cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shifts in drug seizures in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected patterns of drug use in the United States. Because drug seizures can serve as a proxy for drug availability, we examined shifts in drug seizures in the US during the pandemic. METHODS: We examined trends in seizures of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl within five High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas-Washington/Baltimore, Chicago, Ohio, New Mexico, and North Florida. Trends were examined for number and total weight of seizures from March 2019 through September 2020 using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Significant decreases in seizures involving marijuana (s = -0.03, P = 0.005) and methamphetamine (s = -0.02, P = 0.026) were detected through April 2020, and then seizures of marijuana (s = 0.10, P = 0.028) and methamphetamine (s = 0.11, P = 0.010) significantly increased through September 2020. The number of seizures involving marijuana and methamphetamine peaked in August 2020, exceeding the highest pre-COVID-19 number of seizures. Fentanyl seizures increased overall (s = 0.05, P < .001), but did not significantly drop during the start of COVID-19, and significant changes were not detected for cocaine or heroin. We also detected a significant increase in weight of marijuana seized from April through September 2020 (s = 0.40, P = .001). The weight of marijuana seized in August 2020 exceeded the highest pre-COVID-19 weight. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an immediate decrease in marijuana and methamphetamine seizures, and then increases throughout 2020 with some months exceeding the number (and weights) of seizures from the previous year. More research is warranted to determine the extent to which these seizures reflect changes in drug use.
Optimal VWAP Strategies under Regime Switching

In this paper, we analyze the problem of trading a large position in the market place when the stock price dynamic follows a regime switching process. In this work, we are particularly interested in trading algorithms that track the market benchmark known as the volume-weighted average price (VWAP). We propose a trading algorithm that breaks the execution order into small pieces and executes them over a predetermined period of time so as to maximize its VWAP or possibly exceed the overall market VWAP. The underlying problem is formulated as a discrete-time stochastic optimal control problem with resource constraints. The value function and optimal trading strategies are derived in closed-form. Numerical simulations with market data are reported to illustrate the pertinence of these results.
Abstract 14804: Complications and Mortality Following CRT-D versus ICD Implants in Older Medicare Beneficiaries

Introduction: Despite growing numbers of older HF patients, clinical trials of implantable defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) rarely include older patients (≥75 yrs)....
Facilitated structure verification of the biopharmaceutical peptide exenatide by 2D heteronuclear NMR maps.

Abstract Exenatide is a peptide based anti-diabetic prescription medication. Until now, the literature has lacked a comprehensive atom-specific molecular characterization for this complex large peptide by NMR spectroscopy that can be effortlessly and rapidly utilized for biopharmaceutical structural veracity. Peptide structure verification by NMR is challenging and cumbersome when reliant on traditional proton-based methodology (through-bond and through-space proton connectivity) alone due to increasing complexity, low signal dispersion, and overlap. These challenges are overcome by using 2D heteronuclear (1H-13C and 1H-15N) maps that not only allow unambiguous signal assignment, but also condense the structural verification information within simplified peptide amide and carbon fingerprint maps. Here we report such simplified amide and carbon fingerprint maps for exenatide; made possible by the first ever comprehensive heteronuclear (1H,13C, and 15N) atom specific assignment of exenatide. These heteronuclear assignments were obtained without any isotopic enrichments i.e. at natural abundance, and hence are easily deployable as routine procedures. Furthermore, we compare the 2D heteronuclear maps of exenatide to a chemically identical peptide differing only in the isomerism of the Cα position of the first amino acid, [dHis1]-exenatide, to demonstrate the uniqueness of these maps. We show that despite deliberate changes in pH, temperature, and concentrations, the differences between the amide maps of exenatide and [dHis1]-exenatide are retained. The work presented here not only provides a facilitated structure verification of exenatide but also a framework for heteronuclear NMR data acquisition and signal assignment of large peptides, at natural abundance, in creating their respective unique 2D fingerprint maps.
Initial Experience with Robotic Inguinal Hernia Repair in the Adolescent Population

Purpose: There is no one standard procedure encompassing the needs and differences of the entire pediatric population for inguinal hernia repair (IHR). Several techniques can be used, including ope...
Data-driven Model-based Smart Control of Intelligent Gate Drive for Converter Operational Performance Improvement

Intelligent gate drive with tunable drivability to achieve optimal switching performance tradeoff can improve converter operational performance, especially for high-speed wide bandgap-based applications. It is equally important to design a controller to determine the suitable control strategy and then utilize the full capability of the developed intelligent gate drive circuitry. This paper proposed a data-driven switching model using machine learning techniques. The derived model depends on limited dataset to establish the correlation between operating conditions, drivability variables, and key switching data. With this model, a smart controller is designed to set the optimal drivability variable(s) of the intelligent gate drive depending on the real-time operating condition to optimize the switching performance. Finally, using the proposed smart controller along with a digital gate drive capable of gate impedance regulation, a case study with the SiC-based solar inverter is performed to validate its feasibility and effectiveness for converter operational performance improvement.
Whole Slide Imaging: Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is poised to transform the practice of pathology. Convolutional neural networks are powerful deep learning tools that can be applied to whole slide images to highlight regions of interest, identify artifacts, make diagnoses, and extract hidden features that may relate to prognosis and therapy. Here, we discuss the challenges in implementing convolutional neural networks in digital pathology and highlight key concepts in data quality and transformation (i.e., pre-processing steps). We offer a perspective on annotation and emphasize the central role of the pathologist at each stage of analysis. We demystify the architecture of convolutional neural networks and discuss further steps for fine-tuning. Finally, we comment on modern applications of artificial intelligence in digital pathology.
Power limits for microbial life.

