans, hospital markup ratios, and social determinants of health. Cesarean delivery was significantly associated with higher postpartum readmissions and unplanned emergency department visits, greater lengths of stay, and hospital costs across all states. Conclusion Although a proportion of variations in cesarean rates can be explained by the differences in risk factors, the remaining unexplained variations suggest differences in practice patterns and imply potential quality concerns. Since nonclinical factors are likely to play an important role in cesarean variation, we recommend targeted initiatives increasing access to maternal care and improving maternal health literacy. Key Points
Psychobiology of Sexual Behavior in the Guinea Pig

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the psychobiology of the sexual behavior in the guinea pig. When a female guinea pig is placed with a male, he begins to follow and circle her almost immediately, usually sniffing at the anogenital region. This behavior is called “nuzzling.” Within a few seconds he may mount her, usually posteriorly, but often elsewhere. Frequently, the mounting is accompanied by pelvic thrusts without intromission, but more commonly it is followed by intromission with or without pelvic thrusts. The duration of the pelvic thrusts varies, depending partly on the male and partly on the responsiveness of the female. Following ejaculation, both animals roll back on their haunches and lick the genitalia. The male can be seen to drag his butt along the floor of the cage somewhat like a dog infested with intestinal worms does. Unless the female with which copulation has occurred is replaced by another female ejaculation usually marks the end of any strong interest in the female. A behavior that is displayed by many males is a “nondirected hyper-excitability.” The frequency of this behavior is increased following castration of sexually experienced adult males and its frequency is much greater in intact males reared alone in which the organization of normal patterns has not been perfected.
The Difficulties of Deterrence as a Distributive Principle

The behavioral sciences increasingly call into question the assumption of criminal law's ex ante influence on conduct. Potential offenders commonly do not know the legal rules, either directly or indirectly, even those rules that have been explicitly formulated to produce a behavioral effect. Even if they know the rules, the cost-benefit analysis potential offenders perceive - which is the only cost-benefit analysis that matters - commonly leads to a conclusion suggesting violation rather than compliance, either because the perceived likelihood of punishment is so small, or because it is so distant as to be highly discounted, or for a variety of other or a combination of reasons. And, even if they know the legal rules and perceive a cost-benefit analysis that urges compliance, potential offenders commonly cannot or will not bring such knowledge to bear to guide their conduct in their own best interests, such failure stemming from a variety of social, situational, or chemical influences. Even if no one of these three hurdles is fatal to law's behavioral influence, their cumulative effect typically is.There seems little doubt that having a criminal justice system that punishes violators, as every organized society has, does have a general effect in influencing the conduct of potential offenders. What seems unlikely is that the manipulation of criminal law rules will alter people's conduct, given the common lack of the needed prerequisites to a deterrent effect noted above. But even if such conditions did exist, there are still good reasons not to adopt deterrence as a distributive principle for criminal liability and punishment. First, dynamics of deterrent effect are complex and we at present have neither the information nor the understanding needed to reliably predict what effect will come from a given doctrinal manipulation. Further, every distribution of punishment will produce some deterrent effect, even a just deserts distribution, for example. Deterrence as a distributive principle can only do a better job than a desert distribution where it deviates from desert - that is, where it does injustice and fails to do justice - yet it is just these cases of deviation from desert in which deterrence works most poorly and has its greatest crimogenic effect.This short essay serves as a core text for the Criminal Law Conversations project.
Citrus carotenoids-VIII.

