cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive semi-supervised recursive tree partitioning

Display Omitted We proposed a general semi-supervised data indexing framework.We presented 4 instantiations of the proposed framework as concrete examples.We evaluated the performance of the framework on synthetic and real world data. With the rapid development of information technologies, tremendous amount of data became readily available in various application domains. This big data era presents challenges to many conventional data analytics research directions including data capture, storage, search, sharing, analysis, and visualization. It is no surprise to see that the success of next-generation healthcare systems heavily relies on the effective utilization of gigantic amounts of medical data. The ability of analyzing big data in modern healthcare systems plays a vital role in the improvement of the quality of care delivery.Specifically, patient similarity evaluation aims at estimating the clinical affinity and diagnostic proximity of patients. As one of the successful data driven techniques adopted in healthcare systems, patient similarity evaluation plays a fundamental role in many healthcare research areas such as prognosis, risk assessment, and comparative effectiveness analysis. However, existing algorithms for patient similarity evaluation are inefficient in handling massive patient data. In this paper, we propose an Adaptive Semi-Supervised Recursive Tree Partitioning (ART) framework for large scale patient indexing such that the patients with similar clinical or diagnostic patterns can be correctly and efficiently retrieved. The framework is designed for semi-supervised settings since it is crucial to leverage experts' supervision knowledge in medical scenario, which are fairly limited compared to the available data. Starting from the proposed ART framework, we will discuss several specific instantiations and validate them on both benchmark and real world healthcare data. Our results show that with the ART framework, the patients can be efficiently and effectively indexed in the sense that (1) similarity patients can be retrieved in a very short time; (2) the retrieval performance can beat the state-of-the art indexing methods.
PGE and Os isotopic analyses of single sample aliquots with NiS fire assay preconcentration

We have modified methods currently used to determine Os isotope ratios with NiS fire assay preconcentration to allow measurement of PGE concentrations and Os isotope ratios on the same sample powder. Samples are spiked with an isotopically enriched solution of Pt, Pd, Ir and Os prior to fusion. After filtration of the insoluble residue resulting from dissolution of the NiS bead, the filter paper containing the PGE-rich concentrate is split. One half is used to measure Os isotopes by NTI-MS. The second half of the filter paper is digested and used for determinations of Pt, Pd and Ir concentrations by isotope dilution ICP-MS. Because we employ isotope dilution, measured PGE concentrations are unaffected by heterogeneous distribution of PGEs on the filter paper. PGE preconcentration by NiS allows a wide range of sample types to be preconcentrated rapidly. We have investigated a variety of mafic igneous rocks encompassing MORB to picritic plateau basalts. In these samples variation in Os and Ir among the powder splits are well correlated. Consequently Os/Ir ratios display less variability among replicate analyses than Os and Ir concentrations. We interpret these results as evidence of a ‘nugget effect’ for Ir and Os in some igneous samples. Samples analyzed thus far span three orders of magnitude in PGE concentration, from ppb to ppt ranges. PGE blank associated with this procedure is carried mainly by fusion reagents. Blank levels for Pt and Pd are 15–50 pg per gram sample while Os and Ir blanks are 1 to 4 pg per gram sample. These relatively low blank levels allow PGE measurements to extend into the MORB concentration range with only modest blank corrections. Several types of marine sediment have also been investigated. PGE concentrations can be very high, with Pt and Pd concentrations of 20 to 30 ppb and Os and Ir concentrations exceeding 1 ppb. In contrast to the igneous rocks, where Os and Ir are well correlated over several orders of magnitude in concentration, sediment samples show evidence of fractionation of Ir from Os by aqueous processes. Organic-rich marine sediments typically have Os/Ir > 1 while slowly accumulating pelagic clays have Os/Ir < 1. In addition, Pd is enriched in organic-rich sediments relative to Pt by as much as an order of magnitude.
Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 modulates microglial responses to amyloid β

