cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CQIC: Revisiting Cross-Layer Congestion Control for Cellular Networks

With the advent of high-speed cellular access and the overwhelming popularity of smartphones, a large percent of today's Internet content is being delivered via cellular links. Due to the nature of long-range wireless signal propagation, the capacity of the last hop cellular link can vary by orders of magnitude within a short period of time (e.g., a few seconds). Unfortunately, TCP does not perform well in such fast-changing environments, potentially leading to poor spectrum utilization and high end-to-end packet delay. In this paper we revisit seminal work in cross-layer optimization in the context of 4G cellular networks. Specifically, we leverage the rich physical layer information exchanged between base stations (NodeB) and mobile phones (UE) to predict the capacity of the underlying cellular link, and propose nCQIC, a cross-layer congestion control design. Experiments on real cellular networks confirm that our capacity estimation method is both accurate and precise. A CQIC sender uses these capacity estimates to adjust its packet sending behavior. Our preliminary evaluation reveals that CQIC improves throughput over TCP by 1.08-2.89x for small and medium flows. For large flows, CQIC attains throughput comparable to TCP while reducing the average RTT by 2.38-2.65x.
New agents for the treatment of ovarian cancer: the next generation

Ovarian cancer shares many important characteristics with more common malignancies including breast, lung, and colon cancer. The relative chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer and other aspects of its unique biology provide opportunities for novel interventions. In this brief summary, some of the potential targets in ovarian cancer are discussed, including the HER kinases, heat shock protein, the 26S proteasome, and the angiogenesis pathway. The opportunities to change the treatment of ovarian cancer will require creative clinical trial design but the next decade promises to be filled the therapeutic advances for patients with ovarian cancer.
F-actin polymerization and retrograde flow drive sustained PLCγ1 signaling during T cell activation

Activation of T cells by antigen-presenting cells involves assembly of signaling molecules into dynamic microclusters (MCs) within a specialized membrane domain termed the immunological synapse (IS). Actin and myosin IIA localize to the IS, and depletion of F-actin abrogates MC movement and T cell activation. However, the mechanisms that coordinate actomyosin dynamics and T cell receptor signaling are poorly understood. Using pharmacological inhibitors that perturb individual aspects of actomyosin dynamics without disassembling the network, we demonstrate that F-actin polymerization is the primary driver of actin retrograde flow, whereas myosin IIA promotes long-term integrity of the IS. Disruption of F-actin retrograde flow, but not myosin IIA contraction, arrested MC centralization and inhibited sustained Ca 2+ signaling at the level of endoplasmic reticulum store release. Furthermore, perturbation of retrograde flow inhibited PLCγ1 phosphorylation within MCs but left Zap70 activity intact. These studies highlight the importance of ongoing actin polymerization as a central driver of actomyosin retrograde flow, MC centralization, and sustained Ca 2+ signaling.
Magmatic activity beneath the quiescent Three Sisters volcanic center, central Oregon Cascade Range, USA

[1] Images from satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) reveal uplift of a broad ∼10 km by 20 km area in the Three Sisters volcanic center of the central Oregon Cascade Range, ∼130 km south of Mt. St. Helens. The last eruption in the volcanic center occurred ∼1500 years ago. Multiple satellite images from 1992 through 2000 indicate that most if not all of ∼100 mm of observed uplift occurred between September 1998 and October 2000. Geochemical (water chemistry) anomalies, first noted during 1990, coincide with the area of uplift and suggest the existence of a crustal magma reservoir prior to the uplift. We interpret the uplift as inflation caused by an ongoing episode of magma intrusion at a depth of ∼6.5 km.
Percutaneous epicardial ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular summit: outcomes and electrocardiogram correlates of success.

Background— Percutaneous epicardial ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular summit is limited by the presence of major coronary vessels and epicardial fat. We report the outcomes of percutaneous epicardial mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular summit and the ECG features associated with successful ablation. Methods and Results— Between January 2003 and December 2012, a total of 23 consecutive patients (49±14 years; 39% men) with ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular summit underwent percutaneous epicardial instrumentation for mapping and ablation because of unsuccessful ablation from the coronary venous system and multiple endocardial LV/right ventricular sites. Successful epicardial ablation was achieved in 5 (22%) patients. In the remaining 18 (78%) cases, ablation was aborted for either close proximity to major coronary arteries or poor energy delivery over epicardial fat. The Q-wave amplitude ratio in aVL/aVR was higher in the successful group, with a ratio of >1.85 present in 4 (80%) patients in the successful group versus 2 (11%) in the unsuccessful group ( P =0.008). The ratio of R/S wave in V1 was greater in the successful group, with 4 (80%) patients in the successful group having a R/S ratio of >2 in V1 versus 5 (28%) in the unsuccessful group ( P =0.056). None of the patients in the successful group had an initial q wave in lead V1, as opposed to 6 (33%) in the unsuccessful group. The presence of at least 2 of the 3 ECG criteria above predicted successful ablation with 100% sensitivity and 72% specificity. Conclusions— Epicardial instrumentation for mapping and ablation of ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular summit is successful only in a minority of patients because of close proximity to major coronary arteries and epicardial fat. A Q-wave ratio of >1.85 in aVL/aVR, a R/S ratio of >2 in V1, and absence of q waves in lead V1 help identify appropriate candidates for epicardial ablation.
Dimensions of branched and linear polymer chains in solution: Modifications of flory's theory

