cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of brief maternal separations on behavior and heart rate of two week old rat pups.

Abstract Behavioral and cardiac rate responses to a novel test box were recorded from rat pups separated from their mothers for 18 hr and from littermates allowed to remain with their mothers. If body temperatures of separated pups were maintained at nest levels, they showed increased numbers of rises, squares crossed and head raises but did not differ from their mothered littermates in self-grooming or elimination. If no temperature source was supplied, separated pups lost 3°C and showed generally reduced levels of behavior. Heart rates of separated pups decreased markedly during separation, regardless of whether body temperatures were maintained. The cardiac rate response of mothered pups to the test box was a transient slowing in the first two min. Both separated groups showed acceleratory responses to the test box. Those whose temperatures had been maintained had more prolonged cardiac acceleration which reached levels close to the range of their mothered littermates.
Configural conditioning in the CER: Loss of element strength after repeated reinforced compound CS trials

Abstract Different groups of rats received different numbers of compound CS (light/noise) conditioning trials in the CER procedure. The amount of suppression evident to the single elements of the compound decreased as a function of the number of previous compound trials. This loss of CR strength was interpreted as a configuring effect. Further experimental comparisons indicated that the configuring effect could not be readily explained in terms of a generalization decrement or a stimulus novelty hypothesis.
Resistivity of Some 5 d Elements and Alloys Containing Iron

The resistivity has been measured as a function of temperature for Fe dissolved in Ir, and in some Os-Ir and Ir-Pt alloys. The resistivity due to the Fe has a strong anomalous temperature dependence which scales linearly with Fe concentration and changes gradually with host composition. No discontinuity in the behavior of the resistivity was found at Ir-Fe to correspond to the discontinuity in susceptibility observed by Geballe et al. The anomalous scattering persists in the Os-Ir alloys, where magnetic measurements indicate that no magnetic moment resides on the Fe impurities.
Sum Rules for the Spectral Functions of SU(3) X SU(3)

The spectral-function sum rules are given for a general Lie algebra, and then applied to the vector and axial-vector mesons coupled to the currents of SU(3) \ensuremath{\bigotimes} SU(3).
Central nervous system tuberculoma: A case report

Pediatric cerebral tuberculoma is a disease rarely encountered in the United States. We report a case of central nervous system tuberculoma in a 6-month-old infant who presented to the emergency department with isolated right upper extremity paralysis. The discussion includes a brief review of central nervous system tuberculomas.
Does ketogenic diet alter seizure sensitivity and cell loss following fluid percussion injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently leads to epilepsy. The process of epileptogenesis - the development of that seizure state - is still poorly understood, and effective antiepileptogenic treatments have yet to be identified. The ketogenic diet (KD) has been shown to be effective as an antiepileptic therapy, but has not been extensively tested for its efficacy in preventing the development of the seizure state, and certainly not within the context of TBI-induced epileptogenesis. We have used a rat model of TBI - fluid percussion injury (FPI) - to test the hypothesis that KD treatment is antiepileptogenic and protects the brain from neuronal cell loss following TBI. Rats fed a KD had a higher seizure threshold (longer latency to flurothyl-induced seizure activity) than rats fed a standard diet (SD); this effect was seen when KD was in place at the time of seizure testing (3 and 6 weeks following FPI), but was absent when KD had been replaced by SD at time of testing. FPI caused significant hippocampal cell loss in both KD-fed and SD-fed rats; the degree of cell loss appeared to be reduced by KD treatment before FPI but not after FPI. These results are consistent with prior demonstrations that KD raises seizure threshold, but do not provide support for the hypothesis that KD administered for a limited time directly before or after FPI alters later seizure sensitivity; that is, within the limits of this model and protocol, there is no evidence for KD-induced antiepileptogenesis.
Imaging of Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) constitute a large group of diverse neoplasms with a wide spectrum of clinical, imaging, and pathologic findings. Imaging diagnosis of NETs can be challenging, and several complementary imaging modalities may be needed during the diagnostic workup. Accurate interpretation of the imaging findings is important to facilitate diagnosis and contribute to patient management. This article discusses the gastrointestinal site-specific features and the tumor-specific features of several NETs and the role of several imaging modalities such as computed tomography, MR imaging, ultrasonography, and positron emission tomography in the evaluation of these NETs.
Mallory's phloxine B-methylene blue-azure II stain emphasizes elastin and collagen bundles in epoxy embedded lung.

