cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical venipuncture techniques for the ferret

As the number of ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) used in research and kept as pets continues to rise, so does the need for simple, humane research and diagnostic techniques. We have developed venipuncture methods for the ferret utilizing the jugular and cephalic veins. Using these methods it is possible to repeatedly sample moderate volumes of blood and to perform intravenous injections in both conscious and sedated ferrets.
Rampart craters on Ganymede: Their implications for fluidized ejecta emplacement

Abstract– Some fresh impact craters on Ganymede have the overall ejecta morphology similar to Martian double-layer ejecta (DLE), with the exception of the crater Nergal that is most like Martian single layer ejecta (SLE) craters (as is the terrestrial crater Lonar). Similar craters also have been identified on Europa, but no outer ejecta layer has been found on these craters. The morphometry of these craters suggests that the types of layered ejecta craters identified by Barlow et al. (2000) are fundamental. In addition, the mere existence of these craters on Ganymede and Europa suggests that an atmosphere is not required for ejecta fluidization, nor can ejecta fluidization be explained by the flow of dry ejecta. Moreover, the absence of fluidized ejecta on other icy bodies suggests that abundant volatiles in the target also may not be the sole cause of ejecta fluidization. The restriction of these craters to the grooved terrain of Ganymede and the concentration of Martian DLE craters on the northern lowlands suggests that these terrains may share key characteristics that control the development of the ejecta of these craters. In addition, average ejecta mobility (EM) ratios indicate that the ejecta of these bodies are self-similar with crater size, but are systematically smaller on Ganymede and Europa. This may be due to the effects of the abundant ice in the crusts of these satellites that results in increased ejection angle causing ejecta to impact closer to the crater and with lower horizontal velocity.
Short Note: Fast algorithms for spherical harmonic expansions, III

We provide an efficient algorithm for calculating, at appropriately chosen points on the two-dimensional surface of the unit sphere in R^3, the values of functions that are specified by their spherical harmonic expansions (a procedure known as the inverse spherical harmonic transform). We also provide an efficient algorithm for calculating the coefficients in the spherical harmonic expansions of functions that are specified by their values at these appropriately chosen points (a procedure known as the forward spherical harmonic transform). The algorithms are numerically stable, and, if the number of points in our standard tensor-product discretization of the surface of the sphere is proportional to l^2, then the algorithms have costs proportional to l^2ln(l) at any fixed precision of computations. Several numerical examples illustrate the performance of the algorithms.
Traffic monitoring at signal-controlled intersections and data mining for safety applications

Signal-controlled intersections in urban settings represent significant roadway junctions where traffic flows accumulate and intersect, and where accidents tend to concentrate due to the crossing paths of vehicles potentially in conflict. For intersection safety solutions, it is essential to gather the traffic flow information in real time so that proper advisory warning can be issued or control actions can be taken to minimize hazards and to avoid collisions. This work presents an exemplar set of data mining techniques based on real-world traffic monitoring. The methodology is illustrated by two case studies, collision warning for left-turn across-path scenarios and signal violation. The use of these techniques can yield valuable information applicable to a variety of roadway safety and traffic management applications.
Performance analysis of stereo, vergence, and focus as depth cues for active vision

This paper compares the performances of the binocular cues of stereo and vergence, and the monocular cue of focus for range estimation using an active vision system. The performance of each cue is characterized in terms of sensitivity to errors in the imaging parameters. The effects of random, quantization errors are expressed in terms of the standard deviation of the resulting depth error. The effect of systematic, calibration errors on estimation using each cue is also studied. Performance characterization of each cue is utilized to evaluate the relative performance of the cues. Also discussed, based on such characterization, are ways to select a cue taking into account the computational and reliability aspects of the corresponding estimation process.
Individual Creativity and the Influence of Mindful Leaders on Enterprise Innovation

Creativity and innovation drive competitiveness in the 21st century enterprises. Dynamic hyper-intensive competitive markets demand widespread innovations from all employees in most global enterprises. Leaders influence and set the contextual environments under which their employees express creativity. This paper will examine how different lea- dership models relate with individual creativity. It is noted that the mindful consciousness of individuals, including their leaders, play significant roles in the individuals’ creativity. This exploratory research study first defines creativity and individual creativity, and then examines the five different orientations of leaders’ influences on the individuals’ creativity. In conclusion, selected managerial and educational implications are suggested.
Race-Based Fantasy Realm Essentialism in the World of Warcraft

This article explores issues of racial essentialism and ethnicity in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft (WoW). The fantasy world of Azeroth mirrors elements of rea...
Support Weight Enumerators and Coset Weight Distributions of Isodual Codes

