cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recurrent follicular thyroid carcinoma metastatic to axillary lymph nodes mimicking pulmonary adenocarcinoma

Differentiated thyroid cancers generally have favorable prognoses, though follicular thyroid cancer is overall associated with a worse prognosis due in part to increased incidence of distant metastasis. We report a case of a 51-year-old woman with a history of widely invasive follicular thyroid carcinoma treated with a total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine and external beam radiation. Five and a half years following her surgery, she was found to have an axillary lymph node mass, multiple lung masses, and a hilar mass in the setting of declining thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies. Her metastases were initially thought to be due to a primary lung adenocarcinoma given a neoplastic cell immunophenotype that included an absence of Tg expression and co-expression of TTF-1 and Napsin A. However, PAX8 expression demonstrated that the axillary and hilar metastases were actually thyroid in origin rather than lung. Axillary metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma are exceedingly rare and previous reports have typically involved widely disseminated disease with extensive neck lymphadenopathy. With a decline in Tg antibodies levels in high-risk patients, one should consider progression and loss of differentiation of thyroid carcinoma rather than a response to treatment. Learning points Axillary metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma are uncommon. In patients with high-risk thyroid carcinomas, a decline in thyroglobulin antibody may not signal disease improvement, but rather a progression to a poorly differentiated form of cancer. PAX8 staining can be used to differentiate thyroid carcinomas from lung adenocarcinomas. Patient Demographics: Adult, Female, Hispanic or Latino - other, United States Clinical Overview: Thyroid, Thyroid Related Disciplines: Surgery, Otolaryngology Publication Details: Unique/unexpected symptoms or presentations of a disease, February, 2021 Background Differentiated thyroid cancers, including follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), are generally associated with favorable prognoses (1). FTC is the second most common differentiated thyroid cancer, historically accounting for up to 10–15% of all thyroid malignancies (2). Distant metastases, most commonly lung and bone (3) are found at presentation in up to 27% of FTCs (4) and up to 46% of patients with extensive vascular invasion on histology (3). Compared to PTC, FTC is overall associated with a worse prognosis due in part to this increased presence of metastases. Cervical lymph node metastases are less common in FTC with an incidence of 2–8% increasing to 17% in invasive disease (2, 5). This is compared to an incidence of up to 50% for PTC (6). Axillary lymph node metastases have previously been described in only eight patients with PTC (7) and only one patient with FTC (8). Here, we report a second case of late axillary lymph node metastasis in a patient with invasive FTC that was initially misdiagnosed as metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma.
Pan-Cancer Transcriptional Models Predicting Chemosensitivity in Human Tumors.

Motivation:Despite increasing understanding of the molecular characteristics of cancer, chemotherapy success rates remain low for many cancer types. Studies have attempted to identify patient and t...
New models for multi-class networks

Abstract Many complex phenomena can be modeled by networks, that is, by a set of nodes connected by edges. Networks are represented by graphs, and several algebraic and analytical methods have been developed for their study. However, in order to obtain a more useful representation of a system, it is often appropriate to include more information about the nodes and/or edges, and those additions make it necessary to adapt or modify such methods of study. Multi-class networks, in which the set of nodes and/or the set of edges are partitioned in two or more classes, are useful when different nodes and edges can play fundamentally distinct roles in the system. In this article we introduce new models and methods for multi-class networks, based on how the adjacency matrix is formed. We apply this approach to obtain measures of node importance or centrality, in particular using the Perron eigenvector. Perturbation results shed light on how the relative importance of a node changes by the addition of a single edge, and experiments with both synthetic and real data sets illustrate features of the methods discussed.
Preoperative exercise and outcomes after ventral hernia repair: Making the case for prehabilitation in ventral hernia patients

Abstract Background An increasing body of information suggests that preoperative physical activity level can impact postoperative outcomes. We sought to investigate this relationship in patients undergoing ventral hernia repair (VHR). Methods The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative registry was used to identify patients undergoing a VHR between 2013 and 2019. Patient-reported preoperative exercise level was used to stratify the study population into 4 groups: none (no reported exercise), sporadic (once a month), moderate (once per week), and intense (more than once per week). Multi-variate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of preoperative exercise frequency on postoperative outcomes, including complications, hospital readmissions and length of stay. Changes in quality of life and pain from baseline to 30-days postoperatively were assessed using the Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey and National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 3A Pain Scale. Results A total of 2,994 patients were included in the study, out of which 1,519 (50.7%) patients reported no preoperative exercise, 662 (22.1%) sporadic exercise, 467 (15.6%) moderate exercise, and 346 (11.6%) intense exercise. A total of 1,253 patients (19.2%) experienced a postoperative complication, out of which 249 (3.8%) had a surgical site infection. After multi-variable analysis and adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and hernia characteristics, increasing exercise frequency (versus no reported exercise) was associated with significantly lower odds of experiencing any postoperative complication (sporadic: odds ratio 0.70; P = .008; moderate: odds ratio 0.62, P = .006; intense: odds ratio 0.67, P = .04), as well as lower odds of readmission (sporadic: odds ratio 0.04; moderate: odds ratio 0.40; intense: odds ratio 0.03; P = .01). Exercise level was not associated with length of stay (sporadic: P = .36; moderate: P = .19; intense: P = .95). No significant differences were found in changes in quality of life or pain from baseline to 30-days after surgery (Hernia-Related Quality of Life Survey, P = .24; National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 3A P = .14). Conclusion Patients reporting greater exercise frequency before surgery demonstrated decreased risk of complications and readmission after undergoing ventral hernia repair. Increasing preoperative exercise participation through targeted prehabilitation programs may be a viable way for patients to reduce complications associated with VHR and improve their postoperative recovery.
Economic costs of electricity load shedding in Nepal

