cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Instrument Design and Principle Components Factor Analysis of the Productive Processes Inventory

Many clients drop out of therapy before reaching their goals; and research has yet to develop a thorough understanding of the factors that lead to dropout. Some have suggested that experiencing the...
MULTI-PARAMETER ANN MODEL FOR FLAT-END MILLING

The quality, productivity and safety of machining can be significantly improved through the optimization of cutting conditions. The first step in achieving such an objective is the development of accurate and reliable models for predicting the critical process parameters. In this paper, an innovative Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model that predicts both cutting force and surface roughness in end milling is developed and validated. A set of five input variables is selected to represent the machining conditions while twelve quantities representing two key process parameters, namely, cutting force and surface roughness, form the variables of the network output. Full factorial design of experiments is used to generate data for both training and validation. Successful training of the neural network is demonstrated through comparison of simulated and experimental results for four different output variables, namely cutting force, surface roughness, feed marks, and tooth passing frequency. The predictive ability of the model is verified experimentally by comparing simulated output variables with their experimental counterparts. A good agreement is observed.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Co-Morbidity Index (HCTCI) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) Survival After Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (AHCT)

Abstract 4217 Background: AHCT improves survival (OS) in newly diagnosed MM patients (pts) in large randomized trials. These trials have limited eligibility to younger, healthier pts. Selection of older pts and those with co-morbid illness for AHCT is problematic. HCT-CI, originally developed as predictor of post-allogeneic transplant outcomes, maybe valuable in stratifying risk of transplant related mortality (TRM) risk and OS in the AHCT setting. We investigated the relative impact of HCT CI along with other patient and MM related variables on outcomes after AHCT in a large cohort of transplant recipients. Methods: Outcomes of 1156 MM pts receiving AHCT after high dose Melphalan (MEL) between 2007 and 2010 reported to the CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research) were analyzed. HCTCI scores and individual comorbidities were prospectively reported at time of AHCT. Median follow up of survivors was 26 month. The impact of HCTCI and other potential prognostic factors including Karnofsky performance status (KPS) on OS were studied in multivariate Cox regression models. Results: HCTCI score was 0, 1, 2, 3, >3 in 42%, 18%, 13%, 13% and 14% respectively. Most common co-morbidities included pulmonary, diabetes, obesity, psychiatric, cardiac, renal and prior solid tumor. Using consolidated HCTCI scores, patients were stratified initially into 3 risk groups – HCTCI 0 (42%) vs. HCTCI 1–2 (32%) vs. HCTCI >2 (26%). Males and Caucasians were more likely to have greater HCTCI score. Higher HCTCI was associated with lower KPS 2). HCTCI score >2 was associated with MEL dose reduction to 140 mg/m2 (22% vs. 10% in score 0 cohort). Cytogenetic risk and MM related factors were not correlated with HCTCI. TRM at 12 month was 2%, 2%, and 3% for 3 risk groups. With extremely few TRM events, multivariate analysis did not suggest an impact of HCTCI. OS was 95%, 92%, 92% at 1 year and 87%, 81%, 80% at 2 year, respectively. OS was inferior for HCTCI >2 cohort (RR of death 1.48, p=0.02) and HCTCI cohort 1–2 (RR 1.37, p=0.04) compared with HCTCI 0 cohort. There was no significant difference in OS between HCTCI >2 vs. HCTCI 1–2 (p=0.64). Therefore the latter 2 groups were combined as the HCTCI >0 cohort [N=667] and compared with HCTCI=0 [N=489] in multivariate models. HCTCI >0 predicted inferior OS (RR of death= 1.41, p=0.01). Other significant predictors of inferior survival were KPS 1 pretransplant regimen (RR 1.47, p Conclusion: In clinical practice, higher HCTCI score was associated with MEL dose reduction. Mortality after AHCT is predominantly related to MM progression/relapse with low incidence of TRM. Higher HCTCI scores were independently associated with inferior OS. KPS remains an important tool for risk stratification. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
The United States and Asian Regionalism: The Politics of Reactive Leadership

The United States faces a central dilemma in its Asia policy. On the one hand, the U.S. has played a leading role in the region since the end of the Pacific War. It has been the “indispensable nation” for Asian security and prosperity, with extensive American security commitments promoting relative peace and stability, while the large American market, combined with U.S leadership underpinning the liberal economic order, have provided a stable basis for regional economic dynamism. The U.S has understandably grown comfortable with and supportive of its core economic and security policies in the region. And yet, regional enthusiasm for greater multilateral cooperation has begun to shift regional dynamics in ways that may begin to diminish U.S influence in Asian affairs. The rise of exclusive regional groupings like ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit have led to a flurry of initiatives ranging from regional FTAs to financial integration to other areas community-building, all of which exclude the United States. The U.S. has responded to this “new regionalism” in a somewhat uneven and ad hoc fashion. American reluctance to radically alter the status quo has put the U.S. in a defensive, reactive stance. U.S policymakers have sought to devise new policy tactics to counter unfavorable trends, but they have not been interested in reformulating the strategies that underpin U.S engagement in the region.
Collection of Data on Race, Ethnicity, Language, and Nativity by US Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring Systems: Gaps and Opportunities