It is pointed out that a theory proposed by Vrij for the expansion of a linear polymer chain in solution beyond its unperturbed size is also applicable formally to branched chains. The theory predicts the temperature at which the chain obeys random-flight statistics to be lower for a branched chain than for a linear one (for a polymer–solvent system exhibiting the usual upper critical consolute point). Vrij's derivation follows a well-known procedure of Flory, but refines it to take account of the variation of the time-averaged segment density with distance from the center of mass of the chain. This modification in combination with a somewhat different derivation is shown to lead to a similar result. Yet another scheme for “correcting” Flory's theory is outlined. Some reasons are advanced for questioning the physical significance of these small modifications of Flory's theory, all of which depend on the retention of previously ignored terms in power series expansions.
Differential Predictors of Strain and Gain Among Husbands Caring for Wives With Dementia

Given that women predominate in the caregiving role, researchers have largely focused on the experience of female caregivers. This cross-sectional study takes a beginning step toward understanding the differential predictors of negative (i.e., strain) and positive (i.e., gain) appraisals among 74 husbands caring for wives with dementia. Using a multivariate model of caregiver adaptation, results indicated that social resources and health were important for understanding the variation in both positive and negative appraisals. Unique predictors of strain included memory and behavior problems, and emotion-focused coping. Alternatively, education and problem-focused coping helped to explain variation found in appraisal of caregiver role gain. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Reconfigurable RFICs for frequency-agile VCOs in Si-based technology for multi-standard applications

This paper presents novel reconfigurable RFICs for intelligent radio applications. It includes a new fully tunable active inductor (TAI) along with frequency-agile VCOs. The ICs are implemented on both 0.18 /spl mu/m Si-CMOS and 0.18 /spl mu/m SiGe-BiCMOS technologies. The novelty of the TAI lies in the use of a tunable active feedback resistor that results in inductances tunable from 0.1 nH to 15 nH with Q < 50 in C-band. Very wideband reconfigurable VCOs have been implemented using the proposed active inductor, and also with a switched-spiral topology. The VCO tuning ranges are as high as 4 GHz in the C-band. Analysis of the results, taking into account the technologies as well as the circuit topologies, is also presented.
Threat or opportunity? The future of library services in the light of technological innovations

Most discourse about computers in the media and in the transformation technlogy (IT) industry is utopian, yet there is a growing body of literature pointing to the lack of social transformation arising from computerization. This paper reviews the evidence for and against social transformations in terms of (1) lifestyles and (2) the structure of society, comparing past predictions with current reality. It concludes that most forecasts have gone awry because forecasters have ignored the human factors and exhorts scientists and technologists to take more account of human needs and abilities when designing IT systems. Researchers, administrators, and business people will derive economic benefit from learning this central lesson of the IT revolution
Interaction of the Gifsy-1 Xis Protein with the Gifsy-1 attP Sequence

The Gifsy-1 phage integrates site specifically into the Salmonella chromosome via an integrase-mediated site-specific recombination mechanism. Initial genetic analysis suggests that Gifsy-1 integrase-mediated excision of the Gifsy-1 phage is influenced by proteins encoded by both the Gifsy-1 and the Gifsy-2 phages. Our studies show that the Gifsy-1 Xis protein regulates the directionality of integrase-mediated excision of the Gifsy-1 phage. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, DNase I footprinting, dimethyl sulfate (DMS) interference assays, and DMS protection assays were used to identify a 31-base-pair sequence in the attP region to which the Gifsy-1 protein binds. The results suggest that this recombination directionality factor binds in vitro to three imperfect direct repeats, spaced 10 base pairs apart, in a sequential and cooperative manner in the absence of other phage-encoded proteins. Our studies suggest that, while the Gifsy-1 Xis does not require additional factors for specific and high-affinity binding, it may form a microfilament on DNA similar to that described for the phage lambda Xis protein.
Factor Analysis of the KeyMath—Revised Normative Update Form A:

The factor structure of the KeyMath—Revised Normative Update (KMR-NU) Form A was analyzed using data from a sample of 130 students. The KMR-NU is composed of 13 subtests that are purported to measure three important aspects of math ability: Basic Concepts, Operations, and Applications. A confirmatory factor analysis employing scaled scores from the 13 subtests was used to evaluate the model fit of the hypothesized three-factor model. The results of the analysis did not support the three-factor model. Follow-up exploratory factor analyses were conducted to determine if other models might provide a better model fit for the data. The results were consistent with the only factor-analytic study conducted with a previous version of the KMR-NU (Walker & Arnault, 1991), which suggested that the Total Score was the only score that should be used.
Left frontal cortical activation and spreading of alternatives: Tests of the action-based model of dissonance.

