cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal diapause strategies of a grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes.

Previous analyses of diapause in insects have most often focused on the timing of the switch from non-diapausing to diapausing offspring in bivoltine populations and have assumed that diapause is irreversible or that the insect cannot survive winter if not in diapause. Many insects exhibit more flexibility in their life cycles, such as the age at which diapause begins, and facultative diapause, that may influence the evolution of different diapause strategies in different environments. The grasshopper Melanoplus sanguinipes F. (Orthoptera: Acrididae), has a very wide geographic range over which diapause characteristics vary greatly. Embryonic diapause in this species may be under maternal control, may be obligate or facultative (i.e., may be averted by cold temperature treatment of pre-diapause embryos), and embryos may enter diapause at different ages. Diapause traits were examined in two populations of M. sanguinipes from very different environments. In the population from a temperate climate (Idaho, USA), diapause was facultative, i.e., pre-diapause embryos averted diapause when held at 5° C for 90 days at all ages tested (7 days and older). The Idaho embryos entered diapause in late stage of development if held at 22° C for 30 days or more. In populations from subarctic Alaska, USA, embryos also entered diapause in a late stage of development, but diapause was obligate and could not be averted by chilling in the pre-diapause stages. Simulated evolution of these traits over a wide range of season-lengths showed that late stage diapause is an essential trait in very short season environments, resulting in early hatching, and a semivoltine life-cycle. Facultative diapause enabled bivoltinism to be a viable strategy in shorter seasons than when diapause was obligate. At transitions from semivoltine to univoltine, and from univoltine to bivoltine life cycles, populations with obligate diapause adopted a strategy of no diapause (via maternal effects) to enable univoltine life cycles.
Constant-current potentiometric titration of orthophosphate with cetylpyridinium chloride: a feasibility study.

Abstract The feasibility of constant-current potentiometric titration of orthophosphate with cetylpyridinium chloride has been studied. The phosphate solution is acidified with hydrochloric acid to pH 1.1–1.3 and an excess of molybdate solution added. For l mg of phosphorus (as phosphate) the optimum Mo:P ratio is about 40. Cetylpyridinium chloride reacts stoichiometrically with 12-molybdophosphate, in 3:1 ratio. The optimum cathodic polarizing current is 1.1 μA. The blanks for molybdate are relatively small, constant and non-stoichiometric.
Does University of Wisconsin solution harm the transplanted heart

Abstract Background University of Wisconsin solution (UW) has been shown to be an effective preservative for the cardiac allograft. Recently, the high potassium content of UW has been implicated in causing coronary endothelial damage, allegedly contributing to development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and eventually to poorer survival. Methods We examined our experience using UW for preservation of cardiac allografts between 1990 and 1994 ( n = 94), and compared these to hearts preserved with the lower potassium-containing Stanford solution used at our center between 1986 and 1990 ( n = 65). Indices of graft function, ischemic injury, CAV incidence, CAV severity, and survival were evaluated. Results The 2 groups were similar in age, gender, diagnosis, donor inotropic support, donor-recipient weight ratio, incidence of acute graft failure, and cytomegalovirus seroconversion. UW-preserved hearts came from older donors (30.5 vs 24.1 years, p p p p p = .001). Three years after transplantation, both groups were similar in the incidence of CAV (UW, 27.3%; STNF, 37.5%; p = 0.27), and also the severity of CAV ( p = 0.78). Deaths attributed to CAV were equal in each group (UW, 11.4% vs STNF, 10.7%; p = 0.79). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed equivalent survival curves ( p = 0.26). Conclusions We conclude that UW is a safe and effective myocardial preservative, allowing longer ischemic times with equivalent graft function. Our data suggest that when UW is used for cardiac allograft preservation, both CAV and survival are comparable to the experience with other preservatives containing lower concentrations of potassium.
A Modern Evaluation of Extrapleural Pneumonolysis in the Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Special Reference to Methyl Methacrylate “Plombage” Review of 26 Cases

1) The indications for extrapleural pneumonolysis with lucite plombage are briefly presented and discussed. 2) The operative technique is described. 3) Results and complications in 26 patients upon whom 30 stages of extrapleural pneumonolysis were performed are reviewed. The low percentage of cavity closure and sputum conversions plus the numerous complicating factors occurring with this procedure caused us to abandon its use on our thoracic surgical service. 4) Five cases are reported with illustrations to demonstrate some of the results and complications following the use of this operation.
Configuration interaction using open-shell spin-projected functions

Abstract Computational methods have been developed for handling spin-projected open-shell configuration-interaction wave functions. These methods are applied to the three lowest state of O 2 , with qualitatively statisfactory results in reasonable computation times.
Scalable MPI-3.0 RMA on the Blue Gene/Q Supercomputer

