cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Rearing Relationships, Cage Size, and Bird Density on Performance of Two Commercial Strains of Egg-Type Chickens

Abstract Two commercial strains of White Leghorn-type pullets, reared in colony cages from 12 to 21 weeks of age, were subjected to various treatments in cages involving rearing relationship, cage size, and bird density. At 21 weeks all birds were moved to different cages; half housed as penmates (reared in the same cage) and half as intermingled (reared in separate cages). Two cage sizes (72 × 82 and 41 × 41 cm.) and two densities (330 and 590 cm. of cage floor area per bird) were used. Birds that died were not replaced. Traits measured were mortality, egg production, age of sexual maturity, and egg quality. No significant differences were noted for the effect of housing method on the parameters studied. However, birds housed as penmates tended to out perform those intermingled, suggesting that strangeness may have a small effect on performance. Mortality was not significantly affected by the parameters studied. Egg production was significantly affected by strain, cage size, and density. The highest rate of lay (78%) was from the small cage-low density combination; lowest rate (70%), from the large cage-high density combination. A cage size × density interaction, which resulted from density differences being greater than cage size differences, was observed for hen-day and hen-housed egg production. Birds housed in large cages matured 4 days later than those in small cages. A cage size × density interaction showed birds housed in large cages at high density maturing 8 days later than those in small cages at high density. Egg quality and bird weights were not affected by the parameters studied, except for a strain effect on egg quality.
The visions of artists with epilepsy: Implications for neuroscientists

Artists with epilepsy present unique views of their condition to the world, and their artistic expressions have implications for researchers interested in the neurophysiological, psychological, and social aspects of epilepsy. Among the many works of contemporary artists with epilepsy that I have collected, a subgroup pertains to the nature of seizure experiences and associated mood disorders. Often, these images provide insights into underlying neurophysiology that are not otherwise possible to obtain through in vitro assays, animal models, psychometric instruments, or the verbal expressions of patients. This article focuses on examples of art that may inspire neuroscientists to generate hypotheses that will further explore the underlying neurological basis to the experiential phenomena of epilepsy and complement the sophisticated studies described elsewhere in this supplement.
The post-privatization financial performance of former state-owned enterprises

Abstract We analyze the long-term performance of privatizations, i.e. IPOs of former state-owned enterprises by measuring unadjusted and excess returns in average annual and cumulative terms. The results show negative abnormal price performance during the 1st year after the initial trading day, as well as during subsequent years. On average, privatization offers yield 1st year returns that are over 50% lower than market returns over the same time period. The results for cumulative returns also show, on average, a cumulative negative return of approximately 40% at the end of the 5th year of trading. The overall size of an offer seems to matter—the larger the offer, the better the long-term performance. This conclusion is offered with qualifications. On the other hand, the state of economic development of the privatizing country and the initial return do not appear to have a long-term impact on performance.
An Algebraic Approach to Reasoning with Conditional Information

This paper is a survey of some basic aspects of conditional reasoning under uncertainty. It reflects the recent attempt to put three-valued logics on a firm mathematical basis. It is natural but radically different from other existing approaches. Specifically, conditionals are modelled mathematically as intervals in Boolean rings, and then numerical uncertainties such as probabilities and fuzziness are attached to them.
Standardization in the Radio Vacuum-Tube Field

In vacuum-tube engineering the base dimensions, the filament voltage, plate voltage, and grid-bias voltage are the features that require standardization to the greatest degree. The history and present status of standardization of these features are given. Only tube types commonly used for broadcast reception and transmission are included.
Education Reform, High-Stakes Assessment, and Students with Disabilities One State's Approach

Over the past decade, the state of Virginia has been at the forefront of education reform efforts to implement new standards coupled with high-stakes assessments. The Virginia accountability system creates standards for individual students, schools, and school districts. Students with disabilities have been fully included in the Virginia education reform efforts. Participation by students with disabilities in the high-stakes assessment program has been relatively active, and these students have shown small but encouraging improvements in the mastery of state standards. A survey of Virginia special education administrators revealed general support for the inclusion of students with disabilities in the standards movement, but the results also provide cautions regarding the unintended consequences for these students.
Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) may be a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Article Title and Bibliographic Information Association between generalized joint hypermobility and signs and diagnoses of temporomandibular disorders. Hirsch C., John MT, Stang A. Eur J Oral Sci 2008;116(6):525-30. Reviewers Samuel F. Dworkin, DDS, PhD, and Kimberly Hanson Huggins, RDH, BS Purpose/Question The objective of this study was to determine whether generalized joint hypermobility is a risk factor for temporomandibular disorders as defined by the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Source of Funding This study was supported by the Public Health Research Association, Saxony, Germany. Type of Study/Design Population-based cross-sectional cohort study Level of Evidence Level 2: Limited-quality, patent-oriented evidence Strength of Recommendation Grade Not applicable
A linear programming formulation for incremental contact analysis

