cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomic Analysis of East Asian and Non-Asian Helicobacter pylori Strains Identifies Rapidly Evolving Genes

Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for the development of gastric adenocarcinoma, a disease that has a high incidence in East Asia. Genes that are highly divergent in East Asian H. pylori strains compared to non-Asian strains are predicted to encode proteins that differ in functional activity and could represent novel determinants of virulence. To identify such proteins, we undertook a comparative analysis of sixteen H. pylori genomes, selected equally from strains classified as East Asian or non-Asian. As expected, the deduced sequences of two known virulence determinants (CagA and VacA) are highly divergent, with 77% and 87% mean amino acid sequence identities between East Asian and non-Asian groups, respectively. In total, we identified 57 protein sequences that are highly divergent between East Asian and non-Asian strains, but relatively conserved within East Asian strains. The most highly represented functional groups are hypothetical proteins, cell envelope proteins and proteins involved in DNA metabolism. Among the divergent genes with known or predicted functions, population genetic analyses indicate that 86% exhibit evidence of positive selection. McDonald-Kreitman tests further indicate that about one third of these highly divergent genes, including cagA and vacA, are under diversifying selection. We conclude that, similar to cagA and vacA, most of the divergent genes identified in this study evolved under positive selection, and represent candidate factors that may account for the disproportionately high incidence of gastric cancer associated with East Asian H. pylori strains. Moreover, these divergent genes represent robust biomarkers that can be used to differentiate East Asian and non-Asian H. pylori strains.
The politics of the nuclear text: Reading Robert Oppenheimer's letters and recollections

Nuclear weapons and the threat of nuclear war are daunting “facts” of contemporary culture. Nonetheless, they are symbolic productions: the meaning of the Bomb historically has been created in a cultural dialogue between conflicting interests. This essay uses post‐structuralist theory to explore the utility of a key signifier in that dialogue, the scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. During the 1980s, critics interpreted a published volume of Oppenheimer's letters in ways that both clarified and challenged the conventional arrangements of nuclear deterrence. Their responses suggest the enduring value of Oppenheimer as an intertextual form that mediates cultural experience of nuclear weapons.
Evidence of hybridity in invasive watermilfoil (Myriophyllum) populations

Invasions of nonindigenous species have caused ecological devastation to natural communities worldwide, yet the biological bases for invasiveness remain poorly understood. Our studies of invasive watermilfoil (Myriophyllum) populations revealed widespread polymorphisms in biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences, which were not detected in populations of native North American species. Subclones of the polymorphic regions revealed the occurrence of distinct sequences matching those acquired from both nonindigenous and native North American species. Molecular data demonstrate clearly that invasive watermilfoil populations in North America have resulted from hybridization between nonindigenous and native species. These observations suggest that invasiveness in these aggressive aquatic weeds may be linked to heterosis maintained by vegetative propagation.
Early childhood special education pictorial literacy activities for young children with disabilities

Alternative literacy activities can be adapted to complement the speech and language programs that have been developed to assist learners with disabilities. Pictorially based alternative literacy programs may involve rebus symbols, augmentative and alternative communication devices, or picture reading. Because these programs do not assume extensive language development, they can be appropriate for children with severe learning problems as a foundation or replacement for typical early reading activities.
Unsymmetrical complexes containing the linear tetraphosphine ligand DPPEPM

Abstract The tetraphosphine DPPEPM reacts with [PtMe2(cod)] to produce [PtMe2(DPPEPM-PP)] (1) in near quantitative yield. On standing in solution, the free P atoms become oxidized to give [PtMe2(DPPEPM(O)2-PP)] (1a), which has been characterized by X-ray crystallography. In contrast, reactions of DPPEPM with [MCl2(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt) yield ionic products of the form [M(DPPEPM-PP)2]MCl4 (3, 4). When a solution of the platinum complex was allowed to stand, crystals of [Pt(μ-Cl)(μ-DPPEPM)2]Cl3 (5) were obtained. In a third set of reactions, treatment of [PtClR(cod)] (R = Me, Ph) or [PdClMe(cod)] with DPPEPM gives species of the type [MR(DPPEPM-PPP)]Cl (6–8), in which one of the internal P atoms is uncoordinated. Reactions of [PtR2(DPPEPM-PP)] with [ PtR 2 ′ ( cod ) ] or [MCl2(cod)] (M = Pd, Pt), or of [PtR(DPPEPM-PPP)]Cl with [MCl2(cod)], lead to unsymmetrical bimetallic complexes. [PtMe2(μ-DPPEPM)PdCl2] (11) and [PtClPh(μ-DPPEPM)PdCl2] (14) have been characterized crystallographically. Trimetallic complexes of the form [{PtR2(μ-DPPEPM)}2M][MCl4] (M = Pd, Pt, 15–17) are produced by reaction of [PtR2(DPPEPM-PP)] with [MCl2(cod)].
Are specific serum insulin levels low in impaired glucose tolerance and type II diabetes?: Measurement with a radioimmunoassay blind to proinsulin, in the population of Wadena, Minnesota