To better understand the origin, evolution and extent of life, we seek to determine the minimum flux of energy needed for organisms to remain viable. Despite the difficulties associated with direct measurement of the power limits for life, it is possible to use existing data and models to constrain the minimum flux of energy required to sustain microorganisms. Here, a we apply a bioenergetic model to a well characterized marine sedimentary environment in order to quantify the amount of power organisms use in an ultralow-energy setting. In particular, we show a direct link between power consumption in this environment and the amount of biomass (cells cm-3) found in it. The power supply resulting from the aerobic degradation of particular organic carbon (POC) at IODP Site U1370 in the South Pacific Gyre is between ~ 10-12 and 10-16 W cm-3. The rates of POC degradation are calculated using a continuum model while Gibbs energies have been computed using geochemical data describing the sediment as a function of depth. Although laboratory-determined values of maintenance power do a poor job of representing the amount of biomass in U1370 sediments, the number of cells per cm-3 can be well-captured using a maintenance power, 190 zW cell-1, two orders of magnitude lower than the lowest value reported in the literature. In addition, we have combined cell counts and calculated power supplies to determine that, on average, the microorganisms at Site U1370 require 50 – 3500 zW cell-1, with most values under ~300 zW cell-1. Furthermore, we carried out an analysis of the absolute minimum power requirement for a single cell to remain viable to be on the order of 1 zW cell-1.
The asynchrony of γ- and β-chain synthesis during human erythroid cell maturation: III. γ- and β-mRNA in immature and mature erythroid clones

Abstract Globin chain synthesis and the accumulation of globin mRNAs were examined in immature and mature erythroid clones produced by circulating erythroid progenitors (burst forming units) of the neonate. Immature clones were composed of early erythroblasts containing little hemoglobin while the mature clones appeared at later days in culture and were composed of well hemoglobinized erythroblasts. There was a strikingly higher γ γ + β chain synthetic ratio in the nonhemoglobinized clones compared to their fully hemoglobinized counterparts. RNA was prepared from immature and from mature colonies and α-, β-, and γ-mRNA content was measured by solution hybridization to α-, β-, and γ-[32P]DNA probes. The probes were sense strand coding globin sequences prepared from chimeric plasmids by isolation of nick-translated [32P]DNA which annealed to cord blood or adult reticulocyte globin mRNA. In three experiments, the γ γ + β mRNA ratios in immature bursts were 0.58, 0.55, and 0.70 while ratios in the mature counterparts were 0.21, 0.38, and 0.45. There was excellent agreement between globin chain synthetic ratios and globin mRNA ratios suggesting that the globin mRNA species present in immature and mature erythroblasts are translated with similar efficiencies. These data suggest that the maturational modulation of non-α-globin chain synthesis is not under translational control. The absolute mRNA values (molecules per cell) consistently showed similar amounts of γ-mRNA per cell in both the immature and the mature cell populations. The most striking effect of maturation was the increase in the amount of β-mRNA per cell (and the concomitant increase in α-mRNA). These data, together with previously published results on globin chain biosynthesis suggest that the maturation related decline in γ/γ + β chain ratios is due to asynchrony in γ- and β-mRNA accumulation. Apparently γ-mRNA accumulates early (at or near the onset of globin synthesis) and the accumulation of β-mRNA follows. This asynchrony in mRNA accumulation results in a decline in the relative synthesis of fetal hemoglobin during maturation.
Traumatic brain injury produced by exposure to blasts, a critical problem in current wars: biomarkers, clinical studies, and animal models

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting from exposure to blast energy released by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) has been recognized as the "signature injury" of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Repeated exposure to mild blasts may produce subtle deficits that are difficult to detect and quantify. Several techniques have been used to detect subtle brain dysfunction including neuropsychological assessments, computerized function testing and neuroimaging. Another approach is based on measurement of biologic substances (e.g. proteins) that are released into the body after a TBI. Recent studies measuring biomarkers in CSF and serum from patients with severe TBI have demonstrated the diagnostic, prognostic, and monitoring potential. Advancement of the field will require 1) biochemical mining for new biomarker candidates, 2) clinical validation of utility, 3) technical advances for more sensitive, portable detectors, 4) novel statistical approach to evaluate multiple biomarkers, and 5) commercialization. Animal models have been developed to simulate elements of blast-relevant TBI including gas-driven shock tubes to generate pressure waves similar to those produced by explosives. These models can reproduce hallmark clinical neuropathological responses such as neuronal degeneration and inflammation, as well as behavioral impairments. An important application of these models is to screen novel therapies and conduct proteomic, genomic, and lipodomic studies to mine for new biomarker candidates specific to blast relevant TBI.
Clinical Outcomes of Children With Normal Cardiac Anatomy Having Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation >10 Years Earlier