Abstract Two new naturally occurring carotenoid ketones have been isolated from the Citrus relatives, Murraya exotica Linn. and Triphasia trifolia (Burm. f.) P. Wils. These pigments were structurally identified as semi-β-carotenone and β-carotenone.
Factors associated with increased bleeding post-endoscopic mucosal resection

Objective Our aim was to identify patient and procedure characteristics that correlate with increased likelihood of bleeding during and after endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), and thus anticipate the need for preventative therapy. Methods This was a retrospective, observational, descriptive study using a prospective EMR database, performed in a tertiary-care center. A total of 935 EMR of various locations within the gastrointestinal tract were collected. The main outcome measurement was early bleeding (occurring during the procedure) and delayed bleeding (occurring after the completion of the procedure and up to 30 days after). Results Early bleeding occurred in 5.3% (50/935) of the procedures. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, esophageal EMR (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5, P = 0.0009) and increase in lesion size (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.003) were both associated with higher odds of early bleeding in EMR when controlling for age, gender and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/clopidogrel use. Delayed bleeding occurred after 3.1% (n = 29) of the procedures. Of these, 86.2% (25/29) required hospital admission and endoscopic intervention to confirm and/or treat bleeding site. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increased lesion size (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.004) was associated with higher incidence of delayed bleeding post-EMR. Conclusions In experienced hands bleeding during and after EMR appears to be uncommon. Larger lesions are at increased risk of early and delayed bleeding.
Lay, brood, repeat: nest reuse and site fidelity in ecologic time for two Cretaceous troodontid dinosaurs

ABSTRACT Whereas ‘biological site fidelity’ refers to the regular reuse of a favored locale (e.g., breeding ground or nest) by an individual animal, ‘paleontological site fidelity’ typically refers to repeated use of a nesting locality by a herd or species over geologic time scales. Two new Cretaceous specimens from the Two Medicine Formation of Montana, U.S.A., and the Liantoutang Formation of Zhejiang, China, each preserve two closely superimposed clutches of the egg form Prismatoolithus. These eggs belong to the Troodontidae, small theropod dinosaurs sharing a close ancestry with Aves. In both specimens, eggs of a lower clutch are truncated at a level below what would normally preserve in an undisturbed hatched clutch. These traces differ from past examples of dinosaur site fidelity in (1) the close or cross-cutting relationship of the clutches, (2) the precise overlay of clutch atop clutch, and (3) the implication of nest reuse and, thus, site fidelity on an ecologic rather than geologic scale and at ...
Reactive Tabu Search with Path-Relinking for the Steiner Problem in Graphs

Given an undirected graph with weights associated with its edges, the Steiner tree problem consists in finding a minimum weight subgraph spanning a given subset of nodes (terminals) of the original graph. We describe a reactive tabu search with path-relinking algorithm for the Steiner problem in graphs, based on the extension of a previously developed tabu search algorithm using a neighborhood defined by insertions and eliminations of Steiner nodes. Computational experiments on benchmark problems are reported, comparing the reactive tabu search with other metaheuristic implementations. The reactive tabu search algorithm outperforms other algorithms, obtaining better or comparably good solutions. We also describe a robust parallel implementation based on an independent-thread multiple-walk strategy and report improved computational results on a 32-processor cluster running under Linux.
Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys: a status review

Improved performance of heat engines is largely dependent upon maximum cycle temperatures. Tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys (TFRS) are the first of a family of high temperature composites that offer the potential for significantly raising hot component operating temperatures and thus leading to improved heat engine performance. This status review of TFRS research emphasizes the promising property data developed to date, the status of TFRS composite airfoil fabrication technology, and the areas requiring more attention to assure their applicability to hot section components of aircraft gas turbine engines.
Radiation from SiC PCSS driven gyromagnetic nonlinear transmission line high power microwave source

An all solid-state high power microwave (HPM) source is constructed using a photoconductive semiconductor switch (PCSS) based HV pulse generator to drive a sulfur hexaflouride (SF 6 ) insulated coaxial ferrimagnetic nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) which feeds a TEM horn antenna. The PCSS was fabricated from high purity semi-insulating (HPSI) 4H-SiC and is illuminated with 2 mJ from a frequency tripled Nd:YAG laser at 355 nm with a 7 ns FWHM. Fixed fiber optic delay lines are utilized to generate a burst of four optical pulses from a single solid-state laser source for rep-rate operation. The input to the NLTL is an adjustable pulse from 3 kV to 6 kV with sub-ns rise time and the resulting output of the NLTL is radiation in the L-band to S-band regime with RF power from 100–200 kW depending on charge voltage. A Rexolite® insulated zipper transition, in which the inner conductor of the coax is gradually exposed, is used at the output of the NLTL to transition from a coaxial structure to parallel plate structure in order to feed a free space TEM horn. The zipper transition and feed section of the TEM horn are potted using Sylgard® 184 silicone elastomer to prevent breakdown at the antenna feed and maintain a homogenous dielectric constant for the transition region. Radiated waveforms are presented for several charge voltages and bias conditions.
New research directions in the information age