A version of Mallory's phloxine-methylene blue-azure II technique suitable for large epoxy sections is described. Phloxine B (C.I. 45410) and a yellow-green interference filter (546-548 nm transmission) combine to give high contrast monochrome images. By comparing light micrographs of lung parenchyma entirely unstained or stained only with phloxine B against electron micrographs of the same material, it is seen that phloxine B emphasizes essentially only elastin and collagen fiber bundles. The technique has produced images useful for investigating lung parenchyma architecture and micromechanics.
Tumefactive demyelination in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus.

The brain is a common target of HIV infection, and may be damaged through direct and indirect effects of the virus. White matter changes including HIV leukoencephalopathy and vacuolar myelopathy are often seen (Gray and Lescs, 1993). Increased susceptibility to a wide variety of pathogens (CMV, tuberculosis, syphilis, cryptococcus, toxoplasma, JCV, etc.) and neoplastic processes (primary CNS lymphoma) occurs when CD4+ cell counts are greatly diminished. In rare cases, HIV infection has been associated with tumefactive demyelination (TD), a disorder distinct from either multiple sclerosis (MS) or acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Radiologically, TD consists of an incomplete rim enhancing “tumor-like” lesion (Ball, 2004; Saravanan and Turnbull, 2009; Uriel et al., 2010). We present the neurologic, radiologic, and pathologic findings with one year of follow-up from a patient who presented with neuroimaging findings consistent with TD and who was concomitantly diagnosed with HIV.
The effect of estrogen use on levels of glucose and insulin and the risk of type 2 diabetes in american Indian postmenopausal women : the strong heart study.

OBJECTIVE —To examine the associations between estrogen use and levels of insulin and glucose as well as the effect of estrogen use on the risk of type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —This report is based on 857 women who were both nondiabetic and postmenopausal at the baseline examination (1989–1992) and who completed a second examination (1993–1995) an average of 4 years later. The participants were divided into three groups: never, past, and current users based on their baseline estrogen use status. ANCOVA was used to compare the insulin and glucose levels among estrogen use groups. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between estrogen use and the incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS —Postmenopausal estrogen use was associated with lower fasting glucose (0.2 mmol/l lower) but higher 2-h glucose levels (0.4 mmol/l higher) compared with never users. It was not significantly associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes compared with past and never users, based on American Diabetes Association or World Health Organization definitions of diabetes or on only a 2-h glucose level ≥11.1 mmol/l. However, the risk of type 2 diabetes increased with increasing duration of estrogen use among current users, with an odds ratio of 1.10 per year of use (95% CI: 1.01–1.19). CONCLUSIONS —The data suggest that estrogen use in American Indian postmenopausal women may relate to deterioration of glucose tolerance. Longer duration of estrogen use among current users may relate to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
CD138-negative myeloma cells regulate mechanical properties of bone marrow stromal cells through SDF-1/CXCR4/AKT signaling pathway

As the second most prevalent hematologic malignancy, multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and relapses due to intrinsic or acquired drug resistance. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies that target molecular mechanisms responsible for drug resistance are attractive. Interactions of tumor cells with their surrounding microenvironment impact tumor initiation, progression and metastasis, as well as patient prognosis. This cross-talk is bidirectional. Tumor cells can also attract or activate tumor-associated stromal cells by releasing cytokines to facilitate their growth, invasion and metastasis. The effect of myeloma cells on bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) has not been well studied. In our study, we found that higher stiffness of BMSCs was not a unique characteristic of BMSCs from MM patients (M-BMSCs). BMSCs from MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) patients were also stiffer than the BMSCs from healthy volunteers (N-BMSCs). The stiffness of M-BMSCs was enhanced when cocultured with myeloma cells. In contrast, no changes were seen in myeloma cell-primed MGUS- and N-BMSCs. Interestingly, our data indicated that CD138⁻ myeloma cells, but not CD138⁺ cells, regulated M-BMSC stiffness. SDF-1 was highly expressed in the CD138⁻ myeloma subpopulation compared with that in CD138⁺ cells. Inhibition of SDF-1 using AMD3100 or knocking-down CXCR4 in M-BMSCs blocked CD138⁻ myeloma cells-induced increase in M-BMSC stiffness, suggesting a crucial role of SDF-1/CXCR4. AKT inhibition attenuated SDF-1-induced increases in M-BMSC stiffness. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, CD138⁻ myeloma cell-directed cross-talk with BMSCs and reveal that CD138⁻ myeloma cells regulate M-BMSC stiffness through SDF-1/CXCR4/AKT signaling.
Comparison of global chlorophyll concentrations using MODIS data

Abstract Chlorophyll concentrations derived from satellite borne ocean color sensors data provide an idea of the distribution of phytoplanktons across the oceans which help us in understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of phytoplanktons. The changes in the patterns of distribution and abundance of the planktons have significant impact on the entire ecosystem and play a key role in the global carbon cycle. In this paper, we have analyzed annual and seasonal chlorophyll concentrations retrieved from MODIS data for the periods March 2000–October 2003, which reveal the spatial and seasonal distribution of chlorophyll concentrations across the global oceans. Chlorophyll concentrations anomaly indicate that chlorophyll concentrations in almost all ocean regions responded similarly.
Energy transfer in a model of the photosynthetic unit of green plants.