requires a premature depolarization for initiation. 3,5 Gender differences in 1 of these factors could explain why females may begin experiencing accessory pathway-mediated tachycardias at a younger age than males. Alternatively, it may be possible that the apparently younger age of tachycardia onset in women is due to a gender difference in the ability to accurately recall a remote episode of tachycardia, or to a heightened perception of tachycardia-related symptoms in women. A finding of this study is that accessory pathwaymediated tachycardias utilizing a right-sided accessory pathway may begin to occur a mean of 3 years earlier than when the accessory pathway is left-sided. The reason for this difference in age of tachycardia onset between right- and left-sided accessory pathways is unclear. The induction of orthodromic atrioventricular reentry is facilitated by atrial premature depolarizations that arise close to the atrial insertion of the accessory pathway. 5 Therefore, if premature atrial depolarizations were more likely to arise in the right atrium than in the left atrium, this might explain the earlier onset of tachycardias utilizing right-sided accessory pathways. However, the actual explanation for the difference in age of tachycardia onset depending on accessory pathway location remains conjectural at this time. A limitation of this study is that the age of onset of symptomatic tachycardia was determined by patient interviews, with objective verification not being possible. The data therefore may have been subject to errors introduced by inaccurate reporting by patients. In conclusion, there are interactions among gender, accessory pathway location, and the age of onset of accessory pathway-mediated tachycardia. The age of onset of accessory pathway-mediated tachycardia is influenced by gender and by the accessory pathway location, but not by whether the accessory pathway is concealed or manifest.
A constraint on boundary data for magnetic solenoidality in MHD calculations

Recent numerical calculations of multi-dimensional MHD solutions revealed the problem that the solutions contain fictitious magnetic monopoles. Their amounts are larger than attributable to numerical discretization. We show that the fictitious presence of magnetic monopoles is due to improper prescription of the boundary data. For a solution of an initial-boundary value problem of magnetohydrodynamics to satisfy the requirement of magnetic solenoidality, the initial data must be constrained by Gauss's law of magnetic solenoidality and the boundary data must be constrained by Faraday's law of magnetic induction. These are necessary and sufficient conditions. Otherwise, magnetic monopoles will appear erratically in the domain of computation, either being contained in the initial data or being introduced from the boundary data.
Glutathione-Dependent Thyroxine 5′-Monodeiodination Modulates Growth Hormone Production by Cultured Nonthyrotropic Rat Pituitary Cells*

Conversion of L-T4 (T4) to L-T3 (T3) was assessed in GH3 rat pituitary cells which secrete GH and PRL. We tested the hypothesis that 5′-monodeiodination of T4 by these cells was dependent on intracellular glutathione (GSH), as previously suggested for liver and kidney. The GSH content of sonicated pituitary cell homogenates was 40 nmol/mg protein. This sonicate catalyzed the 5′-monodeiodination, generating 0.92 ± 0.08 pmol T3/mg • h in the presence of 50 nM T4 and 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT). After depletion of GSH by dialysis of the cell sonicate, no T3 was generated. The addition of GSH (10 μM) to the dialysate restored 5′-monodeiodinase activity. This showed the thiol dependence of the reaction. When intact cells were incubated overnight with intracellular GSH-depleting agents (diethylmaleate or diamide), the 5′-monodeiodination of T4 was abolished. Propylthiouracil (PTU; 5 μM) did not inhibit T4 to T3 conversion in the intact cells in monolayer culture or in the cell sonicate. In contrast, sodium ipodat...
An ab initio investigation of the ground and low-lying singlet and triplet electronic states of XNO2 and XONO (X = Cl, Br, and I).

A systematic ab initio treatment of the nitryl halides (XNO2) and the cis- and trans- conformers of the halide nitrites (XONO), where X = Cl, Br, and I, have been carried out using highly correlated methods with sequences of correlation consistent basis sets. Equilibrium geometries and harmonic frequencies have been accurately calculated in all cases at the explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12b level of theory, including the effects of core-valence correlation for the former. Where experimental values are available for the equilibrium structures (ClNO2 and BrNO2), the present calculations are in excellent agreement; however, the X-O distances are slightly too long by about 0.01 A due to missing multireference effects. Accurate predictions for the iodine species are made for the first time. The vertical electronic excitation spectra have been calculated using equation-of-motion coupled cluster methods for the low-lying singlet states and multireference configuration interaction for both singlet and triplet states. The latter also included the effects of spin-orbit coupling to provide oscillator strengths for the ground state singlet to excited triplet transitions. While for ClNO2 the transitions to excited singlet states all occur at wavelengths shorter than 310 nm, there is one longer wavelength singlet transition in BrNO2 and two in the case of INO2. The long wavelength tail in the XNO2 species is predicted to be dominated by transitions to triplet states. In addition to red-shifting from X = Cl to I, the triplet transitions also increase in oscillator strength, becoming comparable to many of the singlet transitions in the case of INO2. Hence in particular, the latter species should be very photolabile. Similar trends are observed and reported for the halogen nitrites, many of which for the first time.
Proper Exercise and Nutrition Kit: Use of Obesity Screening and Assessment Tools With Underserved Populations

