cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation of pituitary gonadotropin subunit, brain-type aromatase and sex steroid receptor mRNAs, and plasma steroids during gametogenesis in wild sablefish

Pituitary-hormone signaling plays critical roles in the onset and progression of gametogenesis in vertebrates. This study characterized expression patterns of pituitary gonadotropin beta-subunits (fshb and lhb), brain-type aromatase (cyp19a1b), androgen (ar1, ar2) and estrogen receptors (esr1, esr2a, esr2b), and changes in plasma steroid levels by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in wild sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria, order Scorpaeniformes) during a complete reproductive cycle. Transcripts for fshb increased during early gametogenesis and peaked in late vitellogenic females and late recrudescent males, while expression of lhb reached maximum levels in periovulatory and spermiating fish. Pituitary levels of cyp19a1b and ar1 were strongly correlated with those of lhb in females and males, increasing during gametogenesis and reaching maximum levels prior to spawning. By contrast, expression of ar2, and the three estrogen receptors differed between female and male sablefish. 17β-estradiol (E2) was the dominant steroid in females during vitellogenesis, while a range of at least 6 steroids (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, testosterone [T], E2, 11-ketotestosterone [11KT], 11-deoxycortisol, and 17α,20β,21-trihydroxyprogesterone) were detected at similar levels in males during testicular development. Prior to spawning, a marked increase in 4-androstenedione, T, 11KT and E2 was found in both periovulatory females and spermiating males. In conclusion, the concomitant changes in plasma androgen levels and pituitary ar1 expression during gametogenesis suggest a specific role for androgens in pituitary hormone regulation of reproduction in sablefish. Further, our data highlight the importance of E2 during final stages of maturation in this species, which may regulate the transcription of pituitary lhb in a paracrine fashion.
Multimodal Concussion Assessment

Football players are at a relatively high risk for sustaining a concussion among all types of athletes. Concussion is a complex and heterogenous injury that manifests in different clinical profiles and recovery trajectories. The standard of care is immediate removal from play to evaluate a suspected concussion with no same day return to game even when regulation would allow. Ideally, concussion management should be driven by a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers with specialized training in concussion. Multifaceted and multimodal assessment batteries have consistently been found to be more sensitive than stand-alone measures for concussion. The ideal concussion assessment battery is practical and repeatable, informs treatment recommendations, and guides return to play recommendations.
Bladder and Ureteral Imaging

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging, and treatment of common developmental abnormalities of the bladder and ureter in children. The abnormalities discussed in the first bladder section are bladder duplication, urachal anomalies, bladder diverticula, and neurogenic bladder. The second section related to the ureter includes retrocaval ureter, ureteral polyps, ureteral duplication, ureterocele, ectopic ureters, megaureter, and vesicoureteral reflux. This serves as an overview of many of the clinical entities that can be encountered in a pediatric urology practice, ordered from the relatively less to the most common. Some obvious omissions are imaging of the fetus, urolithiasis, trauma of the bladder and/or ureter, and the syndromes, such as prune belly and exstrophy. These are discussed in their respective chapters found elsewhere in this textbook.
El realism mágico: historiografía y características

El termino realismo magico ha sido empleado frecuentemente por la critica literaria sin delinear concretamente sus caracteristicas. Por esta razon me propongo bosquejar cronologicamente las definiciones dadas por prominentes criticos con el fin de precisar caracteristicas que son endemicas al realismo magico.
Behavior Implies Cognition

My background and orientation is that of a psychologist with particular interests in animal behavior, and in what may be described as the evolution and natural history of minding. Because we are concerned here with the problems of communication between different scientific disciplines, it may serve a useful purpose if I begin by reviewing some general assumptions which I, as a working scientist, accept rather uncritically and which I believe are also accepted, at least implicitly, by a majority of empirical scientists, whether their principal interests are in behavior, or in some other field. I will treat these as areas of consensus, although I have never sought any direct evidence that this is the case. In my experience, scientists do not spend time discussing what they regard as self-evident truths. Instead, they proceed as though those with whom they form a community of interests hold the same basic attitudes and beliefs, until events prove them wrong. When that happens, of course, the problems of communication become acute, for it is seldom clear precisely where or why consensus breaks down. In the second section, I will consider some properties that are peculiar to behavior. They raise some difficult methodological and conceptual issues that are the subject of heated discussions within the behavioral sciences and are a continuing impediment to communication with other scientific disciplines. Next, I will present a perspective on behavior which is not new, but is different, I believe, from that held by scientists in other disciplines (and probably most non-biologically oriented behavioral scientists, as well).
INITIAL EXPERIENCE PERFORMING A SIMULATED TRANSSEPTAL PUNCTURE WITH A VIRTUAL REALITY HEAD MOUNTED DISPLAY CATHETER NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Despite its harmful x-rays and planar imagery, fluoroscopy is still the standard method for visualizing catheters during transseptal puncture procedures. We aimed to develop a non-fluoroscopic, virtual reality (VR) head mounted display (HMD) catheter navigation system and perform initial validation
Evaluation of synthetic schemes to prepare immunogenic conjugates of Vibrio cholerae O139 capsular polysaccharide with chicken serum albumin.