A novel algorithm for the analysis of contact problems in elasticity has been presented in this paper. The algorithm is based on the boundary element method and a direct approximation of the contact complementarity conditions using linear programming. An incremental loading scheme has been developed to ensure an accurate approximation of the deformation path that the object experiences during the process of contact. Several numerical examples have been analysed to illustrate the validity of the proposed formulations.
8:42 An in vivo study of Sox9 gene therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration

Abstract Purpose of study: The concentration of type II collagen, an essential constituent of the healthy nucleus pulposus, declines with intervertebral disc degeneration. Interventions that stimulate type II collagen production by disc cells may represent a novel therapy for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Recent studies have shown that Sox9 is an essential transcription factor for type II collagen synthesis, and it has been termed a “master regulator” of chondrocyte phenotype. The goals of this study were to assess the effects of delivering a gene expressing Sox9 to cultured rabbit chondrocytes and in vivo in rabbit intervertebral discs. Methods used: Adenoviral vectors expressing Sox9 (AdSox9) and green fluorescent protein were constructed using the AdEasy system. Isolated New Zealand rabbit intervertebral disc cells were infected with the vectors. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to document increased type II collagen expression. After an anterior transabdominal approach, the AdSox9 virus was directly injected into the lumbar discs of two live NZ rabbits. After 5 weeks, rabbits were sacrificed, and discs were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological examination. of findings: The AdSox9 virus efficiently transduced rabbit disc cells (greater than 60%). Western blot analysis confirmed increased Sox9 production. Using a luciferase reporter gene driven by type II collagen promoter, we demonstrated that Sox9 induced Pro-alphaI(II) mRNA expression through interaction with its promoter. Sox9-mediated type II collagen production was detected using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. In the rabbit model at 5 weeks postinjection, control discs showed degenerative changes consistent with annulotomy-induced degeneration. In the nucleus, cells became spindle-shaped fibrocytes and the extracellular matrix assumed a fibrous appearance. However, the disc injected with AdSox9 retained the chondroid appearance of normal nucleus pulposus and the cells maintained a chondrocytic phenotype. MRI demonstrated lesser grades of disc degeneration in the Sox9-treated discs. Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: Successful adenovirus-mediated transduction of Sox9 transcription factor with stimulation of type II collagen was demonstrated in rabbit disc cells. In an annulotomy model of disc degeneration, in vivo transduction with exogenous Sox9 decreased disc degeneration. Overall significance of findings: These findings suggest a potential role for Sox9 gene therapy in the treatment of degenerative disc disease. Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflict of interest: No conflicts.
Long-latency deficiency disease: insights from calcium and vitamin D

Nutrient intake recommendations and national nutritional policies have focused primarily on prevention of short-latency deficiency diseases. Most nutrient intake recommendations today are based on prevention of the index disease only. However, inadequate intakes of many nutrients are now recognized as contributing to several of the major chronic diseases that affect the populations of the industrialized nations. Often taking many years to manifest themselves, these disease outcomes should be thought of as long-latency deficiency diseases. Sometimes they come about by the same pathophysiologic mechanism that produces the index disease, but sometimes the mechanisms are completely different. Well-documented examples of both short- and long-latency deficiency states involving calcium and vitamin D are described briefly. Then, the insights derived from these nutrients are tentatively applied to folic acid. Discerning the full role of nutrition in long-latency, multifactorial disorders is probably the principal challenge facing nutritional science today. The first component of this challenge is to recognize that inadequate intakes of specific nutrients may produce more than one disease, may produce diseases by more than one mechanism, and may require several years for the consequent morbidity to be sufficiently evident to be clinically recognizable as "disease." Because the intakes required to prevent many of the long-latency disorders are higher than those required to prevent the respective index diseases, recommendations based solely on preventing the index diseases are no longer biologically defensible.
Classroom-Based Inequalities and Achievement Gaps in First Grade: The Role of Classroom Context and Access to Qualified and Effective Teachers.

BackgroundAn enduring question about achievement gaps is, which aspects of schools contribute most? At the early grade levels, when children spend the vast majority of their school day in a single ...
Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms Regulating Epidermal Stem and Progenitor Cell Self-Renewal and Differentiation

Epidermal stem and progenitor cells exist within the basal layer of the epidermis and serve to replenish the loss of differentiated cells because of normal turnover or injury. Current efforts have focused on elucidating the transcriptional regulation of epidermal stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. However, recent studies have pointed to an emerging and prominent role for post-transcriptional regulation of epidermal cell fate decisions. In this review, we will focus on post-transcriptional mechanisms including noncoding RNAs, RNA binding proteins, and mRNA decay-mediated control of epidermal stem and progenitor cell function in the skin.
Latent transition analysis and how it can address prevention research questions