Abstract Nepal has a severe infrastructure investment gap, which is slowing its economic growth. Between 2007 and 2017, the country went through a massive electricity supply shortage that caused up to 14 h of daily load shedding. Computable general equilibrium model estimates suggest this load shedding had drastic costs for Nepal's economy. The reliable power supply would have increased the country's annual gross domestic product by almost seven percent, and annual investment would have been 48% higher. The power supply has significantly improved after 2017 through additions to domestic generation capacity, improved load management, and increased imports from neighboring India, and the load shedding has been eliminated. The improvement must be continued and sustained to keep pace with rapidly growing electricity demand to avoid drastic economic loss in the future.
GLASS COCKPIT TECHNOLOGY TRAINING: HOW IS IT ADDRESSED IN COLLEGIATE FLIGHT PROGRAMS?

Collegiate aviation programs provide well-trained flight personnel resources to meet critical air transportation requirements. Such programs have traditionally relied on proven flight methodologies and general aviation aircraft with simple instrumentation to prepare students for air transportation employment. As the number of experienced commercial pilots continues to decline within industry, a large number of collegiate flight program graduates may have the opportunity to quickly move into the right seat of modern regional airliners and corporate aircraft that are equipped with advanced “glass cockpit” instrumentation. A survey of current four-year collegiate aviation programs suggests that elements of glass cockpit technology, in some cases, receive little or no consideration within the flight training curriculum. In addition, after considering the cost of acquiring appropriate instructional materials, many college aviation departments have decided that responsibility for this training more appropriately belongs with the employing airlines. The authors hope that the results of this survey will lead to a dialogue between collegiate aviation faculty, airline employers, and vendors of training resources to promote low-cost training aids for glass cockpit aircraft and to discuss the issue of whether or not glass cockpit training should be an important part of the college flight training program.
Comparison of Rous Sarcoma Virus-Specific Deoxyribonucleic Acid Polymerases in Virions of Rous Sarcoma Virus and in Rous Sarcoma Virus-Infected Chicken Cells

Labeled virions of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) were disrupted with detergent and analyzed on equilibrium sucrose density gradients. A core fraction at a density of approximately 1.24 g/cc contained all of the (3)H-uridine label and about 30% of the (3)H-leucine label from the virions. Endogenous viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase activity was only found in the same location. Additional ribonucleic acid (RNA)- and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities were found at the top of the gradients. RNA-dependent and DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities were also found in RSV-converted chicken cells. Particles containing these activities were released from cells by detergent and were shown to contain viral RNA. These particles were analyzed on equilibrium sucrose density gradients and were found to have densities different from virion cores.
What Factors Affect Teachers Using iPads in their Classroom

This study used a qualitative paradigm to discover what types of training teachers have received that resulted in successful use of iPads and what factors affect their decisions to use iPads in their classrooms. Data for this study were 21 interviews with 21 in-service teachers. The findings showed that the majority of teachers did not have any formal iPad training. All reported they had to resort to different sources such as self-learning and colleagues’ support to learn about how to integrate iPads and useful apps into their teaching. There are many factors affecting their use of iPads in their classrooms. The study concluded with discussions and implications for school administrators and teachers. DOI:10.2458/azu_itet_v3i1_vu
PDGFRα and β Play Critical Roles in Mediating Foxq1-Driven Breast Cancer Stemness and Chemoresistance