Computer Science has expanded in may new directions giving rise to a large number of interesting and important research problems This talk will explore a number of new areas and open problems in these areas that need attention Areas include tracking the flow of ideas in scientific literature, identifying key papers and how a discipline evolved, extracting information from unstructured data sources, the definition of communities in different types of graphs and the structure and evolution of social networks.
Synthesis and SAR development of PD 0325901, a potent and highly bioavailable MEK inhibitor.

2477 The MAP kinase pathway transmits proliferative signals for a number of growth factors and receptors and plays a central role in the growth of many human cancers. MEK (MAP kinase kinase), a central player in the Ras-MAP kinase pathway, is a critical signaling protein for multiple oncogenic pathways including the ErbB family, VEGF, PDGF, and mutated ras. MEK inhibitors therefore have the potential for a broader spectrum of antitumor activity than agents that inhibit only one portion of a tumor’s redundant proliferative pathways. We have previously described the identification and evaluation of PD 184352 (CI-1040), the first MEK inhibitor reported to modulate phosphorylation of MAP kinase in tumor-bearing animals (Sebolt-Leopold et al, Nature Medicine, 5, 810-816, 1999). CI-1040 was well tolerated in Phase 1 studies and did modulate tumor pERK levels at tolerated doses, although low overall bioavailability of the drug hampered its further development. To increase the bioavailability of CI-1040, we have explored the incorporation of polar, solubilizing substituents into the CI-1040 template. In this presentation, we describe synthesis and structure-activity-relationships (SAR) of a new class of N-aryl anthranilic acid hydroxamates that has led to PD 0325901. A variety of functionalized hydroxamate esters were surveyed and maximal in vitro potency was obtained by the incorporation of hydroxyalkyl esters. Further optimization of three sites on the CI-1040 ring system provided an additional boost in potency. These new sub-nanomolar inhibitors, display exquisite selectivity for MEK, like CI-1040. A recently obtained co-crystal structure of a MEK1 construct with PD 0318088, a PD 0325901 congener, explains the kinase selectivity of Pfizer’s MEK inhibitors and is highlighted here.
Inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase-X by imino-derivatives of gossypol:structure activity relationship.

Abstract Six imino-derivatives (II, III, IV, V, VI, VII) of gossypol (I) have been synthesized, and their effects were evaluated on the purified mouse lactate dehydrogenase-X. Three of these derivatives (V, VI, VII) with aldehyde groups substituted with hydrophobic functionalities showed equivalent or more inhibitory effects on lactate dehydrogenase-X than gossypol, whereas three other derivatives (II, III, IV) with aldehyde groups substituted with hydrophilic functional groups lost the ability to inhibit lactate dehydrogenase-X. It is suggested that two aldehyde groups of gossypol are not essential to inhibit lactate dehydrogenase-X. Futhermore, the hydrophobic property of the gossypol molecule seems to play a more important role in inhibiting lactate dehydrogenase-X. Therefore, lactate dehydrogenase-X inhibition by gossypol may not be associated with its antifertility mechanism, because the aldehyde group of gossypol is known to be required for its antifertility effect.
A robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach for pediatric renal cell carcinoma allows for both nephron-sparing surgery and extended lymph node dissection

