cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of antipsychotic drugs on the long-term effects of amphetamine on nigro-striatal dopamine neurons in iprindole-treated rats.

The decrease in striatal dopamine (DA) at 1 week after the administration of a single injection of (+)-amphetamine sulfate (9.2 mg/kg) to iprindole-treated (10 mg/kg of iprindole hydrochloride) rats was prevented by haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg), sulpiride (32 mg/kg), pimozide (2 mg/kg), chlorpromazine hydrochloride (3.5 mg/kg), fluphenazine 2-hydrochloride (0.25 mg/kg) and (+)-butaclamol hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) but not by (−)-butaclamol hydrochloride (1 mg/kg) or clozapine (40 mg/kg). The same dose of sulpiride did not significantly attenuate the rotational behavior induced by the administration of (+)-amphetamine sulfate (9.2 mg/kg) to iprindole-treated rats with unilateral aspiration lesions of the striatum. The concentration of amphetamine in the brains of iprindole-treated rats at 8 h after (+)-amphetamine sulfate (9.2 mg/kg) administration was not altered by the coadministration of haloperidol (1 mg/kg), sulpiride (32 mg/kg), pimozide (2 mg/kg) or clozapine (40 mg/kg). Recovery of striatal DA after depletion by α-methyl-m-tyrosine (αMMT) (50 mg/kg) was facilitated by haloperidol (0.2 mg/kg) and sulpiride (32 mg/kg) but not by clozapine (40 mg/kg). The possibility that neuroleptic drugs antagonize both the shortterm depletion of striatal DA produced by αMMT and the long-term depletion of striatal DA produced by amphetamine in iprindole-treated rats by an effect on the nerve impulsemediated release of vesicular transmitter is discussed.
Refining educational content through a closed-loop FLOW approach

This paper describes the implementation of a system, called Foundational Learning Objects Workbench (FLOW), which is intended to be used by instructors to educate their students in the major principles of multidisciplinary fields at a variety of grade levels. FLOW functions by dividing the major topics in a field into modules. These modules cover a wide variety of topics and may be inserted into different courses, providing students with a basic understanding of the field in question. FLOW also possesses methods for assessing both students and the modules.
5α-Dihydrotestosterone Formation Is Necessary for Embryogenesis of the Rat Prostate

To determine the role of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT; 17 beta-hydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-3-one) in formation of the embryonic prostate, we quantitated prostatic development in urogenital tracts of control male newborn and offspring of rats treated with a specific 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (L652,931; Merck, Sharp, and Dohme) during prostate morphogenesis. Treatment with the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (50 mg/kg.day) from days 14-22 of gestation impaired development of the prostate and virilization of the external genitalia in male offspring compared to those in control animals. However, virilization of the internal genitalia (seminal vesicles, epididymis) was unaffected. Simultaneous administration of DHT (50 mg/kg.day) with the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor restored prostate development and anogenital distances of males to normal and virilized the external genitalia of females. We conclude that DHT is the active androgen responsible for prostatic development in the rat.
The role of wetland water quality standards in nonpoint source pollution control strategies

Abstract States in the United States are required to develop water quality standards for their wetlands by the end of Fiscal Year 1993. Standards are vital to the protection of wetlands from a broad array of perturbations including nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. The natural water quality functions of wetlands make them potential components of NPS control strategies, but protection of wetland structure and functions takes precedence over their use in NPS control. Narrative biological criteria are one part of standards and can serve as a mechanism to address NPS pollution impacts. Criteria can also be used as a baseline to determine the effectiveness of best management practices. Numeric biocriteria are under development and will require additional research.
Coincidence of primary myelodysplastic syndrome and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

A 60-year-old patient is presented with primary myelodysplastic syndrome classified according to the criteria of the French-American-British classification as chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and with a hyperviscosity syndrome. We found a monoclonal gammopathy with a very high serum immunoglobulin M level. There is strong evidence for coincidence of myelodysplastic syndrome and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia in this patient.
USE OF FIRST-PASS NUCLEAR ANGIOCARDIOGRAPHY TO DETECT LEFT-TO-RIGHT CARDIAC SHUNTS IN THE HORSE

First-pass nuclear angiocardiography was performed on 13 normal horses and 5 horses with confirmed left-to-right ventricular septal defects. Two methods of analyzing the ensuing pulmonary time-activity histograms for shunt recirculation through the lungs were evaluated: (1) pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio (QP:QS), based on gamma variate modeling of the lung histogram, and (2) a simple count-ratio method (C2:C1). Normal values were QP:QS=1.17±0.04 and C2:C1=0.40±0.07. Values for the five horses with left-to-right shunts were QP:QS=2.94±0.13 and C2:C1=0.76±0.11. Both parameters showed significant differences (unpaired t-test; p<0.005) between the two groups, although separation was better with QP:QS.
Mechanism of percutaneous penetration enhancement : effect of n-alkanols on the permeability barrier of hairless mouse skin

