cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep and delinquency: does the amount of sleep matter?

Sleep, a key indicator of health, has been linked to a variety of indicators of well-being such that people who get an adequate amount generally experience greater well-being. Further, a lack of sleep has been linked to a wide range of negative developmental outcomes, yet sleep has been largely overlooked among researchers interested in adolescent delinquency. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between hours of sleep and delinquent behavior among adolescents by using data from Wave 1 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n = 14,382; 50.2% female, 63.5% white). A series of negative binomial regressions showed that youth who typically sleep seven or fewer hours per night reported significantly more property delinquency than youth who sleep the recommended 8–10 h. Further, youth who reported sleeping 5 or fewer hours per night reported significantly more violent delinquency than youth who reported sleeping the recommended number of hours per night. The findings suggest that sleep is an important, and overlooked, dimension of delinquent behavior and studies that focus on adolescent health should further investigate the effects of insufficient sleep. Finally, the authors recommend that sleep and other relevant health behaviors be considered in the context of more comprehensive approaches to delinquency prevention and intervention.
Underlying steatohepatitis, but not simple hepatic steatosis, increases morbidity after liver resection: a case-control study

Despite the high prevalence of fatty liver disease, the safety of liver resection in settings of steatohepatitis (SH) or hepatic steatosis is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether underlying SH or simple hepatic steatosis increases morbidity after liver resection. We compared patients undergoing liver resection with underlying SH or greater than 33% simple hepatic steatosis to controls selected for similar demographics, diagnoses, comorbidities, preoperative chemotherapy treatments, and extent of partial hepatectomy. Primary endpoints included postoperative overall and hepatic-related morbidity. One hundred and two patients with SH and 72 with greater than 33% simple hepatic steatosis who underwent liver resection from 2000 to 2011 were compared to corresponding controls. There were no differences in extent or approach of liver resection, malignant indications, preoperative chemotherapy treatment, elements of metabolic syndrome, alcohol use history, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age, or gender between patients with SH or simple steatosis and corresponding controls. Ninety-day postoperative overall morbidity (56.9% versus 37.3%; P = 0.008), any hepatic-related morbidity (28.4% versus 15.7%; P = 0.043), surgical hepatic complications (19.6% versus 8.8%; P = 0.046), and hepatic decompensation (16.7% versus 6.9%; P = 0.049) were greater among SH patients, compared to corresponding controls. In contrast, there were no differences in postoperative overall morbidity (34.7% versus 44.4%; P = 0.310), any hepatic-related morbidity (19.4% versus 19.4%; P = 1.000), surgical hepatic complications (13.9% versus 9.7%; P = 0.606), or hepatic decompensation (8.3% versus 9.7%; P = 0.778) between simple hepatic steatosis patients and corresponding controls. Using multivariable logistic regression, SH was independently associated with postoperative overall (odds ratio [OR], 2.316; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.267-4.241; P = 0.007) and any hepatic-related (OR, 2.722; 95% CI: 1.201-6.168; P = 0.016) morbidity. Conclusion: Underlying SH, but not simple hepatic steatosis, increases overall and hepatic-related morbidity after liver resection. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Primary hyperparathyroidism in the underinsured: A study of 493 patients

Background Disparities may exist in the care of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This study examines the presentation and outcomes of underinsured patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. Methods We divided 493 HPT patients who underwent initial parathyroidectomy from 2000 to 2008 at a single institution into 2 groups: underinsured patients (group 1; n = 94) evaluated and treated at a county hospital, and patients with insurance (group 2; n = 399). Univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for race and ethnicity were conducted to determine the association of being underinsured with several clinical variables. Results More patients in group 1 compared with group 2 were of black or Hispanic background (92% vs 44%; P Conclusion Underinsured patients with HPT may present with higher serum calcium and PTH levels, are more likely to have hypercalcemic crisis, and less likely to return for follow-up. Underfunded health insurance coverage may account for differences seen in this study.
Carcinogenesis studies of dichlorvos in Fischer rats and B6C3F1 mice.

Dichlorvos (dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphoric acid ester) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used widely as a contact and stomach insecticide for control of internal and external parasites. Carcinogenesis studies were conducted by administering dichlorvos in corn oil by gavage 5 times a week for 103 weeks to groups of 50 male and 50 female Fischer rats at 0, 4, or 8 mg/kg body weight, to groups of 50 male B6C3F1 mice at 0,10, or 20 mg/Ag, and to groups of 50 female B6C3F1 mice at 0, 20, or 40 mg/kg. During the course of the studies, body weights and survival rates of the male and female rats and mice were not different from those of their respective controls; females of both species appeared to gain more weight than controls. Neoplasms induced by dichlorvos included adenomas of the exocrine pancreas (male rats), mononuclear cell leukemia (male rats), and squamous cell papilloma of the forestomach (male and female mice; two other female mice had squamous cell carcinomas). Lesions observed in female rats that may have been due to dichlorvos administration included adenomas of the exocrine pancreas and fibroadenomas of the mammary gland. The results demonstrated that dichlorvos is carcinogenic for Fischer rats and B6C3F1 mice.
Gender and the Choice of a Science Career: The Impact of Social Support and Possible Selves

