cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in regional blood flow responses to vasopressin in conscious rats

The greater pressor response to vasopressin in male than in nonestrous female rats results from a greater increase in total peripheral resistance in males. The present study was performed to identify the vascular beds that contribute to this difference. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and changes in blood flow in the mesenteric and renal arteries and terminal aorta were measured in conscious male and nonestrous female rats 3 h after surgery. Graded intravenous infusions of vasopressin induced greater increases in MABP and mesenteric vascular resistance and a greater decrease in mesenteric blood flow in males. Vasopressin also increased renal vascular resistance to a greater extent in males. Because renal blood flow remained unchanged, this difference may be due to autoregulation. The vasopressin-induced reduction in blood flow and increased resistance in the hindquarters were moderate and did not differ between sexes. Thus the greater vasoconstrictor response to vasopressin in the mesenteric vascular bed of male than nonestrous females contributed importantly to the sexually dimorphic pressor response to vasopressin in these experiments.
Effect of Shen Qi Zhi Xue Capsule on expression levels of VEGF and bFGF in endometrium of rats

Objective To investigate the effect of Shen Qi Zhi Xue Capsule(SQZC) on expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) in endometrium of rats,then to explore the mechanism of SQZC on treated dysfunctional uterine bleeding.Methods Model rats of proliferative endometrium were established by diethylstilbestrol(1 mg/kg) intragastric administration for ten days.The model rats were randomly divided into 360,180,90 mg/kg of SQZC and model groups.The expression levels of VEGF and bFGF were determined by immunohistochemical SP method.Results The expression levels of VEGF and bFGF were much higher in the model group than those in control group(P0.05).The expression levels of VEGF and bFGF in 180 mg/kg and 360 mg/kg of SQZC groups compared with model group,the differences were significant(P0.05).Conclusion SQZC on rat with endometrium has obvious opsonic and protective effect,which may be related to the inhibition of VEGF and bFGF hypernomic expression in endometrium.
Ureteroiliac vein fistula associated with a polyethylene indwelling ureteral stent.

AbstractWe report a case of a ureteroiliac vein fistula as a possible complication of an indwelling ureteral stent.
Design and Modular Construction of a Polymeric Nanoparticle for Targeted Atherosclerosis Positron Emission Tomography Imaging: A Story of 25% (64)Cu-CANF-Comb.

To assess the physicochemical properties, pharmacokinetic profiles, and in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of natriuretic peptide clearance receptors (NPRC) expressed on atherosclerotic plaque of a series of targeted, polymeric nanoparticles. To control their structure, non-targeted and targeted polymeric (comb) nanoparticles, conjugated with various amounts of c-atrial natriuretic peptide (CANF, 0, 5, 10 and 25%), were synthesized by controlled and modular chemistry. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation of these nanoparticles was performed in wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 mice after 64Cu radiolabeling. PET imaging was performed on an apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE−/−) mouse atherosclerosis model to assess the NPRC targeting efficiency. For comparison, an in vivo blood metabolism study was carried out in WT mice. All three 64Cu-CANF-comb nanoparticles showed improved biodistribution profiles, including significantly reduced accumulation in both liver and spleen, compared to the non-targeted 64Cu-comb. Of the three nanoparticles, the 25% 64Cu-CANF-comb demonstrated the best NPRC targeting specificity and sensitivity in ApoE−/− mice. Metabolism studies showed that the radiolabeled CANF-comb was stable in blood up to 9 days. Histopathological analyses confirmed the up-regulation of NPRC along the progression of atherosclerosis. The 25% 64Cu-CANF-comb demonstrated its potential as a PET imaging agent to detect atherosclerosis progression and status.
Multi-Core Architectures for Embedded Systems

Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27There are many interesting “laws” in the folklore of Information Technology. One of them, attributed to Niklaus Wirth, states that software is slowing faster than hardware is accelerating-a testimonial to the irony of modernday system design. The “slowing down” in Wirth’s law can refer to both the run-time performance as well as software development time. Due to time-tomarket pressure, the software designers do not have the luxury of optimizing the code. Software development for modern systems often happens in parallel to the development of the hardware platform, using simulation models of the target hardware. There is increased pressure on software developers to reuse existing IP, which may come from multiple sources, in various degrees of softness. Compilers and software optimization tools either do not exist, have limited capabilities, or are not available during the crucial periods of system development. Due to these reasons, application software development is a slow and daunting task, rarely permitting the use of advanced features supported in hardware due to lack of automated tools. It is quite common for software developers (e.g., video games) to resort to manual assembly-language coding.
Integrative transcriptomic meta-analysis of Parkinson’s disease and depression identifies NAMPT as a potential blood biomarker for de novo Parkinson’s disease