Additional efforts are needed to assist public health, school, and clinic-based pediatric nurses in identifying the prevalence of obesity among Kansas Medicaid-eligible children, 21 years or younger. A Proper Exercise and Nutrition (PEN) tool kit was mailed to 500 public health nurses who performed KAN Be Healthy (KBH) assessments. KBH nurses were provided an expanded training curriculum on growth, nutrition, and obesity along with appropriate screening tools. Nurses were surveyed about their current assessment practices and general knowledge of obese clients. After the PEN tool kit distribution, nurses reported an increased use of screening tools and standardized referral parameters. This program intervention was successful in changing nursing practice, resulting in evidence-based understanding of obesity screening and assessment.
The Pathology of Hodgkin's Disease: What's New?

From the viewpoint of the pathologist, there are three major issues concerning Hodgkin's diseases (HD) that must be addressed. First is making the correct diagnosis; second is identifying any pathological features that may be of prognostic importance; and third is defining the identity of the neoplastic cell. Since Hodgkin's disease (HD) was first described, the origin of the Reed-Sternberg cell and the pathogenesis of HD have remained elusive. Recently developed techniques have allowed investigators to analyzed the immunophenotype and genotype of Reed-Sternberg cells. The results of these studies include recognition that, in many cases, Reed-Sternberg cell are of lymphoid origin. Thus, although in most cases of HD the diagnosis is straightforward on routinely stained sections, the conceptual dividing line between HD and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is not as sharp as it once seemed. Occasionally, there is difficulty in distinguishing between HD and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Nevertheless, fundamental difference in the clinical features, histology, immunophenotype, and genotype between non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and HD remain. The impact of histological features on prognosis are controversial, largely because of the excellent prognosis of most cases of HD.
Instability of brannerite cathode materials upon lithium insertion

Abstract Brannerite-type LiVMoO 6 , LiVWO 6 , Li 0.8 Zn 0.2 V 1.2 Mo 0.8 O 6 and Li 0.8 Zn 0.2 V 1.2 W 0.8 O 6 have been prepared and investigated as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The materials initially intercalate between 1.6 and 2.4 lithium ions per formula unit with discharge capacities of 250, 160, 220 and 151 mAh g −1 , respectively. However, they are not suitable for secondary batteries. The intercalated brannerite phases are unstable; they undergo a partial decomposition to Li 2 MoO 4 or similar products, which results in a continuous capacity fade with increasing cycle number or time at full discharge.
Circular dichroism in photoelectron angular distributions from oriented linear molecules.

We show that circular dichroism exists in the photoelectron angular distributions from oriented linear molecules in the electric dipole approximation. Contributions to the dichroism arise solely from interferences between degenerate photoelectron continua with m values differing by ±1. We identify specific photon-propagation, electron-detection configurations where circular dichroism will be observable. Finally, we illustrate the magnitude of this effect through ab initio calculations for photoionization out of the 4σ orbital of an oriented CO molecule.
Perceiving abstract concepts

The meanings of abstract concepts depend on context. Perceptual symbol systems (PSS) provide a powerful framework for representing such context. Whereas a few expected difficulties for simulations are consistent with empirical findings, the theory does not clearly predict simulations of specific abstract concepts in a testable way and does not appear to distinguish abstract noun concepts (like truth ) from their stem concepts (such as true ).
Defective hCNT1 transport contributes to gemcitabine chemoresistance in ovarian cancer subtypes: Overcoming transport defects using a nanoparticle approach

Abstract Nucleoside analogs are used as chemotherapeutic options for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancers. Human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hCNT1) is implicated in sensitizing solid tumors to nucleoside analogs although its role in determining drug efficacy in ovarian cancers remains unclear. Here we examined the functional expression of hCNT1 and compared its contributions toward gemcitabine efficacy in histological subtypes of ovarian cancer. Radioactivity analysis identified hCNT1-mediated 3H-gemcitabine transport in ovarian cancer cells to be significantly reduced compared with that of normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. Biochemical and immunocytochemical analysis identified that unlike normal ovarian cells which expressed high levels of hCNT1 at the apical cell surface, the transporter was either diminished in expression and/or mislocalized in cell lines of various subtypes of ovarian cancer. Retroviral expression of hCNT1 selectively rescued gemcitabine transport in cell lines representing serous, teratocarcinoma, and endometrioid subtypes, but not clear cell carcinoma (CCC). In addition, exogenous hCNT1 predominantly accumulated in intracytoplasmic vesicles in CCC suggesting defective cellular trafficking of hCNT1 as a contributing factor to transport deficiency. Despite diminution of hCNT1 transport in the majority of ovarian cancers and apparent trafficking defects with CCC, the chemotherapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine was broadly enhanced in all subtypes when delivered via engineered nanoparticles (NPs). Additionally, by bypassing the transport requirement, the delivery of a gemcitabine-cisplatin combination in NP formulation increased their synergistic interactions. These findings uncover hCNT1 as a putative determinant for nucleoside analog chemoresistance in ovarian cancer and may help rationalize drug selection and delivery strategies for various histological subtypes of ovarian cancer.
Modulation of endomorphin-2-induced analgesia by dipeptidyl peptidase IV.

