cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"A novel in vivo model for the study of human breast cancer metastasis using primary breast tumor-initiating cells from patient biopsies"

The study of breast cancer metastasis depends on the use of established breast cancer cell lines that do not accurately represent the heterogeneity and complexity of human breast tumors. A tumor model was developed using primary breast tumor-initiating cells isolated from patient core biopsies that would more accurately reflect human breast cancer metastasis. Tumorspheres were isolated under serum-free culture conditions from core biopsies collected from five patients with clinical diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Isolated tumorspheres were transplanted into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice to establish tumorigenicity in vivo. Tumors and metastatic lesions were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H+E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Tumorspheres were successfully isolated from all patient core biopsies, independent of the estrogen receptor α (ERα)/progesterone receptor (PR)/Her2/neu status or tumor grade. Each tumorsphere was estimated to contain 50-100 cells. Transplantation of 50 tumorspheres (1-5 × 103 cells) in combination with Matrigel into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice resulted in small, palpable tumors that were sustained up to 12 months post-injection. Tumors were serially transplanted three times by re-isolation of tumorspheres from the tumors and injection into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice. At 3 months post-injection, micrometastases to the lung, liver, kidneys, brain and femur were detected by measuring content of human chromosome 17. Visible macrometastases were detected in the lung, liver and kidneys by 6 months post-injection. Primary tumors variably expressed cytokeratins, Her2/neu, cytoplasmic E-cadherin, nuclear β catenin and fibronectin but were negative for ERα and vimentin. In lung and liver metastases, variable redistribution of E-cadherin and β catenin to the membrane of tumor cells was observed. ERα was re-expressed in lung metastatic cells in two of five samples. Tumorspheres isolated under defined culture conditions from patient core biopsies were tumorigenic when transplanted into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice, and metastasized to multiple mouse organs. Micrometastases in mouse organs demonstrated a dormancy period prior to outgrowth of macrometastases. The development of macrometastases with organ-specific phenotypic distinctions provides a superior model for the investigation of organ-specific effects on metastatic cancer cell survival and growth.
Termination Analysis by Program Inversion

Automatic methods for discovering program runtime and proving program termination have always been a challenging problem in computer science. We present here a novel and systematic approach for calculating an upper bound of the maximum runtime of functions for a non-trivial class of programs. The proof is based on an induction over a tree of execution traces - a new mathematical data structure. As a consequence, this can also show termination for these functions. The approach uses symbolic-numeric algorithms over a novel mathematical data structure, and can systematically find the maximum runtime for a wide class of functions.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia With t(3;21)(q26.2;q22) Is Commonly a Therapy-Related Disease Associated With Poor Outcome

The t(3;21)(q26.2;q22) translocation is rare in cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We studied 17 patients with MDS/AML associated with t(3;21) and compared them with 17 patients with MDS associated with inv(3) (q21q26.2)/t(3;3)(q21;q26.2), because these entities share 3q26 locus abnormalities. The t(3;21) group included 9 men and 8 women, with a median age of 62 years (range, 13-81 years). One case was de novo AML and 16 cases were therapy-related, including 12 MDS (blasts, <15%) and 4 AML (blasts, 33%-50%). All patients had multilineage dysplasia, whereas none had thrombocytosis. Additional cytogenetic aberrations were identified in 12 cases, including -7/7q (n = 9) and a complex karyotype (n = 7). All patients died, with 1- and 2-year survival rates of 35% and 6%, respectively. Although multilineage dysplasia and frequent association with -7/7q were similar in both groups, MDS/AML cases associated with t(3;21) have a higher frequency of therapy-related disease and shorter survival times, suggesting that they are distinct from MDS/AML cases associated with inv(3)/t(3;3).
A predictive model (ETLM) for As(III) adsorption and surface speciation on oxides consistent with spectroscopic data