Emerging research indicates that depression could be one of the earliest prodromal symptoms or risk factors associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, but the mechanisms underlying the association between both diseases remains unknown. Understanding the molecular networks linking these diseases could facilitate the discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutics. Transcriptomic meta-analysis and network analysis of blood microarrays from untreated patients with PD and depression identified genes enriched in pathways related to the immune system, metabolism of lipids, glucose, fatty acids, nicotinamide, lysosome, insulin signaling and type 1 diabetes. Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), an adipokine that plays a role in lipid and glucose metabolism, was identified as the most significant dysregulated gene. Relative abundance of NAMPT was upregulated in blood of 99 early stage and drug-naive PD patients compared to 101 healthy controls (HC) nested in the cross-sectional Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Thus, here we demonstrate that shared molecular networks between PD and depression provide an additional source of biologically relevant biomarkers. Evaluation of NAMPT in a larger prospective longitudinal study including samples from other neurodegenerative diseases, and patients at risk of PD is warranted.
Smartphone-based personalized blood glucose prediction

Abstract Effective blood glucose control is essential for patients with diabetes. However, individual patients may not be able to monitor their blood glucose level regularly because of all manner of real-life interference. In this paper, we propose a personalized diabetes prediction mechanism that leverages smartphone-collected patient data and population data to drive personalized prediction. Unlike existing predictive models, this model utilizes pooled population data and captures patient similarities, and eventually produces a personalized blood glucose prediction for an individual. We have implemented the proposed model as a mobile application and have performed extensive experiments to evaluate its performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed prediction mechanism can improve the prediction accuracy and remedy the problem of sparse data in the existing approaches.
Outcomes in Older Adults with Multimorbidity Associated with Predominant Provider of Care Specialty

Objectives To determine whether receiving the predominance of ambulatory visits from a primary care provider compared to a specialty provider is associated with better outcomes in older adults with multi morbidity. Design Observational study using propensity score matching. Setting Medicare fee-for-service, 2011–12. Participants Beneficiaries aged 65 and older with multimorbidity. Measurements The independent variable was an indicator for having a specialty (versus primary care) as the predominant provider of care (PPC). Main outcomes were 1-year mortality, hospitalization, standardized expenditures, and ambulatory visit patterns. RESULTS: Two-thirds of 3,934,942 beneficiaries with multimorbidity had a primary care provider as their PPC. Individuals with a specialty PPC had more hospitalizations (40.3 more per 1,000) and higher spending ($1,781 more per beneficiary) than those with a primary care PPC, but there was little difference in mortality (0.2% higher) or preventable hospitalizations. Spending differences were largest for professional fees ($769 higher per beneficiary), inpatient stays ($572 higher per beneficiary), and outpatient facilities ($510 higher per beneficiary) (all P < .001). In addition, people with a specialist PPC had lower continuity of care and saw more providers. Conclusions Older adults with multimorbidity with a specialist as their main ambulatory care provider had higher spending and lower continuity of care than those whose PPC was in primary care but similar clinical outcomes.
Just another platform for television? The emerging web dramas as digital culture in South Korea:

Web dramas, which are original serialized dramas that are released primarily on online platforms, are a recent development of digital content in South Korea. As web dramas are intended for mobile viewing environments, this study examines how distribution influenced this emerging form. Particularly, it argues for the consideration of the power of distribution, which does not happen as an afterthought or separate from other areas, but can wield influence on the production, finances, and other business practices of web dramas. Audiences are envisioned as viewing web dramas on the go, so web dramas were only several minutes per episode with simple storylines to maintain the audiences’ attention. The insufficient revenue policy of the existing platforms have led web dramas to seek other alternatives within traditional media structures, where they are positioned primarily as another platform for television industries to explore or rely on the branded entertainment strategy, catering to the business sponsors’ de...
Shape Design Sensitivity Analysis of Nonlinear Nonconservative Structural Pproblems

The problem of design sensitivity analysis of nonlinear nonconservative systems is addressed using the continuum formulation. The principle of virtual work is used as the starting point and both the adjoint and direct variations methods are derived. Relative advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches for the history dependent problems are analyzed and discussed. The concept of reference domain is used to transform the problem to a fixed domain. This way, shape and nonshape design problems can be treated in a unified manner. The major effect of nonconservativeness of the problem is that the system matrices are asymmetric when the problem is discretized. Another major difference compared to other problems is that even for design sensitivity analysis, iterations are needed during solution of the sensitivity equations at the beginning of each load increment. Due to these reasons, the computational effort for such problems can be enormous.
A Mangled Educational Policy Discourse Analysis for the Anthropocene

In this chapter, we present policy discourse analysis (PDA) as a method for critical policy studies in education. After reviewing key tenets and exemplars of PDA, we suggest a post-humanist (and materialist) addendum to the method, emplacing it within our current geologic period, the Anthropocene, in which humans are the primary agents of affect and effect on the planet. Applied to PDA in education, the Anthropocene begs attention be paid to non-human agencies produced through policy-as-discourse and the consequences thereof. We build upon the discursive commitments of third-generation policy research by insisting—and illustrating—how discourse and materiality are entangled in the production of realities.
Synthesis and characterization of soybean oil-based waxes and their application as paraffin substitute for corrugated coating