The action-based model of dissonance predicts that following decisional commitment, approach-oriented motivational processes occur to assist in translating the decision into effective and unconflicted behavior. Therefore, the modulation of these approach-oriented processes should affect the degree to which individuals change their attitudes to be more consistent with the decisional commitment (spreading of alternatives). Experiment 1 demonstrated that a neurofeedback-induced decrease in relative left frontal cortical activation, which has been implicated in approach motivational processes, caused a reduction in spreading of alternatives. Experiment 2 manipulated an action-oriented mindset following a decision and demonstrated that the action-oriented mindset caused increased activation in the left frontal cortical region as well as increased spreading of alternatives. Discussion focuses on how this integration of neuroscience and dissonance theory benefits both parent literatures.
Electric Circus, Electric Ear and the Intermedia Center in Late-1960s New York

Composer Morton Subotnick moved to New York in 1966 for a brief but productive stay, establishing a small but notable electronic music studio affiliated with New York University. It was built around an early Buchla system and became Subotnick's personal workspace and a creative home for a cluster of emerging young composers. Subotnick also provided artistic direction for a new multimedia discoteque, the Electric Circus, an outgrowth of ideas he formulated earlier at the San Francisco Tape Music Center. A Monday evening series at the Circus, Electric Ear, helped spawn a cluster of venues for new music and multimedia. While the NYU studio and Electric Ear represent examples of centers operating outside commercial forces, the Electric Circus was entrepreneurial in nature, which ultimately compromised its artistic values.
Practical aspects of preventing and managing atherosclerotic disease in post-menopausal women

Factors that exacerbate the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation include cigarette smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, sedentary lifestyle, and oestrogen deficiency. The potentially important role of oestrogen deficiency in this process is evidenced by the significant increase in cardiovascular risk observed in women after menopause, and in the marked reduction in cardiovascular events observed in women who take hormone replacement therapy. Oestrogen replacement therapy, through an effect on the blood vessel wall and on serum lipids, also appears to stabilize existing atherosclerotic plaques. The combination of oestrogen and progesterone reduces risk of endometrial cancer while possibly delivering the same benefits as oestrogen alone. Other measures, such as antithrombotic therapy, exercise, and smoking cessation, also contribute to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease in older women.
Automated Indexing of Laue Images from Polycrystalline Materials

Third generation hard x-ray synchrotron sources and new x-ray optics have revolutionized x-ray microbeams. Now intense sub-micron x-ray beams are routinely available for x-ray diffraction measurement. An important application of sub-micron xray beams is analyzing polycrystalline material by measuring the diffraction of individual grains. For these measurements, conventional analysis methods will not work. The most suitable method for microdiffraction on polycrystalline samples is taking broad-bandpass or white-beam Laue images. With this method, the crystal orientation and non-isostatic strain can be measured rapidly without rotation of sample or detector. The essential step is indexing the reflections from more than one grain. An algorithm has recently been developed to index broad bandpass Laue images from multi-grain samples. For a single grain, a unique set of indices is found by comparing measured angles between Laue reflections and angles between possible indices derived from the x-ray energy bandpass and the scattering angle 2 theta. This method has been extended to multigrain diffraction by successively indexing points not recognized in preceding indexing iterations. This automated indexing method can be used in a wide range of applications.
Intraflagellar transport, cilia, and mammalian Hedgehog signaling: analysis in mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Genetic studies in the mouse have shown that Intraflagellar Transport (IFT) is essential for mammalian Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction. In this study, we take advantage of wild type and IFT mutant mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) to characterize additional aspects of the relationship between IFT and Hh signaling. Exposure to Sonic hedgehog (Shh) ligand or expression of an activated allele of Smo, SmoA1, activates an Hh reporter in wild-type MEFs, but not in MEFs derived from embryos that lack IFT172 or the Dync2h1 subunit of the retrograde IFT motor. Similarly, decreased activity of either Sufu or PKA, two negative regulators of Hh signal transduction, activates the pathway in wild-type, but not IFT mutant, MEFs. In contrast to wild-type MEFs, Smo is constitutively present in the cilia of Dync2h1 mutant MEFs. This finding suggests that IFT-dependent trafficking of Hh pathway components through the cilium is essential for their function. Developmental Dynamics 237:2030–2038, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Get Safety Problems to the Surface: Using Human Resource Practices to Improve Injury Reporting

This study examines the relationship that employee perceptions of rewards, training, and selection have with reported and unreported employee injuries requiring doctor's attention, first aid cases,...
A parthenogenesis gene of apomict origin elicits embryo formation from unfertilized eggs in a sexual plant

Apomixis is a naturally occurring mode of asexual reproduction in flowering plants that results in seed formation without the involvement of meiosis or fertilization of the egg. Seeds formed on an apomictic plant contain offspring genetically identical to the maternal plant. Apomixis has significant potential for preserving hybrid vigor from one generation to the next in highly productive crop plant genotypes. Apomictic Pennisetum/Cenchrus species, members of the Poaceae (grass) family, reproduce by apospory. Apospory is characterized by apomeiosis, the formation of unreduced embryo sacs derived from nucellar cells of the ovary and, by parthenogenesis, the development of the unreduced egg into an embryo without fertilization. In Pennisetum squamulatum (L.) R.Br., apospory segregates as a single dominant locus, the apospory-specific genomic region (ASGR). In this study, we demonstrate that the PsASGR-BABY BOOM-like (PsASGR-BBML) gene is expressed in egg cells before fertilization and can induce parthenogenesis and the production of haploid offspring in transgenic sexual pearl millet. A reduction of PsASGR-BBML expression in apomictic F1 RNAi transgenic plants results in fewer visible parthenogenetic embryos and a reduction of embryo cell number compared with controls. Our results endorse a key role for PsASGR-BBML in parthenogenesis and a newly discovered role for a member of the BBM-like clade of APETALA 2 transcription factors. Induction of parthenogenesis by PsASGR-BBML will be valuable for installing parthenogenesis to synthesize apomixis in crops and will have further application for haploid induction to rapidly obtain homozygous lines for breeding.
Cellular cardiomyoplasty improves diastolic properties of injured heart.

