cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An examination of reasoning and proof opportunities in three differently organized secondary mathematics textbook units

Students’ struggles in learning reasoning and proof (RP) in mathematics are well known. Despite the instantiation of RP opportunities in mathematics textbooks in the USA and the important role that textbooks play in teachers’ instructional decisions, little research has been conducted on analyzing student textbook tasks and narrative sections of mathematics textbooks in the USA. One polynomial functions unit located within a reform-oriented, conventional, and hybrid secondary mathematics textbook was examined for RP instances. RP tasks comprised 4, 9, and 22 % of the student tasks in the conventional, hybrid, and reform-oriented textbook units, respectively. The textbook exposition of all three textbook units promoted the presentation of proof building blocks (e.g., definitions) with no occurrences of conjecture development or testing. Overall, only 19 % of the learning objectives across the three textbook units were validated. The conventional and hybrid textbook units had the potential to promote an authoritative proof scheme in students while the reform-oriented textbook unit had the potential to promote an empirical proof scheme in students.
Regulation of NAD+ metabolism, signaling and compartmentalization in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Pyridine nucleotides are essential coenzymes in many cellular redox reactions in all living systems. In addition to functioning as a redox carrier, NAD+ is also a required co-substrate for the conserved sirtuin deacetylases. Sirtuins regulate transcription, genome maintenance and metabolism and function as molecular links between cells and their environment. Maintaining NAD+ homeostasis is essential for proper cellular function and aberrant NAD+ metabolism has been implicated in a number of metabolic- and age-associated diseases. Recently, NAD+ metabolism has been linked to the phosphate-responsive signaling pathway (PHO pathway) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Activation of the PHO pathway is associated with the production and mobilization of the NAD+ metabolite nicotinamide riboside (NR), which is mediated in part by PHO-regulated nucleotidases. Cross-regulation between NAD+ metabolism and the PHO pathway has also been reported; however, detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The PHO pathway also appears to modulate the activities of common downstream effectors of multiple nutrient-sensing pathways (Ras-PKA, TOR, Sch9/AKT). These signaling pathways were suggested to play a role in calorie restriction-mediated beneficial effects, which have also been linked to Sir2 function and NAD+ metabolism. Here, we discuss the interactions of these pathways and their potential roles in regulating NAD+ metabolism. In eukaryotic cells, intracellular compartmentalization facilitates the regulation of enzymatic functions and also concentrates or sequesters specific metabolites. Various NAD+-mediated cellular functions such as mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation are compartmentalized. Therefore, we also discuss several key players functioning in mitochondrial, cytosolic and vacuolar compartmentalization of NAD+ intermediates, and their potential roles in NAD+ homeostasis. To date, it remains unclear how NAD+ and NAD+ intermediates shuttle between different cellular compartments. Together, these studies provide a molecular basis for how NAD+ homeostasis factors and the interacting signaling pathways confer metabolic flexibility and contribute to maintaining cell fitness and genome stability.
Size-related isotopic trends in some Maastrichtian planktic foraminifera: methodological comparisons, intraspecific variability, and evidence for photosymbiosis

Abstract The serial test dissection and sieve fraction methods for determining the pattern of size-related change in oxygen and carbon isotopic ratios are compared using four Late Cretaceous planktic foraminifer species (Racemiguembelina fructicosa, Planoglobulina acervulinoides, Planoglobulina multicamerata, and Pseudoguembelina palpebra) from a subtropical site in the North Atlantic (DSDP Hole 390A). Despite the extra labor required, we identify several clear advantages of the dissection method, including: (1) it provides a means of obtaining size-dependent changes in isotopic signatures that are unequivocally ontogenetic, whereas isotopic variation observed from sieve-separated size fractions could be ontogenetic or ecotypic; (2) the taxonomic identity of smaller sized specimens using the dissection method is unequivocal, whereas species identification is increasingly ambiguous in smaller size fractions using the sieve method; (3) it reveals a greater total range and a greater complexity in the pattern of ontogenetic change in stable isotopic values, whereas the sieve method averages the isotopic signal across the entire ontogenetic range preserved within the whole tests that are used. Our results from serial dissections demonstrate that among the species analyzed, R. fructicosa and P. acervulinoides yield relatively negative adult δ18O values, a large size-related change in δ13C values (1.32 and 2.05‰, respectively), and virtually no correlation between size-related δ13C and δ18O values. On this basis we suggest that these were photosymbiotic species that inhabited relatively shallow surface waters. Evidence for photosymbiosis is not as compelling for P. palpebra, as this species yields a 1.06‰ shift in δ13C and relatively negative δ18O values in adult chambers, but much stronger correlation between size-related δ13C and δ18O values (r2=0.40) than in R. fructicosa and P. acervulinoides. Planoglobulina multicamerata yields the most positive adult δ18O values of the species studied, a strong covariance between size-related δ13C and δ18O values (r2=0.77), and a 0.97‰ shift in δ13C composition during ontogeny. We conclude that this species lacked photosymbionts and migrated to a deeper surface water paleohabitat as it increased in size. Single specimen analyses of tightly constrained size fractions reveal a high degree of intraspecific variation. δ13C and δ18O values vary by up to 0.70 and 0.28‰ in R. fructicosa, 1.41 and 0.80‰ in P. acervulinoides, 0.66 and 0.82‰ in P. palpebra, and 0.18 and 0.33‰ in P. multicamerata, respectively. Such a range of isotopic variation has been observed in modern day planktic foraminifer assemblages, and likely results from growth of individuals during different phases of the seasonal cycle and/or the kinetic effect of intraspecific variation in shell calcification rates. As suggested by other investigators, large sample sizes should be analyzed to provide the most reliable correlation of stable isotopic stratigraphic records.
Hewlett Packard: Delivering Profitable Growth for HPDirect.com Using Operations Research

