cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GVSCF: A general code to perform vibrational self-consistent field calculations

Abstract A code, GVSCF, is described which does vibrational self-consistent field calculations of energies and wavefunctions for a coupled N-mode, Schrodinger equation, describing molecular vibrations. The number of modes can be as large as six and the coupling potential can be quite general, i.e., not restricted to a multinomial form. The self-consistent field equations are solved numerically, iteratively by the renormalized Numerov method and the multidimensional integrals are done by Gauss-Hermite quadrature.
Managing conflict in multi-model adaptive hypertext

Adaptive hypermedia has the goal of contextualizing the display of a hypertext to suit the user and their situation. A variety of aspects of the context can influence the appropriate adaptation. For knowledge engineering and privacy reasons, systems are moving towards having multiple independent models influencing adaptation. But these multiple models may disagree, resulting in a need for systems to manage the resulting conflicts. This paper presents an approach that combines conflict avoidance, conflict detection, and conflict resolution. This approach is presented within the context of multi-model adaptive spatial hypertext.
Reconstructive and reproductive models of memory

The adequacy of reconstructive and reproductive models of memory has been in dispute ever since Bartlett’s (1932) publication of his volume Remembering. Experimental as well as anecdotal evidence suggests that neither model can adequately account for all of the findings. We would suggest that to be adequate, an explanation of verbal memory should focus on a memory classification based on behavioral measures. Thus, it is suggested that verbal memory consists of at least two basic types of remembered material: (1) verbatim memory and (2) memory for gist. The latter category involves a frequently encountered process that we have identified as abstractive congruence; a reconstructive process, abstractive incongruence, is also found, but it is found much less frequently.
Widths of optically thick lines

Abstract Relations between optically-thick full-widths and optically-thin full-widths are given for Lorentzian and Gaussian line shapes. The Lorentz form is seen to predominate for most situations due to the strength of the wings of a Lorentz shaped line. The excessively large widths often measured for alkali resonance lines, as shown by these relations, are due to optically thick observations.
A Hybrid Mobile Visual Search System With Compact Global Signatures

Mobile visual search systems typically compare a query image against a database of annotated images for accurate object recognition. On-server database matching can search a large database hosted in the cloud, but the query latency could suffer with slow network transmissions or server congestion . On-device database matching can ensure fast recognition responses regardless of network or server conditions , but a small amount of memory on the mobile device can severely limit the number of images that can be stored in an on- device database. This paper presents a new hybrid system that combines the advantages of on-device and on-server database matching. At the core of this system, we first develop a compact and discriminative global signature to characterize each image. Our global signature uses an optimized local feature count that is derived from a statistical analysis of the retrieval performance . We additionally create two extensions that exploit color information within images and relationships between similar database images to improve retrieval accuracy. Then, we propose methods for efficient interframe coding of a sequence of global signatures which are extracted from the viewfinder frames on the mobile device. A low bitrate stream of global signatures can be sent to the server at an uplink bitrate of less than 2 kbps to broaden the search range of the current query and to update the on-device database to help future queries.
Arterial Spin-Labeled MR Perfusion Imaging: Clinical Applications

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging soon will be available as a routine clinical perfusion imaging sequence for a significant number of MR imaging scanners. The ASL perfusion technique offers information similar to that provided by conventional dynamic susceptibility sequences, but it does not require the use of an intravenous contrast agent, and the data can be quantified. The appearance of pathology is affected significantly by the ASL techniques used. Familiarity with the available sequence parameter options and the common appearances of pathology facilitates perfusion interpretation.
On the number of cycles of length k in a maximal planar graph

Let G be a maximal planar graph with p vertices, and let Ck(G) denote the number of cycles of length k in G. We first present tight bounds for C3(G) and C4(G) in terms of p. We then give bounds for Ck(G) when 5 ≤ k ≤ p, and consider in particular bounds for Cp(G), in terms of p. Some conjectures and unsolved problems are stated.
Treatment and reintegration of violent juvenile offenders: Experimental results

Violent juvenile crime has become the focus of policy debates on the philosophy of juvenile justice systems and the efficacy of rehabilitation. The Violent Juvenile Offender (VJO) Program was an experiment to test correctional interventions for chronically violent juvenile offenders. Programs in four sites tested an intervention model with four central elements: reintegration, case management, social learning processes, and a phased program of reentry from secure facilities to intensive supervision in the community. Recidivism and social outcomes of participants were compared with those of youths randomly assigned to mainstream juvenile corrections programs. Implementation of the experimental intervention varied by site; results suggest that treatment should be measured as a vector with several dimensions. Failure rates and arrest rates by time at risk for VJO youths were lower than those for control youths in two sites with strong implementation. Reintegration and transition strategies should be the focu...
Solid-state reactive sintering mechanism for large-grained yttrium-doped barium zirconate proton conducting ceramics