This study examined the relationships among perceived social support, beliefs about how one would fare in a science career, and perceptions and choice of a career in science. Participants were 48 men and 33 women from the Midwestern United States who had been identified as gifted in mathematics and science and participated in a high school science enrichment program. They ranged in age from 24 to 28 years old, and the sample was predominantly White (83.3%). Participants completed an online measure approximately 10 years after the program ended examining their sources of support and beliefs about the self as a scientist to see how these variables influence perceptions of a science career and actual career. We expected that the relationship between perceived support from people and current job held would be mediated by participants’ beliefs about their personal life as a scientist in the future. Similarly, we expected that the relationship between a perceived supportive environment and having a science career would be mediated by participants’ beliefs about their career as a scientist in the future. Findings indicated that social support contributed directly to men’s and women’s ability to envision themselves in a future science career, which, in turn, predicted their interest in and motivation for a science career. No significant gender differences were found in the predictors of men’s and women’s perceptions and choice of a science career. Implications for recruitment of students into scientific majors and careers are discussed.
Computation of optimal actuator locations for nonlinear controllers in transport-reaction processes

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology for the computation of optimal locations of point actuators for nonlinear feedback controllers in transport-reaction processes described by a broad class of quasi-linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDE). Initially, Galerkin's method is employed to derive finite-dimensional approximations of the PDE system which are used for the synthesis of stabilizing nonlinear state feedback controllers via geometric techniques. Then, the optimal location problem is formulated as the one of minimizing a meaningful cost functional that includes penalty on the response of the closed-loop system and the control action and is solved by using standard unconstrained optimization techniques. It is established that the solution to this problem, which is obtained on the basis of the closed-loop finite-dimensional system, is near-optimal for the closed-loop infinite-dimensional system. The proposed methodology is successfully applied to a typical diffusion-reaction process.
Human chorionic gonadotropin and α-fetoprotein in cerebral spinal fluid: method validation and retrospective review.

Abstract Objective Measurement of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can aid in the diagnosis of germ cell tumors (GCTs). Matrix effects can influence test results when alternative sample types are used, therefore, alternative sample types should always be validated before clinical use. Here we have validated the Advia® Centaur total hCG and AFP methods for use with CSF. We also performed a retrospective review of 5 years of CSF hCG and AFP measurements sent out from our institution. Design and methods Both hCG and AFP concentrations were measured using the ADVIA Centaur® total hCG or AFP assay. Results The Centaur hCG and AFP assays, performed on CSF, had intra- and inter-assay imprecisions Conclusions The Centaur total hCG and AFP methods accurately quantify hCG and AFP in CSF.
Acute Renal Infarction Secondary to Calcific Embolus from Mitral Annular Calcification

We report a case of a 62-year-old man who presented with right groin pain who subsequently was found to have a renal infarct secondary to calcific embolus from mitral annular calcification on CT and angiography. We briefly review the literature and discuss the importance of this entity in clinical practice.
From Nose to Brain: Development of Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone ‐1 Neurones

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) is essential for mammalian reproduction, controlling release of gonadotrophins from the anterior pituitary. GnRH-1 neurones migrate from the nasal placode into the forebrain during development. Although first located within the nasal placode, the embryonic origin/lineage of GnRH-1 neurones is still unclear. The migration of GnRH-1 cells is the best characterised example of neurophilic/axophilic migration, with the cells using a subset of olfactory-derived vomeronasal axons as their pathway and numerous molecules to guide their movement into the forebrain. Exciting work in this area is beginning to identify intersecting pathways that orchestrate the movement of these critical neuroendocrine cells into the central nervous system, both spatially and temporally, through a diverse and changing terrain. Once within the forebrain, little is known about how the axons target the median eminence and ultimately secrete GnRH-1 in a pulsatile fashion.
Marine products as a source of antiviral drug leads

A survey is presented of the occurrence of organic compounds from aquatic organisms that have been reported to have antiviral activities. Studies of the chemical structures and antiviral properties of unusual metabolic products of aquatic life have demonstrated that marine organisms offer excellent prospects in the search for antiviral drugs.
The importance of brain temperature in alterations of the blood-brain barrier following cerebral Ischemia

