cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An electron microscopic study of the cerebral blood vessels of the opossum

Blood vessels of the opossum brain are paired, artery and vein, and end in a closed loop. Both anatomically and physiologically they are true end-arteries. The two limbs are enclosed within a single basement membrane and are separated from each other by an intercapillary cell thought to be analogous to the usual capillary pericytes. The similarity of this vascular arrangement to that in the rabbit placenta and in the medulla of the kidney is discussed in relation to the counter-current multiplier system.
Thorium fuel cycles compared to uranium fuel cycles

This paper compares the material quantities and radioactive properties of thorium fuel cycles for various types of nuclear power plants with similar results for uranium fueling. Thorium resources exceed those of uranium. Reactors can convert thorium to fissile uranium-233, making breeding possible with thermal neutrons. Thorium fuel cycles require a separate fissile source, such as U-235 or Pu-239, to start first-generation thorium breeders or to fuel non-breeding reactors. Thorium-uranium-fueled converter reactors consume more uranium than thorium. Toxicity of high-level waste from thorium fueling can exceed that for uranium fueling.
Performance analysis of multiple signal detection using the ESPRIT algorithm

An array antenna system with an innovative signal processing algorithm "Estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariant technique" (ESPRIT) is used in this paper to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) for multiple targets. The DOA angles are derived indirectly from the generalized eigenvalues of the auto-correlation and cross-correlation matrices. The estimated autocorrelation and cross correlation matrices in this study are based on a combination of temporal averaging and spatial smoothing method. Two different methods of estimating the multi-signal DOA are: (1) Choice of appropriate pairs of generalized eigenvalues from the two sub-arrays according to their relative distance from the unit circle, and (2) Choice of appropriate pairs of generalized eigenvalues from the two sub-arrays according to their Euclidean distances [1]. Since the performance of the second approach provides a better estimation, it is used in this simulation study. A 19-element array antenna is used in this simulation study. Extensive computer simulations are used to demonstrate the performance of the processing algorithms. The DOA performance as a function of signal to noise ratio (SNR) and varying numbers of snapshots is presented in this paper.
Reducing Sexual Risk Behaviors for HIV/STDs in Women with Alcohol Use Disorders.

Objective: A pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) examined effectiveness of HIV/STD Safer Sex Skills Building + Alcohol (SSB+A) intervention for women with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs) in a residential treatment setting. Method: After randomizing thirty-six women with AUDs and reporting having intercourse with a male partner in the past 180 days to SSB+A or HE (standard HIV/STD education) groups, rates of penetrative intercourse with and without condoms at 60 day and 180 day follow-up were compared between SSB+A or HE groups. Results: There was a significant difference in mean number of sex acts with condoms between SSB+A and HE groups over time. Specifically, SSB+A and HE groups did not differ at 60 day follow-up, but at 180 day follow-up, mean sex acts with condoms among SSB+A group was significantly higher than HE. Conclusion: Pilot study findings affirm the effectiveness of the SSB+A in reducing sexual risk behaviors of AUD women and support the need for further research, testing the SSB+A interventi...
Technical and Pedagogical Challenges Faced by Faculty and Students in Computer-Based Distance Education in Higher Education in Indiana.

This study reports faculty members' and students' responses to the technological and pedagogical challenges they faced in completing computer-based distance education. After mastering computer-base...
Study of a Swept Wing with Leading-Edge Ice Using a Wake Survey Technique

The aerodynamics of swept wings with leading-edge ice is very complex and not fully understood. Previous swept wing icing studies have only provided force balance measurements and/or qualitative flow visualization. In order to more fully understand the complex aerodynamics it is necessary to understand how the ice influences the drag breakdown and the spanwise distributions of lift and drag. This paper utilizes 5-hole probe wake surveys and a far-field analysis to decompose the drag into profile and induced drag components and to determine the spanwise distributions of lift and drag. It is shown that the leading-edge ice primarily influences the profile drag and the induced drag is relatively unaltered. Features observed in the lift and drag distributions are related to features seen in the wake as well as in surface oil flow visualization.
The chromatographic analysis of reserpine preparations

Abstract Methods are presented for the analysis of reserpine preparations by chromatography on paper and on liquid‐liquid partition columns. The former is used for the qualitative examination of samples and the latter for the quantitative assay of reserpine contents. The system of paper chromatography permits the identification of reserpine and the detection of the closely related concomitants deserpidine, rescinnamine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, and serpentine. The partition column can be used for milligram quantities of samples.
Effect of Octenol on Engorgement by Tabanus nigrovittatus (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Adult female Tabanus nigrovittatus Macquart (Diptera: Tabanidae) were field collected from a salt marsh in Essex County, Massachusetts. The horse flies were transported back to and tested in the laboratory to determine the effects of octenol (1-octen-3-ol) on engorgement. Flies exposed to octenol strips had a significantly higher engorgement response compared with control flies. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an important link between an odor stimulus and the feeding response in Tabanidae. Research examining the link between odor attractants and repellents on the engorgement response is lacking or limited in most hematophagous Diptera. Understanding the role odors have on ingestion is essential to knowing how to interrupt feeding behavior of blood-feeding arthropods, especially for important vectors.
Primary liver tumors: diagnosis by MR imaging