The MPI Forum has ratified extensions to MPI RMA with a new flexible and high performance passive target synchronization mechanism, new calls for window allocation and atomic operations executed on remote windows. In this paper, we explore an implementation of this new MPI-3.0 RMA interface on the Blue Gene/Q machine with performance results. We take advantage of the one-sided RDMA get and put operations available on the BG/Q machine. We use various micro benchmarks to show performance improvements of MPI-3.0 RMA over MPI-2.2 RMA. We also use the 2D stencil and 3D FFT benchmarks to compare MPI-3.0 RMA with MPI point to point communication. Microbenchmark performance results show MPI-3.0 RMA has lower latency than MPI-2.2 RMA, while application benchmarks show that MPI-3.0 RMA has comparable performance to MPI point-to-point communication.
Effects of broiler feed medications on Salmonella.

SUMMARY This pilot analysis was conducted with data from 52 conventional grow-out broiler flocks in a prospective field observational study in the southeastern United States during 2003–2006. Each flock was sampled for Salmonella 1 wk before the end of grow-out, upon arrival at the processing plant, and during processing (prior to and immediately after carcass chilling). The broiler litter was sampled on the day of bird harvest. The grow-out feeding programs, including the medications delivered in feed, were surveyed with questionnaires completed by the broiler managers and feedmill managers. Each detail of the feeding program was tested for statistical association with the frequency of Salmonella in the flock at each sampling point, after accounting for variation in Salmonella frequency between the farms, broiler complexes, and companies. Significant associations were found between Salmonella frequency in the broiler flock pre- and postharvest and the inclusion of feeds containing individual coccidiostat...
Evaluation of the Toxicity of Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) in Young Broiler Chickens

Two experiments were conducted to characterize the toxicity and evaluate the efficacy of alum to increase intestinal strength in young broiler chicks. Cobb x Cobb male broiler chicks were placed in an experimental design consisting of six dietary treatments of alum (control, 0.23, 0.47, 0.93, 1.9, and 3.7%) with four replicate pens of 10 broilers per pen. The chicks were housed in electrically heated batteries and provided the treatments for ad libitum consumption from 1 d to 3 wk of age. Alum significantly (P < or = 0.05) decreased body weights at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 0.93, 1.9, and 3.7% in Experiment 2. Feed conversion and the relative weight of the gizzard were increased in both experiments at 3.7%. Serum phosphorus was decreased at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 3.7% in Experiment 2. Intestinal and bone strength were decreased in both experiments at 3.7%. Bone ash was reduced at 3.7% in Experiment 2, bone S levels increased at 1.9 and 3.7% in Experiment 1 and at 3.7% in Experiment 2, and bone Al levels were elevated in both experiments at 3.7%. Muscle levels of P and S decreased, and that of Ca increased at 3.7%. Aluminum levels were not elevated in muscle tissues. These data indicate that alum can be toxic to young broiler chicks, but at levels that would not be expected to be reached through litter consumption, and that alum did not increase intestinal strength.
Exchange-induced spin polarization of conduction electrons in paramagnetic metals

The conduction electrons in Au are shown to be spin polarized at distances up to 10 nm from an interface with Fe by use of an electron tunneling technique. A simple model is proposed to explain this effect.
Diagnosis, management, and follow-up of congenital head and neck teratomas

Objective : To describe our clinical experience with congenital teratomas of the head and neck. Study Design: A retrospective review of the six patients as well as a review of the literature in the setting of academic referral centers. Methods: In six infants with teratomas, four in the cervical region and two arising from the nasopharynx, surgical excision of all tumors was performed. Outcome measures were clinical and radiographic follow-up and the use of α-fetoprotein (AFP) for postoperative monitoring. Results: There was no recurrence of teratomas. Conclusions: Surgical excision is the treatment for congenital teratomas. Postoperative monitoring for recurrences should include AFP levels in difficult cases.
Probing single-molecule dynamics photon by photon

We present the theoretical rationales for data analysis protocols that afford an efficient extraction of conformational dynamics on a broad range of time scales from single-molecule fluorescence lifetime trajectories. Based on correlation analyses, a photon-by-photon approach on one hand provides the highest time resolution, whereas a minimal-binning method on the other hand is most suitable for experiments experiencing external fluorescence intensity variations. Applications of the two methods are illustrated via computer simulations. In cases where fluorescence quenching is either due to Forster fluorescence resonance energy transfer or due to the excited-state electron transfer, the fluorescence lifetime is dependent on donor-acceptor distance, thereby providing a window through which conformational dynamics are revealed. To assist in interpreting experimental data derived from the new protocols, analytical expressions relating fluorescence lifetime fluctuation correlations to a Brownian diffusion model and to an anomalous diffusion model are discussed.
A deletion ahead of its time.