Hewlett Packard HP entered the online consumer sales business with its launch of HPDirect.com, a portal that allows consumers to purchase HP products e.g., desktop and notebook computers, printers, accessories, supplies online. This paper describes operations research solutions to a variety of problems in the e-commerce value chain. HP’s objective was to use these solutions to grow its share in the online sales market. First, we identify and quantify the impact of key drivers of online traffic to enhance our market planning and budget allocation process. Next, we apply Bayesian modeling and Markov chain methods to predict which customers are most likely to buy which product, and when and through which marketing channel they are likely to make a purchase. Finally, we use a hybrid forecasting approach combining time-series and regression modeling to predict customer orders for optimizing warehouse inventory holding and ensuring timely fulfillment of customer orders. Since 2009, the integration of these solutions into HP’s marketing planning and warehouse operations processes has helped to generate an additional $117 million in revenue for HPDirect.com.
Integrating primary care services into psychiatric care settings: a review of the literature.

Several studies have described that patients with psychiatric illness are at increased risk of developing nonpsychiatric medical disorders compared with age-matched controls.1 For instance, patients with schizophrenia were found to have a higher prevalence of HIV infection, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease than the general population.2 Additionally, some of these chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia may frequently go untreated. One report from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness3 noted that rates of nontreatment for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were 30.2%, 62.4%, and 88.0%, respectively, suggesting that patients managed primarily in the mental health care setting are not receiving comprehensive care. One way to improve nonpsychiatric (for this article) primary care in these patients is to bring primary care services into psychiatric care settings.4 Patients with schizophrenia may be a population that would benefit from integrated psychiatric and primary care because these patients generally use the mental health care sector as the main source of health care.5 Patients with chronic psychiatric disorders other than schizophrenia also use the mental health care sector as a source of care, have co-occurring nonpsychiatric disorders, and could also benefit from integrated primary and psychiatric care. Recently, several groups have integrated primary care into psychiatric care settings and explored processes and outcomes through descriptive studies and randomized controlled trials.6–9 No review (or meta-analysis) exists examining these results. This review assesses the outcomes of integrating primary care services into psychiatric care settings.
Electron microscopy of MAP 2 (microtubule-associated protein 2).

In this study we demonstrate by the platinum-replication technique that MAP 2 (microtubuleassociated protein 2) is a long, thin, flexible structure. The contour length of the molecule is variable ranging up to a maximum of about 185 nm. The mass per unit length is about 1630 daltons/ nm, approximately the same as a double helix. Circular dichroism of purified MAP 2 showed, however, that the alpha helix content is actually very low. The MAP 2 strands sometimes have either one or two terminal knobs. There was very little difference in the appearance of the MAP 2 prepared either with or without the inclusion of a 100°C treatment. We also present images of taxol-stabilized microtubules decorated with MAP 2 molecules showing that the latter often extend outward from the microtubule wall as thin filaments up to 80 or 90 nm in length.
Aligned and suspended fiber force probes for drug testing at single cell resolution

The role of physical forces in disease onset and progression is widely accepted and this knowledge presents an alternative route to investigating disease models. Recently, numerous force measurement techniques have been developed to probe single and multi-cell behavior. While these methods have yielded fundamental insights, they are yet unable to capture the fibrous extra-cellular matrix biophysical interactions, involving parameters of curvature, structural stiffness (N m?1), alignment and hierarchy, which have been shown to play key roles in disease and developmental biology. Using a highly aggressive glioma model (DBTRG-05MG), we present a platform technology to quantify single cell force modulation (both inside-out and outside-in) with and without the presence of a cytoskeleton altering drug (cytochalasin D) using suspended and aligned fiber networks (nanonets) beginning to represent the aligned glioma environment. The nanonets fused in crisscross patterns were manufactured using the non-electrospinning spinneret based tunable engineering parameters technique. We demonstrate the ability to measure contractile single cell forces exerted by glioma cells attached to and migrating along the fiber axis (inside-out). This is followed by a study of force response of glioma cells attached to two parallel fibers using a probe deflecting the leading fiber (outside-in). The forces are calculated using beam deflection within the elastic limit. Our data shows that cytochalasin D compromises the spreading area of single glioma cells, eventually decreasing their ?inside-out? contractile forces, and ?outside-in? force response to external strain. Most notably, for the first time, we demonstrate the feasibility of using physiologically relevant aligned fiber networks as ultra-sensitive force (?nanoNewtons) probes for investigating drug response and efficacy in disease models at the single cell resolution.
Role of hyperpolarization-activated currents for the intrinsic dynamics of isolated retinal neurons.

