cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proteolytic splicing of Hb α-chain peptides with internal deletions

catalyzed semisynthesis of proteins [1,2]. This new class of splicing reaction is facilitated by the organic co-solvent induced -helical conformation of the contiguous chains formed in the ligation reaction acting as the molecular trap of the polypeptide chain [2]. The truncation of to generate and completely abolished the splicing reaction with [3]. The segment on the other hand, spliced with in nearly the same equilibrium yields as the parent system and it spliced with at a reduced equilibrium yield [4]. The results reflect that when the information content of tripeptide, is linearized with that of a splicing potential is endowed to the new segment. The peptide has been now grafted on to the carboxyl side of and splicing of the internally deleted segment, (des 2427), with has been investigated.
Gaussian Wave-Packet Dynamics with and without Correlations

The theoretical description of heavy-ion collisions at intermediate beam energies, 10 MeV ≲, E/A ≲ 150 MeV, is still in an unsatisfactory state. Different factors contribute to that situation. Thus, for one, the nucleon excitation energies are low and in that comparable to nucleon localization energies, indicating a likely importance of the quantal effects. With the change in the beam energy in the discussed range, the dynamics changes from that dominated by the mean field to that dominated by collisions (as evidenced in the appearance of the flow balance-energy). As excitation energies grow, they begin to exceed the average binding energies per nucleon and, within the mentioned range of E/A, a massive production of intermediate-mass fragments (IMF) takes place[1]. The production, in terms of IMF multiplicity or total mass that IMF carry, maximizes at E/A ~ 75 MeV. The description of the intermediate and light fragment production is beyond the capability of common single-particle models of collisions[2]. The single-particle models with fluctuating forces[3,4] can describe fragment production, but miss the shell effects and the discreteness of the mass and charge numbers. The involved limitation is recognized once one realizes that, in the very central Au + Au collisions at 100 MeV/nucleon, the probability for a proton to come out from the reaction as a constituent of an a particle is close[5] to 50%. Within the Boltzmann-Langevin model with the fluctuating forces[3,4], the α particle plays no distinguished role. Statistical models[6,7] account for the shell effects, but miss the reaction dynamics. The importance of the dynamics is seen, in particular, in the fact that the collective outward flow energy in the reactions is comparable to the thermal energy.
Hybrid coronary revascularization for the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has typically been treated either medically, with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). As advances in stent technology and minimally invasive surgery have developed, a third option has emerged: hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR). In HCR, minimally invasive CABG and PCI are both employed to treat a single patient, often during the same hospital stay. Patients appropriate for this technique vary widely, from low-risk patients with low SYNTAX lesions outside the left anterior descending artery (LAD), to high-risk patients with multiple comorbidities who are felt by the heart team to benefit most by avoiding a sternotomy. Across both our experience and other series in the literature, mortality with HCR is around 1%. Hospital length of stay is less than one week, and typically less than after conventional CABG, but longer than with isolated PCI. Return to baseline activity is substantially shorter after minimally invasive CABG compared to conventional CABG due to the avoidance of a sternotomy; deep sternal wound infections are entirely avoided. Mid-term need for repeat revascularization may be higher with HCR, though randomized data are lacking. In conclusion, HCR is an evolving method to treat multivessel CAD with favorable early results in high volume centers, though growth in the field is limited by surgical experience and success with minimally invasive techniques.
Novel use of REDCap to develop an advanced platform to display predictive analytics and track compliance with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Abstract Background Prediction models are increasingly being used with clinical practice guidelines to inform decision making. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols are standardized care pathways that incorporate evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Predictive analytics incorporated within a data management system, such as Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap), may help clinicians estimate risk probabilities and track compliance with standardized care practices. Methods Predictive models were developed from retrospective data on 400 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2008 through 2014. The REDCap was programmed to display predictive analytics and create a data tracking system that met ERAS guidelines. Based on predictive scores for serious complication, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality, we developed targeted interventions to decrease readmissions and postoperative laboratory tests. Results Predictive models demonstrated a receiver-operating characteristic area (ROC) ranges of 641–856. After implementing the REDCap platform, the readmission rate for high-risk patients decreased 15.8% during the initial three months following ERAS implementation. Based on predictive outputs, patients with a low-risk score received a limited set of postoperative laboratory tests. Targeted interventions to decrease hospital readmission for high-risk patients included home care orders and post-discharge instructions. Conclusions The REDCap platform offers hospitals a practical option to display predictive analytics and create a data tracking program that meets ERAS guidelines. Prediction models programmed into REDCap offer clinicians a support tool to assess the probability of patient outcomes. Risk calculations based on predictive scores enabled clinicians to titrate postoperative laboratory tests and develop post-discharge home care orders.
Understanding User Requirements for the Design of a Home-Based Stroke Rehabilitation System:

Limitations following stroke make it one of the leading causes of disability. The current medical pathway provides intensive care in the acute stages, but rehabilitation services are commonly disco...
The determinants of nonstate military methods

AbstractFor generations, most analysts treated state and nonstate war making as a dichotomy, with states employing high-intensity ‘conventional’ methods centered on seizing and holding ground, but ...
Tonic Calcium-Activated Chloride Current Sustained by ATP Release and Highly Desensitizing Human P2X1 Receptors.