In this paper various methods for computing the support weight enumerators of binary, linear, even, isodual codes are described. It is shown that there exist relationships between support weight enumerators and coset weight distributions of a code that can be used to compute partial information about one set of these code invariants from the other. The support weight enumerators and complete coset weight distributions of several even, isodual codes of length up to 22 are computed as well. It is observed that there exist inequivalent codes with the same support weight enumerators, inequivalent codes with the same complete coset weight distribution and inequivalent codes with the same support eight enumerators and complete coset weight distribution.
The Grand Unifying Theory of Bright Echoes in the Fetal and Neonatal Brain

The purpose of this presentation is to illustrate that the high-amplitude reflecting structures in the fetal and neonatal brain can be explained by the echogenicity of their leptomeningeal coverings or leptomeningeal origins. The leptomeninges, especially the pia mater, constitute the "grand unifying theory of bright reflectors" in the fetal and neonatal brain. Images from fetal and neonatal sonograms were selected to illustrate the objectives above.
The social group influences of US health journalists and their impact on the newsmaking process

The news media play a vital role in disseminating health information, yet little is known about the social characteristics of health journalists or the impact they have on the newsmaking process. This study examines how the social group influencesofUShealthjournalistsimpacttwoimportant aspects of news production—‘media agenda-setting’ and ‘framing’. Using data from a national survey of health and medical science journalists, the authors conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to study the links between the gender, age and race/ethnicity of respondents, and the ways in which they utilized news sources, other resources, news priorities and story angles. Female respondents were more likely than males to say that educating people to make informed decisions and disseminating new, accurate information are important priorities. Female and minority journalists were more likely than white males to use a variety of sources, and to say it is important to develop the health and scientific literacy of audiences and influence public health behaviors. The gender and race/ethnicity of journalists play an important roleintheproductionofhealthnews.Healtheducators can foster improved coverage by learning moreabout the lifeexperiences ofhealthjournalists and developing better working relationships with them.
Activation of dimethyl ether with transition metal atoms

Abstract The cocondensation of iron or manganese atoms with dimethyl ether at −196°C leads to organometallic products which upon hydrolysis at 25°C yield a mixture of mainly alkenes and alkanes.
A novel method to dope diamond — Ion Beam Nuclear Transmutation Doping (IBNTD)

Abstract Using MeV-range protons to transmute a small fraction of host nuclei into n- or p-type dopants, we have demonstrated a novel method to dope challenging wide bandgap semiconductors. In particular, we have doped isotopically-enriched 13 C diamond and AlGaN films using this method focusing on the 13 C + 1 H → 14 N + γ, radiative proton capture resonance at 1.75 MeV and 27 Al + 1 H → 28 Si + γ proton capture resonance at 0.997 MeV. Both samples sustained primarily end-of-range damage which was annealable in AlGaN. We have performed a variety of measurements to characterize the doped samples including Raman spectroscopy, STM, and X-ray diffraction on the doped samples which suggest the viability of IBNTD as a doping method. Calculations indicate that doping layer thicknesses of the order of 10 nm are achievable. Possible doping concentrations using this technique are also estimated.
Lost to follow-up: A potential under-appreciated limitation of endovascular aneurysm repair

Objective It has long been evident that lifetime follow-up after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is necessary to identify late complications. The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that late follow-up rates for EVAR in routine practice are inferior to those reported from protocol-driven clinical trials, consequently contributing to avoidable events associated with poor long-term outcome. Methods From February 1999 to December 2005, 302 EVARs were performed and eligible for follow-up. Of these, 47 were performed as part of an industry-sponsored clinical trial (study patients). Responsibility for follow-up was assigned to a research nurse for study patients and to office clerical staff for nonstudy patients. Follow-up compliance was classified as either frequent ( 2 missed scheduled appointments). Overall survival and complication rates were analyzed. Results Of the 302 patients, 203 (67.2%) had frequent follow-up and 99 (32.8%) had incomplete follow-up. The mean follow-up was significantly better in the frequent follow-up group (34.7 ± 22 months) vs the incomplete follow-up group (18.8 ± 18.6 months, P P = .006), with nearly half of these patients dying perioperatively. There was no difference in measured outcomes for study patients compared with nonstudy patients. However, mean follow-up was significantly longer for study patients vs nonstudy patients (44.8 ± 23.7 months vs 26.8 ± 20.9 months; P Conclusions Follow-up surveillance after EVAR is less intense in practice environments outside of clinical trials. Patients with incomplete follow-up have higher fatal complication rates than patients with frequent follow-up. These data expose a potential under-appreciated limitation of EVAR, questioning whether the findings in clinical trials defining the efficacy of EVAR can be routinely extrapolated to ordinary practice.
Single-stage reoperative repair of chronic type A aortic dissection using the arch-first technique.