MR features of 153 proved primary liver tumors (95 malignant, 58 benign) in 55 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (21), cholangiocarcinoma (seven), carcinosarcoma (one), hepatoblastoma (one), hemangioma (16), hepatic adenoma (four), focal nodular hyperplasia (three), leiomyoma (one), and hemangioendothelioma (one) were studied retrospectively to determine which techniques are most reliable for lesion detection and which criteria are most useful for differential diagnosis. MR data were correlated with histologic features such as fatty degeneration, fibrosis, and peritumoral edema. Unlike metastatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma was best detected (p less than .01) with T2-weighted pulse sequences. The mean tumor-liver T2 difference was 34.4%, while the mean T1 difference was only 21.8%. A tissue-specific diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma was possible in 14 of 21 patients by identification of fatty degeneration of the tumor (eight of 17), tumor capsule (five of 21), and/or vascular invasion (six of 21). MR features of peritumoral edema, present in six of 21 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and in seven of 25 patients with metastases, were exclusively associated with malignant tumors. The large variation in tissue characteristics (relaxation times and proton density) seen in primary liver tumors necessitates the use of multiple pulse sequences to maximize lesion detection. However, the combined use of T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo and T2-weighted phase-contrast images had the advantage of distinguishing benign from malignant primary liver tumors in 48 of 55 patients in this series.
Self-sealing capacity of vial stoppers after multiple needle punctures.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the self-sealing capacity of vial stoppers in two common radiopharmaceuticals after more than 10 needle punctures. Methods Assessment of self-sealing capacity was performed according to the self-sealing capacity test described in United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) General Chapter . Groups of 10 vials of technetium (Tc)-99m sulfur colloid and Tc-99m tetrofosmin were tested for maintenance of self-sealing capacity following 10 punctures with 22-, 20-, and 18-gauge needles. Each vial was sequentially retested after additional sets of 10 punctures until failure of self-sealing capacity or until a total of 100 punctures, whichever came first. Results The median number of needle punctures with maintenance of self-sealing ability before failure for 22-, 20-, and 18-gauge needles was >100 (range all >100), >100 (all >100), and 60 (30–90), respectively, for sulfur colloid and >100 (all >100), >100 (50 to >100), and 50 (20–70), respectively, for tetrofosmin. Incidentally, coring particles were observed frequently in vials after many punctures with 18-gauge needles, but infrequently with 20-gauge and rarely with 22-gauge needles. Conclusion Vial stoppers in two radiopharmaceutical products demonstrated robust self-sealing capacity, substantially exceeding the USP standard of 10 punctures with a 21-gauge needle. Coring particles were frequently observed after many punctures when using larger-bore needles but rarely when using smaller-bore needles. Under conditions commonly used, failure of self-sealing capacity and generation of coring particles are not anticipated to be problems encountered when puncturing vial stoppers of these two products substantially more than 10 times.
Kinetic studies of temperature anisotropy instability in intense charged particle beams

This paper extends previous analytical and numerical studies [E.A. Startsev, R.C. Davidson and H. Qin, Phys. Plasmas 9, 3138 (2002)] of the stability properties of intense nonneutral charged particle beams with large temperature anisotropy (Tperpb Gt Tperpb ) to allow for non-axisymmetric perturbations with part/partthetas ne 0. The most unstable modes are identified, and their eigenfrequencies and radial mode structure are determined
The Genetics of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a bilateral, non-inflammatory corneal ectasia characterized by progressive conical thinning and protrusion of the cornea. Its etiology has long been believed to be multifactorial, with environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors all contributing to the disease process. This review focuses specifically on examining the evidence that supports a genetic basis for keratoconus.
Ground Reaction Forces and Lower Extremity Kinematics When Running With Suppressed Arm Swing

The role of arm swing in running has been minimally described, and the contributions of arm motion to lower extremity joint kinematics and external force generation are unknown. These contributions may have implications in the design of musculoskeletal models for computer simulations of running, since previous models have usually not included articulating arm segments. 3D stance phase lower extremity joint angles and ground reaction forces (GRFs) were determined for seven subjects running normally, and running under two conditions of arm restraint. When arm swing was suppressed, the peak vertical GRF decreased by 10-13% bodyweight, and the peak lateral GRF increased by 4-6% bodyweight. Changes in peak joint angles on the order of 1-5 deg were observed for hip flexion, hip adduction, knee flexion, knee adduction, and ankle abduction. The effect sizes (ES) were small to moderate (ES 0.8) for most of the peak joint angle differences. These changes suggest that suppression of arm swing induces subtle but statistically significant changes in the kinetic and kinematic patterns of running. However, the salient features of the GRFs and the joint angles were present in all conditions, and arm swing did not introduce any major changes in the timing of these data, as indicated by cross correlations. The decision to include arm swing in a computer model will likely need to be made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the design of the study and the accuracy needed to answer the research question.
Commentary. A Case Series: herpes simplex virus as an occupational hazard.