Objective:Despite increasing diversity in the US population, substantial gaps in collecting data on race, ethnicity, primary language, and nativity indicators persist in public health surveillance and monitoring systems. In addition, few systems provide questionnaires in foreign languages for inclusion of non-English speakers. We assessed (1) the extent of data collected on race, ethnicity, primary language, and nativity indicators (ie, place of birth, immigration status, and years in the United States) and (2) the use of data-collection instruments in non-English languages among Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)–supported public health surveillance and monitoring systems in the United States.Methods:We identified CDC-supported surveillance and health monitoring systems in place from 2010 through 2013 by searching CDC websites and other federal websites. For each system, we assessed its website, documentation, and publications for evidence of the variables of interest and use of data-collec...
Behavioral phenotype relates to physiological differences in immunological and stress responsiveness in reactive and proactive birds.

Abstract It has now been demonstrated in many species that individuals display substantial variation in coping styles, generally separating into two major behavioral phenotypes that appear to be linked to the degree of physiological stress responsiveness. Laying hens are perfect examples of these dichotomous phenotypes; white laying hens are reactive, flighty, and exhibit large hormonal and behavioral responses to both acute and chronic stress, while brown laying hens are proactive, exploratory, and exhibit low hormonal and behavioral responses to stress. Given the linkages between stress physiology and many other body systems, we hypothesized that behavioral phenotype would correspond to additional physiological responses beyond the stress response, in this case, immunological responses. Because corticosterone is widely known to be immunosuppressive, we predicted that the reactive white hens would show more dampened immune responses than the proactive brown hens due to their exposure to higher levels of corticosterone throughout life. To assess immune function in white and brown hens, we compared febrile responses, corticosterone elevations, feed consumption, and egg production that occurred in response an injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline, inflammatory responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) injection in the toe web, innate phagocytic activity in whole blood, and antibody responses to an injection of Sheep Red Blood Cells (SRBCs). Contrary to our predictions, white hens had significantly greater swelling of the toe web in response to PHA and showed a greater inhibition of feeding and reproductive output in response to LPS. These results indicated that reactive individuals are more reactive in both stress and immunological responsiveness.
Reviewing smokeless tobacco epidemiology, carcinogenesis, and cessation strategy for otolaryngologists.

Objectives/objectives We aimed to provide an otolaryngologist-targeted summary regarding the epidemiology, carcinogenesis, and cessation strategies for smokeless tobacco usage. Study design Evidence-based literature review. Methods We reviewed the current evidence-based literature concerning trends in smokeless tobacco use, associations with neoplastic change, and therapeutic interventions to assist with sustained abstinence. In complement, we present an actual case of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the setting of chronic tobacco-dentifrice usage in a lifelong nonsmoker. Results This report provides a synopsis of epidemiological data and evidence-based recommendations for general, pharmaceutical, and behavioral cessation strategies. Conclusions Smokeless tobacco use continues to be prevalent among patients seen by otolaryngologists, particularly of various Indian and Southeast Asian descent. The data presented in this article will aid in the identification of at risk patients. The provided recommended cessation strategies will tool otolaryngologists for patient counseling and management, ultimately aimed at improving health outcomes. Laryngoscope, 128:2067-2071, 2018.
Discussion of '^Why is Financial Reporting So Inefficient?"*

Hakansson's paper follows on a theme he has been developing for infonnation disclosure. His interest in examining the consequences of being an uninformed investor led him to conclude the need for mandatory disclosure of quarterly reports (1977). In that analysis, Hakansson suggests that absence of mandatory disclosure creates opportunities for private infonnation search by financial analysts and other specialists for sale to those investors who can afford it. The premise made is that the search for the infonnation which has already been produced but kept private, does not add to the gross national product in real terms. Thus, information disclosure should be mandated with the result being that analysts will have to find other more productive employment opportunities. The same theme was continued in his 1981 article. In earlier years, Hakansson was content to talk about mandatory disclosure of quarterly reports. Now that quarterly reports are required of registered companies, he carries that theme further. While in the present paper Hakansson does not hold much hope for regulatory reform, his discussion continues to focus on the timeliness and presumed relevance of information revealed through public financial reporting. Financial disclosure in this construction can take on two states: timely, relevant, and comparable disclosure (TRCD), and late, irrelevant and untimely disclosure (LUND). Presumably, if information can be acquired privately at a cost, its subsequent disclosure in financial reporting is LUND. Information will have value only if it can be used to form profitable trading strategies. Thus, it becomes difficult to know wh^t is LUND in reality. If in fact, public financial reporting on a quarterly basis is inefficient and LUND, would a monthly reporting mitigate LUND? How about weekly? It is clear that if one carries the LUND notion too far, we will find that the lapse of any time between the occurrence of an event and its public disclosure is a form of LUND. Stated differently, any time gap longer than is necessary to disseminate the information in the market place can be characterized as LUND. That is, as long as reporting
Putting the leaf-nosed bats in context: a geometric morphometric analysis of three of the largest families of bats