Abstract Background Management of the enlarged, chronically dissected aorta after previous repair of acute ascending aortic dissection or after a previous cardiac operation may present a formidable technical challenge and the optimal method of management is not clearly established. Methods Twenty-one patients with chronic type A aortic dissection (mean age 57 years) underwent resection of the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and varying segments of the descending thoracic aorta. Single-stage replacement with perfusion of the aortic arch first to minimize the duration of brain ischemia and a bilateral anterior thoracotomy (clamshell) incision were used. Fourteen patients had undergone previous repair of acute type A dissection. Seven patients had type A dissection after aortic valve replacement (3 patients) or coronary artery bypass (4 patients). Marked enlargement of the aorta distal to the left subclavian artery precluded a two-stage repair. The mean interval between the initial and reoperative procedures was 69 months (range, 5 to 249). Results There was 1 (4.8%) hospital death. Four patients required reoperation for bleeding. One patient required a right ventricular assist device that was successfully removed. Ten patients required assisted ventilation for more than 48 hours. All were successfully weaned from ventilatory support. No patient had a stroke or other adverse neurologic outcome. There has been 1 late death (mean follow-up 2 years). Conclusions The single-stage, arch-first replacement technique is a safe and effective procedure for patients who require extensive reoperations for chronic expanding type A dissection.
Improved sensitivity to cerebral hemodynamics during brain activation with a time-gated optical system: analytical model and experimental validation

Time domain (TD) diffuse optical measurement systems are being applied to neuroimaging, where they can detect hemodynamics changes associated with cerebral activity. We show that TD systems can provide better depth sensitivity than the more traditional continuous wave (CW) systems by gating late photons, which carry information about deep layers of the brain, and rejecting early light, which is sensitive to the superficial physiological signal clutter. We use an analytical model to estimate the contrast due to an activated region of the brain, the instrumental noise of the systems, and the background signal resulting from superficial physiological signal clutter. We study the contrast-to-noise ratio and the contrast-to-background ratio as a function of the activation depth and of the source-detector separation. We then present experimental results obtained with a time-gated instrument on the motor cortex during finger-tapping exercises. Both the model and the experimental results show a similar contrast-to-noise ratio for CW and TD, but that estimation of the contrast is experimentally limited by background fluctuations and that a better contrast-to-background ratio is obtained in the TD case. Finally, we use the time-gated measurements to resolve in depth the brain activation during the motor stimulus.
Evolution of Trophic Types in Emperor Fishes (Lethrinus, Lethrinidae, Percoidei) Based on Cytochrome b Gene Sequence Variation

Three trophic categories exist within emperor fishes, genus Lethrinus, relating to body form and dentition type. One group contains low-bodied, high speed, stalking predators with conical teeth. Another group comprises high-bodied, slow speed carnivores with molariform teeth capable of crushing hard-shelled benthic prey. A third group is also high-bodied but with conical teeth feeding mostly on small or soft-shelled benthic prey. Inferring the evolution of these trophic types within Lethrinus using morphology is problematic since these characters are typically correlated with feeding mode and are potentially homoplasious. We use mitochondrial DNA sequences, to independently determine a phylogenetic hypothesis for Lethrinus, which are not dependent on morphological characters relating to trophic categories. We analyzed complete cytochrome b gene sequences (1140 bp) for 20 species of Lethrinus, representing the three trophic types, and for 13 outgroup species, including four other representatives of the Lethrinidae. A monophyletic Lethrinidae did not resolve, but the monophyly of Lethrinus is well supported. In addition, two major clades within Lethrinus are well supported. One of these clades exclusively contains low-bodied species with conical teeth while the other clade only comprises the high-bodied species with molariform teeth. A high-bodied species with conical teeth, Lethrinus miniatus, appears most ancestral and sister to all other Lethrinus species. We hypothesize that this generalist trophic type was the evolutionary precursor to both of the other primary trophic types.
An Introduction to DNA Microarrays

Oligonucleotide and DNA arrays, or microarrays, have proven to be useful tools to investigate biological function, and are the focal point of an increasing number of studies. However, most papers shed little light on the underlying basis and best use of microarray technology, often leaving a number of important questions unanswered. Under what conditions are microarrays helpful? How should microarray data be analyzed? What data analysis methods should be avoided? Which biological questions can microarrays address? Which biological questions are not best answered by microarrays? Here, we examine the technology itself, the data produced, proper experimental design, data analysis techniques, and experimental validation. These are issues important to all users of DNA arrays, from the mathematician who may have only limited knowledge of the biology behind the technology, to the biologist who is concerned with experimental design and the details of data analysis. Finally, we stress the importance of great experimental care, sample and data triage, well-characterized and rigorous analysis, and the need for appropriate follow-up and verification, especially when using animal or human tissue.
Acute Sarcocystis falcatula-like infection in a carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicus) and immunohistochemical cross reactivity between Sarcocystis falcatula and Sarcocystis neurona.

