cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presenting Features in 269 Patients With Clinically Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas Enrolled in a Prospective Study.

Context Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (CNFPAs) typically remain undetected until mass effect symptoms develop. However, currently, head imaging is performed commonly for many other indications, which may increase incidental discovery of CNFPAs. Since current presentation and outcome data are based on older, retrospective series, a prospective characterization of a contemporary CNFPA cohort was needed. Objective To determine the prevalence of incidental presentation and hypopituitarism and its predictors in a CNFPA cohort that spanned 6 to 9 mm micro- to macroadenoma included observational and surgical therapy. Methods At enrollment in a prospective, observational study, 269 patients with CNFPAs were studied by history, examination, blood sampling, and pituitary imaging analysis and categorized into incidental or symptoms presentation groups that were compared. Results Presentation was incidental in 48.7% of patients and due to tumor symptoms in 51.3%. In the symptoms and incidental groups, 58.7% and 27.4% of patients had hypopituitarism, respectively, and 25% of patients with microadenomas had hypopituitarism. Many had unappreciated signs and symptoms of pituitary disease. Most tumors were macroadenomas (87%) and were larger in the symptoms than incidental and hypopituitary groups than in the eupituitary groups. The patients in the incidental group were older, and males were older and had larger tumors in both the incidental and symptoms groups. Conclusions Patients with CNFPAs commonly present incidentally and with previously unrecognized hypopituitarism and symptoms that could have prompted earlier diagnosis. Our data support screening all large micro and macro-CNFPAs for hypopituitarism. Most patients with CNFPAs still have mass effect signs at presentation, suggesting the need for more awareness of pituitary disease. Our ongoing, prospective observation of this cohort will assess outcomes of these CNFPA groups.
Shedding Light on Dysphagia Associated With COVID-19: The What and Why

The most common symptom of COVID-19 in critically ill patients is ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), with many patients requiring invasive or noninvasive respiratory support in the intensive care unit. Oropharyngeal dysphagia may be a consequence of the respiratory-swallowing incoordination common in ARDS or may occur following the respiratory support interventions. In this commentary, we highlight the risk and complications of oropharyngeal dysphagia in patients with COVID-19 and urge medical and rehabilitation professionals to consider dysphagia a prognostic complication, provide appropriate referrals, and initiate early interventions as appropriate.
SARS-CoV-2 encoded proteome and human genetics: from interaction-based to ribosomal biology impact on disease and risk processes

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has infected millions of people worldwide, with lethality in hundreds of thousands. The rapid publication of information, both regarding the clinical course and the viral biology, has yielded incredible knowledge of the virus. In this review, we address the insights gained for the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, which we have integrated into the Viral Integrated Structural Evolution Dynamic Database, a publicly available resource. Integrating evolutionary, structural, and interaction data with human proteins, we present how the SARS-CoV-2 proteome interacts with human disorders and risk factors ranging from cytokine storm, hyperferritinemic septic, coagulopathic, cardiac, immune, and rare disease-based genetics. The most noteworthy human genetic potential of SARS-CoV-2 is that of the nucleocapsid protein, where it is known to contribute to the inhibition of the biological process known as nonsense-mediated decay. This inhibition has the potential to not only regulate about 10% of all biological transcripts through altered ribosomal biology but also associate with viral-induced genetics, where suppressed human variants are activated to drive dominant, negative outcomes within cells. As we understand more of the dynamic and complex biological pathways that the proteome of SARS-CoV-2 utilizes for entry into cells, for replication, and for release from human cells, we can understand more risk factors for severe/lethal outcomes in patients and novel pharmaceutical interventions that may mitigate future pandemics.
Achieving Efficient Computation Tasks for 5G-Enabled Industrial IoT Applications

The 5th generation mobile networks (5G) and mobile edge computing (MEC) hold great promises of enabling new capabilities in the industrial Internet of Things. However, the system designs enabled by the 5G ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and MEC paradigms come with challenges. In this paper, the system characteristics of the generic industrial fault diagnostics and detection (FDD) applications are first discussed. Then, the proposed system model and a new measure for the FDD task execution efficiency in the communication-edge-computing (CEC) loop are presented. Based on the proposed measure, a new reliable uplink scheme “ReFlexUp” is proposed for achieving an optimal FDD task execution efficiency. Based on the numerical results, the proposed scheme outperforms the typical schemes such as Selective Repeat ARQ, Hybrid ARQ, and Occupy CoW in terms of latency, reliability, and efficiency.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Health Care Administrative Diagnosis Codes to Identify Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background Health care administrative database research frequently uses standard medical codes to identify diagnoses or procedures. The aim of this review was to establish the diagnostic accuracy of codes used in administrative data research to identify nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease, including lung disease (NTMLD). Methods We searched Ovid Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to April 2019. We included studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnosis codes to identify NTM disease and NTMLD. Studies were independently assessed by 2 researchers, and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool was used to assess bias and quality. Results We identified 5549 unique citations. Of the 96 full-text articles reviewed, 7 eligible studies of moderate quality (3730 participants) were included in our review. The diagnostic accuracy of ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes to identify NTM disease varied widely across studies, with positive predictive values ranging from 38.2% to 100% and sensitivity ranging from 21% to 93%. For NTMLD, 4 studies reported diagnostic accuracy, with positive predictive values ranging from 57% to 64.6% and sensitivity ranging from 21% to 26.9%. Conclusions Diagnostic accuracy measures of codes used in health care administrative data to identify patients with NTM varied across studies. Overall the positive predictive value of ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes alone is good, but the sensitivity is low; this method is likely to underestimate case numbers, reflecting the current limitations of coding systems to capture NTM diagnoses.
Functional Safety Hazards for Machine Learning Components in Autonomous Vehicles