Vibrio cholerae serotype O139 is a new etiologic agent of epidemic cholera. There is no vaccine available against cholera caused by this serotype. V. cholerae O139 is an encapsulated bacterium, and its polysaccharide capsule is an essential virulent factor and likely protective antigen.
Cellular cholesterol modifies flow-mediated gene expression.

Downregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), and nitric oxide synthase-2 (NOS2) in the kidneys of Dahl rodents causes salt sensitivity, while restoring their expression aids ...
Predicting Tumor Response to PD-1 Blockade.

Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition Immune checkpoint inhibitors have efficacy in persons who have tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). A recent study using a mouse model suggests tha...
Charge-Trap Transistors for CMOS-Only Analog Memory

Since our demonstration of unsupervised learning using the CMOS-only charge-trap transistors (CTTs) as analog synapses, there has been an increasing interest in exploiting the device for various other neural network (NN) applications. However, most of these studies are limited to mere simulation due to the absence of detailed experimental device characterization. In this article, we provide a comprehensive investigation of the programming behavior of CTTs, including analog retention, intra- and inter-device variation, and fine-tuning of the device, both for individual devices and for devices in an integrated array. It is found that, after programming, the channel current gradually increases to a higher level, and the shift is larger when the device is programmed to a higher threshold voltage. With this postprogramming current increase appropriately accounted for, individual devices can be programmed to an equivalent precision of five bits, and three bits can be achieved for devices in an array. Our results reveal the promising future of using the CTT as a CMOS-only analog memory device.
Aspartic acid racemization constrains long-term viability and longevity of endospores

Certain microorganisms survive long periods of time as endospores to cope with adverse conditions. Since endospores are metabolically inactive, the extent of aspartic acid (Asp) racemization will increase over time and might kill the spores by preventing their germination. Therefore, understanding the relationship between endospore survivability and Asp racemization is important for constraining the long-term survivability and global dispersion of spore-forming bacteria in nature. Geobacillus stearothermophilus was selected as a model organism to investigate racemization kinetics and survivability of its endospores at 65°C, 75°C and 98°C. This study found that the Asp racemization rates of spores and autoclaved spores were similar at all temperatures. The Asp racemization rate of spores was not significantly different from that of vegetative cells at 65°C. The Asp racemization rate of G. stearothermophilus spores was not significantly different from that of Bacillus subtilis spores at 98°C. The viability of spores and vegetative cells decreased dramatically over time, and the mortality of spores correlated exponentially with the degree of racemization (R2 = 0.9). This latter correlation predicts spore half-lives on the order of hundreds of years for temperatures typical of shallow marine sediments, a result consistent with studies about the survivability of thermophilic spores found in these environments.
Evaluating critical gas pipeline crossings for freight truck routes

Abstract This research demonstrates a methodology to identify critical pipeline crossing locations that could have a severe impact on truck tonnage movement and detouring. A ‘critical’ underground pipeline crossing impacting a road link has been defined as the most important crossing in the network whose damage can cause the road above to close. This causes significant impacts on truck tonnage movement and detour increase for trucks. In this research, criticality of a crossing was tested using two indices namely, the Dangerousness Index (DI) and Detour Index (DTI). Pareto frontier was subsequently used to identify critical pipeline crossing in the Los Angeles (LA) County. There were 74 candidate crossings which were part of the analysis. It was observed that underground pipeline crossings that are located at Interstate-405, Interstate-110 and State Highway-91 are highly critical compared to others in the county. These three highways are also considered as major truck routes of the LA County. The research contribution primarily is in understanding risks associated with underground pipelines, particularly those that cross a major highway with heavy freight truck volume.
The First Specific Abstractive Reduction in Seebohm’s Theory of Science

The Crisis of European Sciences and Transcendental Phenomenology and earlier writings mention prima facie only one abstractive reduction for the natural sciences in general. Considered more closely, however, two abstractions can be distinguished. The first reduction abstracts from the purposes and values of everyday practical life, and in general from all contents that are given in lived experience and reflections on lived experience. The second abstractive reduction abstracts from all secondary qualities of observable objects that are given in the residuum of the first abstraction, reducing them to primary qualities. The first abstraction determines the ontological region of the natural sciences in general, including the life sciences. The second abstraction determines, within this broader region, the empirical basis and the methodology of the hard sciences, physics, and chemistry insofar as it can be reduced to physics.
86 – Rhodosporidium Banno