An unidentified Sarcocystis falcatula-like infection was diagnosed in a captive bee-eater (Merops nubicus) in a zoo in Florida. The bird died suddenly, probably due to protozoa-associated pneumonia. Protozoal schizonts were found in lungs and heart, and immature sarcocysts were seen in skeletal muscles. Ultrastructurally, schizonts were located in capillary endothelium and merozoites lacked rhoptries, consistent with the structure of Sarcocystis species. Sarcocysts were immature, microscopic, and contained only metrocytes. The sarcocyst wall had finger-like villar protrusions that were up to 0.7 µm long and up to 0.2 µm wide. The villar protrusions lacked microtubules, characteristically seen in sarcocysts of S. falcatula. Antigenically, parasites in lungs and muscles of the bee-eater reacted with a varying intensity with polyclonal rabbit antisera to S. falcatula and Sarcocystis neurona. Results indicated that sarcocysts in the bee-eater were morphologically different from the reported structure for sarc...
Gangrene after use of gamma-dimethylamino-N-propyl phenothiazine hydrochloride (promazine). A case report.

Abstract For some time promazinc has been used for obstetrical analgesia with good results. Usually it is used in conjunction with barbiturates, scopolamine, and Demerol. This paper is to report such a use, and to discuss the gangrene that resulted. One author 1 has reported two similar complications with promazine.
Monocytoid differentiation of freshly isolated human myeloid leukemia cells and HL-60 cells induced by the glutamine antagonist acivicin.

Previously we showed that starvation of HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells for a single essential amino acid induced irreversible differentiation into more mature monocyte-like cells. Although not an essential amino acid, glutamine is important in the growth of normal and neoplastic cells. The glutamine analogue, alpha S,5S-alpha-amino-3- chloro-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazoleacetic acid (acivicin) inhibits several glutamine-utilizing enzymes and therefore depletes cells of certain metabolic end products. The current study was designed to examine in vitro the effects of acivicin on growth and differentiation of several established human myeloid leukemia cell lines, including the HL-60 cell line, and of freshly isolated cells from patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). Four-day culture of HL-60 cells with acivicin at concentrations of 0.1 to 10.0 micrograms/mL (0.56 to 56 nmol/L) decreased cell growth by 33% to 88% as compared with untreated control cells. Viability of cells was greater than 92% for untreated cells and 93% to 41% for acivicin-treated cells. Cells treated with acivicin differentiated along a monocytic pathway as shown by increased H2O2 production and alpha-naphthyl butyrate esterase (NSE) content. Differentiation was time and dose dependent, and was irreversible. Changes in H2O2 production and NSE content were partially abrogated by co-culture with 10 mmol/L exogenous cytidine and guanosine but not by co-culture with other nucleosides or glutamine. At these concentrations of acivicin, differentiation was associated with expression of the N- formyl-methyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-receptor (FMLP-R) on 8% to 29% of cells as compared with 8% for control cells. Acivicin potentiated the differentiating effects of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor, dihydroxyvitamin D3, dimethylsulfoxide, and retinoic acid. Culture of cells from the U937 (monoblastic), K562 (erythroleukemia), and KG-1 (myeloblastic) cell lines resulted in decreased growth and viability, but not consistently in differentiation. Acivicin decreased survival of freshly isolated ANLL cells and increased their H2O2 production and NSE content. These results suggest that the glutamine analogue acivicin may be useful as a differentiating agent with antileukemia activity in patients with ANLL.
Can computers reason (and enjoy sex)

What are the capabilities and limitations of computers? Some have approached this question from a more mathematical perspective. For example we can formally prove that computers can't solve the Halting Problem, which is just one example of a broader result proved nearly a century ago by K. Godel, with an important implication to computer science: there exist inherently algorithmic problems for which there is no complete and correct algorithm. This talk, however, will explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and the capabilities and limitations of computers from a more philosophical framework, drawing on philosophy of mind to ask the question whether or not computers can reason--either now, or at any time in the future. The question relates also to whether computers can be conscious, and whether the so-called Singularity of R. Kurzweil might one day be possible. Will humans be able to download our minds to a computer?
Experiment and simulation of the fabrication process of lithium-ion battery cathodes for determining microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract The fabrication process of Li-ion battery electrodes plays a prominent role in the microstructure and corresponding cell performance. Here, a mesoscale particle dynamics simulation is developed to relate the manufacturing process of a cathode containing Toda NCM-523 active material to physical and structural properties of the dried film. Particle interactions are simulated with shifted-force Lennard-Jones and granular Hertzian functions. LAMMPS, a freely available particle simulator, is used to generate particle trajectories and resulting predicted properties. To make simulations of the full film thickness feasible, the carbon binder domain (CBD) is approximated with μm-scale particles, each representing about 1000 carbon black particles and associated binder. Metrics for model parameterization and validation are measured experimentally and include the following: slurry viscosity, elasticity of the dried film, shrinkage ratio during drying, volume fraction of phases, slurry and dried film densities, and microstructure cross sections. Simulation results are in substantial agreement with experiment, showing that the simulations reasonably reproduce the relevant physics of particle arrangement during fabrication.
Aortic Stenosis: Diagnosis and Treatment