This paper brings up a topic that is seldom discussed in dentistry, occupational hazards relative to infectious diseases, and, more specifically, the risk of herpes simplex transmission during patient care. I must admit that I do not agree with many of their conclusions; I feel that they are overly cautious, a possibility the authors acknowledge relative to some of their recommendations. But for 1 out of 140 dentists who are reading this, the clinical sequel they describe in the article has become painfully true.
THE SKIN REACTIONS PRODUCED BY ALTERNATIONS OF HEAT AND X-RAY AT VARIOUS TIME INTERVALS

Areas on the abdomen of the same guinea pig were exposed to suberythemal doses of soft X-rays, to heat of an intensity below the critical dose for the production of burns, and to both radiations in sequence with various time intervals between the exposures. The only effect of exposure to X-ray or heat alone was a slight scaling of the skin. The areas exposed to heat and X-radiation developed well-marked and persistent burns when the exposure to one agent was made within 3 hours of the other. Scaling of the skin developed when the exposure to one agent was made 1 day after the other. This scaling was more marked and lasted longer than the scaling produced by either agent alone. The results were the same no matter in which sequence the agents were applied.
Plasma Levels of Immunoreactive Ceruloplasmin and Other Acute Phase Proteins during Lactation

Lactation elevates plasma copper as well as oxidase activity levels of the copper-containing, acute phase protein ceruloplasmin (Cp). The present study provides an initial inquiry into the mechanisms behind these changes. Plasma obtained from 12 lactating women, 1 month postpartum, displayed a greater percentage increase in immunoreactive Cp levels (mean increase = 89%) than in plasma copper (mean = 66%) or Cp oxidase activity (mean = 42%). Lactation did not increase plasma content of C-reactive protein or alpha 1-antitrypsin but significantly elevated haptoglobin concentrations. Plasma alpha 2-macroglobulin contents correlated with immunoreactive Cp levels in lactating women but not in controls. These results strengthen the hypothesis that plasma content of individual acute phase proteins is regulated by both overlapping and individualized processes. In addition, the present findings raise the possibility that lactation increases both Cp synthesis and plasma turnover time of Cp-bound copper.
Platelet-Activating Factor, a Pleiotrophic Mediator of Physiological and Pathological Processes

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent proinflammatory phospholipid with diverse pathological and physiological effects. This bioactive phospholipid mediates processes as diverse as wound healing, physiological inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, reproduction and long-term potentiation. Recent progress has demonstrated the participation of MAP kinase signaling pathways as modulators of the two critical enzymes, phospholipase A2 and acetyltransferase, involved in the remodeling pathway of PAF biosynthesis. The unregulated production of structural analogs of PAF by non-specific oxidative reactions has expanded this superfamily of signaling molecules to include "PAF-like" lipids whose mode of action is identical to that of authentic PAF. The action of members of this family is mediated by the PAF receptor, a G protein-coupled membrane-spanning molecule that can engage multiple signaling pathways in various cell types. Inappropriate activation of this signaling pathway is associated with many diseases in which inflammation is thought to be one of the underlying features. Inactivation of all members of the PAF superfamily occurs by a unique class of enzymes, the PAF acetylhydrolases, that have been characterized at the molecular level and that terminate signals initiated by both regulated and unregulated PAF production.
Association of MC1R Variants and Risk of Melanoma in Melanoma-Prone Families with CDKN2A Mutations

Major risk factors for melanoma include many nevi, especially dysplastic nevi, fair pigmentation, freckling, poor tanning ability, and germ line mutations in the CDKN2A, CDK4, or MC1R genes. We evaluated the relationship between MC1R and melanoma risk in CDKN2A melanoma-prone families with extensive clinical and epidemiologic data. We studied 395 subjects from 16 American CDKN2A families. Major melanoma risk factors were assessed by clinical examination or questionnaire; MC1R was sequenced. Odds ratios were estimated by unconditional and conditional logistic regression models. We examined the distribution of MC1R variants and median ages at melanoma diagnosis in multiple primary melanoma (MPM) and single primary melanoma (SPM) patients. Presence of multiple MC1R variants was significantly associated with melanoma, even after adjustment for major melanoma risk factors. All 40 MPM patients had at least one MC1R variant; 65% of MPM patients versus only 17% of SPM patients had at least two MC1R variants (P < 0.0001). For all 69 melanoma patients combined, as well as the 40 MPM patients, there was a statistically significant decrease in median age at diagnosis as numbers of MC1R variants increased (P = 0.010 and P = 0.008, respectively). In contrast, no significant reduction in age at melanoma diagnosis was observed for SPM patients (P = 0.91). The current study suggests that the presence of multiple MC1R variants is associated with the development of multiple melanoma tumors in patients with CDKN2A mutations. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the mechanisms that may contribute to this relationship.
How Did the Financial Crisis Affect Business Lending in the U.S.