Abstract An alleged defect in transformational treatment of syntax acquisition is the absence from child speech of certain predicted errors with ‘wh-’ constructions. In this paper, a theory of acquisition dynamics and intensive longitudinal data are brought to bear on this issue. The key observations involve an early precursor, at 24—28 months, of the relative clause. The analysis sheds light on two fundamental issues in transformational acquisition theory: The permissibility of simultaneous rule changes and whether a transformation can be acquired before the associated deep structure. The issues and analysis can be translated into non-transformational terms.
Dental Plaque and Dietary Intakes in Schoolchildren in Hawaii

Plaque formation on the teeth as measured by the number of teeth with a heavy plaque accumulation was found to be influenced by diet. Accumulation of plaque was enhanced by the frequent consumption of food items such as sweet rolls, sweet breads, manapua, and poi. All of these are characterized by their sucrose content and stickiness. However, fruit drinks were shown to have a retarding effect on plaque growth. The information on the amount of plaque had little relationship with the dental caries status of the subjects, whereas it was significantly associated with periodontal health.
Integration of risk identification with business process models

A variety of methodologies commonly known as business process models are widespread in systems engineering and diverse technology systems. Business process modeling encourages uniform documentation of who generates what information, products, services; for whom; how; and why; and with what authorization. However, no known business process models have the capability to describe sources of risk: that is, what can go wrong in the business process. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate the integration of risk identification into a single existing methodology of business process modeling. The paper thus develops an extension of the integrated definition for function (IDEF) modeling that supports describing sources of programmatic risk in business processes. This is demonstrated in an application to planning and programming d1.5 billion per year of highway construction. Identifying the sources of risk is supported by existing methodologies such as hierarchical holographic modeling (HHM) and failure modes, effects, and criticality analysis (FMECA). The results of this paper will emphasize the importance of explicitly introducing the sources of risk in IDEF and other types of business process modeling. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 9: 187–198, 2006
Nairaiamides A and B. two novel di-proline heptapeptides isolated from a fijian Lissoclinum bistratum ascidian.

Abstract Two new cyclic heptapeptides (1, 2) have been isolated from the ascidian Lissoclinum bistratum, and their structures determined by a combination of spectroscopic techniques, including a natural abundance two-dimensional 1H{13C,1H}-HMQC-TOCSY experiment which was pivotal to assigning and identifying the amino acid residues. 1H({13C}-HMBC and [1H-1H]-ROESY experiments provided the correlations necessary to sequence the peptides. In both peptides, the Ile-Pro amide bonds adopt cis configurations.
Factors Affecting Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy

In both clinical trials and clinical practice, nonadherence to medications is widespread among patients with chronic diseases. The shift to combination therapies for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals has increased adherence challenges for both patients and health-care providers. Estimates of average rates of nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy range from 50% to 70%. Adherence rates of <80% are associated with detectable viremia in a majority of patients. The principal factors associated with nonadherence appear to be patient-related, including substance and alcohol abuse. However, other factors may also contribute, such as inconvenient dosing frequency, dietary restrictions, pill burden, and side effects; patient-health-care provider relationships; and the system of care. We discuss the major reasons reported by HIV-infected individuals for not taking their medications. Improving adherence probably requires clarifying the treatment regimen and tailoring it to patient lifestyles.
Intra-articular corticosteroids in septic arthritis: beneficial or barmy?

We read with interest the paper by Wysenbeek et al about the treatment of staphylococcal septic arthritis in rabbits by intra-articular corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics1 and would like to share our recent clinical experience that we feel pertinent to this scientific research. Traditional teaching dictates that intra-articular corticosteroids are contraindicated in the management of septic arthritis, the appropriate treatment being antibiotics and …
Reduction of Auxin Transport Capacity with Age and Internal Water Deficits in Cotton Petioles

Auxin transport was examined in leaf petioles taken from the upper, middle, and lower leaf canopy of large cotton plants. The ability of petioles to transport auxin decreased with age (position) of the leaves. Plant water deficit reduced transport regardless of age. These correlations support the view that reduced transport capacity of petioles plays a significant role in the induction of abscission of lower or older leaves during water deficits.
Brownfields: Risk, property, and community value

Abstract Brownfields have been the subject of intense interest across the United States. This paper attempts to look at some of the conceptual goal-oriented aspects of brownfields through the lens of risk to determine if it could serve as another way of exploring property use and community value. As such the paper is focused not on developing a theoretical framework to apply risk assessment techniques but rather on exploration of concepts. The context of brownfields is examined from several viewpoints: urban policy, federal/state government, city, property owner, redeveloper, community and individual. It is not a complete story but each viewpoint adds another dimension to the portrait of overall risk, which is composed of economic, environmental, social, health and political aspects.
Development of Tinnitus in CBA/CaJ Mice Following Sound Exposure