The tetrapeptide, endomorphin-2 (Tyr-Pro-Phe-PheNH2) possesses high affinity for mu opioid receptors, and produces potent analgesia in mice. Its structure appears to satisfy the substrate requirements of the proteinase, dipeptidyl peptidase IV which removes dipeptides from the amino terminus of peptides containing proline as the penultimate amino acid. A potent, stable and specific inhibitor of this enzyme, Ala-Pyrrolidonyl-2-nitrile, has been described which should potentiate endomorphin-2-induced analgesia. Further, since dipeptidyl peptidase IV has an absolute requirement for l-Pro, a more metabolically-stable d-Pro2-endomorphin-2 analog should produce longer analgesic actions at lower doses. The present study found that endomorphin-2 was degraded approximately twice as fast than the chromogenic substrate, Ala-Pro-2naphthylamide, by dipeptidyl peptidase IV, whereas d-Pro2-endomorphin-2 was totally resistant to this enzyme's action. d-Pro2-endomorphin-2 (ED50=0.05 microg) was more potent than endomorphin-2 (ED50=30 microg) in significantly increasing tail-flick latencies with longer durations of action. Both the peptide and analogue were equipotent (ED50=0.5 microg) in significantly increasing jump thresholds. Ala-Pyrrolidonyl-2-nitrile (10-75 nmol) elicited a dose-dependent analgesia, and potentiated the analgesic actions of endomorphin-2, particularly on the tail-flick test. Whereas systemic naltrexone (2.5, 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently eliminated each of the three forms of analgesia on the jump test as well as the peak (15 min) effect on the tail-flick test, analgesia elicited by either endomorphin-2, d-Pro2-endomorphin-2 or Ala-Pyrrolidonyl-2-nitrile returned after 30-60 min in naltrexone-treated rats on the tail-flick test. These data strongly suggest that dipeptidyl peptidase IV plays a role in the inactivation of endomorphin-2 in vivo, and thereby modulates its central analgesic actions.
Comparative pharmacokinetics of coumarin anticoagulants. I. Unusual interaction of bishydroxycoumarin with plasma proteins--development of a new assay.

A widely used method for the determination of bishydroxycoumarin (BHC) in plasma, which involves extraction of BHC from acidified plasma (pH
Phosphodiesterase-Iα/autotaxin: a counteradhesive protein expressed by oligodendrocytes during onset of myelination

The initial stages of central nervous system (CNS) myelination require complex interactions of oligodendrocytes with their surrounding extracellular environment. In the present study, we demonstrate that commencing with active myelination oligodendrocytes express phosphodiesterase-Ialpha/autotaxin [PD-Ialpha/ATX (NPP-2)] as a non-membrane-associated extracellular factor. As such a component of the extracellular environment, PD-Ialpha/ATX has the ability to antagonize the adhesive interactions between oligodendroglial cells and known extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules present in the developing CNS. This counteradhesion requires intracellular signaling through heterotrimeric G proteins on fibronectin substrates and thus represents an active cellular response. Similar counteradhesive effects in other systems have been attributed to the activity of matricellular proteins, which support intermediate stages of cell adhesion thought to facilitate cellular locomotion and remodeling. Thus, the release of PD-Ialpha/ATX may be critically involved in the regulation of the initial stages of myelination, i.e., oligodendrocyte remodeling, via modulation of oligodendrocyte-ECM interactions in a matricellular fashion.
CARDIO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF BETA-BLOCKADE DURING CHEMOTHERAPY FOR BREAST CANCER

Myocardial deformation parameters are early markers of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in patients treated with trastuzumab. Based on the cardio-protective effect of beta-blockade (BB) in LV dysfunction, we sought whether BB provided effective cardio-protection in pts treated with trastuzumab.
Stimulation of male and female sexual behavior in gonadectomized rats with estrogen and androgen therapy and its inhibition with concurrent anti-hormone therapy☆