Analyzing functional safety for autonomous vehicles can be a challenging task. The task becomes more challenging as autonomous vehicles highly rely on machine learning components' which are complex to analyze for safety. Moreover, often machine learning engineers involved in the process of development do not have sufficient knowledge on functional safety, and thereby overlook important factors that can result in accidents. In this paper, we investigate and discuss important and necessary aspects of ML components in autonomous vehicles to ensure their functional safety and why we need to consider them. We also discuss the types of hazards we need to consider for each of those aspects. Further, we illustrate the hazard identification using the camera-based pedestrian detection system.
Shingles vaccination uptake in Massachusetts adults aged 50 years and older.

Abstract Background Shingles (herpes zoster), a medical condition caused by reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus and characterized by painful rash, will affect almost one third of Americans during their lifetime. A licensed vaccine (zoster vaccine live [ZVL]) was recommended for individuals ≥ 60 years old in 2008 to reduce shingles incidence. The Healthy People (HP) 2020 target for shingles vaccination in ≥ 60 year-olds was 30%; in 2014, it stood at 31.8% and in 2017 at 34.9%. While the national coverage target is met, variability remains across age, gender and ethnicity. Understanding factors influencing patient acceptance of the shingles vaccination is needed to help guide program activities and improve vaccination coverage in the adult population. Purpose To understand Massachusetts consumers’ knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and barriers to obtaining a shingles vaccination. Methods We performed a telephone survey using a stratified sample of Massachusetts residents ≥ 50 years-old who i) responded to the 2012 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 10,822), ii) agreed to a follow-up survey (n = 6,873), and iii) reported awareness of the shingles vaccination (n = 1,000; n = 529 vaccinated respondents (VR) and n = 471 non-vaccinated respondents (NVR)). Multivariable logistic regression identified factors independently associated with receiving shingles vaccination. Results Across both groups, most respondents (n = 989, 99%) were aware of shingles, perceived shingles as painful, and knew of others who had had shingles. Multivariable logistic regression indicated an association between shingles vaccination and physician recommendation, influenza vaccination, and perception of shingles risk. Conclusions More than half of the sub-sample reported not knowing about shingles vaccine, therefore, opportunities to increase awareness should be prioritized. Since provider recommendation and flu vaccination receipt had the greatest odds of increasing shingles vaccination, standard practice should include adding shingles to flu vaccine recommendations for age-eligible patients.
Defining high-risk elective contralateral neck radiation volumes for oropharynx cancer.

BACKGROUND To define the location of the initial contralateral lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with oropharynx cancer. METHODS The location of the LN centroids from patients with oropharynx cancer and a single radiographically positive contralateral LN was defined. A clinical target volume (CTV) inclusive of all LN centroids was created, and its impact on dose to organs at risk was assessed. RESULTS We identified 55 patients of which 49/55 had a single contralateral LN in level IIA, 4/55 in level III, 1/55 in level IIB, and 1/55 in the retropharynx. Mean radiation dose to the contralateral parotid gland was 15.1 and 21.0 Gy, (p <0.001) using the modeled high-risk elective CTV and a consensus CTV, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We present a systematic approach for identifying the contralateral nodal regions at highest risk of harboring subclinical disease in patients with oropharynx cancer that warrants prospective clinical study.
Amplifier Power Series and Distortion

In the previous chapter, a power-series expansion of the transfer characteristics of a stage is obtained from the circuit analysis of the stage using simplified circuit models for the transistors. In order to use a truncated set of first few terms of the power series, a restriction must be made to relatively small input-signal amplitudes, e.g., for the ECP stage, V1/Vt ≪ 1.
Swinepox virus as a vaccine vector for swine pathogens.