Tinnitus, the perception of a sound without an external acoustic source, is a complex perceptual phenomenon affecting the quality of life in 17% of the adult population. Despite its ubiquity and morbidity, the pathophysiology of tinnitus is a work in progress, and there is no generally accepted cure or treatment. Development of a reliable common animal model is crucial for tinnitus research and may advance this field. The goal of this study was to develop a tinnitus mouse model. Tinnitus was induced in an experimental group of mice by an exposure to a loud (116 dB sound pressure level (SPL)) narrow band noise (one octave, centered at 16 kHz) during 1 h under anesthesia. The tinnitus was then assessed behaviorally by measuring gap induced suppression of the acoustic startle reflex. We found that a vast majority of the sound-exposed mice (86%) developed behavioral signs of tinnitus. This was a complex, long lasting, and dynamic process. On the day following exposure, all mice demonstrated signs of acute tinnitus over the entire range of sound frequencies used for testing (10–31 kHz). However, 2–3 months later, a behavioral evidence of tinnitus was evident only at a narrow frequency range (20–31 kHz) representing a presumed chronic condition. Extracellular recordings confirmed a significantly higher rate of spontaneous activity in inferior colliculus neurons in sound-exposed compared to control mice. Surprisingly, unilateral sound exposure suppresses startle responses in mice and they remained suppressed even 3 months post-exposure, whereas auditory brainstem response thresholds were completely recovered during 2 months following exposure. In summary, behavioral evidence of tinnitus can be reliably developed in mice by sound exposure, and tinnitus induction can be assessed by quantifying prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex.
Superspace mechanics as the classical limit of superfield theory

The semi-classical superspace pseudomechanics of Casalbuoni and others is shown to be the classical limit of a scalar superfield theory by a WKB type of approximation. By avoiding second class constraints, the relationship between the mechanics and the field theory is clarified. The spin1/2sector is then examined to find the (semiclassical) WKB limit of the Dirac equation.
Training in the Application of the ASME Code to Transportation Packaging of Radioactive Materials

The Department of Energy has established guidelines for the qualifications and training of technical experts preparing and reviewing the safety analysis report for packaging (SARP) and transportation of radioactive materials. One of the qualifications is a working knowledge of, and familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, referred to hereafter as the ASME Code. DOE is sponsoring a course on the application of the ASME Code to the transportation packaging of radioactive materials. The course addresses both ASME design requirements and the safety requirements in the federal regulations. The main objective of this paper is to describe the salient features of the course, with the focus on the application of Section III, Divisions 1 and 3, and Section VIII of the ASME Code to the design and construction of the containment vessel and other packaging components used for transportation (and storage) of radioactive materials, including spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. The training course includes the ASME Code-related topics that are needed to satisfy all Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements in Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulation Part 71 (10 CFR 71). Specifically, the topics include requirements for materials, design, fabrication, examination, testing, and quality assurance for containment vessels, bolted closures, components to maintain subcriticality, and other packaging components. The design addresses thermal and pressure loading, fatigue, nonductile fracture and buckling of these components during both normal conditions of transport and hypothetical accident conditions described in 10 CFR 71. Various examples are drawn from the review of certificate applications for Type B and fissile material transportation packagings.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Stability and amorphization of Cu-Nb interfaces during severe plastic deformation: Molecular dynamics simulations of simple shear

Abstract Molecular dynamics is used to investigate in-plane simple shear deformation of three Cu–Nb interfaces with either Kurdjumov–Sachs (KS) or Nishiyama–Wassermann (NW) orientation relationships (ORs). Regardless of the shear direction, both the NW interface and the KS interface with a {1 1 1}fcc||{1 1 0}bcc habit plane consistently deform via pure interface sliding and are highly stable against the shear deformation. In contrast, the KS interface with a {1 1 2}fcc||{1 1 2}bcc habit plane exhibits at small strain various deformation mechanisms along different shear directions. Dislocation glide inside the Cu phase results in a change from the original OR. At large strains, additional strain is accommodated almost entirely by localized shearing at interfacial amorphous layers, which grow as the square root of strain, irrespective of shear direction, phase layer thickness or habit plane. With the onset of such shear localization, a new OR becomes stabilized, although it varies with shear direction. The findings in this study are discussed with respect to structural evolution, amorphization, forced mixing, shear strength and experimental observations.
Multiple data analyses of dichotic listening advantages of stutterers