Abstract A model array is set up to represent a photosynthetic unit of 344 chlorophyll molecules of seven different spectral varieties and in definite orientations. The array is provided with two traps, representing the reaction centers of photosystems I and II. The number of jumps required to obtain a high probability of trapping is lower than on a similar array of undifferentiated chlorophylls by a factor of 15. Most of the molecules fall into two groups which transfer their energy predominantly into one or the other trap, and which may be regarded as functional photosystems I and II. The rate of transfer between these two functional photosystems can be controlled by redirecting the orientation of only six of the molecules, which occupy a key position in the array. The effect on trapping rates of reorientation of these molecules is especially pronounced when one of the traps is closed. This constitutes a model for the control of energy distribution between the two photosystems, as indicated in recent years through fluorescence studies.
Polymeric precursor pyrolysis for flexural property evaluation of continuous fiber ceramic nanocomposites with nanoparticles

The effects of nanoparticles on processing and flexural mechanical performance of Nicalon/KiON CERASET® continuous fiber ceramic composites by preceramic polymer pyrolysis method have been investigated. Five different nanoparticles varying in size from 15 to 55 nm were used. These nanoparticles are: titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon carbide, and carbon. Ceramic fiber reinforcements (Nicalon™) and preceramic polymer (KiON CERASET®) was mixed with nano-size fillers in the presence of a surfactant agent to give a good dispersion of the particles during the process. Two different types of nanoparticle filled composites were manufactured. The first one followed neat preceramic polymer reinfiltration cycle; whereas the second system was manufactured with corresponding nanoparticle dispersed preceramic polymer reinfiltration. For comparison purposes, samples without nanoparticles were also manufactured. A characterization analysis of the samples using scanning electron microscopy revealed good quality of the parts. In general, the weight gain percentage at each stage of reinfiltration/pyrolysis for both types of nanoparticle filled ceramic composites is consistently less than that for ceramic composites manufactured without nanoparticles. This indicates the compactness of the nanocomposites. Four-point bending test was also conducted to evaluate the flexural mechanical performance of the ceramic composites samples at room temperature. Nanoparticle filled samples consistently showed significant improvement in flexural strength compared to their counterparts without nanoparticle reinforcement.
Variations in phenolic composition and antioxidant properties among 15 basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars

In this study, the influences of cultivar on the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of 15 different basil varieties was determined. Cultivar had a statistically significant effect on total phenolic levels (p < 0.001) and anthocyanin concentrations (p < 0.001). Analysis of individual phenolic acid levels by high-performance liquid chromatography showed substantial variations in the phenolic acid profiles among cultivars. Rosmarinic (p < 0.001), chicoric (p = 0.002) and caffeic (p = 0.001) acid concentrations were affected by cultivar, although caftaric acid levels (p = 0.083) were not. Nine of the cultivars in this study contained chicoric acid in higher concentrations than rosmarinic acid. These are the first basil cultivars that have been identified in which rosmarinic acid is not the dominant phenolic acid. In addition, six of the cultivars in this study had caftaric and caffeic acid concentrations that were similar or higher than rosmarinic acid levels. Cultivar also had a significant impact on both FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power, p = 0.007) and DPPH (2,2 0 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, p = 0.004) antioxidant capacities. For the basil cultivars in this study, the individual phenolic acid composition was found to be an important factor influencing the measured antioxidant capacity.
An examination into some variables said to affect serial learning

In each of three serial learning investigations, rats in a runway were given varying numbers of 0.045-g food pellets in a fixed order. Serial learning was indexed by faster running to larger than to smaller reward quantities. It has been suggested by Hulse (Animal Learning & Behavior, 1980,8, 689–690) and by Roitblat (Behavioral Brain Sciences, 1982,5, 353–371) that differences between two or more serial learning groups that have been obtained under one set of specified experimental conditions may be completely reversed or eliminated under another set of specified experimental conditions. In each of the three investigations reported here, we examined series that had been compared in previous investigations, employing, however, experimental conditions that, according to Hulse and to Roitblat, should produce results different from those obtained previously. In each of the three investigations reported here, the groups differed as they had previously. The findings obtained in this report suggest that none of the following variables is critical to the results obtained in serial learning investigation in the sense suggested by Hulse and Roitblat: the number of items contained in the series, the number of times the series is presented each day, the temporal interval elapsing between items, and the temporal interval elapsing between series presentations. The implications of the present findings for the rule-encoding view of Hulse and his coworkers and for the memory-discrimination learning view of Capaldi and his coworkers are examined.
Transforming curriculum for a nursing leadership course: A collaborative approach