Bats in the family Phyllostomidae exhibit the most diverse dietary ecology of any mammalian family and the link between their morphology and diet is well-studied. However, the morphology of phyllostomids has yet to be placed into a broader context by comparing them to bats from other families through the use of geometric morphometrics. Using geometric morphometrics, we examined shape trends, disparity, and links between shape and diet using the crania and dentaries of 176 species from 3 of the largest bat families: Vespertilionidae, Molossidae, and Phyllostomidae. Results indicate that cranium shape in insectivorous phyllostomids does not overlap with non-phyllostomid families, suggesting at least 2 insectivorous cranial morphotypes have evolved within Chiroptera and phyllostomid cranial shape had already diverged from other bat families prior to developing their broad dietary range. Further, phyllostomids have higher cranium shape (1.5×) and dentary shape (1.89×) disparity than molossids and vespertilionids, whose dentary and cranium shape disparity is roughly equal. Although the cranium is constrained in many ways (e.g., housing the brain, vision, olfaction), we suggest the fact that dentary shape is limited to food processing allowed it to expand into larger regions of morphospace. Finally, a preliminary dietary analysis based on prey hardness indicates substantial shape overlap within families except for those species with extreme diets (e.g., liquid, very-hard food). Many bats are dietary generalists that eat a wide variety of food types of varying hardness. The data from the 3 large families of bats presented here suggest that eating foods of intermediate hardness may not require substantial cranial reorganization.
Management of the Sequelae of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Malunions, nonunions, avascular necrosis, and infection are well-documented complications of proximal humerus fractures and their treatment. Sequelae of proximal humerus fractures are relatively rare but can cause significant pain and functional deficits to the patient. The management of these sequelae is challenging and wrought with complications. This chapter discusses the initial evaluation, treatment algorithms, and surgical techniques for the management of proximal humerus fracture sequelae particularly as they relate to older patients with poor bone quality. By utilizing treatment algorithms and classification systems, and practicing evidence-based surgical techniques, surgeons can improve functional outcomes and reduce complications.
Cultivating Meaningful Work in Healthcare: A Paradigm and Practice

The socioeconomic dynamics of the current healthcare system can challenge physicians to remain engaged with meaningful work, which is problematic given its role in mitigating burnout. In Man's Search For Meaning, Victor Frankl proposes that meaningful work is a prerequisite for a meaningful life. This article provides a road map for radiologists by applying key guiding principles outlined by Frankl as they intersect with current evidence in the field of physician burnout.
A New World: Redefining the Legacy of Min-Zhan Lu.

This article discusses exchanges between a number of scholars during the 1990s centering on Min-Zhan Lu’s controversial essay “Conflict and Struggle: The Enemies or Preconditions of Basic Writing?” In some ways, “Conflict and Struggle” blazed a trail for later work in “hybrid” or “mixed” forms of academic writing while at the same time igniting debate over Mina Shaughnessy’s legacy. Rather than take sides, the author considers what perspectives and considerations were left out of this years-long standoff and attempts to reconcile this issue in BW theory through relevant but less talked-about work in linguistics. The concept of linguistic charity, an area of growing interest in composition studies, offers a particularly refreshing new direction for discussion regarding the ambiguous and often controversial role of Standard English in our pedagogies.
Kinetic and physical characterization of force generation in muscle: a laser temperature-jump and length-jump study on activated and contracting rigor fibers.

Experiments are presented that probe the mechanism of contraction in normal activated muscle fibers and in heated rigor fibers. In activated fibers we subdivide the partial recovery of isometric tension during the Huxley-Simmons phase 2 into temperature-independent and temperature-dependent steps termed, respectively, phase 2fast and phase 2slow- Evidence is presented to show that phase 2fast arises from the perturbation of a damped elastic element in the cross-bridge and that phase 2slow is the manifestation of an endothermic, order-disorder transition responsible for de novo tension generation. These responses are common to both frog and rabbit fibers. The only difference between animals is that the kinetics of phase 2slow appears to scale with the working temperature of the muscle and not absolute temperature. Rigor fibers heated above the working temperature of the muscle contract. Tension generation is, as with activated fibers, endothermic. Tension transients following a laser temperature-jump of activated and heated rigor fibers are virtually indistinguishable on the basis of either the form or magnitude of the response. In length-jump experiments, tension recovery by heated rigor fibers consists of three exponentials with a tension-dependent rate for the medium speed step. Preliminary data indicate that the rigor cross-bridge operates over a distance of between 13.5 and 18 nm. Collectively, these data imply that tension generation in muscle arises from accessible conformational states in the proteins of the cross-bridge alone. ATP hydrolysis in active fibers and the heating of rigor fibers simply serve to shift these intrinsic conformational equilibria towards tension generation.
The effect of manipulating group task orientation and support for innovation on collaborative creativity in an educational setting