Abstract It has been suggested that serum insulin levels in subjects with recently diagnosed type II diabetes have been overestimated, and that after correction for proinsulin, true insulin levels are depressed rather than elevated. We tested this possibility in a cross-sectional study of a population-based sample of 328 adults living in Wadena, a Minnesota community in which residents are of northern European background. Specificity of insulin measurements was provided by an antibody blind to proinsulin and its major metabolite. Oral glucose tolerance and liquid mixed-meal (Ensure-Plus) tests were performed on separate days. Mean insulin levels before and 90 minutes after the mixed meal were as follows. Among 302 randomly ascertained adults not previously known to have diabetes, both fasting and postmeal levels in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and newly identified type II diabetes were equal to or greater than levels in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (fasting: normal 52 pmol/L, IGT 78, new type II 87; postmeal: 317, 565, and 406, respectively). The fasting insulin to glucose ratio was significantly increased in IGT and new type II diabetes subjects. Among 26 established (previously known) type II diabetic subjects not taking insulin, fasting levels were elevated and postmeal levels were normal in absolute terms (75 and 328), but were normal or low with respect to plasma glucose. Relationships among the groups were not materially changed by adjustment for body mass index (BMI), sex, age, or blood pressure. There was marked overlap of individual insulin levels from group to group. In summary, randomly selected adults in Wadena with IGT or asymptomatic diabetes showed, on average, elevated insulin levels, but physician-diagnosed diabetes was associated with relative diminution of serum insulin. In this population, the current view of insulin resistance in “early” diabetes was supported by insulin-specific measurements.
Mechanics of microelectronics structures as revealed by X-ray diffraction

The presence of strain distributions within semiconductor features influences many aspects of their behavior. For example, microelectronic technology that incorporates strained silicon improves device performance by increasing carrier mobility in the Si channels. Because current semiconductor fabrication contains multiple levels of metallic and dielectric structures, an understanding of the mechanical response of the constituent elements is critical to the prediction of the overall device performance. In addition, the interaction of strain fields between adjacent structures becomes greater as feature sizes decrease and the corresponding feature density increases. The use of synchrotron-based X-ray methods allows one to determine the interaction between strained features and their environment at a submicron resolution. Real-space mapping of strain distributions in pseudomorphically strained, raised SiGe structures revealed that elastic relaxation extends approximately 20 times the feature thickness from their edges. X-ray topographic methods were also applied to map the substrate deformation induced by overlying SiGe features. A formulation based on the classical Ewald-von Laue theory of dynamical diffraction was derived to match the measured diffraction profiles.
A cutting plane algorithm for the bilinear programming problem

In this paper we discuss the properties of a Bilinear Programming problem, and develop a convergent cutting plane algorithm. The cuts involve only a subset of the variables and preserve the special structure of the constraints involving the remaining variables. The cuts are deeper than other similar cuts.
Adherence across behavioral domains in treatment promoting smoking cessation plus weight control

The authors tested whether adherence to simultaneous health behavior changes was unitary or domain specific among 76 women who modified smoking, eating, and physical activity to accomplish smoking cessation plus weight control. Random-effects regression analyses showed that adherence to both smoking and diet plans declined linearly and covaried positively; their association tended to grow stronger over time. In contrast, physical activity plan adherence did not change over time and was unrelated to other domains. At the end of treatment, 65%, 30.5%, and 25% adhered well or excellently to smoking, diet, and activity treatments, respectively. Findings support both unitary and domain-specific aspects of adherence and suggest that among smokers, smoking and eating behaviors may have similarities unshared by physical activity.
Empirical results of using back-propagation neural networks to separate single echoes from multiple echoes

Empirical results illustrate the pitfalls of applying an artificial neural network (ANN) to classification of underwater active sonar returns. During training, a back-propagation ANN classifier learns to recognize two classes of reflected active sonar waveforms: waveforms having two major sonar echoes or peaks and those having one major echo or peak. It is shown how the classifier learns to distinguish between the two classes. Testing the ANN classifier with different waveforms of each type generated unexpected results: the number of echo peaks was nor the feature used to separate classes. >
Preserved Insect Fauna of Glaciers of Fremont County in Wyoming: Insights into the Ecology of the Extinct Rocky Mountain Locust