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on Rhodosporidium genus and its member species. The colony color of this genus on solid media includes shades of yellow, orange, and red due to the presence of carotenoid pigments. Yeast and mycelial phases may occur in this genus. In the yeast phase, the cells are ovoid to elongate and reproduce by budding. Formation of the mycelial phase can result from sexual reproduction and may develop by two methods of self-sporulation. Sexual mechanisms, although not completely understood, are both homothallic and heterothallic. Heterothallism includes unifactorial biallelic and bifactorial systems. In these heterothallic systems, a dikaryotic mycelium results from the conjugation of a compatible mating pair. Homothallism, or self-fertility, consists of the development of hyphae with teliospores from a single yeast cell in the apparent absence of mating. The yeast phase is diploid and reduction division takes place with the formation of a dikaryotic mycelium with clamp connections. The member species of this genus include Rhodosporidium babjevae, Rhodosporidium dacryoideum, Rhodosporidium diobovatum, Rhodosporidium fluviale, Rhodosporidium kratochvilovae, and Rhodosporidium lusitaniae.
Nudging people to court

Behavioral interventions may improve court attendance, but how to reform the system remains unclear.
Frailty Does Not Impact Caregiver Burden in Patients with Cirrhosis.

Frailty is common and is associated with increased mortality, lower quality of life, and higher readmission rates in cirrhotic patients. Not only are these outcomes important, but further understanding the impact of frailty on a caregiver’s life is crucial to better comprehend caregiver burden in cirrhotic patients and develop strategies to improve care for patients and their caregivers. A single-center, prospective study was conducted of cirrhotic patients and their caregivers between 4/1/2019 and 11/1/2019. Frailty testing combined aspects from the Fried Frailty Instrument, Short Physical Performance Battery, and activities of daily living. Caregivers completed questionnaires to evaluate caregiver burden using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12), and perceived social support, using the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List. In total, 94 cirrhotic patients were included, 50% males with a median age of 63.1 years. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Frailty was prevalent (45.1%). In total, 12.8% of caregivers reported a high burden based on ZBI-12. There was no association between frailty and caregiver burden, hospitalization rates, or death. However, frailty was associated with a higher number of outpatient GI visits (p = 0.002). Lower perceived social support among caregivers was associated with a higher caregiver burden (p < 0.0001). Frailty is prevalent in cirrhotic patients but is not associated with higher rates of caregiver burden. Low perceived social support among caregivers, however, was associated with higher caregiver burden. It is important to recognize the impact of caregiver burden on caregivers of cirrhotic patients and ensure caregivers have the appropriate support to mitigate burden.
Two shannon-type problems on secure multi-party computations

In secure multi-party computations (SMC), parties wish to compute a function on their private data without revealing more information about their data than what the function reveals. In this paper, we investigate two Shannontype questions on this problem. We first consider the traditional one-shot model for SMC which does not assume a probabilistic prior on the data. In this model, private communication and randomness are the key enablers to secure computing, and we investigate a notion of randomness cost and capacity. We then move to a probabilistic model for the data, and propose a Shannon model for discrete memoryless SMC. In this model, correlations among data are the key enablers for secure computing, and we investigate a notion of dependency which permits the secure computation of a function. While the models and questions are general, this paper focuses on summation functions and relies on polar code constructions.
Abstract 15817: Transcatheter Closure of Paramitral Leaks: Use of the Agilis™ Nxt Steerable Sheath to Aid Device Placement

Introduction: Paramitral leak (PML) has been reported in 5-17% of patients after surgical prosthetic mitral valve replacements. Transcatheter closure of PML has emerged as a Class IIa alternative t...
Motivating teams: Private feedback and public recognition at work

Abstract Aside from money, what works best to incentivize teams? Using a randomized field experiment, I test whether fixed-wage workers respond better to private rank incentives or public recognition, and whether image motivation crowds out intrinsic motivation. School-feeding teams in 450 South-African schools were randomly assigned to receiving (i) private feedback through rank information, (ii) public recognition through symbolic award, (iii) both feedback and award, or (iv) no intervention. The analysis yields two main findings. First, private feedback raises performance more than public recognition are more effective when offered separately, receiving feedback on performance boosts effort more than public recognition. Second, image motivation crowds out intrinsic motivation, especially for low-ability teams. This suggests that providing performance feedback can be an effective policy for leveraging intrinsic motivation and improving service delivery, more so than mechanisms leveraging image motivation.
Neuroscience as a Contemporary Science Domain to Contextualize Nature of Science Instruction