Abstract Team climate is thought to play a vital role in shaping the process and outcomes of collaborative problem-solving. However, prior evidence for this proposition in the research literature is largely observational and correlational in nature. This report describes a field experiment that manipulates two key dimensions of group climate (West, 1990): group task orientation and support for innovation, and assesses the effects of this manipulation on the creativity of group solutions to a set of open-ended problems. Participants were 295 high school students in China working in 60 collaborative groups to solve four tasks used in prior creativity research. In order to establish a causal role for team climate in promoting creativity, rewards were used to manipulate the team climate factors of task orientation and support for innovation between groups in a 2 × 2 design. Task orientation, defined as a shared concern with excellence of group performance, was manipulated by informing some groups (but not others) in advance about both monetary and social performance rewards. Support for innovation, the expectation of and support for unique ideas, was manipulated by describing to some groups in advance an aspect of the scoring rule that rewarded originality (defined as unique answers to the tasks). The group responses to the tasks were scored on three dimensions often used to define creativity: fluency, flexibility, and originality. As hypothesized, the manipulations designed to incentivize a concern for excellence and support for innovation each showed a main effect in the form of higher creativity scores, but the effects were limited to the originality dimension. The findings suggest ways for educators and parents to plan and implement effective pedagogical strategies aimed at improving students’ collaborative creativity.
Deep UV microscopy of prostate cancer tissue

Correctly diagnosing and staging prostate cancer continues to be a significant clinical challenge. Currently, the standard of care consists of a pathologist’s visual assessment of hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained (HE) histological sections, and designation of a Gleason score based on the top two most common patterns. However, this process is subjective and thus prone to error. Further, lack of standard protocols for staining, makes quantitative analysis of stained tissues difficult. Therefore, there is a significant need to develop new quantitative methods that can provide robust, objective, and accurate information of the aggressiveness and stage of prostate cancer. In this work, we seek to address this challenge using multi-spectral deep-UV microscopy of unstained tissue sections. This method yields valuable insight into the aggressiveness and stage of the disease due to its subcellular spatial resolution and high sensitivity to many endogenous biomolecules, including nucleic acid and proteins. In our approach we use a simple and cost effective wide-field imaging configuration with sequential illumination at multiple wavelengths ranging from 220 nm to 450 nm. Spectral signatures are analyzed in conjunction with the morphology using a geometrical representation of principal component analysis and principles of mathematical morphology. Our results reveal distinct morphological and molecular alterations in the tissue as cancer becomes more aggressive. In this presentation we will detail the design of the multispectral, deep UV microscope; describe our quantitative image analysis; and show preliminary results.
Microphysiological systems for the modeling of wound healing and evaluation of pro-healing therapies

Wound healing is a multivariate process involving the coordinated response of numerous proteins and cell types. Accordingly, biomedical research has seen an increased adoption of the use of in vitro wound healing assays with complexity beyond that offered by traditional well-plate constructs. These microphysiological systems (MPS) seek to recapitulate one or more physiological features of the in vivo microenvironment, while retaining the analytical capacity of more reductionist assays. Design efforts to achieve relevant wound healing physiology include the use of dynamic perfusion over static culture, the incorporation of multiple cell types, the arrangement of cells in three dimensions, the addition of biomechanically and biochemically relevant hydrogels, and combinations thereof. This review provides a brief overview of the wound healing process and in vivo assays, and we critically review the current state of MPS and supporting technologies for modelling and studying wound healing. We distinguish between MPS that seek to inform a particular phase of wound healing, and constructs that have the potential to inform multiple phases of wound healing. This distinction is a product of whether analysis of a particular process is prioritized, or a particular physiology is prioritized, during design. Material selection is emphasized throughout, and relevant fabrication techniques discussed.
Perceptions of Cultural Competency Among Premedical Undergraduate Students.