Abstract Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) participates in maintaining the vascular tone in the CNS, particularly in the retina, via the tonic activity of ligand gated activated P2X1 receptors. P2X1 receptors are characterized by their high affinity for ATP and their strong desensitization to concentrations of ATP that are 200-fold lower than their EC50. The mechanism behind P2X1 tonic activity remains unclear. In this study, we expressed human P2X1 (hP2X1) homomeric receptors in Xenopus oocytes to explore the relationship between ATP release from oocytes at rest, hP2X1, and Ca2+-activated Cl− channels. Our results indicate that Xenopus oocytes release ATP at rest via vesicular exocytosis, and this process is a constitutive phenomenon independent of extracellular Ca2+. Our results also indicate that hP2X1 receptors are able to sustain a tonic activity of Ca2+-activated Cl− channels. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+ the activity of hP2X1 receptors is greatly amplified by its coupling with Ca2+-activated Cl− channels. Future studies addressing the relationship between hP2X1 receptors and Ca2+-activated Cl− channels in vascular smooth muscle cells should provide information about additional mechanisms that regulate the vascular tone and their potential as pharmaceutical targets. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Honoring Ricardo Miledi - outstanding neuroscientist of XX-XXI centuries.
Topical 2′-Hydroxyflavanone for Cutaneous Melanoma

2'-hydroxyflavanone (2HF) is a dietary flavonoid with anticancer activity towardsmultiple cancers. Here, we report that topically applied 2HF inhibits the growth of intradermalimplants of melanoma in immunocompetent mice. 2HF induced apoptosis and inhibited the growthof the human SK-MEL-24 as well as murine B16-F0 and B16-F10 melanoma cell lines in vitro.Apoptosis was associated with depletion of caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP1 in B16-F0 and SKMEL-24 cells. Caspase-9 and MEKK-15 were undetected even in untreated B16-F10 cells. Signalingproteins TNFα, and phospho-PDGFR-β were depleted in all three cell lines; MEKK-15 was depletedby 2HF in SK-MEL-24 cells. 2HF enhanced sunitinib (an MEK and PDGFR-β inhibitor) and AZD2461 (a PARP1 inhibitor) cytotoxicity. 2HF also depleted the Ral-regulated, stress-responsive,antiapoptotic endocytic protein RLIP76 (RALBP1), the inhibition of which has previously beenshown to inhibit B16-F0 melanoma growth in vivo. Functional inhibition of RLIP76 was evidentfrom inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) endocytosis by 2HF. We found that topicallyapplied 2HF-Pluronic Lecithin Organogel (PLO) gel inhibited B16-F0 and B16-F10 tumorsimplanted in mice and caused no overt toxicity despite significant systemic absorption. 2HFtreatment reduced phospho-AKT, vimentin, fibronectin, CDK4, cyclinB1, and BCL2, whereas itincreased BIM and phospho-AMPK in excised tumors. Several cancer signals are controlled byendocytosis, a process strongly inhibited by RLIP76 depletion. We conclude that 2HF-PLO gel maybe useful for topical therapy of cutaneous metastases of melanoma and could enhance theantineoplastic effects of sunitinib and PARP1 inhibitors. The mechanism of action of 2HF inmelanoma overlaps with RLI76 inhibitors.
Nucleic acid anticancer agents

Abstract Utilization of nucleic acids to manipulate genetic information within a cell is known as gene therapy. It has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities in treatment and mitigation of several life-threatening diseases. Gene therapy is an attractive alternative to conventional chemotherapy or radiation therapy due to its high efficiency, minimal side effects, and potential to evade drug resistance. The versatility of gene therapy makes it useful for the treatment of diseases as varied as cancer, viral, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders as well as for the production of DNA vaccines. In this chapter the different classes of nucleic acids that are being used to develop anticancer therapies will be reviewed, along with their mechanism of action and some clinically relevant examples. Finally, a brief overview of the chemical modifications that are often made to nucleic acid structures to improve their therapeutic properties is presented.
Placement of tyrosine residues as a design element for tuning the phase transition of elastin-peptide-containing conjugates: experiments and simulations