We studied whether small variations in intraischemic brain temperature influence the response of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to transient forebrain global ischemia. Six animal subgroups included rats whose brain temperature was maintained at 30, 33, 36 or 39 degrees C during 20 minutes (min) of 4-vessel occlusion. Control rats without ischemia had brain temperature maintained between 30 and 39 degrees C for a 20 min period. After a 45 min postischemic recirculation period, rats were injected with the protein tracer, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), and perfusion fixed 5 or 15 min later. Control rats showed no leakage of the tracer protein. Postischemic rats in which brain temperature was controlled at either 30 or 33 degrees C failed to demonstrate consistent BBB alterations. In contrast, foci of cortical HRP extravasation were consistently documented in rats whose intraischemic brain temperature was 36 degrees C. Permeability alterations were more widespread in the 39 degrees C ischemic group and occurred in cortical, thalamic, hippocampal and striatal regions. The HRP extravasation frequently involved arterioles surrounded by perivascular spaces. Routes of increased permeability to HRP included endothelial pinocytosis, opening of the interendothelial tight junctions and diffuse leakage through damaged endothelial cells. These results demonstrate that brain temperature is a critical factor in determining whether BBB dysfunction is an acute consequence of a transient cerebral ischemic insult.
Expression of pluripotency-associated genes in the surviving fraction of cultured human embryonic stem cells is not significantly affected by ionizing radiation

Abstract Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are capable to give rise to all cell types in the human body during the normal course of development. Therefore, these cells hold a great promise in regenerative cell replacement based therapeutical approaches. However, some controversy exists in literature concerning the ultimate fate of hESC after exposure to genotoxic agents, in particular, regarding the effect of DNA damaging insults on pluripotency of hESC. To comprehensively address this issue, we performed an analysis of the expression of marker genes, associated with pluripotent state of hESC, such as Oct-4, Nanog, Sox-2, SSEA-4, TERT, TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 up to 65 h after exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) using flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. We show that irradiation with relatively low doses of gamma-radiation (0.2 Gy and 1 Gy) does not lead to loss of expression of the pluripotency-associated markers in the surviving hESC. While changes in the levels of expression of some of the pluripotency markers were observed at different time points after IR exposure, these alterations were not persistent, and, in most cases, the expression of the pluripotency-associated markers remained significantly higher than that observed in fully differentiated human fibroblasts, and in hESCs differentiated into definitive endodermal lineage. Our data suggest that exposure of hESC to relatively low doses of IR as a model genotoxic agent does not significantly affect pluripotency of the surviving fraction of hESC.
THE EFFECT OF PRE-ISOMERISED HOP EXTRACT ON THE PROPERTIES OF MODEL PROTEIN STABILIZED FOAMS

A commercial sample of pre-isomerised hop iso-alpha acids was found to increase the stability of foams stabilized by bovine serum albumin or β-lactoglobulin as determined by a conductimetric technique under a variety of solution conditions. Suspended thin films containing hop iso-alpha acids were found to have drainage kinetics and equilibrium thicknesses distinct from control samples. The surface diffusion coefficient of fluorescent-labelled β-lactoglobulin in films partially destabilized by the presence of the non-ionic detergent, Tween 20 was found to be significantly decreased by the presence of hop iso-alpha acids. These findings support the hypothesis that hop acids stabilize foams by crosslinking surface adsorbed proteins.
Support of large borosilicate honeycomb mirrors

This paper will describe and discuss the methods which are being developed to support the large borosilicate honeycomb mirrors from the Steward Observatory Mirror Lab which are being used in the MMT 6.5 m conversion and the Large Binocular Telescope. The technique is similar to previous work carried out for the 3.5 m Phillips Lab mirror support.
Intracerebral baclofen administration decreases amphetamine-induced behavior and neuropeptide gene expression in the striatum.

In a previous study, systemic administration of the GABAB receptor agonist, R-(+)-baclofen (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) blocked acute amphetamine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced rearing and neuropeptide (preprodynorphin (PPD), preprotachykinin (PPT), preproenkephalin (PPE), and secretogranin II (SGII)) mRNA expression in the striatum (Zhou et al, 2004). The purpose of the present study was to investigate the site(s) of action of these baclofen effects in the dorsal and ventral striatal circuitries. Infusion of baclofen (75 ng/side) into the ventral tegmental area (VTA), substantia nigra (SN), nucleus accumbens (NA), caudate-putamen (Cpu), or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) had no effect on behavioral activity in saline-treated rats habituated to a photocell apparatus. However, intra-VTA infusion of baclofen (75 ng/side) completely blocked, whereas intra-NA and intra-SN infusion of baclofen attenuated, amphetamine-induced vertical activity without affecting amphetamine-induced total distance traveled. In contrast, intramedial PFC and intra-CPu infusion of baclofen had no effect on behavioral activity in amphetamine-treated rats. Infusion of baclofen into the VTA, NA, or SN decreased amphetamine-induced neuropeptide gene expression in the striatum. These results indicate that GABAB receptor stimulation within the ventral striatal circuitry is involved in mediating acute amphetamine-induced behaviors and neuropeptide gene expression in the dorsal and ventral striatum. The present study provides information on the potential targets in the brain for baclofen in the initial behavioral and genomic response to amphetamine.
Identification of a Neuronal Cell Surface Receptor for a Growth Inhibitory Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (NG2)