Several small and large viruses (e.g., adenovirus, poxvirus, and herpesviruses) have been investigated as vaccine vectors. Each viral system has its advantages and disadvantages. One major advantage for viral vector vaccines is their ability to elicit a protective cell-mediated immunity as well as a humoral response to the antigen delivered by the vector. One major problem to using recombinant viruses as vaccines is the pathogenic potential of the parent virus. Therefore, it is important that along with the optimal expression of the foreign genes and ability to provide protection, the pathogenicity of the vector virus must be reduced during genetic manipulation without affecting its multiplication. The requirements to develop a viral vector, for example, swinepox virus, are a cell culture system that will support the growth of the virus, a suitable nonessential region(s) in the virus genome for insertion of foreign DNA so that virus replication is not affected, a foreign gene(s) that encodes for an immunogenic protein of a swine pathogen, strong transcriptional regulatory elements (promoters) necessary for optimal expression of the foreign genes, a procedure for delivering the foreign gene(s) into the nonessential locus, and a convenient method of distinguishing the recombinant viruses from the parent wild-type virus. Using this methodology, recombinant swinepox virus vaccines expressing pseudorabies virus antigens have been developed and shown to provide protection against challenge. These studies and evidence of local infection of the oral tract by swinepox virus indicate its potential as a recombinant vector for providing immunity against various swine pathogens including those that infect the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
Enabling future computer applications using GSM phones

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of the interaction among computers and GSM cellular phones. The procedure for setting up and making a connection is illustrated. The chapter introduces the types of applications that are enabled by some commands. The commands are written in the "AT" style and allow the computer to find out what is happening at the phone, to control the phone functions normally controlled by a human user, and to control the sending and receiving of messages. The main features of the important control commands and their usefulness is mentioned. With the launch of GSM PhaseII, additional multimedia computer applications can be provided using the GSM cellular phone. Applications can make it easier for the user to operate the radio or can themselves use the radio for mobile communications. An application needs to know what is happening at the radio, control the functions normally controlled by a human user, send and receive data, send and receive fax, and send and receive short messages.
Research Summary: Extending Elimination Algorithms for Functional Constraints to Solve Two Integer Variables per Inequality

Binary constraint is an important constraint class that has been studied in both Constraint (Logic) Programming community [5] and Mathematical Programming community [3,4]. In [6] we studied Functional Constraints in Binary Constraint Satisfaction Problems (BCSPs) and developed efficient variable elimination algorithms based on variable substitutions (For details please refer to [6]). On the basis of our variable elimination algorithms for Functional Constraints , we further explored a special case of BCSPs that consisted of only Bi-Functional Constraints , which were called $ \mathcal{I}$ Constraints in our experiments. Afterward we extended our elimination algorithms to solve integer programs with two variables per inequality. These problems are known as TVPIs that have been studied in [3,4].
SECONDARY-PARTICLE DOSE CONTRIBUTIONS INDUCED BY SOLAR PROTON RADIATION

Secondary-emission dose contributions induced by solar proton radiation - spacecraft shielding
Investigations of Double Parton Scattering: Example of $pp \rightarrow b \bar{b} \rm{jet~jet} X$

Signature kinematic variables and characteristic concentrations in phase space of double parton scattering are discussed. These properties should allow the double parton contribution to $pp \rightarrow b \bar{b} \rm {jet jet} X$ at Large Hadron Collider energies to be distinguished from the usual single parton scattering contribution. A methodology is suggested to measure the size of the double-parton cross section.
Marriage, divorce, and promiscuity in human B cells.

It is becoming more apparent that some B cells do not carry the same antigen receptors throughout their life. B cells that have edited their receptors have now been found in humans as rare cells that accumulate in arthritic joints.
Interactions between social behaviour and the acute phase immune response in house finches

In social organisms, immune-mediated behavioural changes (sickness behaviours) can both influence and respond to social dynamics. We tested whether social status in house finches ( Haemorhous mexicanus) modulates the acute phase response or aggressive interactions with flockmates. We treated subordinate or dominant finches within captive flocks with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate an acute phase response (APR), and quantified mass loss, activity, foraging behaviours, and agonistic interactions. Subordinate finches lost more mass than dominants in response to LPS, but social status did not influence the expression of sickness behaviours (activity and foraging) upon LPS injection. LPS-injected subordinate birds experienced reduced aggression from mid-ranking but not dominant flockmates, indicating status-mediated effects of sickness behaviour on agonistic interactions. Our results suggest that social status in house finches influences one component of the APR (mass loss) and can interact with the APR to modulate intraspecific agonistic interactions in ways likely relevant for disease transmission.
The tempo of trait divergence in geographic isolation: Avian speciation across the Marañon Valley of Peru

Geographic isolation is considered essential to most speciation events, but our understanding of what controls the pace and degree of phenotypic divergence among allopatric populations remains poor. Why do some taxa exhibit phenotypic differentiation across barriers to dispersal, whereas others do not? To test factors controlling phenotypic divergence in allopatry, we employed a comparative phylogeographic approach consisting of replicates of ecologically similar Andean bird species isolated across a major biogeographic barrier, the Maranon Valley of Peru. Our study design leverages variation among codistributed taxa in their degree of plumage, morphometric, and vocal differentiation across the Maranon to examine the tempo of phenotypic evolution. We found that substantial plumage differences between populations required roughly two million years to evolve. In contrast, morphometric trait evolution showed greater idiosyncrasy and stasis. Our results demonstrate that despite a large degree of idiosyncrasy in the relationship between genetic and phenotypic divergence across taxa and environments, comparative studies within regions may reveal predictability in the pace of phenotypic divergence. Our results also suggest that social selection is important for driving differentiation of populations found in similar environments.
Non-Fourier Heat Conduction Effect on Laser-Induced Thermal Damage in Biological Tissues