The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate if neuroscience, a contemporary example of science-in-the-making, provides a useful domain for contextualized Nature of Science (NOS) instruction. Six pre-service teachers (PSTs) enrolled in an NOS course participated, where the focus of this study was on how NOS views changed as a result of the course and how PSTs attempted to connect neuroscience and NOS. Data included the Student Understanding of Science and Scientific Inquiry (SUSSI) Survey, reflection reports, and audio recordings with transcripts. Results indicated that PSTs held more naive views of NOS prior to the course. As a result of the course, PSTs improved their understanding of multiple aspects of NOS. Additionally, PSTs grounded their informed understanding of NOS in how science operates as a cultural institution and discovered a conflict between a prescriptive version of NOS via the Lederman tenets versus a descriptive version of how scientists actually operate, influencing the way in which PSTs might teach NOS in their classrooms. The study also found that PSTs connected neuroscience and NOS in different ways. Either PSTs considered neuroscience as a “hard science” that is not subject to NOS tenets, or they found that neuroscience loses its “seductive allure” once it is critically analyzed through a lens of NOS. The findings suggest that neuroscience was a useful context for NOS instruction and, in combination with the explicit reflective approach, had a positive impact on PSTs’ understanding of NOS.
Do expansions in adolescent access to public insurance affect the decisions of substance use disorder treatment providers

We apply a mixed-payer economy model to study the effects of changes in the generosity of children's public health insurance programs - measured by Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program income thresholds - on substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider behavior. Using government data on specialty SUD treatment providers over the period 1997-2011 combined with a two-way fixed-effects model and local event study, we show that increases in the generosity of children's public health insurance induce providers to participate in some, but not all, public markets. Our effects appear to be driven by non-profit and government providers. Non-profit providers also appear to increase treatment quantity slightly in response to coverage expansions.
Association Between Unscheduled Pediatric Primary Care Visits and Risk of Developmental Delay.

Abstract Objective Primary care centers are trialing open access scheduling models to expand access. Given evidence linking irregular caregiver work schedules with adverse child developmental outcomes, we hypothesized that children presenting for unscheduled “walk-in” visits would have higher odds of developmental concerns than those presenting for scheduled visits. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of electronic health record data for children aged 6 to 66 months visiting an academic pediatric primary care center between July 1, 2013 and February 1, 2019. Our primary outcome was presence of developmental concerns, defined by results below cutoff on a child's Ages & Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). We examined associations between visit stream (unscheduled vs scheduled; time of day) and ASQ-3 using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for child demographics, visit type (well-child vs ill), and responses to a standardized social history questionnaire. Results Of 11,169 eligible total encounters each for a unique child, 8% were unscheduled (n = 848); 19% had developmental concerns in at least one domain (n = 2100). Twenty-eight percent of children presenting for unscheduled visits had developmental concerns compared to 18% of those presenting for scheduled visits (P Conclusions As pediatric primary care centers implement open access scheduling models, they should be prepared to identify and respond to developmental concerns at a rate that may be higher than what is typically seen during scheduled visits.
Enhanced Discrimination of Glass Samples by Phosphorescence Analysis

Of the various types of physical evidence available to crime scene investigators, glass fragments are among those frequently encountered [1,2]. Forensic science examinations usually involve comparing known window glass samples with glass fragments recovered from the suspect's clothing [3]. Most crime laboratories use refractive index or density measurements, or both, to compare glass samples. As a result of modern glass production techniques, however, glass formulations are more closely controlled from batch to batch. This results in greater uniformity and reduces the value of analytical techniques that rely on differences in refractive index and density [4]. It is generally agreed, therefore, that supplementary analyses are needed.
Platelet Coagulant Activities and Hemostasis: A Hypothesis

Well, yes: he may have done all that, but there’s no proof that he did. I am beginning to believe that nothing can ever be proved. These are reasonable hypotheses which take the facts into account: but I am only too well aware that they come from me, that they are simply a way of unifying my own knowledge. Not a single Platelets have recently been shown to participate in reactions with blood coagulation factors at every stage of intrinsic clotting, from contact activation to fibrin formation. Platelets can trigger intrinsic coagulation by two alternative pathways, the first of which involves factors XII and Xl and adenosine diphosphate, and the second of which bypasses factor XII, pro
How Black Coaches View Entering the Job Market at Major Colleges.

(1979). How Black Coaches View Entering the Job Market at Major Colleges. Journal of Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 50, No. 5, pp. 62-62.
Magneto-Mechanical Effects in 304 Stainless Steels

AISI 304 stainless steels are the most widely used structural alloys in cryogenic service. To the cryogenic engineer they offer good fracture toughness, good fatigue properties, and adequate strength at 4 K. Additionally, their paramagnetism and corrosion resistance are often desirable properties. Recently 304 stainless steels have been used in superconducting magnet structures for magnetic fusion energy devices. Large amounts of steel are required in these structures, for example nearly 300 tonnes of AISI 304LN were used in the yin-yang magnet cases for the Mirror Fusion Test Facility at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Disruption of Chemically Killed Bacterial Cells by a Synthetic Zeolite