Background: Amyloid b (Ab) accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. Microglial activation also occurs in AD, and this inflammatory response may contribute to disease progression. Microglial activation can be induced by Ab, but the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been defined. The nuclear enzyme poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates microglial activation in response to several stimuli through its interactions with the transcription factor, NF-B. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether PARP-1 activation is involved in Ab-induced microglial activation, and whether PARP-1 inhibition can modify microglial responses to Ab. Methods: hAPPJ20 mice, which accumulate Ab with ageing, were crossed with PARP-1 -/- mice to assess the effects of PARP-1 depletion on microglial activation, hippocampal synaptic integrity, and cognitive function. Ab peptide was also injected into brain of wt and PARP-1 -/- mice to directly determine the effects of PARP-1 on Ab-induced microglial activation. The effect of PARP-1 on Ab-induced microglial cytokine production and neurotoxicity was evaluated in primary microglia cultures and in microglia-neuron co-cultures, utilizing PARP-1 -/- cells and a PARP-1 inhibitor. NF-B activation was evaluated in microglia infected with a lentivirus reporter gene. Results: The hAPPJ20 mice developed microglial activation, reduced hippocampal CA1 calbindin expression, and impaired novel object recognition by age 6 months. All of these features were attenuated in hAPPJ20/PARP-1 -/mice. Similarly, Ab1-42 injected into mouse brain produced a robust microglial response in wild-type mice, and this was blocked in mice lacking PARP-1 expression or activity. Studies using microglial cultures showed that PARP-1 activity was required for Ab-induced NF-B activation, morphological transformation, NO release, TNFa release, and neurotoxicity. Conversely, PARP-1 inhibition increased release of the neurotrophic factors TGFb and VEGF, and did not impair microglial phagocytosis of Ab peptide. Conclusions: These results identify PARP-1 as a requisite and previously unrecognized factor in Ab-induced microglial activation, and suggest that the effects of PARP-1 are mediated, at least in part, by its interactions with NF-B. The suppression of Ab-induced microglial activation and neurotoxicity by PARP-1 inhibition suggests this approach could be useful in AD and other disorders in which microglial neurotoxicity may contribute.
Formation of micelles in aqueous solutions of a room temperature ionic liquid: a study using coarse grained molecular dynamics

A coarse grained force field model has been developed to study aqueous solutions of the room temperature ionic liquid 1-n-decyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Spontaneous self-aggregation of amphiphilic cations to form quasi-spherical micelles has been observed in dilute solutions. Two types of growth mechanism have been observed during the MD simulations, including the fusion of small micelles to form larger ones. Aggregates are found to be poly-disperse and the aggregation number, as determined from the MD simulations, compares well with results from small angle neutron scattering. The dynamics of micelles is discussed. Formation of the hexagonal columnar phase at a concentration of 37% (w/w) of water has been observed with a spacing of the columns in good agreement with the experimentally determined value. The vapor–liquid interface of an aqueous ionic liquid solution has been investigated and the structure at the interface has been characterized. The surface are...
The effects of fast-neutron irradiation on tensile strengths of carbon fibers

Abstract Two types of commercially available carbon fibers (high tensile strength, HTS, and high modulus, HMS) were irradiated in the Ground Test Reactor in environments of air and of liquid nitrogen (LN2). The tensile strength of HTS fibers irradiated in air increased sharply above a fast-neutron fluence of 6 × 1017 n/cm2 (E> 1 MeV) and was 17 per cent greater than the strength of unirradiated control fibers at a fluence of 8.5 × 1017 n/cm2, but then the strengrh began to decrease for additional neutron exposure in air and fell 25 per cent below the control strength at the highest fluence of 4.5 × 1018 n/cm2. However, when irradiated in LN2 where surface oxidation did not take place, the room-temperature strength of HTS fibers continued to increase beyond 8.5 × 1017 n/cm2 and became almost 30 per cent greater than the control strength for a fluence of 3 × 1018 n/cm2. The tensile strength of HMS fibers irradiated in air increased slowly but steadily with neutron exposure and was only 4 per cent greater th...
Not All Child Safety Seats Are Created Equal: The Potential Dangers of Shield Booster Seats

Objective. Children are safest when traveling in a child safety seat appropriate for their age and size. Previous research indicates that children are often transitioned to shield booster seats (SBSs) before reaching the 40-lb weight limit for their forward-facing child safety seat (FFCSS). These children could have otherwise been restrained in a FFCSS as is currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The objective of this study was to compare the injury patterns among children who were restrained in SBSs and FFCSSs. Children in FFCSSs were chosen as a comparison group because SBS are predominately used to restrain children who are 40 lb. Methods. This is a cohort study involving restrained crash victims who were admitted to a level 1 pediatric trauma center between 1991 and 2003. Patients were older than 1 year, weighed between 20 and 40 lb, and were restrained in an SBS (N = 16) or an FFCSS (N = 30). Injury Severity Score, Abbreviated Injury Scale, Glasgow coma score, intensive care admission, length of stay, and acute care charges served as outcomes of interest. Results. No significant differences regarding crash and occupant characteristics were found (mean Delta V, crash type, passenger compartment intrusion, driver restraint use). Odds of severe injury were greater for children in SBSs compared with children in FFCSSs as measured by Injury Severity Score >15 (odds ratio [OR]: 8.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.1–33.6), intensive care admission (OR: 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5–20.5), length of stay >2 days (OR: 6.3; 95% CI: 1.6–24.6), and Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥3 (OR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.2–16.1). Furthermore, SBS cases had greater odds of head (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2–17.3), chest (OR: 29.0; 95% CI: 3.1–267.3), and abdominal/pelvic injury (25% vs 0%). Conclusion. This study provides information about the increased risk of injury associated with shield boosters when compared with FFCSSs. The challenge for pediatricians is not only to promote the use of child restraints but also to ensure that parents use the most appropriate restraint for their child’s age and weight.
Dissecting the Roles of Aquaporins in Renal Pathophysiology Using Transgenic Mice