I analyze changes in lending by U.S. banks to businesses during 1994-2011. I find that lending to businesses and, in particular, to small businesses, declined precipitously following onset of the financial crisis. I also examine the relative changes in business lending by banks that did, and did not, receive TARP funds from the U.S. Treasury, and find that banks receiving capital injections from the TARP failed to increase their small-business lending; instead, these banks decreased their lending by even more than other banks. Finally, I find a strong and significant positive relation between bank capital adequacy and business lending.
Roles of hydroxyls in the noncatalytic and catalyzed formation of levoglucosan from glucose

Abstract Hydroxyl groups in the simple cyclic sugar β- d -glucose are key to its formation of bicyclic levoglucosan, whether by unimolecular reaction or by catalysis through external hydroxyls or acid molecules. Computational-quantum chemistry calculations of transition states are conducted with substitutions of NH 2 and CH 3 for OH, which reveal the role of lone pairs on the oxygen; with explicit water molecules or implicit water-solvation models, which show the mixed impact of hydrogen bonding; and with Bronsted acid molecules, which relate acid strength to decreased enthalpy of activation.
Light Environments of Tropical Forests

Measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in tropical forests are reviewed and discussed. Many studies of the light environment in tropical forests have emphasized the importance of sunflecks to the total light energy reaching the forest floor. Much of the spatial variation in total daily PAR in understory environments has been attributed to localized sunfleck activity, but levels of diffuse radiation were also found to vary spatially. Values of percent transmission differs greatly among forests throughout the world, ranging from 0.4–3.8, depending on forest structure and weather conditions. Total daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in understory habitats is often below 1.0 mol m-2 d-1, and measurements as low as 0.15 mol m-2 d-1 have been recorded.
Time domain system identification of longitudinal dynamics of a UAV: A grey box approach

System identification is very effective for aircraft modeling because many aircraft motions cannot be duplicated accurately using analytical methods. The identified model can represent an aircraft in all flight regimes and thus can be used for the development of flight simulators and automatic flight controllers. In this research, a unique three stage procedure is presented for time domain system identification of small scale fixed wing UAV. Flight experiment was conducted with specifically designed maneuvers for identification of the UAV's longitudinal dynamics. Initial reference model was developed using UAV's geometrical information in DATCOM. Recorded data, from flight tests, was processed in MATLAB system identification toolbox for estimating grey box aircraft models by applying Prediction Error Method. The model was iteratively improved through Adaptive Gauss Newton optimization. Model validation and error analysis were performed and the UAV's aerodynamic coefficients were determined. Excellent validation results show that the identified model can be used for various applications including the design of altitude and airspeed controllers of autopilot.
Epidermal growth factor promotes a mesenchymal over an amoeboid motility of MDA-MB-231 cells embedded within a 3D collagen matrix

The receptor of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) critically regulates tumor cell invasion and is a potent therapeutic target for treatment of many types of cancers, including carcinomas and glioblastomas. It is known that EGF regulates cell motility when tumor cells are embedded within a 3D biomatrix. However, roles of EGF in modulating tumor cell motility phenotype are largely unknown. In this article, we report that EGF promotes a mesenchymal over an amoeboid motility phenotype using a malignant breast tumor cell line, MDA-MB-231, embedded within a 3D collagen matrix. Amoeboid cells are rounded in shape, while mesenchymal cells are elongated, and their migrations are governed by a distinctly different set of biomolecules. Using single cell tracking analysis, we also show that EGF promotes cell dissemination through a significant increase in cell persistence along with a moderate increase of speed. The increase of persistence is correlated with the increase of the percentage of the mesenchymal cells within the population. Our work reveals a novel role of microenvironmental cue, EGF, in modulating heterogeneity and plasticity of tumor cell motility phenotype. In addition, it suggests a potential visual cue for diagnosing invasive states of breast cancer cells. This work can be easily extended beyond breast cancer cells.
IgG and IgA hypogammaglobulinemia is pervasive in Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) and persists regardless of response or type of therapeutic intervention

8042 Background: IgG and IgA hypogammaglobulinemia (HG) is a commonly observed in patients with WM and has often been attributed to the extensive infiltration of lymphoplasmacytic cells in the bone...
The multi-craft problem: a distributed simulation approach using networked floating objects

The multi-craft problem is defined as simulating the interactions of multiple objects floating on water. This encompasses the direct interactions between water and the object, and indirect interactions between objects that occur via the water. Existing solutions generally treat the floating objects as simple 3-dimensional volumes with properties such as weight and buoyancy. For many practical situations, these objects need to be simulated by complex rules. The simulation of ships is a case in point. As realistic water simulation itself is computationally expensive, accommodating the added complexity due to floating objects can be a difficult task. This paper proposes a method for distributed water simulation where the scope of each participating simulation is chosen by the model that governs it. For the multi-craft problem, this means simulating the water in one node and simulating the floating objects in other nodes in a network. Details of a prototype are presented to show how implementation of such a scheme can be achieved. Its effects on modularity, performance, scalability and security are also illustrated.
Patient's best interests and presumed consent in ante-mortem organ preservation in end-of-life care.