Abstract Arsenic(III) adsorption reactions are thought to play a critical role in the mobility of arsenic in the environment. It is the nature of the As(III) surface species that must be known on a wide variety of minerals and over a range of pH, ionic strength and surface coverage in order to be able to predict adsorption behavior. EXAFS and XANES spectroscopic studies have identified bidentate, binuclear inner-sphere surface species and/or an outer-sphere species, but only a few oxides have been examined. These results need to be integrated with a predictive surface complexation model in order to ascertain the environmental conditions under which the different surface species may be important on a wide range of solids. In the present study, the surface species information from XAFS and XANES studies has been built into a recent extension of the triple-layer model (ETLM) for the formation of inner-sphere complexes of anions that takes into account the electrostatics of water dipole desorption during ligand exchange reactions. The ETLM has been applied to regress surface titration, proton coadsorption, and As(III) adsorption data over extensive ranges of pH, ionic strength, electrolyte type and surface coverage for magnetite, goethite, gibbsite, amorphous hydrous alumina, hydrous ferric oxide (HFO), ferrihydrite, and amorphous iron oxide. Two principal reactions forming inner- and outer-sphere As(III) surface species, 2 > SOH + As(OH) 3 0 = ( > SO ) 2 As(OH) 0 + 2 H 2 O and > SOH + As(OH) 3 0 = > SOH 2 + _ AsO(OH) 2 - , respectively, were found to be consistent with most of the data. The proportions of these species vary systematically. Under some circumstances, on ferrihydrite, am.FeO, and HFO an additional inner-sphere deprotonated, bidentate, binuclear species and an additional outer-sphere species represented by 2 > SOH + As(OH) 3 0 = ( > SO ) 2 AsO - + H + + 2 H 2 O and 2 > SOH + H + + As(OH) 3 0 = ( > SOH 2 + ) 2 _ AsO(OH) 2 - , respectively, were needed. Expressing the equilibrium constants with respect to internally consistent site-occupancy standard states for As(III) adsorption on different solids permits systematic differences to be examined and explained with Born solvation theory. As a result, a set of predictive equations for As(III) adsorption equilibrium constants on all oxides, including both amorphous and poorly crystalline oxides, enables prediction of the surface speciation of As(III) over wide ranges of pH, ionic strength, electrolyte type and surface coverage.
Seasonal patterns of microhabitat selection by a sub-tropical whip spider, Phrynus longipes, in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico

Abstract Phrynus longipes (Pocock 1894) is a top predator among arboreal invertebrates in the Luquillo Mountains of Puerto Rico, but many aspects of its ecology remain poorly understood. We sampled four of the most abundant tree species in the Luquillo Mountains during the dry and wet seasons of 2008 to evaluate microhabitat preferences of this species. In the dry season, P. longipes occurred significantly less frequently on a palm, Prestoea acuminata var. montana (Arecaceae), than the other tree species. Carapace length and the diameter of the tree on which an individual was found were positively correlated, suggesting competition for substrates. Microhabitat selection shifted in the wet season. Individuals occurred as frequently on P. acuminata as on any other species. The seasonal shift in substrate use could result from altered distribution or abundance of prey, an ontogenetic shift in substrate preference or greater competition arising from an increased abundance of P. longipes.
A Guide to Thinking about Emergence

A basic survey of the issues that arise in discussing emergence is presented, together with suggestions on how the concept should be approached. Emergence is an alternative to reductionism. The emergence story invites us to see that nothing transcends nature like nature itself; it is a radically new way to think about the natural order, and it reshapes our ideas of matter. Special attention is given to the idea of meaning in life. Three options are discussed for thinking about the meaning of life: that it is fundamental to the nature of things, that it is an illusion, and that it is an emergent property of matter. The third option is favored-that the universe has no telos, and yet makes possible the spontaneous emergence of purpose. Caution is advised against exploiting the idea of emergence. The most important task is to understand the science of emergence and only then to move into interpretations from the humanities and theology.
Female Sexual Arousal and the Menstrual Cycle

Abstract Self-reports of sexual arousal were significantly affected by conditions under which they were elicited. Such self-reports in women not taking oral contraceptives were congruent with a hormonal basis for such arousal only when the women were “unaware” that the study investigated sexual arousal as a function of the menstrual cycle. The “unaware” condition was operationalized by means of daily self-reports elicited from males and females for 11 weeks under the guise of a study of biological rhythms. A composite of one to three menstrual cycles for 26 women not taking oral contraceptives showed that sexual arousal during the luteal phase, when progesterone is relatively high, was significantly lower compared to peaks around ovulation, and premenstrual and late menstrual days (p<.02). For the “aware” condition, women were asked to remember moods for the premenstrual, menstruating and luteal phases of the very last cycle on which they had just finished giving “unaware” daily self-reports. A 2 × 3 anal...
Serum triglycerides and risk for death in Stage 3 and Stage 4 chronic kidney disease

Background. An elevated triglyceride level is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population. The associations between serum triglyceride and all-cause mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unclear. Methods. Patients with Stage 3 and Stage 4 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 15–59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) who had serum triglycerides measured prior to being classified as CKD were included. We examined the associations of serum triglyceride levels with all-cause mortality among 25 641 Stage 3 and Stage 4 CKD patients using Cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results. In the Cox model, after adjusting for relevant covariates including other lipid parameters, serum triglyceride level 150–199 mg/dL was not associated with death [hazard ratio (HR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.92–1.10] relative to serum triglyceride <150 mg/dL while serum triglyceride � 200 mg/dL was associated with a 11% increased hazard for death (95% CI 1.01–1.22). Age modified the association between serum triglyceride levels � 200 mg/dL and mortality with patients <65 years having a 38% higher hazard for death (95% CI 1.15–1.65) and � 65 years with no increased risk for death (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.08, P for interaction <0.001). When serum triglycerides were examined as a continuous log-transformed variable, similar associations with mortality were noted. Conclusions. Serum triglyceride � 200 mg/dL was independently associated with all-cause mortality in Stage 3 and Stage 4 CKD patients aged <65 years but not among patients of age � 65 years. Future studies should confirm these findings and examine the mechanisms that may explain these associations.
Toward automatic parallelization of spatial computation for computing clusters