A cost-effective solid-state reactive sintering (SSRS) method has recently been developed to synthesize high quality, fully dense, and large-grained yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BZY) ceramic pellets from the raw materials of BaCO3, ZrO2, Y2O3, and NiO, resulting in total proton conductivities as high as 3.3 × 10−2 S·cm−1at 600 °C under a wet argon atmosphere [J. Tong et al., Solid State Ionics, 2010, 181, 496]. In the present work, the mechanisms for the rapid formation of the cubic perovskite phase of BZY, pellet densification, and grain growth during SSRS synthesis are investigated in detail using a suite of experimental techniques. The pre-reaction addition of NiO to the precursor powders is confirmed to accelerate the formation of the cubic perovksite BZYphase. The rapid and full densification of NiO-modified pellets at relatively low temperature (1350 °C) is ascribed to the formation of the impure phase BaY2NiO5 and its subsequent role as a sintering aid. The dramatic further grain growth after densification is facilitated by the partial decomposition of the BaY2NiO5 (which is located primarily at grain boundaries) and its incorporation into the cubic perovskite structure of BZY.
Performance estimation in a simultaneous multithreading processor

We present a model to estimate the performance of dynamically interleaving instruction streams in super-scalar architectures. Instructions executed per cycle (IPC) are calculated from simple descriptions of the workload and hardware. We compare estimates for several programs against results from a simulator.
Giant Ventral Midline Schwannoma of Cervical Spine : Agonies and Nuances

Pure ventral midline giant schwannoma is an extremely rare entity. Spinal intradural extramedullary schwannomas commonly occur posterolateral or anterolateral to the spinal cord. A case of a pure midline ventrally situated giant pan cervical extramedullary schwannoma in an 18-year-old male patient with compressive myelopathy and sphincter involvement is presented. Spinal MR imaging showed a midline ventrally situated extramedullary tumor with severe spinal cord compression extending from clivus to C7 vertebra. It was resected through a posterolateral approach. Histology was consistent with a schwannoma. Post operative MR imaging showed no evidence of the tumor. The radiological features, pathogenesis and surgical strategies in management of these difficult tumors are discussed and the relevant literature is briefly reviewed.
Dental students' self-assessment of preclinical examinations.

Accurate self-assessment is an important attribute for practicing dentists and, therefore, an important skill to develop in dental students. Our purpose was to examine the relationship between faculty and student assessments of preclinical prosth- odontic procedures. Seventy-six second-year students completed two consecutive examinations and two self-assessments. The examinations involved setting maxillary denture teeth on a model to simulate the clinical procedure of a complete maxillary denture. Results indicated no significant increases in examination or student self-assessment mean scores; however, regression analysis indicated changes in student self-assessment scores explained 16.3 percent of the variation in examination scores. In essence, improvement in student self-assessment predicted improvement in examination scores among dental students completing a preclinical dental procedure.
An evaluation of the amnesic effects of diazepam sedation.

Twenty subjects, 13 female and 7 male, aged 16 to 37 years, were studied to determine the effects on memory of intravenous sedation with diazepam (Valium®). Three tests were performed: 1) the Weschler Logical Memory Scale; 2) memory of three geometric shapes; and 3) memory of three objects presented in a drawing. Logical memory items were presented before and after sedation; other tests were presented after sedation. Anterograde amnesia was produced by diazepam sedation. No retrograde amnesia was observed. A significant drug effect was found between the pre-drug and post-drug retention intervals (T+ = 2; P < 0.005). Post-drug recognition scores were found to be approximately 42% of pre-drug recognition scores. The anterograde amnesia produced with diazepam was probably due to decreased arousal of the subject, and decreased attention to rehearsal of short-term memory stimuli, resulting in a lack of storage of the stimuli.
Comparative Body Size and Shape Analyses of F1 Hybrid Rhagoletis pomonella and Rhagoletis zephyria (Diptera: Tephritidae)

ABSTRACT Hybridization between apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), and Rhagoletis zephyria Snow (Diptera: Tephritidae) occurs in Washington State, complicating fly identifications. Here, experimentally generated F1 hybrids of R. pomonella and R. zephyria were classified using morphometric methods. Five of nine mean body size measurements of hybrids from crossing female R. pomonella × male R. zephyria were intermediate between those of nonhybrids. Aculeus lengths of hybrid females were intermediate or were more similar to those of R. pomonella than R. zephyria. Based on six or seven body size measures, 25.0% of female and 44.4% of male hybrids were correctly classified. Misclassified female and male hybrids resembled R. pomonella and one or the other parental species, respectively. Mean wing shapes of hybrid females based on landmark measurements were novel, whereas those of males were intermediate between those of nonhybrids. Based on wing shapes + natural log (In) centroid size, 90.9% of female a...
An Evaluation of Protocols for Child and Adolescent Deliberate Self‐harm