Aortic stenosis affects 3% of persons older than 65 years. Although survival in asymptomatic patients is comparable to that in age- and sex-matched control patients, it decreases rapidly after symptoms appear. During the asymptomatic latent period, left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial augmentation of preload compensate for the increase in afterload caused by aortic stenosis. As the disease worsens, these compensatory mechanisms become inadequate, leading to symptoms of heart failure, angina, or syncope. Aortic valve replacement is recommended for most symptomatic patients with evidence of significant aortic stenosis on echocardiography. Watchful waiting is recommended for most asymptomatic patients. However, select patients may also benefit from aortic valve replacement before the onset of symptoms. Surgical valve replacement is the standard of care for patients at low to moderate surgical risk. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement may be considered in patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk. Patients should be educated about the importance of promptly reporting symptoms to their physicians. In asymptomatic patients, serial Doppler echocardiography is recommended every six to 12 months for severe aortic stenosis, every one to two years for moderate disease, and every three to five years for mild disease. Cardiology referral is recommended for all patients with symptomatic moderate and severe aortic stenosis, those with severe aortic stenosis without apparent symptoms, and those with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Medical management of concurrent hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease will lead to optimal outcomes.
Colloidosome like structures: self-assembly of silica microrods

Self-assembly of one-dimensional structures is attracting a great deal of interest because assembled structures can provide better properties compared to individual building blocks. In the present work, silica microrod self-assembly has been demonstrated by exploiting Pickering emulsion based strategy. Micron-sized silica rods were synthesized employing previously reported methods based on polyvinylpyrrolidone/pentanol emulsion droplets. Rods self-assembled to make structures in the range of ≈10–40 μm. Smooth rods assembled better than segmented rods. The assembled structures were bonded by weak van der Waals forces.
The production, recovery, properties, and applications of americium and curium

Nuclear reactors produce mixtures of Am-241 and Am-242, and beta decay of plutonium produces radioactively pure Am-241. Curium is a product of intense neutron exposure of Pu-239. Separation and purification processes for americium and curium include ion exchange, precipitation, and both liquid-liquid and molten-salt extraction. This article reviews the principal production, recovery, and waste treatment processes and briefly discusses the chemical properties and uses of americium and curium.
Side-chain degradation of perfluorosulfonic acid membranes: An ab initio study

Chemical degradation of the side-chain of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membranes by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) is examined with electronic structure calculations. The energetics associated with homolytic bond cleavage and for the sequence of reactions involved in the degradation was determined. Results show that the degradation of side-chain begins with the cleavage of the C–S bond. The sequence of reactions of the side-chain with dOH indicates scission of the backbone yielding reactive end-groups. The kinetics of the C–S bond cleavage was studied via: (i) reaction of anionic fragment with a •OH; and (ii) decomposition of fragment radical. The activation energy for the second pathway was calculated to be;11 kcal/mol lower requiring a change in symmetry of the molecular geometry of the sulfonate group from trigonal pyramidal to trigonal planar. This suggests that although the C–S bond may be the weakest in the side chain of a PFSA ionomer, its cleavage is kinetically hindered.
The ecological side of an ethnobotanical coin: legacies in historically managed trees

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY A growing body of literature now documents how ancient human management of the landscape echoes through to extant environments in eastern North America. Plant domestication is a major theme in the study of human-nature interactions. Long-term ecological impacts of human selection may last for centuries after management ends, yet little work has focused on legacies in the evolution of historically used trees. Ecological data will be valuable in teasing apart myriad variables that confound questions of land-use legacies. We discuss the potential for legacies of ancient human selection and present a preliminary case study for the approach of integrating ecological and historical data for Diospyros virginiana, the American persimmon.• METHODS Herbarium samples of D. virginiana (28 male and 40 female) from across the species range provided specimen localities for edaphic analysis. Soil and environmental data were analyzed using nonparametric ordination, Wilcoxon summed rank test, and permutational MANOVA.• KEY RESULTS Edaphic data demonstrated substantial variation among sites, but revealed no significant differences between sexes. Permutational MANOVA showed no difference in environmental preferences for the tested variables between male and female trees (R(2) < 0.01, P = 0.8).• CONCLUSIONS Extending our understanding of landscape history to the long-term impacts of artificial selection at the species or population level would be valuable in both theoretical and applied botanical research. Multidisciplinary approaches integrating ecological data will be essential for investigation of the evolutionary implications of historical human selection in economic species and the potential for adaptive flexibility in reproductive systems of long-lived perennials.
DIAGNOSIS OF ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID ANTIBODIES