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELP) have been widely used in the biomaterials community due to their controllable, thermoresponsive properties and biocompatibility. Motivated by our previous work on the effect of tryptophan (W) substitutions on the LCST-like transitions of short ELPs, we studied a series of short ELPs containing tyrosine (Y) and/or phenylalanine (F) guest residues with only 5 or 6 pentapeptide repeat units. A combination of experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations illustrated that the substitution of F with Y guest residues impacted the transition temperature (Tt) of short ELPs when conjugated to collagen-like-peptides (CLP), with a reduction in the transition temperature observed only after substitution of at least two residues. Placement of the Y residues near the N-terminal end of the ELP, away from the tethering point to the CLP, resulted in a lower Tt than that observed for peptides with the Y residues near the tethering point. Atomistic and coarse-grained MD simulations indicated an increase in intra- and inter- peptide hydrogen bonds in systems containing Y guest residues that are suggested to enhance the ability of the peptides to coacervate, with a concomitantly lower Tt. Simulations also revealed that the placement of Y-containing pentads near the N-terminus (i.e., away from CLP tethering point) versus C-terminus of the ELP led to more π-π stacking interactions at low temperatures, in agreement with our experimental observations of a lower Tt. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into the driving forces for the LCST-like transitions of ELPs and offers additional means for tuning the Tt of short ELPs for biomedical applications such as on-demand drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Commutation principles for optimization problems on spectral sets in Euclidean Jordan algebras

The commutation principle of Ramirez, Seeger, and Sossa proved in the setting of Euclidean Jordan algebras says that when the sum of a real valued function $h$ and a spectral function $\Phi$ is minimized/maximized over a spectral set $E$, any local optimizer $a$ at which $h$ is Frechet differentiable operator commutes with the derivative $h^{\prime}(a)$. In this paper, assuming the existence of a subgradient in place the derivative (of $h$), we establish `strong operator commutativity' relations: If $a$ solves the problem $\underset{E}{\max}\,(h+\Phi)$, then $a$ strongly operator commutes with every element in the subdifferential of $h$ at $a$; If $E$ and $h$ are convex and $a$ solves the problem $\underset{E}{\min}\,h$, then $a$ strongly operator commutes with the negative of some element in the subdifferential of $h$ at $a$. These results improve known (operator) commutativity relations for linear $h$ and for solutions of variational inequality problems. We establish these results via a geometric commutation principle that is valid not only in Euclidean Jordan algebras, but also in the broader setting of FTvN-systems.
Hierarchical microstructures and deformation behavior of laser direct-metal-deposited Cu–Fe alloys

Abstract Cu25Fe75 and Cu50Fe50 (nominal composition, at. %) alloys were fabricated using laser direct metal deposition (DMD) based additive manufacturing technique. These alloys exhibit hierarchical microstructures with bi-phasic Cu and Fe dendrites that contain nanoscale precipitates of varying sizes and structures. In the Cu25Fe75 alloy, Fe dendrites contained nanoscale, coherent, metastable BCC Cu and semi-coherent FCC Cu precipitates while the Cu matrix had nanoscale, coherent, metastable FCC Fe precipitates. In the Cu50Fe50 alloy, Fe dendrites only contained nanoscale semi-coherent FCC Cu precipitates while the Cu matrix had nanoscale coherent metastable FCC Fe precipitates. Both alloys exhibited enhanced flow strengths in the range of 750–980 MPa and significant plasticity, in compression. The Cu25Fe75 alloy had lower yield strength than Cu50Fe50 alloy but higher maximum compressive strength due to higher strain hardening resulting from slightly coarser dendrites with hierarchy of nanoscale precipitation.
Transformer-Based Behavioral Representation Learning Enables Transfer Learning for Mobile Sensing in Small Datasets.

While deep learning has revolutionized research and applications in NLP and computer vision, this has not yet been the case for behavioral modeling and behavioral health applications. This is because the domain's datasets are smaller, have heterogeneous datatypes, and typically exhibit a large degree of missingness. Therefore, off-the-shelf deep learning models require significant, often prohibitive, adaptation. Accordingly, many research applications still rely on manually coded features with boosted tree models, sometimes with task-specific features handcrafted by experts. Here, we address these challenges by providing a neural architecture framework for mobile sensing data that can learn generalizable feature representations from time series and demonstrates the feasibility of transfer learning on small data domains through finetuning. This architecture combines benefits from CNN and Trans-former architectures to (1) enable better prediction performance by learning directly from raw minute-level sensor data without the need for handcrafted features by up to 0.33 ROC AUC, and (2) use pretraining to outperform simpler neural models and boosted decision trees with data from as few a dozen participants.
Parabolic cylinder functions and parabolic functions

The parabolic cylinder functions may, in general, be considered as solutions of the differential equation $$\frac{{{d^2}y}}{{d{x^2}}} + (a{x^2} + bx + c)y = 0$$ (1) which, by a simple change of variable, reduces to the form $$\frac{{{d^2}y}}{{d{x^2}}} + (v + \frac{1}{2} - \frac{1}{4}{z^2}) = 0.$$ (2) .
Pearls and pitfalls of abdominopelvic Octreotide imaging: What the radiologist and clinician need to know