The purpose of this project was to strengthen the transformational leadership competence of students by incorporating perceptions of all course participants in the curriculum of a nursing leadership course. Students and faculty collectively assessed each other's ability to communicate, associate, sanction, delegate, initiate, and achieve external legitimacy by completing a Leadership Performance Competence Profile. Profile results guided the teaching strategies and activities used during the course. At the beginning of the course the sanction competence was perceived as a mutual weakness; at the end of the course perceptions of all six leadership competencies were stronger. End-of-course student satisfaction was also examined. This project suggests collaborative teaching strategies can enhance perceptions of competence and satisfaction of course participants.
Transparent and conducting SWNT thin films for flexible electronics

— Thin films from low-density networks of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are intriguing new two-dimensional electronic materials because they have excellent tunable electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Such properties coupled with room-temperature deposition from solution ensure that the material will have profound impact on emerging technologies such as cheap, flexible plastic electronics and smart fabrics and windows. These optoelectronic properties of SWNT thin films make them a potentially good replacement for indium tin oxide (ITO), used widely in photovoltaics, organic, and inorganic light-emitting diodes, displays, touch screens, and smart windows.
Choice of time scale in Laguerre approximations using signal measurements

This correspondence investigates the choice of time scale or pole location that minimizes the L2error in approximating a given signal with a Laguerre function basis. For a pair of measurements related to how rapidly the signal decays, a pole location is derived that minimizes the maximum error encountered for the equivalence class of signals with these measurements.
The energy-enterprise-gender nexus: Lessons from the Multifunctional Platform (MFP) in Mali

The Mali Multifunctional Platform (MFP)—a government managed, multilaterally sponsored energy program that distributed a small diesel engine attached to a variety of end-use equipment—expanded access to modern energy services and raised village incomes from 1999 to 2004. Over this period, it successfully distributed more than 500 MFPs throughout Mali, and in doing so empowered women, improved educational opportunities, and enhanced food security and community cohesion. The MFP has also motivated the government to install 1800 such platforms by the end of 2012. Based on original research interviews supplemented with an extensive literature review, this study introduces readers to the rural energy situation in Mali and describes the history of the MFP project. It then discusses the benefits the project achieved, as well as five sets of challenges the MFP faces: a growing number of non-functional platforms, lack of policy coordination, poverty, dependence on imported technology and fuel, and patriarchy. The study concludes by offering six lessons for energy development planners and practitioners.
Ananta: cloud scale load balancing

Layer-4 load balancing is fundamental to creating scale-out web services. We designed and implemented Ananta, a scale-out layer-4 load balancer that runs on commodity hardware and meets the performance, reliability and operational requirements of multi-tenant cloud computing environments. Ananta combines existing techniques in routing and distributed systems in a unique way and splits the components of a load balancer into a consensus-based reliable control plane and a decentralized scale-out data plane. A key component of Ananta is an agent in every host that can take over the packet modification function from the load balancer, thereby enabling the load balancer to naturally scale with the size of the data center. Due to its distributed architecture, Ananta provides direct server return (DSR) and network address translation (NAT) capabilities across layer-2 boundaries. Multiple instances of Ananta have been deployed in the Windows Azure public cloud with combined bandwidth capacity exceeding 1Tbps. It is serving traffic needs of a diverse set of tenants, including the blob, table and relational storage services. With its scale-out data plane we can easily achieve more than 100Gbps throughput for a single public IP address. In this paper, we describe the requirements of a cloud-scale load balancer, the design of Ananta and lessons learnt from its implementation and operation in the Windows Azure public cloud.
Utilization and user satisfaction with alternating pressure air cushions: a pilot study of at-risk individuals with spinal cord injury.

AbstractPurpose: An appropriate wheelchair cushion is integral to pressure ulcer (PU) prevention for the wheelchair user with SCI. For users who find it difficult to remember or perform weight shifts, an alternating pressure air cushion (APAC) may off-load pressure to minimize PU risk. APACs are considered mobility assistive technology (AT). Effective AT delivery includes consideration of the AT consumer as a unique individual. The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) is a structured and standardized method to measure user satisfaction with AT. Method: Twelve full time wheelchair users with SCI were provided with an APAC six times for 2 weeks daily home use every 3 months. At the completion of the 18-month study period, the 8-variable QUEST 2.0b questionnaire was applied to evaluate satisfaction with APAC use. Results: Users were generally quite satisfied with APAC weight (p < 0.01 relative to neutral). Durability was more likely to be an area of concern. Overall, 92% o...
Doppler echocardiography of 119 normal-functioning St Jude Medical mitral valve prostheses: a comprehensive assessment including time-velocity integral ratio and prosthesis performance index.