The intrinsic dynamics of bipolar cells and rod photoreceptors isolated from tiger salamanders were studied by a patch-clamp technique combined with estimation of effective impulse responses across a range of mean membrane voltages. An increase in external K+ reduces the gain and speeds the response in bipolar cells near and below resting potential. High external K+ enhances the inward rectification of membrane potential, an effect mediated by a fast, hyperpolarization-activated, inwardly rectifying potassium current (KIR). External Cs+ suppresses the inward-rectifying effect of external K+. The reversal potential of the current, estimated by a novel method from a family of impulse responses below resting potential, indicates a channel that is permeable predominantly to K+. Its permeability to Na+, estimated from Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz voltage equation, was negligible. Whereas the activation of the delayed-rectifier K+ current causes bandpass behavior (i.e., undershoots in the impulse responses) in bipolar cells, activation of the KIR current does not. In contrast, a slow hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in rod photoreceptors leads to pronounced, slow undershoots near resting potential. Differences in the kinetics and ion selectivity of hyperpolarization-activated currents in bipolar cells (KIR) and in rod photoreceptors (Ih) confer different dynamical behavior onto the two types of neurons.
High and Low Frequency Actuation Comparison for a Weapons Bay Cavity

This paper compares the effectiveness of zero- low- and high-frequency flow control methodologies when applied to a generic weapons bay cavity. Using the High Frequency Excitation Active Flow Control for Supersonic Weapons Release (HIFEX) generic weapons bay model the actuators were tested at Mach 0.85 and 1.19. The zero-frequency actuator tested was a conventional one-delta "sawtooth" spoiler, while the low-frequency device was a pulse-blowing actuator. The sawtooth spoiler performed as expected by reducing the Overall Spectrum Level (OASL) slightly in both the subsonic and supersonic cases. The pulsed-blowing actuator reduced the OASL as much as 9.6dB for both the subsonic and supersonic cases. The high-frequency devices tested were the Powered Resonance Tube (PRT) and a Splash Jet actuator. The PRT and Splash Jet reduced the (OASL) equally well at Mach 0.85 for all the mass flow rates tested. The PRT outperformed all other actuators at Mach 1.19 except for the highest mass flow rate of 0.227 kg/s, wher...
Synthetic correlation-based modified signed-digit trinary logic processing

An optical implementation using a correlation technique for modified signed-digit (MSD) trinary logic processing is presented. In par- ticular, a synthetic matched filter (SMF) correlator model is used to dem- onstrate the realization of the carry-propagation-free trinary MSD addi- tion. It is shown that proper encoding of the MSD numerals are of utmost importance for the correlator model to work. The developed method is expected to have far-reaching application in the optical higher radix nu- meric and logic processing. © 1999 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engi- neers. (S0091-3286(99)01003-X)
DDEKF learning for fast nonlinear adaptive inverse control

Adaptive inverse control (AIC) uses three adaptive filters: plant model, controller and disturbance canceler. Methods are known for quick and efficient training of these filters if the plant is linear; however, known methods for nonlinear AIC learn very slowly. This paper modifies the standard nonlinear AIC learning methods (based on real-time recurrent learning) using the dynamic-decoupled-extended Kalman-filter (DDEKF). The training becomes significantly faster.
Characterization of the strain of adenovirus type 7 carrying the defective monkey cell-adapting component.

Abstract The strain of adenovirus type 7 carrying the defective monkey cell-adapting component (MAC) has been further characterized. MAC is more sensitive to inactivation by ultraviolet light than the associated adenovirus, which, in turn, is more rapidly inactivated than complete simian virus 40 (SV40). The 37% dose was 16 sec for MAC, 60 sec for adenovirus, and 84 sec for SV40. Filtration through membranes revealed that both MAC and adenovirus were retained by 100-mμ filters. MAC equilibrated in cesium chloride at the same buoyant density as the complete adenovirions (1.34 g/ml). Deoxyribonucleic acid extracted from green monkey kidney cells infected with MAC-adenovirus 7 did not hybridize in vitro with SV40 complementary ribonucleic acid. The two components (MAC and adenovirus) of the virus population possess such similar biophysical properties that their separation has not yet been achieved. Evidence to date indicates that MAC is probably not derived from SV40.
Practical aspects of the active-loop chip-scale atomic clock

EIT-based atomic clocks built as active oscillating loops can be compact and low-power, if the loop is closed by current modulation of VCSEL. The clock performance is shown to critically depend on the VCSEL properties.
[Corrigendum] Constitutive activation of MAPK/ERK inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation through upregulation of BRCA2