1309 Learning Objectives 1. Review the anatomy, pathophysiology, and imaging findings including Octreotide scan, CT, and MRI of various gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. 2. Review pearls and pitfalls of Octreotide imaging. Endocrine tumors are rare neoplasms with malignant potential that have increased in incidence based on USA and European epidemiology data. Due to indolent growth and the fact that an estimated 33% to 40% of these tumors may be nonfunctional tumors, they are frequently diagnosed when disease has metastasized. Early detection and intervention is critical for improved prognosis and survival. Octreotide scan also referred to as somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS) is the principal imaging modality in detecting gastroenteropancreatic and liver neuroendocrine tumors. Octreotide scan is based on tumor’s expression of somatostatin receptor (SSTR) type 2. There are five types of somatostatin receptors where most tumors express SSTR2 while small percentages express SSTR 1 and/or SSTR5. Not all tumors carry all five receptors and therefore may not be detected on conventional scintigraphic imaging. Additional radiology techniques may be required for identification, precise localization of increased scintigraphic uptake and/or to determine whether these Octreotide foci represent pathology or a benign entity/artifact. In this educational exhibit, we will review Octreotide imaging highlighting study technique and clinical indications, review approach to Octreotide study interpretation and discuss imaging findings of various neuroendocrine tumors and their respective differential diagnoses. Clinical and radiologic pearls along with common pitfalls and key points which can help in avoiding these pitfalls will also be discussed.
Characteristics of Nickel Laterite Crushed Ore Agglomerates

Crushed ore agglomeration has been used and is considered as a pretreatment step to improve heap leaching performance of complex copper and gold ores. It is well known that proper agglomeration can prevent solution channeling and ponding, improve percolation within the heap and increase metal recovery rates. However, not much is published regarding nickel laterite agglomeration behavior. Agglomerate size distribution and bed permeability are important parameters to evaluate the quality of agglomerates. With proper considerations, electrical conductivity can be used to control the agglomeration conditions. In this study, a nickel laterite ore from Piaui, Brazil was agglomerated and subjected to different tests to evaluate agglomeration conditions. The study included determination of agglomerate size distribution, saturated hydraulic permeability and electrical conductivity response. It has been found that moisture content and acid concentration have opposite effects on the agglomerate size. Also, retention time and drum rotation speed have small effect on agglomerate size. As expected the permeability of the agglomerate bed is strongly correlated to agglomerate size. Electrical conductivity of the agglomerate bed is affected by agglomeration size, moisture content, acid concentration, and external compaction.
What is quality in neurosurgery

Ihave had the privilege to participate in many and varied aspects of organized neurosurgery over the past 30 years and defining quality in neurosurgical practice remains elusive. How do we define quality? How do we measure, certify, regulate, and report quality? How do we ensure that quality will happen? It is much like beauty. It is hard to define, but you know it when you see it. It is also like beauty in that it is in the “eye of the beholder.” Leonard da Vinci had one view of beauty in the Mona Lisa and Picasso yet another in his cubism portrayals of beauty. I believe that when you are sitting in an examination room, one-on-one with a patient and reach a conclusion and make a recommendation, you are defining quality. When you are in the operating room and decide just how hard to retract a nerve root or how much to elevate the dome of an aneurysm, you are defining quality. When you tell the patient’s family that there is nothing further to be done and care should be withdrawn, you are defining quality. When you decide to take one more trip back to the hospital to check on a patient, you are defining quality. You reach your personal definition of quality through
Use of Pulse Oximetry as a Noninvasive Indicator of Intravascular Volume Status

The use of pulse oximetery as a noninvasive method to assess intravascular volume status is described. Pulse oximeters providing a continuous display of the pulse waveform offer a new method of estimating relative volume status during positive-pressure ventilation. Like intraarterial pressure tracings, the peaks of the pulse waveform demonstrate increased variation in response to positive-pressure ventilation when a patient becomes hypovolemic. Pulse oximeter waveform tracings were compared with central venous pressure and intraarterial pressure tracings in 12 patients undergoing major operative procedures. A significant correlation (r = 0.61) was seen between pulse waveform variation and systolic pressure variation, which has previously been shown to be a sensitive indicator of hypovolemia. When data from individual patients were analyzed separately, the correlation between pulse waveform variation and systolic pressure variation was as high as 0.88.
Activation of the innate immune system by CpG oligodeoxynucleotides: immunoprotective activity and safety.

The mammalian immune system responds to bacterial infection by rapidly initiating an inflammatory reaction that limits the early spread of the pathogen and facilitates the emergence of antigen-specific immunity (reviewed in [29]). Microorganisms have evolved to avoid such recognition by altering expression of their protein and lipid products [29]. Yet DNA is an indispensable and highly conserved component of all bacteria. Indeed, the genomes of otherwise diverse prokaryotes share DNA motifs that are rare in the genomes of higher vertebrates [3, 11, 30]. Yamamoto et al. [50, 51] were the first to show that bacterial but not mammalian DNA boosted the lytic activity of NK cells, inducing them to secrete IFN-γ. They attributed this effect to palindromic sequences present in bacterial DNA [51]. Other investigators showed that bacterial DNA stimulated B cells to proliferate and secrete Ig (especially if the DNA was complexed to a DNA-binding protein) [10–12, 30, 34, 49]. We were interested in defining the precise sequence motifs in bacterial DNA responsible for this immune activation, and to establish the breadth and nature of such activation.
Determinant's of Effectiveness for Cross-Functional Organizational Design Teams