Abstract To examine the action of alcohols on skin barrier function, we have: (a) determined, in vitro, how pretreatment of hairless mouse skin with a homologous series of n-alkanols (C2-C12) enhances the transport of a model penetrant (nicotinamide); (b) measured the skin uptake and permeation of the alkanols themselves during the pretreatment period; and (c) correlated the data from these two sets of experiments with biophysical evaluation of the pretreated murine stratum corneum using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Following 3 or 6 h pretreatment, nicotinamide flux was increasingly enhanced with increasing alkanol carbon number up to C6. The effect of octanol was similar to that of hexanol, but decanol was less efficacious and dodecanol continued this diminishing trend. While skin uptake of the alkanols increased linearly with increasing lipophilicity (i.e., increasing chain length), the cumulative penetration (in 6 h) of the homologs was a parabolic function of Cn similar to the nicotinamide enhancement profile. FT-IR analysis of ethanol-pretreated hairless mouse skin revealed considerable extraction of stratum corneum intercellular lipids; the appearance of these lipids in the pretreatment liquid could also be measured spectroscopically. The same extraction phenomenon was also apparent when pretreatment was performed with butanol and octanol. For these homologues, removal of stratum corneum lipids was shown unequivocally by FT-IR through the use of perdeuterated alkanols, thereby separating the C-H(D) signals from intercellular lipid and penetration enhancer. Lipid extraction, therefore, is implicated as the mechanism by which alkanols promote transdermal penetration. Because of the efficiency of lipid removal in these experiments, it was not possible to determine if additional, and possibly more subtle, effects (e.g., “fluidization” of stratum corneum lipid domains) are also induced by alkanols.
Characterizing Electron-Hole Plasma Dynamics at Different Points in Individual ZnO Rods

We have used two-photon emission microscopy to characterize the charge carrier dynamics at different locations within a single ZnO rod. Photoexcitation by a focused laser produces carriers (electrons and holes) in a localized region. Emission is detected using both time-integrated and time-resolved methods. Results show that the electron–hole plasma (EHP) state plays a larger role at the end of the rod compared to other points within the structure, where electron–hole recombination proceeds through an excitonic state. The origin of this spatial dependence is attributed to the physical confinement at the end of the structure that prevents an expansion of the photoexcited electron–hole cloud through processes such as carrier diffusion. Whispering gallery modes are identified as contributing to a periodic emission pattern along the length of the structure.
Applications of neural networks in learning of dynamical systems

One of the immediate applications of neural networks in the engineering field is pattern recognition and its extension to system identification. Three unique features of neural networks, namely, learning, high-speed processing of massive data, and the ability to handle signals with degrees of uncertainty, make such networks attractive to dynamical systems. The first step in analyzing such systems is to learn the dynamics of the system, i.e., system identification. A time-domain approach using a Hopfield network and a frequency-domain approach using spectral decomposition for identification of dynamical systems are presented. Simulation results are discussed. >
The Metamorphosis of Flowers.

One of the unifying theories of plant biology is that the variety of plant forms are simply different modifications of a common growth plan. Different permutations of a few key features of plant growth can generate a bewildering array of seemingly distinct forms. There is perhaps no better illustration of this than the comparison of a flower and a shoot. The idea that these two apparently different structures might be fundamentally equivalent goes back to Goethe's treatise on metamorphosis, published in 1790. He concluded, "Flowers which develop from lateral buds are to be regarded as entire plants, which are set in the mother plant, as the mother plant is set in the earth" (Goethe, 1790). In equating flowers and shoots, four key assertions need to be made. First, the different parts of the flower (sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels) are equivalent to the leaves of a shoot. Second, the organs of both shoot and flower are separated by internodes, but in the case of the flower these are so short as to be barely visible. Third, the organs of shoot and flower usually have a distinct phyllotaxy, or arrangement around the central axis. Finally, the indeterminate growth that so characterizes a shoot is suppressed in the case of a flower, both apically, because it eventually stops producing organs around the central axis, and laterally, because branches do not normally arise in the axils of floral organs. The comparison of flower and shoot therefore highlights four key variables: organ identity, internode length, phyllotaxy, and determinacy. The numerous forms and habits of plants simply reflect different variations and permutations of these four fundamental aspects of growth. What is their developmental basis?
Substance Use, Aggression Perpetration, and Victimization Temporal Co-occurrence in College Males and Females