Editor – Littlejohns et al comment on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)'s interpretation of ‘best interest’, which permits presumed consent to ante-mortem organ preservation ( Clin Med August 2013 pp 340–3). We argue this interpretation is incompatible with two
Effectiveness of the Waksberg Telephone Sampling Method for the Selection of Population Controls

The effectiveness of the Waksberg telephone sampling method and practical aspects of its implementation were evaluated during the selection of control subjects for a population-based case-control study conducted in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC, in 1991. The first stage of the two-stage sampling procedure was equivalent to simple random sampling. Each telephone number selected was dialed up to 13 times to establish the type of connection. Residential connections were used to generate additional telephone numbers in the second stage by changing the last two digits. Overall, 3,860 telephone numbers yielded 1,311 residences. The proportion of residences was higher in the second stage (54%) than in the first (11%), while that of numbers "not in service" was lower (12% vs. 67%, respectively). Fewer calls (8,735) were made than would have been required by a simple random sampling procedure (up to 18,522). The geographic distribution of residences was similar at both stages of sampling. At the end of enrollment, each sampling unit had yielded 9.8 residences, but only 64% reached 9-11 residences. Compliance rates were 96% for screening (1,259 of 1,311 residences), 90% for interviewing (362 of 403), and 86% overall. Relative to simple random sampling, the Waksberg method considerably reduced the total number of telephone calls, but the sampling process was more complex to manage. This method is particularly suitable for selecting population controls when the density of residential connections is low and variables of interest are not homogeneous within sampling units. Random digit dialing remains an effective method for selecting population controls.
Voluntary AIDS counseling and testing service in Shenzhen from 2008 to 2010

Objective To investigate socio-demographic characteristics and HIV infection status of people receiving AIDS voluntary counseling and testing ( VCT) service in Shenzhen, in order to provide the basis for formulating the preventive measures. Method Data collected from the clients who visited the AIDS VCT clinic under Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2008 to 2010 were analyzed. Results 44 239 clients received AIDS counseling and HIV antibody testing. The clients consisted mainly of male adults aged 20 to 40 years accounting for 82.4%. The male to female ratio was 0.89 ∶ 1,and population-based middle and high school education accounted for 62.6%. The main reason for counseling was high-risk sexual behaviors (65.4%). Of all the tested cases, 428 were positive and the HIV infection rate was 0.97%; HIV infection rates among the MSM group in 2008, 2009 and 2010 was 9.2%,9.8% and 14.6%,respectively. Conclusion HIV infection rates among the MSM group increased year by year,behavioral intervention should be strengthened among MSM, and AIDS health education should be focused on the high-risk groups.
Deep-ocean circulation

Up to now we have discussed ocean currents only in the surface layer, i.e. above the main or permanent thermocline. This layer constitutes approximately 10% of the volume of the World Ocean. It was amply demonstrated that the major current systems in the upper strata are generated by atmospheric forces. Wind-driven currents penetrate into deep layers because of density gradients due to surface slopes and adjustment of temperature and salinity fields. All these are effective to a certain depth, which is different in various parts of the ocean and largely depends on the general density stratification.
The Molecular Cell Biology of Anterior Pituitary Cells

The anterior pituitary is an endocrine gland responsible for secreting hormones that regulate a wide range of functions. The traditional view of the anterior pituitary holds that there are five endocrine cell types, which are classified on the basis of the expression of a specific hormone and response to specific hypothalamic-releasing hormones. However, the recent finding of polyhormonal cells and multi-responsive cells may blur this division. In addition, remarkable heterogeneity is observed within each of these cell types. An impressive signaling toolkit represented by a broad variety of receptors and ion channels, gives rise to distinctive patterns of electrical activity and Ca2+ signaling which in turn underlie cell type-specific secretion profiles. Intricate autocrine and paracrine interactions add another layer of complexity to their repertoire. These cells are not homogeneously distributed in the gland but form numerous intercrossing strands of single cells whose connectivity and location is remarkably dynamic. Experience-dependent plasticity has been recently shown for the lactotroph cell network, allowing adaptation to meet changing physiological demands, a feature that is likely shared by other endocrine cells to meet their vital role in homeostatic control.
Adult Neurogenesis in the Songbird: Region-Specific Contributions of New Neurons to Behavioral Plasticity and Stability

Our understanding of the role of new neurons in learning and encoding new information has been largely based on studies of new neurons in the mammalian dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb - brain regions that may be specialized for learning. Thus the role of new neurons in regions that serve other functions has yet to be fully explored. The song system provides a model for studying new neuron function in brain regions that contribute differently to song learning, song auditory discrimination, and song motor production. These regions subserve learning as well as long-term storage of previously learned information. This review examines the differences between learning-based and activity-based retention of new neurons and explores the potential contributions of new neurons to behavioral stability in the song motor production pathway.
Validation of a cage implant system for assessing in vivo performance of long-acting release microspheres.