Abstract Background. Acute myocardial infarction leads to loss of functional myocytes and structural integrity that often decreases diastolic compliance and increases resting myocardial segment length (diastolic creep). Successfully engrafting autologous skeletal myoblasts could improve compliance and potentially reverse creep. Thus, we transplanted myoblasts into cryoinjured rabbit heart ( n = 15, CRYO) and measured regional diastolic properties in the presence ( n = 9, +ENG) or absence ( n = 6, −ENG) of engraftment. Materials and methods. Left ventricular (LV) pressures ( P ) and myocardial segment lengths (SL) were measured in vivo by micromanometry and sonomicrometry after cryoinjury (CRYO) and again 3 weeks following transplantation of myoblasts. Performance was estimated from the relationships between end-diastolic (ED) P and strain (ϵ) or between EDP and EDSL. Compliance was characterized by strain (ϵ 8 ) and dynamic stiffness ( dP / dL 8 ) at 8 mm Hg. Creep was characterized by resting myocardial segment length (EDSL 0 ) and static stiffness at 8 mm Hg ( m stat8 ). Results. Successful myoblast engraftment was determined via histologic examination. In nine +ENG animals, diastolic properties improved. Regional strain (ϵ 8 ) increased (0.06 ± 0.02 CRYO vs 0.10 ± 0.04 +ENG; P = 0.0009) while dynamic stiffness ( dP / dL 8 ) decreased (43 ± 23 mm Hg/mm CRYO vs 23 ± 14 mm Hg/mm +ENG; P = 0.009). Static stiffness ( m stat8 ) was unaffected (0.78 ± 0.2 mm Hg/mm CRYO vs 0.72 ± 0.1 mm Hg/mm +ENG; P = 0.08), and creep did not occur (EDSL 0 = 10.3 ± 2.8 CRYO vs 10.4 ± 2.3 +ENG; P = 0.74). In the absence of myoblast engraftment ( n = 6, −ENG), strain decreased (ϵ 8 = 0.06 ± 0.02 CRYO vs 0.05 ± 0.02 −ENG; P = 0.048), but dynamic stiffness ( dP / dL 8 ) did not (36 ± 19 mm Hg/mm CRYO vs 28 ± 12 mm Hg/mm −ENG; P = 0.20). Furthermore, static stiffness decreased (0.78 ± 0.3 mm Hg/mm CRYO vs 0.65 ± 0.2 mm Hg/mm −ENG; P = 0.05) and creep was obvious (EDSL 0 = 10.8 ± 3.6 mm CRYO vs 13.0 ± 4.4 mm −ENG, P = 0.04). Conclusions. Myoblast engraftment may partially overcome the loss of myocytes and structural integrity that often follow chronic myocardial ischemia. Improved compliance and reversal of diastolic creep suggest regeneration of viable muscle within once infarcted myocardium.
Tonic Pupils as a Result of Botulism

It is unlikely that this accounts for the patient's visual field defect, because an identical finding in the contralateral hemisphere did not result in a right-sided visual field defect. The magnetic resonance images also showed the lateral geniculate nucleus to be structurally intact. Our case demonstrates that horizontal homonymous sectoral field defects are not diagnostic of ischemia in the lateral geniculate nucleus, but may occur with any strategically placed lesion posterior to lateral geniculate nucleus, including both optic radiations and occipital cortex.
Does resection of adrenal metastases from non-small cell lung cancer improve survival?

Abstract Background . Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) carries a dismal prognosis, which is minimally affected by chemotherapy. Solitary brain metastases from NSCLC have been resected with 5-year survivals of 10% to 30%. The objective of this study was to determine if resection of isolated adrenal metastases improves survival. Methods . Isolated adrenal metastases were found in 14 patients with NSCLC. Eight patients had resection after cis-platinum-based chemotherapy, and 6 received chemotherapy alone. Results . Median survival in the surgical group was significantly greater than that in the chemotherapy group (31 versus 8.5 months; p = 0.03). All patients in the chemotherapy group were dead by 22 months. Three-year actuarial survival in the surgical group was 38%. No difference in locoregional stage, size of adrenal metastases, patient age, or performance status was present between the two groups. Conclusions . Long-term disease-free survival is possible after resection of isolated adrenal metastases from NSCLC. Resection of isolated adrenal metastases should be considered if the primary NSCLC is resectable.
A menu-driven and graphics-oriented continuous system simulation package