Transgenic mice lacking renal aquaporins (AQPs), or containing mutated AQPs, have been useful in confirming anticipated AQP functions in renal physiology and in discovering new functions. Mice lacking AQPs 1-4 manifest defects in urinary concentrating ability to different extents. Mechanistic studies have confirmed the involvement of AQP1 in near-isosmolar fluid absorption in the proximal tubule, and in countercurrent multiplication and exchange mechanisms that produce medullary hypertonicity in the antidiuretic kidney. Deletion of AQPs 2-4 impairs urinary concentrating ability by reduction of transcellular water permeability in the collecting duct. Recently created transgenic mouse models of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus produced by AQP2 gene mutation offer exciting possibilities to test new drug therapies. Several unanticipated AQP functions in kidney have been discovered recently that are unrelated to their role in transcellular water transport. There is evidence for involvement of AQP1 in kidney cell migration after renal injury, of AQP7 in renal glycerol clearance, of AQP11 in prevention of renal cystic disease, and possibly of AQP3 in regulation of collecting duct cell proliferation. Future work in renal AQPs will focus on mechanisms responsible for these non-fluid-transporting functions, and on the development of small-molecule AQP inhibitors for use as aquaretic-type diuretics.
Characterization of a shape memory alloy interference coupling

A versatile and heretofore unutilized coupling is obtained by press-fitting a hollow nickel titanium shape memory alloy (SMA) shaft into a steel hub. This produces an SMA interference coupling that is distinct from other SMA actuators by the method in which the SMA is used. Press-fitting the hollow SMA shaft in its detwinned martensitic phase into a steel hub creates a joint capable of holding parts such as emergency doors, satellite solar panels, or tamper locks securely together until commanded release. Release is accomplished by heating the SMA to its activation temperature. The resulting decrease in diameter of the hollow SMA shaft allows it to easily slip out of the hub, releasing the part. Load testing of the SMA interference coupling showed ultimate strengths about twice that of traditional press-fit coupling strength calculations. The coupling can be designed to be a simple mechanism of very small size, on the order of one cubic centimeter, capable of achieving coupling strengths in excess of 4000 N (900 lbf).
Test SRAMs for characterizing alpha particle tracks in CMOS/bulk memories

Describes a methodology for using alpha particles to provide an independent measure of the cross section of an upset sensitive region in test SRAMs (static random-access memories). In addition, the thickness of over-layers and the alpha-particle collection depth were determined. These parameters are necessary in order to make precise estimates of the upset rates of memories due to cosmic-ray strikes. Measurements were made on 1.6- mu m n-well CMOS 4-kb test SRAMs irradiated with an Am-241 alpha-particle source. >
Organizational Commitment And Turnover Intentions Of Marketing Managers

Previous research has increased our understanding of organizational commitment; however, few researchers have analyzed the antecedents and consequences of organizational commitment of marketing managers. A structural equation model explaining the organizational commitment of 335 marketing managers was developed and tested. Higher levels of distribute justice, job satisfaction, promotional opportunity and seniority were significant predictors of organizational commitment. Marketing managers intention to leave their jobs was highly influenced by their degree of organizational commitment. Kinship responsibility was not a significant predictor in the model.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists in Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation in females diagnosed with cancer has become an important area of investigation due to increasing cancer survival rates combined with delayed childbearing. Initial studies using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist cotreatment with chemotherapy demonstrated promising results for fertility preservation. If this protective effect of GnRH agonists is confirmed by the ongoing prospective randomized clinical trials, GnRH agonist cotreatment may become valuable option for fertility preservation in reproductive-age women undergoing chemotherapy. Thus, ovarian protection may enable the preservation of future fertility in survivors and, in addition, prevent other adverse effects of premature menopause, such as bone density loss, sexual dysfunction, and vasomotor symptoms.
Oh god, please don't let me hurt them!: assessing self-regulated learning in medical school education

With recent trends in residency training moving towards outcomes-based education, changes are needed in the design of undergraduate medical education. This study explores medical students' learning facilitated by an online system, the ENCORE LMS, designed to enhance the standard curriculum by promoting self-regulation and self-reflection. Student survey responses and analysis of their online journals provide evidence of content mastery and development of self-regulated learning. We discuss the effectiveness of this student-centered learning management system.
Constituting Southern feminists: Women's liberation newsletters in the South