From 1989 through 1992, preserved insect fauna of Knife Point, Bull Lake, and Upper Fremont glaciers (Wind River Range, Fremont County, Wyoming) was examined. Knife Point Glacier contained the first intact, glacially preserved grasshopper specimens found in the past 40 yr. These specimens were found below a crevassed region, and available evidence indicates that they may have been concentrated and preserved within a crevasse 140 ± 50 yr ago. Morphological assessments of these bodies and cluster analyses of mandible and tibia measurements established that all but one or two of the exposed deposits were comprised of the extinct Rocky Mountain locust, Melanoplus spretus Walsh. Examination of distinct summer-melt strata indicates that this species was deposited at random intervals over a period of 300 yr. The Boating section of strata also contained the first known glacial remains of swarms of the extant migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.), and the first record of an insect other than grasshoppers (a parasitic wasp, Copidosoma sp.) having been periodically deposited. A total of six insect orders was found on this glacier. Aerial and runoff samples indicated that the rate of accidental insect deposition on the glacier is very low, and the rate of loss of material from the surficial runoff may exceed a million specimens per year. Bull Lake Glacier also contains at least one very rich deposit of well-preserved M. spretus , but other grasshopper remains appear to be widely scattered across the surface. Grasshopper remains from ice cores of Upper Fremont Glacier were dated from as early as 840 ± 85 yr before the present, making this the oldest known glacially preserved insect deposit.
Comparative, in vitro, studies of hippocampal tissue from homing and non-homing pigeon.

Abstract The purpose of this research was to characterize morphologically and electrophysiologically tissue slices obtained from the hippocampus of homing and non-homing pigeons. When hippocampal slices from the brain of homing and non-homing pigeons are observed under the dissecting microscope, diffuse fiber paths can be seen. These fiber pathways appeared to be identical with the medial fiber tract (VM) previously described histologically in the hippocampus of homing pigeon. Visualization of these tracts in living slices allowed placement of stimulating and recording electrodes in corresponding locations in these slices in both homing and non-homing pigeons. Extracellular potentials recorded from VM regions of the brains of both homing and non-homing pigeons were sensitive to CNQX indicating that glutamate may be a neurotransmitter in this area of pigeon hippocampus. These potentials could undergo long-term potentiation (LTP) following high frequency stimulation. This LTP was blocked by NMDA receptor antagonist APV in the hippocampus of homing pigeon, but was APV-resistant in the hippocampus of non-homing pigeon. Extracellular potentials from the hippocampus of homing pigeons were increased in amplitude when slices were perfused with Mg2+-free Ringer, while potentials recorded from hippocampal slices from non-homing pigeons were unaffected by Mg2+-free solutions. Intracellular recordings from the hippocampal slices of homing pigeons revealed that about half the cells demonstrated excitatory synaptic potentials evoked by extracellular stimulation. The EPSP was sometimes large enough to trigger an action potential. Neurons filled with the fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow, in the hippocampus of homing pigeons showed multipolar structure. The response of these cells to extracellular stimulation provides the activity responsible for the extracellular potentials which can undergo LTP.
The chemistry of an azomethine imine derived from 2,3-dimethylindole and n-phenyl triazolinedione. A new and facile condensation method

Abstract The urazole 3 derived from 2,3-dimethylindole and PTAD has been found to be converted readily to the unusually stable azomethine imine 5 with t -butylhypochlorite followed by elimination of HCl. This azomethine imine has been shown to serve as a carbonyl-equivalent in a number of aldol-type condensations under mild conditions.
Lymphoma in Cardiac Transplant Recipients Associated with Cyclosporin A, Prednisone and Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG)

Cardiac transplantation has been used since 1968 to restore cardiac function in selected patients with otherwise unmanageable heart disease. In these recipients successful outcome of the procedure has been highly dependent upon effective management of allograft rejection using immunosuppressive agents. Prior to 1980 these agents included Azathioprine, corticosteroids and antithymocyte globulin — ATG (conventional therapy). In 1980 cyclosporin A, a fungal product whose therapeutic effect appears to result from its ability to block allograft directed T cell cytotoxic responses while leaving intact T cell suppressoV responses, was substituted for azathioprine in the conventional therapy regimen (cyclosporin A therapy) (1,2). Although outcome of transplantation has been favorably effected in patients treated with cyclosporin A (79% one year survival vs. 63% in conventionally treated recipients) morbidity due to lymphoma has increased.
Genetic Programming for Articulated Figure Motion

SUMMARY We present an approach to articulated figure motion in which motion tasks are defined in terms of goals and ratings. The agents are dynamically-controlled robots whose behavior is determined by robotic controller programs. The controller programs for the robots are evaluated at each time step to yield torque values which drive the dynamic simulation of the motion. We use the AI technique of Genetic Programming (GP) to automatically derive control programs for the agents which achieve the goals. This type of motion specification is an alternative to key framing which allows a highly automated, learning-based approach to generation of motion. This method of motion control is very general (it can be applied to any type of motion), yet it allows for specifications of the types of specific motion which are desired for a high quality animation. We show that complex, specific, physically plausible, and aesthetically appealing motion can be generated using these methods.
The use of computed tomography to diagnose bilateral forelimb tendon pathology in a horse with unilateral lameness