Large-scale organizational transformation and improvement typically involve cross-functional organization design teams that act as architects of change. Fifteen organizational design teams were studied to identify the most significant determinants of te..
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Pediatric Access to Preemptive Kidney Transplantation in the United States

Preemptive kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for pediatric end stage renal disease patients to avoid increased morbidity and mortality associated with dialysis. It is unknown how race/ethnicity and poverty influence preemptive transplant access in pediatric. We examined the incidence of living donor or deceased donor preemptive transplantation among all black, white, and Hispanic children (<18 years) in the United States Renal Data System from 2000 to 2009. Adjusted risk ratios for preemptive transplant were calculated using multivariable-adjusted models and examined across health insurance and neighborhood poverty levels. Among 8,053 patients, 1117 (13.9%) received a preemptive transplant (66.9% from LD, 33.1% from DD). In multivariable analyses, there were significant racial/ethnic disparities in access to LD preemptive transplant where blacks were 66% (RR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.28-0.43) and Hispanics 52% (RR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.35-0.67) less likely to receive a LD preemptive transplant versus whites. Blacks were 22% less likely to receive a DD preemptive transplant versus whites (RR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.57-1.05), although results were not statistically significant. Future efforts to promote equity in preemptive transplant should address the critical issues of improving access to pre-ESRD nephrology care and overcoming barriers in living donation, including obstacles partially driven by poverty.
Opioid‐Related Adverse Effects in Children Undergoing Surgery: Unequal Burden on Younger Girls with Higher Doses of Opioids

Objective Unpredictable interindividual variability in response to opioids results in inadequate analgesia and opioid-related adverse effects. The effects of the child's sex on opioid response have not been well studied. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of sex on opioid-related adverse effects in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Design Prospective observational clinical study. Setting Outpatient pediatric surgery. Subjects Two hundred and seventy five children between 6 and 15 years of age undergoing outpatient tonsillectomy. Methods All children received standard perioperative care with a standard intraoperative dose of morphine. Opioid-related analgesia and safety outcomes included incidences of respiratory depression (RD), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and incidence of prolonged stay in the, post-anesthesia recovery unit (PACU) due to opioid related adverse effects. Results Given the small sample of minority population, we focused our study on 219 white children. Significant morphine effect was observed in girls but not boys for PONV (P = 0.001) and prolonged PACU stay due to PONV (P = 0.010). Although the overall incidence of RD is not statistically different between boys and girls, the incidence of RD (52% vs 32%) and PONV (43% vs 4%) tended to be more in white girls than boys as the total perioperative morphine dose increased to 0.3 mg/kg or more. Conclusions This study demonstrates that child's sex influences morphine's dose response and adverse effects. White girls have an unequal burden with higher incidences of PONV, RD, and prolonged PACU stays following tonsillectomy from PONV and RD as total morphine doses are increased.
Differences in skeletal and ornamental traits between laying hen cannibals, victims and bystanders

Abstract We compared the size of skeletal and ornamental traits, and asymmetries in bilateral skeletal traits, between victims of cannibalism, cannibals and bystanders within small groups of caged female White Leghorns at the time of cannibalistic attacks (i.e. injurious pecks resulting in bleeding). We hypothesised that victims of cannibalism have discernible morphological traits that predispose them to cannibalistic attack. We predicted that victims would have smaller skeletal traits (body length, ulna length, metatarsus length and width, toe length), lower body weight, poorer body condition, smaller combs and more asymmetrical bilateral skeletal traits than their flock mates. Contrary to our prediction, victims of cannibalistic attacks to the head/neck area ( N =23) tended to have larger combs than their flock mates (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test, S =59, P =0.037, NS after sequential Bonferroni adjustment). Their cannibals were more asymmetrical than non-cannibalistic bystanders (metatarsus length, S =48, P =0.011 and composite asymmetry, S =62.5, P =0.002, significant after sequential Bonferroni adjustment). In agreement with our prediction, victims of cannibalistic attacks to other body parts ( N =27), including the back, wings, rump, tail, cloaca, abdomen and toes, were more asymmetrical (composite asymmetry, S =78, P =0.022, significant after sequential Bonferroni adjustment) and tended to have lower body weights ( S =79.5, P =0.029, NS after sequential Bonferroni adjustment) than their flock mates. Their cannibals did not differ in skeletal or ornamental traits from the non-participating bystanders. The results suggest that large combs either elicit attacks to the head and neck area or increase vulnerability to injury during such attacks. Attacks to other body parts appear to be directed towards birds with signs of weakness relative to their flock mates. In these attacks, there were no distinguishing features separating cannibals from bystanders, suggesting that the bystanders could all be potential cannibals.
Relationship between stress hormones and testosterone with prolonged endurance exercise.