Abstract Dichotic listening responses of 10 stutterers and 10 nonstutterers were determined using five data analyses methods reported in the literature. Results revealed that 8 (40%) of the subjects manifested changes in ear advantages, depending on the type of analyses employed. Statistical significance was determined by the choice of data analyis and not the data for these subjects. Discussion includes cautions about group analyses and heterogeneity of stuttering subjects. The need to consider a continuum for laterality in terms of magnitude and strength is stressed.
Weight deficit in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract Small solute clearances were compared between two groups of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), an underweight group with a ratio of actual-to-ideal weight (W/IW) less than 0.9 and a normal-weight group with W/IW between 0.9 and 1.2 at the first clearance study after initiation of CAPD. Adequate clearance levels were set according to the K/DOQI guidelines. Duration of follow-up during CAPD and time on CAPD until the first clearance study was similar in the two groups. Initial weekly Kt/V urea and creatinine clearance also were similar. Kt/V urea values were adequate in 41.8% of the underweight subjects and 41.0% of the normal-weight subjects (not significant). Corresponding percentages for creatinine clearance were 36.4% and 39.7% (not significant). Serum creatinine and albumin concentration, creatinine excretion, and lean body mass estimated from creatinine kinetics were lower in the underweight group. Weight measurements from initiation of CAPD were available in 37 underweight patients. At initiation of CAPD, 31 subjects had W/IW less than 0.9, and 6 subjects had W/IW greater than 0.9. Chronic catabolic illness was present at CAPD initiation in 19 patients. Among the 37 patients, 17 lost weight and 6 gained weight during the course of CAPD. Compared with patients who lost weight, those who gained weight were younger (35.6 ± 9.3 years old versus 58.4 ± 15.0 years old; P = 0.0069) and had a higher percent of women (80.0% versus 11.8%; P = 0.0093), higher initial weekly Kt/V urea (2.58 ± 0.50 versus 1.91 ± 0.24; P = 0.0087), and a higher percent of adequate Kt/V urea (80.0% versus 11.8%; P = 0.0093). Small solute clearances do not differ between underweight CAPD patients and normal-weight CAPD patients. Underweight CAPD patients usually start CAPD with a weight deficit and have associated catabolic illnesses. Catabolic illness is the sole cause of weight deficit in 40% of the underweight CAPD patients and is present in the remaining 60%. The role of inadequate clearances in the development of weight deficit in CAPD populations is difficult to assess. It seems, however, that adequate Kt/V urea may be necessary for weight gain in underweight CAPD patients. © 2002 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.
Substar Reliability Analysis in Star Networks

In this paper, we derive an upper bound on the (n-1)-star reliability in an S"n using the probability fault model. Approximate (n-1)-star reliability results are also obtained using the fixed partitioning. The numerical results show that the (n-1)-star reliabilities under the probability fault model and the fixed partitioning are in good agreement especially for the low value of the node reliability. The numerical results are also shown to be consistent with and close to the simulation results. Conservative comparisons are made where possible between the reliability of similar size star graphs and hypercubes.
Aerobic exercise during pregnancy. Special considerations.

Alterations in maternal physiology during pregnancy affect the physiological response to aerobic exercise. Maternal resting oxygen consumption (VO2) and cardiac output (Q) increase during pregnancy. Heart rate (HR) becomes progressively elevated throughout gestation, whereas stroke volume (SV) increases until the third trimester and then declines until term, probably because of diminished venous return. Plasma volume increases earlier and to a greater magnitude than red cell volume, resulting in the ‘haemodilutional anaemia’ of pregnancy and a decline in the oxygen-carrying capacity. Ventilation is greater during pregnancy because of elevated tidal volume and unchanged rate of breathing.
Comparisons between chicks that fail to imprint and ones that imprint strongly.

Day old chicks that imprinted strongly (followed strongly and showed subsequent, substantial preference for the imprinting stimuli) were compared to ones that did not imprint. Comparisons were by weight, sex, and activity level. Results included : 1. No relation between neonatal weight and imprintability. 2. No relation between sex and imprintability. Though males were somewhat more active (or more probably, reactive) than females were, the greater reactivity related to still stronger following only in strongly imprinted males. 3. A positive relationship between reactivity and following. Specifically, chicks that followed strongly were more reactive than chicks that did not follow.
Assignment of absolute configuration to SCH 351448 via total synthesis.

The synthesis and absolute configuration of SCH 351448, an interesting ionophoric natural product, are reported herein. Mukaiyama aldol-Prins and segment-coupling Prins reactions were employed to construct the constituent tetrahydropyrans of SCH 351448. Efforts to assemble the C2-symmetric core of the natural product by a templated olefin metathesis strategy are described, however, a stepwise fragment assembly was ultimately utilized to complete the target molecule.
Minimum degree and disjoint cycles in claw-free graphs

A graph is claw-free if it does not contain an induced subgraph isomorphic to K1,3. Cycles in claw-free graphs have been well studied. In this paper we extend results on disjoint cycles in claw-free graphs satisfying certain minimum degree conditions. In particular, we prove that if G is claw-free of sufficiently large order n = 3k with I´(G) â¥ n/2, then G contains k disjoint triangles.
A novel, easily synthesized, anhydrous derivative of phosphoric acid for use in electrolyte with phosphoric acid-based fuel cells