The purpose of this study was to provide, in a large number of patients, comprehensive Doppler echocardiographic assessment of normal St Jude Medical mitral valve prosthesis function using Doppler-derived hemodynamic variables, including the mitral valve prosthesis-to-left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral ratio and prosthesis performance index. The pressure half-time was less than 130 milliseconds in all patients, and all but one patient had either a peak early mitral diastolic velocity of 2 m/s or less or a mitral valve prosthesis-to-left ventricular outflow tract time-velocity integral ratio of less than 2.2. There was a significant ( P
Investigating the fundamental significance of high sensitivity for lesion detection in PET imaging

The need for high-sensitivity small-animal PET scanners has been recognized in terms of improving the count rates per unit time per unit radioactivity. In this view, it is considered possible to compensate for a loss in sensitivity by using long scan time or employing high radioactivity. In this work, we show that for a scanner having a certain sensitivity there are limits to its ability in detecting small and low-contrast lesions that cannot be overcome by increasing the scan time and the amount of radioactivity. Therefore, having high sensitivity in PET imaging is of fundamental significance in terms of lesion-detection task.
U.S. Physicians’ Views on Financing Options to Expand Health Insurance Coverage: A National Survey

BACKGROUND Physician opinion can influence the prospects for health care reform, yet there are few recent data on physician views on reform proposals or access to medical care in the United States.
Energy upconversion sensitized by a platinum(II) terpyridyl acetylide complex

The platinum(II) terpyridine acetylide complex, [Pt(ttpy)(CCPh)]ClO4 (1, where ttpy = 4′-p-tolylterpyridine), sensitizes the 3π–π* excited state of 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) that in turn produces upconverted fluorescence via triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA). The photoluminescence of 1 is readily quenched by DPA with a rate constant close to the diffusion limit via energy transfer. Selective excitation of 1 leads to the upconverted fluorescence with a near quadratic dependence of the DPA fluorescence intensity on incident light power. This is the first time that the 3MLCT charge transfer excited state of a platinum polypyridine complex has been used to promote photon upconversion.
Robust Orientation and Appearance Adaptation for Wide-Area Large Format Video Object Tracking

Visual feature-based tracking systems need to adapt to variations in the appearance of an object and in the scene for robust performance. Though these variations may be small for short time steps, they can accumulate over time and deteriorate the quality of the matching process across longer intervals. Tracking in aerial imagery can be challenging as viewing geometry, calibration inaccuracies, complex ight paths and background changes combined with illumination changes, and occlusions can result in rapid appearance change of objects. Balancing appearance adaptation with stability to avoid tracking non-target objects can lead to longer tracks which is an indicator of tracker robustness. The approach described in this paper can handle affine changes such as rotation by explicit orientation estimation, scale changes by using a multiscale Hessian edge detector and drift correction by using segmentation. We propose an appearance update approach that handles the 'drifting' problem using this adaptive scheme within a tracking environment that is comprised of a rich feature set and a motion model.
Monkeying Around with the Genome

The ability to accurately model human disease in the laboratory limits the development and translation of new therapeutics. Major advances such as precise gene modification in mice and patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell lines have transformed biomedical research, ultimately leading to Nobel Prizes in 2007 and 2012. However, these technologies cannot recapitulate the whole-organism physiology of humans and as such are restricted in their ability to model disease and predict efficacy of new therapeutics. With the first demonstration of human disease–relevant targeted gene editing in monkeys, Liu et al. offer a new approach to more faithfully model human diseases. In this study, the authors set out to generate gene-modified cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys—relatively accessible laboratory models with similar physiology to humans. Although transgenic monkeys had been generated previously by using viral delivery methods, precise mutation of known disease loci in the genome of whole primates had not been achieved. Liu et al. used the TALEN gene-editing technology to target the monkey MECP2 gene, a locus known to underlie the X-linked human neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome. The TALEN system uses customized DNA-binding proteins fused to a DNA nuclease, allowing for targeting of any location in the genome. TALEN pairs induce a double-stranded break at the target locus that often results in indel mutations and perturbation (“knockout”) of target gene function. The authors’ major advance was the successful gestation of three rhesus and eight cynomolgus fetuses that had been injected with MECP2 -targeted TALEN pairs at the zygote stage. None of the transferred rhesus fetuses survived to term; however, analysis of two of the miscarriages showed clear evidence of MECP2 mutations in the fetal tissue. As these fetuses were both male, the preterm lethality is consistent with the X-linked lethality seen in male Rett syndrome patients. One female cynomolgus infant was born that showed successful mutagenesis of the MECP2 locus in multiple somatic tissues; however, it is too early to know whether relevant disease phenotypes will manifest. This study provides a major advance in the quest to generate faithful primate models of human disease. However, more work is needed to understand the reliability, efficiency, and utility of this technique, especially given the time, cost, and ethical challenges of nonhuman primate research. H. Liu et al ., TALEN-mediated gene mutagenesis in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys. Cell Stem Cell 14 , 323–328 (2014). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/abstract/S1934-5909%2814%2900048-4
Intramural Duodenal Hematoma with Acute Pancreatitis in a Patient With an Overt Pancreatic Malignancy