Background:Cultural competence is a difficult skill to teach, as it has several operational definitions as well as limited and unstandardized training procedures. Currently, there is no formal cult...
Vancomycin Heteroresistance and Clinical Outcomes in Bloodstream Infections Caused by Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a common etiology of serious and recurrent infections in immunocompromised patients. Although most isolates appear susceptible to vancomycin, a single strain might have a subpopulation of resistant bacteria. This phenomenon is termed heteroresistance and may adversely affect the response to treatment. A retrospective cohort study was performed of pediatric patients with leukemia treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who developed CoNS central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Available isolates were sequenced and tested for vancomycin heteroresistance by population analysis profiling. Risk factors for heteroresistance and the association of heteroresistance with treatment failure (death or relapse of infection) or poor clinical response to vancomycin therapy (treatment failure or persistent bacteremia after vancomycin initiation) were evaluated. For 65 participants with CoNS CLABSI, 62 initial isolates were evaluable, of which 24 (39%) were vancomycin heteroresistant. All heteroresistant isolates were of Staphylococcus epidermidis and comprised multiple sequence types. Participants with heteroresistant bacteria had more exposure to vancomycin prophylaxis (P = 0.026) during the 60 days prior to infection. Of the 40 participants evaluable for clinical outcomes, heteroresistance increased the risk of treatment failure (P = 0.012) and poor clinical response (P = 0.001). This effect persisted after controlling for identified confounders. These data indicate that vancomycin heteroresistance is common in CoNS isolates from CLABSIs in pediatric patients with leukemia and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Validation of these findings in an independent cohort and evaluation of alternative antibiotic therapy in patients with heteroresistant infections have the potential to improve care for serious CoNS infections.
Sirt1 overexpression attenuates high-fat diet induced aortic stiffening

Increased arterial stiffness is a cardiovascular disease risk factor in the setting of advancing age and high-fat (HF) diet induced obesity. Increases in large artery stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), occur within 8 weeks of HF feeding in mice. Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), a NAD-dependent deacetylase, regulates cellular metabolic activity and activation of this protein has been associated with vasoprotection in aged mice. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of global Sirt1 overexpression (Sirttg) on HF diet-induced arterial stiffening. Sirt1 overexpression did not influence PWV in normal chow (NC) fed mice (Sirttg: 263 {+/-} 6 vs WT: 274 {+/-} 7, p=0.28). However, PWV was higher in wild-type (WT) mice (376 {+/-} 22, p<0.04), but not Sirttg (304 {+/-} 2 cm/s, p=0.07), after 12 weeks of HF diet. Despite no effect of Sirt1 overexpression on aortic collagen content in NC (p=0.71), aortic elastin content was higher in Sirttg mice compared with WT mice fed NC diet (P<0.05). Surprisingly, despite increased arterial stiffness, collagen content was lower (p<0.02) and elastin content was unchanged (p=0.05) in the aortas of WT mice after HF. Neither collagen (p=0.18) nor elastin content (p=0.56) were impacted by HF diet in the Sirttg mice. Likewise, there was no difference in wall thickness in NC (Sirttg: 40.7 {+/-} 2 vs WT: 41.6 {+/-} 2, p= 0.78). However, wall thickness was higher in mice WT mice fed a HF diet (51.7 {+/-} 2, p<0.01) and there was no difference in Sirttg mice after HF diet (p=0.66). Similarly, there was no difference in wall-to-lumen ratio in mice fed NC diet (Sirttg: 0.08 vs WT: 0.08, p=0.48) was higher in HF diet fed WT mice (p<0.01), though, HF diet was associated with a higher wall-to-lumen ratio in WT (0.11, p<0.01), but not different in Sirttg mice fed HF diet (0.08, p=0.59). These findings demonstrate a vasoprotective effect of Sirt1 overexpression that limits increases in arterial stiffness and protects against alterations in vessel morphology in response to HF feeding. As such, activation of Sirt1 may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent elevated CVD risk associated with HF-induced aortic stiffening.
The multiple people of color origins of the US environmental justice movement: social movement spillover and regional racial projects in California

This paper contributes to scholarship on the origins of the US environmental justice movement (EJM) through exploration of the early EJM in California. The national EJM is often seen as having grow...
Constrained stellarator coil curvature optimization with FOCUS

Finding less complicated coils that have adequately low field errors is a crucial step in stellarator development. One coil metric that is of high importance is the maximum curvature of the coil centreline, or coil single filament. Conductors cannot be bent below some threshold minimum radius of curvature. High coil curvatures can cause strains to exceed acceptable levels, especially in superconducting coils. We investigate three ways to optimize coil curvature and find that applying penalty functions to the coil curvature solves for coils that have a constrained maximum curvature and low field error. Penalty functions are implemented in FOCUS and coil solutions optimized for an HSX-like ‘plasma boundary’ are presented.
Analysis of Healthy Coping Feedback Messages from Diabetes Mobile Apps: Validation Against an Evidence-Based Framework.