Partial nephrectomy has been previously reported as safe and effective in appropriately selected children with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, there are limited reports of laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy for oncologic surgery in children. Additionally, nodal involvement is common in pediatric RCC, and may present even with small primary tumors. Also, it is suggested that lymph node dissection may provide therapeutic benefit. We present a case of pediatric RCC and demonstrate how the risk of nodal involvement may impact the surgical approach. Robotic-assisted laparoscopy can permit excellent exposure for an oncologically-sound resection, in this case a partial nephrectomy, as well as an extended lymph node dissection.
Recreation Specialization and Anglers’ Attitudes Towards Restricted Fishing Areas

This study explored relationships between specialization and anglers’ attitudes and beliefs connected to marine protected areas (MPAs). A mail survey questionnaire was sent to 697 private boat saltwater anglers in five northeastern states (62% response, n = 419). Although recreation specialization theory predicts that more specialized participants will indicate greater support for management regulations than will less specialized participants, the authors found no significant difference in attitude toward MPAs across specialization level. Highly specialized anglers were more likely to believe that recreational harvest has a detrimental impact on fish populations than were less specialized anglers. However, the loss of access to specific fishery resources will likely be more consequential for highly specialized (more resource dependent) anglers. This greater resource dependency may have counterbalanced their general tendency to show more support for regulations as compared to less specialized anglers. Inco...
Early ossification in the skeleton of the sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus) and the guppy (Poecilia reticulata).

Catostomus macrocheilus, a sucker, and Poecilia reticulata, a live-bearer, are subjected to dissimilar mechanical stresses while most of their bony structures are forming. Osteogenesis occurs in the sucker when it is a free-living larva, whereas in the livebearer it occurs intrafollicularly. The first-formed bones ofboth species are those that meet functional demands and are subjected to the greatest stresses. These are the movable bones associated with the acts of respiration and feeding, and some of the axial bones. The cranial roof is the last to calcify. The primary differences in osteogenesis of the two species, such as in the vertebral column and caudal fin, can be correlated with differences in stress. Surface forces on calcifiable tissue perhapsassist in the deposition of calcium salts.
Computer architecture for digital signal processing

In this paper, a comprehensive overview of Computer Architecture for Digital Signal Processing is given. Such architectures are seen as the result of constraining influences from the nature of digital signal processing algorithms, architectural techniques including appropriate choice of primitive elements, the underlying digital system technology, and programming languages for digital signal processing. Following a consideration of these influences, several examples are given ranging from chips through board level processors, to attached support processors with very high throughput. Trends for the future are discussed throughout the paper.
Double lamellae of low-molecular-mass fractions of poly(ethylene oxide) crystallized from the melt

Abstract A ‘double-lamella’ morphology has been observed during a study of molecular segregation and nucleation of low-molecular-mass fractions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) from the melt. It is only observed in cases of crystals with an odd number of folds per molecule. The formation of the double lamellae is thought to be based on association of the OH end-groups of the PEO chains. Ordered hydrogen bonding on facing folded crystals is being suggested as an explanation for the observation.
Improving the quality of silicon carbide refractories

With the use of bond-suspension on the basis of sulfite lye and Chl clay and silicon carbide of the accepted grinding, goods are obtained without black cores.
The Use of Parallel Process in Supervision and Group Counseling to Facilitate Counselor and Client Growth.

Abstract This article presents a model for supervision of group counselors focusing on the parallel process between the supervisory and counseling relationships
An application in identifying high-risk populations in alternative tobacco product use utilizing logistic regression and CART: a heuristic comparison