Abstract Here we describe development of a silicone rubber/stainless steel mesh cage implant system, much like that used to assess biocompatibility of biomaterials [1], for easy removal of injectable polymer microspheres in vivo . The sterile cage has a type 316 stainless steel mesh size (38 μm) large enough for cell penetration and free fluid flow in vivo but small enough for microsphere retention, and a silicone rubber shell for injection of the microspheres. Two model drugs, the poorly soluble steroid, triamcinolone acetonide, and the highly water-soluble luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) peptide superagonist, leuprolide, were encapsulated in PLGA microspheres large enough (63–90 μm) to be restrained by the cage implant in vivo . The in vitro release from both formulations was followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with and without the cage in a standard release media, PBS pH 7.4 + 0.02% Tween 80 + 0.05% sodium azide, at 37 °C. Pharmacokinetics (PK) in rats was assessed after SC injection or SC in-cage implantation of microspheres with plasma analysis by LC-MS/MS or EIA. Tr-A and leuprolide in vitro release was largely unaffected after the initial burst irrespective of the cage or test tube incubation vessel and release was much slower than observed in vivo for both drugs. Moreover, Tr-A and leuprolide pharmacokinetics with and without the cage were highly similar during the 2–3 week release duration before a significant inflammatory response was caused by the cage implant. Hence, the PK-validated cage implant provides a simple means to recover and evaluate the microsphere drug carriers in vivo during a time window of at least a few weeks in order to characterize the polymer microsphere release and erosion behavior in vivo . This approach may facilitate development of mechanism-based in vitro/in vivo correlations and enable development of more accurate and useful in vitro release tests.
When men lean out: Subtle reminders of child-raising intentions and men and women's career interests

Abstract Female-dominated occupations tend to be lower paying, but also less time-consuming and more flexible than male-dominated occupations. Women may pursue occupations with short, flexible workweeks because they expect to be primary caretakers of future children. In a pre-registered study we investigated how subtle reminders of child-raising intentions shape college students' occupational interests. We hypothesized that priming women with child-raising intentions reminds them of future caregiving responsibilities and decreases their interest in high-hour, low-flexibility (HH/LF) occupations. However, women reported less interest than men in HH/LF careers regardless of prime (intentions to raise kids versus have pets). Reminding men of child-raising intentions decreased their interest in family-unfriendly HH/LF occupations, particularly among men low in hostile sexism. The results suggest that, whereas women may link child-raising intentions to occupational pursuits regardless of whether such intentions are made salient, reminders of child-raising intentions raise the awareness of non-sexist men of their future family responsibilities.
Association of the Sweet-Liking Phenotype and Craving for Alcohol With the Response to Naltrexone Treatment in Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance Identification of moderators of the response to naltrexone hydrochloride treatment for alcohol dependence could improve clinical care for patients with alcohol use disorders. Objective To investigate the preliminary finding that the sweet-liking (SL) phenotype interacts with a high level of craving for alcohol and is associated with an improved response to naltrexone in alcohol dependence. Design, Setting, and Participants This 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted from February 1, 2010, to April 30, 2012, in an academic outpatient medical center. Eighty actively drinking patients were randomized by the SL (n = 22) or the sweet-disliking (SDL) (n = 58) phenotype and by pretreatment high (n = 40) or low (n = 40) craving for alcohol, with high craving defined as greater than the median. Patients and staff were blinded to categorization. Patients were excluded for unstable medical or psychiatric illness, including dependence on drugs other than nicotine. Four patients (2 in the placebo arm and 2 in the naltrexone arm) stopped medication therapy because of adverse effects. Data were analyzed from January 15, 2013, to May 15, 2016, based on intention to treat. Interventions Oral naltrexone hydrochloride, 50 mg/d, or daily placebo with weekly to biweekly brief counseling. Main Outcomes and Measures The a priori hypothesis tested SL/SDL phenotype, pretreatment craving, and their interaction as moderators of frequency of abstinent and heavy drinking days during treatment, assessed with the timeline follow-back method. Results Eighty patients were randomized (57 men [71%]; 23 women [29%]; mean [SD] age, 47.0 [8.6] years). A nonsignificant effect of naltrexone on heavy drinking was noted (4.8 fewer heavy drinking days; Cohend = 0.45; 95% CI, −0.01 to 0.90;F1,67 = 3.52;P = .07). The SL phenotype moderated the effect of naltrexone on heavy drinking (6.1 fewer heavy drinking days; Cohend = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.12-1.03;F1,67 = 5.65;P = .02) and abstinence (10.0 more abstinent days; Cohend = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.11-1.02;F1,67 = 5.36;P = .02), and high craving moderated heavy drinking (7.1 fewer heavy drinking days; Cohend = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.20-1.11;F1,67 = 7.37;P = .008). The combination of the SL phenotype and high craving was associated with a strong response to naltrexone, with 17.1 fewer heavy drinking days (Cohend = 1.07; 95% CI, 0.58-1.54;F1,67 = 19.33;P Conclusions and Relevance The SL phenotype and a high craving for alcohol independently and particularly in combination are associated with a positive response to naltrexone. The SL/SDL phenotype and a high craving for alcohol merit further investigation as factors to identify patients with alcohol dependence who are responsive to naltrexone. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT01296646
Direct synthesis algorithms for time-domain inverse design of electromagnetic structures with nonlinear circuits