BRCA2 is central to an utterly diverse biological behavior elicited after integrin-mediated normal and prostate cancer cell adhesion to basement membrane (BM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Unlike normal cells, adhesive stimuli in cancer cells activate PI 3-kinase/AKT signaling resulting in BRCA2 degradation and unchecked cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the precise mechanisms involved in normal BRCA2 homeostasis are unknown. We investigated ERK and AKT phosphorylation in normal (PNT1A) and cancer (PC-3) prostate cells after adhesion to ECM and the effects upon BRCA2 and cell proliferation. PNT1A cell adhesion to ECM triggered MAPK/ERK signaling resulting in upregulation of BRCA2 mRNA and protein, with negligible effects upon cell proliferation. Disruption of MAPK/ERK with PD98059 prevented any BRCA2 upregulation inhibiting DNA synthesis below basal levels. PC-3 cells exhibited a defective MAPK/ERK pathway that was unresponsive to adhesion to the ECM, which instead triggered PI 3-kinase/AKT signaling leading to BRCA2 protein depletion and cell proliferation. Reconstitution of MAPK/ERK by recombinant expression of a constitutively active form of MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) effectively reversed the neoplastic phenotype by increasing BRCA2 expression and preventing any aberrant cell proliferation at rest and upon interaction with ECM proteins. Our results suggest that aberrant loss of MAPK/ERK activity in prostate cancer may play a pivotal role in the malignant phenotype, and provide evidence that interventions aimed at bypassing the signaling block are able to effectively reverse neoplastic unchecked cell proliferation.
Table for Fisher's Test of Significance in Harmonic Analysis

Summary A table is calculated which facilitates the estimation of significant spectral peaks obtained by harmonic analysis which are above the 99, 98, 95, and 90% confidence level. The application of the test is also described. In the scheme of harmonic analysis for revealing the periodic structure of a time series, the inferences are based on the magnitude of the amplitude corresponding to each period. Yet, any set of random numbers subject to the harmonic analysis will yield harmonic amplitudes such that some are bigger than others by chance alone. The decision of reliability of these amplitudes, therefore, depends on comparison with the magnitude of the amplitudes which can be produced by harmonic analysis on the assumption that the time series are from a random fluctuation and do not have any physical meaning. 2. Fisher’s test and tables Fisher (1929) developed a test of significance in harmonic analysis from a series x(i), i= 1, 2, . .. , n constituting a random sample from a normally distributed population. The decomposition of x(i) into its harmonic constituents is
Development of marker-free transgenic sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] using standard binary vectors with bar as a selectable marker

We report an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system that can generate marker-free transgenic sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] from a public line [P898012] using standard binary vectors with bar as a selectable marker. Eight co-cultivation conditions were examined for their effect on transformation. The average transformation frequencies were 0.4 and 0.7% for pZY101-TC2 and pZY101-SKRS, respectively, derived from binary vector pZY102 and containing bar and target gene(s) in separate T-DNA regions. A low selection pressure (2.5 mg l−1 DL-phosphinothrithin, PPT) was deployed during callus induction in combination with rapid selection to generate plants from 80 independent events, all but three of which were fertile and set seed. PCR and Southern analyses showed that 36 out of 80 events contained both bar and the target gene(s) (an average co-transformation frequency of 45%). Seedlings of the T1 generation transmitted T-DNAs with target gene(s) and bar gene independently, generating a fraction of progeny with only the target gene(s).
Weakly-supervised grammar-informed bayesian CCG parser learning

Combinatory Categorial Grammar (CCG) is a lexicalized grammar formalism in which words are associated with categories that, in combination with a small universal set of rules, specify the syntactic configurations in which they may occur. Previous work has shown that learning sequence models for CCG tagging can be improved by using priors that are sensitive to the formal properties of CCG as well as cross-linguistic universals. We extend this approach to the task of learning a full CCG parser from weak supervision. We present a Bayesian formulation for CCG parser induction that assumes only supervision in the form of an incomplete tag dictionary mapping some word types to sets of potential categories. Our approach outperforms a baseline model trained with uniform priors by exploiting universal, intrinsic properties of the CCG formalism to bias the model toward simpler, more cross-linguistically common categories.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone content of rat brain and hypothalamus: results of endocrine and pharmacologic treatments.