Although second wave scholarship analyzes how feminists identified women's shared inequity to cultivate membership, in doing so, it necessarily occludes the differences between and among women. Consequently, the rhetoric of women struggling to develop feminist identity is overlooked. This essay reveals how women with backgrounds different than feminism's mainstream tried to connect their personal experiences with women as a whole. I argue that Southern Women's Liberation had particular regional identity needs that had to be met in order to constitute feminist identity. By explicating their use of three types of rhetorical strategies, I demonstrate how Southern feminists attempted to resolve problems presented by the South's history and traditions to develop feminism. I contend attention to these efforts creates a richer, regionally diverse narrative of feminism.
Biotin-Responsive Ophthalmoplegia / Dystonia

A 10-year-old girl with a 4-month history of abnormal gait and dysarthria had bilateral external ophthalmoplegia, dystonia, and altered mental status.
SOME REPORTED THOUGHTS ON SIGNIFICANT MANAGEMENT LITERATURE

The article presents the findings of a survey among members of the Academy of Management concerning publications that have significant contribution to the management literature. Among 1,694 total a...
The data-driven society.

The article discusses the world's data-driven societies. Topics include why a unique approach to uniquely 21st-century problems, such as rapid urban growth, is needed, the role of big data in dealing with these problems, the digital records people leave behind, and the author's research using data analytics to study the link between the flow of ideas and a society's productivity growth and creative output.
A method of simultaneously recording full-field isoclinic patterns at several isoclinic angles

In photoviscoelasticity, the difference in principal stresses at a point depends not only on the history of isochromatic-fringe order, but also on the history of isoclinic angle. Thus, meaningful interpretation of the isochromatic data in terms of stress cannot be made without knowledge of the isoclinic history. When the isoclinic angle is changing rapidly, the traditional method of rotating the polarizer-analyzer pair in a plane polariscope by mechanical means is limited by practical rotation rates. Magnetic rotation of the polarization, using the Faraday effect, is possible, but suffers from the problem that the isoclinic patterns are viewed sequentially. This limitation is also inherent in the slower mechanical-rotation method. This paper describes a new method of viewing several full-field isoclinic patterns simultaneously. Thus, the recording system has more time to make each record, and requirements on film speed and framing rates may be relaxed by an order of magnitude.
AN AB INITIO STUDY OF CHARGE STATE EFFECTS ON THE USE OF ${\rm Ag}_{2}^{+}$ AND Ag2 FOR CATALYTIC OXIDATION OF CO

The formalism of density functional theory (DFT) with Perdew and Wang exchange-correlation functional, has been employed to study the electronic and geometric structures of silver cation and the neutral dimer bonded with carbon monoxide and oxygen. A charge state study of the use of and Ag2, for the catalytic oxidation of CO, has been performed and compared with our previous results for . Different possible structures for , Ag2CO+, Ag2O2 and Ag2CO have been investigated in detail. An all electron 6-311 ++ G** basis set for carbon and oxygen, and a pseudopotential basis set for silver have been used for performing the calculations. Using silver cation and neutral dimer as catalysts, full catalytic cycles producing two carbon dioxide molecules have been presented. Also, the presence of intermediate states, and Ag2CO3, which can be detected experimentally, are predicted. The presence of an energy barrier for certain reactions from the catalytic cycle have been observed. This is noteworthy since no reaction barrier has been observed using silver anion dimer as a catalyst, for the same catalytic cycle. Analyzing the charge state effects, it is concluded that silver anion dimer performs better as a catalyst, compared with silver cation and neutral dimers.
Coordination and Ligand Substitution Chemistry of Bis(cyclooctyne)copper(I)

Cationic bis(alkyne)copper(I) carbonyl and bis(alkyne)copper(I) isocyanide complexes have been synthesized from the precursor (cyclooctyne)2CuBr. [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CO)][SbF6] and [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CNtBu)][SbF6] have trigonal-planar and three-coordinate copper centers. The copper carbonyl complex [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CO)][SbF6] displays its C–O stretching frequency in the “nonclassical” metal carbonyl region (2171 cm–1), and the analogous copper(I) isocyanide complex [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CNtBu)][SbF6] also has an unusually high CN stretching band at 2230 cm–1. The reaction of 3,5-Me2C6H3NH2 and 4-tBuC6H4NH2 with [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CO)][SbF6] led to CO displacement rather than addition to CO. CNtBu reacts with [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CO)][SbF6] to afford [Cu(cyclooctyne)2(CNtBu)][SbF6]. The syntheses of [Cu(cyclooctyne)(CNtBu)2][SbF6] and [Cu(CNtBu)4][SbF6] from the (cyclooctyne)2CuBr precursor are also reported.
Integration of ultrasound imaging into pre-clinical dental education.