Abstract This study focused on modifying the structure of acyl lipid to obtain waxes with desirable properties of paraffin. Structure–function relationships were investigated and established. An increase in chain length significantly increased the hardness of esters. A hydroxyl group on the end of a linear monoester chain further increased hardness. Addition of pendent hydroxyl group increased the cohesiveness of ethylene glycol mono and diesters (EGMD). Incorporating ether groups into diester also significantly increased cohesiveness. Two potential paraffin substitutes were identified. Hydrophobic particles significantly improved water resistance and wet strength of the cardboards and a coating performance competitive to paraffin was achieved.
METHYLATION IN CELLULAR MEMBRANES OF FRIEND VIRUS TUMORS OF MICE

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the principles of methylation in the cellular membranes of friend virus tumors of mice. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the major lipid in all cellular membranes. PC biosynthesis occurs by two major different pathways. One pathway involves the methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to phosphatidylcholine. This pathway is catalyzed by endoplasmic reticulum membrane enzyme—phosphatidylethanolamine methyl transferase (PEMT)—and requires three S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) for methyl groups to produce three S-adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy). It is known that AdoHcy is a competitive inhibitor of PEMT. The second pathway of PC biosynthesis is catalyzed by choline phosphotransferase. The phospholipid methylation of PE to PC can alter the structure and function of biomembranes. The phosphatidylcholines produced by the methylation pathway have more polyunsaturated fatty acids than PC from the CDP-choline pathway.
Closed Strings and Witten’s String Field Theory

This talk is an introduction to work done in the last year[1–3], concerning closed strings as they enter an open string theory. That open string theory contained closed string singularities has been known since 1970[4]. In 1971, Lovelace pointed out[5] that these could be a healthy property of the theory if only we were willing to increase our dimensionality to 26. The detailed form of the closed string contributions was given, in terms of an open string — closed string transition[6] operator β0, by early 1973. The transition operator β0 was found by reexpressing the non-planar one-loop diagram for open strings in terms of a tree graph containing the open-closed transition twice and a modified closed string propagator. It did not have a straight-forward functional integral or overlap interpretation. All of this work was done in the “old covariant” formalism before the string paper of GGRT[7], which was crucial in converting people to the light-cone.
A case-based reasoning approach for automating disassembly process planning

One of the first processes for preparing a product for reuse, remanufacture or recycle is disassembly. Disassembly is the process of systematic removal of desirable constituents from the original assembly so that there is no impairment to any useful component. As the number of components in a product increases, the time required for disassembly, as well as the complexity of planning for disassembly rises. Thus, it is important to have the capability to generate disassembly process plans quickly in order to prevent interruptions in processing especially when multiple products are involved. Case-based reasoning (CBR) approach can provide such a capability. CBR allows a process planner to rapidly retrieve, reuse, revise, and retain solutions to past disassembly problems. Once a planning problem has been solved and stored in the case memory, a planner can retrieve and reuse the product's disassembly process plan at any time. The planner can also adapt an original plan for a new product, which does not have an existing plan in case memory. Following adaptation and application, a successful plan is retained in the case memory for future use. This paper presents the procedures to initialize a case memory for different product platforms, and to operate a CBR system, which can be used to plan disassembly processes. The procedures are illustrated using examples.
Flow Interactions Between Streamwise-Aligned Tandem Cylinders in Turbulent Channel Flow

The flow interactions between streamwise-aligned wall-mounted circular cylinders is studied experimentally to explore shear-layer interactions that lead to modifications of the flow around the down...
Samuel Palmer, John Martin, and John Sell Cotman: Visions of Paradise in the Eye of the Beholder?

This article considers how a viewer identifies spiritual meaning in landscape images of the Romantic era as well as the role of artists’ statements about their work in a viewer’s interpretive process. It examines landscapes by Samuel Palmer and John Martin, two early nineteenth-century British artists known for the spiritual content of their work, and the connection between the work and their published statements about it. The article also considers the “secular” landscapes by their contemporary John Sell Cotman for the work’s possible spiritual meaning despite the absence of published comments by the artist on the subject.
Race and class silences in teacher education: resisting strategy-based approaches to literacy methods instruction

This article draws on qualitative and practitioner research methodologies to unpack one critical incident from an undergraduate literacy methods course in which possessing complex understandings of...
Chemical Detection of Intraguild Predators (Gyrinophilus, Pseudotriton) by Streamside Plethodontid Salamanders (Eurycea)