Summary A horse with unilateral forefoot lameness had bilateral deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) lesions on computed tomography (CT). Venous contrast enhanced CT revealed distal sesamoidean impar desmitis in the lame forelimb. Computed tomography is useful for diagnosis of soft tissue lesions within the hoof capsule and contrast enhancement improves lesion conspicuity.
Suramin Therapy for Patients With Symptomatic Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer: Results of a Randomized Phase III Trial Comparing Suramin Plus Hydrocortisone to Placebo Plus Hydrocortisone

PURPOSE: Suramin is a novel agent that has demonstrated preliminary evidence of antitumor activity in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). A prospective randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate pain and opioid analgesic intake as surrogates for antitumor response in HRPC patients with significant, opioid analgesic–dependent pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized patients to receive a 78-day, outpatient regimen of either suramin plus hydrocortisone (HC, 40 mg/d) or placebo plus HC. Treatment assignment was unblinded when either disease progression or dose-limiting toxicity occurred; placebo patients were allowed to cross-over to open-label suramin plus HC. In addition to pain and opioid analgesic intake, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response, time to disease progression, quality of life, performance status, and survival were compared. RESULTS: Overall mean reductions in combined pain and opioid analgesic intake were greater for suramin plus HC (ra...
Dynamic and differential regulation of proteins that coat lipid droplets in fatty liver dystrophic mice

Lipid droplet proteins (LDPs) coat the surface of triglyceride-rich lipid droplets and regulate their formation and lipolysis. We profiled hepatic LDP expression in fatty liver dystrophic (fld) mice, a unique model of neonatal hepatic steatosis that predictably resolves between postnatal day 14 (P14) and P17. Western blotting revealed that perilipin-2/ADRP and perilipin-5/OXPAT were markedly increased in steatotic fld liver but returned to normal by P17. However, the changes in perilipin-2 and perilipin-5 protein content in fld mice were exaggerated compared with relatively modest increases in corresponding mRNAs encoding these proteins, a phenomenon likely mediated by increased protein stability. Conversely, cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector (Cide) family genes were strongly induced at the level of mRNA expression in steatotic fld mouse liver. Surprisingly, levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, which is known to regulate Cide expression, were unchanged in fld mice. However, sterol-regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) was activated in fld liver and CideA was revealed as a new direct target gene of SREBP-1. In summary, LDP content is markedly increased in liver of fld mice. However, whereas perilipin-2 and perilipin-5 levels are primarily regulated posttranslationally, Cide family mRNA expression is induced, suggesting that these families of LDP are controlled at different regulatory checkpoints.
Intraspinal psammomatous melanotic schwannoma not associated with Carney complex: case report

The authors present a case of intraspinal malignant psammomatous melanotic schwannoma (PMS) not associated with Carney complex and review all reported cases not associated with this syndrome. The focus of this review paper is on the characteristics of the malignant progression of PMS. A 54-year-old man had a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and tonsillar carcinoma. The patient's serial CT scanning study showed a mass in the left C-5 foramen. On presentation he was neurologically intact. After 18 months, the patient developed radiating pain down the left arm with decreased sensation. MRI of the cervical spine showed an enhancing 2.1 × 1.5 × 1.9-cm mass in the left C5-6 foramen. A C5-6 hemilaminectomy was performed with gross-total removal of the tumor. At 3 months postoperatively, the patient developed new-onset pain and weakness. MRI showed a dumbbell-shaped mass in the left C-7 foramen. MRI of the pelvis showed a 1.4 × 1.0-cm lesion on the right ischium and a 1.1 × 2.8-cm lesion on the right inferior pubic ramus. Anterior cervical discectomy of C5-6 and C6-7 with corpectomy of C-6 with subtotal resection of the tumor was completed. PMS should not be considered a benign tumor because in 41.1% of patients, including the patient in this report, the tumor progresses to malignancy. Long-term follow-up is needed in these patients. New surgical treatment plans should be considered.
Low-Cost, Compact Dilution Refrigerator: Operation from 200 to 20 mK

We have developed a self-contained (portable) 3He-4He dilution refrigerator which has been operated below 0.020 K without the use of external pumps or gas handling system. Using charcoal pumps for all pumping, the system requires, besides the usual liquid helium and nitrogen baths, only modest electronics for heaters and thermometers. This device has the advantages of low cost and simple operation and does not require extensive maintenance or operator expertise. The refrigerator can operate below 0.020 K for more than 10 hours before the charcoal pumps need to be recycled.
Picture perfect: nostalgic femininity and temporal disruptions in the Aqualillies’ water ballets