Intramural hematomas have rarely been associated with pancreatitis, and to date there is only 1 case report of an intramural hematoma occurring with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. We describe a patient who presented with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a spontaneous intramural duodenal hematoma and was found to have a pancreatic adenocarcinoma on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) after it was not visualized by computed tomography (CT).
Comments on "Frequency estimation by linear prediction "

It is shown that contrary to the claims made in the above paper, the analytic signal frequency estimate can be severely biased. The bias manifests itself for short data records and low signal-to-noise ratios.
Group Story Mapping A Comprehension Strategy for Both Skilled and Unskilled Readers

Heterogenous groups of third/fourth graders, including five learning disabled and low achieving students, were taught to use a story mapping strategy to improve reading comprehension. A multiple baseline design across two groups was used to demonstrate group control. A model-lead-test teaching paradigm was used to shape comprehension responses to a level of independence, without teacher assistance. Group averages for daily comprehension maintained above 80% correct when children were no longer required to use the strategy. Four out of five of the poor comprehenders also maintained improved comprehension above 75% correct. Improvements were found to generalize to measures of listening comprehension, criterion-referenced tests in the curriculum, and spontaneous story writing. These improvements did not generalize well to all subtests of the Nelson Reading Skills Test, raising questions about the difference in student performance on group versus individually-administered tests. The major conclusions were tha...
Threshold Behavior and Aggregate Fluctuation

This paper concerns a propagation mechanism in an economy where many individuals follow a threshold rule and interact with a positive feedback. We derive an asymptotic distribution of the propagation size when the number of the agents tends to infinity. The propagation distribution exhibits a slower convergence to a deterministic value than it would if the agents followed a smooth adjustment policy. This gives rise to significant aggregate fluctuations in a finite lumpy-adjusting economy even when the agents are hit by small independent shocks.
Exploring the unknown and the unknowable with simulation models.

This issue of Medical Decision Making (MDM )i s devoted to simulation modeling in health. The papers were not invited for the issue but are a special collection from the many on modeling that are submitted to MDM every year. Those under ‘‘Exploring Model Structure’’ deal with various aspects of reality that might be modeled: different ways of modeling preclinical disease, the impact of quality of life on health outcomes, correlations among health outcomes, the balance of benefits and harms over different time horizons, and adapting models to the stage of the decision. Those under ‘‘Calibrating Models’’ describe methods for assigning values to model parameters for which no direct evidence is available. And the papers under ‘‘Representing Uncertainty in Models’’ discuss methods for incorporating uncertainty in the data into a model and showing its effects on predicted outcomes. Simulation models are used to predict and compare the consequences of medical interventions. The typical application examines variations of an intervention that have not been, perhaps cannot be, tested in trials. Hlatky 1 recently observed that
THE HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATION OF JOINT EXUDATES IN RHEUMATIC FEVER AND OTHER FORMS OF ARTHRITIS.

1. The hydrogen ion concentration of joint exudates aspirated from patients ill with acute rheumatic fever, arthritis of undetermined origin, and bacterial arthritis was determined. The hydrogen ion concentrations of the joint exudates from patients with acute rheumatic fever approximated the normal reaction of blood, varying from pH 7.27 to 7.42. Exudates from patients with arthritis of undetermined origin varied in pH from 7.33 to 7.47. The pH of a joint effusion occurring in a patient with myocardial insufficiency was 7.34. Bacteriologically, all of these fluids were sterile by ordinary means of cultivation. An exudate aspirated from a knee infected with Staphylococcus aureus had a pH of 6.69, while that from a patient having an arthritis due to Streptococcus hœmolyticus was also acid, having a pH of 6.19. 2. Since a definitely acid medium is necessary for the liberation of free salicylic acid and since all of the joint fluids from patients with acute rheumatic fever were slightly alkaline, no free salicylic acid could possibly exist in such joint fluids following the administration of salicylates.
Persistent Prop1 expression delays gonadotrope differentiation and enhances pituitary tumor susceptibility