Many epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-promoting transcription factors have been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis as well as chemoresistance of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms mediating these processes are unclear. Here, we report that Foxq1, a forkhead box-containing transcription factor and EMT-inducing gene, promotes stemness traits and chemoresistance in mammary epithelial cells. Using an expression profiling assay, we identified Twist1, Zeb2, and PDGFRα and β as Foxq1 downstream targets. We further show that PDGFRα and β can be directly regulated by Foxq1 or indirectly regulated through the Foxq1/Twist1 axis. Knockdown of both PDGFRα and β results in more significant effects on reversing Foxq1-promoted oncogenesis in vitro and in vivo than knockdown of either PDGFRα or β alone. In addition, PDGFRβ is a more potent mediator of Foxq1-promoted stemness traits than PDGFRα. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition or gene silencing of PDGFRs sensitizes mammary epithelial cells to chemotherapeutic agents in vitro and in vivo. These findings collectively implicate PDGFRs as critical mediators of breast cancer oncogenesis and chemoresistance driven by Foxq1, with potential implications for developing novel therapeutic combinations to treat breast cancer.
Some Classes of Imperfect Information Finite State-Space StochasticGames with Finite-Dimensional Solutions

Stochastic games under imperfect information are typically computationally intractable even in the discrete-time/discrete-state case considered here. We consider a problem where one player has perfect information. A function of a conditional probability distribution is proposed as an information state. In the problem form here, the payoff is only a function of the terminal state of the system, and the initial information state is either linear or a sum of max-plus delta functions. When the initial information state belongs to these classes, its propagation is finite-dimensional. The state feedback value function is also finite-dimensional, and obtained via dynamic programming, but has a nonstandard form due to the necessity of an expanded state variable. Under a saddle point assumption, Certainty Equivalence is obtained and the proposed function is indeed an information state.
Modification of refractive index in amorphous As-Se films induced by composition and illumination

ABSTRACT Photostructural transformations in amorphous films of chalcogenide glasses (ChG) under light irradiation present scientific and practical interests. From scientific point of view, because the composition of ChG determine the kind of structural units and the mean coordinatio n number, in the present wo rk the amorphous films of the chalcogenide systems As 100-x Se x (x=40÷98) and As 40 Se 60 :Sn y (y=0÷5.0 at.% Sn) were studied. The ch anges of the refractive index under light irradiation and heat treatment are calculated from the transm ission spectra. The more sensitive to light irradiation are the amorphous films of As 60 Se 40 and As 50 Se 50 , which exhibit big modifications of the refractive index ( ( n n) = 0.394 ). Keywords: Chalcogenide glasses, optical absorption, photoinduces phenomen a, refractive index 1. INTRODUCTION The effect of light-induced photodarkening is characteristic of amorphous chalcogenide films and presents scientific as well as practical interests. The consider able changes of the optical absorption an d of the refractive index of amorphous material associated with photostructural transformations under the light exposure have been stimulated the application of arsenic chalcogenides as optical and holographic recording media, inorganic photoresists, as passive elements of integrated optics, and imaging devices [1]. The arsenic se lenide amorphous films usually became darkened under action of light from the region of fundamental optical absorption h E
Managing the placebo effect: enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.

Confirming the absence of the placebo response has been the bane of researchers throughout the ages. Thus, the gold standard of research methodology is the evidence for a treatment modality provided by a prospective randomized controlled trial. The “control” arm of a trial is the arm in which the placebo has been administered. Increasing evidence from basic science and clinical research is pointing to the fact that the placebo response may have some biological basis that can translate into enduring therapeutic benefit. Have our placebo-controlled trials simply compared one treatment effect to the treatment effect of the “placebo”? Thus, the “δ” is relative treatment effect; perhaps this may provide some insight as to why some treatment response is low compared to a relatively strong placebo response. How can we use this knowledge to create more robust clinical designs that help establish true treatment effect? This article aims to provide an overview of the contemporary insight into the placebo response.
Histopathologic features of neovascularization in sickle cell retinopathy

Purpose To examine the histopathologic and morphometric features of neovascular lesions in human proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. Methods Postmortem ocular tissue was obtained from three subjects (aged 20, 28, and 40 years) with SS hemoglobinopathy and prepared for adenosine diphosphatase flat-embedding. Morphometric analysis was performed before serial sectioning. Results Numerous active and autoinfarcted lesions were found that represented virtually all stages in the life cycle of preretinal neovascularization. These formations ranged from single small loops extending from arteries and veins along the retinal surface to the typical complex, elevated sea fan formations. Sea fans developed at hairpin loops and at arteriovenous crossings. There was an average of 5.6 connections between sea fans and retinal vessels; of these, 45% were arteriolar, 52.5% were venular, and 2.6% were at the capillary level. Six of eight sea fans were located at arteriovenous crossings. Autoinfarction appeared to occur initially within the sea fan capillaries. The average height of sea fans was 123 μm above the retinal surface. Conclusions Preretinal neovascularization in sickle cell retinopathy can arise from both the arterial and venous sides of the retinal vasculature and can assume a variety of morphologic configurations. Multiple feeding arterioles and draining venules are common, and autoinfarction appears to occur initially at the preretinal capillary level rather than at feeding arterioles. Arteriovenous crossings may be a preferential site for sea fan development.
Modeling Chloride Penetration in Saturated Concrete