This article examines nostalgic femininity in the aquatic performances of present-day synchronized swimming performance troupe, the Aqualillies. In spite of their fervent emulation of the iconic images of Golden Age Hollywood's splashiest star, Esther Williams, the Aqualillies’ performances refuse to be only a kitschy nod to the past through the addition of marketable symbols of modern femininity, such as the bikini, to their otherwise nostalgic representation. Through a concurrent multiplicity of temporally diverse femininities, they challenge the neoliberal rhetoric of choice that can arise in reperformance. This article invokes Svetlana Boym's theory of reflective nostalgia ­– an emotional connection to the past that does not foreclose critical reflection – to argue that the Aqualillies’ water ballets use performative temporal vacillation to expose the physical and psychical labor in the picture-perfect images of femininity in order to subvert the image's dominance and to defy capital's linear organiza...
Do Blacks Pay More

Do blacks pay more for grocery store products? Are they victims of price discrimination? Panel data are used to examine various brands of three products purchased in stores of various affiliations.
SAT0028 Pregnancy Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Experiences from A Single US Academic Medical Center – Hopkins Lupus Pregnancy Cohort

Background Previous research shows that high disease activity is associated with an increased prevalence of fetal loss in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pregnancies 1 . Objectives To analyze the association of SLE disease severity with pregnancy outcomes in a single center, prospective cohort. Methods A secondary analysis of prospectively collected data. Physician9s global assessment (PGA) of disease activity measured every 4-6 weeks during pregnancy by a single rheumatologist. High disease activity was defined as the first occurrence of PGA score ≥2 in the observation period of 6 months prior to conception through pregnancy outcome. Outcomes of interest included birth defects diagnosed at birth, spontaneous miscarriage, stillbirth and live birth (preterm birth and small for gestational age). We evaluated whether high disease activity was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results The analysis included 410 pregnancies; 38% black, 56% white, 7% other race, 80% Conclusions High disease activity during the preconception period and 2nd and 3rd trimesters was associated with selected adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with SLE. Data reported in this cohort will complement analyses planned for the Belimumab Pregnancy Registry, an international, prospective cohort study of women exposed to commercially-supplied belimumab within four months prior to and/or during pregnancy (clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT01532310). WEUKBRE5887 References Molad Y, Borkowski T, Monselise A, et al. Maternal and fetal outcome of lupus pregnancy: a prospective study of 29 pregnancies. Lupus 2005;14:145-51 Disclosure of Interest D. Hill Shareholder of: GlaxoSmithKline, Employee of: GlaxoSmithKline, A. Eudy Employee of: GlaxoSmithKline, M. Powell Shareholder of: GlaxoSmithKline, Employee of: GlaxoSmithKline, Q. Fu Shareholder of: GlaxoSmithKline, Employee of: GlaxoSmithKline, M. Petri Grant/research support: GlaxoSmithKline, Consultant for: GlaxoSmithKline DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1155
Experiences with dating violence and help seeking among Hispanic females in their late adolescence

Hispanic females in their late adolescence appear to be disproportionately affected by dating violence, yet the majority of victims never seek out formal services. The purpose of this study was to explore the dating violence and help-seeking experiences of Hispanic females in their late adolescence. Participants were recruited from a social service agency providing wrap-around services to individuals and families affected by abuse in South Florida. Eleven in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with Hispanic female victims of dating violence in their late adolescence (18 to 24 years of age) in English or Spanish. A thematic analysis of transcripts identified four major themes: (a) conflict, culture, and context influences Hispanic couples; (b) missed opportunities to accessing help; (c) pivotal moments are needed to access formal services; and (d) family matters. Participants of this study believed that dating violence was more normative in Hispanic relationships than “American” relationships. Alth...
Dissolution potential of SO2 Co-injected with CO2 in geologic sequestration.

Sulfur dioxide is a possible co-injectant with carbon dioxide in the context of geologic sequestration. Because of the potential of SO2 to acidify formation brines, the extent of SO2 dissolution from the CO2 phase will determine the viability of co-injection. Pressure-, temperature-, and salinity-adjusted values of the SO2 Henry’s Law constant and fugacity coefficient were determined. They are predicted to decrease with depth, such that the solubility of SO2 is a factor of 0.04 smaller than would be predicted without these adjustments. To explore the potential effects of transport limitations, a nonsteady-state model of SO2 diffusion through a stationary cone-shaped plume of supercritical CO2 was developed. This model represents an end-member scenario of diffusion-controlled dissolution of SO2, to contrast with models of complete phase equilibrium. Simulations for conditions corresponding to storage depths of 0.8−2.4 km revealed that after 1000 years, 65−75% of the SO2 remains in the CO2 phase. This slow ...
Protecting Youth from Themselves in the Media: The Right to Be Forgotten