The NG2 chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan inhibits neurite outgrowth from neonatal rat cerebellar granule neurons when presented to the neurons as a component of the substrate. To begin to understand the cellular mechanisms by which this inhibition occurs, we investigated the hypothesis that cerebellar granule neurons express cell surface receptors for NG2 and that these receptors are linked to cellular signaling pathways. Here, we show that the NG2 core protein binds specifically and with high affinity to cerebellar granule neurons. Using protein cross-linking techniques and immunoprecipitation, a 280-kDa membrane cell surface protein of granule neurons was identified as an NG2-binding site. Treatment of the neurons with pertussis toxin reversed the growth inhibition, suggesting a role for pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in the inhibitory response. Treatment of the neurons with pharmacological agents that increase either intracellular calcium or intracellular cyclic AMP levels partially reversed the growth inhibition induced by NG2. These results suggest that the growth-inhibitory actions of NG2 proteoglycan are due to an interaction with a specific cell surface receptor that is linked, either directly or indirectly, to intracellular second messenger systems.
Lexical mediation of phonotactic frequency effects on spoken word recognition: A Granger causality analysis of MRI-constrained MEG/EEG data

Abstract Phonotactic frequency effects play a crucial role in a number of debates over language processing and representation. It is unclear however, whether these effects reflect prelexical sensitivity to phonotactic frequency, or lexical “gang effects” in speech perception. In this paper, we use Granger causality analysis of MR-constrained MEG/EEG data to understand how phonotactic frequency influences neural processing dynamics during auditory lexical decision. Effective connectivity analysis showed weaker feedforward influence from brain regions involved in acoustic–phonetic processing (superior temporal gyrus) to lexical areas (supramarginal gyrus) for high phonotactic frequency words, but stronger top-down lexical influence for the same items. Low entropy nonwords (nonwords judged to closely resemble real words) showed a similar pattern of interactions between brain regions involved in lexical and acoustic–phonetic processing. These results contradict the predictions of a feedforward model of phonotactic frequency facilitation, but support the predictions of a lexically mediated account.
Buoyancy induced flow and heat transfer in a cylindrical annulus with multiple perturbations

Abstract The present work focuses on the effects of multiple geometric perturbations on the three-dimensional buoyancy-driven flow and heat transfer in an annular cavity with impermeable end walls. The three-dimensional (3-D) study carried out involved the fluid flow and heat transfer analysis in a horizontal annulus with multiples of geometric perturbations placed on the inner cylinder of the annulus. The flow field structure corresponding to these different perturbations is analyzed. Heat transfer results were obtained up to a Ra of 104, and the heat transfer effects were studied by analyzing the local and average Nusselt numbers. It is observed that with the introduction of multiple perturbations on the inner cylinder, the overall heat transfer rate increases substantially. For example, the average Nusselt number at a Ra of 104 for the annulus with four perturbations was found to be about 25% higher than that for the annulus with a single perturbation, which itself was about 50% higher than that for the annulus without any perturbation. It was found that the average Nusselt number could be correlated as Nu = 0.71Ra0.1(1 +0.12P), where P refers to the number of perturbations on the inner cylinder. The results show an interesting method for substantially augmenting heat transfer within an enclosed annulus.
Spatial patterns of diurnal variations in summer-season lightning activity across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemispheric Americas

Hourly lightning data were obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission dataset collected through the Lightning Imaging Sensor instrument from 1998 to 2011 to analyze the diurnal pattern of lightning activity in the tropical and subtropical northern hemispheric Americas. The majority of the lightning strikes occurred over land, with relatively lower strike rates over the oceanic areas. The results of our studies showed substantial spatial variations in the time of maximum and strength of the diurnal cycle in the study area. A clockwise progression in the time of maximum was observed across most of the study area, particularly over North America where an east–west orientation was observed. The findings of our study were mainly a result of the interaction between local topography such as the Andes and Rocky mountains, and surface level atmospheric circulations. The strength of the observed diurnal cycle was greatest in the Gulf of Mexico region.
Microdevice to capture colon crypts for in vitro studies.

There is a need in biological research for tools designed to manipulate the environment surrounding microscopic regions of tissue. In the current work, a device for the oriented capture of an important and under-studied tissue, the colon crypt, has been designed and tested. The objective of this work is to create a BioMEMs device for biological assays of living colonic crypts. The end goal will be to subject the polarized tissue to user-controlled fluidic microenvironments in a manner that recapitulates the in vivo state. Crypt surrogates, polymeric structures of similar dimensions and shape to isolated colon crypts, were used in the initial design and testing of the device. Successful capture of crypt surrogates was accomplished on a simple device composed of an array of micron-scale capture sites that enabled individual structures to be captured with high efficiency (92 ± 3%) in an ordered and properly oriented fashion. The device was then evaluated using colon crypts isolated from a murine animal model. The capture efficiency attained using the fixed biologic sample was 37 ± 5% due to the increased variability of the colon crypts compared with the surrogate structures, yet 94 ± 3% of the captured crypts were properly oriented. A simple approach to plug the remaining capture sites in the array was performed using inert glass beads. Blockage of unfilled capture sites is an important feature to establish a chemical gradient across the arrayed crypts. A chemical concentration gradient (Cluminal/Cbasal > 10) was demonstrated across the arrayed crypts for over 8 h. Finally unfixed colon crypts were demonstrated to be effectively captured by the micromesh array and to remain viable on the capture sites at 5 h after mouse sacrifice. The present study demonstrates the feasibility and potential for rationally microengineered technologies to address the specific needs of the biologic researcher.
RESONANT INTRACAVITY PHASE CONJUGATION IN TWO AND THREE-LEVEL SYSTEMS