The design and implementation of a menu-driven and graphics-oriented continuous simulation package for simulating models described by systems of first-order differential equations is discussed. The package was developed to run on MS-DOS-based IBM-compatible personal computers. It provides an interactive environment for defining, updating, saving, loading, and simulating user's models. Moreover, the device-independence feature of the package makes it very adaptable to the rapid advancement in the graphics technology. >
Estimating Survival and Recruitment in a Freshwater Mussel Population Using Mark-recapture Techniques

Abstract We used a mark-recapture method and model averaging to estimate apparent survival, recruitment and rate of population growth in a native freshwater mussel population at a site on the Cacapon River, which is a tributary to the Potomac River. Over 2200 Elliptio complanata, E. fisheriana and Lampsilis cariosa were uniquely tagged over a period of 4 y. Recapture probabilities were higher in spring and summer than in winter except for L. cariosa which had a low probability of recapture regardless of time of year. All three species had high annual adult survival rates (>90%) with lower estimated survival of small (≤55 mm) mussels (43%–69%). The variation in apparent survival over time was similar for all three species. This suggests that whatever environmental variables affect survival of mussels in this site affected all three species the same. Recruitment rates were low (1–4%) for both E. complanata and L. cariosa, with E. fisheriana having several periods of high (15–23%) recruitment. Distribution w...
Relations between Fracture and Coordination Chemistry

This paper summarizes certain mechanistic techniques used in inorganic chemistry to study processes occurring at metal centers, and suggests applications of these techniques to the study of the atomistic mechanism(s) of fracture of metals. Coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, and catalysis also offer a number of kinds of structural and mechanistic information pertinent to the study of fracture.
Proper vaccine handling.

There are many factors involved in a proper immune response, both from the disease and from the vaccine. The proper handling of vaccines, before they are used as well as when they are administered, is necessary if the vaccine is to provide expected immune responses and corresponding efficacy. Vaccines must be protected from extreme temperatures and sunlight. Before using a vaccine, the label should be read to see specific administration directions and warnings.
Sacrifice and Its Spiritualization In The Christian and Hindu Traditions: A Study In Comparative Theology

The following exposition of a certain pattern of the spiritualization of sacrifice in the Christian and Hindu traditions is an experiment in “comparative theology”: that discipline within theology which seeks to reflect upon data from two (diverse) religious traditions taken together, for the sake of the new light thereby shed upon the two sets of data and on related issues, particularly in one's own “home” tradition. In particular, I will juxtapose a certain understanding of the development of the Biblical theology of sacrifice with one line of development in orthodox Vedic liturgical theology and its heirs: the Pūrva (or “prior”) Mīmāṃsā of Jaimini (ca. 200 BCE), the Vedānta (Uttara or “latter” Mīṃāmsā) of Rāmānuja (ca. 1000 CE), and the Śrīvaiṣṇava theology of Vedānta Deśika. It is not my intention to break new ground in the study of either the Biblical or Mīmāṃsā traditions, but rather to show how certain information that is already available regarding each of these traditions might be used in a comparative fashion in order to illuminate the other, and to ask about the value of the method herein employed.
Global unionism-beyond the rhetoric: The CWA North Atlantic Alliance

This article examines the organizational challenges faced by labor as it moves beyond the rhetoric of globalization and starts the urgent task of building global capacity and power. The Communication Workers of America's "North Atlantic Alliance" with the British Telecomrnunica tions Workers Union and the Society of Telecom Executives is presented as an example of global capacity building. While the Alliance represents a positive development, analysis of its organizational structure reveals some of the challenges facing labor as it attempts to build global union ism. The challenges addressed include: building a rank-and-file curricu lum around the question of globalization that provides hope and a sense of power, and that builds support for international programs among the membership; gaining meaningful organizational support and resources for international programs; the design of appropriate transnational commit ments ; the implications of international market turmoil for labor's ability to build global ...
Misprescribing controlled substances: An evaluation of a professional development program.

ABSTRACTBackground: Controlled prescription drug (CPD) abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Most physicians attending a 3-day continuing medical education (CME) professional development program (PDP) lack training in identifying risk and in managing patients who misuse CPDs. To address this issue, the authors conducted an evaluation of a PDP that trains physicians on proper prescribing, identifying substance abuse, utilizing screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT), and implementing motivational interviewing (MI). Methods: The authors conducted a program evaluation to assess the efficacy and impact of the PDP on physicians' knowledge and prescribing behaviors. Results: Participants (N = 174) were typically middle-aged (average age of 53 years), male (89%), and physicians (82%) and other health care professionals (18%). Many physicians practice in solo primary care settings (46%). Course evaluations were completed by n = 155 (89%) participants who rated the c...
Toward the Synthesis of Norzoanthamine: Building Carbocyclic Core by a Transannular Michael Reaction Cascade

A 12-step synthesis of the ABC carbocyclic core of norzoanthamine is described. It features an organocatalytic asymmetric intramolecular aldolization to set the stereochemistry of the entire molecule, a fragment coupling by selective alkylation of a bis-enolate, and a transannular Michael reaction cascade for rapid and stereoselective synthesis of the polycyclic core.
The effect of acclimatization on the propulsive motility of the small intestine during anoxia.