High performance parallel computing infrastructures, such as computing clusters, have recently become freely available for scientific researchers to solve problems of unprecedented scale through data parallelization. However scientists are not necessarily skilled in writing efficient parallel code, especially when dealing with spatial datasets. Two important performance issues involved are the heavy I/O costs and the communication overhead. To address this issue, we are developing an scheme that helps scientists realize I/O friendly and scalable data parallelization for spatial computation.Built upon our iteration aware spatial prefetching and caching techniques, this data parallelization scheme takes an explicit specification of data dependency, identifies the best feasible access patterns while applying some I/O efficiency rules and then wraps them in separate spatial data iterators for efficient cache loading and data partitioning respectively. This scheme prioritizes but reconciles the I/O costs in the different stages of a data intensive cluster application to achieve the overall best I/O performance while maintaining fair computational scalability.
Evaluation of dosing and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing conversion of insulin glargine to insulin detemir.

Study Objectives To evaluate the dose and frequency of insulin detemir for patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing conversion from insulin glargine to insulin detemir, and to assess glycemic control, weight gain, and risk of hypoglycemia after converting to insulin detemir. Design Retrospective medical record review. Setting Large academic medical center. Patients Thirty-one patients with type 1 (10 patients) or type 2 (21 patients) diabetes who were converted from insulin glargine to insulin detemir by usual practice between January 1, 2006, and March 3, 2007, after an Iowa Medicaid formulary switch. Measurement and Main Results Data were collected for 12 months after conversion from insulin glargine to insulin detemir. No significant change in mean basal insulin dose was noted in patients with type 1 diabetes at the end of 12 months (insulin detemir 31.1 units/day vs baseline insulin glargine 32.0 units/day, p=0.89; insulin detemir 0.41 unit/kg/day vs baseline insulin glargine 0.42 unit/kg/day, p=0.91). In patients with type 2 diabetes, however, the mean basal insulin dose was significantly higher with insulin detemir compared with baseline insulin glargine (74.2 vs 55.8 units/day, p=0.002; 0.68 vs 0.48 unit/kg/day, p=0.001) at the end of 12 months. Twice-daily administration was required in a higher proportion of patients receiving insulin detemir (15 patients [48%]) at 12 months compared with insulin glargine (4 patients [13%]) at baseline (p=0.043). A significant change in hemoglobin A1c was not observed in patients with type 1 diabetes (9.7% with insulin detemir vs 9.3% with insulin glargine, p=0.41) or type 2 diabetes (9.4% with insulin detemir vs 9.7% with insulin glargine at baseline, p=0.57) despite the use of higher insulin detemir doses in patients with type 2 diabetes. No significant differences in weight or frequency of hypoglycemia were noted. Conclusion Treatment with insulin detemir appears to require more frequent administration and higher insulin doses compared with insulin glargine in patients with type 2 diabetes, with 33% higher doses, on average, observed in this study. These findings suggest that a unit-for-unit conversion from insulin glargine to insulin detemir, as suggested by the manufacturer of insulin detemir, may not be adequate in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Effects of Anandamide in Anesthetized and Conscious Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats

We previously showed that in anesthetized rats anandamide elicits bradycardia and a triphasic blood pressure response: transient hypotension secondary to a vagally mediated bradycardia, followed by a brief pressor and prolonged depressor response, the latter two effects being similar to those of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The prolonged depressor but not the pressor response was reduced after alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade or cervical spinal cord transection and was inhibited by the cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor antagonist SR141716A, suggesting CB1 receptor-mediated sympathoinhibition as the underlying mechanism. Here we examined the relationship between sympathetic tone and the cardiovascular effects of anandamide by testing these effects in both conscious and anesthetized, normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats. In urethane-anesthetized normotensive rats, SR141716A inhibited the prolonged depressor and bradycardic effects of anandamide and THC with similar potency, whereas it did not affect the pressor response to either agent. Anadamide caused similar hypotension in spontaneously breathing and in paralyzed, mechanically ventilated rats, suggesting that the hypotension is not secondary to respiratory effects. In conscious normotensive rats, anandamide elicited transient vagal activation and a brief pressor response, but the prolonged hypotensive component was absent. SR141716A potentiated and prolonged the brief pressor response to anandamide, suggesting that the depressor response may have been masked by an increased pressor response. All three phases of the anadamide response were present in both anesthetized and conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats, and the hypotensive component, inhibited by SR141716A in both, was more prolonged in the absence (> 50 minutes) than the presence (10 to 15 minutes) of anesthesia. We conclude that anandamide causes a non-CB1 receptor-mediated pressor and a CB1 receptor-mediated prolonged depressor response. The depressor response can be elicited in both conscious and anesthetized animals, but its magnitude depends on preexisting sympathetic tone.
THE NEOGENE MARINE BIOTA OF TROPICAL AMERICA (''NMITA'') DATABASE: ACCOUNTING FOR BIODIVERSITY IN PALEONTOLOGY