Previous pharmacological and pathological studies have reported negative relationships between circulating testosterone and certain stress hormones (i.e., cortisol and prolactin) in humans. These relationships have subsequently been used in hypotheses explaining the subclinical resting testosterone levels often found in some endurance-trained males, but as of yet no one has specifically examined these relationships as they relate to exercise. Thus, we examined the relationship between total and free testosterone levels and cortisol, and between total and free testosterone and prolactin following prolonged endurance exercise in trained males. Twenty-two endurance-trained males volunteered to run at 100% of their ventilatory threshold (VT) on a treadmill until volitional fatigue. Blood samples were taken at pre-exercise baseline (B0); volitional fatigue (F0); 30 min (F30), 60 min (F60), and 90 min (F90) into recovery; and at 24 h post-baseline (P24 h). At F0 [mean running time = 84.8 (3.8) min], exercise induced significant changes (P<0.05) from B0 in total testosterone, cortisol and prolactin. All three of these hormones were still significantly elevated at F30; but at F60 only cortisol and prolactin were greater than their respective B0 values. Free testosterone displayed no significant changes from B0 at F0, F30, or the F60 time point. At F90, neither cortisol nor prolactin was significantly different from their B0 values, but total and free testosterone were reduced significantly from B0. Cortisol, total testosterone and free testosterone at P24 h were significantly lower than their respective B0 levels. Negative relationships existed between peak cortisol response (at time F30) versus total testosterone (at F90, r=−0.53, P<0.05; and at P24 h, r=−0.60, P<0.01). There were no significant relationships between prolactin and total or free testosterone. In conclusion, the present findings give credence to the hypothesis suggesting a linkage between the low resting testosterone found in endurance-trained runners and stress hormones, with respect to cortisol.
Theory of surface anisotropy and coercivity in ferrimagnetic γ-Fe2O3

Abstract We propose a quantum mechanism for surface magnetic anisotropy in a special class of spinel ferrite. One-ion anisotropy arises from the orbitally degenerate state of a 3dϵ-electron bound to an Fe 3+ core on a spinerl B-site near a (110)-facet. Dependence of electron energy on the orientation of the B-site trigonal symmetry axis with respect to the facet plane leads to a maximum in surface anisotropy versus surface charge. This explains published experimental dependences of the coercive field on the amount of polymeric (NaPO 3 ) n ·Na 2 O deposited onto chemically reduced acicular particles of γ-Fe 2 O 3 . The experimental magnitudes of coercivity change are understood if individual polyphosphate molecules oxidize such anisotropic subsurface sites with considerable quamtum efficiency.
Surface Mining: Soil, Coal, and Society

Soil is a resource that is for all practical purposes nonrenewable. Natural soils have been formed over periods of thousands of years, although with intensive management and with inputs of nutrients and conditioners this time could be reduced. Coal is another precious resource, of critical importance as an interim fuel for perhaps the next hundred years or so, until renewable energy resources based on nuclear fusion or solar energy can become economic and widespread. Surface mining is the most efficient method for obtaining coal at lowest cost. But it disturbs the soil and takes it out of agricultural production for many years or decades, and sometimes forever, unless the land is properly restored at considerable cost.
TFT characteristics with distributed traps in the semiconductor

Abstract The development and solutions for the current-voltage drain characteristics of a TFT with exponentially distributed trapping centers in the semiconductor are presented. The development involves rederiving the current-voltage characteristic equation considering the dependence of carrier mobility upon trapping centers. The solutions provide insight regarding the drain current characteristics. The drain current with traps is found to be more dependent on the gate voltage than the trapless case and this dependence is a function of the steepness in the trap concentration. It is observed that a significant change in the shape of the drain characteristics near the knee region is caused by traps. Also the magnitude of the drain current is very dependent on the concentration and steepness of traps. Finally, the general expression for drain current dependence on temperature is found to be in good agreement with CdS experimental data.
Self-assessment in neurological surgery: the SANS wired white paper.

OBJECTIVE: Periodic self-assessment is an important component of postgraduate medical education and certification. The Self-assessment in Neurological Surgery (SANS) examination has a history of usefulness for neurosurgical written and oral board examination preparation. The SANS Wired test represents a recreation of the original SANS test using an Internet-based platform. Advanced functionality and contemporary content have been added to meet the increasing requirements for demonstration of lifelong learning and self-assessment as part of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process. METHODS: A needs assessment was performed before the development of SANS Wired. Postexamination surveys for users obtaining continuing medical education credit were analyzed for user satisfaction with the platform and content. Test-item performance metrics were analyzed based on first-attempt responses. The economic value of SANS Wired as a component of the mandatory MOC process was evaluated. RESULTS: The needs assessment identified a deficiency of available content and mechanisms for neurosurgery-specific self-assessment. As of October 15, 2005, a total of 588 individuals had subscribed to SANS Wired (28 institutional licenses accounted for 229 users). Eighty-eight post-test surveys were analyzed for user satisfaction. Ninety-four percent of responses indicated that learning objectives had been met. Initial performance metrics show an average point-biserial discrimination index of +0.18 for all test items. CONCLUSION: The SANS Wired system seems to be an effective platform for neurosurgical self-assessment and is acceptable to users. The system satisfies, in part, two of the four required components of MOC, namely, periodic self-assessment and demonstration of cognitive expertise. It is endorsed by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons for MOC.
Behavioral competence of maltreated children in child care