Abstract In the first experiment gonadectomized male rats were injected daily with various combinations of vehicle (V), estradiol benzoate (E), dihydrotestosterone (D) and/or the anti-androgen cyproterone acetate (CA). The eight treatment combinations consisted of V, E, D, CA, E + D, E + CA, D + CA and E + D + CA. Only those males treated with both E and D were found to display ejaculations. Concurrent treatment with CA completely blocked ejaculatory behavior and it significantly reduced both mount and intromission frequencies. Examination of peripheral androgen target tissues indicated that following stimulation with D, CA effectively reduced seminal vesicle and penile weights, and penile lengths, but it did not reduce penile spines. In the second experiment gonadectomized female rats were treated with two daily injections of E, E + CA or E + the anti-estrogen CI-628. A second set of gonadectomized females received three daily injections of testosterone (T), T + CA or T + CI-628. On the day after completion of these injections all females received progesterone and were tested for sexual receptivity three hours later. Both E and T treated females were found to display the lordotic posture in response to mounting stimulation while both CI-628 and CA were found to block this behavior. In E treated females, CI-628 and CA were also found to reduce uterine weight. Thus, CA was shown to have anti-estrogenic as well as anti-androgenic properties. These results were discussed in terms of the aromatization and 5α reduction theories of testosterone action in sexual behavior.
The effect of cortisone on the electrocardiograms of normal rabbits.

Abstract 1. 1. Thirteen rabbits were studied by repeated electrocardiograms and total lymphocyte counts during a period which included, for some of these animals, a four-day course of cortisone administration. A marked reduction in the total lymphocyte count in the cortisone-treated group was taken as evidence of hormonal activity. 2. 2. Electrocardiograms taken on the cortisone-treated rabbits showed a prompt increase in the amplitudes of the QRS complexes, T waves, and probably also the P waves. The T-wave changes were usually accompanied by an elevation of the ST segments. The increased amplitudes were associated with increases in the magnitudes of the ventricular gradients in the frontal plane without changes in the QRS-T angle. 3. 3. There was no change in the serum potassium concentration in the three cortisone-treated rabbits with the most marked electrocardiographic changes or in two control animals.
Characterization of a Macrocycle-Mediated Dual Module Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactor for Making Cation Separations

Abstract Separation of metal cations in aqueous solution by a macrocyclemediated Dual Hollow Fiber Membrane Contactor is described. The advantages of this type of supported liquid membrane configuration include easily accessible source, receiving and membrane phases; transport rates competitive with those of other types of membranes; and the potential for continuous operation. The new system was investigated to determine the effect of aqueous solution flow rate and membrane solvent stirring rate on Na+ and K+ transport using dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 as the carrier. The results demonstrated that transport increases with increasing stirring speed, but remains constant with increased aqueous flow rate through the fibers within the range of four to twelve m1/min. The membrane solvents hexane, toluene, octane, 1-octanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, octanal, and 2-octanone were tested for their ability to preserve membrane integrity in the presence of aqueous solutions of low pH, and to maximize transport. Of these s...
Antecedents of the Warsaw Public Library

AbstractThe history of Warsaw's public libraries reflects the political history of Poland. From the Third Partition of Poland in 1795 until it regained independence in 1918, public libraries played double roles of vital educational and political institutions. Libraries were charged with a special mission to preserve and maintain the Polish national identity threatened by policies of Russification, specifically during the Russian Partition. In Warsaw, most notably in the second half of the nineteenth century when Russia's efforts to suppress Polish language and literature from public life reached their peak, the public library movement, strengthened by the spirit of the resistance, resulted in the creation of the Warsaw Public Library as it is known today.
Preparative resolutions of an α-methyl carboxylic acid through selective transformations of readily epimerizable intermediates

Two preparations of the enantiomers of 2 are described. The first makes use of the chromatographic separation of the diastereomeric amides 6a and 6b. Standard hydrolysis of these amides caused racemization, so a milder sequence was developed which utilized carbonyldiimidazole and 1 equivalent of 1 N LiOH. The second preparation involved classical resolution of 9 with (−)-cinchonidine. Subsequent transformations of this substrate involved ester formation, Friedel–Crafts acylation, and ester hydrolysis, all without racemization. The most notable of these reactions was the use of EtAlCl2 in the Friedel–Crafts step, which provided a mild acylation of 10. This second preparation affords a high yield, mild process for the potential preparation of kilogram quantities of (−)-(R)-2b.
Back-face strain compliance relation for compact specimens for wide range in crack lengths

Abstract A back-face strain (BFS) compliance relation has been developed for the standard compact C(T) specimen for a very wide range in crack-length-to-width ( a / W ) ratios. Both finite-element and boundary-element methods were used to develop the BFS relation for a / W ratios from 0.2 to 0.95. In addition, experimentally determined compliance values on four metallic materials compared well with the new relation over nearly the complete a / W range. The new relation can be used to monitor crack-length-against-cycles using computerized crack-monitoring systems that are currently used with the crack-mouth-opening-displacement (CMOD) gage method, and the relation has been cast in a standard form compatible with existing compliance crack length monitoring systems.
Atomic displacements at and order of all phase transitions in multiferroic YMnO3 and BaTiO3.