Many studies have documented associations of substance use with aggression perpetration and aggression victimization; however, little is known about the co-occurrence of these problem behaviors within the same day in college students. The present study investigated whether substance use and aggression increase the likelihood of each other and whether attitudes justifying aggression strengthen those associations. College student participants (N = 378, 32% males) self-selected into an online study in which they reported on 2 days of alcohol/drug use and on aggression perpetration and victimization (including physical, psychological and electronic aggression, and sexual coercion) with friends and dating partners. Using regression to test for nonequivalence of predictor and outcome variables, we found bidirectional effects for males only. Males' substance use was associated with an increased likelihood on the same day of aggression perpetration and of aggression victimization; males' aggression perpetration and aggression victimization were associated with an increased likelihood of substance use on the same day. Females did not show significant contingencies between substance use and aggression in either direction. Males' attitudes justifying male-to-female aggression were associated with their aggression perpetration and victimization and their justification of female-to-male aggression strengthened the link between substance use and aggression perpetration. With interpersonal aggression and substance use being significant problems on college campuses, many colleges offer separate preventive intervention programs aimed at these public health challenges; this study suggests possible benefits of an integrated approach that addresses connections between alcohol/drug use and aggression.
The Dilemma of Goodness: Acknowledging Beneficence Tension in the Search for Consensus

Patient care in family medicine and palliative medicine involves important communication with stakeholders. Beneficence is assumed to be crucial to achieving consensus in these encounters. However, stakeholders may have different perspectives of beneficence. The term beneficence tension is introduced to conceptualize these differing perspectives. Acknowledging beneficence tension is suggested as a way to enhance effective communication with patients and families.
Bank reserves: A dispute over words and classification

A prominent philosophical/legal case for requiring 100% bank reserves employs a flawed style of argument. It involves essentialism (criticized by Karl Popper and Joseph Schumpeter), persuasive definitions (identified by Charles L. Stevenson), faulty classification, and the piling up of irrelevant facts and considerations.
The velar glide in Axininca Campa

The velar glide of Axininca Campa has received attention in past years because of its peculiar behaviour in morphological derivation. Yip (1983) shows that the velar glide deletes if a well-formed syllable results. Black (1991) demonstrates that some verb roots disallow Velar Glide Deletion with some suffixes while requiring it with others, even though a wellformed syllable would result from deletion in each case. He shows that other roots require Velar Glide Deletion in all contexts. This paper provides new data toward the correct explanation for the behaviour of the velar glide, and an analysis which explains the facts presented in past works and those presented here. This paper argues that in Axininca the morphosyntactic category TENSE subcategorises for a verb root which is, minimally, a prosodic foot. Velar Glide Deletion fails on a root-final velar glide which forms part of the foot required by the tense suffix. The analysis adds evidence to the literature recognising a minimal quantity-sensitive foot as the minimal word of Axininca. The facts of Velar Glide Deletion are outlined in ? 1 and the SUBCATEGORISATION ANALYSIS is argued. ? 2 provides two pieces of phonological evidence supporting the analysis. ?3 compares an analysis by Black (1991) in which Velar Glide Deletion is constrained by a special type of quantitysensitive foot, the DISYLLABIC IAMB, and argues against this proposal. ?4 concludes.
Polishing Single-Point Diamond-Turned Metal Reflective Optics

A procedure is described for the use of diamond-impregnated pitch and silicone oil which has produced surfaces which appear to be as smooth as 5 Angstrom rms on small flat samples removing the objectionable diffraction-producing grooves that sometimes accompany diamond turning. Possible mechanisms are described together with the procedures and equipment used to polish an x-ray microscope and a UV telescope.
Blood Pressure–Independent Attenuation of Cardiac Hypertrophy by AT1R-AS Gene Therapy

Our studies have established that a single intracardiac administration of the retroviral vector containing angiotensin II type I receptor antisense gene causes prolonged antihypertensive actions in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. These results suggest that antisense gene therapy is a conceptually valid strategy for the control of hypertension at the genetic level. To evaluate whether attenuation of the pathophysiological aspects of hypertension are dependent on the blood pressure lowering actions of antisense gene therapy, we chose the renin transgenic rat as a hypertensive animal model and cardiac hypertrophy as the hypertension-associated pathophysiology. A single intracardiac administration of the retroviral vector containing angiotensin II type I receptor antisense in the neonatal rat resulted in long-term expression of the antisense transgene in various cardiovascular-relevant tissues, including the heart. This expression was associated with a significant attenuation of cardiac hypertrophy despite its failure to normalize high blood pressure. Developmental studies indicated that cardiac hypertrophy was evident as early as 16 days of age in viral vector-treated control transgenic rats, despite these animals exhibiting normal blood pressure. These observations demonstrate that, in the renin-transgenic rat, the onset of cardiac hypertrophy occurs during development and is prevented without normalization of high blood pressure. Collectively, these results provide further proof of the concept and indicate that antisense gene therapy could successfully target the local tissues' renin-angiotensin system to produce beneficial cardiovascular outcomes.
AGGRESSIVE VERSUS CONSERVATIVE THERAPY IN UNSTABLE ANGINA