To ensure personal safety and improve treatment efficiency in laser medical applications, one of the most important issues is to understand and accurately assess laser-induced thermal damage to biological tissues. Biological tissues generally consist of nonhomogeneous inner structures, in which heat flux equilibrates to the imposed temperature gradient via a relaxation phenomenon characterized by a thermal relaxation time. Therefore, it is naturally expected that assessment of thermal damage to tissues could be inaccurate when a classical bioheat conduction model is employed. However, little attention has been given to studying the impact of the bioheat non-Fourier effect. In this article, a thermal wave model of bioheat transfer, together with a seven-flux model for light propagation and a rate process equation for tissue damage, is presented to investigate thermal damage in biological tissues. It is shown that the thermal damage assessed with the thermal wave bioheat model may differ significantly from ...
Bubbly intrapleural mucous simulating congenital lobar emphysema.

A neonate presented for an esophageal atresia repair and developed respiratory distress in the immediate post-operative period. The initial conventional chest radiographs suggested that there was a right sided pneumothorax; however, this did not resolve, even after the placement of two chest tubes. A CT examination suggested that the findings were due to hyper-inflation of the right upper lobe. Thoracoscopy was performed and revealed a complex pneumothorax composed of bubbly mucous from a post-operative pleuro-esophageal fistula.
Sampling and measurements.

Abstract Quantitative correlations of disease incidence with the presence in the air of elevated quantities of toxic substances requires careful evaluation of the spatial and temporal distribution of an increasingly large number of interacting chemicals. Although significant relationships between mortality from certain causes and very greatly elevated, but brief, concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter have been documented for London and New York City, demonstration of detrimental health effects from long continued exposure to lower concentrations of air pollutants has proved difficult. Partly, this may reflect inadequate aerometric data in the past, but it now seems to result principally from an inability on the part of epidemiologists to use effectively the spate of aerometric data that are now being generated.
Two-magnon Raman scattering in cuprate superconductors: Evolution of magnetic fluctuations with doping.

We report observation and resonance Raman studies of spin-pair excitations in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ (0.37x0.7) and ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{4}$${\mathrm{O}}_{8}$ superconductors. These excitations at energy \ensuremath{\sim}3J (2700\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}150 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$), similar to two-magnon excitations in insulators, are evidence that antiferromagnetic fluctuations with spatial extent of at least three lattice constants are not overdamped in the underdoped superconductors. With optimal hole dopings, where ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$g80 K, the two-magnon peak can no longer be seen above the flat Raman continuum. Photoluminescence and the origin of the broad-spectrum Raman continuum are also discussed.
Microslips Between Contacting Paraboloids

Hertz and Mindlin problems for fourth order paraboloids in contact generalized, minimizing microslips and annulus of slip
Threonine 41 in β-Catenin Serves as a Key Phosphorylation Relay Residue in β-Catenin Degradation†

β-Catenin phosphorylation at serine 45 (Ser45), threonine 41 (Thr41), Ser37, and Ser33 is critical for β-catenin degradation, and regulation of β-catenin phosphorylation is a central part of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. β-Catenin mutations at Ser45, Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 perturb β-catenin degradation and are frequently found in cancers. It is established that Ser45 phosphorylation by casein kinase I (CKI) initiates phosphorylation at Thr41, Ser37, and Ser33 by glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and that phosphorylated Ser37 and Ser33 are recognized by the F-box protein β-TrCP, a component of a ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates β-catenin degradation. While the roles of Ser45, Ser37, and Ser33 are well documented, the function of Thr41 remains less defined. Here we show that Thr41 strictly acts as a phosphorylation relay residue and that the Ser-X-X-X-Ser (X is any amino acid) motif is obligatory for β-catenin phosphorylation by GSK3. β-Catenin phosphorylation/degradation and its regulation by...
Characterization of the U–UO2 phase diagram with oxygen isobars at high temperatures

Abstract Thermodynamic constraints, together with Sieverts law assumption, are used to construct the equilibrium molecular oxygen pressure–composition–temperature ( p (O 2 )–C–T) spectrum over the U–UO 2 system from 2300 K to 3100 K even at regions where no direct measurements of p O 2 are available. The ensemble of the results is presented as the oxygen isobars superimposed on the phase diagram.
Effects of the stereochemical orientation of phenethylamines and imidazolines on α‐adrenergic receptor‐mediated dna synthesis in primary cultured rat hepatocytes