A mathematical model is established for chloride penetration in saturated concrete. The model takes into account various influential parameters such as water-to-cement ratio, curing time, types of cement, and aggregate content. Two material models are developed for binding capacity and chloride diffusivity, which have a dominant effect on the chloride diffusion process. The chloride binding capacity is modeled by means of the chloride adsorption isotherm. The chloride diffusivity is modeled by a composite material theory in which concrete is considered as a two-phase material with the cement paste as one phase and the aggregate as another. To take into account the effect of aggregate content, the three-phase model for diffusivity of a two-phase composite developed by Christensen is used. The diffusivity for cement paste is characterized by the Kozeny-Carman model as modified by Martys et al. The influences of temperature and chloride ion concentration are also handled in the model. The model prediction agrees quite well with available test results.
Effective parameter estimation within a multi-dimensional population balance model framework

Abstract This study considers optimization problems with multi-dimensional population balance models embedded. The objective function is formulated as a least-squares problem, minimizing the difference between target data and simulated model output and the goal is to find model parameter values that best fit the data. Results show that derivative-free methods, such as the Nelder–Mead simplex method, fail to converge to an optimal solution. A similar result was obtained with gradient-based methods such as BFGS, quasi-Newton, Newton, Gauss–Newton, Levenberg–Marquardt and SQP, and with a stochastic genetic algorithm. It was hypothesized that three main issues could contribute to these convergence failures: (1) gradients were calculated based on finite differences, and as a result of improper step size determination, the numerical error could be prohibitive resulting in inaccurate derivative information, (2) the parameters may not be identifiable and (3) numerical instability could occur during the course of optimization. To circumvent these issues, this work addresses the calculation of derivative information based on automatic differentiation and sensitivity analysis to ensure increased accuracy. Issues such as parameter identifiability are also dealt with by analyzing an accurate Fisher information matrix. Given the computational burden in calculating accurate Jacobians and Hessians, compounded by the potential nonsmoothness introduced into the objective function as a result of granule nucleation, other optimization strategies may be warranted and this work addresses those accordingly. Overall, by systematically assessing the problem formulation and mechanisms, the results show that substantial improvements in convergence can be achieved by utilizing appropriate optimization techniques, thus leading to more successful and optimal parameter estimation.
Clinical application of estrogen receptor in breast cancer

A population previously studied that showed 63.5% of patients with positive estrogen receptor (ER) responded to endocrine therapy vs. 8.6% with negative ER tumors was reassessed. Previously these patients had ER analyses from metastatic tumor biopsy specimens; in this report ER analysis of primary breast cancer tissues is reported in correlation with subsequent sites of metastases and response to endocrine therapy. Initial metastases at favorable sites was more usual among patients with ER positive tumors. 12 of 14 ER positive patients had first site of metastases in either bone or soft tissue where as 13 of 17 ER negative patients developed first metastases in viscera. Response to endocrine therapy was much better in ER positive patients and their survival time was twice that of ER negative patients. ER content was an insufficient criterion for predicting response to endocrine manipulation but it is recommended as information important for clinical judgments of therapeutic regimens. Previous use of radiation therapy or therapy using hormones or antihormones produces spuriously low ER values as doses inadequate numbers of tumor cells in the specimen and poor procurement of tumor. The study concluded with a recommendation of establishing a protocol to study simultaneous endocrine and chemotherapies in ER positive patients.
Label management: investigating how confidants encourage the use of communication strategies to avoid stigmatization.

In modified labeling theory, Link and colleagues (1987, 1989) explicate how people use communication to cope with being labeled as members of a stigmatized group. In this paper, we change perspectives and investigate how a confidant's awareness of discrimination and devaluation associated with being labeled as a member of a stigmatized group (“mentally ill” or “smoker”) motivates him or her to encourage a labeled loved one to engage in secrecy, withdrawal, or education to avoid the adverse actions associated with stigmatization. Results showed that a model of relationships among perceived devaluation and discrimination, coping strategies, and future disclosures extended well to unexpected confidants of a labeled loved one. This advice included encouraging the labeled loved one not to tell different people about their condition, which included health care providers. These findings also showed that people with experience in the labeling condition may have particular concern about stigmatization or rejection...
Electromyographic Responses From the Hindlimb Muscles of the Decerebrate Cat to Horizontal Support Surface Perturbations

The sensory and neural mechanisms underlying postural control have received much attention in recent decades but remain poorly understood. Our objectives were 1) to establish the decerebrate cat as...
Use of PC-SPES, a commercially available supplement for prostate cancer, in a patient with hormone-naive disease