Over the past two decades, clinical and pathologic studies have examined the pathophysiology of the so-called acute coronary syndromes : unstable angina and non–Q wave and Q wave myocardial infarction. In patients with these conditions, atherosclerotic plaque rupture leads to a variable amount of platelet adhesion and aggregation, vasoconstriction, and partially or totally occlusive thrombus formation. Medical therapy to inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation has proved to be effective in improving survival and preventing recurrent ischemia and infarction in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Nevertheless, a residual coronary arterial stenosis may lead to recurrent ischemia, infarction, or death. As a result, there has been considerable interest in routinely performing coronary angiography and prompt revascularization in patients with unstable angina, even though such a management strategy has not proven to be beneficial in reducing cardiac events. This article focuses on the role of a conservative (maximal medical therapy, with catheterization and revascularization reserved for those with spontaneous or provocable ischemia) management strategy for the patient with unstable angina.
Practice Patterns and Individual Variability of Surgeons Performing Radical Prostatectomy at a High Volume Academic Center

Purpose: Regional and local variation in radical prostatectomy rates contribute to overtreatment of low risk prostate cancer. We hypothesized that individual practice variability would be minimal among urologists practicing at a high volume academic center.Materials and Methods: We assessed the percent of patients at low risk treated with radical prostatectomy in a given year and comorbidity adjusted life expectancy in an institutional database accounting for temporal trends and disease characteristics. Multivariable linear, spline and logistic models were applied with a hierarchical random effects model to estimate the proportion of variance due to surgeon and temporal effects.Results: Of the 20,655 men included in study 11,873 (57.5%) had low risk disease. The Gleason score leading to radical prostatectomy increased with time. Overall the percent of patients at low risk treated with prostatectomy in a given year increased 3.49% yearly from 1991 to 2001 and then decreased by 1.73% yearly from 2001 to 201...
Research Note---Trading Up: A Strategic Analysis of Reference Group Effects

Reference groups influence product and brand evaluations, especially when the product is a publicly consumed luxury good. Marketers of such luxury goods need to carefully balance two important social forces: 1 the desire of leaders to distinguish themselves from followers and 2 the countervailing desire of followers to assimilate with leaders. In this paper, we examine the theoretical implications of these social forces for firm prices, product design, and target consumer selection. We show that the presence of reference group effects can motivate firms to add costly features, which provide limited or no functional benefit to consumers. Furthermore, reference group effects can induce product proliferation on one hand and motivate firms to offer limited editions on the other hand. We find that offering a limited edition can increase sales and profits. In some cases, reference group effects can even lead to a buying frenzy.
On a diffusive predator-prey model with nonlinear harvesting

In this paper, we study the dynamics of a diffusive Leslie-Gower model with a nonlinear harvesting term on the prey. We analyze the existence of positive equilibria and their dynamical behaviors. In particular, we consider the model with a weak harvesting term and find the conditions for the local and global asymptotic stability of the interior equilibrium. The global stability is established by considering a proper Lyapunov function. In contrast, the model with strong harvesting term has two interior equilibria and bi-stability may occur for this system. We also give the conditions of Turing instability and perform a series of numerical simulations and find that the model exhibits complex patterns.
The “Epic” Challenge of Optimizing Antimicrobial Stewardship: The Role of Electronic Medical Records and Technology

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are established means for institutions to improve patient outcomes while reducing the emergence of resistant bacteria. With the increased adoption and evolution of electronic medical records (EMRs), there is a need to assimilate the tools of ASPs into EMRs, using decision support and feedback. Third-party software vendors provide the mainstay for integration of individual institutional EMR and ASP efforts. Epic is the leading implementer of EMR technology in the United States. A collaboration of physicians and pharmacists are working closely with Epic to provide a more comprehensive platform of ASP tools that may be institutionally individualized. We review the historical relationship between ASPs and the EMR, cite examples of Epic stewardship tools from 3 academic medical centers' ASPs, discuss limitations of these Epic tools, and conclude with the current process in evolution to integrate ASP tools and decision support capacities directly into Epic's EMR.
NONLINEAR PULSATILE FLOWS IN RIGID AND DISTENSIBLE ARTERIES

Blood flow in distensible arteries is nonlinear and time-dependent. The radial motion of the wall alters the dimension and geometry of the flow field. The nonlinear pulsating flow processes are successfully computed by mapping the wavy flow field to a fixed domain and by casting the geometric, kinematic and dynamic parameters of the flow into a dimensionless form of the Navier–Stokes equations. The complexity of the equations is compensated by a significant advantage in finite difference solutions. It is accomplished by using a fixed regular mesh network to model time-dependent irregular meshes in the physical domain for boundary layer development and vortices in pulsatile flows.
A FASTBUS flash ADC system for the mark II vertex chamber

The author gives a description of a flash ADC system built for the Mark II experiment at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC). This system was designed for use in the experiment's vertex chamber where signals could occur over a relatively long time, approximately 10 microseconds. This long time, coupled with fast cable amplifiers, necessitated an alternate design approach than was used with a dE/dX FASTBUS flash ADC design. >
c-myc Hypermutation in Burkitt's Lymphoma