To examine whether chemical cues from intraguild predators may affect microhabitat selection by plethodontid salamanders of the genus Eurycea, we tested metamorphosed individuals for the ability to discriminate among odors from 3 larger salamander species. Metamorphosed individuals of Eurycea and 2 of the larger species (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus [Spring Salamander] and Pseudotriton ruber [Red Salamander]) are semiaquatic and often inhabit streamside environments, whereas individuals of the third of the larger species, Plethodon glutinosus (Northern Slimy Salamander), are strictly terrestrial and primarily inhabit woodlands. In the lab, we placed each Eurycea individual in a petri dish with 2 substrate choices. One substrate had chemical cues (i.e., skin secretions and wastes deposited for 6 d) from an adult individual of 1 of the 3 large salamander species, whereas the other substrate had chemical cues from an adult individual of a small Plethodon species (P. dorsalis [Northern Zigzag Salamander] or P. ventralis [Southern Zigzag Salamander]). We recorded the location of each individual on either substrate at 3-min intervals for 2 h. For individuals of both Eurycea cirrigera (Southern Two-lined Salamander) and E. longicauda (Long-tailed Salamander), we tested different experimental groups with the odor of 1 large salamander species. Our results indicate that Southern Two-lined Salamander individuals in Kentucky avoid chemical cues from Spring Salamander and Red Salamander, but not Northern Slimy Salamander. Individuals of both Southern Two-lined Salamander and Long-tailed Salamander in Alabama avoid chemical cues from Red Salamander, but not Northern Slimy Salamander. Spring Salamander and Red Salamander often prey on salamanders, whereas Plethodon rarely do; thus, we conclude that individuals of different Eurycea species and populations distinguish the odors of salamander species that are potential predators.
Chemoprevention of Mammary Cancer by Retinoids

Chemoprevention of cancer centers on the early stages of the carcinogenic process. Chemopreventive agents as opposed to chemotherapeutic agents should either 1) inhibit or prevent initiation, 2) arrest or prevent the progression of premalignant cells, or 3) delay or prevent the development of invasive, malignant disease. Since, for the most part, initiation in the human population is unknown, chemoprevention studies in experimental animals have focused on the latter two processes. For an agent to achieve a chemopreventive role, it should enhance the physiological processes that protect the organism against the growth of abnormal cells with a potential of developing into an invasive cancer.
Thermal Diffusion Factor of 3He-4He Mixtures: A Test of the Helium Interaction Potential

The thermal diffusion factor α T is a particularly useful property for investigating the intermolecular force law because of its enhanced sensitivity to the interaction. Because of this, and because of the lack of experimental data for this property at low temperatures, it was the objective of the present work to measure the composition dependence of α T at several low temperatures and compare the results to several realistic helium intermolecular potentials. An experimental determination of α T is usually made by placing a binary mixture of gases (or isotopes) in a temperature gradient and allowing the slight separation to occur, after which the composition is determined in the hot and cold regions. The process is described by the mass flux equation for a binary mixture in a one-dimensional temperature gradient, which must be in the vertical direction in order to eliminate convection.
Program representation for automatic hint generation for a data-driven novice programming tutor

We describe a new technique to represent, classify, and use programs written by novices as a base for automatic hint generation for programming tutors. The proposed linkage graph representation is used to record and reuse student work as a domain model, and we use an overlay comparison to compare in-progress work with complete solutions in a twist on the classic approach to hint generation. Hint annotation is a time consuming component of developing intelligent tutoring systems. Our approach uses educational data mining and machine learning techniques to automate the creation of a domain model and hints from student problem-solving data. We evaluate the approach with a sample of partial and complete, novice programs and show that our algorithms can be used to generate hints over 80 percent of the time. This promising rate shows that the approach has potential to be a source for automatically generated hints for novice programmers.
Low Temperature Dry Scrubbing/LEC Process Support

Dry scrubbing that takes place after the air preheater (<350°F) is the mode of operation that is the primary focus of this chapter. At the relatively low temperatures that occur in this region of operation, the rate of the gas-solid reaction that drives SO2 capture in the convective (800–1200°F) and the combustion (1600–2400°F) zones is too slow to be significant. At lower temperatures, the presence of either liquid-phase or vapor-phase water is required in order to mediate SO2 capture and to produce reasonable capture rates.
Development of Laser-Collision Induced Fluorescence for Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Generated in Helium Atmospheres

The implementation and demonstration of laser-collision induced fluorescence (LCIF) generated in atmospheric pressure helium environments is presented in this communication. As collision times are observed to be fast (~ 10 ns), ultrashort pulse laser excitation (< 100 fs) of the 23S to 33P (388.9 nm) is utilized to initiation the LCIF process. Both neutral induced and electron induced components of the LCIF are observed in helium afterglow plasma as the reduced electric field (E/N) is tuned from < 0.1 Td to over 5 Td. Under the discharge conditions presented in this study (640 Torr He), the lower limit of electron density detection is ~ 1012 e/cm3. Spatial profiles of the 23S helium metastable and electrons are presented as functions of E/N to demonstrate the spatial resolving capabilities of the LCIF method.
Minimal Disturbed Bits in Writing Resistive Crossbar Memories