Coordinate analysis of the multiple phase transitions in hexagonal YMnO3 leads to the prediction of a previously unknown aristotype phase, with the resulting phase-transition sequence: P63′cm′(e.g.) ↔ P63cm ↔ P63/mcm ↔ P63/mmc ↔ P6/mmm. Below the Neel temperature TN ≃ 75 K, the structure is antiferromagnetic with the magnetic symmetry not yet determined. Above TN the P63cm phase is ferroelectric with Curie temperature TC ≃ 1105 K. The nonpolar paramagnetic phase stable between TC and ∼ 1360 K transforms to a second nonpolar paramagnetic phase stable to ∼ 1600 K, with unit-cell volume one-third that below 1360 K. The predicted aristotype phase at the highest temperature is nonpolar and paramagnetic, with unit-cell volume reduced by a further factor of 2. Coordinate analysis of the three well known phase transitions undergone by tetragonal BaTiO3, with space-group sequence R3m ↔ Amm2 ↔ P4mm ↔ Pm\overline 3m, provides a basis for deriving the aristotype phase in YMnO3. Landau theory allows the I ↔ II, III ↔ IV and IV ↔ V phase transitions in YMnO3, and also the I ↔ II phase transition in BaTiO3, to be continuous; all four, however, unambiguously exhibit first-order characteristics. The origin of phase transitions, permitted by theory to be second order, that are first order instead have not yet been thoroughly investigated; several possibilities are briefly considered.
Promoting the Culture of Peace in Children

(2001). Promoting the Culture of Peace in Children. Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 1-3.
Transient particle acceleration associated with solar flares.

Mechanisms that apply to solar flares are discussed, and their applicability to other astrophysical sites, where transient X-ray and gamma-ray bursts occur, is tested. Two different approaches are used to determine the characteristics of the charged particles, accelerated in association with solar flares: (1) measurement of the energy spectra and composition of charged particles observed in space and believed to be associated with a specific solar flare; and (2) recording of electromagnetic emissions in the visible, ultraviolet, soft X-ray, hard X-ray, and gamma-ray spectral regions, and also high-energy neutrons produced in the solar atmosphere by the particles accelerated in association with the solar flare. It is suggested that, at the present level of knowledge, regions where particle acceleration and interactions occur are unlikely to be specified.
Fifth-generation research tools: Collaborative development with PowerLaboratory

The technology available for behavioral research limits the scope of the field. Yet we cannot expect personal computer manufacturers to be particularly concerned with real-time computing for such a niche market. The current, fourth generation of software tools is “old” technology, unable to take advantage of newer desktop technology like multimedia. Fifth-generation research tools, such as Power-Laboratory, will comprise software and hardware that overcome many of the limitations inherent in the fourth generation’s tools. For example, PowerLaboratory’s graphical programming interface resolves some of these limitations and also provides an advanced, verifiable, millisecond-accurate research tool that opens the discipline to multimedia as well as traditional stimuli. PowerLaboratory users have the option to create or link up a custom code extension (PLEX), and an Internet site provides for support and peer-reviewed protocol and PLEX publication. The purpose of this site is supporting open collaboration, which is seen as a requirement for advancing the technological capabilities of the discipline.
Novel dual-wavelength monitoring approach for the improved rapid separation and estimation of adenine nucleotides and creatine phosphate bu high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract A rapid and improved method for the simultaneous quantification of adenine nucleotides, including adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, as well as creatine phosphate by high-performance liquid chromatography is described. A programmable multi-wavelength UV detector was used to monitor the effluent initially at 210 nm for 4 min to measure creative phosphate, and then at 259 nm for 6 min to quantitate adenosine mono-, di- and triphosphate. The method is, thus, not only rapid, but also extremely sensitive because of the utilization of corresponding absorption maxima for creatine phosphate and adenine nucleotides, rather than measuring all of them at a single wavelength. In addition, computer-generated standard curves were used to estimate these compounds, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurements. Since myocardial high-energy phosphate levels are widely measured because they are reliable parameters for myocardial preservation during ischemia, these compounds were assayed in pig heart prior to and following ischemia. The results were compared with those obtained by conventional high-performance liquid chromatographic assay methods in order to examine the validity of this method. Our results indicate that this is indeed a novel method, which is more rapid as well as sensitive and accurate compared with other methods.
The Words and Music of Neil Young

Ken Bielen, Westport, CT: Praeger, 2008, ISBN: 0-275-99902-5; ISBN-13: 978-0-275-99902-5, 168 pp, $44.95/£25.95 Over the course of Neil Young's forty-plus-year career, he has created some of the mo...
A Case of Retrograde Jejunoduodenal Intussusception Caused by a Feeding Gastrostomy Tube

A case is presented of migration of a gastrostomy feeding tube (Foley type) through the pylorus with duodenal obstruction and subsequent retrograde intussusception. Although feeding tube migration is not uncommon, retrograde intussusception of the jejunum into the duodenum is rare. In this case, surgery was required with resection of a segment of necrotic bowel. Recommendations are given for treatment of this unusual complication with emphasis on its avoidance through use of a retaining bar or disc at the tube's skin exit site.
Zeros of derivatives of Riemann's xi-function of the critical line. II