Translocation between the c-myc protooncogene and one of the three immunoglobulin loci is a cytogenetic hallmark of the B cell tumor, Burkitt's lymphoma. The resulting deregulation of c-myc expression is a critical step in tumorigenesis. The translocation breakpoint may lie within c-myc proper, in which case deregulation is due, in part, to dissociation of key 5′ regulatory sequences from the protein-coding portions of the gene. Alternatively, the breakpoint may flank c-myc, leaving the gene grossly intact. In these latter cases, mutation, which may be extensive, is usually seen within c-myc, specifically at or near the same key regulatory sequences. The precise contribution of these mutations to c-myc deregulation is gradually being clarified. The mechanisms underlying c-myc mutations are not known. Hypermutation in c-myc may reflect the influence of the juxtaposed immunoglobulin gene, which is subject to hypermutation during an intermediate stage of normal B lymphoid development. This relationship, howe...
Impedance of a long slot in a coaxial beam pipe

We derive an analytical expression for the coupling impedance and loss factor of a long narrow slot in a coaxial beam pipe. The method used differs from the classical Bethe's theory of diffraction since we define differential polarizabilities to take into account the effect of the interference between the fields scattered all along the slot. The expressions obtained are thus valid even for slots longer than the wavelength.
Sea Surface Height Variability in Drake Passage

AbstractIntercomparisons between altimeter sea surface height (SSH) and open-ocean in situ observations have been limited owing to sparse available datasets. Here, SSH anomaly (SSHA) determined from current and pressure recording inverted echo sounders (CPIES) from the cDrake experiment were compared with an up-to-date AVISO-mapped product. Meandering Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) fronts in the passage interior elevated SSHA variance; south of the Shackleton Fracture Zone and along the northern continental slope, the variance decreased by factors between 6 and 10. In situ analysis focused on the two constituents of SSHA, SSHAref determined from bottom pressure and SSHAbcb calculated from geopotential height referenced to the bottom. The peak variance of both SSHAbcb and SSHAref occurred in the energetic region between the Subantarctic Front and the Polar Front. The contribution of SSHAbcb to total SSHA variance was greater than 40% at all sites and averaged over all sites it was 73%. For most sites,...
Evidence in support of a small value for the η π0γγ/(π0γγ+3π0) branching ratio

An analysis of some early η data gives a value of 0.1−0.1+0.3 for the π0γγ/(π0γγ+3π0) branching ratio. The experiment and data analysis are discussed.
The Mexican Big-Eared Bat in Arizona

Observations made during the summer of 1958 have added to the knowledge of the habits and ecology of Phcotus phyllotis , 29 specimens of which were taken during the summer. The majority were taken in association with Mexican pine-oak woodland, although a few were taken from other habitats that were either similar to or in geographical proximity to pine-oak woodland. Those individuals taken in mist nets were active well after dark and during fair weather. Observations on their flight under natural conditions indicate that they are swift, agile flyers. These bats made many audible sounds during flight in the wild
Election Goals and Strategies: Equivalent and Nonequivalent Candidate Objectives

This essay ascertains some general conditions for equivalence and nonequivalence among six election objectives: 01, maximizing expected plurality; 02, maximizing proportion of expected vote; 02, maximizing expected vote; 04, maximizing probability that plurality exceeds some level; 05, maximizing probability that proportion of vote exceeds some level; 06, maximizing probability that vote exceeds some level. The major findings are these: (1) 01, 02, and 03 are equivalent if the election is zero-sum-like in expected vote; (2) 01 and 02 are equivalent if competition is strongly symmetric. A necessary condition for this equivalence is also presented for 2-candidate elections: (3) 01 and 04 are equivalent, as are 03 and 06, if the candidate's forecasting error is independent of all strategies; (4) 01 and 04 are equivalent for two-candidate elections, and for n-candidate elections 02 and 05 are equivalent, as are 03 and 06, if the distribution of a candidate's forecasting error is multivariate normal, and if the level of plurality, proportion, or vote to be exceeded is the minimax value of the election game under 01, 02, or 03; (5) findings of equivalence and nonequivalence depend upon the definition of equivalence (findings 1 and 2 rely upon an election with all candidates at equilibrium strategies, while findings 3 and 4 do not); (6) equivalence and nonequivalence among election objectives may be sensitive to the candidate's attitude toward risk, i.e., to the functional form of his utility function in pluraliy, vote proportion, or vote; election objectives depend on information, competitive environment, and constitutional arrangements. Hence, statements of preference for alternative election systems, laws, and reforms perforce entail reasonable theoretical expectations about the way in which these systems, laws, and reforms affect the candidates' campaign objectives, as well as about equivalence and nonequivalence among these objectives.
Bacteria from the Intestinal Tract of Simulium underhilli (Diptera: Simuliidae) as a Possible Index to Water Pollution

The occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in water supplies and sewage has long been recognized and associated with water-borne diseases (Hunter et al. 1960). Submarginal stream pollution created by domestic sewage and other organic waste tends to create a situation favorable for large populations of filter-feeding organisms, particularly the black fly Simulium ( Phosterodoros ) underhilli Stone & Snoddy (1969). Because the females of S. underhilli and many other species of black flies are attracted to man and his water supplies, it is desirable to determine all aspects of their role in the dissemination of various pathogenic water-borne microorganisms. Examination of microorganisms from the intestinal tract of these aquatic insects may be a better method than conventional techniques for determining the contamination of water by human waste (Laird 1959).
Prostate Cancer Survivors: Physical, Emotional and Practical Concerns from the LIVESTRONG survey

Objective: To determine whether a relationship exists between types of treatment received and/or survivorship status of prostate cancer survivors with physical, emotional, and practical concerns that they experience with the hypothesis that no such relationship exists. Methods: We analyzed data from the 2010 LIVESTRONG survey for cancer survivors which queried their physical, emotional, and practical concerns. This previously tested survey was administered between June 20, 2010 and March 31, 2011 on the LIVESTRONG.org website. Survivorship status was categorized as reported by the respondents: currently on treatment; living with cancer as a chronic condition; finished treatment less than 1 year ago; 1–5 years ago and; more than 5 years ago. Four categories were established for the types of treatment received: surgery, radiation, hormonal, and combination therapies. One-way ANOVA’s were conducted to detect differences between groups and descriptive statistics were reported. Results: Of 2,307 respondents overall, only 281 males were included in this study based on self-reported primary diagnosis of prostate cancer and US residency status. The mean age of respondents was 60 years (SD = 8.54 years) and majority were white (90%). One-way ANOVA detected significant differences between the number of physical (p = 0.02), emotional (p = 0.04), and practical (p = 0.00) concerns for patients receiving different treatments. When compared across the survivorship trajectory, only number of practical concerns (p = 0.00) experienced by prostate cancer survivors were significantly different. Conclusions: Study findings highlight significant differences in number of concerns experienced by the patients based on their survivorship stage and the type of treatment received. Incorporating strategies to address the differences in physical, emotional, and practical concerns are essential to help physicians and clinical team members provide high quality post treatment survivorship care.
Energy of Oxygen-Vacancy Formation on Oxide Surfaces: Role of the Spatial Distribution

Oxygen vacancy formation energies are often used as a descriptor of the catalytic activity of metal oxides for oxidation reactions having the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism. When these energies are calculated, it is often assumed that they depend only on the concentration of the vacancies in the top oxygen layer. Previous work has shown that in the case of TiO2 and V2O5, the energy of vacancy formation depends not only on their concentration but also on the manner in which they are distributed on the surface. However, the energy change due to the change of configuration in these systems is very small. Here, we find that in the case of α-MoO3(010) the dependence on the energy of vacancy formation of the distribution of vacancies is very large: if the lattice made by the vacancies consists of parallelograms, the energy of vacancy formation is 0.4 eV smaller than when the lattice consists of rectangles (the two systems having the same vacancy concentration).
Papillitis and stenosis of the sphincter of Oddi.

Diagnosis may be established by a careful history, elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, amylase, or lipase, the presence of increased fats or undigested muscle fibers in the stool, and a positive morphine-Prostigmin evocative test. Successful operation must be guided by preoperative pancreatography and depends on an adequate sphincteroplasty to both the common duct and the duct of Wirsung.
Behaviors of children with unilateral vision impairment in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study.

Purpose To determine whether behavioral functioning of 4.5-year-olds differs between two treatments for unilateral cataract and whether behavioral functioning is predicted by visual acuity in the treated eye. Methods The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study is a multicenter clinical trial in which 114 infants with unilateral congenital cataracts were randomized to undergo cataract extraction with contact lens correction or implantation of an intraocular lens. Patching data were collected during the year preceding a visit at age 4.5 years, when both visual acuity and caregiver-reported behavioral functioning were assessed for 109 participants. Caregiver stress was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index at 4.25 years. Results There were no treatment group differences in behavioral functioning as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist. Poorer visual acuity was associated with more externalizing behavior problems (attention problems and aggressive behavior) and total behavior problems in regression models that did not include caregiver stress. Both caregiver stress and dichotomized visual acuity significantly predicted externalizing problems. Conclusions Treatment assignment did not affect caregiver-reported behavior. Poor visual acuity may confer risk for problems with attention and aggressive behavior in preschoolers treated for unilateral cataract.
The Nuclear Atom