Resistive memories are promising candidates for non-volatile memories. Write disturb is one of problems that facing this kind of memories. In this paper, the write disturb problem is mathematically formulated in terms of the bias parameters and optimized analytically. A closed form solution for the optimal bias parameters is calculated. Results are compared with the 1/2 and 1/3 bias schemes showing a significant improvement.
Effect of Non-parallel Applicator Insertion on 2.45 GHz Microwave Ablation Zone Size and Shape

Microwave ablation is used clinically to thermally ablate cancerous tissue in the liver and other organs. Physicians may use multiple applicators simultaneously when treating large tumor volumes. Preclinical simulation and experimental studies most often presume parallel insertion of applicators. However, due to anatomical constraints, such as the presence of ribs and the diaphragm, it may be challenging to insert applicators in a parallel configuration. Here, we describe computational models of dual-antenna microwave ablation that account for the effects of temperature-dependent changes in tissue properties. We have also implemented a system for experimental assessment of dual-antenna microwave ablation profiles in ex vivo tissues. Utilizing 3D printing, we have constructed a device that precisely positions antennas within experimental tissue samples and allows for accurate sectioning of the ablation zone relative to the plane of antenna insertion. Furthermore, we implemented image processing techniques for quantifying the size and shape of experimental ablation zones. This enables more accurate and repeatable comparisons of ablation profiles between simulations and experiments. We found that for an inter-antenna spacing ranging from 10 to 20 mm, simulations and experiments indicated that non-parallel antenna insertion results in ablation zone volumes that may change by up to 30%.
Abstract TP196: Utility of CHADVASC2 Score in Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Carotid Angioplasty & Stent Placement

Background: CHA2DS2-VASc score is used for stroke risk stratification in atrial fibrillation patients. We considered the possible use of the CHA2DS2Vasc score to predict perioperative stroke and su...
High ductility aluminum alloy made from powder by friction extrusion

Abstract Friction extrusion has been used to consolidate and extrude aluminum alloy powder into bulk nanostructured rods. Extrudates exhibited 450 MPa ultimate tensile strength, 380 MPa yield strength, and 15.7% elongation at ambient temperature. Twice the elongation was achieved compared to conventional direct extrusion of the same material, with similar ultimate and yield strengths, and is attributed to extensive reduction of the matrix grain size and refinement and redistribution of nanoscale second phases. Quasicrystalline approximants within the starting powder were not observed in the extrudate, indicating shear processing was effective in solutionizing some fraction of the alloying elements and re-precipitating them as second phase nanoscale intermetallics.
Topology Control in Power System Using Visualization

Topology control (TC) issues would require applying mixed integer linear programming (MILP) or mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) to resolve. This paper strives to explore a new way to solve the TC problem. Visualization in scientific computing aims to provide visualized interaction between simulation and computation so that researchers can more intuitively observe the science laws of the object. Relying on humans powerful visual ability, valuable information can be found from the graphical results, and ultimately lead to the best solution. In transmission network, it is proposed that, from the parallel coordinates of the load changing, all the possible switching options can be obtained. Among these options, the best switching line is included, and possible switching options can be greatly reduced. IEEE 30-bus case for transmission system is utilized in this research. Contour plots for voltage profiles are applied to verify selections from parallel coordinates out of all 41 branches.
Analysis of serological test results of malaria in new students of technical secondary schools and universities in Guilin City, 2010-2012

Objective To analyze results of malaria indirect fluorescent antibody test(IFAT) of college freshman in Guilin from 2010 to 2012, to understand malaria prevalence in the freshman from different provinces, and provide the basis for post-management policies of eliminating malaria. Methods Peripheral blood of the freshman in Guilin from 2010 to 2012 was collected for serological testing, and the results were analyzed. Results There were 101 721 of freshman accepted malaria serological testing, aged from 16 to 22 years old, male to female ratio of 1.36∶1. The positive rate of serological testing was 4.09/10 000 for the male and 4.13/10 000 for the female. The positive rate of IFAT was 0.82/10 000 of the freshman born in Guilin, 19.92/10 000 in Hainan, 12.26/10 000 in Guizhou, 9.04/10 000 in Yunnan, 8.24/10 000 in Sichuan, 8.01/10 000 in Henan, 3.49/10 000 in Hubei, respectively, while it was 1.12/10 000 of the freshman born in other provinces.Conclusions IFAT positive rate of the freshman born in Guilin is significantly lower than that in the endemic areas, managing floating population to prevent imported cases is the key to malaria prevention and control in Guilin.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson Disease: A Review