A direct synthesis algorithm is developed to synthesize electromagnetic structures in presence of nonlinear circuits in time domain. In this algorithm, the targeted performance is directly found as an explicit function of design parameters without any iteration. This function is also obtained in time domain, and hence valid across a broad band of frequencies. Numerical experiments have validated the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed synthesis algorithm.
Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Between the Alcor iSED ESR Analyzer and the Streck Autoplus ESR Analyzer

The Alcor iSED analyzer is a new instrument designed for rapid, automated analysis of ESR using primary collection tubes (lavender-top). We compared results of ESR measurements between the iSED analyzer and the Streck Autoplus analyzer. Among patient samples submitted for routine analysis of ESR over 3 months, a random subset of samples was selected for comparison studies. Following Autoplus …
Microbial metabolites regulate host lipid metabolism through NR5A-Hedgehog signalling.

Lin and Wang show that methionine deprivation reprogrammes bacterial metabolism to regulate host mitochondrial dynamics and lipid metabolism in Caenorhabditis elegans through nuclear receptor and Hedgehog signalling.
An Algorithm for Determining Double Attribute Sampling Plans

Most methods for determining double attribute sampling plans depend on tables generated using the Poisson distribution with specific risk levels α and β. This paper presents an algorithm that provi...
Association of carotid atherosclerosis and stiffness with abdominal aortic aneurysm: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

Abstract Background and aims Individuals with atherosclerosis and stiffness often have increased abdominal aortic diameters, but prospective evidence linking them to the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is limited. Methods We prospectively examined the relationship of carotid atherosclerosis and stiffness with future risk of AAA in ARIC. At Visits 1 (1987–89) or 2 (1990–1992), we assessed carotid atherosclerosis (represented by greater carotid intima-media thickness [cIMT] or presence of atherosclerotic plaque) and lower carotid distensibility (reflected by a higher carotid Beta Index). We identified incident, clinical AAAs during follow-up through 2011 using hospital discharge codes, Medicare outpatient diagnoses, or death certificates. Results Participants' mean age at baseline was 54.2 years (SD 5.8), 45% were male and 73% white. During a median of 22.5 years of follow-up, 542 clinical AAAs were ascertained. After multivariable adjustment, the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque at baseline was associated with 1.31 (95% CI: 1.10–1.57; p = 0.003) times higher risk of clinical AAA. Greater cIMT and Beta Index were also associated with clinical AAA with a dose-response across quartiles (p trend for both: 0.006; hazard ratios [95% CI] for the highest vs. lowest quartiles: 1.55 [1.13–2.11] and 1.68 [1.16–2.43], respectively). The associations of cIMT and Beta Index with AAA were independent of each other. Conclusions This prospective population-based study found that indices of greater carotid atherosclerosis and lower carotid distensibility are markers of increased AAA risk.
New thinking on how to link executive pay with performance.

As the stock market began its ascent in the mid-1990s, executive pay--always the subject of heated debate--mounted along with it. That's because among the largest U.S. companies, stock options now account for more than half of total CEO compensation and about 30% of senior operating managers' pay. One problem became particularly clear during the bull market's astonishing run: even below-average performers reap huge gains from stock options when the market is rising rapidly. The author proposes steps to close the gap between existing compensation practices and those needed to promote higher levels of achievement at all levels of the corporation. For top managers, he recommends replacing conventional stock options with options that are tied to a market or peer index. Below-average performers would not be rewarded under such plans; superior performers could, depending on the way plans were structured, receive even more. He notes that managers at the business unit level should not be judged on the company's stock price--over which they have little control--and advocates an approach that accurately measures the value added by each unit. Finally, he suggests how certain indicators of value can be used to measure the contribution of frontline managers and employees. The concept of pay for performance has gained wide acceptance, but the link between incentive pay and superior performance is still too weak. Reforms must be adopted at all levels of the organization. Shareholders will applaud changes in pay schemes that motivate companies to deliver more value.
Knowledge and attitudes towards contraceptives among adolescents and young adults