Abstract The reliability of any survey of biodiversity through geologic time depends on the rigor and consistency by which taxa are recognized and samples are identified. The main goal of the Neogene Marine Biota of Tropical America (‘NMITA’) project is to create an online biotic database (http://nmita.geology.uiowa.edu) containing images and synoptic taxonomic information that are essential to collecting and disseminating high-quality taxic data. The database consists of an inventory of taxa collected as part of several large multi-taxa fossil sampling programs designed to assess marine biodiversity in tropical America over the past 25 m.y. In the first phase of the project, data for ∼1,300 taxa and ∼3,800 images are currently being entered into a relational database management system on an IBM RS6000 at the University of Iowa. Eleven taxonomic groups are represented: bivalves, gastropods (muricids, marginellids, strombinids), bryozoans (cheilostome, cyclostome), corals (azooxanthellate, zooxanthellate),...
Chronic DNA Replication Stress Reduces Replicative Lifespan of Cells by TRP53-Dependent, microRNA-Assisted MCM2-7 Downregulation

Circumstances that compromise efficient DNA replication, such as disruptions to replication fork progression, cause a state known as DNA replication stress (RS). Whereas normally proliferating cells experience low levels of RS, excessive RS from intrinsic or extrinsic sources can trigger cell cycle arrest and senescence. Here, we report that a key driver of RS-induced senescence is active downregulation of the Minichromosome Maintenance 2–7 (MCM2-7) factors that are essential for replication origin licensing and which constitute the replicative helicase core. Proliferating cells produce high levels of MCM2-7 that enable formation of dormant origins that can be activated in response to acute, experimentally-induced RS. However, little is known about how physiological RS levels impact MCM2-7 regulation. We found that chronic exposure of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to either genetically-encoded or environmentally-induced RS triggered gradual MCM2-7 repression, followed by inhibition of replication and senescence that could be accelerated by MCM hemizygosity. The MCM2-7 reduction in response to RS is TRP53-dependent, and involves a group of Trp53-dependent miRNAs, including the miR-34 family, that repress MCM expression in replication-stressed cells before they undergo terminal cell cycle arrest. miR-34 ablation partially rescued MCM2-7 downregulation and genomic instability in mice with endogenous RS. Together, these data demonstrate that active MCM2-7 repression is a physiologically important mechanism for RS-induced cell cycle arrest and genome maintenance on an organismal level.
Ultrastructural development of the human decidua

The ultrastructure of the human decidua in all three trimesters of normal pregnancy, in the tube in a case of ectopic pregnancy, and in hydatidiform mole is described. By Day 25 of the menstrual cycle, most of the ultrastructural characteristics associated with pregnancy have begun to appear. The morphologic manifestations of cellular activity in the true decidua are maximal by Day 70 of pregnancy. By Day 100, ultrastructural evidence of metabolic activity begins to decline. During the first 100 days of pregnancy, the ultrastructure of the stroma in the decidua capsularis is virtually identical with that in the decidua parietalis. Later in pregnancy, a material very similar to both basal lamina (basement membrane) and fibrinoid appears to be elaborated by the stromal cells. The decidual reaction in early tubal pregnancy is ultrastructurally indistinguishable from that in uterine pregnancy. The endometrial epithelial responses in normal uterine and tubal pregnancies also are similar. The reaction (Arias-Stella) appears to reflect hyperstimulation rather than degeneration and is further exaggerated in cases of hydatidiform mole. Previously undescribed ultrastructural features of the endometrial epithelium in the presence of a mole include intramitochondrial crystals and oval electron-rare intranuclear bodies with a fine fibrillar structure. Similar juxtanucleolar bodies are found in association with certain viral diseases.
Vulcanization and Stress-Strain Behavior of Sol, Gel, and Total Rubber Hydrocarbon

Abstract The existence and significance of a soluble and an insoluble fraction in rubber hydrocarbon and the proportions in which they occur have long been the subject of conflicting reports, which have been summarized in a previous paper. They were the basis of a two-phase theory of rubber structure proposed by Fessenden. The history of the subject need not be reviewed here. Early knowledge of it was summarized by Engler and Herbst in 1887 and an excellent historical treatment has been given by Whitby. The differing solubilities and other characteristics of the two fractions suggested a study of their behavior when vulcanized. A sufficient quantity of rubber hydrocarbon for the purpose was purified and separated into the soluble and insoluble fractions by extraction with ethyl ether; suitable compounds of each were mixed and vulcanized, and comparative tests made.
Prevention of orotic acid-induced fatty liver with allopurinol.