Abstract We build on the success of phosphoric acid as a fuel cell electrolyte, by designing a variant of the molecular acid that provides increased temperature range without sacrifice of high temperature conductivity or open circuit voltage. This is achieved by introduction of a hybrid component, based on silicon coordination of phosphate groups, which prevents decomposition or water loss to 250 °C, while enhancing free proton motion. We report conductivity studies to 285 °C and full H2/O2cell polarization curves to 226 °C with careful monitoring of fuel consumption. The current efficiency we report (current density per unit of fuel supplied per sec) is as high as the highest on record. A power density of 184 mW cm−2 is achieved at 226 °C with hydrogen flow rate of 4.1 ml min−1.
Targeting the Androgen Receptor by Taxol in Castration- Resistant Prostate Cancer

Non-opioid analgesics including both selective and non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors and acetaminophen are the most widely used treatments for pain. Inhibition of COX is thought to be largely responsible for both the therapeutic and adverse effects of this class of drugs. Accumulating evidence over the past two decades has demonstrated effects of non-opioids beyond the inhibition of COX and prostaglandin synthesis that might also explain their therapeutic and adverse effects. These include their interaction with endocannabinoids, nitric oxide, monoaminergic, and cholinergic systems. Moreover, the recent development of microarray technology that allows the study of human gene expression suggests multiple pathways that may be related to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of non-opioids. The present review will discuss the multiple actions of non-opioids and their interactions with these systems during inflammation and pain, suggesting that COX inhibition is an incomplete explanation for the actions of non-opioids and proposes the involvement of multiple selective targets for their analgesic, as well as, their adverse effects.
Possible sequence of pyrogenic afferent processing in the POA

Abstract (1) It is generally considered that fever is modulated in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (POA) in response to signaling by pyrogenic cytokines elaborated in the periphery by mononuclear phagocytes and the consequent induction of prostaglandin (PG)E 2 in the POA. The mechanism of the centripetal transmission of this pyrogenic signal, however, is controversial. One hypothesis suggests that it is conveyed via the vagus to the nucleus tractus solitarius and from there to the POA via the ventral noradrenergic bundle, causing the intraPOA release of norepinephrine (NE) which then stimulates the production of PGE 2 . (2) In this article, we review recent data from our laboratory showing that NE microdialyzed into the POA of conscious guinea pigs or injected intracerebroventricularly into conscious mice indeed evokes two distinct core temperature ( T c ) rises, viz., one α 1 - adrenoceptor (AR)-mediated, rapid in onset and PGE 2 -independent, and the other α 2 - AR - mediated , delayed and COX-2/PGE 2 -dependent. (3) We further present new data suggesting that the febrile response of conscious guinea pigs to intraperitoneally injected lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is mediated by intraPOA NE in accord with the above sequence, i.e., via α 1 - AR to initiate the first, PGE 2 -independent elevation of T c , and via α 2 - AR to induce the delayed production of COX-2-dependent PGE 2 and the continued rise of T c . (4) These results thus validate the presumptive involvement of NE in LPS fever induction in guinea pigs.
An Examination of Changes in Specialists’ Posted Price Schedules

New York Stock Exchange specialists disseminate information to market participants by displaying price schedules consisting of bid prices, ask prices, bid depths, and ask depths. We examine how specialists update these price schedules in a simultaneous equations model. We find that changes in the best prices and depths on the limit order book have a significant impact on the posted price schedule, while the effects of transactions and order activity are secondary. Furthermore, we show that specialists revise prices and depths differently, but find no evidence that they revise the price schedule in response to changes in inventory. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
Searching for spam: detecting fraudulent accounts via web search

Twitter users are harassed increasingly often by unsolicited messages that waste time and mislead users into clicking nefarious links. While increasingly powerful methods have been designed to detect spam, many depend on complex methods that require training and analyzing message content. While many of these systems are fast, implementing them in real time could present numerous challenges. Previous work has shown that large portions of spam originate from fraudulent accounts. We therefore propose a system which uses web searches to determine if a given account is fraudulent. The system uses the web searches to measure the online presence of a user and labels accounts with insufficient web presence to likely be fraudulent. Using our system on a collection of actual Twitter messages, we are able to achieve a true positive rate over 74% and a false positive rate below 11%, a detection rate comparable to those achieved by more expensive methods. Given its ability to operate before an account has produced a single tweet, we propose that our system could be used most effectively by combining it with slower more expensive machine learning methods as a first line of defense, alerting the system of fraudulent accounts before they have an opportunity to inject any spam into the ecosystem.
A re- emerging atlantic forest? Urbanization, industrialization and the forest transition in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