Abstract Objectives. PC-SPES, an over-the-counter supplement, is actually a combination of eight different herbs. It is being used by patients to treat cancer of the prostate at different stages of the disease and has been commercially available since November 1996. It has been observed to dramatically decrease prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values in several patients; however, its out-of-pocket cost ($162 to $486/mo) and potential side effects must be weighed against its potential objective benefits. We reviewed its use in 1 patient. Methods. A patient with clinically localized prostate cancer (T1c) with a PSA of 8.8 ng/mL, who decided to delay any conventional treatment, began treatment with 9 PC-SPES capsules/day. Results. After 3 weeks, his PSA dropped to 1.4 ng/mL and after a total of 8 weeks, his PSA was less than 0.1 ng/mL (undetectable). He has continued on a maintenance dose of 6 capsules per day, decreasing to 4 capsules per day, with a continuing undetectable PSA. During this time the patient also experienced a number of strong estrogenic effects: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, extreme breast enlargement and tenderness, reduction in overall body hair, pitting edema, and a significant drop in his lipoprotein (a) level (from 46 to 11 mg/dL). Conclusions. PC-SPES may provide additive advantages (or disadvantages) over prescribed hormonal treatments but must be compared with other hormonal and nonhormonal treatments in clinical trials with hormone-sensitive and -insensitive patients with prostate cancer to determine its future use or nonuse.
Age and exploitation of obsidian from the Medicine Lake Highland, California

Abstract The relationship between major and minor elements, trace element composition, and age of obsidian sources within a volcanic field, is of considerable interest for obsidian source and artifact research in the New and Old World. The present study investigates this relationship in the Medicine Lake Highland of western North America. Geological evidence had indicated a very young age for all obsidian sources in the Highland, yet archaeological evidence suggested that obsidian was utilized for several thousand years. X-ray fluorescence analysis distinguished the latest flow (Glass Mountain) from the Cougar Butte, Grasshopper Flat, and Lost Iron Wells sources. Data obtained from two nearby archaeological sites showed that obsidian from the latter two sources was used by c. 7500 bc, while Glass Mountain material was not used (or available) until after 1360± 240 bp. These findings indicate that inferences of an extremely recent age for all obsidian sources in the volcanic field were unwarranted. Further analysis of major and minor elements indicated different hydration rates for these sources. The results argue that significant geochemical variability, as well as age differences, can exist between obsidian sources within the same volcanic field.
BiP Binding to the ER-Stress Sensor Ire1 Tunes the Homeostatic Behavior of the Unfolded Protein Response

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an intracellular signaling pathway that counteracts variable stresses that impair protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As such, the UPR is thought to be a homeostat that finely tunes ER protein folding capacity and ER abundance according to need. The mechanism by which the ER stress sensor Ire1 is activated by unfolded proteins and the role that the ER chaperone protein BiP plays in Ire1 regulation have remained unclear. Here we show that the UPR matches its output to the magnitude of the stress by regulating the duration of Ire1 signaling. BiP binding to Ire1 serves to desensitize Ire1 to low levels of stress and promotes its deactivation when favorable folding conditions are restored to the ER. We propose that, mechanistically, BiP achieves these functions by sequestering inactive Ire1 molecules, thereby providing a barrier to oligomerization and activation, and a stabilizing interaction that facilitates de-oligomerization and deactivation. Thus BiP binding to or release from Ire1 is not instrumental for switching the UPR on and off as previously posed. By contrast, BiP provides a buffer for inactive Ire1 molecules that ensures an appropriate response to restore protein folding homeostasis to the ER by modulating the sensitivity and dynamics of Ire1 activity.
Nationalism and Eighteenth‐Century British Literature

Discusses two competing, ‘domestically’-oriented understandings of the dynamics of nationalism in the period 1660–1760 – the notion of an emergent, overarching and inclusive “British” identity and the notion of English “internal colonialism” in relation to the Celtic “peripheries”. The author argues, instead, for an approach that highlights England's own “provincial” standing in the wider European world of culture and the ambition to claim an “imperial” role as a way to erase this provinciality.
Growth rates of protein crystals

Protein crystallization is important for structural biology. The rate at which a protein crystallizes is often the bottleneck in determining the protein’s structure. Here, we give a physical model for the growth rates of protein crystals. Most materials crystallize faster under stronger growth conditions; however, protein crystallization slows down under the strongest conditions. Proteins require a crystallization slot of ‘just right’ conditions. Our model provides an explanation. Unlike simpler materials, proteins are orientationally asymmetrical. Under strong conditions, protein molecules attempt to crystallize too quickly, in wrong orientations, blocking surface sites for more productive crystal growth. The model explains the observation that increasing the net charge on a protein increases the crystal growth rate. The model predictions are in good agreement with experiments on the growth rates of tetragonal lysozyme crystals as a function of pH, salt concentration, temperature, and protein concentration.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 ameliorates age-related behavioral deficits