SummaryThe propulsive motility of the small intestine of rats, which had been acclimatized to hypoxia, was significantly less affected at altitude than were unacclimatized animals. This was interpreted to mean that the effect of hypoxia on the propulsive motility of the small intestine could be used as another criterion for acclimatization.
Change of Winter Feeding Sites by Individual Brown-Headed Cowbirds

and slightly more than half as long in Melanerpes (Tripsurus) pucherani. It would be interesting to know, in conclusion, whether any of those other species have two types of holes and back into the narrow ones in the manner of M. rubricapillus. (Since the above was written, Dr. Short (pers. comm.) has called attention to other woodpeckers having tails 45-50% of wing lengths, such as Picoides (Dendrocopos) maculatus, P. absoletus, and P. dorae, various species of Dendropicos and Celeus (Micropternus) brachyurus that might be observed for unusual types of roost holes and manner of entering them.)
Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Introduction:The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is an exceptionally rare neoplasm. Despite their potential for local invasion, MNTI are considered benign neoplasms. Sporadic case...
Composite anion exchange membranes based on quaternized cardo-poly(etherketone) and quaternized inorganic fillers for vanadium redox flow battery applications

Abstract Functionalized organic/inorganic composite anion exchange membranes (AEMs) were prepared with quaternized cardo-poly(etherketone) (QPEK-C) and N-(trimethoxysilylpropyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (TMSP-TMA+Cl−). With an optimized loading of 20wt% of TMSP-TMA+, the sulfate ion conductivity and VO2+ permeability of the composite membrane were 8.4 ± 0.2 mScm−1 and 0.53 × 10−9cm2s−1, respectively; pristine QPEK-C AEMs had a sulfate ion conductivity of 4.5 ± 0.5 mS cm−1 and a VO2+ permeability of 1.1 × 10−9cm2s−1. Membranes with 10–20%wt% of TMSP-TMA+ exhibited better mechanical properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 26 ± 2 MPa and an elongation at break of 32 ± 3%. The chemical and mechanical stabilities of QPEK-C/TMSP-TMA+ composite AEMs were investigated by immersing the membranes in a VO2+ solution at 30 °C and monitoring the sulfate ion conductivity and any changes in chemical structure using 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Nafion® 212, pristine QPEK-C AEM, and QPEK-C/20wt%TMSP-TMA+ composite AEMs were used as separators in an all-vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The coulombic efficiencies (CE) (at 100 mAcm−2) were 99% for QPEK-C and QPEK-C/20wt%TMSP-TMA+ and 95% for Nafion® 212. The battery capacity was lowered by 10% over 30 charge–discharge cycles (∼60 h) for QPEK-C and QPEK-C/20wt%TMSP-TMA+AEMs. Under similar conditions a loss of 30% of the capacity was observed for the Nafion® 212 separator.
Treatment with Antibiotics is Detrimental to the Recovery of Viable Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Cultured from Milk and Colostrum of Dairy Cows

Antibiotic cocktails are frequently used as secondary decontaminants prior to the culture of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). This study investigated whether secondary incubation with an antibiotic cocktail containing vancomycin, nalidixic acid, and amphotericin B after primary exposure to N-acetyl-L-cysteine-1.5% sodium hydroxide affected the recovery of viable MAP from milkexperimentally spiked with 102 to 106 cfu/ml. Results indicated that incubation with this antibiotic cocktail did decrease the incidence of contamination in culture media but it was also highly detrimental to the recovery of viableMAP. This effect was not advantageous given the low numbers of MAP naturally shed into milk and colostrum of infected cows. These results demonstrate that secondary incubation with antibiotics during the decontamination procedure could potentially lead to false-negative culture results because of their detrimental effect on the viability of MAP.
Effect of breed-type and feeding regimen on goat carcass traits.

Meat-type (Boer × Spanish and Spanish) goats from two feeding regimens (feedlot and range) were slaughtered and live and carcass weights were obtained. At 24 h after death, various yield and quality measurements were collected. One side from each carcass was fabricated into major wholesale cuts for dissection into major carcass components. Feedlot goats had heavier (P <.05)live and carcass weights and carcasses that yielded more (P <.05) dissectible fat and lean and less (P <.05) bone, as a percentage of carcass weight, than did the carcasses of range goats. In the feedlot environment, Boer × Spanish goats had greater (P < .05) live weights, carcass weights, actual and adjusted fat thicknesses, carcass conformation scores, and leg circumference scores than did Spanish goats of similar age. The only breed-type differences that were significant after adjusting for live weight using analysis of covariance were that Boer × Spanish goats in the feedlot treatment had greater (P <.05) actual and adjusted fat thickness and carcass conformation than Spanish goats on the feedlot treatment. The Boer × Spanish goat carcass trait advantage could mainly be attributed to their larger size and enhanced capacity for growth.
Biosynthesis of 5α-cholestan-3β-ol in rat and guinea pig liver in vitro

The in vitro conversion of dl -mevalonate-2-C14 and cholesterol-4-C14 to 5α-cholestan-3β-ol was studied in liver homogenates of rats and guinea pigs. On the average 0.01–0.05% of the substrate radioactivity was converted to 5α-cholestan-3β-ol by the livers of both species during the 4 hr incubation period. The biosynthesis of 5α-cholestan-3β-ol by cell-free liver homogenates in vitro demonstrates that the presence of this saturated sterol is at least partly due to biosynthesis by mammalian tissues, and cannot be ascribed exclusively to bacterial action upon cholesterol in the intestine.
Morality and Justice