Studies of hypothalamic and regional brain TRH content in the rat after administration of various hormonal and pharmacologic agents were performed. No consistent changes in TRH content in the hypothalamus or brain followed thyroidectomy, hypophysectomy or administration of thyroxine or dexamethasone. There was a significant fall in hypothalamic, forebrain and brain stem TRH content 60 min after insulin administration and in brain stem TRH at 30 and 120 min as well. Administration of alpha-methyl-paratyrosine, parachlorophenylalanine or reserpine, in varying doses and for varying periods, did not alter hypothalamic or regional brain TRH content. Thus, little evidence that hypothalamic or brain TRH content is dependent on hormonal milieu or neurotransmitter content was found. (Endocrinology 100: 1604, 1977)
A deep maximum of green sulphur bacteria (‘Chlorochromatium aggregatum’) in a strongly stratified reservoir

Summary 1. Fine-scale physical and chemical gradients and deep photosynthetic microbial populations were assessed to provide an initial characterisation of a small, thermally stratified reservoir (Cross Reservoir, Kansas, U.S.A.) and its deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM). Factors were identified that may affect vertical positioning of subepilimnetic photosynthetic sulphur bacteria (PSB) in lakes. 2. Results indicate that Cross Reservoir is a mesotrophic, dimictic lake with large subepilimnetic chlorophyll maxima containing dense layers of PSB. Characteristics of the deep PSB community of Cross Reservoir strongly correlate with both light and nutrient gradients. 3. The deep bacterial community mostly contained single-celled and aggregating green sulphur bacteria, specifically free-living Chlorobium limicola and the conspicuous motile ectosymbiotic consortium known as ‘Chlorochromatium aggregatum’. The bacteria were within the anaerobic hypolimnion, beneath a metalimnetic plate of Cryptomonas spp. and within very low sulphide and light conditions [mean of 67 μgS L−1 and 0.05% photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)]. Pigment concentrations and fluorescence trends indicate that the bacteria made up a larger proportion of the DCM biomass than did phytoplankton in 1996. 4. Cross Reservoir shares characteristics with natural lakes world-wide that also include a deep PSB community containing dense layers of ‘C. aggregatum’. Correlation analyses indicate that PSB community positioning and density are related to light, sulphide supply, redox potentials and pH. A 2-factor principal components analysis (PCA) and other data trends supported these interpretations and indicated that PSB are sensitive to the thermal stability of the water column, are nitrogen limited and regulated more by sulphide or sulphide to light ratios than local levels of light. The sensitivity of these deep photosynthetic bacteria to environmental gradients, and their significance to some aquatic systems, demonstrate their potential as indicators of environmental disturbance.
Technology--patient interactions: Internet use for gaining a healthy context for living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Objective The purpose of this study was to understand the practical knowledge gained from Internet use by implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients through hermeneutic interpretation of narrative stories. Methods The study took place through an online virtual focus group and e-mail interviews. Thirteen participants attended the ongoing 4-week virtual focus group, and 8 followed up with individual interviews. Results Five related themes and 1 constitutive pattern emerged. Themes included getting past fear with knowledge and support; gaining context through a window to the future; Internet as mountain of information; and Internet as social interaction and becoming informed consumers. The constitutive pattern was gaining a context for living a healthy life with an ICD. Implications Providers must be aware of the value added when patients use the Internet for self-care management of their chronic illness. Through information searches and sharing stories, patients gain insight into possibilities and potential outcomes of living with an ICD.
The Quake-Catcher Network Rapid Aftershock Mobilization Program Following the 2010 M 8.8 Maule, Chile Earthquake

Rapid detection and characterization of earthquakes is essential for earthquake early warning systems, which have the potential to alert nearby populations about the approach of potentially damaging seismic waves ( e.g. , Allen and Kanamori 2003; Kanamori 2005). In addition, minimizing the time required to estimate the extent and amplitude of ground shaking from an earthquake is necessary for rapid deployment of emergency personnel to affected areas. A dense array of seismometers can reduce the time needed to detect an event and provide higher resolution maps of ground accelerations across a region. Quake-Catcher Network (QCN) is a new type of seismic network that implements distributed/volunteer computing combined with micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers to record earthquakes (Cochran, Lawrence, Christensen and Chung 2009; Cochran, Lawrence, Christensen and Jakka 2009). Almost any modern computer can become a seismic station provided it has Internet access and either an internal or external MEMS accelerometer. After the initial development costs, the QCN seismic data gathering system costs less than 1% of a traditional network, thus enabling very-high-density seismic monitoring at affordable cost levels. On 27 February 2010 an M 8.8 earthquake occurred on the subduction plate interface offshore of central Chile, with its epicenter approximately 335 km southwest of Santiago and 105 km northwest of Concepcion (USGS 2010). The sole QCN accelerometer in Chile at the time, an external USB accelerometer connected to a desktop, recorded this event (see Figure 1). Although the sensor was not properly secured to the floor at the time of the earthquake, it was able to record more than 120 seconds of on-scale strong-motion shaking. Following the mainshock, a QCN Rapid Aftershock Mobilization Program (RAMP) was initialized in Chile and the dense network recorded a large number of aftershocks in and around the mainshock area. Here, we describe the QCN …
Prospective and randomized determination of the efficacy of topical lipolytic agents.