Advances in telecommunications have brought many changes to our daily lives, one of which is the change in the norm of privacy. With the convenience in viewing and (re)distributing contents, on top of the permanency of contents on the Internet, privacy has become more of a concern than ever. The concern is even greater for the younger generation, because they are eager to share and less sensitive to privacy. The European Union recently has recognized that people have the right to control their own information, even after they have become publicly available. The European Union commission proposed an update in the fundamental data protection regulations, including the so-called “right to be forgotten.” However, securing the right to be forgotten is not possible with a regulation set only for one region. In the United States, where the majority of companies handling online information are based, this type of right is readily rejected because it is considered to directly violate the First Amendment’s freedom of expression. This chapter considers how to balance the freedom to express and adolescents’ right to be “forgotten.”
Clinical Evaluation and Treatment of Disorders of Ejaculation

Ejaculatory dysfunction encompasses psychosocial, neurological, vascular, anatomical, and pharmacological problems. These disorders are some of the most common male sexual pathologies and affect a significant portion of the male population. Delayed ejaculation, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation, and premature ejaculation are the most common ejaculatory issues encountered by the clinician. Evaluation is primarily based on a detailed history and characterization of symptomology. Treatment should be tailored to the etiology of the dysfunction. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), topical anesthetics, behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy remain the mainstays of treatment of this challenging and complex condition.
A review and future directions in techno-economic modeling and optimization of upstream forest biomass to bio-oil supply chains

Abstract Recent interest in biomass supply chain management has stimulated research efforts in the industry and academic communities. Techno-economic modeling and optimization efforts targeted on the upstream segment of the forest biomass to bio-oil supply chain are reviewed. Key components of upstream supply chain decision making are then presented through an overview and classification of the existing methods and contributions. There is a need to classify and analyze the relevant methodologies and approaches identified in prior studies, and to subsequently assess their usefulness through empirical research and case-based analysis. Both narrative and systematic literature reviews are performed using qualitative analysis and classic bibliometric techniques to demonstrate the scope of current papers and the call for future needs. It is found, due to growing demands for bioenergy, future biomass-to-bioenergy supply chains should draw upon existing research toward the development of efficient and effective forest biomass supply chain networks. It is further concluded that a new generation of pretreatment technologies is needed for techno-economic optimization of upstream forest biomass value chains.
Safety of intensivist-led bedside decannulation of internal jugular bi-caval dual-lumen veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulas and report of technique.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, the rate and utilization of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has increased dramatically. A single catheter technique has recently come into favour for providing VV-ECMO. Although it has been shown that intensivists can safely place these catheters, the safety of decannulation by intensivists has not been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: We describe a technique for safely decannulating the Avalon Elite VV-ECMO catheter at the bedside and assess the safety of this technique, as compared with the standard technique of decannulation in the operating room by a surgeon. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort design conducted at a tertiary care cardiovascular intensive care unit at an academic medical centre. All patients who underwent VV-ECMO from 2009 to 2014 were included in the study except for those who had been decannulated for withdrawal of care. Complication rates from decannulation were compared between patients who were decannulated by surgeons in the operating room and those decannulated by intensivists in the intensive care unit (ICU). Results: Twenty-eight patients were included in this study, of whom twenty-three patients (82%) were decannulated by intensivists, board certified in Critical Care Medicine through the American Board of Anesthesiology, while five (18%) the patients were decannulated by a surgeon. There was no significant difference in the complications rates between the surgeons (0) and intensivists (1) ( P = 1.00). There were no major complications requiring operative intervention associated with decannulation identified in this study. CONCLUSIONS: It is safe for intensivists to decannulate the Avalon Elite VV-ECMO cannula in the ICU using our purse-string suture technique. Performing these decannulations at the bedside compared to operating room may have positive clinical ramifications that include improved patient safety, timely patient care and reduced operating room costs.
Uterine leiomyosarcoma: a review of recent advances in molecular biology, clinical management and outcome

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) are rare but aggressive tumours with poor clinical outcomes regardless of stage. Most tumours are identified by histopathology at time of surgery, and pre-operative diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. Management of early-stage LMS relies on surgical resection. Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced-stage, recurrent or metastatic LMS, and includes single or combination doxorubicin-, ifosfamide- or gemcitabine-based regimens. Recent interest in genetic biomarkers led to developments of targeted therapies for LMS, although more research is needed to understand the molecular complexities underlying LMS to guide the development of novel treatment strategies. Tweetable abstract The diagnosis and treatment of uterine LMS is challenging. Novel biomarkers offer hope for future therapies.
Red Snapper Distribution on Natural Habitats and Artificial Structures in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractIn 2011, an intensive, multiple-gear, fishery-independent survey was carried out in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) to collect comprehensive age and length information on Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus. Based on this synoptic survey, we produced a spatial map of Red Snapper relative abundance that integrates both gear selectivity effects and ontogenetically varying habitat usage. Our methodology generated a spatial map of Red Snapper at a 10-km2 grid resolution that is consistent with existing knowledge of the species: Red Snapper occurred in relatively high abundances at depths of 50–90 m along the coasts of Texas and Louisiana and in smaller, patchy “hot spots” at a variety of depths along the Alabama coast and the west Florida shelf. Red Snapper biomass and fecundity estimates were higher for the northwestern GOM than for the northeastern GOM, as the latter area contained mostly smaller, younger individuals. The existence of similar surveys on petroleum platforms and artificial reefs also e...
Rethinking Interest Representation in the European Union. Review of Law, Legitimacy and European Governance: Functional Participation in Social Regulation, by Stijn Smismans