Introduction Patients have complex healthcare needs and typically require more than one healthcare discipline to address issues regarding their health. Interprofessional teams of healthcare professionals may be able to address these complex needs and improve patient outcomes by combining resources. To evaluate the feasibility of integrating ultrasound into a dental school curriculum to teach anatomy as part of an interprofessional education experience, the current study surveyed first-year dental students to determine their perceptions of the integration of ultrasound techniques into the curriculum. Materials and Methods Ultrasound laboratory exercises were developed for first-year dental students as part of their anatomy course. The exercises were focused on head, neck and abdominal anatomy. To assess student perception of the integration of ultrasound into the dental curriculum, a survey was created specifically for the current study. Results Between 2013 and 2015, two classes of first-year dental students participated in the ultrasound laboratory exercise and completed the survey (n = 83). Student survey responses suggested ultrasound was a valuable teaching tool because it allowed them to visualise anatomical structures using live imaging. They also agreed that the ultrasound laboratory exercises were an efficient learning tool, but the majority did not believe that they would use ultrasound regularly in their future practice. Conclusions Results of the current study suggested first-year dental students were satisfied with the integration of ultrasound techniques into the dental curriculum. Survey results indicated that the students enjoyed the ultrasound laboratory exercise and felt ultrasound was an effective learning tool.
Ethanol, immunomodulation and cancer

Several major physiological changes or disease states occur more frequently in alcohol abusers or prolonged high users. These include: cancer, immunosuppression, and nutritional deficiencies. They interact with potential enhancement of cancer growth or survival. Clearly alcohol abuse yielding cirrhosis is associated with immunosuppression of cellular immune functions. Severe, prolonged ethanol consumption frequently is associated with one or more nutrient deficiency. Such deficiencies are more common when there are other major problems such as liver or pancreas damage and in prolonged alcohol abusers should influence the host defenses against pathogens and tumors. The amount and frequency of nutritional and immunological deficiencies with "binge" or less severe alcohol abuse is less clear, but animal studies suggest they are frequently present. Clearly, nutrient deficiencies are common in alcohol abusers and could play significant roles in ethanol associated problems including immunosuppression. Data summarized suggest that immunosuppression caused by nutritional deficiencies and/or direct effects of ethanol and its' metabolites on lymphoid cells is a potential component of cancer in alcohol abusers. However the frequent occurrence of nutritional deficiencies, immunosuppression, and certain cancers in severe, prolonged ethanol abusers is an association, not proven cause and effect.
Development of a reversible vas deferens occlusive device. VI. Long-term evaluation of flexible prosthetic devices.

Fifty-three dogs received implants of several types of flexible devices containing valving mechanisms. These devices were constructed entirely of silicone rubber with the exception of the valve stem, which was made of stainless steel. Generally, the devices were (1) implanted in the open mode and left this way for 27 to 44 months, (2) implanted in the closed mode and kept this way for 11 to 12 months before the valves were reopened, (3) implanted in either the closed or open mode and cycled o the opposite mode every 3 months (four or five cycles), or (4) implanted in either the closed or open mode and cycled to the opposite mode every 6 months (two or three cycles). Different implant methods were also evaluated. Semen analyses were regularly performed on all of the dogs, and a number of the animals were bred during the experiments. It can be concluded that (1) the devices can be opened and closed successfully over long periods, repectively allowing and preventing sperm transport; (2) the breeding ability of the animals is not impaired while the devices are in the open mode, independent of the type of device; (3) the devices do not result in an enhanced incidence ofcongenital abnormalities in the offspring; and (4) the success rate of device performance does not depend on the method of implanatation used. Thus, the results clearly indicate that the basic mechanism of a soft, reversible valve is afeasible approach to conception control.
Challenges and Directions for the Advancement of Estuarine Ecosystem Science

Estuarine ecosystem ecology is a dynamic field of study that has historically focused on a spectrum of compelling research topics, and here we present a series of perspectives on the major challenges to be overcome and key research questions to be addressed toward making progress over the coming decades. The challenges we identify include (1) maintaining and improving spatially distributed time-series datasets, (2) maximizing innovation by harnessing new technologies, (3) resuscitating experimental ecosystem research for estuaries, (4) integrating diagnostic ecological models into ecosystem research, and (5) improving basic science by linking it to applied research. We also raise a number of key research questions for the field, including (1) how does food web function respond to changing climate and nutrients, (2) what are likely trajectories of ecosystem recovery in response to restoration, (3) how does climate alter seasonality of estuarine ecosystem processes, (4) how do estuaries affect the global carbon budget and what are key feedbacks, and (5) how will tidal wetland ecosystems respond to sea level rise and climate change? Looking ahead, we envision that the field of estuarine ecosystem ecology will continue to build upon its rich tradition to address fundamental research questions with an expanded toolkit and enlightened perspective to focus basic science on the knowledge needs of society.
Ovarian cysts in dairy cattle: a review