The hepatic alpha 1-adrenergic receptor mediates a variety of hepatic functions including respiration, glycogenolysis, gluconeogenesis, and growth. We have utilized a rat primary hepatocyte culture system to show that the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor can be activated in a stereoselective manner by a series of phenethylamines and catecholimidazolines resulting in the stimulation of DNA synthesis as determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. The phenethylamines adhered to the Easson-Stedman hypothesis with a rank order of potency of (-)-(R)-norepinephrine (NE) greater than (+)-(S)-NE greater than the desoxy analog dopamine (DA) for the stimulation of DNA synthesis. However, the 2-substituted catecholimidazolines did not follow this trend and demonstrated an order of potency of the desoxy analog 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl imidazoline (DHT) greater than or equal to (-)-(R)-2-(3,4,alpha-trihydroxybenzyl)imidazoline (TBI) greater than (+)-(S)-TBI. 4-Substituted catecholimidazolines were less potent as inducers of DNA synthesis than the corresponding 2-substituted analogs with an order of potency of (+)-(R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxybenzyl)imidazoline (DBI) greater than (+,-)-(R,S)-DBI greater than (-)-(S)-DBI. When the beta-hydroxyl moiety of NE is replaced with an amino group as in 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylenediamine, the isomers are less active than the beta-hydroxylated analogs and also demonstrate no stereoselectivity for the stimulation of DNA synthesis. These results demonstrate that the hepatic alpha 1-adrenergic receptor can recognize various isomeric forms of these compounds and that hepatocellular growth can be modulated in a stereoselective manner by phenethylamines and imidazolines.
Glory bound : Black athletes in a White America

African-American athletes have experienced a tumultuous relationship with mainstream white America. "Glory Bound" brings together 11 essays that explore this complex topic by sports studies scholar David K. Wiggins. In his writings, Wiggins recounts the struggle of black athletes to climb their "own" racial mountain - their struggle to fully participate in sport while maintaining their own cultural identity and pride. Wiggins examines other seminal moments that defined and changed the black athlete's role in white America, from the 19th century to the present: the personal crusade of Wendell Smith to promote black participation in organized baseball, the triumph of Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics and the proposed boycott of the Games, and the response of America's black press and community. "Glory Bound" demonstrates how the civil rights movement changed the face of American athletics and society forever. With the genesis of the black power movement in sport, Wiggins notes a significant shift in black - and white - America's attention to the African-American athlete. In his final and newest essay, he examines the writings of Edwin B. Henderson, the "father of black sport history", who wrote the first books on African-American involvement in sport.
Role of the suprachiasmatic nuclei in the circadian timing system of the squirrel monkey. II. Light-dark cycle entrainment.

The role of the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in light-dark (LD) cycle entrainment in the squirrel monkey (itSaimiri sciureus) was evaluated by continuously monitoring core body temperature and drinking behavior in both intact and SCN-lesioned animals exposed to different LD conditions. In a 24-h LD cycle with 12 h of light per day (LD 12:12), both intact and SCN-lesioned monkeys had a prominent rhythm in body temperature with an acrophase 6.51 ± 0.36h (SCN-lesioned) after light onset. In a 23-h LD cycle composed of 1 hr of light and 22 h of dark (LD 1:22), the temperature rhythm in both intact and SCN-lesioned monkeys became synchronized with the 23-h period of the LD cycle. Studies examining the effects of LD cycle exposure on the temporal pattern of drinking behavior indicated that both intact and SCN-lesioned monkeys confined their drinking to the daily period of light. Each monkey was subsequently exposed to an LD cycle with 6 h of bright light and 18 h of darkness or dim background illumination (i.e. 60:0, 66:6 and 76:16 lux cycles). In intact monkeys systematic increases in the average intensity of the daily LD cycle produced corresponding delays in the phase of the daily offset of drinking behavior but did not alter the basic 24-h rhythmicity in the behavior. In contrast, increasing the intensity of the 24-h LD cycle in SCN-lesioned monkeys produced no delay in the daily termination of drinking, but instead produced a disintegration in the 24-h rhythm of drinking behavior. These data indicate that 24-h drinking rhythms in SCN-lesioned monkeys housed under LD cycles are not generated by the circadian system but are the result of a ‘masking’ effect of the LD cycle on drinking behavior. These studies demonstrate that the SCN play a fundamental role in LD cycle entrainment of circadian drinking behavior but are not required for LD cycle entrainment of the circadian rhythm of core body temperature, or the mediation of the masking effects of LD cycles on drinking behavior.
Synthesis of 3,6α,16α-trihydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17-one 6-hemisuccinate and [6,73H]-3,16α-dihydroxy-1,3,5(10)-estratrien-17-one

Abstract The preparation of high specific activity 3H labeled 16α-hydroxyestrone and of the 6-hemisuccinate of the ketol metabolite of estradiol is described. The synthetic procedures which were required to produce these essential ingredients of a radioimmunoassay for 16α-hydroxyestrone required multistep syntheses because of the multifunctional and labile nature of the metabolite.
Basic science research publications in general surgical journals: are they obsolete?