A general theory of intracavity phase conjugation, applicable to any resonance situation, is developed. It is applied to discuss the cases of two-level and A-type three-level systems. The phase-conjugate reflectivity exhibits bistability and hysteresis in both cases.
A Method for Separating Coronal Mass Ejections from the Quiescent Corona

A method for separating coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the quiescent corona in white-light coronagraph images is presented. Such a separation allows the study of CME structure, as well as enabling a study of the quiescent coronal structure, without contamination by the CME. The fact that the large-scale quiescent corona is very close to radial, whilst CMEs are highly non-radial, enables the separation of the two components. The method is applied to Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph/Solar and Heliospheric Observatory C2 and C3 observations, and is successful in revealing CME signal, faint CMEs and blobs, and dark rarefactions within a CME. The success of the separation is tested at solar minimum, a time when streamers are in general most non-radial. The technique is also compared to other commonly used methods. The separation method enables (1) the study of extremely faint CME structure, down to almost the noise level of the coronagraphs, (2) paves the way for automated categorization of CME internal structure, and (3) provides a cleaner basis for tomography of the quiescent corona, without contamination from CMEs.
What Do Young Adults Expect When They Go Online? Lessons for Development of an STD/HIV and Pregnancy Prevention Website

We used participatory research to develop a theoretically based online STD/HIV and pregnancy prevention intervention that would be entertaining and captivating for 15---25 year olds while delivering key messages about condom use. We conducted six focus groups with 15---25 year olds attending reproductive health clinics and completed a content analysis with focus group data. Youth had expectations that websites contain features such as graphics and flash technology. They would participate in research online if their confidentiality was assured and if they could receive an instant incentive. Limited access to high-end bandwidth capability requires use of compressed graphics and music to reach diverse audiences. Youth suggested approaches to frame role-model delivered messages about HIV/STD and pregnancy risk, condom attitudes, norms and self-efficacy for negotiation. These data allowed for development of a dynamic, interactive and relatively low bandwidth site that retains fidelity to key theoretical constructs in STD/HIV and pregnancy prevention.
Inpainting by Joint Optimization of Linear Combinations of Exemplars

Exemplar-based methods, in which actual image blocks are used to fill in missing content, have achieved state of the art performance in image inpainting. The majority of these adopt a progressive approach, filling in the missing region inwards from the boundary. The final result is highly dependent on fill order, and while significant progress has been made on the choice of this order, the greedy nature of such a process leads to artifacts in some cases. The alternative exemplar-based approach proposed here is defined via joint optimization of a single functional, simultaneously assigning an estimated value to the entire inpainting region. The results are found to be highly competitive with other recent inpainting methods.
Chitosan supplementation and fecal fat excretion in men.

Objective Few weight loss supplements are clinically tested for efficacy, yet their proliferation continues. Chitosan-based supplements are sold as fat trappers and fat magnets. They purportedly block fat absorption and cause weight loss without food restriction. We quantified the in vivo effect of a chitosan product on fat absorption. Research methods and procedures Participants (n = 15) consumed five meals per day for 12 days. Energy intake was not restricted. Participants consumed no supplements during a 4-day control period and two capsules five times per day (4.5 g chitosan/d), 30 minutes before each meal, during a 4-day supplement period. All feces were collected from days 2 to 12. Oral charcoal markers permitted division of the feces into two periods. The two fecal pools were analyzed for fat content. Results Participants were male, 26.3 +/- 5.9 years old, BMI of 25.6 +/- 2.3 kg/m(2). Subjects consumed 133 +/- 23 g of fat/d and 12.91 +/- 1.79 MJ/d (3084 +/- 427 kcal/d). Individual meals averaged 26.3 +/- 9.3 g of fat. With chitosan supplementation at 10 capsules/day, fecal fat excretion increased by 1.1 +/- 1.8 g/d (p = 0.02), from 6.1 +/- 1.2 to 7.2 +/- 1.8 g/d. Discussion The effect of chitosan on fat absorption is clinically negligible. Far from being a fat trapper, at 0.11 +/- 0.18 g of fat trapped per 0.45-g capsule or 1.1 g (9.9 kcal) fat trapped per day, this product would have no significant effect on energy balance. The fat trapping claims associated with chitosan are unsubstantiated.
Screening for Recurrences in Patients Treated with Breast-Conserving Surgery: Is there a Role for MRI?