Background:In this study, we focused on Healthy Coping, a key principle of ADCES7 Self-Care Behaviors® (ADCES7®) that enables people with diabetes to achieve health goals for self-care. We aimed to...
Bounding Surface Thermoplasticity and Thermoviscoplasticity

The multiple backstress decomposition theory proposed by Moosbrugger and McDowell [1] is extended to thermomechanical cyclic loading. Both thermoplastic and thermoviscoplastic forms are presented. Predictions of the thermoviscoplastic model are compared with experiments for in-phase temperature-strain cycling of OFHC copper.
Adrenalectomy stimulates hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin expression but does not correct diet-induced obesity

Background Elevated glucocorticoid production and reduced hypothalamic POMC mRNA can cause obese phenotypes. Conversely, adrenalectomy can reverse obese phenotypes caused by the absence of leptin, a model in which glucocorticoid production is elevated. Adrenalectomy also increases hypothalamic POMC mRNA in leptin-deficient mice. However most forms of human obesity do not appear to entail elevated plasma glucocorticoids. It is therefore not clear if reducing glucocorticoid production would be useful to treat these forms of obesity. We hypothesized that adrenalectomy would increase hypothalamic POMC mRNA and reverse obese phenotypes in obesity due to a high-fat diet as it does in obesity due to leptin deficiency.
Exercise tolerance in patients with angina pectoris. Daily variation and effects of erythrityl tetranitrate, propranolol and alprenolol.

Abstract One hundred exercise tolerance tests were performed in 10 hospitalized male patients with typical angina pectoris during 5 consecutive days to (1) evaluate the test to test variation, (2) quantitate the training effect of repeated testing, and (3) compare the immediate effects of placebos, propranolol, alprenolol, erythrityl tetranitrate and the additive actions of erythrityl tetranitrate with propranolol, and with alprenolol. The intraindividual standard deviation from one exercise to another was ± 10.8 percent of the work performed. There was no evidence that repeated testing resulted in improved exercise tolerance attributable to training or conditioning. Propranolol, alprenolol and erythrityl tetranitrate improved exercise tolerance significantly. Synergistic effect of erythrityl tetranitrate and propranolol, and erythrityl tetranitrate and alprenolol were evident in only 2 of the 10 patients.
Characterization of alpha 2-adrenoceptor binding sites in rabbit ciliary body membranes.

PURPOSE This study sought to identify and characterize subtypes of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rabbit ciliary body. METHODS Radioligand binding assays were performed with the alpha 2-agonist ligand [125I]-p-iodoclonidine ([125I]PIC) and the antagonist ligand [3H]rauwolscine. RESULTS Both [125I]PIC and [3H]rauwolscine bound to a single population of receptors in membrane preparations of rabbit ciliary body. The densities for the two ligands were the same (about 640 fmol/mg). However, the affinity of [125I]PIC (dissociation constant, Kd = 1.91 +/- 0.24 nM) was about threefold higher than that of [3H]rauwolscine (dissociation constant = 6.79 +/- 1.5 nM), and binding of [125I]PIC exhibited guanine nucleotide sensitivity. Inhibition of [125I]PIC binding by epinephrine, idazoxan, and amiloride was examined to differentiate between alpha 2-adrenoceptors and the imidazoline-preferring receptor. Epinephrine and idazoxan competed for all of the [125I]PIC binding; relative potency was epinephrine > idazoxan >> amiloride. Subtypes of alpha 2-adrenoceptors were further studied by competition for [125I]PIC binding by subtype-selective compounds. [125I]PIC binding sites showed the pharmacologic characteristics of an alpha 2A-adrenoceptor (oxymetazoline > chlorpromazine >> prazosin), and competition by oxymetazoline and chlorpromazine was best fit by a one-site model. Likewise, the relative potency of inhibition of [3H]rauwolscine binding was oxymetazoline > chlorpromazine. However, inhibition of [3H]rauwolscine-binding by oxymetazoline was better fit by a two-site model, which was converted to a one-site model in the presence of 100 microM 5'-guanylimidodiphosphate. CONCLUSIONS A large number of alpha 2-adrenoceptors are present in rabbit ciliary body. They are not the imidazoline-preferring receptor but are alpha 2-adrenergic-specific receptors of the alpha 2A subtype.
Reliable Computation and Related Games

We describe a theory of line and edge detection in layers 2/3 of primary visual cortex. Our analysis shows that, although pyramidal cells can be individually unreliable as processing units, they can nevertheless be extremely reliable as moderate-sized groups. We base our analysis on a dynamic analog model of computation in which the primary visual cortex stores visual contour information in the form of a very large number of small tightly interconnected groups or cliques of (excitatory S-type pyramidal) cells.
In situ stress analysis in the northern Newark Basin: Implications for induced seismicity from CO2 injection

We present detailed stress analysis in a deep well drilled in the northern Newark Rift Basin and evaluate the risk of induced seismicity for underground fluid injection at the locality. In situ stress orientation and magnitudes were estimated using quantitative analysis and modeling of borehole breakouts identified in high-resolution wellbore images. The distribution of breakouts and natural fractures in the well suggests significant variability in orientation of the principal horizontal stresses in the depth range of 450–1450 m. Evidence from surface seismic reflection imaging indicates potential presence of faults at about 800 m and 1200 m that bound zones of distinctly different stress orientation at this locality. Stability of natural fractures and faults under injection conditions was evaluated for a range of potential stress magnitudes and the observed stress variability with depth. Shallow crust above ~800 m appears to be critically stressed under ambient conditions, and further pore pressure increase would put it at risk of frictional failure on favorably oriented fractures and faults. Deeper reservoirs, however, may allow over 10 MPa increase in pore pressure without fault reactivation due to a more relaxed state of stress. Additional in situ test data are needed to more accurately constrain the magnitude of the minimum horizontal stress in the basin and to enable a more complete assessment of the induced seismic risk from potential CO2 injection in the region.
The case for change: The Global Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020.