Abstract Insulin-like growth factor-1 has been found to be involved in the regulation of several aspects of brain metabolism, neural transmission, neural growth and differentiation. Because decreased insulin-like growth factor-1 and/or its receptors are likely to contribute to age-related abnormalities in behavior, the strategy of replacing this protein is one potential therapeutic alternative. The present study was designed to assess whether cognitive deficits with ageing may be partially overcome by increasing the availability of insulin-like growth factor-1 in the brain. Fischer-344×Brown Norway hybrid (F1) male rats of two ages (four-months-old and 32-months-old) were preoperatively trained in behavioral tasks and subsequently implanted with osmotic minipumps to infuse the insulin-like growth factor-1 (23.5 μ g/pump) or a vehicle, i.c.v. Animals were retested at two weeks and four weeks after surgery. Insulin-like growth factor-1 improved working memory in the repeated acquisition task and in the object recognition task. An improvement was also observed in the place discrimination task, which assesses reference memory. Insulin-like growth factor-1 had no effect on sensorimotor skills nor exploration, but mildly reversed some age-related deficits in emotionality. These data indicate a potentially important role for insulin-like growth factor-1 in the reversal of age-related behavioral impairments in rodents.
Fluoxetine: Adverse Effects and Drug-Drug Interactions

This overview summarizes the major and minor side effects and drug interactions of fluoxetine. The adverse reactions include the "serotonin syndrome", cardiovascular complications, extrapyramidal side effects such as akathisia, dyskinesias, and parkinsonian-like syndromes and an apparently increased risk of suicidality. Fluoxetine-induced mania and hypomania, seizures and sexual disorders are evaluated along with minor symptoms of allergic reactions, stuttering, hematological changes, psoriasis, and inappropriate secretion of the antidiuretic hormone. The major fluoxetine-drug interactions involve the amino acids L-dopa and L-tryptophan, anorexiants, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, calcium channel blockers, cyproheptadine, lithium salts, and drugs of abuse. The underlying mechanism and the paradoxical effects of fluoxetine are addressed.
A moving-mesh splitting scheme for 2-dimensional quenching problems

A novel moving-mesh adaptive finite difference method is proposed for solving 2-dimensional quenching differential equations of the form ut = uxx + uyy + (κ – u)–2. Splitting strategies equipped with proper arc-length adaptations are utilized to achieve the computational efficiency as well as accuracy of the numerical solution of the potentially singular problems. Important results including the monotonicity of the nonlinear finite difference scheme are given. Simulation validations are provided to further demonstrate our conclusions. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
LeFort I osteotomy approach to the anterior skull base

Anterior skull base neoplasms require a multispecialty approach for adequate resection and reconstruction. Otolaryngologists are often consulted to help provide access to middle cranial fossa tumors or treat anterior cranial base pathology that arises from the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses. The LeFort I osteotomy with downfracture of the maxilla is one of many well-described osteoplastic anterior transfacial approaches to access these areas of the skull base. The approach greatly improves visualization of not only the central skull base, but also the infratemporal fossa when the posterior wall of the antrum and the pterygoid plates are removed. We will review proper patient selection, the anatomy, and surgical exposure with modifications of the LeFort I osteotomy, operative procedure, and complications. This approach should be included in the skull base surgeon's repertoire as an intermediate alternative to limited access transnasal, transantral, and endoscopic approaches and wide exposure face-splitting procedures.
TRH increases locomotor activity in rats after injection into the hypothalamus.

Abstract Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) had been reported to increase locomotore activity in rats and mice. In an attempt to localize this phenomenon, TRH (1 μg, bilateral) was injected into the caudate nucleus, septum and hypothalamus of rats. Locomotor activity increased after injection of TRH into the hypothalamus, but not into the other two sites. These data may indicate that increased locomotor activity is elicitable by TRH only in sharply delimited sites in the nervous system.
Rufinamide for the treatment of epileptic spasms

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of rufinamide for treatment of epileptic spasms. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients treated with rufinamide for epileptic spasms from January 2009 to March 2010. Age, presence of hypsarrhythmia, change in seizure frequency following rufinamide initiation, and side effects were assessed. Patients who had a ≥ 50% reduction in spasm frequency were considered responders. Results Of all 107 children treated with rufinamide during the study period, 38 (36%) had epileptic spasms. Median patient age was 7 years (range: 17 months to 23). One patient had hypsarrhythmia at the time of treatment with rufinamide, and 9 other patients had a history of hypsarrhythmia. Median starting dose of rufinamide was 9 mg/kg/day (range: 2–18) and median final treatment dose was 39 mg/kg/day (range: 8–92). All patients were receiving concurrent antiepileptic drug therapy, with the median number of antiepileptic drugs being 3 (range: 2–6). Median duration of follow-up since starting rufinamide was 171 days (range: 10–408). Responder rate was 53%. Median reduction in spasm frequency was 50% (interquartile range = –56 to 85%, P 99% reduction in spasms. Rufinamide was discontinued in 7 of 38 patients (18%) because of lack of efficacy, worsening seizures, or other side effects. Minor side effects were reported in 14 of 38 patients (37%). Conclusions Rufinamide appears to be a well-tolerated and efficacious adjunctive therapeutic option for children with epileptic spasms. A prospective study is warranted to validate our observations.
Monte Carlo solution of the Boltzmann equation via a discrete velocity model