The behavioral competence of 39 preschool age maltreated children from 13 child care facilities was examined to determine the extent to which the children's behavioral development was related to the quality of child care service. Maltreated children assigned to three different types of child care facilities were observed: specialized day care programs, regular day care centers, and family day homes. Ratings of the quality of care received in child care were significantly correlated with the children's social competence in child care. Aspects of social behavior in maltreated children were related to the organization of the program, the physical facilities, traits of the caregiver, and caregiver expectations for the children.
Time Series Control Charts in the Presence of Model Uncertainty

Time series control charts are popular methods for statistical process control of autocor-related processes. In order to implement these methods, however, a time series model of the process is required. Since time series models must always be estimated from process data, model estimation errors are unavoidable. In the presence of modeling errors, time series control charts that are designed under the assumption of a perfect model may have an actual in-control average run length that is substantially shorter than desired. This paper presents a method for incorporating model uncertainty information into the design of time series control charts to provide a level of robustness with respect to modeling errors. The focus is on exponentially weighted moving average charts and Shewhart individual charts applied to the time series residuals.
Emily Dickinson had a dog: an interpretation of the human-dog bond

ABSTRACTThe study examines selected letters and poems of the poet Emily Dickinson to better understand the relationship between Dickinson and her Newfoundland dog Carlo. Citations from these sources indicate that Carlo helped Dickinson feel protected, that his presence soothed her anxiety, and that she used the dog as a go-between with other people. Eventually, the poet came to appreciate Carlo's silence as a witness to her creative process. The study also looks at their relationship from the deeper levels of psychology and myth. From a psychological perspective, Carlo is seen to function as a selfobject in Dickinson's inner life. In the myths from many cultures, dogs appear as guides, guardians, healers, and psychopomps. During their years together, Carlo embodied each of these roles for Dickinson. Together, the three approaches–primary source material, psychology and myth–reveal how Carlo's quiet presence helped Dickinson transform inner turmoil into poetry and suggest the transformative potential possi...
Cognitive Association Formation in Human Memory Revealed by Spatiotemporal Brain Imaging

Cognitive theory posits association by juxtaposition or by fusion. We employed the measurement of event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to a concept fusion task in order to explore memory encoding of these two types of associations between word pairs, followed by a memory test for original pair order. Encoding processes were isolated by subtracting fusion task ERPs corresponding to pairs later retrieved quickly from ERPs corresponding to pairs later retrieved slowly, separately for pairs fused successfully and unsuccessfully (i.e., juxtaposed). Analyses revealed that the encoding of these two types of associations yields different ERP voltage polarities, scalp topographies, and brain sources extending over the entire time course of processing.
Abstract P2-16-12: An exploratory analysis of the role of dasatinib in preventing progression of disease in bone in patients with metastatic breast cancer

Introduction: The role of dasatinib, an oral SRC inhibitor is being explored for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In a phase I study, we previously established that the combination of dasatinib and weekly paclitaxel was feasible. The activity of this combination is currently being explored in an ongoing phase II trial. Since Src kinase has a major role in osteoclast function and dasatinib has established anabolic and anti-resorptive effects in bone in vitro, we hypothesized that patients receiving this combination would have good control of osseous metastases and primarily develop progression of disease in sites other than bone. Patients and methods: Patients were included in this analysis if they participated in the phase I or II metastatic breast cancer studies and received dasatinib at or above the recommended phase II dose of 120mg with paclitaxel (80mg/m2 day 1 and 8 of each 21day cycle). Patients who discontinued therapy for reasons other than progression were excluded. Per protocol, patients were required to discontinue bisphosphonates or other bone modulating agents for the first 8 weeks of study due to the potential for hypocalcaemia. Thereafter, they were permitted to receive these agents at the discretion of their treating physician. Patients provided serum samples for correlative studies. Assessment of N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (NTX), a product of mature bone collagen that reflects bone specific resorption, is planned. Results: The median age of the 24 patients who met criteria for analysis was 50y (37 - 66y). Of these, 15 (63%) had ER+ disease, and 24 (100%) were negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2). At study entry, 17 (71%) patients had bone involvement. Following the initial eight week moratorium, 7 (29%) patients received a bisphosphonate or rank ligand inhibitor during treatment with dasatinib + paclitaxel. Patients received a median 2 months (range 1-23) of dasatinib + paclitaxel therapy. To date, 3 (13%) continue on therapy, and 21 (88%) have had progression of disease. Among patients who progressed, 18 (86%) have progressed in visceral sites and only 3 (14%) progressed in bone. Analyses of serum NTX levels are ongoing and will be compared by site of progression. Conclusion: The potential role of serum NTX as a predictive biomarker of benefit from dasatinib and paclitaxel is being explored and updated results will be presented. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P2-16-12.
An elementary theory of product-line variations