The applicability of a synthetic zeolite (type 4A, Union Carbide Corp., Linde Div., New York, N.Y.) as a disruptive agent in a procedure for the preparation of pure bacterial cell wall fractions from a variety of phenol-killed gram-negative, gram-positive, and acid-fast bacteria was demonstrated. The disruptive effect was found to be limited with formaldehyde-killed gram-positive cells and most gram-positive cocci killed either by phenol or formaldehyde.
An Experimental and Numerical Study of Deformation Behavior of Steels in Biaxial Tensile Tests

Lightweighting materials are increasingly being used by automotive companies as sheet metal components to meet fuel economy targets by the year 2025. Consequently, accurate material model data need to be developed by applying biaxial strain paths with cross-shaped specimens, since traditional uniaxial stress-strain data cannot capture the deformation behavior in complex forming operations. This paper discusses the development of finite element models and verification of these models against experimental measurements. Such verification is the first step in developing procedures for making an optimum cross-shaped specimen design. Computed results of deformation, strain profile, and von Mises plastic strain in two different specimens agree with experimentally measured values along critical paths in the specimens. In addition, simulated results predict correctly the eventual failure location in the samples. Detailed analyses also suggest that specimen thickness has an influence on the eventual mode of failure. Further studies are being conducted to confirm this conclusion.
Bridges and barriers: understanding the educational pathways of underrepresented minority students in STEM (104.2)

This presentation draws from data and analyses of a national study regarding postsecondary pathways of students who started college with an interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The study utilizes both quantitative (e.g,. multilevel modeling) and qualitative analytic methods to understand the college experiences of STEM aspirants that contribute to their successful completion of a STEM bachelor’s degree and future enrollment in STEM graduate and professional programs. Findings indicate that the structure of introductory science courses are critical in facilitating or hindering undergraduate STEM students’ successful matriculation through their programs. More frequent incorporation of evidence-based teaching practices significantly and positively contribute to students’ level of academic engagement in these courses. Over the longer term, students who participate in undergraduate research, identify faculty mentors, and participate in department-relate...
Estimation of 24-Hour Intraocular Pressure Peak Timing and Variation Using a Contact Lens Sensor

Purpose To compare estimates of 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP) peak timing and variation obtained using a contact lens sensor (CLS) and using a pneumatonometer.
Gender Stereotyping of Products: Are Products Like People?

The literature on sex-role identification is reviewed and the same framework is applied to classify products/services into gender categories.Subjects tended to perceive products along a continuum of masculinity and feminity with few products being perceived and classified as androgynous and undifferentiated.The differences in the perception of male and female subjects is discussed.It is suggested that the product user, purchaser, and promoter characteristics may be important determinants of the gender of a product/service.
PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES IN OSTEOMYELITIS

1. Pathological fracture in cases of osteomyelitis of the shafts of long bones has occurred in one and two-thirds per cent. of a total of 1086 cases. Osteomyelitis has been responsible in this clinic for thirty-three and one-third per cent. of all pathological fractures in long bones. 2. Correct diagnosis and proper treatment at the earliest stage of the disease is obviously the most important prophylactic measure. 3. Every case with massive sequestration must be regarded as a fracture before abnormal mobility or deformity is evident. 4. A deep gutter rather than a shallow saucer is a safer mechanical means of dealing with central bone abscesses. In the removal of sequestra the involucrum should be conserved. 5. Careful attention should be paid to the proper provision of splints or other support during convalescence.
Quantitative analysis of the expression of a VIP transgene.

Abstract We have analyzed the expression of a transgene bearing 2 kilobases of the 5′ flanking region of the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) gene coupled to β-galactosidase. Expression was assayed by β-galactosidase histochemistry and by mRNA quantitation using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-mediated amplification; we compared β-galactosidase activity against both transgene and endogenous VIP mRNA levels. We found that the human 5′ flanking sequence in this construct is able to direct tissue-specific expression of β-galactosidase similar to the pattern for endogenous VIP. However, the transgene is also expressed in smooth muscle and Schwann cells, where VIP mRNA is rare. In various tissues where the transgene and endogenous gene are both active, the ratio between their message levels differs dramatically — transgene mRNA is more abundant where VIP is relatively scarce, but is much less abundant than the endogenous message at sites where VIP mRNA is most concentrated. These results suggest that sequence elements that may restrict VIP transcription or cause tissue-specific VIP mRNA accumulation are missing from the transgene. In the testis there is a high level of transgene message but no significant β-galactosidase activity; this discrepancy is caused by transcription from a cryptic promoter within the β-galactosidase sequence.
A Reciprocal Theorem in the Linear Theory of Directed Continuous Media