The discovery of radioactivity by Henri Becquerel in 1896, shortly after the discovery of x-rays by Roentgen in 1895, marked the beginning of the modern approach to the study of the structure of the atom. Becquerel was interested in determining whether there was any relationship between the phosphorescence of certain salts after irradiation by ordinary light and the fluorescence of the glass of an x-ray tube which was emitting x-rays. One of the salts used was the double sulfate of uranium and potassium. He wrapped a photographic plate in very thick black paper, placed a crystal of the uranium salt on it, and exposed the whole thing to sunlight. When the plate was developed, a silhouette of the phosphorescent substance appeared in black on the negative, showing that radiations came from the uranium salt. He then varied this experiment by placing a coin, or a metallic screen pierced with an openwork design, between the uranium salt and the photographic plate and, on developing the plate, found the image of each of these objects on the negative.
Kauffman Dissertation Executive Summary: How Entrepreneurial Do You Choose to Be? Talent, Risk Attitudes, Overconfidence and Self-Selection into Entrepreneurship

The main study in my dissertation posits that prospective entrepreneurs face a spectrum of entrepreneurial choices rather than a binary employment-entrepreneurship decision and explores how cognitive determinants influence these choices. I construct a novel dataset in the real estate brokerage industry, one in which all individuals are self-employed but the roles they pursue vary in degree of risk, autonomy and returns to talent. I find differences in specialized and general talent, risk attitudes and overconfidence help predict sorting into these roles, suggesting that past research that relies solely on a self-employment definition of entrepreneurship or on uni-dimensional drivers has obscured these more complex choices.
Generation and Compression of Tunable Broadband Femtosecond Mid-IR Pulses for Nonlinear Spectroscopy

We present a deformable mirror pulse shaper designed to compress broadband mid-IR pulses between 3 and 7 μm. The electric fields of the nearly transform limited octave-spanning IR pulses are retrieved using XFROG.
On error exponents of nested lattice codes for the AWGN channel

We present a new lower bound for the error exponents of nested lattice codes for the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. The exponents are closely related to those of an unconstrained additive noise channel where the noise is a weighted sum of a white Gaussian and a spherically uniform random vector. The new lower bound improves the previous result derived by Erez and Zamir (2002) and stated in terms of the Poltyrev exponents. More surprisingly, the new lower bound coincides with the random coding error exponents of the optimal Gaussian codes for the AWGN channel in the nonexpurgated regime. One implication of this result is that minimum mean squared error (MMSE) scaling, despite its key role in achieving capacity of the AWGN channel, is no longer fundamental in achieving the best error exponents for rates below channel capacity. These exponents are achieved using a lattice inflation parameter derived from a large-deviation analysis.
Scale-specific habitat relationships influence patch occupancy: defining neighborhoods to optimize the effectiveness of landscape-scale grassland bird conservation

Beyond the recognized importance of protecting large areas of contiguous habitat, conservation efforts for many species are complicated by the fact that patch suitability may also be affected by characteristics of the landscape within which the patch is located. Currently, little is known about the spatial scales at which species respond to different aspects of the landscape surrounding an occupied patch. Using grassland bird point count data, we describe an approach to evaluating scale-specific effects of landscape composition on patch occupancy. We used data from 793 point count surveys conducted in idle and grazed grasslands across Wisconsin, USA from 2012 to 2014 to evaluate scale-dependencies in the response of grassland birds to landscape composition. Patch occupancy models were used to evaluate the relationship between occupancy and landscape composition at scales from 100 to 3000 m. Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) exhibited a pattern indicating selection for grassland habitats in the surrounding landscape at all spatial scales while selecting against other habitats. Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) displayed evidence of scale sensitivity for all habitat types. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) showed a strong positive response to pasture and idle grass at all scales and negatively to cropland at large scales. Unlike other species, patch occupancy by Henslow’s Sparrow (A. henslowii) was primarily influenced by patch area. Our results suggest that both working grasslands (pasture) and idle conservation grasslands can play an important role in grassland bird conservation but also highlight the importance of considering species-specific patch and landscape characteristics for effective conservation.
TECHNOLOGY AND THE WORLD FOOD PROBLEM: CHALLENGES WITH INDIGENOUS FERMENTED FOODS1

Microorganisms can contribute to the world's food supply if used to modify presently unacceptable raw materials so they become palatable; to convert wastes or other inedible materials to edible proteins, fats, and carbohydrates; and to preserve foods for later consumption. Challenges in the use of microorganisms for these purposes include: use of available native raw materials, selection of microorganisms, further processing of fermented foods or of microbial proteins, potential public health hazards, acceptance of new foods by undernourished persons, and cost of production and distribution as related to the ability of potential consumers to purchase the needed nutrients.
Targeting IκBNS in allergic asthma: where it resides, matters.