Numerous manufacturers are marketing topical creams, claiming that they improve or eliminate unwanted fat or cellulite in a short period of time. The active ingredient in most of these creams is theophylline, and claims have been made that it initiates lipolysis by binding to adipocyte β-adrenergic receptors. The creams are applied with vigorous massage to facilitate absorption and apply mechanical stress to the fat cells. The efficacy of these creams is largely untested. This prospective randomized study was conducted to determine whether there is scientific evidence that application of these creams alone can eliminate unwanted fat or cellulite. Eleven women with normal body weight as defined by insurance tables applied either Skinny DipTM or a placebo to one thigh and one half of the abdomen for 8 weeks. Each subject was examined, photographed, weighed, and measured by a study monitor on a weekly basis. There were no statistically significant differences in appearance, abdominal circumference, thigh circumference, or skin fold measurements among subjects using the active agent (Skinny DipTM) or the placebo. This study failed to support the efficacy of topically applied lipolytic creams in eliminating unwanted fat manifesting as a localized bulge or cellulite presenting as a dimpling of the skin.
Optical constants of ZnSe in the far infrared.

The absorption coefficient \ensuremath{\alpha} and refractive index n of bulk polycrystalline ZnSe have been derived from transmission measurements over wave-number ranges of 30--200 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ and 250--600 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$. Infrared multiphonon structures have been found and assigned. Variations of \ensuremath{\alpha} and n are satisfactorily described by a single-harmonic-oscillator model for the dielectric constant. Variations in \ensuremath{\alpha} caused by multiphonon processes suggest that anharmonic lattice dynamics are important above 250 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$, especially for three-phonon processes, which include the fundamental TO(\ensuremath{\Gamma}) mode.
Utility of a tubularized extracellular matrix as an alternative conduit for arteriovenous fistula aneurysm repair

Objective The treatment of segmental arteriovenous fistula aneurysms (AVFAs) remains a challenge in dialysis access preservation. We examined our experience with the use of tubularized extracellular matrix (ECM; CorMatrix, Roswell, Ga) for AVFA repair. Methods Between October 2013 and January 2015, we conducted a prospective study of CorMatrix ECM for AVFA repair. All patients underwent intraoperative fistulography. Patients with central venous stenosis or occlusion had simultaneous angioplasty and stenting as indicated. The aneurysm and overlying skin were then resected, and an ECM patch was fashioned into a tube for interposition repair. Patients with multiple AVFAs underwent staged repair. Cannulation of the repaired segments was allowed after 6 weeks. Results During the study period, 15 patients (40% male; mean age, 49.5 years) underwent 18 AVFA repairs using ECM (3 staged repairs). Six patients (40%) underwent simultaneous treatment of central vein lesions, whereas eight patients (53%) had associated skin erosion. Treated sites included radiocephalic (2), brachiobasilic (1), and brachiocephalic (15) AVFAs. All patients had hemodialysis at an alternative location on the same extremity without the need for catheter placement. Five patients underwent a follow-up ultrasound examination at a mean of 6 weeks. All studies demonstrated patency of the ECM segments without stenosis. At a mean follow-up time of 6.9 months, two thrombosis events were observed, both in patients with known refractory central venous stenosis treated with previous angioplasty (2) and stenting (1). Both patients required new access placement. No complications were attributable to ECM sites. Conclusions ECM is an alternative conduit for salvage of an autologous AVFA. This technique may help avoid the use of prosthetic grafts and hemodialysis catheters. Patients with associated central venous stenosis are at risk of thrombosis.
In Peer Review, it's Time to Stop Thinking Statistically About Qualitative Research

Explicit criteria have been widely published to accurately evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research. Peer review that uses one paradigm on the basis of the other, however, is inappropriate at best, raises ethical questions in regard to fairness, and can have dire consequences for faculty careers.
A sensitive method for detection of EGFR gene mutations in plasma

18027 Background: Somatic mutations in the tyrosine kinase (TK) domain of the EGFR gene are associated with clinical response to TK inhibitors in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. An assay ...
Half-life and clearance of pH 6.8 and pH 4.25 immunoglobulin G intravenous preparations in patients with primary disorders of humoral immunity.

The half-life (t1/2) and clearance of IgG and three antibodies--to tetanus, pneumococcus type 3, and pneumococcus type 7--were evaluated in 38 patients who participated in a multicenter, double-blind, crossover study comparing two immunoglobulin G intravenous preparations, IGIV pH 6.8 and the new IGIV pH 4.25. IgG metabolism was evaluated after the sixth infusion by measuring the decline in concentration of IgG and specific antibody. The t1/2 values of IgG varied greatly, but the mean values of 32 and 37 days are comparable to those determined in previous studies with use of radiolabeled IgG and are longer than those reported in normal volunteers. The t1/2 values for specific antibodies, especially those to tetanus, tended to be shorter than those for IgG. The clearance of IgG and antibodies also varied widely, but even though there was some relationship between the clearance and t1/2 in individual patients, the poor correlation (R2 less than .5) suggested that other factors, such as redistribution or loss of damaged molecules, are as important as the catabolic rate. Thus, clearance may be a more reliable parameter than t1/2 in evaluating the metabolism of IgG.
Dual Patterning of a Poly(acrylic acid) Layer by Electron-Beam and Block Copolymer Lithographies