This article reviews the book, Law, Legitimacy, and European Governance: Functional Participation in Social Regulation, by Stijn Smismans. Law, Legitimacy, and European Governance is part of a movement to reinvent the Economic and Social Committee and the form of interest group politics that originated there — what Smismans calls “functional participation.” Smismans argues that functional participation can contribute to the legitimacy of the Economic and Social Committee and that the constitutional debates concerning the construction of a supranational European polity have largely neglected this European project.The book assesses the full range of European bodies that were originally created to represent economic interests and that have since expanded to include other civil society actors. In doing so, the book reveals the potential of functional participation to a wide variety of audiences in the areas of political theory, political science, and law.
A Multi-stage Approach to Personalized Course Selection and Scheduling

Recommender systems that utilize pertinent and available contextual information are applicable to and useful in a broad range of domains. This paper utilizes context-aware recommendation to facilitate personalized education and assist students in selecting courses (or in non-traditional curricula, learning artifacts) that meet curricular requirements, leverage their skills and background, and are relevant to their interests. The research contribution described in this paper is a methodology that generates a schedule of courses (and associated course content) that takes into consideration a student's profile, while meeting curricular and prerequisite requirements and aiming to reduce attributes such as cost and time-to-degree. The optimization problem - multiple integer linear programming problems and a single scheduling problem - is solved in stages using a known linear solver as well as graph-based heuristics. The efficacy of the algorithm is demonstrated through a case study.
Could increased understanding of foraging behavior help to predict the success of biological control

Importation biological control, the introduction of a specialist natural enemy from the region of origin of an invasive pest or weed, has been practiced for more than 100 years and has provided some iconic success stories, but also a number of failures. To improve both the success and safety of biological control in the future it is important to consider all opportunities that can help to transform biological control into a more predictive science. Once established, whether or not an imported natural enemy can reduce the abundance and distribution of an invasive host, likely depends on a suite of life history and behavioral traits that include phenological synchronization and foraging efficiency among many others. One key aspect of foraging efficiency is how individuals respond to the patchy distribution of hosts in a spatially fragmented environment when facing potential competition and predation risk. Another is what distributions of natural enemy foraging effort lead to the greatest temporal reduction in mean host density among patches. Here we explore the current theoretical framework for natural enemy foraging behavior and find some evidence that a weak resource dilution distribution of natural enemies among patches might be an important trait for improving the success of importation biological control.
Anxiety disorders: relationships to other psychiatric illness

Patients with anxiety disorder develop secondary depressions frequently and secondary alcoholism somewhat less frequently. Alternatively, such illnesses as manic-depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and hysteria, manifest secondary anxiety syndromes. In family studies of anxiety disorder, familial alcoholism is seen more frequently than would be expected by chance.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF THE I-A AND I-E/C ALLOANTIGENS

ABSTRACT The I-A and I-E/C alloantigens isolated from radiolabeled murine splenocytes were examined for structural variation by NH 2 -terminal sequence analysis and comparative tryptic peptide mapping. For the I-A antigens ( k and b haplotypes), allelic variation was demonstrated in the α subunits by peptide mapping and in the β subunits by peptide mapping and sequence analysis. Comparative peptide analysis of the a and β subunits from appropriate recombinants indicated that both subunits are encoded in the I-A subregion. Allelic differences were also shown for the E/C alloantigens by NH 2 -terminal sequence analysis (β chains) and by tryptic peptide comparisons (α and β chains). Further analysis of several intra- I -region recombinants revealed that the E/C α chain was encoded by the E/C subregion, while the β chain was encoded by the I-A or B subregions.
Multiple Biological Activities of Human Interleukin-1

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a polypeptide product of various cells which mediates host responses to infection and injury. Its most dramatic biological property is its ability to induce arachidonate metabolites in a variety of cells including PGE-2 in brain, fibroblasts, synovial cells and chrondrocytes; in addition, IL-1 induces lipoxygenase products in lymphocytes and other cells. In order to fight life-threatening microbial invasion or localize tissue injury, mammals have developed a large number of varied responses which signal the onset of disease and trigger appropriate defensive measures. The responses are called “acute phase” responses because they are often observed within hours following the injury or initiation of infection. The metabolic and hematological responses can be substantial and are frequently costly to the host especially when they persist and become chronic components of the disease. IL-1 is one of the body’s key mediators of acute responses to microbial invasion, inflammation, immunological reaction and tissue injury.
Megakaryocyte maturation rate in thrombocytopenic rats.