In May 2012 the World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA 65.4, ‘The global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, co-ordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level’ and charged the World Health Organization (WHO) with the development of an action plan to respond to this. The zero draft of the Global Mental Health Action Plan 2013–20201 is a discussion paper which, although not yet the official position of the WHO, is worth reading and thinking about. For this action plan to be successful it needs to have the same impact as the Alma Ata Declaration had for primary care in 1978.2,3 Despite all the evidence for good mental healthcare, people with long-term mental health conditions continue to die young as a result of the complications of mental health problems and have a higher mortality as a result of other chronic health difficulties. The relationship between mental health and access to health has been addressed by the WHO on many occasions and also by the World Federation for Mental Health in many of its annual World Mental Health Day Calls to Action.4 The zero draft of the Global Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 proposes a global vision and some core principles including universal access and equity in mental health; the promotion of human rights; the application of evidence-based practice; the adoption of a life course approach; the adoption of a multisectoral approach and the empowerment of people with mental disorders. If these principles are adopted and implemented they will definitely result in a difference for mental health service users, and their families, globally. I urge all those with an interest in promoting good mental health to support the WHO in ensuring that the Global Mental Health Action Plan can be developed to become a global reality.
Non-Adiabatic Perturbations from Single-Field Inflation

If the inflaton decays into several components during reheating, and if the corresponding decay rates are functions of spacetime-dependent quantities, it is possible to generate entropy perturbations after a stage of single-field inflation. In this paper, I present a simple toy example that illustrates this possibility. In the example, the decay rates of the inflaton into ``matter'' and ``radiation'' are different functions of the total energy density. In particular cases, one can exactly solve the equations of motion both for background and perturbations in the long-wavelength limit, and show that entropy perturbations do indeed arise. Beyond these specific examples, I attempt to identify what are the essential ingredients responsible for the generation of entropy perturbations after single-field inflation, and to what extent these elements are expected to be present in realistic models.
Automatic classification of prostate cancer Gleason scores from multiparametric magnetic resonance images

Noninvasive, radiological image-based detection and stratification of Gleason patterns can impact clinical outcomes, treatment selection, and the determination of disease status at diagnosis without subjecting patients to surgical biopsies. We present machine learning-based automatic classification of prostate cancer aggressiveness by combining apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2-weighted (T2-w) MRI-based texture features. Our approach achieved reasonably accurate classification of Gleason scores (GS) 6(3 + 3) vs. ≥7 and 7(3 + 4) vs. 7(4 + 3) despite the presence of highly unbalanced samples by using two different sample augmentation techniques followed by feature selection-based classification. Our method distinguished between GS 6(3 + 3) and ≥7 cancers with 93% accuracy for cancers occurring in both peripheral (PZ) and transition (TZ) zones and 92% for cancers occurring in the PZ alone. Our approach distinguished the GS 7(3 + 4) from GS 7(4 + 3) with 92% accuracy for cancers occurring in both the PZ and TZ and with 93% for cancers occurring in the PZ alone. In comparison, a classifier using only the ADC mean achieved a top accuracy of 58% for distinguishing GS 6(3 + 3) vs. GS ≥7 for cancers occurring in PZ and TZ and 63% for cancers occurring in PZ alone. The same classifier achieved an accuracy of 59% for distinguishing GS 7(3 + 4) from GS 7(4 + 3) occurring in the PZ and TZ and 60% for cancers occurring in PZ alone. Separate analysis of the cancers occurring in TZ alone was not performed owing to the limited number of samples. Our results suggest that texture features derived from ADC and T2-w MRI together with sample augmentation can help to obtain reasonably accurate classification of Gleason patterns.
Are there ethnic differences in sleep architecture

The possibility of ethnic differences in sleep architecture was initially examined in conjunction with studies of sleep apnea (study 1). This possibility was then examined in another cohort of patients to determine whether the results might generalize (study 2). Polysomnography was obtained in both cohorts as part of larger protocols investigating sympathetic nervous system activity, blood pressure, and sleep. Sleep monitoring took place in an inpatient clinical research center of a university hospital. Study 1 focused on sleep apnea physiology and involved volunteers with sleep apnea who were otherwise healthy. Study 2 focused on differences in stress reactivity between American Black and White subjects and involved hypertensive and normotensive volunteers who were otherwise healthy. Analyses include 61 participants from study 1 and 35 participants from study 2. Ethnicity in both cohorts was determined by self-report. Participants in both studies were monitored during sleep with traditional polysomnography including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrooculography (EOG), and oximetry. In Study 1, Blacks had longer TST (P < 0.01), more REM sleep (P < 0.05), and less WASO (P < 0.05) than Whites. After controlling for RDI, Blacks had longer TST and spent a smaller percentage of time in deep sleep (P < 0.05). In study 2, Blacks had longer TST and REM sleep, lower percent deep sleep, and lower percent deep sleep controlling for RDI (P < 0.05). In two separate studies, Blacks had longer TST, more minutes of REM, and lower percentage deep sleep. These findings suggest possible ethnic differences in sleep architecture.
Adult health in child care: Health status, behaviors, and concerns of teachers, directors, and family child care providers☆