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome consists of a presentation with venous thrombosis, arterial thrombosis (or vasculopathy), recurrent pregnancy loss, or thrombocytopenia, in the setting of high-titer anticardiolipin antibody or lupus anticoagulant. Characteristics of the lupus anticoagulant (an antibody detected by a functional assay) and anticardiolipin antibody are reviewed, in light of new information on the role of plasma proteins, especially B2-glycoprotein I. The advantages and disadvantages of screening and confirmatory assays for lupus anticoagulant are detailed, as well as modifications of the anticardiolipin antibody assay to improve sensitivity and specificity.
Commentary on “New Perspectives on Drug Education/Prevention”

Dr. Marsha Rosenbaum’s recent opinion piece (2016) calling for “reality-based” drug prevention and accompanying prevention program “Safety First: A Reality Based Approach to Teens and Drugs” (Rosen...
The high cost of reproduction in sea otters necessitates unique physiological adaptations

ABSTRACT Superimposed on inherently high basal metabolic demands, the additional energetic requirements of reproduction can push female sea otters beyond physiological limits. Indeed, the resulting energy imbalance contributes to disproportionately high rates of mortality at the end of lactation in this species. To examine and quantify metabolic changes associated with reproduction, we measured the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of a female sea otter across gestation, lactation and non-reproductive periods. Concurrently, measurements were made on a non-breeding control female. Our results suggest that RMR declines during gestation. Conversely, RMR increases during lactation, reaches a peak at 3–4 months postpartum, and remains elevated until weaning. Combining these direct measurements with published data, we found the cost of pup rearing to be significantly higher than previously estimated. High baseline energy demands and limited energy reserves, combined with significant lactation and pup rearing costs, appear to necessitate metabolic and thermal lability during key reproductive stages.
In Fear of Reaction: Restraining the Rise of a Far Right

We could make no greater mistake in trying to judge the significance of the occupation of Germany than to overlook the immediate context of war from which it developed. The occupation formed more than the first stage of what we only later came to call the Cold War, and it was more than simply the beginning of the history of a new Germany. It was also the last act of the Second World War; the occupiers had no choice but to view it primarily as the culmination of battlefield conflict. Some statistics assuredly in the front of the minds of Germany’s conquerors can point to the importance of this proposition. In addition to much of its national honor, the war cost the French the lives of over 210 000 soldiers and of more than 400 000 civilians. Its industrial output in 1945 was only 29 percent of 1938’s levels, and 700 000 French citizens had done forced labor in German industries.4 Britain lost what remained of its pre-1914 dominance in world finance and trade, in addition to 264 000 battlefield and 92,000 civilian deaths. The United States spent the then unimaginable sum of over $300 000 000 000 to bring Nazi Germany and the Imperial Japanese to surrender, in addition to suffering 405 000 military deaths.5
Subdural Hematoma Rebleeding in Relation to Abusive Head Trauma

When cases of suspected abusive head trauma are adjudicated in courts of law, one of the theories often presented by defense experts is that a normal, healthy infant or child suddenly neurologically deteriorates or dies several weeks to months after birth or minor injury because a preceding subdural hematoma spontaneously rebleeds after a minor traumatic event. This article reviews the underlying scientific basis of subdural hematoma rebleeding as it applies to this courtroom theory.
Fear of pain and the frequency with which healthy individuals engage in physical activity

Despite noted health benefits of physical activity, many adults engage in a sedentary lifestyle. The current study examines relationships between fear of pain, expectations regarding physical activity, and frequency of activity engagement among a healthy sample. We hypothesised that individuals with a greater fear of pain would express negative expectations and report less frequent engagement in physical activity. Participants were 162 undergraduate students who completed surveys assessing the aforementioned variables, as well as depressive symptoms and general health. We report herein that fear of pain was related to expectations regarding physical activity, which in turn predicted the frequency of activity engagement. These relationships differed by gender, such that fear of pain was negatively related to females’ perceived benefits but positively related to males’ frequency of exercise. Based on the current findings, we suggest that interventions aimed at reducing fear of pain may be particularly succe...
Complete Eradication of Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) in Patients with Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) after Cladribine (2CDA) Followed by an Extended Course of Rituximab.