The ‘paired’-like homeodomain transcription factor Prop1 is essential for the expansion of the pituitary primordia and for the differentiation and/or function of the hormone-producing cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Prop1 expression is normally extinguished before transcription of most differentiation markers is initiated. We report that constitutive expression of Prop1 interferes with anterior pituitary cell differentiation and increases the susceptibility for pituitary tumors. The terminal differentiation of pituitary gonadotropes is delayed, resulting in transient hypogonadism and a delay in the onset of puberty. Thyrotrope differentiation occurs normally, but thyrotrope function is impaired resulting in mild hypothyroidism. Aged mice exhibit defects consistent with misregulation of pituitary cell proliferation, including adenomatous hyperplasia with the formation of Rathke’s cleft cysts and tumors. Thus, silencing Prop1 is important for normal pituitary development and function. These data suggest that gain-of-function mutations in PROP1 could contribute to the most common human pituitary endocrinopathies and tumors.
A Promising CAM Therapeutic For Multiple Cancers: Milk Thistle (Silybum)

Milk thistle or Silybum marianum, a member of Asteraceae family has shown great promise as an emerging anticancer agent. Pronounced inhibition towards a broad range of cancers viz. skin, larynx, lungs, breast, liver, pancreas, ovary, prostate, colon, kidney, cervix and blood have been documented. The compounds silymarin and silibinin (a flavonolignan) in the seed extract have been credited with most of the therapeutic potency. This chapter presents a latest account of the preventive role of milk thistle, with emphasis on anti-neoplastic, anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastasis, synergy with chemotherapeutics and side-effect amelioration. Thrust has been put on the biochemical and genetic modulations. Hurdles like short half-life and poor bioavailability and scopes of efficacy augmentation have been discussed. This chapter is of importance for progress in onco-treatment and the development of a robust adjunct therapy.
The xenoestrogen bisphenol A induces growth, differentiation, and c-fos gene expression in the female reproductive tract

The xenoestrogen bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to mimic estrogen both in vivo and in vitro. BPA stimulates PRL secretion and the expression of a PRL regulating factor from the posterior pituitary in the estrogen-sensitive Fischer 344 rat (F344), but not in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The goal of the present studies was to examine the in vivo actions of BPA on the reproductive tract. The specific objectives were 1) to characterize the short term effects of BPA on cell proliferation and c-fos expression in the uterus and vagina, and 2) to compare the effects of prolonged exposure to low doses of BPA on the reproductive tract of F344 and SD rats. Treatment with single high doses of BPA induced cell proliferation in the uterus and vagina of ovariectomized F344 rats, as determined by bromodeoxyuridine immunostaining. This proliferation was dose dependent (from 37.5–150 mg/kg) and followed a time course similar to that of estradiol (E2). Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that both BPA and E2 increased c-fos messeng...
Reliability-based design optimization of problems with correlated input variables using a Gaussian Copula

The reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) using performance measure approach for problems with correlated input variables requires a transformation from the correlated input random variables into independent standard normal variables. For the transformation with correlated input variables, the two most representative transformations, the Rosenblatt and Nataf transformations, are investigated. The Rosenblatt transformation requires a joint cumulative distribution function (CDF). Thus, the Rosenblatt transformation can be used only if the joint CDF is given or input variables are independent. In the Nataf transformation, the joint CDF is approximated using the Gaussian copula, marginal CDFs, and covariance of the input correlated variables. Using the generated CDF, the correlated input variables are transformed into correlated normal variables and then the correlated normal variables are transformed into independent standard normal variables through a linear transformation. Thus, the Nataf transformation can accurately estimates joint normal and some lognormal CDFs of the input variable that cover broad engineering applications. This paper develops a PMA-based RBDO method for problems with correlated random input variables using the Gaussian copula. Several numerical examples show that the correlated random input variables significantly affect RBDO results.
Sacral tumor resection and the impact on pelvic incidence.