A new discrete velocity scheme for solving the Boltzmann equation is described. Directly solving the Boltzmann equation is computationally expensive because, in addition to working in physical space, the nonlinear collision integral must also be evaluated in a velocity space. Collisions between each point in velocity space with all other points in velocity space must be considered in order to compute the collision integral most accurately, but this is expensive. The computational costs in the present method are reduced by randomly sampling a set of collision partners for each point in velocity space analogous to the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. The present method has been applied to a traveling 1D shock wave. The jump conditions across the shock wave match the Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions. The internal shock wave structure was compared to DSMC solutions, and good agreement was found for Mach numbers ranging from 1.2 to 10. Since a coarse velocity discretization is required for efficient calculation, the effects of different velocity grid resolutions are examined. Additionally, the new scheme's performance is compared to DSMC and it was found that upstream of the shock wave the new scheme performed nearly an order of magnitude faster than DSMC for the same upstream noise. The noise levels are comparable for the same computational effort downstream of the shock wave.
The sociology of work in Latin America : A complex development and current challenges

This article on the development of the sociology of work in Latin America addresses changes in the main themes, interdisciplinary relationships, and research methodologies during three periods, beginning in the 1950s. During this era, the themes shifted from modernization, to working-class organization under democracy and dictatorship, and, most recently, to structural adjustment and economic globalization. The sociology of work has become increasingly linked to other social sciences, history, management, and industrial engineering. Researchers use an array of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Current challenges for the discipline in Latin America include the relationships between the labor process and labor markets, and between intrafirm processes and interfirm connections, and the introduction of gender and labor culture perspectives into the analysis of new production paradigms.
Photometric calibration of the HST wide-field/planetary camera. I - Ground-based observations of standard stars

This paper describes the observation and analysis of field stars, undertaken as a step toward understanding the photometric properties of the filters and CCDs aboard the Wide-Field/Planetary Camera of the Hubble Space Telescope. Ground-based CCD observations have been made simulating 15 of the most important WF/PC passbands. Data are presented here for an equatorial network of stars including many UBVRI standards and some spectrophotometric standards. They serve to establish a photometric system that will be used in the calibration of in-flight data and that is useful for the calibration of other ground-based data. Transformations between WF/PC and other photometric systems are discussed, as well as the effects of interstellar absorption and atmospheric extinction on data in the WF/PC system. Synthetic photometry has been used as an aid in the data analysis and is described.
Supratarsal fold incision for approach to the superior lateral orbit.

Abstract Objectives To report and evaluate the use of the supratarsal fold incision for access to the lateral and superior orbit. Design This is retrospective evaluation of seven patients with zygomatic and orbital fractures who underwent repair with the supratarsal fold incision used to expose the frontozygomatic region or supraorbital rim. Data were obtained by review of hospital charts, radiographs, and by clinical examination. Results Excellent exposure and access were obtained because of the proximity of the incision to the lateral and superior orbit. Mobility of the eyelid tissue allowed for atraumatic manipulation and retraction. All fractures were adequately reduced by clinical and radiographic examination without complication. Conclusions The supratarsal fold incision is a versatile incision for access to the zygomaticofrontal suture and supraorbital rim. In addition to providing excellent exposure, it produces a superb cosmetic result with a scar well-hidden in the skin folds of the upper eyelid.
Increased gelatinolytic and caseinolytic activity in the thermally injured, nutritionally compromised rat cornea: detection of a 27-kDa lymphoreticular cell-associated caseinase.

This study assesses the impact of various forms of injury on matrix degrading enzymes in nutritionally compromised rat corneas. In vitamin A-deficient (nutritionally compromised) and normal control corneas, in vivo or ex vivo mild mechanical abrasion did not appreciably alter the activity of either the 65-kDa or the 92-kDa gelatinases. In contrast, after thermal injury, while no appreciable change was detected in activity associated with the 65-kDa gelatinase in either vitamin A-deficient or normal control corneas, 92-kDa gelatinolytic activity was consistently higher in corneas from both groups, although activity associated with nutritionally compromised corneas was much higher. In these corneas, thermal injury also induced the expression of two high molecular weight (approximately 130-kDa and 225-kDa) gelatinases and a 27-kDa caseinase. While gelatinases were totally inactivated by inhibitors of metalloproteinases such as 1, l0-phenanthroline and Galardin™ MPI, the 27-kDa caseinase showed considerable s...
Multiple-source schlieren noise reduction measurements