Abstract Introduction: Basic science research (BSR) publications in general surgical journals are an important ‘translational bridge’ for practicing surgeons and surgical trainees. However, these articles are considered by some as left-over from higher impact basic science journals, and perhaps as obsolete. The purpose of this study is to characterize BSR articles published in general surgical journals and to analyze their citation frequencies. Methods: All BSR articles published in the five highest rated US general surgical journals (by Impact Factor, ISI Journal Citation reports) in the year 1996 were reviewed, characterized and their citation frequencies analyzed (total citations, citations within a year of publication, and citations in journals with impact factor greater than 5). The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare citation rates in different groups. Results: In 1996, 226 BSR articles were published in the five general surgical journals studied (10–43% of the total articles in each journal). Three fourths of BSR articles were from the USA (12% of total BSR articles by US surgeons in 1996), 12% from Europe and 8% from Japan. In 58% of the BSR articles, one of the authors was a basic scientist (PhD). Fifty-six percent of the publications were presented at a society conference. One in two US BSR publications was funded by the government (14% by private non-profit, 3% industry). On average a BSR article from these journals is cited 32 times (range 1–141, median 11). Half of the articles were cited more than ten times in six years (1–5: 24%; 6–10: 23%; >10: 52%) and 22% were cited twice or more within a year of publication. One in four publications were cited twice or more in journals with an impact factor greater than five (0: 35%; 1: 23%; 2: 17%; >2: 25%). Citation frequencies of BSR publications in general surgical journals were related to the journal impact factor (p = 0.07), to having a basic scientist (i.e. PhD) as one of the authors (p
Silica Crystalline Colloidal Array Deep Ultraviolet Narrow-Band Diffraction Devices

We developed a facile method to fabricate deep ultraviolet (UV) photonic crystal crystalline colloidal array (CCA) Bragg diffraction devices. The CCAs were prepared through the self-assembly of small, monodisperse, highly surface charged silica particles (~50 nm diameter) that were synthesized by using a modified Stober process. The particle surfaces were charged by functionalizing them with the strong acid, non-UV absorbing silane coupling agent 3-(trihydroxylsilyl)-1-propane-sulfonic acid (THOPS). These highly charged, monodisperse silica particles self assemble into a face-centered cubic CCA that efficiently Bragg diffracts light in the deep UV. The diffracted wavelength was varied between 237 nm to 227 nm by tilting the CCA orientation relative to the incident beam between glancing angles from 90° to ~66°. Theoretical calculations predict that the silica CCA diffraction will have a full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 2 nm with a transmission of ~10(-11) at the band center. We demonstrate the utility of this silica CCA filter to reject the Rayleigh scattering in 229 nm deep UV Raman measurements of highly scattering Teflon.
Internal to External Carotid Artery Transposition to Repair Recurrent Stenosis after Carotid Artery Stenting

Recently, carotid artery stenting (CAS) has emerged as a treatment option for carotid artery stenosis. Since the procedure is new, management of its complications is not standardized. This case report describes one method of arterial reconstruction after failed CAS. A 64-year-old male underwent CAS of his right internal carotid artery (ICA) for an asymptomatic 65% stenosis. Seven months later the stented area had narrowed to 95%. Arteriography revealed that the common and external carotid arteries (ECA) were free of disease so we elected to perform a transposition of the distal ICA onto the proximal ECA. The ECA and its branches were completely mobilized and the ascending pharyngeal and lingual arteries divided. The ICA was divided distal to the stent. Transection of the occipital artery provided an arteriotomy for an end ICA to side ECA anastamosis, thus preserving ECA flow. Postoperative surveillance after 8 months has revealed no recurrent stenosis. Operative repair of restenosis after CAS may be challenging if standard endarterectomy is not possible. Other options for reconstruction are feasible but if the common and external carotid arteries are disease-free, an ICA to ECA transposition provides a simple all-arterial repair that avoids bypass and prosthetic material.
Mania and marriage: The relationship between biological and behavioral variables