A linear theory of directed viscoelastic media is developed using the Stieltjes convolution. A dynamic reciprocity relationship is proved. Fur gerichtete viskoelastische Medien wird unter Verwendung der Stieltjes-Faltung eine lineare Theorie entwickelt. Es wird ein dynamisches Gegenseitigkeitsprinzip bewiesen.
Effect of human immunodeficiency virus infection on the growth of young children

We retrospectively analyzed the growth of 170 children less than 25 1/2 months ofage who were referred for evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody status. By the age of 4 months, the 62 HIV-infected children were significantly smaller than the 108 uninfected children in both weight-for-age and length-for-age measurements; linear growth and weight gain were proportionally decreased.
Memory for the absolute pitch of familiar songs

Four experiments were conducted to examine the ability of people without "perfect pitch" to retain the absolute pitch of familiar tunes. In Experiment 1, participants imagined given tunes, and then hummed their first notes four times either between or within sessions. The variability of these productions was very low. Experiment 2 used a recognition paradigm, with results similar to those in Experiment 1 for musicians, but with some additional variability shown for unselected subjects. In Experiment 3, subjects rated the suitability of various pitches to start familiar tunes. Previously given preferred notes were rated high, as were notes three or four semitones distant from the preferred notes, but not notes one or two semitones distant. In Experiment 4, subjects mentally transformed the pitches of familiar tunes to the highest and lowest levels possible. These experiments suggest some retention of the absolute pitch of tunes despite a paucity of verbal or visual cues for the pitch.
The effect of graft type on mortality in liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) with living-donor (LD-P) and deceased-donor (DD-P) partial grafts for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may be associated with worse outcomes. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), we aimed to: (1) examine the risk of mortality in LT for HCC, (2) to establish if this risk is affected by partial graft use, and (3) to determine if this effect is mitigated by improved tumor-associated risk stratification. MATERIAL AND METHODS All first-time adult LT recipients were analyzed (3/2002-12/2012), including 2,353 LD-P, 727 DD-P, and 47,833 DD whole (DD-W) grafts. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the risk of mortality given HCC. Interaction/subset analyses were used to examine the effect of tumor-risk and graft-type on outcome. Presence of an HCC exception and low alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level (<66 ng/mL) were considered favorable. RESULTS Overall, HCC was associated with an increased mortality risk compared to the absence of HCC (HR 1.21 [1.15-1.27]), and the use of partial grafts was noted to further intensify this risk. However, HCC with a favorable risk profile had more comparable outcomes to patients without HCC and this finding was similar across all graft-types (Given LD-P: HR 1.14 [0.76-1.73]; Given DD-P: HR1.05 [0.71-1.56]; Given DD-W: HR1.08 [1.02-1.14]). On subset analysis, all graft types had similar outcomes given either favorable-risk HCC or the absence of HCC. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant difference in outcomes between whole and partial grafts given (1) patients with HCC with a favorable risk-profile or (2) patients without HCC.
Recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome

Recurrent symptoms develop in 15% to 20% of patients undergoing either first rib resection or scalenectomy for thoracic outlet syndrome. Over the past 22 years 134 operations for recurrence were performed in 97 patients. Four operations were used: transaxillary first rib resection (26); supraclavicular first rib resection with neurolysis (15); scalenectomy with neurolysis (58); and brachial plexus neurolysis (35). Complications included temporary plexus injury (0.7%), temporary phrenic palsy (3.7%), and permanent phrenic palsy (1.4%). The combined primary success rate of all four operations for recurrence was 84% in the first 3 months. This fell to 59% at 1 to 2 years; 50% at 3 to 5 years; and 41% at 10 to 15 years. No significant difference was found in results between the four operations used for recurrence. When recurrence was caused by trauma the results of reoperations were better than when recurrence was spontaneous. The primary success rates of three initial operations for thoracic outlet syndrome were compared to their secondary success rates (improved after reoperation). By use of life-table methods, reoperation improved the 5- to 10-year success rate of transaxillary first rib resection from 69% to 86% and for scalenectomy from 69% to 84%. Reoperation is successful in most cases of recurrent thoracic outlet syndrome and better when recurrence is the result of a neck injury.
Pressure Effects on the Solvent Denaturation of NADH Probed using Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) plays a central role in cellular metabolism via a NAD+/NADH redox reaction. NADH conformational state - whether it is folded or unfolded - has physiological significance because it is in a mostly folded conformation when free and typically takes on an unfolded conformation when protein bound. This study examines the effects of pressure on the solvent denaturation of NADH (20μM NADH in MOPS buffer, pH7.4). Using a quartz capillary-based high-pressure chamber, the methanol-induced folding-unfolding reaction of NADH was examined through fluorescence emission spectroscopy (337 nm excitation) at physiological pressures up to 50 MPa. (The oxidized form NAD+ is not fluorescent.) Using a two-state solvent-denaturation model to determine thermodynamic parameters relevant to solvent denaturation, the free energy of unfolding with no denaturant was inferred. The change in volume for the folding-unfolding reaction was determined using an Arrhenius relationship. The validity of the two-state assumption in this context is assessed. Results will have significance in understanding cellular piezo-physiological effects on cellular respiratory metabolism.
The chemical anchoring of noble metal amine precursors to silica