Child and adolescent deliberate self-harm is a common problem faced by medical services. In 1982 the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended that certain guidelines be followed in all cases of child and adolescent self-harm. This paper examines to what extent these guidelines are being incorporated into child and adolescent self-harm policies in the West Midlands region. The implications of the findings are discussed for young people and the NHS Trusts who treat them.
ENATBIO: a National Conference on Emerging Nanoscience in Technology and Biomedicine

ENATBIO: a National Conference on Emerging Nanoscience in Technology and Biomedicine Guangzhao Mao, PhD, Golam Newaz, Chiming Wei, MD, PhD⁎ Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ellicott City, Maryland, USA
META‐DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS IN DEVELOPING MODEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS*

This paper examines cognitive considerations in developing model management systems (MMSs). First, two approaches to MMS design are reviewed briefly: one based on database theory and one based on knowledge-representation techniques. Then three major cognitive issues—human limitations, information storage and retrieval, and problem-solving strategies—and their implications for MMS design are discussed. Evidence indicates that automatic modeling, which generates more complicated models by integrating existing models automatically, is a critical function of model management systems. In order to discuss issues pertinent to automatic modeling, a graph-based framework for integrating models is introduced. The framework captures some aspects of the processes by which human beings develop models as route selections on a network of all possible alternatives. Based on this framework, three issues are investigated: (1) What are proper criteria for evaluating a model formulated by an MMS? (2) If more than one criterion is chosen for evaluation, how can evaluations on each of the criteria be combined to get an overall evaluation of the model? (3) When should a model be evaluated? Finally, examples are presented to illustrate various modeling strategies.
Emittance compensation for magnetized beams

Emittance compensation is a well established technique [1] for minimizing the emittance of an electron beam from a RF photo-cathode gun. Longitudinal slices of a bunch have a small emittance, but due to the longitudinal charge distribution of the bunch and time dependent RF fields they are not focused in the same way, so that the direction of their phase ellipses diverges in phase space and the projected emittance is much larger. Emittance compensation reverses the divergence. At the location where the slopes of the phase ellipses coincide the beam is accelerated, so that the space charge forces are reduced. A recipe for emittance compensation is given in [2]. For magnetized beams (where the angular momentum is non-zero) such emittance compensation is not sufficient because variations in the slice radius lead to variations in the angular speed and therefore to an increase of emittance in the rotating frame. We describe a method and tools for a compensation that includes the beam magnetization.
Phenotypic alterations, evolutionarily significant structures, and rhino conservation

To slow the impending loss of wild black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinos, three African countries have resorted to dehorning, a practice designed to remove the incentive for poachers to kill the hornless animals. The efficacy of this controversial conservation action remains unknown, in part because much uncertainty exists about the functional significance of rhino horns. We assessed the current utility of horns in Namibian black rhinos from phenotypically altered and intact populations in the Namib Desert, and we collated data on mortal fighting among horned females living in Etosha National Park. Infant mortality was 100% when dehorned mothers were sympatric with spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta). In contrast, infant survival was 100% for both horned mothers living with hyenas and occasional lions (Panthera leo) and 100% for dehorned mothers in the absence of dangerous carnivores. These data suggest that female horns can have direct fitness benefits in terms of calf survival. However, because lethal wounding due to fighting may account for up to 33% of the mortality of horned females, dehorning may improve adult survivorship. Our results (1) suggest that, where the aim of conservation programs is to improve population viability through juvenile recruitment, dehorning is unlikely to be a prudent strategy if practiced in areas with dangerous predators, and (2) illustrate the value of experimental approaches to onerous problems in conservation.
Outcome prediction with serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 levels after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Object. Although upregulated adhesion molecule expression has been demonstrated in experimental models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with aneurysmal SAH, the clinical significance of these proinflammatory findings remains unclear. The authors hypothesize that 1) serum levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) are increased in all patients with aneurysmal SAH shortly after the hemorrhagic event, and 2) elevated soluble ICAM-1 values are associated with poor patient outcome, even when controlling for the severity of the initial hemorrhagic insult. Methods. One hundred one patients were prospectively enrolled and stratified according to their admission Hunt and Hess grade and functional status at discharge (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score). Soluble ICAM-1 levels were determined every other day for 12 days post-SAH by using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Early soluble ICAM-1 levels (post-SAH Days 2–4) were increased compared with level...
The neuromatrix theory of pain: implications for selected nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief for labor.