OST STUDIES of manic-depressive psychosis are based on the implicit or explicit hypothesis that the afflicted individual represents an interpersonally isolated system. The research strategy, based on this hypothesis, dictates that investigation be directed toward elucidating the internal biochemical, hormonal, genetic, or psychodynamic factors responsible for these psychopathological, affectual states. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the possible influence of external factors and the interaction between internal and external factors as determinants of the mood swings associated with this disorder. This relative neglect is especially surprising in light of the knowledge that mania and depression are characterized by profound disturbances in interpersonal relationships. In the depressive phase, the patient withdraws from and avoids others; in the manic phase, the patient displays a type of “interpersonal hunger.” Since the manifestations of this disorder have such a great impact on others, especially those most closely associated with patients, it should prove of interest to investigate the extent to which the moods and behavior of the designated patient and those of a “significant other” are intricately interwoven, as well as the possible contribution of biological variables to this mutual relationship. From this perspective, the ideal context in which to study this disorder should be the marital dyad. The paucity of articles or formal studies on the marital life of manicdepressives belies the intriguing implications of their conclusions. In essence, all authors tend to concur that the manic-depressive patient and spouse must be regarded as a “dynamic structural unit,” exerting mutual influence on each other. Fitzgerald,’ for example, describes the shifting dominance-passivity balance between patient and spouse: mania begets spouse passivity; depression begets spouse dominance. While it is tempting to conclude that “the manic acts and the spouse reacts,” Humiston* offers speculations on the provocative nature of the spouse’s role and how this may contribute to the onset of mania. Janowsky,3 on the other hand, describes the tendency of many spouses eventually to withdraw from further emotional involvement as a means of coping with the constant stress of having to adapt to the vicissitudes of the patients’ moods. The marital relationship, while complementary for a time, tends to become progressively unstable and destructive, with divorce the usual outcome. In a study by Brodie and Leff,* 57% manic compared to 8% matched recurrent-depression patients had broken marriages, As these results imply, it is the manic component of this illness, often characterized by heightened aggressivity, grandiosity, and sexual acting-out, that generates the greatest source of stress for the spouse.
Inhibitor-2 Regulates Protein Phosphatase-1 Complexed with NimA-related Kinase to Induce Centrosome Separation

Centrosome separation is regulated by balance of in situ protein kinase/phosphatase activities during the cell cycle. The mammalian NimA-related kinase Nek2 forms a complex with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1C). This complex is located at centrosomes and has been implicated in regulation of the cycle of duplication and separation. Inhibitor-2 (Inh2) is an inhibitor protein specific for PP1C, and its expression level fluctuates during the cell cycle. Here we report cellular regulation of the Nek2.PP1C complex by Inh2. PP1C-binding segments of Nek2 were isolated by yeast two-hybrid screening using Inh2 bait. Inh2 indirectly associates with Nek2 via PP1C, which binds to both proteins, forming a bridged heterotrimeric complex. Double Ala mutation of the PP1C-binding site (KVHF) in Nek2 eliminated both PP1C and Inh2 interactions in both a yeast conjugation assay and an in vitro binding assay. The kinase activity of Nek2.PP1C was enhanced 2-fold by addition of recombinant Inh2, with EC(50) = 10 nm. Immunofluorescence showed concentration of endogenous Inh2 at centrosomes and in a region surrounding the centrosomes. Transient expression of wild-type Inh2 increased by 5-fold dispersed/split centrosomes in fibroblasts, mimicking the phenotype produced by overexpression of Nek2. Deletion of the Inh2 C-terminal domain yielded Inh2-(1-118), which failed to interact with or activate the Nek2.PP1C complex, suggesting that the C-terminal region of Inh2 is required for regulation of the Nek2.PP1C complex. Thus, Inh2 can enhance the kinase activity of the Nek2.PP1C complex via inhibition of phosphatase activity to initiate centrosome separation.
The assessment of newborn size

It has been clear for some time that small newborns are members of 1 of 2 groups: those born too early and those who are small for their age. This distinction was formalized by the designations assigned by the World Health Organization; specifically, “premature and light for dates” as the 2 diagnoses for small newborns.1,2 For the most part, we have sought to segregate these 2 etiologies for smallness and have come to recognize distinct patterns of morbidity and mortality that attend them. In this month’s issue of Pediatrics , Zaw et al3 have shown that our assessment of the contribution of poor fetal growth to … Address correspondence to Ira M. Bernstein, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burgess 217, Fletcher Allen Health Care, 111 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT 05401-1435. E-mail: ibernste{at}zoo.uvm.edu
From Sīrah to Qasīdah: Poetics and Polemics in Al-Būsīrī's Qasīdat Al-Burdah (Mantle Ode)

This study of the celebrated 7/13th century madīh/nabawī (praise poem to the Prophet Muhammad), al-Būsīrī's Qasīdat al-Burdah (Mantle Ode), takes as its premise the supplicatory structure of the ode expounded in the author's earlier study of the poem, "From Text to Talisman" (2006). It argues that the central portions of the Burdah, Parts IV to VIII, which are derived from prose sources for the Sīrah (biography) of the Prophet, have been poetically recast in the rhetorically ornate badī' style of the High 'Abbāsid period. This accomplishes two goals: first, by expressing the Prophet's Miracles, the Night Journey and Ascension, the Miraculousness of the Qur'aeān and the Prophet's Jihād and Campaigns in the robust metalanguage identified with the period of Arab-Islamic cultural and political hegemony, the poet creates a mythic concordance between the two eras. Second, through the intricate rhetorical workings of badī' devices, the poet elicits from "historical" events in the Prophet's life cosmic and timeless connections and associations. The result is that these sections of the Burdah provide a polemic that promotes an ideology of Islamic Manifiest Destiny. This is intended to establish the eternal veracity of Muhammad's prophethood and message (Islam), and its continued efficacy for both the Community and the individual believer. Above all, these sections, which function as extensions of the madīh (praise) section of the poem, confirm the mamdū;h's ability to grant the request that the poet-supplicant makes: the Prophet's intercession (shafā'ah) on the Day of Judgment.
Recovering the inflationary potential and primordial power spectrum with a slow roll prior: methodology and application to WMAP three year data