Abstract This article reports the results of a statewide survey of health status, behaviors, and concerns of 446 randomly selected early childhood professionals (78 group child care center directors, 236 teachers, and 132 family child care providers). More than 85% of each professional group rated their health as either good or excellent; 87% have worked when ill. Twenty-five percent of the sample (33% directors, 15% staff, 36% family providers) have become pregnant since working in child care. Respondents reported being “overweight” at levels more than twice state adult frequencies. Dramatic changes were reported in perceived frequency of various symptoms and becoming ill since working in child care. Significant differences between the groups were found for number of absences due to illness, nutrition, stressfulness of working in child care, and ergonomics and physical demands of the job.
Syntheses with stable isotopes: Urea-13C, urea-12C, and urea-13C-15N2

Urea has been prepared from the reaction of carbon monoxide and ammonia in the presence of sulfur. The reaction has been applied to the synthesis of urea-13C, urea-12C, and urea-13C-15N2.
Addressing the Challenges of Inclusion of Children with Disabilities

Reform of regular and special education continues to forge ahead although little is known about outcomes for children with disabilities in schools engaged in restructuring. While debates about the inclusion of these students continue, little consensus exists on various aspects of the moiement. This article offers a discussion of collaborations between a University and local school districts in its catchment area. It begins with a discussion of challenges associated with inclusive programming including research, philosophical, political, logistical, and policy issues. The authors end with a description of an inclusion program and research project that evolved from the University/school district collaborations.
The good, the strong, and the accurate: preschoolers' evaluations of informant attributes.

Much recent evidence shows that preschoolers are sensitive to the accuracy of an informant. Faced with two informants, one of whom names familiar objects accurately and the other inaccurately, preschoolers subsequently prefer to learn the names and functions of unfamiliar objects from the more accurate informant. This study examined the inference process underlying this preference. We asked whether preschoolers make narrow inferences about informants, broader trait-based inferences, or more global evaluative inferences. We further asked what inferences preschoolers make about a potential informant based on distinctions in the unrelated domain of physical strength. The results indicate that preschoolers make relatively narrow inferences when observing individual differences in accuracy even though they are prone to global evaluative inferences when observing individual differences in strength. Preschoolers’ burgeoning understanding of others as expert language users may underlie their selective endorsement of a more accurate informant.
Cellular localization of proglucagon/glucagon-like peptide I messenger RNAs in rat brain

Techniques of in situ hybridization histochemistry, Northern blot hybridization, and immunocytochemistry were used to investigate the biosynthesis of glucagon-like immunoreactants (GLIs) in rat brain. Cells in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the medulla oblongata of adult rat brain hybridized to a synthetic oligonucleotide probe (GLP-I oligomer) corresponding to nucleotide sequences in pancreatic proglucagon mRNA encoding glucagon-like peptide I (GLP-I), and stained with antisera specific for two antigenic determinants of pancreatic proglucagon, glucagon, and GLP-I. These data suggest that there is de novo synthesis of proglucagon in cells of the nucleus tractus solitarius via expression of a proglucagon mRNA similar to that produced in pancreas. Previous studies have shown that cells in hypothalamus stain with GLP-I antisera, but not with glucagon antisera. However, cells in the hypothalamus did not hybridize with the GLP-I oligomer and may therefore produce a GLP-I immunoreactant that is encoded by a mRNA different from the pancreatic proglucagon-mRNA-encoding glucagon and GLP-I. Northern blot hybridizations with a cDNA probe encoding the entire pancreatic proglucagon sequence did not detect proglucagon/GLP-I mRNAs in polyadenylated RNAs (Poly A RNA) from adult rat brainstem and hypothalamus, probably because of their low abundance. Poly A RNAs from fetal rat brain, however, contained two mRNAs that hybridized to the proglucagon cDNA probe. One mRNA of 1,300 bases is the same size as pancreatic proglucagon mRNA. The second mRNA of 1,500 bases may encode the GLP-I immunoreactant detected in the hypothalamus of adult rat brain. The presence of neurons with glucagon and glucagon-like peptides in the nucleus tractus solitarius suggests a role of these peptides in gustatory and/or cardiopulmonary control.