Although it has been shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than mammography in the detection of breast cancer in high-risk populations, there is little data on the use of MRI as a screening tool to detect recurrence after breast-conserving surgery. Our objective was to determine the potential role of MRI in the screening of breast cancer patients treated with breast-conserving surgery. Retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing margin-negative lumpectomy and adjuvant radiation therapy for infiltrating breast carcinoma between 1st January 1993 and 1st January 2004. Patients were followed for recurrence in the ipsilateral or contralateral breast by physical exam and mammography. Four hundred and seventy-six primary tumor excisions were performed. Patients were followed for a median of 5.4 years. Ipsilateral breast recurrences developed in eight patients (1.7%) with a mean diameter of 1.6 cm. All of these women are alive and free of metastases. Contralateral cancers developed in 11 patients (2.3%) with a mean diameter of 1.5 cm. Ten of these 11 women are alive and free of disease. In a contemporary patient population the risk of local recurrence after lumpectomy and radiation therapy is very low. If screening MRI had been a part of annual follow-up, a total of 2570 MRIs would have been performed. Given the small tumor size at detection and the excellent survival of those who recurred, annual screening MRI would have incurred significant cost and would have been unlikely to improve overall survival.
COLLUSION FACILITATING AND COLLUSION BREAKING POWER OF SIMULTANEOUS ASCENDING AND DESCENDING PRICE AUCTIONS

This article demonstrates that a robust, tacit collusion evolves quickly in a “collusion incubator” environment, but is destroyed by the simultaneous, descending price auction. Theories of collusion-producing behavior, along with the detail of the states on which strategies are conditioned, lead to a deeper understanding of how tacit collusion evolves and its necessary conditions. These theories explain how the descending price auction destroys the collusion. The experiments proceed by conducting simultaneous ascending price auctions in the collusion incubator. Then, once the tacit collusion developed, changing to the descending auction. The change moved prices from collusive levels to near competitive levels.
Left-sided breast cancer irradiation using rotational and fixed-field radiotherapy

The 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) technique is the standard for breast cancer radiotherapy. During treatment planning, not only the coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) but also the minimization of the dose to critical structures, such as the lung, heart, and contralateral breast tissue, need to be considered. Because of the complexity and variations of patient anatomy, more advanced radiotherapy techniques are sometimes desired to better meet the planning goals. In this study, we evaluated external-beam radiation treatment techniques for left breast cancer using various delivery platforms: fixed-field including TomoDirect (TD), static intensity-modulated radiotherapy (sIMRT), and rotational radiotherapy including Elekta volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and tomotherapy helical (TH). A total of 10 patients with left-sided breast cancer who did or did not have positive lymph nodes and were previously treated with 3DCRT/sIMRT to the entire breast were selected, their treatment was planned with Monaco VMAT, TD, and TH. Dosimetric parameters including PTV coverage, organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing, dose-volume histograms, and target minimum/maximum/mean doses were evaluated. It is found that for plans providing comparable PTV coverage, the Elekta VMAT plans were generally more inhomogeneous than the TH and TD plans. For the cases with regional node involvement, the average mean doses administered to the heart were 9.2 (± 5.2) and 8.8 (± 3.0)Gy in the VMAT and TH plans compared with 11.9 (± 6.4) and 11.8 (± 9.2)Gy for the 3DCRT and TD plans, respectively, with slightly higher doses given to the contralateral lung or breast or both. On average, the total monitor units for VMAT plans are 11.6% of those TH plans. Our studies have shown that VMAT and TH plans offer certain dosimetric advantages over fixed-field IMRT plans for advanced breast cancer requiring regional nodal treatment. However, for early-stage breast cancer fixed-field radiotherapy is potentially more beneficial in terms of OAR sparing.
Locating Ecofeminism in Encounters with Food and Place

This article explores the relationship between ecofeminism, food, and the philosophy of place. Using as example my own neighborhood in a racially integrated area of Philadelphia with a thriving local foods movement that nonetheless is nearly exclusively white and in which women are the invisible majority of purchasers, farmers, and preparers, the article examines what ecofeminism contributes to the discussion of racial, gendered, classed discrepancies regarding who does and does not participate in practices of locavorism and the local foods movement more broadly. Ecofeminism, it is argued here, with its focus on the ways that race, class, gender, and place are ontologically entangled, helps to highlight the ways identity and society are made and re-made through our encounters with food.
Complete proton and carbon-13 resonance assignments of the cyclodecapeptide of elastin by combined use of multiple and selective proton-decoupled 13C and 1H spectra