Women experience the pain of labor differently, with many factors contributing to their overall perception of pain. The neuromatrix theory of pain provides a framework that may explain why selected nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief can be quite effective for the relief of pain for the laboring woman. The concept of a pain “neuromatrix” suggests that perception of pain is simultaneously modulated by multiple influences. The theory was developed by Ronald Melzack and represents an expansion beyond his original “gate theory” of pain, first proposed in 1965 with P. D. Wall. This article reviews several nonpharmacologic methods of pain relief with implications for the practicing clinician. Providing adequate pain relief during labor and birth is an important component of caring for women during labor and birth.
Atovaquone Suspension in HIV‐Infected Volunteers: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and TMP‐SMX Interaction Study

Study objective To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and safety of atovaquone suspension in volunteers infected with the human immunodeficiency virus ((HIV). Design Open-label, nonrandomized study. Setting Two clinical research centers. Patients Twenty-two HIV-infected volunteers with a median CD4 cell count of 37 cells/mm3. Interventions Patients received atovaquone suspension fasting or fed for 2-week periods with crossover at dosages of 500 mg/day, and randomization to fasting or fed at dosages of 750 and 1000 mg/day. A subset of patients also received 750 mg twice/day with food, and a subset of those who received 1000 mg/day fasting also received 1000 mg with food. During a long-term dosing phase, a subset of subjects were evaluated for an interaction between atovaquone and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Measurements and main results Average steady-state atovaquone concentrations at 500 mg were 6.7 +/- 3.2 microg/ml fasted and 11.3 +/- 5.0 microg/ml with food; at 750 mg, 9.9 +/- 7.1 microg/ml fasted and 12.5 +/- 5.9 microg/ml with food; at 1000 mg, 9.7 +/- 4.3 microg/ml fasted and 13.6 +/- 5.0 microg/ml with food; and at 1500 mg, 21.1 +/- 5.0 microg/ml with food. Thus, plasma concentrations were not proportional to dose. Concomitant food ingestion resulted in a 1.3- to 1.7-fold increase in values. Average steady-state concentrations were less than 10 microg/ml in 21% and more than 15 microg/ml in 36% of patients at 1000 mg/day with food; at 750 mg twice/day, all five patients had levels above 15 microg/ml. Atovaquone suspension was well tolerated; diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and rash were the most common adverse events. Concomitant administration of TMP-SMX did not change atovaquone concentrations and resulted in small decreases in concentrations of TMP (16%) and SMX (10%). Conclusion Plasma concentrations are significantly higher when atovaquone suspension is administered with food compared with fasting. Total doses of 1500 mg/day are likely to achieve concentrations effective for prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
Distributed Sampling-Based Roadmap of Trees for Large-Scale Motion Planning

High-dimensional problems arising from complex robotic systems test the limits of current motion planners and require the development of efficient distributed motion planners that take full advantage of all the available resources. This paper shows how to effectively distribute the computation of the Sampling-based Roadmap of Trees (SRT) algorithm using a decentralized master-client scheme. The distributed SRT algorithm allows us to solve very high-dimensional problems that cannot be efficiently addressed with existing planners. Our experiments show nearly linear speedups with eighty processors and indicate that similar speedups can be obtained with several hundred processors.
Psychopathic Traits and Preattentive Threat Processing in Children: A Novel Test of the Fearlessness Hypothesis

We tested the fearlessness hypothesis of psychopathy in an at-risk sample of 88 preadolescent children. Psychopathy was measured using combined child- and parent-reported scores on the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD). Using a continuous-flash-suppression paradigm, we evaluated threat processing at the preattentive level for the first time in a study of psychopathy. Scores for the APSD Callous/Unemotional factor, which assesses the core affective deficits of psychopathy, predicted preattentive face-recognition deficits for fearful faces and, to a lesser extent, for disgusted faces. This finding contradicts recent suggestions that the fearlessness associated with psychopathy is solely a consequence of overt attentional artifacts. Future research should focus on preattentive processing of fear in individuals with callous-unemotional traits, and on the implications of preattentive-processing deficits for treatment and theory development.
Bound Water Associated with 7S and 11S Soy Proteins Determined by Vapor Sorption Isotherms and Pulsed NMR

Bound water associated with freeze-dried 7S and 11S proteins was characterized by applying both sorption isotherm and proton pulsed NMR techniques. Over the aw range 0.10 to 0.97, the water binding capacity of the 7S protein was superior to that of the US protein. There was no significant difference in sorption capacity between unhealed and heated proteins. The isotherms showed a biphasic linear relation so that two states of bound water, namely polymer and capillary water, were distinguished. NMR data followed isotherm data. The NMR mobility of the polymer water was less than that of the capillary water, as expected. However, high mobility was not related to high moisture content in the capillary water region.
Polymer Nanostructures by Forced Assembly: Process, Structure, and Properties

The process of micro- and nanolayer coextrusion of polymeric systems with good layer uniformity is described. Coextrusion through a series of layer multiplying die elements has enabled the production of films containing tens to thousands of layers with individual layer thicknesses from the micro- to the nanoscale. Improvements in layer uniformity are discussed through optimization of layer multiplier die design, selection of viscosity matched polymer systems, and incorporation of surface layer capabilities. Design of 'uneven' split layer multiplication dies has enabled the coextrusion of layered films with a wide variety of layer thickness distributions having up to a 10× difference in the individual film layer thicknesses. Coextrusion of layered polymer films with individual layer thicknesses down to the nanoscale has resulted in the production of novel systems with improved properties. Nanolayered polymer films were utilized to develop an all-plastic polymer laser, to fabricate gradient refractive index lenses, and to investigate gas barrier enhancement of crystalline polymer nanolayers confined to induce a high aspect ratio, in-plane, single-crystal-like lamellar structure.
Evidence for distinct histologic profile of nasal polyps with and without eosinophilia.