Importance Parkinson disease is the most common form of parkinsonism, a group of neurological disorders with Parkinson disease–like movement problems such as rigidity, slowness, and tremor. More than 6 million individuals worldwide have Parkinson disease. Observations Diagnosis of Parkinson disease is based on history and examination. History can include prodromal features (eg, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, hyposmia, constipation), characteristic movement difficulty (eg, tremor, stiffness, slowness), and psychological or cognitive problems (eg, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety). Examination typically demonstrates bradykinesia with tremor, rigidity, or both. Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography can improve the accuracy of diagnosis when the presence of parkinsonism is uncertain. Parkinson disease has multiple disease variants with different prognoses. Individuals with a diffuse malignant subtype (9%-16% of individuals with Parkinson disease) have prominent early motor and nonmotor symptoms, poor response to medication, and faster disease progression. Individuals with mild motor-predominant Parkinson disease (49%-53% of individuals with Parkinson disease) have mild symptoms, a good response to dopaminergic medications (eg, carbidopa-levodopa, dopamine agonists), and slower disease progression. Other individuals have an intermediate subtype. For all patients with Parkinson disease, treatment is symptomatic, focused on improvement in motor (eg, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) and nonmotor (eg, constipation, cognition, mood, sleep) signs and symptoms. No disease-modifying pharmacologic treatments are available. Dopamine-based therapies typically help initial motor symptoms. Nonmotor symptoms require nondopaminergic approaches (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for psychiatric symptoms, cholinesterase inhibitors for cognition). Rehabilitative therapy and exercise complement pharmacologic treatments. Individuals experiencing complications, such as worsening symptoms and functional impairment when a medication dose wears off (“off periods”), medication-resistant tremor, and dyskinesias, benefit from advanced treatments such as therapy with levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension or deep brain stimulation. Palliative care is part of Parkinson disease management. Conclusions and Relevance Parkinson disease is a heterogeneous disease with rapidly and slowly progressive forms. Treatment involves pharmacologic approaches (typically with levodopa preparations prescribed with or without other medications) and nonpharmacologic approaches (such as exercise and physical, occupational, and speech therapies). Approaches such as deep brain stimulation and treatment with levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension can help individuals with medication-resistant tremor, worsening symptoms when the medication wears off, and dyskinesias.
Badly Equipped, Under-financed, Technologically Backward but Splendidly Uniformed: A Brief View into Austria- Hungary’s Efforts in the Eastern Front and the Battle of Galicia

The purpose of this study was to research the role that Austria-Hungary played in the Eastern Front of the First World War. Specifically, there is research into their clumsy actions in the tragic battle of Galicia. The research was conducted through the works of several historians that focus on Austria-Hungary and Russia in the First World War. Overall, the weak leadership, trans cultural makeup of the army, and the sheer numbers of the imperial Russian Army resulted in a complete rout in both the Battle of Galicia and the Brusilov Offensive. If it had not been for the sheer power and efficiency of Germany, the Austro-Hungary Empire would have capitulated to Russia in the first year of the war.
Bullying, School Violence, and Climate in Evolving Contexts: Culture, Organization, and Time

This book is an update to a previous volume that was published in 2005 by the same authors. It was in that volume the authors first presented a new model for examining bullying and school violence ...
On Mixed-Integer Programming Formulations for the Unit Commitment Problem

We provide a comprehensive overview of mixed-integer programming formulations for the unit commitment (UC) problem. UC formulations have been an especially active area of research over the past 12 ...
Central skull base osteomyelitis manifesting with a preclival mass and internal carotid artery mycotic aneurysm.

Abstract Central skull base osteomyelitis is a rare entity that can demonstrate confounding radiologic, clinical, and laboratory data leading to a delay in diagnosis. The morbidity and mortality for skull base osteomyelitis are both high, thus a rapid diagnosis is required for appropriate treatment. In this case report, we discuss a 68-year-old male who presented with acute left facial nerve paralysis in the setting of chronic headache and left mucoid middle ear effusion. Radiologic evaluation revealed abnormal hypointense marrow of the central skull base on T1 weighted magnetic resonance imaging, preclival mass-like tissue, and short segment luminal narrowing of the left cervical ICA with mycotic aneurysm formation. Extensive workup via a multidisciplinary approach, including neurology, otolaryngology, neurosurgery and radiology led to a diagnosis of central skull base osteomyelitis. A familiarity of this disease process is important for the radiologist in order to facilitate appropriate patient referral and treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis in the setting of headache, cranial neuropathy, and abnormal skull base imaging with adjacent preclival soft tissue mass.
Dynamic Luminal Topography: A Potential Strategy to Prevent Vascular Graft Thrombosis.