Other forms of tobacco use are increasing in prevalence, yet most tobacco control efforts are aimed at cigarettes. In light of this, it is important to identify individuals who are using both cigarettes and alternative tobacco products (ATPs). Most previous studies have used regression models. We conducted a traditional logistic regression model and a classification and regression tree (CART) model to illustrate and discuss the added advantages of using CART in the setting of identifying high-risk subgroups of ATP users among cigarettes smokers. The data were collected from an online cross-sectional survey administered by Survey Sampling International between July 5, 2012 and August 15, 2012. Eligible participants self-identified as current smokers, African American, White, or Latino (of any race), were English-speaking, and were at least 25 years old. The study sample included 2,376 participants and was divided into independent training and validation samples for a hold out validation. Logistic regression and CART models were used to examine the important predictors of cigarettes + ATP users. The logistic regression model identified nine important factors: gender, age, race, nicotine dependence, buying cigarettes or borrowing, whether the price of cigarettes influences the brand purchased, whether the participants set limits on cigarettes per day, alcohol use scores, and discrimination frequencies. The C-index of the logistic regression model was 0.74, indicating good discriminatory capability. The model performed well in the validation cohort also with good discrimination (c-index = 0.73) and excellent calibration (R-square = 0.96 in the calibration regression). The parsimonious CART model identified gender, age, alcohol use score, race, and discrimination frequencies to be the most important factors. It also revealed interesting partial interactions. The c-index is 0.70 for the training sample and 0.69 for the validation sample. The misclassification rate was 0.342 for the training sample and 0.346 for the validation sample. The CART model was easier to interpret and discovered target populations that possess clinical significance. This study suggests that the non-parametric CART model is parsimonious, potentially easier to interpret, and provides additional information in identifying the subgroups at high risk of ATP use among cigarette smokers.
Efficient continuous-wave four-wave mixing in SOI waveguides with active carrier removal

Silicon-on-insulator rib waveguides with low loss of −0.74 dB/cm and free-carrier lifetime reduction via reverse biased P/N diodes are used to show highly efficient CW four-wave mixing with conversion efficiency of −8 dB.
Cluster dynamics models of irradiation damage accumulation in ferritic iron. II. Effects of reaction dimensionality

The black dot damage features which develop in iron at low temperatures exhibit significant mobility during in situ irradiation experiments via a series of discrete, intermittent, long range hops. By incorporating this mobility into cluster dynamics models, the temperature dependence of such damage structures can be explained with a surprising degree of accuracy. Such motion, however, is one dimensional in nature. This aspect of the physics has not been fully considered in prior models. This article describes one dimensional reaction kinetics in the context of cluster dynamics and applies them to the black dot problem. This allows both a more detailed description of the mechanisms by which defects execute irradiation-induced hops while allowing a full examination of the importance of kinetic assumptions in accurately assessing the development of this irradiation microstructure. Results are presented to demonstrate whether one dimensional diffusion alters the dependence of the defect population on factors such as temperature and defect hop length. Finally, the size of interstitial loops that develop is shown to depend on the extent of the reaction volumes between interstitial clusters, as well as the dimensionality of these interactions.
Triacetic acid lactone as a potential biorenewable platform chemical

Triacetic acid lactone is demonstrated to be a versatile biorenewable molecule with potential as a platform chemical for the production of commercially valuable bifunctional chemical intermediates and end products, such as sorbic acid.
A study of reactivity: the effects of increased relevance and saliency of self-monitored smoking through enhanced carbon monoxide feedback

In an effort to further study the predictions of recent cognitive models of self-regulation with regard to self-observational processes (Kanfer, 1970; Bandura, 1974), an experimental paradigm involving the reactive effects of self-monitoring was used. The saliency of the effects of self-monitored smoking frequency were directly manipulated by varying exposure to qualitatively different amounts of physiological feedback from carbon monoxide (CO) assessment. The meaning of CO feedback was also manipulated by pairing CO with exercise. Forty moderate smokers were matched on their motivation to quit smoking and assigned to one of five conditions: (1) Interview control, (2) Exercise control, (3) Enhanced CO, no exercise, (4) Enhanced CO and exercise (separate), and (5) Enhanced CO and exercise combined. (This was an attempt to take advantage of the inevitable decrease of carbon monoxide that occurs with exercise, thereby further enhancing CO saliency.) Results showed that the reactivity of self-monitoring was significantly increased relative to either of the controls (groups 1 or 2) by exposure to frequent CO feedback (groups 3, 4, and 5). Attempting to further increase the effects of reactivity of self-monitoring by demonstrating an immediate reduction in CO following exercise (group 5) did not result in additional reactivity.