During the second half of the twentieth century, southern Brazil underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization. In earlier historical periods in Europe and North America, these trends have contributed to a forest transition in which deforestation gives way to forestation. In a developing country, like Brazil, with a more skewed income distribution and a larger rural underclass, industrialization and urbanization may not give rise to a forest transition. These competing theoretical expectations were tested with data on forest cover change from the Brazilian censuses of 1970 through 1995/1996 for the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The analyses show forestation replacing deforestation between 1975 and 1980. An increase in the extent of planted forests close to urban areas explains the turnaround in forest cover trends. Because the planted forests contain relatively few native plant species, the expansion of these forests does not ease the biodiversity crisis. The re-emerging second Atlantic forest represents a smaller, less diverse and degraded version of the first Atlantic forest.
Case-based hypermedia access of 'lessons learned' to accomplish technology transfer

The authors point out that the transfer of semiconductor process technology to daughter fabrication facilities is difficult due to multiple, decentralized, offline sources of expertise and documentation. the goal of the Knowledge Access project at Texas Instruments was to supply technologies to integrate and disseminate the wealth of process knowledge and lessons learned to multiple wafer fabrication sites. SHAMUS (Structured Hypertext Access Multimedia Understanding System) has been developed as an interactive real-time assistant for such technology transfer. Since problem-solving is often accomplished by relying on past experience, a case-based knowledge navigation interface is used to semantically index to obtain a nonlinear hypermedia form of the documentation. Preliminary studies indicate that this technology will assist in global harmonization. >
Oxidative Stress Augments the Production of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1, Cyclooxygenase-2, and Prostaglandin E2 through Enhancement of NF-κB Activity in Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Human Primary Monocytes

The excessive production of reactive oxidative species (ROS) associated with inflammation leads to a condition of oxidative stress. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), PGE 2 , and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important mediators during the process of inflammation. In this paper we report on studies examining how the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) affects the production of MMP-1, COX-2, and PGE 2 . Addition of H 2 O 2 to LPS-activated monocytes, but not naive monocytes, caused a significant enhancement of the LPS-induced production of MMP-1, COX-2, and PGE 2 . The mechanism by which H 2 O 2 increased these mediators was through enhancement of IκBα degradation, with subsequent increases in NF-κB activation and NF-κB p50 translocation to the nucleus. The effects of H 2 O 2 on IκBα degradation, NF-κB activation, and NF-κB p50 localization to the nucleus were demonstrated through studies of coimmunoprecipitation of IκBα with p50, ELISA of NF-κB p65 activity, and Western blot analysis of the nuclear fraction extract for p50. The key role for NF-κB in this process was demonstrated by the ability of MG-132 or lactacystin (proteasome inhibitors) to block the enhanced production of MMP-1, COX-2, and PGE 2 . In contrast, indomethacin, which inhibited PGE 2 production, partially blocked the enhanced MMP-1 production. Moreover, although PGE 2 restored MMP-1 production in indomethacin-treated monocyte cultures; it failed to significantly restore MMP-1 production in proteasome inhibitor-treated cultures. Thus, in the presence of LPS and H 2 O 2 , NF-κB plays a dominate role in the regulation of MMP-1, COX-2, and PGE 2 expression.
Stochastic analysis of effective rate constant for heterogeneous reactions

A probability density function (pdf) formulation is applied to a heterogeneous chemical reaction involving an aqueous solution reacting with a solid phase in a batch. This system is described by a stochastic differential equation with multiplicative noise. Both linear and nonlinear kinetic rate laws are considered. An effective rate constant for the mean field approximation describing the change in mean concentration with time is derived. The effective rate constant decreases with increasing time eventually approaching zero as the system approaches equilibrium. This behavior suggests that a possible explanation for the observed discrepancy between laboratory measured rate constants on uniform grain sizes and field measurements may in part be caused by the heterogeneous distribution of grain sizes in natural systems.
A patient with short term memory problems and ataxia

The patient had a shunt placed for obstructive hydrocephalus. An endoscopic biopsy of the intraventricular and septal mass was performed which showed findings consistent with a cavernous angioma (Fig. 1). Intracranial vascular malformations are divided into four groups: (i) capillary telangiectasia, (ii) cavernous angioma, (iii) arteriovenous malformation, and (iv) venous malformation. Cavernous angiomas comprise 5% to 13% of all vascular malformations and occur in about 0.5% of the general population. Cerebral cavernous angiomas occur sporadically and in a familial form. Familial cavernous angiomas account for up to 54% of cerebral cavernous angiomas. The most frequent symptoms are seizures, gross intracranial hemorrhages, focal neurological deficits, and migraine-like headaches. The prospective annualized hemorrhage rate calculated on a per-patient basis is 1.6% to 3.1%. Intracranial cavernomas are commonly located in the supratentorial region, brain stem, basal ganglia, and cerebellar hemisphere. On the basis of MRI, four
Habitat Fragmentation and Movements of Three Small Mammals (Sigmodon, Microtus, and Peromyscus)