Ovarian cysts in dairy cattle are generally defined as follicular structures of at least 2.5 cm in diameter that persist for at least 10 d in the absence of a corpus luteum. The incidence of ovarian cysts has been reported to be from 6 to 19% and, therefore, cystic ovarian disease is a serious cause of reproductive failure in dairy cattle. There have been several different hypotheses about the cause of ovarian cysts. After monitoring postpartum cows that spontaneously developed ovarian cysts and postpartum cows with or without ovarian cysts administered estradiol benzoate, the authors have suggested that postpartum ovarian cysts developed when the hypothalamus and pituitary appeared to be less responsive in releasing luteinizing hormone (LH) under the influence of estradiol. Spontaneous reestablishment of ovarian cycles occurred in about 60% of the cows that developed ovarian cysts before the first postpartum ovulation. In contrast, only about 20% of the cows that developed ovarian cysts after the first postpartum ovulation spontaneously reestablished ovarian cycles. The authors have also reported that even if ovarian cycles are not reestablished, ovarian cysts may regress, but only in the presence of follicular development, which subsequently develops into ovarian cysts. Investigators have shown that 40 to 80% of the cows with ovarian cysts reestablished ovarian cycles following treatment with products high in LH activity. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates reestablishment of ovarian cysts in about 80% of the cows treated, has more recently been recommended as a treatment for ovarian cysts. The GnRH-induced LH surge appears to stimulate luteinization of the ovarian cyst wall. Cows then exhibit estrus about 21 d following GnRH treatment. The conception rate at the first estrus after GnRH treatment has been reported to be 40 to 50%. The interval from GnRH treatment to estrus has been reduced by administering prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) 9 d after GnRH. The PGF2 alpha appears to regress the luteinized ovarian cysts and cows exhibit estrus 2 to 3 d after PGF2 alpha treatment (11 to 12 d after GnRH). Gonadotropin releasing hormone has also been used to reduce the incidence of ovarian cysts in postpartum cows. To be effective in reducing the incidence of ovarian cysts, GnRH should be administered about 2 wk postpartum. However, cows may have a predisposition for cystic ovarian disease and treatments, therefore, are only temporary solutions. A better alternative would probably be to select against ovarian cysts.
Simulation of a Nonideal Saddle Coil on Toroidally Symmetrical Magnetic Confinement Experiments

A method for modeling the time-varying magnetic geometry in a low-aspect-ratio tokamak is developed. The model includes mutual inductance effects of an arbitrarily shaped (toroidally symmetric) conducting shell, poloidal field (PF) coils, a saddle coil with finite gap resistance, and a single element, distributed plasma current. The plasma current distribution is specified using EFIT results and remains unchanged during the simulation, while the magnitude of the plasma current is ramped up linearly over time. The resulting simulation code is used to predict power supply requirements and tracking capabilities of an arbitrarily chosen feedback mechanism employed to operate the PF coils of the tokamak.
How fast should we innovate

ABSTRACTThe role of speed in innovations needs to be explored more thoroughly. I advocate here that for innovations which rely on scarce materials, research into more abundant substitutes needs to be accelerated while a regulatory-driven extension of the product life should slow down the number of incremental innovations and reduce our overall footprint on scarce resources. Chemical elements need to be established as global commons whose overuse can be regulated if required. Part of the efficiency gains of innovations could be used for research to offset the ‘rebound effect’ and provide the public with a return on early infrastructure investments.
Thrombelastographic Demonstration of Nitrite Inhibition of Platelet Function

Abstract 5148 We have recently shown that nitrite ions in blood will inhibit platelet aggregation and activation as measured by aggregometry and flow cytometric analysis of P-selectin under partially deoxygenated conditions. We now show that these phenomena can be measured by thrombelastographic analysis, an alternative method which supplies additional parameters of clotting, using whole blood from healthy donors. Nitric oxide (NO) can be generated by endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS) as well as by a serial reduction pathway in which nitrate and nitrite are converted to NO via several enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms. We have previously shown that nitrite anions at 0. 1μM inhibit platelet activation and aggregation in the presence of red blood cells through their reduction to NO and this effect was enhanced by deoxygenation. In the present study, we examined the influence of nitrite on the clotting properties of blood to investigate how nitrite may affect overall clotting processes by modulating platelet function. We measured major clotting parameters such as reaction time (R, minute of initial fibrin formation), angle (velocity of clot growth), and maximum amplitude (MA, clot strength) using thrombelastograph hemostasis analyzer (TEG5000 ® ) in whole blood diluted with plasma to yield 20% Hct. Both the NO donor (DEANONOate) and nitrite showed inhibitory effects on clotting parameters resulting in delayed R, decreased angle, and reduced MA in a dose dependent manner. However, the sources of NO did not change any TEG parameters in plasma. These results suggest that this new clinical method may be used to follow NO inhibition of platelet-induced blood clotting and that the physiological effect of factors which determine NO bioavailability, such as endogenous levels of blood and tissue nitrite, could be used as biomarkers for predicting hemostatic potential. Disclosures: Schechter: NIH: Employment, co-inventor of NIH patent on use of nitrite in disease, co-inventor of NIH patent on use of nitrite in disease Patents & Royalties.
Tumors Presenting as Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies

Cranial nerve palsy could be one of the presenting features of underlying benign or malignant tumors of the head and neck. The tumor can involve the cranial nerves by local compression, direct infiltration or by paraneoplastic process. Cranial nerve involvement depends on the anatomical course of the cranial nerve and the site of the tumor. Patients may present with single or multiple cranial nerve palsies. Multiple cranial nerve involvement could be sequential or discrete, unilateral or bilateral, painless or painful. The presentation could be acute, subacute or recurrent. Anatomic localization is the first step in the evaluation of these patients. The lesion could be in the brain stem, meninges, base of skull, extracranial or systemic disease itself. We present 3 cases of underlying neoplasms presenting as cranial nerve palsies: a case of glomus tumor presenting as cochlear, glossopharyngeal, vagus and hypoglossal nerve palsies, clivus tumor presenting as abducens nerve palsy, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting as oculomotor, trochlear, trigeminal and abducens nerve palsies due to paraneoplastic involvement. History and physical examination, imaging, autoantibodies and biopsy if feasible are useful for the diagnosis. Management outcomes depend on the treatment of the underlying tumor.
Preoperative radiographic valgus alignment predicts the extent of lateral soft tissue release and need for constraint in valgus total knee arthroplasty

Background In total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for valgus knees, the decision to use a constrained implant is often made intraoperatively depending on the extent of soft tissue releases performed and residual soft tissue imbalance. The purpose of this study is to determine if preoperative radiographic criteria of valgus knees can predict the extent of soft tissue releases required and the level of constraint needed to balance the knee during TKA.
A near symmetrically illuminated direct drive laser fusion power reactor : SIRIUS-P

This paper describes the design of a 1000 MWe inertially confined fusion power reactor utilizing near symmetric illumination provided by a KrF laser. The nominal laser energy is 3.4 MJ, the target ...
Acute and Chronic Salivary Infection

Acute sialadenitis commonly occurs secondary to viral and bacterial infections, while chronic and recurrent sialadenitis occurs in setting of salivary duct obstruction, mainly due to stone obstruction and inflammatory ductal stenosis. Medical management involves supportive care and antibiotics, while gland-preserving surgical intervention with sialendoscopy may allow the extraction of stones and dilation of strictures in the appropriately selected patients.
Auditor monitoring and verification in financial contracts: evidence from earnouts and SFAS 141(R)

We study how monitoring and verification of accounting-based performance benchmarks influences the design and efficiency of earnout contracts. Earnouts are commonly used to resolve agency conflicts arising in mergers and acquisitions, but these contracts create measurement and other agency problems when contingent payments are tied to future accounting-based performance. Exploiting changes in auditor monitoring of earnouts that arose as\ a consequence of SFAS 141(R), we find that acquisition contracts are more likely to incorporate accounting-based earnouts and that contingent payments tied to accounting-based performance benchmarks make up a larger portion of the consideration when acquiring firms have high-quality auditors. We also find that market reactions to announcements of earnout deals are more positive after SFAS 141(R) for acquisitions most susceptible to disputes over accounting-based performance metrics and these results are more pronounced for acquiring firms with high-quality auditors. By exploiting the features of this unique setting, we illuminate the role of monitoring and verification of accounting information in financial contracts.
Cultural Narrations Veering Towards Coherence

I’ve always been drawn to the conflict between storytelling and the details that seem to almost get in the way; yet I also understand Frank Kermode’s (1980) comment that “Anyone presuming to review works in modern literary theory must expect to be depressed by an encounter with large quantities of deformed prose” (p. 85). I’d make the same claim in regards to most academic writing. In one of his last interviews, Tony Judt (2010) said that he thought his historical writing was boring but that when he wrote normatively he made contact with people.
LTD, Spike Timing and Somatosensory Barrel Cortex Plasticity

Sensory experience produces long-lasting changes in receptive fields and sensory maps in primary sensory cortical areas1. A dominant hypothesis has been that experience-dependent plasticity is mediated in part by long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at intracortical synapses. These phenomena are attractive as candidate mechanisms for plasticity in vivo because they instantiate Hebbian learning rules2,3, which can explain many1,4, though not all5, features of map plasticity.
Electrochemical etching of highT c superconducting materials

HighT c superconductor materials of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) have been etched by a new electrochemical technique. In this technique, acids like hydrochloric, nitric and phosphoric have been used as an electrolyte and etching has been achieved with acid dilutions as high as 1:200 with water. It is observed that rapid and controlled etching is possible by this technique.
Experimental shifts in phenology affect fitness, foraging, and parasitism in a native solitary bee