SummaryAllopurinol in small amounts (0.05% of the diet) is completely effective in preventing the fatty liver and the changes in hepatic adenosine and uridine nucleotide concentrations produced in rats by feeding orotic acid (1% of the diet). The action of allopurinol may be explained by known effects on both purine and pyrimidine metabolism. The results provide further support for a biochemical link between the altered nucleotide levels and the block in hepatic lipid transport produced by orotic acid.
Photochemical studies of rancidity: Factors which increase the rate of oxidation of fats and oils with special reference to the role of light

1. Oils and fats keep longer from developing rancidity by excluding, as far as possible, noxious metals, copper being considered the most active.
Characteristics of galls of Eurosta solidaginis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their relation to mortality of gall inhabitants

Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch), the goldenrod gall fly, and its suite of predators and parasitoids provide an excellent system for the study of the dynamics of prey species and their enemies. The object of this study was to discover the effects of gall and quadrat characteristics on the fate of galls, and to assess the impact of each mortality source on Eurosta survival. Galls on goldenrod, Solidago altissima , in two large (700 m2) plots were followed through three field seasons (1982–84). Gall characteristics (diameter and height) and goldenrod cover were recorded as well as the eventual fate of each gall's inhabitant. A fertilization experiment was conducted to determine whether galls were more likely to be formed on healthier host plants. Five sources of mortality were examined: early larval failure, parasitism from either of two chalcid parasitoids, Eurytoma obtusiventris (Gahan) or Eurytoma gigantea (Walsh) (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae), predation by mordellid beetle larvae, and predation by birds. Characteristics of quadrats (number of Solidago stems per quadrat and physiological condition of plants in the quadrat) were not reliable predictors of gall density within quadrats. Gall diameter is the only gall characteristic that reliably indicated fate. All predated or parasitized galls were smaller than those of survivors, with the exception of those predated by birds, which were significantly larger. Early larval death and predation by mordellid beetles caused the greatest mortality; however, mortality from birds probably has the most potential for population regulation.
An Unusual Cause of Altered Mental Status in Multiple Myeloma: An Extraosseous Manifestation

Multiple myeloma typically presents as lytic bony lesions, hypercalcemia, anemia, and renal failure. Extraosseous manifestations are rare. We report on a patient who was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma and completed the first cycle of bortezomib, dexamethasone, and palliative radiation therapy with good response. Two weeks after discharge, she became confused and was re-admitted. Despite treatment with lactulose and rifaximin, altered mental status worsened. Computer tomographic scan of abdomen showed hepatomegaly and numerous ill-defined small hyperdense nodules scattered throughout the liver. Liver biopsy demonstrated aggregation of plasma cell myeloma. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain revealed dural thickening. Patient's altered mental status was likely from leptomeningeal myelomatosis and hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Although extraosseous manifestations in multiple myeloma including liver and leptomeningeal involvement are rare, its incidence has increased. This condition portends a poor prognosis. The non-specific manifestations of extraosseous myeloma can be confused with complications of multiple sclerosis and lead to incorrect management, thus clinicians should be aware of these pathologies and perform proper diagnostic tests including imaging and tissue pathology. The most effective treatment is unknown, however bortezomib and thalidomide show promise.
253 C-REACTIVE PROTEIN:ADIPONECTIN RATIO: A NOVEL DIAGNOSTIC BIOMARKER OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a common disorder, comprising a constellation of risk factors including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose levels and is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality. Inflammation plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. Several prospective studies have demonstrated that high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) predict cardiovascular events. CRP levels are elevated in subjects with MS. Abdominal obesity is a predominant feature of MS. The adipose tissue secretes an anti-inflammatory adipocytokine, adiponectin, which is decreased in subjects with MS. Thus, the aim of the study was to determine if the CRP:adiponectin ratio will provide a better discriminant for MS than CRP alone. Age-matched subjects without MS (controls) and > 3 features (MS-by NCEP criteria), were recruited ( n = 68/group). Following informed consent, fasting blood was drawn. CRP levels were measured by automated immunoassay and adiponectin was measured by ELISA, both assays with inter- and intraassay CVs of
Probability density function analysis for optical turbulence with applications to underwater communications systems

The Weibull and Exponentiated Weibull probability density functions have been examined for the free space regime using heuristically derived shape and scale parameters. This paper extends current literature to the underwater channel and explores use of experimentally derived parameters. Data gathered in a short range underwater channel emulator was analyzed using a nonlinear curve fitting methodology to optimize the scale and shape parameters of the PDFs. This method provides insight into the scaled effects of underwater optical turbulence on a long range link, and may yield a general set of equations for determining the PDF for an underwater optical link.
Palladium-Catalyzed, Enantioselective Heine Reaction.