Increased production of platelets was apparent during recovery from acute thrombocytopenia in rats. Preceding this there was acceleration of maturation of megakaryocytes as determined from the pattern of labeling with 3HTdR. Turnover of an increased number of megakaryocytes was indicated by maintenance of normal megakaryocyte differential counts in the presence of accelerated maturation.
Evaluación de la forma, redondez, esfericidad y ecuanticidad en granos comerciales de maíz amarillo duro (Zea mays L.) y arveja (Pisum sativum)

It has been evaluated the shape, roundness, sphericity and equanticity of commercial yellow hard corn and dry pea grains, making micronometric measurements in 140 and 100 grains randomly in each quarter, in samples of one kilogram divided into four equal parts respectively.The results indicate that the hard yellow corn is very close to the discoid, it is located between rounded and rounded sub, is of medium sphericity and shows a non spherical equanticity, whereas dry pea has a shape very close to the spherical or equidimensional, Is very rounded, has high sphericity and shows a spherical equanticity.
Peer Interactions in Preschool Inclusive Classrooms: The Roles of Pragmatic Language and Self-Regulation:

Drawing from a social network perspective, we examined the extent to which children with and without disabilities play with each other in preschool inclusive classrooms and identified malleable chi...
Student motivation to participate in asynchronous online discussions

Participation in online learning environments, especially in asynchronous discussions, is a crucial component for student engagement in online learning. Learner motivation is associated with student success in the online learning environment. Intrinsic motivation, doing something because it is enjoyable or interesting, is associated with participation in discussion topic choices. External demands, both work and personal, can also affect a student’s intrinsic motivation through altering their control. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between motivating factors and student participation in online asynchronous discussions. Post-licensure undergraduate (RN-BSN/RN-MSN) and graduate (MSN) students (N = 350) were distributed an online anonymous survey consisting of ten questions. A response rate of 20% (N = 69) was achieved, with 49% MSN (graduate) students (n = 33) and 51% RN-BSN/RN-MSN (undergraduate) students (n = 36), participating in the survey. Seventy-nine percent of students were employed full-time. Graduate students (65%) and undergraduate students (49%) felt that their motivation to participate in discussions was related to their employment status. Seventy-nine percent of MSN students and 63% of undergraduate students reported that the current demands in their life affected their motivation to participate in online discussions. The majority of students felt that instructor participation in the discussion had no effect on their motivation to participate. When classified into undergraduate and graduate groups, graduate nursing students preferred a choice of discussion topics in which to participate (χ 2 = 10.851, p = .004). Providing students with discussion topic choices is associated with intrinsic motivation and increased online discussion participation.
Cystectomy readmissions and the opioid epidemic: An opportunity for synergistic improvement

Abstract Readmission following radical cystectomy is common, occurring in approximately one quarter of patients. Traditional efforts to reduce these readmissions have had limited success. Overprescribing of opioids after surgery, including cystectomy, is known to exist and to contribute to opioid abuse and the national opioid epidemic. However, the relationship between postoperative opioid prescribing patterns and readmissions is not well described. In this article, we explore the impact of novel readmission reduction efforts (i.e. minimally invasive approaches, enhanced recovery after surgery pathways, and policy interventions) and examine the intersection of cystectomy readmissions and the national opioid epidemic.
Advanced Physiologic Imaging: Diffusion – Theory and Applications

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a commonly acquired magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that is utilized in many stages of brain tumor treatment. From initial diagnosis to surgical planning and treatment response monitoring, DWI has proved essential for mapping tissue properties beyond conventional T1- and T2-weighted structural imaging. By measuring the molecular motion of water interacting with microscopic tissue components such as cellular membranes and intracellular organelles, DWI provides additional tissue properties, which is particularly useful for brain tumor mapping and treatment response assessment. This chapter will first discuss the theory behind the acquisition and signal modeling of different types of diffusion-derived imaging contrasts and then gives an overview of both the common clinical applications and more advanced usage.
Chapter 6 – Waves

To solve the set of equations presented at the end of Chapter 5, one has to leave the topic of traffic flow for a moment and study waves first. One would agree that this is necessary when one looks at Figure 6.1, where vehicle trajectories recorded in the field are plotted on a time-space diagram. The horizontal axis is time, with left being earlier and right later. The vertical axis is space, with traffic flowing upward. Three ripples are clearly visible in this picture depicting the propagation of some disturbances in the traffic. This observation suggests that traffic does behave like waves, and solutions to traffic dynamics can be sought on the basis of the knowledge of waves. As such, the purpose of this chapter is to provide a jump-start introduction to waves.