We introduce a new method for applying an inflationary prior to a cosmological data set that includes relations between observables at arbitrary order in the slow roll expansion. The process is based on the inflationary flow equations, and the slow roll parameters appear explicitly in the cosmological parameter set. We contrast our method with other ways of imposing an inflationary prior on a cosmological data set, and argue that this method is ideal for use with heterogeneous data sets. In particular, it would be well suited to exploiting any direct detection of fundamental tensor modes by a BBO-style mission. To demonstrate the practical use of this method we apply it to the WMAPI+All data set, and the newly released WMAPII data set on its own and together with the SDSS data. We find that all basic classes of single field inflationary models are still allowed at the 1−2σ level, but the overall parameter space is sharply constrained. In particular, we find evidence that the combination WMAPII+SDSS is sensitive to effects arising from terms that are quadratic in the two leading order slow roll parameters.
Variations in the Circle of Willis in the New Zealand White Rabbit

Abstract Purpose The New Zealand White rabbit (NZWR) serves an important role as an experimental model for vascular research, specifically in the area of stroke. Here the authors document vascular variations in the circle of Willis (COW). Materials and Methods Subselective internal carotid digital subtraction angiography was performed in 100 NZWRs. Results Important variations include hypoplasia in 36%, duplication of the middle cerebral artery in 29%, asymmetries of the posterior region in 19%, and multiple variations in 28%. The complete classical symmetric COW without significant variation is present in fewer than 30% of animals. Conclusions With recognition of the variations, the NZWR becomes an improved research model.
Long-term complications of the galeal-frontalis myofascial flap in craniofacial surgery

Frontal contour irregularities, sensory deficit of the forehead and loss of frontalis muscle function may occur following elevation and use of the galeal-frontalis flap. These three problems were evaluated retrospectively using a questionnaire and clinical examination in 48 cases. Frontal contour deformities were seen in 9 cases. Hypoesthesia of the forehead and weakness of eyebrow movement were seen in 30 and 35 patients, respectively. It was found that a number of patients had not noticed their deformities before the examination. The postoperative complications of the galeal-frontalis flap seemed to be of no concern to the patients.
Minimizing shadow losses in III-nitride solar cells

In this work InGa 0.85 N p-n homojunction solar cells were grown by MOCVD on GaN/sapphire substrates and fabricated using standard techniques. When illuminated from the backside, these devices showed 65.9% improvement in J SC and 4.4% improvement in V OC as compared to identical illumination from the front. These improvements arise from removal of the losses from electrical contact shading on the front of the devices (11.7% of active area), as well as significant optical absorption by the top current spreading layer. These improvements can likely be further enhanced by utilizing double-side polished wafers, which would eliminate scattering losses on the back surface. In addition to improving electrical characteristics of single cells, backside illumination is necessary for the realization of monolithic tandem InGaN solar cells.
Classification and enumeration of minimum (d, 1, 3)-graphs and minimum (d, 2, 3)-graphs

Abstract : A (d,c,v)-graph is a c-connected graph of diameter =d in which each mode is of balence =v. The minimum order (number of nodes) of such graphs is denoted by micron (d,c,v), and a minimum (d,c,v)-graph is one of minimum order. Each minimum (d,c,v)-graph corresponds to an efficient way of arranging the stations of a communication network so that if any c-1 stations are incapacitated, the rest of the network is still connected, and so that in case of breakdown or other difficulty, each station can rely for assistance on precisely v others. The present paper classifies and counts the minimum (d,1,3)-graphs and the minimum (d,2,3)-graphs, a task performed elsewhere for the minimum (d,3,3)-graphs. (Author)
Primary Productivity and Fish Harvest in a Small Desert Impoundment

Abstract Centrarchid harvest was compared to gross photosynthesis in a small desert impoundment. Average annual gross photosynthesis for benthic plants and plankton was equal to 14,100 pounds per acre (1.6 kg/m2) of oxygen or primary photosynthate over a 3-year period. Average annual harvest of centrarchids (largemouth bass and black crappie) was 138 pounds per acre live weight, which is equal to 0.98 percent of gross photosynthesis. Considered as dry biomass, centrarchid harvest equaled 0.15 percent of gross photosynthesis. When examined with regard to degree of habitat exploitation by centrarchids, fishing intensity, population turnover, competition from other fish, and cycles of recruitment, harvest of centrarchids was judged to be near the potential maximum. By the same standards, however, channel catfish production and harvest were judged to be considerably lower than what might be achieved with more effective recruitment and fishing. For the foregoing reason the relation between total fish harvest (...