Aziridines are important synthetic intermediates for the generation of nitrogen-containing molecules. N-Acylaziridines undergo rearrangement by ring expansion to produce oxazolines, a process known as the Heine reaction. The first catalytic, enantioselective Heine reaction is reported for meso-N-acylaziridines where a palladium(II)–diphosphine complex is employed. The highly enantioenriched oxazoline products are valuable organic synthons and potential ligands for transition-metal catalysis.
Best Practices for Clinical and Translational Research and Implementation.

Scientists in all sectors have been raising concerns in recent years about the lack of reproducibility of biomedical research results. An analysis of in house validation efforts at Bayer HealthCare found that <25% of potential targets could be reproduced in house (1). Similarly, of 53 “landmark” studies selected because they described completely new findings, only 11% could be confirmed in house by Amgen scientists (2). Such dismal numbers has raised concern among scientists in all sectors about the lack of transparency in reporting scientific results and the need to share best laboratory and clinical practices. In response, more training in rigor and reproducibility, study design and statistical analysis has been mandated by the National Institutes of Health (3). A NINDS task force was one of the first to call on journals to play a more important role in improving the impact of basic and translational research by requiring higher standards of evidence and access to detailed methods, code and data for publication (4). In a climate where increasing research costs and reduced funding have changed the landscape of academic and private sector research, it is even more critical that all research is performed at the highest possible standards. Similarly, drug development costs continue to rise and a high level of scrutiny is given to the design and interpretation of preclinical and clinical studies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
The limits of the nuclear chart set by fission and alpha decay

I will review how our picture of heavy-element nuclear structure has evolved through remarkably simple ideas and related models. It is well known that the Bethe-Weizsacker semi-empirical mass model had an important role in unraveling radioactive decay and element transmutation in the heavy-element region in the 1930s. A remarkable aspect is that this model could immediately after the discovery of fission be generalized to explain this phenomenon through the consideration of deformation of a charged liquid drop. Bethe and Bacher already raised the possibility that shell structure (by them calculated in terms of a single-particle oscillator potential) could give rise to noticeable deviations between results of the macroscopic mass model and experiment but limited data prevented firm conclusions. In the 1950s the single-particle models took a realistic form and also included deformation. The possibility of the existence of a relatively stable “island” of superheavy elements was raised already then. But it was not until the work by Strutinsky in the mid 1960s that a quantitative model for the nuclear potential-energy emerged in the form of the macroscopic-microscopic model. Although new elements have been discovered at an almost steady pace since 1940, theory indicates that we are close to the end of this era: repulsive Coulomb effects will set the limit of observable elements to near Z = 120.
The effect of interim assessments on the achievement gap in grades K-8: Evidence from the U.S.

Abstract This study investigated interim assessments effects on the achievement gap. The data were collected from a field experiment conducted in 2010–2011 in K-8 public schools in Indiana in the U.S. Two-level models were utilized to determine whether interim assessments interacted with student SES, race, level of prior achievement, gender, school composition and urbanicity. The results are overall mixed. The majority of the interaction effects are close to zero and statistically non-significant. However, the treatment may have helped reduce the gender and race gaps in reading and mathematics in grades 3–8. The treatment may also have helped reduce the achievement gap between middle- and high-achievers in grades 3–8. The interactions between interim assessments and school composition and urbanicity were overall non-significant.
Optimization of 2-element arrays of circular patch antennas in spatially correlated MIMO channels

We present a novel optimization methodology to design compact circular patch arrays (CPAs). We first introduce a new definition of the spatial correlation coefficient suitable for analysis of MIMO arrays exploiting pattern diversity, in clustered channel models. From these correlation coefficients we derive the average and outage capacity performance of CPAs in realistic propagation scenarios, as a function of the antenna parameters. We also measure the performance of CPAs in terms of bandwidth, accounting for mutual coupling effects. Finally, we propose an optimization algorithm to design CPAs by jointly maximizing MIMO communication and microwave theory performance metrics. The proposed design methodology can be generalized to any MIMO array exploiting pattern diversity.
Therapeutic Assessment With Child Inpatients.

ABSTRACTGrowing evidence supports Therapeutic Assessment (TA), a collaborative and therapeutic approach to psychological assessment, as an effective method for enhancing motivation for and engageme...
The Impact of the 2008 Financial Crisis on Funds of Hedge Funds

This chapter examines the performance of funds of hedge funds (FoHFs) before and after the 2008 financial crisis. We investigate the impact this crisis had on the level and the distribution of assets under management within the industry, and further explore if asset diversification among individual FoHFs had any significant effect on performance during the crisis. Using data from the Lipper TASS hedge fund database, we employ both a quintile ranking methodology and regression analysis to examine our research questions. Our main findings show that FoHFs performance was severely impacted by the crisis and that in general, large funds suffered less than small funds. Diversification as measured by the number of foci was not a major factor in preventing poor performance. The poor performance and the high attrition rates during the crisis suggest that FoHFs were not sufficiently agile to be able to effectively respond to the severe liquidity shortages that were characteristic of the 2008 financial crisis.
Who should undergo lateral pelvic node dissection after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer

3606Background: The optimal surgical strategy for rectal cancer patients with suspected lateral pelvic lymphadenopathy (LPN) in unknown. Despite the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT), lateral...
Evolution of galaxies due to self-excitation

These lectures will cover methods for studying the evolution of galaxies since their formation. Because the properties of a galaxy depend on its history, an understanding of galaxy evolution requires that we understand the dynamical interplay between all components. The first part will emphasize n-body simulation methods which minimize sampling noise. These techniques are based on harmonic expansions and scale linearly with the number of bodies, similar to Fourier transform solutions used in cosmological simulations. Although fast, until recently they were only efficiently used for small number of geometries and background profiles. These same techniques may be used to study the modes and response of a galaxy to an arbitrary perturbation. In particular, I will describe the modal spectra of stellar systems and role of damped modes which are generic to stellar systems in interactions and appear to play a significant role in determining the common structures that we see. The general development leads indirectly to guidelines for the number of particles necessary to adequately represent the gravitational field such that the modal spectrum is resolvable. I will then apply these same excitation to understanding the importance of noise to galaxy evolution.
Neuronal Networks: Fast/Slow Analysis

In this chapter, we consider a very different approach to studying networks of neurons from that presented in Chap. 8. In Chap. 8, we assumed each cell is an intrinsic oscillator, the coupling is weak, and details of the spikes are not important. By assuming weak coupling, we were able to exploit powerful analytic techniques such as the phase response curve and the method of averaging. In this chapter, we do not assume, in general, weak coupling or the cells are intrinsic oscillators. The main mathematical tool used in this chapter is geometric singular perturbation theory. Here, we assume the model has multiple timescales so we can dissect the full system of equations into fast and slow subsystems. This will allow us to reduce the complexity of the full model to a lower-dimensional system of equations. We have, in fact, introduced this approach in earlier chapters when we discussed bursting oscillations and certain aspects of the Morris–Lecar model.
Analysis of Measles Incidence in Qingxing County from 2006 to 2007

Objective To analyze the measles incidence in Qingxing county,so as to understand the measles epidemic characteristics and to provide the strategies for measles control.Methods Epidemiological data were retrospectively analyzed by using Epi Info software.Results 253 cases of measles were reported in Qingxing from 2006 to 2007.190 cases were confirmed through laboratory diagnosis and 63 cases were confirmed through clinical diagnosis.The average incidence rate for measles was 22.14/100,000.High incidence(67.19%) was noted between April and July.The disease occurrence was high in infants of less than 8 months old and the individual with an age of over 20.56.13% of patients had no previous vaccination history and 32.80% had unclear vaccination history.Both sporadic and epidemic measles were noted.The average annual incidence of measles in Qingxing was highest(138.72/100,000).Conclusion There is a good correlation between the incidence of measles and the history of measles immunization.Immunization with measles vaccine can prevent and control the epidemic of measles.
Discussing prognosis for canine diabetes mellitus: Do we have relevant data?

In a paper summarised on p 692 of this issue of Vet Record , Tardo and colleagues investigated the survival time of newly diagnosed diabetic dogs and examined potential prognostic factors in this population.1 They report a median survival time of more than 2.5 years after diagnosis in a population of middle-aged to older dogs (with a median age of 10 years). This begs the question, does diabetes mellitus (DM) affect survival in dogs? DM is a treatable condition, yet it is ranked as a leading cause of death in people. Over the years, the hyperglycaemia caused by DM can lead to a myriad of cardiovascular diseases, with complications including kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes.2,3 While hyperglycaemia can be controlled with insulin, glucagon responses to insulin-induced hypoglycaemia are often impaired in DM patients. This markedly limits the ability to achieve a level of glycaemic control adequate to delay the long-term complications of DM, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.4 In veterinary medicine, micro- and macrovascular diseases are not considered to be the major causes of death in diabetic patients. Instead, acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and insulin-induced hypoglycaemia are more likely to be negatively associated with survival in these patients. Attrition in owner adherence to treatment can also become a major factor determining the survival of diabetic pets. Management of DM in pets is associated with not only high financial costs, but also emotional and time costs to the owner. A recent worldwide survey of 1192 veterinarians found that one in 10 diabetic pets are euthanased upon diagnosis, with a further one in 10 euthanased within a year of diagnosis.5 In this survey, factors cited as contributing to the decision to euthanase included costs (44 per cent), problems achieving adequate glycaemic control (35 per …
Structure based virtual screening identifies small molecule effectors for the sialoglycan binding protein Hsa