We studied the effects of habitat fragmentation on the movements of cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) living in a fragmented landscape using 7.7 yr (1984-1992) of mark-recapture data. The study area included three kinds of 0.5-ha blocks: single large patches (5000 M2), clusters of medium patches (288 M2), and clusters of small patches (32 M2). We tested three predictions regarding animal movements. First, animals should move longer distances as fragmentation increases. Second, the proportion of animals moving will decrease as frag- mentation increases. Third, species will show more movement from putative sources to putative sinks. In support of our first two predictions, all species (except male cotton rats) moved farther, and lower proportions of animals moved, as fragmentation increased. In testing our third prediction, we found no trends, for all species, between patch size and the net number of animals a block either imported or exported, indicating source-sink dynamics were probably not occurring on our study site. Furthermore, animals of all species (except female deer mice) switched more frequently to blocks of larger patches. For prairie voles in the spring and deer mice in the summer, relative abundances among blocks predicted from a Markov matrix model of switching probabilities showed high congruence with the actual abundances, indicating movement and abundances were related. In both cotton rats and prairie voles but not in deer mice, more juveniles and nonreproductive animals switched between blocks than did adults or reproductive animals. Deer mice switched more frequently than did either cotton rats or prairie voles; the latter species switched in similar frequencies. We discuss the implications of our data for modeling and conservation.
Digital Background Calibration in Pipelined ADCs Using Commutated Feedback Capacitor Switching

We propose a new digital background calibration method for capacitor mismatches in pipelined analog-to-digital converters (ADCs). It combines commutated feedback capacitor switching with a background digital correlation loop to extract capacitor mismatch information, which is subsequently used to correct errors caused by the mismatch. This is an all-digital technique requiring minimal extra digital circuits, and is applicable to both single-bit and multibit-per-stage architectures. Simulations with a 15-stage, 1.5-bit-per-stage pipelined ADC with capacitor mismatch of sigma = 0.25% in each stage show that the technique improves signal-to-noise-distortion ratio from 62 dB (10 bits) to 94 dB (15.4 bits).
The K-coupler, a new acoustical-impedance transformer

The validity of a new approach to the problem of matching the acoustical impedance of a piston to the acoustical impedance of the medium into which it radiates power is examined. The device, called a K-coupler, consists in part of a duct or pipe which has an exponentially increasing opening cut in one side. It is shown that the behavior of the K-coupler may be approximately described by the use of equations similar to those that describe the behavior of an exponential horn. Experimental data that show input impedance as a function of frequency are presented.
The binding selectivity of vonoprazan (TAK‐438) to the gastric H+,K+‐ATPase

Summary Background The gastric H+,K+-ATPase is the preferred target for acid suppression. Until recently, the only drugs that effectively inhibited this ATPase were the proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs are acid-activated prodrugs that require acid protection. Once acid-activated, PPIs bind to cysteines of the ATPase, resulting in covalent, long-lasting inhibition. The short plasma half-life of PPIs and continual de novo synthesis of the H+,K+-ATPase result in difficulty controlling night-time acid secretion. A new alternative to PPIs is the pyrrolo-pyridine, vonoprazan (TAK-438), a potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) that does not require acid protection. In contrast to other PCABs, vonoprazan has a long duration of action, resulting in 24-h control of acid secretion, a high pKa of 9.37 and high affinity (Ki = 3.0 ηmol/L). Aim To determine binding selectivity of vonoprazan for the gastric H+,K+-ATPase and to explain its slow dissociation. Methods Gastric gland and parietal cell binding of vonoprazan was determined radiometrically. Molecular modelling explained the slow dissociation of vonoprazan from the H+,K+-ATPase. Results Vonoprazan binds selectively to the parietal cell, independent of acid secretion. Vonoprazan binds in a luminal vestibule between the surfaces of membrane helices 4, 5 and 6. Exit of the drug to the lumen is hindered by asp137 and asn138 in the loop between TM1 and TM2, which presents an electrostatic barrier to movement of the sulfonyl group of vonoprazan. This may explain its slow dissociation from the H+,K+-ATPase and long-lasting inhibition. Conclusion The binding model provides a template for design of novel potassium-competitive acid blockers.
History and the Businessman

The distinguishing aspect of business in modern times, particularly in the United States, is that it has permeated the entire fabric of civilization. Historical interpretations of this circumstance have been in sharp conflict and have tended toward extremes. The wave of national self-criticism of the early twentieth century focused attention on the shortcomings of business, ignoring its constructive aspects. On the other hand, the modern revisionist school of historians, depicting the businessman not as a “robber baron” but as an “architect of material greatness,” has been prone to stress ends ahead of means and to overlook the deeper implications of the businessman's role in society as a whole. True perspective is not afforded by either of these opposing academic positions, nor is it likely to be gained by further blind amassing of facts-in-isolation on the part of business historians. A general theory of business evolution is needed — one that neither praises nor blames the businessman but seeks to locate him in the larger context of human experience.