Abstract Multiple and selective 1 H irradiation techniques were used to assign all the peptide 1 H and 13 C resonances to their respective residues for the cyclodecapeptide, cyclo-( l ·Val 1 - l ·Pro 2 -Gly 3 - l ·Val 4 -Gly 5 ) 2 , analog of the polypentapeptide of elastin. As the structure of interest has twofold symmetry on the NMR time scale, the primary problems are to delineate the resonances of Val, from Val, and those of Gly 3 from Gly 5 and to assign the five peptide C O resonances. Irradiation of the Pro 2 α CH while observing the carbonyl carbon spectrum allows identification of the pro 2 C O resonance, which is selectively intensified. The Gly NH which on selective irradiation also causes the Pro 2 C O to become selectively intensified is the Gly 3 N H . The GIy 3 N H can be irradiated to identify the Gly 3 αC H 2 protons in the PMR spectrum, etc. With this combined use of selective proton irradiation of a peptide N H and an αC H proton while observing the CMR spectrum and with the usual proton homonuclear decoupling, it becomes possible to assign all of the resonances. This approach obviates the expensive and time-consuming process of achieving difficult assignments by synthetic isotopic enrichments.
Statins and Diabetes: The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown

The ability for statins to reduce major cardiovascular events and mortality has lead to this drug class being the most commonly prescribed in the world. In particular, the benefit of these drugs in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is well established. In February 2012, the Food and Drug Administration released changes to statin safety label to include that statins have been associated with increases in hemoglobin A1C and fasting serum glucose levels. This has stirred much debate in the medical community. Estimate for new onset diabetes from statin treatment is approximately one in 255 patients over four years. The number needed to treat for statin benefit is estimated at one in 40 depending on the population. The mechanism of this link remains unknown. Statins may accelerate progression to diabetes via molecular mechanisms that impact insulin resistance and cellular metabolism of carbohydrates. It remains clear that the benefit of statin therapy outweighs the risk of developing diabetes.
A study of factors involved in induction of the acrosomal reaction in sperm of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata.

Abstract Several factors involved in induction of the acrosomal reaction in sperm of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata, have been investigated quantitatively using a simple substrate film technique to monitor extension of the acrosomal process by electron microscopy. Verification of typical acrosomal process formation has been accomplished using thin sections. Sperm were found to undergo the acrosomal reaction in artificial sea water in the absence of egg jelly coat at pH values above 9.6. In the presence of egg jelly a high percentage of sperm react at pH 8.6. At this pH, the fraction of sperm that undergo the acrosomal reaction is directly proportional to the concentration of egg jelly. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 induces the acrosomal reaction in the absence of egg jelly at pH 8.6. The proportion of sperm that react is dependent on the concentration of ionophore and on the concentration of Ca2+ in the medium. Pretreatment of sperm with low levels of La3+ ion, which is known to be a Ca2+ ion antagonist, results in inhibition of egg jelly induction of the acrosomal reaction. These findings suggest that there are marked similarities between the acrosomal reaction in sea urchin sperm and membrane fusion dependent secretory processes in other cell types.
Sign on the Dotted Line: The Informed Consent Process (ICP) as Induced Compliance

We investigated the social implications of signing an informed consent form (ICF) on participant behavior. ICF research fails to consider that the decision to participate in research is a process that occurs in a social and cultural context. Understanding the meaning of giving consent in this social context is critical. In separate experiments, we found significantly greater agreement to return to complete a study and persistence at a task in participants who signed the ICF versus those who did not. Signing the ICF may be putting participants at risk of induced compliance with study protocols, rather than empowering them to withhold consent or withdraw. Future research should investigate the psychosocial factors affecting participants' decision making in the informed consent process.
Modeling of the LIFE minichamber Xe theta pinch experiment

The LIFE minichamber experiment will investigate cooling of the strongly radiating Xe buffer gas protecting the LIFE chamber wall. A theta pinch will inductively heat a few cc of Xe at ion density 2e16/cc to several eV. Thomson scattering will be used to determine electron temperature and ionization state. Modeled is being done using the magnetohydrodynamic code HYDRA with an external circuit model and inductive feedback from the plasma to the external circuit. Coil stresses are being assessed using the 3D MHD code ALE3D. A major challenge to the design is the paucity of opacity and conductivity data for Xe in the buffer gas regime. Results of the modeling will be presented. *This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
Electrochemical properties of complexes of iodine with triphenyl-amine, -phosphine, -arsine and stibine

Abstract The iodine complexes of triphenylamine, triphenylphosphine, triphenylarsine and triphenylstibine were prepared in the solid state. The complexes are stable over wide ranges of iodine concentration. Triphenylstibine forms a liquid complex. Free energies of complex formation were determined using solid electrochemical cells with an AgI electrolyte. The thermodynamic data and results of electrical conductivity measurements are discussed.
Specific, reversible binding of [18F]benperidol to baboon D2 receptors: PET evaluation of an improved 18F-labeled ligand