Abstract Explicit lower bounds for the proportion of zeros of the derivatives of Riemann's xi-function which are on the critical line and simple are given. These lead to upper bounds for the proportion of zeros of the Riemann zeta-function with given multiplicity.
Approximate solutions to the Navier-Stokes initial value problem

A Galerkin–Ritz procedure for any arbitrary system of field equations is shown to follow generically from ’’two‐functional’’ variational conditions. The initial‐value problem for boundary‐free incompressible Navier–Stokes flow is solved analytically in the two‐parameter‐function approximation.
A private universal voucher program’s effects on traditional public schools

K-12 education reformers have often cited increases in spending with little noticeable gain in test scores, coupled with the fact that American students lag behind their foreign peers on standardized tests, as a major policy problem. School choice, specifically voucher programs, have emerged as a possible solution to the K-12 education woes. This article focuses on what is commonly referred to as the “systemic effects” of a private voucher program in the Edgewood Independent School District (EISD) in San Antonio, Texas. Using carefully chosen control districts and a robust econometric analysis, we conclude that the CEO Horizon Scholarship Program had small, positive effects on the traditional public schools of EISD. The rate of change growth, however, does slow as the voucher program nears the end of its term indicating that traditional public school participants need to believe that these programs are long term.
16 μm emission from a chemical hydrogen fluoride TE laser

Abstract A number of emission lines within the wavelength range from 12.7 to 17 μm originating from pure rotational transitions in hydrogen fluoride have been observed in a chemical HF-TE laser. The operational conditions have been optimized for the 16.02 μm line which is due to the rotational J (16→15) transition in the vibrational ground state of the HF molecules. This line is in the near vicinity of the v 3 UF 6 absorption band.
Temperature-Adaptable Fabrics:

Treatment of polyester, nylon 66, cotton, and wool fabrics with aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol phase change materials and of plastic crystal compounds by a conventional pad-dry procedure ...
Genetic Characterization of a Putative Densovirus from the Mealybug Planococcus citri

Total genomic DNA preparations from the citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri, contained a DNA band corresponding to 5.5 kilobases. This DNA was a linear molecule and was cloned into pUC18. Nucleotide sequence determination indicated that it was the replicative form of a densovirus, most closely related to the virus from Periplaneta fuliginosa (smokybrown cockroach).
Prognostic factors and patterns of relapse in ewing sarcoma patients treated with chemotherapy and r0 resection.

Purpose To identify prognostic factors and patterns of relapse for patients with Ewing sarcoma who underwent chemotherapy and R0 resection without radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Materials We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgical resection at our institution between 2000 and 2013 for an initial diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma. The associations of demographic and clinical factors with local control (LC) and patient outcome were determined by Cox regression. Time to events was measured from the time of surgery. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test. Results A total of 66 patients (median age 19 years, range 4-55 years) met the study criteria. The median follow-up was 5.6 years for living patients. In 43 patients (65%) for whom imaging studies were available, the median tumor volume reduction was 73%, and at least partial response by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was achieved in 17 patients (40%). At 5 years, LC was 78%, progression-free survival (PFS) was 59%, and overall survival (OS) was 65%. Poor histologic response (necrosis ≤95%) was an independent predictor of LC (hazard ratio [HR] 6.8, P =.004), PFS (HR 5.2, P =.008), and OS (HR 5.0, P =.008). Metastasis on presentation was also an independent predictor of LC (HR 6.3, P =.011), PFS (HR 6.8, P =.002), and OS (HR 6.7, P =.002). Radiologic partial response was a predictor of PFS (HR 0.26, P =.012), and postchemotherapy tumor volume was associated with OS (HR 1.06, P =.015). All deaths were preceded by distant relapse. Of the 8 initial local-only relapses, 5 (63%) were soon followed by distant relapse. Predictors of poor postrecurrence survival were time to recurrence P =.002) and simultaneous local and distant relapse (HR 16.8, P =.001). Conclusions Histologic and radiologic response to chemotherapy were independent predictors of outcome. Additional study is needed to determine the role of adjuvant radiation therapy for patients who have poor histologic response after R0 resection.
Ocean and Coastal Law

First of all, this is not the typical book that one expects to see reviewed in Eos, but, read on. It should be clear, by now, even to the most esoteric geophysicist, that lawyers and jurists are taking very close looks at many coastal zone and offshore marine activities. More importantly, there are a wide variety of laws (both at the state and the national levels) and international regulations that determine how we now use or will use our coastal region including how and where we will do marine scientific research. Recently, a Presidential Proclamation (March 1983) declared a 200-mile exclusive economic zone for the United States. The President, in the accompanying statements to the Proclamation, has called special attention to polymetallic sulfide deposits (Is someone in the White House reading Eos?) in what will now be U.S. waters (i.e., the Juan de Fuca region). Well, if you or your colleagues want to know more about U.S. and individual state rules for management and use of our marine areas, this might be the book for you.