The nucleoside analogs 2CDA and pentostatin are effective in the initial therapy of patients with HCL, but relapses are common. We have investigated whether an 8 week course of therapy with weekly rituximab after 2CDA can eradicate MRD assessed by flow cytometry as well as by immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using framework-1, -2 and -3 primer sets. Treatment constituted 2CDA 5.6 mg/m 2 IV given over 2 hours daily for 5 days. One month after initiation of 2CDA, bone marrow (BM) MRD was assessed and rituximab 375 mg/m 2 IV was given weekly for 8 weeks. BM MRD was reevaluated again after the completion of rituximab. To date, 12 patients have been treated including 10 with newly diagnosed disease and 2 after relapse from prior therapy (2CDA in one patient and chlorambucil in another). The median age of the patients was 55 years (range 31–73). Two patients had variant HCL. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was positive for the presence of a clone with p53 deletion/monosomy 17 in 2 patients. One patient with variant HCL had complex cytogenetics. Seven of 10 evaluable patients had mutated IgVH gene whereas IgVH was unmutated in 3 patients. All 12 patients (100%) have achieved CR defined as no hairy cells in BM and blood with normalization of counts (ANC >1.5 x 10 9 /L, Hgb >12.0 g/dL, Plt > 100 x 10 9 /L) after completion of all therapy; 5 patients still had 1% to 50% hairy cells in BM after 2CDA therapy. MRD by flow was positive in 11 patients after 2CDA therapy but became negative in all 12 patients after rituximab. MRD by PCR was positive in 5 of 10 evaluable patients after 2CDA therapy and became negative in 10 of 11 evaluable patients (equivocal in 1) after rituximab. With a median duration of follow-up of 11 months (range 3–13) no patients have relapsed (median response duration 6+ months, range 1–13). One patient has developed a second cancer (pancreatic). We conclude that therapy with an extended course of rituximab is effective in eradicating MRD in HCL. The predictive value of achievement of negative MRD, presence of chromosome 17 abnormalities, or the mutational status of IgVH on the risk of relapse should be evaluated in larger series and with longer follow-up.
Cholesterol Screening and Treatment Practices and Preferences: A Survey of United States Pediatricians.

Objectives To determine pediatricians' practices, attitudes, and barriers regarding screening for and treatment of pediatric dyslipidemias in 9- to 11-year-olds and 17- to 21-year-olds. Study design American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2013-2014 Periodic Survey of a national, randomly selected sample of 1627 practicing AAP physicians. Pediatricians' responses were described and modeled. Results Of 614 (38%) respondents who met eligibility criteria, less than half (46%) were moderately/very knowledgeable about the 2008 AAP cholesterol statement; fewer were well-informed about 2011 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Guidelines or 2007 US Preventive Service Task Force review (both 26%). Despite published recommendations, universal screening was not routine: 68% reported they never/rarely/sometimes screened healthy 9- to 11-year-olds. In contrast, more providers usually/most/all of the time screened based on family cardiovascular history (61%) and obesity (82%). Screening 17- to 21-year-olds was more common in all categories ( P Pediatricians uniformly provided lifestyle counseling but access to healthy food (81%), exercise (83%), and adherence to lifestyle recommendations (96%) were reported barriers. One-half of pediatricians (55%) reported a lack of local subspecialists. Although 62% and 89% believed statins were appropriate for children and adolescents with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (200 mg/dL) unresponsive to lifestyle, a minority initiated statins (8%, 21%). Conclusions US pediatricians report lipid screening and treatment practices that are largely at odds with existing recommendations, likely because of lack of knowledge and conflicts among national guidelines, and concern about treatment efficacy and harms. Education regarding pediatric lipid disorders could promote guideline implementation.
Controlled Exposures: Coubert’s L’Origine du Monde and the Woman-Thing

A meditation on what two paintings, Gustave Courbet's L'Origine du monde and Kasimir Malevich's Black Square reveal and conceal about women and sex, through the lens of psychoanalytic and post-structural theory (Slavoj Zizek, Jacques Lacan, Luce Irigaray, Roland Barthes, Jean-Francois Lyotard).
Evaluation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system for gastric cancer patients after preoperative therapy

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) recently released its 8th edition staging system, which created a separate staging system for gastric cancer patients who have undergone preoperative therapy (ypStage). The objective of this retrospective study was to apply the new ypStage to patients who have undergone preoperative therapy and potentially curative gastrectomy. We collected data from a prospectively maintained institutional database of gastric cancer patients who underwent potentially curative gastrectomy after preoperative therapy (1995–2015). Kaplan–Meier survival estimations and log-rank tests were performed to compare survival. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine risk factors for overall survival. A total of 354 patients met our criteria. Most patients completed planned preoperative therapy (94%; 332/354) and received chemoradiation therapy (75%; 265/354). Although clinical stage (cStage) provided a poor discrimination of survival, postneoadjuvant pathological stage (ypStage) identified significant variation in survival (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed the following factors were associated with survival after adjustment for ypStage: Asian race (HR 0.52; p = 0.028), linitis plastica (HR 1.66; p = 0.037), and R1 resection (HR 1.91; p = 0.016). Survival was not longer in ypT0N0 patients than in ypStage I patients (HR 1.29; p = 0.377). The AJCC 8th edition staging system for gastric cancer demonstrated reasonable survival prediction by ypStage, but not cStage, in patients who had undergone preoperative therapy. ypT0N0 patients, although not defined in the 8th edition, may be considered for inclusion in the ypStage I group.
The Berlin Heart EXCOR Experience in the USA