Phenological shifts have been observed in a wide range of taxa, but the fitness consequences of these shifts are largely unknown, and we often lack experimental studies to assess their population-level and evolutionary consequences. Here, we describe an experimental study to determine the fitness consequences of phenological shifts in blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) emergence, compare the measured seasonal fitness landscape with observed phenology in the unmanipulated population, and assess seasonal variation in key factors related to reproduction, foraging, and brood parasitism that were expected to affect the shape of the fitness landscape. By tracking individually marked females, we were able to estimate the lifetime fitness impacts of phenological advances and delays. We also measured parasitism risk, floral resource use, and nesting behavior to understand how each varies seasonally, and their combined effects on realized fitness. Survival to nesting decreased non-monotonically throughout the season, with a 20.4% decline in survival rates between the first and second cohorts. The total reproductive output per maternal bee was 14.9% higher in the second cohort compared to the first, and 161% higher in the second cohort compared to the third. Combining seasonal patterns in survival and reproductive output, experimentally advanced females showed 30.6% higher fitness than bees released at the historic peak. In contrast, the nesting phenology of unmanipulated bees showed nearly equal numbers of nesting attempts in the first two cohorts. Both increased resource availability and reduced parasitism risk favored earlier emergence. These results are consistent with a population experiencing directional selection for earlier emergence, adaptive bet-hedging, or developmental constraints. Our study offers insight into the fitness consequences of phenological shifts, the mechanisms affecting the fitness consequences of phenological shifts in a community context, and the potential for adaptive responses to climate change.
Correlation of clinical and pathologic evaluation of scarring alopecia.

BACKGROUND Differentiating scarring and nonscarring alopecia poses a diagnostic dilemma for clinicians, with histopathology used to distinguish. The extent to which dermatologists are able to clinically classify alopecia has not been evaluated. METHODS A retrospective study of pathology reports on 458 patients was used to calculate a kappa coefficient to correlate clinical presence of scarring or nonscarring alopecia to histopathologic presence of scarring or nonscarring. A multivariate analysis was performed to assess for associations with scarring. RESULTS The kappa correlation coefficient was 0.59 (P < 0.0001), indicating moderate agreement and varied by race and sex. There were 15 times higher odds of making the clinical diagnosis of scarring alopecia (OR 14.64 95% CI [8.64-24.18]; P < 0.001), and this increased with age. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that clinical exam is moderately reliable in distinguishing between scarring and nonscarring alopecia. Our results highlight the need for education and diagnostic schemata for evaluation of alopecia based on gender and in skin of color.
Topology Agnostic Solution for Tapless Calibration of Silicon Photonic Mach-Zehnder Based Switches

We develop a universal calibration method based on the photo-conductance effect for Silicon Photonic switches with Mach-Zehnder elements. Free from integrated or external monitoring photodetectors, this method demonstrates accurate characterization of each element for the cross and bar states.
The antidepressant impact of minocycline in rodents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Evidence from recent animal studies suggest that minocycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic capable of regulating immune processes, may possess antidepressant properties. These studies, however, have yet to be comprehensively reviewed. Accordingly, this systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes the extant literature examining the effect of minocycline on depressive-like behavior in rodent models. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for articles that met prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria, and standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for each continuous measure of depressive-like behavior. The overall effect of minocycline on depressive-like behavior was estimated using robust variance estimation meta-analysis. Separate subgroup analyses were conducted on diseased vs healthy animal models, different rodent species, and immobility-based vs anhedonia-based measures of depressive-like behavior. A total of 22 preclinical studies (816 animals) were included. Overall, minocycline reduced depressive-like behavior in rodents (SMD = −1.07, 95% CI −1.41–−0.74, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that minocycline reduced depressive-like behavior in diseased, but not healthy, animal models. Finally, minocycline was found to reduce both immobility-based and anhedonia-based outcomes. These findings suggest that minocycline may be an effective treatment of core depressive symptoms, and that further investigation of minocycline treatment for clinically relevant depression in humans is warranted.
Monitoring colony phenology using within-day variability in continuous weight and temperature of honey bee hives

Continuous weight and temperature data were collected for honey bee hives in two locations in Arizona, and those data were evaluated with respect to separate measurements of hive phenology to develop methods for noninvasive hive monitoring. Weight and temperature data were divided into the 25-h running average and the daily within-day changes, or “detrended” data. Data on adult bee and brood masses from hive evaluations were regressed on the amplitudes of sine curves fit to the detrended data. Weight data amplitudes were significantly correlated with adult bee populations during nectar flows, and temperature amplitudes were found inversely correlated with the log of colony brood weight. The relationships were validated using independent datasets. In addition, the effects of an adult bee kill on hive weight data were contrasted with published data on weight changes during swarming. Continuous data were found to be rich sources of information about colony health and activity.