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a cardiovascular disease often caused by bacteria of the viridans group of streptococci, which includes Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis. Previous research has found that serine-rich repeat (SRR) proteins on the S. gordonii bacterial surface play a critical role in pathogenesis by facilitating bacterial attachment to sialylated glycans displayed on human platelets. Despite their important role in disease progression, there are currently no anti-adhesive drugs available on the market. Here, we performed structure-based virtual screening using an ensemble docking approach followed by consensus scoring to identify novel small molecule effectors against the sialoglycan binding domain of the SRR adhesin protein Hsa from the S. gordonii strain DL1. The screening successfully predicted nine compounds which were able to displace the native ligand (sialyl-T antigen) in an in vitro assay and bind competitively to Hsa. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering based on the MACCS fingerprints showed that eight of these small molecules do not share a common scaffold with the native ligand. This study indicates that SRR family of adhesin proteins can be inhibited by diverse small molecules and thus prevent the interaction of the protein with the sialoglycans. This opens new avenues for discovering potential drugs against IE.
ERAS Implementation in Gynecologic Surgery in a Medically Underserved Publicly Insured and Uninsured Population

Study Objective Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce post-operative length of stay. In our underserved population, patients experience a high incidence of comorbid conditions, lack adequate insurance, and face many barriers to healthcare that adversely affect health outcomes. We investigated the impact of an ERAS protocol implementation in our publicly insured and uninsured high-risk patient population undergoing gynecologic surgery and assessed hospital length of stay (LOS), 30 day hospital readmission rates, and pain scores. Design IRB approval was obtained. Data was abstracted from medical records pre (1/1/18-2/28/19) and post (3/1/19-2/29/20) ERAS implementation. LOS, readmission Setting The study took place in an urban hospital setting. Patients or Participants Patients undergoing gynecologic surgery during the study period with public insurance/free care were included (N=509). Interventions Implementation of ERAS protocol included pre-operative carbohydrate loading, intra-operative euvolemia, scheduled post-operative nausea and non-opioid pain medications, and early ambulation. Measurements and Main Results Implementation of ERAS led to decreased length of stay 1.8 vs 1.43 days (p-value = 0.006); however, when adjusted for potential confounders this was no longer statistically significant. Average pain scores significantly decreased with ERAS implementation 3.06 pre-ERAS vs 2.44 post-ERAS (p-value = 0.005) and this held true when adjusted for potential confounders. Hospital readmission rates did not change significantly with ERAS implementation 8% pre-ERAS vs 10% post-ERAS (p-value = 0.538). Conclusion This is the first study to assess the impact of ERAS on our patient population, a diverse and medically underserved population of women undergoing gynecologic surgery. ERAS improved pain scores without adversely affecting hospital length of stay in this population. Our next steps are to better understand the impact of ERAS on opioid use among this patient population as well as assessing its impact on patient satisfaction in this population.
Fetal Cerebral Oxygenation Is Impaired in Congenital Heart Disease and Shows Variable Response to Maternal Hyperoxia

Background Impairments in fetal oxygen delivery have been implicated in brain dysmaturation seen in congenital heart disease (CHD), suggesting a role for in utero transplacental oxygen therapy. We ...
Chapter 2.1b Ferrar Large Igneous Province: petrology

Abstract The Lower Jurassic Ferrar Large Igneous Province consists predominantly of intrusive rocks, which crop out over a distance of 3500 km. In comparison, extrusive rocks are more restricted geographically. Geochemically, the province is divided into the Mount Fazio Chemical Type, forming more than 99% of the exposed province, and the Scarab Peak Chemical Type, which in the Ross Sea sector is restricted to the uppermost lava. The former exhibits a range of compositions (SiO2 = 52–59%; MgO = 9.2–2.6%; Zr = 60–175 ppm; Sri = 0.7081–0.7138; eNd = −6.0 to −3.8), whereas the latter has a restricted composition (SiO2 = c. 58%; MgO = c. 2.3%; Zr = c. 230 ppm; Sri = 0.7090–0.7097; eNd = −4.4 to −4.1). Both chemical types are characterized by enriched initial isotope compositions of neodymium and strontium, low abundances of high field strength elements, and crust-like trace element patterns. The most basic rocks, olivine-bearing dolerites, indicate that these geochemical characteristics were inherited from a mantle source modified by subduction processes, possibly the incorporation of sediment. In one model, magmas were derived from a linear source having multiple sites of generation each of which evolved to yield, in sum, the province-wide coherent geochemistry. The preferred interpretation is that the remarkably coherent geochemistry and short duration of emplacement demonstrate derivation from a single source inferred to have been located in the proto-Weddell Sea region. The spatial variation in geochemical characteristics of the lavas suggests distinct magma batches erupted at the surface, whereas no clear geographical pattern is evident for intrusive rocks.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antimicrobial resistance among undergraduate students at a large public university in 2020.

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among college students.Undergraduate students at a large public university in the United States.Anonymo...