We show the controllable patterning of palladium nanoparticles in both one and two dimensions using electron-beam lithography and reactive ion etching of a thin film of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). After the initial patterning of the PAA, a monolayer of polystyrene-b-poly-2-vinylpyridine micelles is spun cast onto the surface. A short reactive ion etch is then used to transfer the micelle pattern into the patterned poly(acrylic acid) . Finally, PdCl2 is loaded from solution into the patterned poly(acrylic acid) features, and a reactive-ion etching process is used to remove the remaining polymer and form Pd nanoparticles. This method yields location-controlled patches of nanoparticles, including single- and double-file lines and nanoparticle pairs. A locational accuracy of 9 nm or less in one direction was achieved by optimizing the size of the PAA features.
Media Exposure Patterns of Consumer Innovators

A knowledge of the innovator or early buyer's media-exposure characteristics is essental to the new product advertiser. Data are presented which suggest that media vehicles differ dramatically in t...
Water acquisition and use during unconventional oil and gas development and the existing data challenges: Weld and Garfield counties, CO.

Colorado has recently experienced a significant increase in unconventional oil and gas development, with the greatest concentration of activity occurring in Weld and Garfield counties. Water for oil and gas development has received much attention mainly because water resources are limited in these regions and development is taking place closer to populated areas than it did in the past. Publicly available datasets for the period 2011–2014 were used to identify water acquisition strategies and sources of water used for oil and gas. In addition, the annual average water used in these two counties was quantified and compared to their total water withdrawals. The analysis also quantified the water needed for different well types, along with the flowback water that is retrieved. Weld and Garfield counties are dissimilar in respect to development practices for water acquisition, preferred well type and the fate of flowback water. But at the same time, this difference displays how geological characteristics, water availability, and administration localities are the key elements along with economics in the decision making process within the oil and gas sector. This effort also revealed data challenges regarding accessibility and reliability of reported information, and the need for additional data. Improving the understanding of the unconventional oil and gas sector’s water use will help identify possible effects and tradeoffs on the local/regional level, which could diminish the conflicting perspectives that shape the water-energy discussions. This would complement the ability to make informed water resources planning and management decisions that are environmentally and socially acceptable.
Rare case of conus medullaris syndrome from a metastatic yolk sac tumor originating from the mediastinum of an adult male: a case report and review of the literature

Background Yolk sac tumors (YST) are malignant neoplasms. They are a subtype of germ cell tumors and typically originate in the gonads although extragonadal origins of such tumors have been described. Yolk sac tumors are commonly found in the gonads of infants and children and are extremely rare in adults. The goal of this case report is to describe the clinical presentation of a rare case of metastatic extragonadal yolk sac tumor originating from the mediastinum and causing an acute conus medullaris syndrome in an adult male. Methods A 47-year old male presented to our emergency department with a one-day history of bilateral lower extremity weakness, urinary retention and bowel incontinence. Imaging revealed a destructive lesion and a burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebral body (L1) with severe spinal canal stenosis. An urgent spinal decompression and fusion was performed. Oncologic workup revealed a yolk sac tumor originating from the mediastinum. Results His neurologic function, including motor strength, bowel and bladder function improved in the postoperative period. Chemotherapy regimen of ifosfamide, etoposide and cisplatin was administered and radiation therapy was administered to the spine tumor bed. Conclusions Yolk sac tumors, although rare, should be considered in the long list differential diagnosis of an otherwise healthy male presenting with conus medullaris or spinal cord compression from metastatic disease without evidence of a testicular mass. Prompt diagnosis with urgent decompression of neural structures and stabilization of the spine may result in improvement in neurological function.
Role of the beta adrenergic receptor in the elevation of adenosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate and induction of serotonin N-acetyltransferase in rat pineal glands.

The adenosine cyclic-3',5' monophosphate level in rat pineal gland is elevated 15-fold 2 min after intravenous injection of l -isoproterenol and returns to the baseline level after 30 min. Pineal serotonin N -acetyltransferase (EC [2.3.1.5][1]) activity rises after 1 hr of lag phase and increases 70-100-fold 3 hr after injection of l -isoproterenol. Prior treatment with l -propranolol, a beta adrenergic blocking agent, blocks both the elevation of cyclic AMP and the increase in N -acetyltransferase activity by l -isoproterenol. When l -propranolol is injected after the cyclic AMP level has returned to the baseline and before N -acetyltransferase activity starts to rise, the increase in enzyme activity is blocked. l -Propranolol injected after N -acetyltransferase activity has reached its maximum level causes a precipitous fall in N -acetyltransferase activity, to 5% of the initial level in 15 min, whereas d -propranolol does not decrease enzyme activity. Other beta adrenergic blocking agents, practolol and pronethalol, also cause a rapid disappearance of N -acetyltransferase activity. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, blocks the increase in N -acetyltransferase activity when administered 30 min before or 1 hr after the injection of l -isoproterenol and before enzyme activity starts to increase. If cycloheximide is injected after the maximum level of N -acetyltransferase activity has been reached, there is no decrease in enzyme activity over 15 min. When rat pineal with a high level of N -acetyltransferase activity is incubated in vitro , there is no change in enzyme activity. In the presence of either l -propranolol or dichloroisoproterenol, however, N -acetyltransferase activity disappears very rapidly. These observations suggest that the maintenance of the high level of N -acetyltransferase activity requires continuous stimulation of the beta adrenergic receptor on the pineal cell, regardless of the level of cyclic AMP. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author thanks Dr. Julius Axelrod for his helpful suggestions and encouragement throughout this study. [1]: pending:yes
Preparing the Next Generation of Oral Healthcare Professionals for a Personalized Oral Healthcare Environment