Despite endorsements supporting the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs) for adolescents and young adult women (AYA), they have limited knowledge about them Male partners can influence contraceptive decisions, however their perceived knowledge about IUDs is lower than their objective knowledge. We aim to establish current AYA baseline contraceptive knowledge and attitudes so providers can better target their sexual health educational interventions. Females and males, aged 13 to 23 years old, from our suburban adolescent clinic, completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge and attitudes towards methods of contraception, with an emphasis on the IUD. Completed surveys totaled 130 (99 females/31 males). Demographic results revealed 31.3% Black/African-American, 30.5% Latino/Hispanic, 17.6% White, 3.0% Asian, and 14.5% Other. The majority of participants (80%) were sexually active. The majority (69.5%) stated they/their partner were currently using a contraceptive method; only 2.6% used IUDs. Half of females (56.6%) and 10.1% of males had heard of IUDs. Despite this, male and female participants lacked knowledge regarding specific IUD facts. Of the participants who had used emergency contraception (EC), only 6.4% knew the copper IUD could be used for EC. Contraceptive knowledge deficits, especially regarding the IUD, continue to exist for AYA patients. Many participants stated they required EC despite “satisfaction” with their birth control method(s) and most were unaware that the copper IUD could be used as EC. These discrepancies highlight the importance of comprehensive contraceptive education for AYA patients. Enhanced and consistent contraceptive options counseling can help providers ensure that their AYA patients make well-informed decisions about family planning, thus improving their quality of life.
The Structure of Perceived Causality

In this chapter I move from description to a taxonomy of causal structure. This is the first step toward “authentic” theoretical analysis, although classification is the least advanced aspect of conceptualization. The remainder of the book then progresses from structure (causal classification) to dynamics or to a genotypic analysis of emotion and motivation. This represents a higher level of scientific theorizing. This ordering of description-taxonomy-dynamics (causes, causal structure, causal consequences) captures a general developmental sequence evident in the growth of other theories, particularly in the study of personality.
A two-century analysis of household energy transitions in Europe and the United States: From the Swiss Alps to Wisconsin

Abstract This research analyzes residential energy systems of five generations of the Hari family, ranging from the Johannes Hari home in Kandersteg, Switzerland (1800) to my home in Madison, Wisconsin, United States (1970–2014). The overall objective was to help illuminate specific behavioral, technological, and economic factors reflected in results from highly aggregated long-term historical studies of residential energy transitions. Technical data were derived from diverse databases including site visits, physical characteristics, archives and literature, statistical sources, and family/community oral histories. Analysis included quantitatively modeled estimates of end-use energy for each consumption technology, a technique denoted here as “retrospective bottom-up simulation”. Although the sample of five homes is clearly inadequate to derive comprehensive truisms about the long-term transitions of residential energy systems, temporal and spatial differences in the five houses provided explicit descriptions of technical and economic factors leading to the transitions, as well as insight into the accompanying human behavioral changes. In agreement with global trends, the houses experienced transitions from wood to coal, natural gas, and in recent years a significant return to renewables. An energy rebound effect was observed as land, resources and energy become more readily available and convenient. Energy dramatically decreased its share of expenditures in the three United States households, consistent with technology improvements and stability or decrease of energy prices, relative to the Consumer Price Index. Many residential end-use energy services evolved more rapidly than supply-side technologies. The analysis revealed a long-term decarbonization of the energy systems.
Graph-Morphing: Exploiting Hidden Parallelism of Non-Stencil Computation in High-Level Synthesis

Non-stencil kernels with irregular memory access patterns pose unique challenges to achieving high computing performance and hardware efficiency in FPGA high-level synthesis. We present a highly versatile and systematic approach, termed as Graph-Morphing, to constructing a reconfigurable computing engine specifically optimized to perform non-stencil kernel computing. Graph-Morphing achieves significant performance improvement by fragmenting operations across loop iterations and subsequently rescheduling computation and data to maximize overall performance. In experiments, Graph-Morphing achieves 2-13 times performance improvement albeit with significantly more hardware usage. For accelerating non-stencil kernel computing, Graph-Morphing proposes a new research direction.
Mortality, Biodemography of

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by E.M. Crimmins, volume 15, pp. 10061–10065, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Distributed Frequency Offsets Estimation

In this paper, we provide a distributed frequency offset estimation algorithm based on a variant of belief propagation (BP). Each agent in the network pre-compensates its carrier frequency individually so that there is no frequency offset from the desired carrier frequency between each pair of transceiver. The pre-compensated offset for each agent is computed in a distributed fashion in order to be adaptive to the distributed network. The updating procedure of the variant of BP is designed in a broadcasting fashion to reduce communication burden. It is rigorously proved that the proposed algorithm is convergence guaranteed. Simulations show that this method achieves almost the optimal frequency compensation accuracy with an error annroachina the Cramer-Rae lower bound.