Abstract The effect of pretreatment on the dispersion of supported noble metal Catalyst prepared from amine precursors in basic solution have been studied. The following metal precursors were used: Pt(NH3)4(NO3)2, Pd(NH3)4(NO3)2, Ru(NH3)6Cl3 and [Rh(NH3)5Cl]Cl2 Pretreatment in oxygen, prior to reduction in H2 at 400C, resulted in poor dispersions for Ru and Rh, moderate dispersions for Pd and high dispersions for Pt. Pretreatment in H2 resulted in poor dispersions for Pd and Pt and high dispersions for Ru and Rh. Decomposition of the adsorbed Pt and Pd precursors in argon resulted in very high dispersions.
The Safety and Efficacy of Cyclosporine A in the Prevention of Vasospasm in Patients with Fisher Grade 3 Subarachnoid Hemorrhages: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the safety and any potential effect of cyclosporine A (CycA) in preventing cerebral vasospasm.METHODS:Nine patients with Fisher Grade 3 subarachnoid hemorrhages were studied. After a loading dose of 7.5 mg/kg of CycA was administered every 12 hours for two doses, enteral treatm
Research on Breaking Chip and Drilling Force for High Temperature Alloy Based on Self-Vibratory Drilling Head

Problems to evacuate chips will arise from manufacturing deep holes, especially for small diameters. Such problems induce frequent tool breakage and poor surface quality. The vibratory drilling enables the chip to be split into small elements thanks to the axial vibrations of the drill, self-maintained by the cutting energy. This research aims to improve breaking chip concerning high temperature alloy by vibraiont drilling as well as to establish a drilling technology. The development of breaking chip technology was presented. By the aid of the self-made vibrating drilling table, the axial vibration drilling was experimented on high temperature alloy with different parameter of vibration drilling. The breaking chip effect of vibration cutting was studied, and the axial drilling force and torque of vibration drilling were analyzed. The relation of each parameter and its effect on machining process was theoretically discussed. The experiment results show that vibration drilling is in favor of breaking chip, making the volume of chip small, and removing chips fluently, and the change of drilling force is relatively steady with some drilling parameters.
The impact of Parkinson's disease on health status, health expenditures, and productivity. Estimates from the National Medical Expenditure Survey.

Summary Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common disorder that leads to severe disability, despite pharmacological and surgical interventions. As PD progresses, patients and their families experience substantial health and economic burdens. Little research has been conducted into the economic consequences of PD or the impairment of health dimensions, such as social function and mental health, that may accompany the deterioration in economic resources and physical function. may accompany the deterioration in economic resources and physical function. In the current study, the US National Medical Expenditure Survey (NMES) was examined as a source of population-based information about health-resource use, medical expenditures and health status. 43 patients with PD were identified, and each was matched with 3 individuals without PD to estimate the costs attributable to PD. Data from the NMES demonstrate the serious health and economic burdens of PD. The patients with PD were clearly shown to have decreased health status, increased health expenditures and lost productivity relative to controls. However, these estimates of the magnitude of disease burden must be used with caution. The small sample size appears to have inadequately represented patients in the earliest and the most advanced stages of PD. There was also considerable variability in case-control groups, resulting in wide confidence intervals for the estimates.
Regulatory guidance gaps associated with clinical sample bioanalysis.

Good clinical practices in clinical sample bioanalysis The European Medicines Agency (EMA) 2012 Guidance and US FDA 2013 Draft Guidance on bioanalytical method validation (BMV) and sample analysis describe the applicability of bioanalytical process recommendations to preclinical and clinical samples, but only the EMA Guidance provides any scope on the extent of the regulatory expectations pertaining to the bioanalysis of clinical samples, and that is: ‘Bioanalytical methods for and the analysis of study samples for human clinical trials should be performed following the principles of GCP’ [1,2]. Aspects of the method validation that are not preformed according to the relevant GLPs are required to be clearly identified, as well as their potential impact on the validation, according to the current guidances. Without an understanding of the applicable GCPs, how is a bioanalytical laboratory able to identify the impacts of deviations from a clinical (non-GLP) bioanalytical study or clinical protocol?
Americans as survivors.