Objective/Hypothesis: To evaluate the histology, RNA, and protein signatures of nasal polyps (NPs) in order to demonstrate specific subtypes of disease and differentiate “idiopathic” NPs based on tissue eosinophilia. Study Design: Prospective laboratory-based study. Methods: NP tissue was obtained from patients referred to the University of Virginia Health System for sinus surgery. Histology analyses included hematoxylin-eosin, Gomori's trichrome, toluidine blue, and chloroacetate staining. RNA and protein were extracted from tissue and cytokine transcript or protein concentrations determined. Results: Idiopathic NPs can be divided into distinct subsets characterized by absence (NE) and presence (E) of prominent eosinophilia. The validity of this distinction is supported by the demonstration that NE polyps are further distinguished by glandular hypertrophy, dense collagen deposition, and mononuclear cellular infiltrate. In contrast, E-NP display edema, rare glandularity, and minimal collagen deposition except within the basement membrane. Total mast cell numbers were reduced in E-NP, whereas connective tissue mast cells were increased in NE-NP. Consistent with the distinctive pattern of increased fibrosis, NE-NP displayed increased transforming growth factor-β and vascular endothelial growth factor transcripts. Similarly, NE-NPs had higher concentrations of transforming growth factor-β, fibroblast growth factor-β, and platelet-derived growth factor protein. Conclusions: Idiopathic NPs can be distinguished by NE and E and are supported by the observations that these display distinct histologic, gene, and protein expression patterns. The findings suggest that as unique diseases, idiopathic NPs will require distinct therapeutic interventions.
Does Bait and Switch Really Benefit Consumers

While the field of marketing science has long been interested in the effects of promotional efforts, public policy issues involving illegal marketer fraud and deception have generally not been addressed in this body of work. One key exception to this generalization is a Marketing Science article suggesting that the practice of "bait and switch" may be beneficial to consumers and, furthermore, that the Federal Trade Commission should investigate revising its standards to legitimize this practice Gerstner and Hess 1990. This finding and recommendation seemed so significant that it is surprising that the recommendation has not, to date, been explored in greater detail. In this paper we further explore the impact of the two components of bait and switch: out of stock and upselling. We do this by using Moorthy's 1993 theoretical modeling framework to systematically extend and assess the Gerstner and Hess model. We find that the previously reported increase in consumer welfare that arises from allowing out-of-stock conditions at retailers is actually due to the utility created by salespersons' explaining product features and benefits, not by the out of stock. Thus, the ramifications of both our legal and modeling analyses are that deceptive bait-and-switch practices result in harm to consumers and should not be legalized. Our paper concludes by proposing worthwhile modeling issues for further exploration. In addition, we suggest that our procedure for analyzing public policy issues by exploring the confluence of law, consumer behavior, and marketing models can serve as a useful exemplar for further contributions to public policy by marketing scientists.
The Effect of Cricoid Pressure on the Unstable Cervical Spine

Abstract Background It has been proposed that cricoid pressure can exacerbate an unstable cervical injury and lead to neurologic deterioration. Objective We sought to examine the amount of motion cricoid pressure could cause at an unstable subaxial cervical spine injury, and whether posterior manual support is of any benefit. Methods Five fresh, whole cadavers had complete segmental instability at C5–C6 surgically created by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Cricoid pressure was applied to the anterior cricoid by an attending anesthesiologist. In addition, the effect of posterior cervical support was tested during the trials. The amount of angular and linear motion between C5 and C6 was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). Results When cricoid pressure is applied, the largest angular motion was 3 degrees and occurred in flexion-extension at C5–C6. The largest linear displacement was 1.36 mm and was in anterior-posterior displacement of C5–C6. When manual posterior cervical support was applied, the flexion-extension was improved to less than half this value (1.43 degrees), and this reached statistical significance ( p = 0.001). No other differences were observed to be significant in the other planes of motion with the applications of support. Conclusions Based on the evidence presented, we believe that the application of cricoid pressure to a patient with a globally unstable subaxial cervical spine injury causes small displacements. There may be some benefit to the use of manual posterior cervical spine support for reducing motion at such an injured segment.
Current Treatments for Alopecia Areata