Object Pelvic incidence (PI) directly regulates lumbar lordosis and is a key determinant of sagittal spinal balance in normal and diseased states. Pelvic incidence is defined as the angle between the line perpendicular to the S-1 endplate at its midpoint and the line connecting this point to a line bisecting the center of the femoral heads. It reflects an anatomical value that increases with growth during childhood but remains constant in adulthood. It is not altered by changes in patient position or after traditional lumbosacral spinal surgery. There are only 2 reports of PI being altered in adults, both in cases of sacral fractures resulting in lumbopelvic dissociation and sacroiliac (SI) joint instability. En bloc sacral amputation and sacrectomy are surgical techniques used for resection of certain bony malignancies of the sacrum. High, mid, and low sacral amputations result in preservation of some or the entire SI joint. Total sacrectomy results in complete disruption of the SI joint. The purpose of ...
Are Cleanups a Waste? Housing Market Responses to Brownfield Cleanups

Cleaning up brownfields such as Superfund sites is expected to catalyze neighborhood change in the vicinity. Several previous studies have estimated changes in housing prices associated with Superfund sites, with mixed results. This paper provides new estimates of price effects associated with cleanups of these brownfields and assesses alternative explanations for previous results. Issues such as stigma, sorting and Tiebout bias, and housing supply conditions motivate the analysis. Prominent models of housing market responses to brownfield cleanups (e.g., Greenstone and Gallagher 2008) raise important issues of how timing and location are handled in the research design. This analysis shows the sensitivity of results to alternative specifications using different (and arguably more robust) definitions of neighborhoods and different milestones in the cleanup process. Housing price effects are estimated using first-differenced models with Census data aggregated at the block-group level for all metro areas in the nation (from 1990 to 2000). The remediation treatment variable is defined based on three different phases in Superfund cleanup process, and proximity is defined based on alternative spatial proximity measures. An instrumental variables estimator, where lagged geographic and political factors instrument for Superfund site cleanups is used. The results show substantial policy endogeneity and significant variation across alternative proximity definitions, as expected. The variation in results by cleanup phase offer insights into the timing of market responses to amenity improvements. The initial results show a generally positive causal impact of progress towards cleaning up Superfund sites, although completion of the high-visibility “construction” phase attenuates some of that positive effect. The presence of significant indirect price effects would suggest that Superfund site cleanups can trigger changes in other aspects of the neighborhood – transforming the composition of the housing stock and neighbor mix in the area. Our results point to a small indirect effect of improved environmental quality, indicating that these brownfield cleanups catalyze minimal neighborhood change. Thus, policy endogeneity, timing, and spatial definitions matter greatly to identifying price impacts of brownfield cleanups. Transforming neighborhoods more generally, however, does not appear to play an important role in brownfield redevelopment.
Proton Grease: An Acid Accelerated Molecular Rotor

A molecular rotor was designed that rotates 7 orders of magnitude faster upon protonation. The quinoline rotor is based on a rigid N-arylimide framework that displays restricted rotation due to steric interaction between the quinoline nitrogen and imide carbonyls. At rt (23 °C), the rotor rotates slowly (t1/2 = 26 min, ΔG‡ = 22.2 kcal/mol). However, upon addition of 3.5 equiv of acid the rotor rotates rapidly (t1/2 = 2.0 × 10–4 s, ΔG‡ = 12.9 kcal/mol). Mechanistic studies show that this dramatic acid catalyzed change is due to stabilization of the planar transition state by the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the protonated quinoline nitrogen (N+—H) and an imide carbonyl (O═C). The acid catalyzed acceleration is reversible and can be stopped by addition of base.
Informing the Discussion on Evaluator Training: A Look at Evaluators' Course Taking and Professional Practice.

This classification study examines evaluators’ coursework training as a way of understanding evaluation practice. Data regarding courses that span methods and evaluation topics were collected from ...
PATIENTS' SELFOBJECT NEEDS IN PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOTHERAPY: How They Relate to Client Attachment, Symptoms, and the Therapy Alliance

Eighty-three patients in psychodynamic psychotherapy completed the Selfobject Needs Inventory (SONI), a measure of adult attachment, a measure of working alliance, and the Symptom Checklist-Revised between the third and fifth sessions of therapy. Replicating previous nonclinical research, a positive correlation was found between avoidance of selfobject needs and adult romantic attachment avoidance. In addition, the results revealed a positive relationship between hunger for mirroring and attachment anxiety and hunger for mirroring and self-reported symptoms. As expected, there were negative correlations between avoidance of twinship needs and symptoms and avoidance of idealization and symptoms. When selfobject needs were pitted against attachment in hierarchical regression, only attachment anxiety and avoidance contributed significant variance in the prediction of symptoms. We did not find any significant relationship between selfobject needs and the early alliance. Post hoc hierarchical regression analysis revealed that selfobject needs contributed significant variance in the prediction of the therapy bond and attachment anxiety and avoidance did not. Implications of the current research are discussed along with recommendations for future study.