The primary aim of a software product-line is to maximise reuse of software components by managing the variability in component functionalities and product configurations. Feature oriented domain analysis (FODA) diagrams are a formalism for modelling the variability in a software product-line, and are used as a tool for managing a product-line and planning its evolution. This paper presents an elementary theory of variations in a product-line, leading up to a technique for extracting FODA diagrams from legacy product-lines. The theory is elementary in the sense that it is built using very simple mathematical structures, making minimal assumptions on the structure of product-lines. Examples drawn from the automotive domain are used to illustrate the theoretical developments.
Structurally simple inhibitors of lanosterol 14α-demethylase are efficacious in a rodent model of acute Chagas disease.

We report structure−activity studies of a large number of dialkyl imidazoles as inhibitors of Trypanosoma cruzi lanosterol-14α-demethylase (L14DM). The compounds have a simple structure compared to posaconazole, another L14DM inhibitor that is an anti-Chagas drug candidate. Several compounds display potency for killing T. cruzi amastigotes in vitro with values of EC50 in the 0.4−10 nM range. Two compounds were selected for efficacy studies in a mouse model of acute Chagas disease. At oral doses of 20−50 mg/kg given after establishment of parasite infection, the compounds reduced parasitemia in the blood to undetectable levels, and analysis of remaining parasites by PCR revealed a lack of parasites in the majority of animals. These dialkyl imidazoles are substantially less expensive to produce than posaconazole and are appropriate for further development toward an anti-Chagas disease clinical candidate.
Examining Social Political Contexts in Teacher Preparation in Palestine.

This study explores teaching English as a foreign language in the West Bank, Palestine. It investigates the perspectives of a group of faculty, preservice, and in-service teachers about teaching and learning English in the primary grades under the overarching harsh realities of political conflict and instability. The study demonstrates the importance of addressing socio-political contexts to make teaching meaningful and to set pedagogical strategies that correspond to the context of the students in teacher preparation programs. Participants interviewed responded to open-ended questions about teaching English as a foreign language and discussed major issues and challenges they face.
RNase G (CafA protein) and RNase E are both required for the 5′ maturation of 16S ribosomal RNA

In Escherichia coli , rRNA operons are transcribed as 30S precursor molecules that must be extensively processed to generate mature 16S, 23S and 5S rRNA. While it is known that RNase III cleaves the primary transcript to separate the individual rRNAs, there is little information about the secondary processing reactions needed to form their mature 3′ and 5′ termini. We have now found that inactivation of the endoribonuclease RNase E slows down in vivo maturation of 16S RNA from the 17S RNase III cleavage product. Moreover, in the absence of CafA protein, a homolog of RNase E, formation of 16S RNA also slows down, but in this case a 16.3S intermediate accumulates. When both RNase E and CafA are inactivated, 5′ maturation of 16S rRNA is completely blocked. In contrast, 3′ maturation is essentially unaffected. The 5′ unprocessed precursor that accumulates in the double mutant can be assembled into 30S and 70S ribosomes. Precursors also can be processed in vitro by RNase E and CafA. These data indicate that both RNase E and CafA protein are required for a two step, sequential maturation of the 5′ end of 16S rRNA, and that CafA protein is a new ribonuclease. We propose that it be renamed RNase G.
Gastroschisis and congenital contractures: Coincidence or syndrome?

Abstract An infant with a gastroschisis defect and severe congenital contractures of all extremities is presented. This case has offered dilemmas in judgment and in management as well. It is suggested that the occurrence of both these malformations in the same infant is probably not coincidental.
Polycrystalline MFI zeolite membranes: xylene pervaporation and its implication on membrane microstructure

Abstract This paper reports experimental results on pervaporation of pure xylene isomers and their binary mixtures through α-alumina-supported zeolite MFI membranes. The membranes were permeable for all xylene isomers. Intensive fouling of the zeolite membrane was observed during the pervaporation experiments due to strong interaction of xylene molecules with the zeolite pores via π-complexation. The pervaporation flux of pure xylene isomers at 26°C in first 10 h experiment decreases in the order: m-xylene>p-xylene>o-xylene. No separation of binary p-/m-xylene and p-/o-xylene mixtures could be obtained in the investigated temperature range (26–75°C). A three-type pore microstructure for the zeolite membrane is proposed to explain the pervaporation and helium permeation data. The zeolite membrane layer contains both zeolitic pores, microporous nonzeolitic pores nonselective for xylene isomers, and a very small amount of larger defect pores. The microporous nonzeolitic pores are formed possibly in the step of template removal. Presence of the microporous nonzeolitic pores and fouling by chemisorbed xylenes are responsible for the nonseparative properties of xylene pervaporation through the polycrystalline MFI membrane observed in this work.