Physicians have always been concerned with how people survive trauma, writes Dr. Robert Jay Lifton. Less noted has been the experience of Americans as survivors of violent collective trauma. However, responses can be both painful and a potential source of illumination.
Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium: A Rare Cause of Granulomatous Hepatitis

Granulomatous hepatitis is a syndrome usually characterized by fever of unknown origin, myalgias, hepatosplenomegaly, and arthralgias, right upper quadrant abdominal pain or tenderness, with or without an elevation in serum transaminases. In this article, we outline our experience with a 64-year-old male presenting with a 3.5 weeks history of fever of unknown origin, night sweats, extreme fatigue and a 20 lb. weight loss. He had an extensive evaluation including 2 liver biopsies that was indicative of fibrin ring granulomas and a positive PCR for Mycobacterium chelonae-abscessus. He was eventually treated empirically with antibiotics that led to an improvement of his symptoms.
Biomechanical performance of new cardiovascular needles.

Abstract Cardiovascular needles are now being manufactured from new stainless steel alloys containing high concentrations of nickel, Surgalloy and Ethalloy. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical performance of a cardiovascular needle made of Surgalloy with a comparably sized needle made of Ethalloy. The parameters of biomechanical performance included sharpness, maintenance of sharpness, resistance to bending, and ductility. Because the biomechanical performance of these needles was remarkably similar, cardiovascular needles made of either the Surgalloy or Ethalloy alloys are recommended for cardiovascular surgery.
Quantum hydrodynamic theory of superfluid helium flows around hollow rings with weak links

Abstract For superfluid helium flows, circulating in and around a hollow ring with a (weak link) region having fine pores, the implications of a completely quantum hydrodynamic theory are discussed.
Relationship Between U.S. Energy Consumption and Employment: Further Evidence

Abstract Trivariate vector error-correction models (VECMs), in conjunction with cointegrated systems, are used to examine the causality issues between U.S. employment and energy consumption. Results of the VECMs indicate a bidirectional causality between nonfarm employment and energy consumption and between total employment and energy consumption. Furthermore, the replication of prior studies, after log-transforming, adjusting for seasonality and correcting for unit roots, also produced a unidirectional causal relationship from total employment to energy consumption and a bidirectional causal relationship between nonfarm employment and energy consumption for the 1973·1−1984·6 sample period in the bivariate models. Extending the sample period further, however, completely eliminated the unidirectional causal relationship from total employment to energy consumption in the bivariate system.
Methyljasmonate displays in vitro and in vivo activity against multiple myeloma cells

Summary Jasmonates, plant stress hormones, have been demonstrated to be effective in killing various types of cancer cells. We therefore tested if methyljasmonate (MJ) has activity against multiple myeloma (MM) in vitro and in vivo. MM cell lines and primary MM tumour cells responded to MJ in vitro at concentrations that did not significantly affect normal haematopoietic cells, without stroma-mediated resistance. Brief MJ exposures of MM cells caused release of Hexokinase 2 (HK2) from mitochondria, rapid ATP depletion, perturbation of major intracellular signalling pathways, and ensuing mainly apoptotic cell death. Sensitivity to MJ correlated with lower cellular glucose consumption and lactate production, as well as lower intracellular protein levels of HK2, phosphorylated Voltage-dependent anion channel 2/3 (pVDAC2/3) and Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1), which represent potential biomarkers of responsiveness to MJ treatment, especially as AKR1C1 transcript levels also correlate with clinical outcome in bortezomib- or dexamethasone-treated MM patients. Interestingly, MJ synergized with bortezomib in vitro and prolonged survival of immunocompromised mice harbouring diffuse lesions of MM.1S cells compared to vehicle-treated mice (P = 0·0046). These studies indicate that jasmonates represent a new, promising strategy to treat MM.
Spontaneous disseminated cytomegalic inclusion disease in an ageing laboratory mouse

An untreated C57BL/6NCrlBR male mouse in a life-long longevity study, killed in extremis at 761 days of age, had mild focal necrotic hepatitis and extensive focal necrotic adrenalitis. Characteristic cytomegalic cells bearing intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions and cytoplasmic vacuoles were seen in necrotic areas. Scattered intranuclear inclusions were also seen in the reticulum cells of the spleen and acinar epithelium of the submaxillary glands. We believe this to be the first report of spontaneous disseminated cytomegalic inclusion disease in aged mice.
MOVING TO STAY : IKLAN SPATIAL STRATEGIES TOWARDS SOCIOECONOMIC EMANCIPATION IN NORTHERN MALI, 1898–1960*

This article explores the strategies of emancipation of former Tuareg slaves (iklan) in the Gao region of northern French Sudan (present-day Mali) during the late 1940s and 1950s. In the wake of the war effort and shifting colonial policy, and in spite of colonial tolerance toward vestiges of slavery, iklan engaged in local and long-distance migrations aimed at achieving emancipation. The article argues that the most successful spatial strategies were new migratory patterns in the Gao region through which iklan appropriated productive resources (herds and pastures) that were previously controlled by their ex-masters. More than labor migrations to cities, these local trajectories destabilized Tuareg hierarchies, forcing colonial administrators to address demands of the iklan emancipation movement.