The goal of this chapter is to review historical and contemporary ways that scholars have thought about the psychology of justice and morality. We review theory and research on moral development, the social psychology of justice, and the recent growth of cognitive and social psychological interest in adult morality. Some scholars treat morality and justice as the same essential construct, others view morality as one of several ways people think about justice, and yet others argue that justice is simply one of many components that define morality. Our critical review concludes that although these constructs are related, there are important distinctions between people’s conceptions of justice and morality, including the degree to which these beliefs are malleable or open to influence.
Effect of increasing radiation dose on pathologic complete response in rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

AbstractBackground: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) increases pathological complete response (pCR) rates compared to radiotherapy alone in patients with stage II-III rectal cancer. Limited evidence addresses whether radiotherapy dose escalation further improves pCR rates. Our purpose is to measure the effects of radiotherapy dose and other factors on post-therapy pathologic tumor (ypT) and nodal stage in rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by mesorectal excision.Material and methods: A non-randomized comparative effectiveness analysis was performed of rectal cancer patients treated in 2000–2013 from the National Oncology Data Alliance™ (NODA), a pooled database of cancer registries from >150 US hospitals. The NODA contains the same data submitted to state cancer registries and SEER combined with validated radiotherapy and chemotherapy records. Eligible patients were treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by proctectomy and had complete data on treatment start dates, radiot...
Ultrasound-guided gastrostomy tube placement: A case series

Abstract Purpose Gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) can be placed utilizing a variety of techniques. Here we present a case series to demonstrate feasibility of a novel method, ultrasound-guided G-tube placement (USGTP). Methods All cases of USGTP at our institution from September 2015–August 2016 were reviewed. Data included demographics, operative time, complications, time to first feeding, and 30-day readmissions. All steps of the procedure were carried out using ultrasound guidance, resulting in placement of a low-profile G-tube. Results Twelve patients underwent USGTP. Median age at operation was 2.6 years (IQR 0.9–5.3) and median weight 9.9 kg (IQR 7.2–18.4). Median operative time was 27 min. (IQR 20–44). First feeding occurred 8.8 ± 2.9 h after the procedure. The second patient in the series experienced the only operative complication. In this case, a linear probe was used with insufficient gastric distension, resulting in placement of the tube through a fold in the stomach wall. This was recognized and remedied intraoperatively. This prompted successful technique modification for future USGTPs. Only one patient was readmitted within 30 days, and this was related to urinary retention, an underlying problem. Conclusion US-guided G-tube placement appears initially to be safe, efficient and effective. Advantages include good anatomical delineation, a single incision, initial placement of a low-profile G-tube, and avoidance of endoscopy, laparoscopy, and radiation. This report illustrates feasibility of USGTP paving the way for further investigation and comparison to other existing gastrostomy insertion methods. Level of evidence IV.
Efficient direct fluorination of the B12H11(NH3)− anion in acetonitrile and comparison of the structures of Na(H2O)4(B12F11(NH3)), Na(H3O)(H2O)3(B12F12), and Na2(H2O)4(B12F12)

Abstract An efficient procedure for the direct per- B -fluorination of the potassium salt of the mono-ammonioborane anion B 12 H 11 (NH 3 ) − in anhydrous CH 3 CN with 20:80 F 2 :N 2 is reported. It differs significantly from the previously reported procedure in that anhydrous CH 3 CN (a-CH 3 CN) replaced anhydrous HF (a-HF) as the solvent and the yield of recrystallized K(B 12 F 11 (NH 3 )) increased from 40% to 70%. It also differs from the published procedure for the direct per- B -fluorination of K 2 (B 12 H 12 ) to form K 2 (B 12 F 12 ) in CH 3 CN containing 2% H 2 O (wet CH 3 CN) in that (i) a-CH 3 CN was used instead of wet CH 3 CN and (ii) addition of excess KF at the start of the reaction to sequester the HF byproduct was deleterious in the case of K(B 12 H 11 (NH 3 )) fluorination, not advantageous as in the case of K 2 (B 12 H 12 ) fluorination. The addition of excess KF resulted in decomposition of B 12 H 11− n F n (NH 3 ) − intermediates as the average value of n approached 11, and even small amounts of K(B 12 F 11 (NH 3 )) free of incompletely fluorinated K(B 12 HF 10 (NH 3 )) could not be isolated. In contrast to the direct fluorination of K 2 (B 12 H 12 ) in wet CH 3 CN, which is inhibited by the buildup of HF, the fluorinations of both K(B 12 H 11 (NH 3 )) and K 2 (B 12 H 12 ) in a-CH 3 CN were not inhibited by HF. A competition experiment in which approximatetly equimolar amounts of K(B 12 H 11 (NH 3 )) and K 2 (B 12 H 12 ) were fluorinated together in a-CH 3 CN showed that B–H vertex fluorination was ca . 50% faster for B 12 H 12 2− than for B 12 H 11 (NH 3 ) − . The single-crystal X-ray structures of Na(H 2 O) 4 (B 12 F 11 (NH 3 )) and Na(H 3 O)(H 2 O) 3 (B 12 F 12 ) were determined. They both contain trans -Na(H 2 O) 2 F 4 moieties, with ranges of Na–O and Na–F distances of 2.331(1)–2.339(1) and 2.264(1)–2.456(1) A, respectively, in contrast to the cis -Na(H 2 O) 4 F 2 moieties in the published structure of Na 2 (H 2 O) 4 (B 12 F 12 ), with ranges of Na–O and Na–F distances of 2.368(9)–2.473(9) and 2.313(8)–2.381(7) A, respectively. The O atoms of the nearly-square array of four hydrogen-bonded H 2 O molecules in Na(H 2 O) 4 (B 12 F 11 (NH 3 )) or the H 3 O + ion and three H 2 O molecules in Na(H 3 O)(H 2 O) 3 (B 12 F 12 ) are co-planar to within 0.016 A and have O⋯O distances of 2.74–2.83 A and O⋯O⋯O angles of 80–100°.
Abstract 303: Decreased Adrenomedullin and Interaction with NHE3 in Human GRK4γ142v Transgenic Mice