A single numerical measure of noise reduction, computed from the gray scale histogramm, appears to correlate well with visual observation of the images. It is shown that simple multiple source modifications to an existing conventional schlieren system are a practical means of reducing the sensitivity of the system to spurious density gradients, typically, thermal currents outside the test section
Audio-frequency mechanical spectra of a butadiene terpolymer

Measurements of complex shear compliance (J* = J′ − iJ″) as functions of frequency and temperature for an unvulcanized sample of a butadiene terpolymer are presented. The measurements reveal the existence of a broad retardation dispersion at audio frequencies and temperatures between −30° and +35°C; but at temperatures below 0° and above 24°C, there are superimposed several series of sharp resonance dispersions. The appearance of these fine spectra below 0° and above 24°C correlates well with observed transitions in specific volume–temperature curves for the material at 1° and 24.5°C. Analyses of the spectra at 35.7°C reveal four separate series each with mode frequencies increasing as 1, 4, 9, 16, …, etc. in agreement with predictions of the momentum-wave description of nonelastic deformation. Further, the ratios of frequencies for a common mode are in good agreement with the inverse atomic mass ratios of the atoms or atomic group to which each series is assigned. Thus, for the first mode of each series at 35.7°C, the frequency ratios are 1.000:1.142:1.220:1.335 for modes assigned to oxygen, nitrogen, the CH group, and carbon. These ratios, in turn, are in good agreement with the inverse atomic mass ratios, 1.000:1.142:1.230:1.333, as expected from momentum-wave deformation theory. Examination of the microstructural and stress requirements for observation of nonelastic resonances in vibration experiments suggests that some type of one-dimensional order extending over about 6 micrometers is present in the terpolymer below 0° and above 24°C, but is absent between these temperatures. The successful explanation of the dynamic mechanical behavior of this terpolymer, together with previous results cited for other materials, indicates the usefulness of the momentum-wave theory of mechanical deformation in correlating microstructure and macroscopic mechanical response.
The dynamics of cooptation in a feminist health clinic.

Abstract I examine the process of cooptation in a feminist health clinic, focusing on how the State shapes and absorbs the challenges of grassroots health activism. A familiar picture of organizational change accompanies the clinic's decision to secure State funding: the erosion of collective decision-making, an immersion in service delivery to the exclusion of other activities, and a dependency on continued funding which decreases the political autonomy of the organization. Using Gramsci's analysis of hegemony, I demonstrate how the State's effect on this organization stemmed from both direct pressures for particular changes and the influence of dominant ideology and social relations in structuring the clinic staff's response to those pressures. Additionally, I explore the factors that laid the groundwork for a reversal of cooptive patterns and a revitalization of the clinic's social movement orientation and political goals.
Systematic review of observational studies reveals no association between low back pain and lumbar spondylolysis with or without isthmic spondylolisthesis.

The hypothesis that spondylolysis (SL) and/or isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) cause low back pain (LBP) is widely accepted representing surgical indication in symptomatic cases. If SL/IS cause LBP, individuals with these conditions should be more prone to LBP than those without SL/IS. Therefore, the goal of the study was to assess whether the published primary data demonstrate an association between SL/IS and LBP in the general adult population. Systematic review of published observational studies to identify any association between SL/IS and LBP in adults. The methodological quality of the cohort and case–control studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria (one cohort, seven case–control, seven cross-sectional). Neither the cohort study nor the two highest-quality case–control studies detected an association between SL/IS and LBP; the same is true for the remaining studies. There is no strong or consistent association between SL/IS and LBP in epidemiological studies of the general adult population that would support a hypothesis of causation. It is possible that SL/IS coexist with LBP, and observed effects of surgery and other treatment modalities are primarily due to benign natural history and nonspecific treatment effects. We conclude that traditional surgical practice for the adult general population, in which SL/IS is assumed to be the cause of non-radicular LBP whenever the two coexist, should be reconsidered in light of epidemiological data accumulated in recent decades.
Role of constrained computational systems in natural language processing

Abstract The use of constrained formal/computational systems just adequate for modeling various aspects of language—syntax, semantics, pragmatics and discourse, among others, has proved to be an effective research strategy leading to deep understanding of these aspects, with implications to both machine processing and human processing. This approach enables one to distinguish between the universal and stipulative constraints. This is in contrast to an approach where we start with the most powerful formal/computational system and then model the phenomena by making all constraints stipulative in a sense. The use of constrained systems for modeling leads to some novel ways of describing locality of structures and brings out the relationship between the complexity of description of primitives and local computations over them. These ideas serve to unify theoretical, computational and statistical aspects of natural languages processing in AI. It is expected that this approach will be productive in other domains of AI.