Aim Biologic interfaces play important roles in tissue function. The vascular lumen-blood interface represents a surface where dynamic interactions between the endothelium and circulating blood cells are critical in preventing thrombosis. The arterial lumen possesses a uniform wrinkled surface determined by the underlying internal elastic lamina. The function of this structure is not known, but computational analyses of artificial surfaces with dynamic topography, oscillating between smooth and wrinkled configurations, support the ability of this surface structure to shed adherent material (Genzer and Groenewold, 2006; Bixler and Bhushan, 2012; Li et al., 2014). We hypothesized that incorporating a luminal surface capable of cyclical wrinkling/flattening during the cardiac cycle into vascular graft technology may represent a novel mechanism of resisting platelet adhesion and thrombosis. Methods and results Bilayer silicone grafts possessing luminal corrugations that cyclically wrinkle and flatten during pulsatile flow were fabricated based on material strain mismatch. When placed into a pulsatile flow circuit with activated platelets, these grafts exhibited significantly reduced platelet deposition compared to grafts with smooth luminal surfaces. Constrained wrinkled grafts with static topography during pulsatile flow were more susceptible to platelet accumulation than dynamic wrinkled grafts and behaved similar to the smooth grafts under pulsatile flow. Wrinkled grafts under continuous flow conditions also exhibited marked increases in platelet accumulation. Conclusion These findings provide evidence that grafts with dynamic luminal topography resist platelet accumulation and support the application of this structure in vascular graft technology to improve the performance of prosthetic grafts. They also suggest that this corrugated structure in arteries may represent an inherent, self-cleaning mechanism in the vasculature.
The Influence of Increasing Levels of Provider-Patient Discussion on Quit Behavior: An Instrumental Variable Analysis of a National Survey.

Objective: We aimed to examine the influence of increasing levels of discussion (both asked and advised, either asked or advised but not both, and neither asked nor advised) on quit behavior. Methods: We included 4133 adult current smokers from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. The primary outcomes were quit intent and quit attempt, and the secondary outcomes were methods used for quitting. We used an instrumental variable analysis, as well as propensity score weighted and multivariable logistic regressions. Results: Compared to no discussion, having both or only one discussion, respectively, increased quit intent (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.63–1.66 and OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99–1.05), quit attempt (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.75–1.77 and OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.57–1.63). Among those who attempted to quit (n = 1536), having both or only one discussion increased the use of pharmacologic (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.97–2.02 and OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.49–1.63) or behavioral (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.94–2.08 and OR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.74–3.08) quit methods. Conclusions: Increasing levels of provider–patient discussion encourages quit behavior, and should be an integral part of reducing the health and economic burden of smoking. Strategies that promote the adherence and compliance of providers to communicate with patients may help increase the success of smoking cessation.
Cognitive profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder with parent-reported extraordinary talents and personal strengths.

It is essential to recognize the strengths and talents of autistic individuals. Previous studies of extraordinary talents (i.e. skills that stand out relative to the general population) have combin...
Comparative analysis of the combined petrosal and the pretemporal transcavernous anterior petrosal approach to the petroclival region.

OBJECTIVE The combined petrosal (CP) approach has been traditionally used to resect petroclival meningioma (PCM). The pretemporal transcavernous anterior petrosal (PTAP) approach has emerged as an alternative. A quantitative comparison of both approaches has not been made. This anatomical study compared the surgical corridors afforded by both approaches and identified key elements of the approach selection process. METHODS Twelve cadaveric specimens were dissected, and 10 were used for morphometric analysis. Groups A and B (n = 5 in each) underwent the CP and PTAP approaches, respectively. The area of drilled clivus, lengths of cranial nerves (CNs) II-X, length of posterior circulation vessels, surgical area of exposure of the brainstem, and angles of attack anterior and posterior to a common target were measured and compared. RESULTS The area of drilled clivus was significantly greater in group A than group B (mean ± SD 88.7 ± 17.1 mm2 vs 48.4 ± 17.9 mm2, p < 0.01). Longer segments of ipsilateral CN IV (52.4 ± 2.33 mm vs 46.5 ± 3.71 mm, p < 0.02), CN IX, and CN X (9.91 ± 3.21 mm vs 0.00 ± 0.00 mm, p < 0.01) were exposed in group A than group B. Shorter portions of CN II (9.31 ± 1.28 mm vs 17.6 ± 6.89 mm, p < 0.02) and V1 (26.9 ± 4.62 mm vs 32.4 ± 1.93 mm, p < 0.03) were exposed in group A than group B. Longer segments of ipsilateral superior cerebellar artery (SCA) were exposed in group A than group B (36.0 ± 4.91 mm vs 25.8 ± 3.55 mm, p < 0.02), but there was less exposure of contralateral SCA (0.00 ± 0.00 mm vs 7.95 ± 3.33 mm, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between groups with regard to the combined area of the exposed cerebral peduncles and pons (p = 0.75). Although exposure of the medulla was limited, group A had significantly greater exposure of the medulla than group B (p < 0.01). Finally, group A had a smaller anterior angle of attack than group B (24.1° ± 5.62° vs 34.8° ± 7.51°, p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to quantitatively identify the advantages and limitations of the CP and PTAP approaches from an anatomical perspective. Understanding these data will aid in designing maximally effective yet minimally invasive approaches to PCM.
Community Media: People, Places, and Communication Technologies