Abstract [ 18 F]Benperidol ([ 18 F]BP), a positron-emitting analogue of the dopaminergic D 2 antagonist benperidol, was evaluated as a radiopharmaceutical for use with positron emission tomography (PET). PET imaging of baboons after i.v. injection of [ 18 F]BP indicated that the radiofluorinated ligand rapidly localized in vivo within dopaminergic receptor-rich cerebral tissues, and that selective disposition was retained for over 2 h. Pretreatment of an animal with unlabeled receptor-specific antagonists prior to injection of [ 18 F]BP confirmed that the radioligand bound specifically to central D 2 receptors in vivo , and not to S 2 or D 1 receptors. [ 18 F]BP bound to D 2 receptors in a reversible manner, unlabeled eticlopride displaced D 2 receptor-bound [ 18 F]BP in vivo . The radioligand was metabolized in the periphery to polar metabolites which are not expected to cross the blood-brain barrier. [ 18 F]BP has advantages over other tracers as a radiopharmaceutical for PET study of central D 2 receptor activity, and can be applied for noninvasive evaluation of the interaction of unlabeled drugs with central D 2 receptor sites.
Approximating nash equilibria using small-support strategies

We study the problem of finding approximate Nash equilibria of two player games. We show that for any 01 + e - approximate equilibrium with strategies of support O(log ne2).
Homoleptic tris(methoxydimethylsilyl)silanides of the alkaline earth metals: first zwitterionic silanides with two naked silyl anions

The first zwitterionic alkaline earth metal silanides featuring two naked silyl anions were synthesized and a combined structural and computational study on these zwitterions revealed a correlation between the energy of the HOMO and the degree of negative charge of the naked silyl anions.
RALPH static planner: CAD‐based manipulator assembly task planning for CSG‐modeled objects

This article describes a manipulator assembly task planner that processes the knowledge of the working environment and generates a sequence of general, manipulator independent commands. the planner takes a very high level command, such as “insert PEG into HOLE” without further specifications, reasons about the involved object features using the information from the CAD system, and generates a process plan for the manipulator to automatically perform the task. In this planner, the grasp planning and the path planning are developed and implemented for a static world.
Type IX Collagen Gene Expression During Limb Cartilage Differentiation

Changes in the steady-state levels of mRNAs for the alpha 1(IX) and alpha 2(IX) polypeptide chains of cartilage-characteristic type IX collagen were examined during the course of chick limb chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Cytoplasmic type IX collagen mRNAs begin to accumulate at the onset of overt chondrogenesis in high density micromass culture coincident with the crucial condensation phase of the process, in which prechondrogenic mesenchymal cells become closely juxtaposed prior to depositing a cartilage matrix. The initiation of type IX collagen mRNA accumulation at condensation coincides with the initiation of accumulation of cartilage proteoglycan core protein mRNA and with a striking increase in type II collagen mRNA accumulation. Following condensation in vitro, there is a concomitant progressive increase in cytoplasmic type IX collagen, core protein, and type II collagen mRNA levels which parallels the progressive accumulation of cartilage matrix. Type IX collagen mRNAs also begin to accumulate at the initiation of overt chondrogenesis in vivo in the chondrogenic central core of the developing limb bud. In contrast, little, or no type IX collagen mRNAs are detectable in the nonchondrogenic peripheral regions of the developing limb bud.
Heme catabolism in fish. Bile pigments in gallbladder bile of the electric torpedo, Torpedo californicus☆

Abstract 1. 1. Gallbladder bile of eight torpedo fish ( Torpedo californicus ) was analysed by direct and indirect (diazo) methods. 2. 2. The predominant pigment present was unconjugated biliverdin (0.04–0.3 mM). 3. 3. Trace quantities of unidentified green pigments and diazopositive material, possibly including bilirubin monoglucuronides, also were present, but bilirubin and bilirubin diglucuronide were undetectable. 4. 4. Reliance on diazo methods alone for analysis of bile pigments in natural products may lead to interpretive errors.
Penetration characteristics of cefamandole into the right atrial appendage and pericardial fluid in patients undergoing open-heart surgery.

Abstract In 24 patients undergoing open-heart operation, 2 gm of cefamandole was administered intravenously by bolus technique at various time intervals prior to operation. Samples of pericardial fluid, atrial appendage tissue, and serum were obtained simultaneously in order to compare antibiotic levels in these sites as a function of time. All samples were microbiologically assayed by disc diffusion. Using linear regression analysis, the atrial appendage and serum half-lives for cefamandole were 36 and 38 minutes, respectively. At 40 minutes, peak levels of cefamandole were observed both in pericardial fluid and in atrial appendage tissue. The peak concentrations of cefamandole were 50 μg/gm in atrial appendage and 25 μg/ml for free drug content in pericardial fluid. These amounts were appreciably above the mean minimum inhibitory concentration of cefamandole for penicillin-resistant staphylococci, the usual pathogens grown in infections following implant operation.