Selection of a therapy for a patient with alopecia areata (AA) is frequently based on the age of the patient, disease extent, perhaps disease duration, patient expectations, cost of therapy in terms of time commitment, and financial resources, as well as the results of screening laboratory studies that rule out the presence of other co-morbidities such as anemia, low iron stores, thyroid abnormalities, low vitamin D, or other autoimmune diseases. Although there is currently no cure for AA and no universally proven therapy that induces and sustains remission, many therapies are available which can be of benefit to both affected children and adults. Before selecting a treatment for patients with extensive long-standing AA, a scalp biopsy may provide useful information about the degree of inflammation and follicle differentiation. Recent clinical and translational research observations with the systemic Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have excited the clinical and AA patient communities and have led to clinical trials, as well as to the off-label use of these more expensive and targeted systemic therapies.
The Panic of 1907

The case discusses and analyzes the runup to the financial panic of 1907 and its aftermath. Market conditions and institutional responses are highlighted. We sketch the broader economic context and the monetary situation in particular. The case draws on the Bruner and Carr (2007) book, "The Panic of 1907" and on the Friedman and Schwartz (1963) book, "Monetary History of the U.S." The case allows for a contrast-and-compare exercise with the 2007 credit crunch in the United States.
Seasonal Differences in Predator-prey Behavior in Experimental Streams

Invertebrate prey have been shown to select suboptimal resource patches in the face of predation (the food-predation risk trade-off). The foraging strategy used by a predator and the environmental context under which an interaction occurs potentially mediates prey responses to predators. Here, I determined whether season, predator presence or alternative prey availability affected prey patch use when faced with a sit-and-wait predator from streams in southern Maine. In addition, instantaneous mortality rates and predator movement behavior were assessed as possible mechanisms explaining patch use by prey in different seasons. In the absence of predators, prey did not show any preference for substrate patches based on particle size. But, depending on prey type and season, substrate position in streams had a significant effect on prey survival. Mayflies survived most in summer when pebble substrates were located upstream whereas caddisfly survival was highest when pebble substrates were located downstream in winter. Season and taxa significantly affected instantaneous mortality rates, suggesting this predator responded differently to available prey in each season. Predators changed ambush positions in the streams significantly more during winter than during summer, both with and without prey present. The presence of caddisflies in mixed-prey trials reduced consumption of mayflies in summer, but increased their mortality in winter. Increased movement behavior of predators in winter may have led to greater encounters with prey, thus increasing winter mortality. Collectively, these data reveal season can influence the outcome of predator-prey interactions. Environmental context, as well as predation mode, is critical to predicting predation effects in macroinvertebrate communities. Further studies of the seasonal changes in organism-specific behavior are needed to evaluate the importance of biotic interactions in structuring stream communities.
High-speed trains: in microchannels?

Kahkeshani et al. ( J. Fluid Mech. , vol. 786, 2016, R3) have studied particle ordering in suspension flow in a rectangular microchannel. Experiments and numerical simulations reveal that inertial focusing and hydrodynamic interactions result in long-lived ‘trains’ of regularly spaced particles. The preferred spacing is frustrated at sufficient particle concentration, an important feature for applications.
ScaphoLunate Axis Method

Background Treating chronic scapholunate ligament injuries without the presence of arthritis remains an unsolved clinical problem facing wrist surgeons. This article highlights a technique for reconstructing the scapholunate ligament using novel fixation, the ScaphoLunate Axis Method (SLAM). Materials and Methods In a preliminary review of the early experience of this technique, 13 patients were evaluated following scapholunate ligament reconstruction utilizing the SLAM technique. Description of Techinque The scapholunate interval is reconstructed utilizing a palmaris longus autograft passed between the scaphoid and lunate along the axis of rotation in the sagittal plane. It is secured in the lunate using a graft anchor and in the scaphoid utilizing an interference screw. The remaining graft is passed dorsally to reconstruct the dorsal scapholunate ligament. Results At an average follow-up of 11 months, the mean postoperative scapholunate gap was 2.1 mm. The mean postoperative scapholunate angle was 59 degrees. The mean postoperative wrist flexion and extension was 45 and 56 degrees, respectively. The mean grip strength was 24.9 kg, or 62% of the contralateral side. The mean pain score (VAS) was 1.7. There was 1 failure with recurrence of the pathologic scapholunate gap and the onset of pain. Conclusion While chronic scapholunate ligament instability remains an unsolved problem facing wrist surgeons, newer techniques are directed toward restoring the normal relationships of the scaphoid and lunate in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The SLAM technique has demonstrated promise in preliminary clinical studies.
Simulations of Organic-tethered Silsesquioxane Nanocube Assemblies