The activity NF-κB, a pro-inflammatory transcription factor, and its complex modulation play a central role in in inflammatory airways disease such as allergic airway hyperresponsiveness. In a new study, Yokota and colleagues investigated IκBNS – an atypical inhibitor of NF-kB (IκB). Using elegant bone marrow chimera studies in mice, they found that IκBNS differentially modulated NF-κB activity in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. They also showed that by binding to the promoter region, this nuclear protein directly induced the MUC5AC gene in airway epithelial cells. This study enhances our understanding of how atypical IκB proteins work in regulating NF-κB activity and allergic airway conditions. It also emphasizes that targeting specific molecular pathways of airway inflammation may result in differential effects depending on the targeted tissue compartment. This is important in the search of novel asthma treatments and supports the fact that global anti-inflammatory approaches alone may not provide sufficient therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Preferential attachment and colonization of the keratinolytic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis on black- and white-striped feathers

ABSTRACT Feathers serve numerous functions, from flight to interspecific and intraspecific communication. Melanin has been shown to protect feathers from microbial degradation that might, for example, hinder flight or mate attraction. Most studies have focused on the physical resistance to degradation that melanin provides. However, it has yet to be addressed whether melanin alters bacterial colonization and attachment patterns before degradation. We used the common keratinolytic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis to test for preferential attachment and colonization on feathers with black (melanized) and white (unmelanized) stripes. Using experimental inoculation of Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) feathers in vitro and scanning electron microscopy, we show that B. licheniformis preferentially colonizes white feather stripes nearly twice as often as black feather stripes. These data suggest that melanin, in addition to strengthening feathers, may inhibit colonization of keratinolytic ba...
Refining a Church-Based Lifestyle Intervention Targeting African-American Adults at Risk for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Pilot Study.

Objective: The pilot study was intended to test the feasibility of a multiple-component lifestyle intervention targeting African American adults in a weight control and cardiometabolic risk reduction program on diet, activity, and stress, using community-engagement principles. Methods: Applying mixed qualitative and quantitative measures, the intervention had a two-part sequential study design consisting of 12 weekly small group sessions that provided individual and group counseling in nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, while incorporating focus group and interactive techniques to learn about barriers and acceptable practices for this population. The program was implemented at an African-American church in Nashville, Tennessee. Results: Thirty-four participants (aged 56.1 ± 11 years, body mass index (BMI) 36.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2) completed the intervention. Lifestyle changes after the 12 weekly sessions showed some positive trends including reduced sodium intake (from 2725.3 ± 326.5 to 2132 ± 330, mg/day, P = 0.008), increased walking steps (from 4392.1 ± 497.2 to 4895.3 ± 497.9, steps/day, not significant), and slightly decreased Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores (from 13.7 ± 1.4 to 12.4 ± 1.5, not significant). Body fat % among male participants decreased significantly (from 33.8 ± 2.6 to 28 ± 2.6, %, P = 0.043). Among cardiometabolic risk biomarkers, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased significantly (from 6.6 ± 0.2 to 6.1 ± 0.2, %, P < 0.001). The baseline PSS score was positively associated with baseline adiposity levels (e.g., weight, β = 2.4, P = 0.006). Twenty-one participants took part in focus groups during the program to identify barriers to healthy lifestyle changes. Primary barriers reported were price, time for preparing healthy meals, unfamiliarity with mindfulness activities, their health condition, and daily schedule available for physical activities. Conclusions: This church-based pilot intervention was proven feasible by showing modest progress in reducing adiposity and decreasing HbA1c levels. The focus group and interactive methods facilitated program direction. Future full-scale studies are warranted to identify key strategies that provide more personalized approaches and supportive environments to sustain a healthy lifestyle among these at risk minorities with limited resources.
Analyzing the effects of estuarine freshwater fluxes on fish abundance using artificial neural network ensembles

Abstract Decreased estuarine freshwater inflow can adversely impact commercially and recreationally important fisheries as many fish species utilize estuaries during a portion of their life. To ameliorate effect on estuarine fisheries, regression models using fish catch and freshwater inflow have been implemented to determine minimum flow necessary to sustain these populations. These models typically use streamflow data, with no correction for evaporation and precipitation. Our models including evaporation and precipitation developed using artificial neural network (ANN) ensembles had nearly 50% better classification accuracy compared to regression model using flow. This ANN ensemble method was successfully applied to the Nueces Estuary in the United States. It can improve the decision-making processes of freshwater regulation and fishery management in many coastal regions.
Age-Dependent Effects of apoE Reduction Using Antisense Oligonucleotides in a Model of β-amyloidosis

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer disease. Previous studies suggest that reduction of apoE levels through genetic manipulation can reduce Aβ pathology. However, it is not clear how reduction of apoE levels after birth would affect amyloid deposition. We utilize an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) to reduce apoE expression in the brains of APP/PS1-21 mice homozygous for the APOE-e4 or APOE-e3 allele. ASO treatment starting after birth led to a significant decrease in Aβ pathology when assessed at 4 months. Interestingly, ASO treatment starting at the onset of amyloid deposition led to an increase in Aβ plaque size and a reduction in plaque-associated neuritic dystrophy with no change in overall plaque load. These results suggest that lowering apoE levels prior to plaque deposition can strongly affect the initiation of Aβ pathology while lowering apoE after Aβ seeding modulates plaque size and toxicity.