The expression of the human G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4γ (GRK4γ) 142V variant (hGRK4γ 142V ) in mice causes hypertension that is related to dysfunction of renal dopaminergic and renin-angiotensin systems. To determine if there are other dysfunctional systems in hGRK4γ 142V mice, we quantified the expression of adrenomedullin (ADM), a natriuretic hormone, and components of its receptor, RAMP2 (receptor activity-modified protein2), CLCR (calcitonin-like calcitonin receptor), and ADMRL2 (ADM receptor L2) in the kidneys of hGRK4 γ 142V and hGRK4 γ WT transgenic mice and non-transgenic (NT) littermates . Systolic blood pressure (measured under anesthesia) was elevated in hGRK4 γ 142V (129.3±10.4, mm Hg) but not in GRK4 γ WT mice (101.7±6.3), relative to NT littermates (99.8±1.8) (n=4/group). The sodium excretion and blood pressure plot in GRK4 γ 142V mice was shifted to the right of GRK4 γ WT mice. Protein expressions of ADM (37±4% of NT by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence) and RAMP2 (36±16%) were decreased in hGRK4 γ 142V mice but unchanged in GRK4 γ WT mice, relative to NT littermates. The protein expressions of CLCR and ADMRL2 were not altered in hGRK4 γ 142V and GRK4 γ WT . In the kidney ADM colocalized with NHE3 but not with NKCC2 and NCC. NHE3 protein expression in renal homogenates and brush border membranes was not altered in GRK4 γ 142V mice. However, the amount of NHE3 that coimmunoprecipitated with ADM was decreased in GRK4 γ 142V (77±3% of NT) mice; a similar decrease was also found in the reverse-coimmunoprecipitation of NHE3 with ADM. In vitro , human ADM inhibited apical sodium transport in polarized human renal proximal tubule cells (1 hr, n=5-6) at concentrations of 10 nM (84±4 % of vehicle) and 100 nM (81±3%), similar to that achieved with the NHE3 inhibitor EIPA (81±6%, 100 nM), suggesting that NHE3 activity was inhibited by ADM. Our data suggest that GRK4γ 142V decreases ADM/RAMP2 expression in the kidney; the natriuretic effect of ADM may depend mainly on the inhibition of the activities of sodium transporters along the nephron (e.g., NHE3). The decreased ADM/NHE3 interaction and dysfunctional natriuretic and antinatriuretic factors may contribute to the impaired sodium excretion and increased blood pressure in GRK4 γ 142V transgenic mice.
Effects of variable power on tissue ablation dynamics during magnetic resonance-guided laser-induced thermal therapy with the Visualase system.

Purpose: Magnetic resonance-guided laser-induced thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat various intracranial pathologies. This study investigated the effects of v...
Use of 2D U-Net Convolutional Neural Networks for Automated Cartilage and Meniscus Segmentation of Knee MR Imaging Data to Determine Relaxometry and Morphometry

We aim to analyze how automatic segmentation performances translate in accuracy and precision to morphology and relaxometry in osteoarthritis compared with manual segmentations and increase the speed and accuracy of the work flow that uses quantitative MR imaging to study knee degenerative diseases.
Extended sub-Doppler resolution spectroscopy of the ν3 band of methane

Abstract We have performed sub-Doppler resolution rovibrational spectroscopy of the ν3 band of methane (12CH4) in the mid-infrared using an optical parametric oscillator in a double-pass configuration for saturated absorption. An optical frequency comb was used for absolute frequency calibration. We have measured 22 methane line centers ranging from the P(13) to R(10) transitions with a typical uncertainty of 0.40 MHz. These measurements improve previously known transition frequencies by at least an order of magnitude.
Middle Cerebral Artery

Abstract In this chapter, we review the incidence and prevalence of the various types of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) aneurysms and their most common features and relevant anatomy. We discuss surveillance and nonoperative management options. The open surgical approach, techniques, and outcomes are described. Endovascular surgical options are then reviewed with their respective techniques and outcomes. Finally, hybrid approaches are discussed in the context of considerations afforded the dual trained neurosurgeon when approaching this most common location for intracranial aneurysms.