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based materials are a class of organic/inorganic hybrid nanomaterials with many interesting properties. Recent experiments have demonstrated that self-assembly of tethered POSS nanocubes is a promising route to the synthesis of novel materials with highly ordered, complex nanostructures. Using a coarsegrained model developed for tethered POSS, we perform molecular simulations of POSS molecules tethered by short polymers to investigate how the novel architecture of these hybrid building blocks can be exploited to achieve useful structures via self-assembly. We systematically explore the parameters that control the assembly process and the resulting equilibrium structures, including concentration, temperature, tethered POSS molecular topology, and solvent conditions. We report preliminary results of lamellar and cylindrical structures that are typically found in conventional block copolymer and surfactant systems, but with interesting modifications of the phase behavior caused by the bulkiness and cubic geometry of the POSS molecules.
Frailty Is Associated With Increased Time on Ventilator in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: A Prospective Study

biventricular support (BVAD). This study examines the differences in outcomes in post-transplantation survival in patients with TAH or BVAD as BTT. Methods: Heart transplant patients listed in United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) from January 2005 to June 2013 (n= 14,707) were retrospectively investigated. Patients supported with either a TAH (n= 144) or BVAD (n= 330) before transplantation were evaluated. Post-transplantation Kaplan-Meier survival curves were examined. Cox regression model was used to study the hazard ratios for the association between TAH vs. BVAD support and post-transplant survival. Results: The median age of the study groups are 53±12 (TAH) and 51±13 (BVAD) years (range 18-74 years). There were more men, 89% vs 75%, in the TAH group (p< 0.0003) with greater BMIs, 26.9±4.7 vs 25.6±4.7, (p< 0.0001) compared to those with BVADs. The 30-day, one and two-year post-transplantation graft survival was 89.4%, 72.9%, and 61,8% respectively for patients with TAH support vs. 92.9% (p= 0.2), 84% (p= 0.03) and 79% (p= 0.01) for patients with BIVAD support. Cox regression model showed that pre-transplant creatinine (HR= 1.21, p= 0.008) is associated with a lower post-transplant survival. Conclusion: Although there has been a recent increase in the use of the TAH as BTT, BVAD support remains a viable option with potentially better posttransplant survival beyond one year.
Effect of ganglionic blockade on pressor responses to angiotensin II during converting enzyme inhibition.

AbstractDose-response curves to angiotensin II were consecutively performed in rats after anesthesia (pentobarbital 60 mg/kg ip), converting enzyme inhibition (SQ14225 1 mg/kg iv), and ganglionic blockade (pentolinium 10 mg/kg sc) to explore the participation of the sympathetic nervous system in the immediate pressor action of the peptide. Experiments were conducted after the animals were maintained on a sodium-deficient diet for 2 weeks. Converting enzyme inhibition was maintained during ganglionic blockade to avoid changes in the circulating level of endogenous angiotensin II which might be caused by the latter maneuver. SQ14225 caused a 35 ± 4 mm Hg (P < 0.001) fall in systolic pressure and a significant shift to the left of the dose-response curve to angiotensin II compared to that obtained after anesthesia alone. In contrast, pentolinium did not further modify responses to angiotensin II despite significantly lowering systolic blood pressure 49 ± 5 mm Hg (P < 0.001). Our data confirm that a major det...
Reduction of cerebral palsy by neonatal intensive care.

The incidence of cerebral palsy and its attendant neonatal mortality have declined since the advent of neonatal intensive care in spite of the increased survival of low birth weight infants.
Performing Gender in a Modern Economic Zone

Despite long hours of often monotonous labor in difficult conditions, women working in the Dalian Economic Zone in Northeast China refer to the zone and their lives there as “paradise.” Whether or not the DEZ is truly a “paradise” is less important than how such a statement reveals how positively some women feel about where they are living. They speak glowingly of their lives in Dalian, ready to point out how they lucky they are.
Sleep Deprivation and Behavioral Risk-Taking

Sleep deprivation temporarily alters brain functioning, particularly within the prefrontal cortex, the region most involved in regulating and modulating behavior. Some of these changes may affect cognitive processes that increase the propensity to engage in risk-taking behavior. Risk-taking can result from alterations in elementary cognitive functions, such as simple attention and lack of awareness of deficits, induced by sleep loss. Sleep loss can also increase risk-taking by reducing inhibitory capacity or by changing subjective willingness to engage in risk. At the highest levels, sleep loss can change behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors that alter the willingness to take risks. Most research supports the hypothesis that sleep deprivation increases many aspects of risk-taking, including simple impairments in attention and judgment, greater willingness to accept risk, and a tendency to focus on short-term rather than long-term consequences, but it may also reduce the effort that individuals are willing to devote toward risky behavior.
Tumor glucose utilization predicts response to epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitors

500 Objectives: Small molecule inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase have recently been approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. However, only a minority of patients benefits from this new targeted therapy and there are no established markers to accurately predict treatment response. We investigated whether responding tumors can be identified by measuring treatment-induced changes in tumor glucose utilization by FDG-PET. Methods: Cells were treated in-vitro with the EGFR kinase inhibitor Gefitinib (0.2-20µM) from 2 hrs to 4 days. Cell uptake of FDG was determined at various times after start of treatment and compared with the uptake of [18F]fluorothymidine (FLT), cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis analysis. In order to characterize the mechanisms underlying treatment-induced changes in FDG-uptake, glucose transport rates were measured by the metabolically stable glucose analog [3H]3-O-Methylglucose. Furthermore, the levels of glucose transporter proteins in cytosolic and membrane fractions were analyzed by Western blots. Hexokinase activity was measured by a spectrophotometric assay. FDG uptake in vivo was assessed by microPET imaging of tumor xenografts in SCID mice. Results: In Gefitinib-sensitive cells, there was a dramatic (>60%) decrease in FDG uptake as early as 2 hours after treatment. Immunoblots demonstrated translocation of glucose transporters from the plasma membrane to the cytosol; glucose transport rates were reduced 2.6-fold at this time. There was also a 20% reduction of hexokinase activity. These metabolic alterations preceded changes in S phase fraction, FLT uptake, and apoptosis. The reduction of FDG-uptake paralleled the inhibition of the phosphorylation of AKT, a kinase downstream of EGFR, which is involved in regulation of glucose metabolism and apoptosis. MicroPET studies demonstrated an up to 60% decrease of tumor FDG uptake in sensitive xenografts two days after start of Gefitinib therapy (2x70mg/kg/day). In contrast, Gefitinib-resistant cells exhibited no measurable changes in FDG uptake, either in cell culture or in vivo. Conclusions: Glucose metabolic activity closely reflects response to Gefitinib therapy. FDG-PET may be a valuable clinical predictor, early in the course of treatment, for therapeutic responses to EGFR kinase inhibitors.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Impact of Neighborhood Social and Built Environment on Breast Cancer Risk: The Neighborhoods and Breast Cancer Study

Background: Neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES) has been found to be associated with breast cancer risk. It remains unclear whether this association applies across racial/ethnic groups independent of individual-level factors and is attributable to other neighborhood characteristics.Methods: We examined the independent and joint associations of education and nSES with odds of breast cancer. Residential addresses were geocoded for 2,838 cases and 3,117 controls and linked to nSES and social and built environment characteristics. We estimated ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multilevel logistic regression controlling for individual-level breast cancer risk factors and assessed the extent to which nSES associations were due to neighborhood characteristics.Results: Women living in the highest versus lowest nSES quintile had a nearly 2-fold greater odds of breast cancer, with elevated odds (adjusted ORs, 95% CI) for non-Hispanic whites (NHWs; 2.27; 1.45-3.56), African Americans (1.74; 1.07-2.83), U.S.-born Hispanics (1.82; 1.19-2.79), and foreign-born Hispanics (1.83; 1.06-3.17). Considering education and nSES jointly, ORs were increased for low education/high nSES NHWs (1.83; 1.14-2.95), high education/high nSES NHWs (1.64; 1.06-2.54), and high education/high nSES foreign-born Hispanics (2.17; 1.52-3.09) relative to their race/ethnicity/nativity-specific low education/low nSES counterparts. Adjustment for urban and mixed-land use characteristics attenuated the nSES associations for most racial/ethnic/nativity groups except NHWs.Conclusions: Our study provides empirical evidence for a role of neighborhood environments in breast cancer risk, specifically social and built environment attributes.Impact: Considering the role of neighborhood characteristics among diverse populations may offer insights to understand racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(4); 541-52. ©2017 AACR.
Glandular Hypertrophy and Ulceration along the Tail Dorsum of a Spotted Salamander, Ambystoma maculatum

ABSTRACT An adult female spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, developed multiple tail cysts and subsequently died. Histopathology demonstrated hypertrophied and cystic cutaneous granular glands that had ruptured and ulcerated. This is the first report of this condition in captive or wild specimens. In the wild, salamanders use these gland secretions for predator determent and, in at least one species, as food depots during periods of starvation.
Neurodegenerative Diseases as Protein Folding Disorders

Abstract This chapter focuses on the misbehavior of key proteins that are aberrantly misfolded or misassembled, leading to neuronal loss producing motor or cognitive impairments found in many neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington’s disease. These amyloid aggregates are distinguished by characteristic β-sheet structures that can form long fibrils as well as recruit and convert protein that has not yet misfolded. Indeed, because amyloid formation results in a heterogeneous mix of many oligomeric, prefibrillar, and fibrillar structures, determining the toxic aggregated species has been difficult, and current therapeutics have failed to prevent the pathology caused by these proteins. Here we provide background on protein folding regulatory processes as well as illustrate certain determinants for protein misfolding. We will also describe current hypotheses on how protein aggregates cause cellular stress and neurodegeneration and provide an overview of new early detection and therapeutic strategies.
Simulations of Suspended Sediment Transport Using Low-Reynolds-Number Turbulence Models with a Unified Mesh

AbstractThis paper presents the application of a computationally convenient and physically consistent numerical approach to specify boundary conditions for suspended sediment (SS) with low-Reynolds...