Introduction 1. Locating community media 2. Tracing the global through the local: perspectives on community media 3. Finding a spot on the dial: Firehouse Broadcasting from Bloomington, Indiana 4. Downtown Community Television: cultural politics and technological form 5. A poor people's press: Street Feat 6. Victoria's Network: (re) imagining community in the information age Conclusion References.
The use of multi-model ensembles of IPCC 4th Assessment Report climate simulations for projections of Bolivian precipitation and temperature

The temperature and precipitation changes for 2009-2098 were examined under the SRES A1B scenario. Twenty-three models were compared to observations from 1970-1999 of three variables: precipitation, temperature and mean sea level pressure. Demerit points were assigned to models using three systems: comparisons of seasonality, pattern correlations and magnitudes, and subzero pattern correlations. This resulted in nine total categories. If models were extreme in any three of the categories, they were not used in the projections. Sixteen models were selected to use in projections of future climate. These models were combined to achieve a multi-model ensemble. The multi-model trends for precipitation and temperature were analyzed along with the individual models with highest and lowest trends. Trends were analyzed for the whole Bolivian region, the Altiplano zone, and Amazon Basin zone. A trend of 0.408±0.005 K/decade was found for the multi-model average, which was significant above natural variability. The projected trends were much greater than the observed temperature trends from 1910-1999, which was 0.046±0.018 K/decade. In addition temperature trends were examined for the 30-year intervals of 2009-2028, 2029-2068, and 2069-2098. The annual precipitation trends were not significant above natural variability; however, there was a significant increase in summer precipitation over Bolivia and the Amazon Basin.
BGT: efficient and flexible genotype query across many samples.

Summary: BGT is a compact format, a fast command line tool and a simple web application for efficient and convenient query of whole-genome genotypes and frequencies across tens to hundreds of thousands of samples. On real data, it encodes the haplotypes of 32 488 samples across 39.2 million SNPs into a 7.4 GB database and decodes up to 420 million genotypes per CPU second. The high performance enables real-time responses to complex queries. Availability and implementation: https://github.com/lh3/bgt Contact: hengli@broadinstitute.org
US-US conditioning of the rabbit’s nictitating membrane response: Emergence of a conditioned response without alpha conditioning

Two experiments were conducted to examine whether classical conditioning of the rabbit’s nictitating membrane response (NMR) could be obtained when paraorbital electrical stimulation served as both the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (US). In Experiment 1, a range of stimulation intensities (0.1, 0.25, 0.5,1, and 2 mA) and durations (10, 25, 50, and 100 msec) were presented in order to detail the frequency, latency, amplitude, and duration of unconditioned responses (URs) to the paraorbital US. On the basis of the response characteristics obtained in Experiment 1, a set of stimulation values was adopted in Experiment 2 to (1) examine whether classical conditioning could be obtained when paraorbital electrical stimulation served as both the CS and the US, and (2) determine whether conditioning was related to the intensity of the CS. The data from Experiment 1 indicated that response frequency, amplitude, duration, latency, and peak latency were a function of stimulus intensity and duration. The results of Experiment 2 revealed significant levels of conditioned responding that emerged as a function of CS-US pairings. There were no systematic changes in the UR to the CS as a function of CS-US pairings. Moreover, the levels of conditioning obtained using a paraorbital CS were a function of CS intensity. The results are discussed in terms of the relevance of US-US conditioning studies to contemporary theories of associative learning and the search for the neural substrates of learning and memory.
Political Pilgrimages: American Presidents and Religious Communities, 1933–2012

From extended religious journeys to brief family vacations, pilgrimages can be powerful cultural experiences. This chapter focuses on what we call “political pilgrimages,” moments when a political leader takes a trip to give a speech to a distinctly religious audience or at a site imbued with religious meaning. Drawing upon concepts from our book, The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America, we develop a framework for understanding political pilgrimages and their importance in American politics. We track the contours of these pilgrimages across thirteen U.S. presidencies over eight decades. Three questions guide our analysis: To what extent do presidents engage in political pilgrimages? Where do presidents go when undertaking political pilgrimages? How do presidents talk about God and faith when undertaking political pilgrimages? Our analysis reveals that pilgrimages have become increasingly common over time, and that presidents vary widely in the extent to which they engage in them. Barack Obama broke with tradition to make far fewer pilgrimages than did his immediate predecessors. We also find that the typical presidential pilgrimage is to speak to a religious organization or meeting, rather than at a church, religious school, or foreign site. When speaking domestically, pilgrimage locations are remarkably limited. Many occur in Washington, DC, with the rest typically targeting a few very populous states. Presidents vary in the extent to which they talk about God and faith during their pilgrimages. Some variation is dependent on the site presidents are visiting, with pilgrimages to religious organizations and churches garnering more religious language than visits to religious schools and foreign sites. Recent presidents have been especially likely to invoke God and faith during their pilgrimages, a trend that corresponds to the heightened influence of Christian conservatives in the American political environment.