Heart transplantation is the final therapeutic option in children with end-stage heart failure due to cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease. Approximately 11,000–14,000 children are admitted to the hospital with heart failure [1] each year in the USA. A proportion of these patients will require heart transplantation due to end-stage heart failure. Prior to FDA approval of the Berlin Heart EXCOR, there was no reliable mechanical circulatory support option for children. Historically, children with end-stage heart failure were bridged to transplant with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The outcomes of this approach were suboptimal as only ~47% of patients bridged to transplant survived to hospital discharge [2]. Early experience with the off-label use of adult ventricular assist devices (VADs) in children was promising as 76% survived to transplant; however, the outcomes in children <10 years of age and with congenital heart disease were less encouraging [3]. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a humanitarian device exemption (HDE) for the continuous-flow DeBakey VAD Child in 2004; however, use of the device in children was limited by concerns about device fit within the chest wall of small children and thrombotic complications [4].
Environments of the Last 50,000 Years in the Vicinity of Yucca Mountain, Central-Southern Nevada

Located within the southern hydrographic Great Basin, the Nevada Test Site lies astride the transition between the Mojave Desert to the south and the Great Basin Desert to the north. Fossil sites that provide information on environmental change in this area span ca. 2000 m of relief, from low elevations in the Amargosa Desert and Las Vegas Valley, to high elevations in the Sheep Range. For this paper I use fossil records on this gradient to illustrate some principal features of the Late Quaternary environments of the region. Related problems in refining paleoenvironmental chronologies and reconstructions also will be discussed.
Lipid Metabolism, Abdominal Adiposity, and Cerebral Health in the Amish.

Objective To assess the association between peripheral lipid/fat profiles and cerebral gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in healthy Old Order Amish (OOA). Methods Blood lipids, abdominal adiposity, liver lipid contents, and cerebral microstructure were assessed in OOA (N = 64, 31 males/33 females, ages 18-77). Orthogonal factors were extracted from lipid and imaging adiposity measures. GM assessment used the Human Connectome Project protocol to measure whole-brain average cortical thickness. Diffusion-weighted imaging was used to derive WM fractional anisotropy and kurtosis anisotropy measurements. Results Lipid/fat measures were captured by three orthogonal factors explaining 80% of the variance. Factor one loaded on cholesterol and/or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol measurements; factor two loaded on triglyceride/liver measurements; and factor three loaded on abdominal fat measurements. A two-stage regression including age/sex (first stage) and the three factors (second stage) examined the peripheral lipid/fat effects. Factors two and three significantly contributed to WM measures after Bonferroni corrections (P < 0.007). No factor significantly contributed to GM. Blood pressure (BP) inclusion did not meaningfully alter the lipid/fat-WM relationship. Conclusions Peripheral lipid/fat indicators were significantly and negatively associated with cerebral WM rather than with GM, independent of age and BP level. Dissecting the fat/lipid components contributing to different brain imaging parameters may open a new understanding of the body-brain connection through lipid metabolism.
Prostate Cancer Theranostics Targeting Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptors

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPRs), part of the bombesin (BBN) family, are aberrantly overexpressed in many cancers, including those of the breast, prostate, pancreas, and lung, and therefore present an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Different bombesin analogs have been radiolabeled and used for imaging diagnosis, staging, evaluation of biochemical recurrence, and assessment of metastatic disease in patients with prostate cancer. Recently, interest has shifted from BBN-like receptor agonists to antagonists, because the latter does not induce adverse effects and demonstrate superior in vivo pharmacokinetics. We review the preclinical and clinical literatures on the use of GRPRs as targets for imaging and therapy of prostate cancer, with a focus on the newer developments and theranostic potential of GRPR peptides.
Dissemination of scholarship across eight cohorts of doctor of nursing practice graduates.

Aims and objectives To evaluate the publication record across eight cohorts of post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates. Background Dissemination of findings from evidence-based practice is described in the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice Essential III. Students in Doctor of Nursing Practice programmes are expected to generate deliverables (e.g., a manuscript) of evidence to improve practice or patient outcomes. Design A descriptive study was conducted to determine whether two key manuscripts (i.e., integrative review and an evidence-based quality improvement project) were disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, and if so, the length of time from graduation to publication. Co-authorship with faculty advisors and contributors was also examined. Results The number of evidence-based quality improvement publications outpaces the number of integrative reviews over this span of time. Time to publication from graduation has decreased in recent years. Conclusions Expecting, rather than encouraging a publishable-ready manuscript as a course deliverable would further student's motivation to disseminate their scholarship. Focused attention on faculty co-authorship may help increase the number of successful student publications for both integrative reviews and evidence-based quality improvement projects and decrease the time from graduation for those publications. Relevance to clinical practice Dissemination of academic scholarly work is an expected outcome for Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates who impact clinical, operational and financial outcomes in complex healthcare delivery systems.