A prospective healthcare system proposes shifting the focus from disease management to disease prevention and health promotion. Dentistry has a unique opportunity to embrace this model of healthcare and focus its attention on the management of oral health. To prepare future oral healthcare professionals to succeed in this new healthcare environment, dental schools will need to provide students with the scientific and technical knowledge required to understand and assess risk, employ new strategies to minimize disease progression, and place a greater emphasis on disease prevention. This will require innovative approaches to curriculum that include expanding knowledge domains such as genomic medicine and health policy and define new competencies to facilitate interprofessional education and high-value collaborative care. Dental schools must also consider developing career paths and new work force models that will accelerate the development of a prospective oral healthcare environment, increase access to care, and insure that dentistry maintains its leadership role in fostering optimal oral health.
Control of Ventilation in Health and Disease.

Control of ventilation occurs at different levels of the respiratory system through a negative feedback system that allows precise regulation of levels of arterial carbon dioxide and oxygen. Mechanisms for ventilatory instability leading to sleep-disordered breathing include changes in the genesis of respiratory rhythm and chemoresponsiveness to hypoxia and hypercapnia, cerebrovascular reactivity, abnormal chest wall and airway reflexes, and sleep state oscillations. One can potentially stabilize breathing during sleep and treat sleep-disordered breathing by identifying one or more of these pathophysiological mechanisms. This review describes the current concepts in ventilatory control that pertain to breathing instability during wakefulness and sleep, delineates potential avenues for alternative therapies to stabilize breathing during sleep, and proposes recommendations for future research.
The Natural Rate of Inflation in the United States

Abstract In this paper we estimate the natural rate of inflation for the United States. To obtain our estimate we combine macroeconomic theory and the theory of public choice. Macroeconomic theory gives us the equilibrium rate of unemployment, commonly known as the natural rate of unemployment. At this unemployment rate, the rate of inflation is indeterminate as it depends on government monetary and fiscal policy. Public choice theory supposes that, in their own self interest, politicians respond to the concerns of the voters. We quantify the public’s concerns with respect to inflation and unemployment and show that politicians will choose an equilibrium rate of inflation of approximately five or six per cent.
Experimental demonstration of the hybrid opto-electronic correlator for target recognition

Optical target recognition using correlators is an important technique for fast verification and identification of images. The hybrid opto-electronic correlator (HOC) recently proposed by us bypasses the need for nonlinear materials such as photorefractive polymer films by using detectors instead, and the phase information is yet conserved by the interference of plane waves with the images. In this paper, we demonstrate experimentally the basic working principle of the HOC architecture using currently available technologies. For matched reference and query images, the output signal shows a sharp peak, indicating a match is found. For an unmatched case, a much lower peak value is observed, indicating no match. We also demonstrate the dependence of the output signal on the phases of the interfering plane waves and describe a technique using an interferometer and a servo for optimizing the output signal. As such, the work reported here paves the way for further development of the HOC for practical applications.
Subthreshold swing improvement in MoS2 transistors by the negative-capacitance effect in a ferroelectric Al-doped-HfO2/HfO2 gate dielectric stack.

Obtaining a subthreshold swing (SS) below the thermionic limit of 60 mV dec−1 by exploiting the negative-capacitance (NC) effect in ferroelectric (FE) materials is a novel effective technique to allow the reduction of the supply voltage and power consumption in field effect transistors (FETs). At the same time, two-dimensional layered semiconductors, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have been shown to be promising candidates to replace silicon MOSFETs in sub-5 nm-channel technology nodes. In this paper, we demonstrate NC MoS2 FETs by incorporating a ferroelectric Al-doped HfO2 (Al : HfO2), a technologically compatible material, in the FET gate stack. Al : HfO2 thin films were deposited on Si wafers by atomic layer deposition. Voltage amplification up to 1.25 times was observed in a FE bilayer stack of Al : HfO2/HfO2 with a Ni metallic intermediate layer. The minimum SS (SSmin) of the NC-MoS2 FET built on the FE bilayer improved to 57 mV dec−1 at room temperature, compared with SSmin = 67 mV dec−1 for the MoS2 FET with only HfO2 as a gate dielectric.