The objective of this chapter is to introduce latent transition analysis (LTA) to the substance use prevention research community. LTA is a new methodological technique for testing stage-sequential models, such as models of substance use onset. LTA estimates several different sets of parameters. One of these sets is the transition probability matrix, which contains information about the probability of movement between stages in the model. LTA can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention intervention programs by comparing the transition probability matrices of the program and control groups. If the prevention program is successful, the transition probability matrices will indicate that the probability of moving to a more advanced stage of drug use is lower for the program participants than for the control group. An advantage of taking a stage-sequential approach is that examining the transition probability matrix reveals how effective a program is for individuals entering the program with different levels and types of substance use experience. In this chapter, LTA is used to evaluate a variety of models of the early onset process separately for Anglo, Latino, and Asian-American adolescents, measured in seventh grade and again in eighth grade. Although somewhat different models are found to fit the three ethnic groups best, the differences likely are due to differences in the overall amount of substance use experience. Based on these results, it is suggested that, to be most effective, prevention programs should take place earlier for Anglos and Latinos, and later, followed by boosters, for Asian Americans.
Dialogue and Administrative Theory & Praxis: Twenty-Five Years of Public Administration Theory

Administrative Theory & Praxis began in 1979 as Dialogue, the newsletter of the newly created Public Administration Theory Net work. It has developed over twenty-five years as a forum for "alter native" theory in public administration. This paper describes some of the work published in Dialogue/ATP from 1979 to 2004 to illus trate issues of interest to authors in the journal during this time. Ex amples of articles are given in five substantive categories of theory: the nature of knowledge; the relationship of Dialogue/ATP theory to mainstream public administration; normative public administration theory; social and political theory; and marginalization and oppres sion. The discussion highlights writing about important topics in public administration theory from perspectives often not considered in "mainstream" journals.
A method for serum lipids on the SMA-12-60 and its use in screening for hyperlipidemia.

A turbidimetric method for the estimation of serum lipids was modified to replace the phosphorus channel on the SMA-12/60. Computer analysis of data showed a correlation coefficient of 0.87 between this serum lipid value and the sum of the serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In a series of 679 sera, there was a false-negative error of less than 3% and a false-positive error of less than 1%. The principal advantage of this method is in identifying patients with hyperlipidemia due only to increased triglycerides. Such patients would be missed if screening were done with a conventional SMA-12/60 configuration.
The Opportunities and Limitations of Scaling Up Sensor-Free Affect Detection

and analyze affect detectors for four affective states: confidence, excitement, frustration and interest. We utilize easy to implement self-report based "ground truth" measurements of affect within a tutor, and model them as continuous variables that are later discretized into positive, neutral, and negative valence classifications; this distinguishes our work from detectors which model affective states as binary. We explore the opportunities and limitations of cross validation with regard to potentially distinct sample groups.
29 ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER REGULATION BY SIMVASTATIN: ROLE OF RHO, RAC, AND NADPH OXIDASE.

The statins are a class of HMG CoA-reductase inhibitors used clinically for their ability to lower serum cholesterol; however, not all of their clinical benefits, including enhanced endothelial cell (EC) barrier function, can be attributed to their lipid-lowering properties. One potential mechanism of these effects is via inhibition of geranylgeranylation, a covalent modification that allows translocation to the cell membrane and activation of the small GTPases, including Rho and Rac, although we have previously reported the paradoxical activation of cytosolic Rac by simvastatin. While the inhibition of Rho attenuates actin stress fiber formation, promoting EC barrier function, the inhibition of Rac at the cell membrane prevents activation of NADPH oxidase and subsequent superoxide generation, known to be EC barrier disruptive. We sought to determine the relative regulatory effects of simvastatin on Rac and NADPH oxidase activities in the context of EC barrier protection. Human pulmonary artery ECs treated with simvastatin (5 μM, 16 hours) were found to have a significant decrease in membrane Rac (38% decrease), consistent with the inhibition of geranylgeranylation. Using a FITC-dextran transwell permeability assay, concomitant treatment of EC with xanthine (200 μM, 1 hour) and xanthine oxidase (30 mU/mL, 1 hour) to generate superoxide resulted in barrier disruption that was attenuated by simvastatin (5 μM, 16 hours, 49% decrease), consistent with the inhibition of NADPH oxidase. Moreover, LPS-induced (1 μg/mL) superoxide production measured by DHE fluorescence was also significantly reduced by simvastatin (50% decrease). Finally, compared with simvastatin treatment (5 μM, 16 hours), thrombin-induced permeability (1 U/mL, 5 minutes) was only modestly attenuated by the inhibition of Rac via siRNA (20% as effective as simvastatin), whereas the use of the Rho inhibitor Y-27632 (10 μM, 30 minutes) affected a more pronounced attenuation (70% as effective as simvastatin). These data suggest that EC barrier protection by simvastatin, although largely due to Rho inhibition, is also attributable to the inhibition of Rac at the cell membrane and the subsequent attenuation of superoxide generation by NADPH oxidase. Our findings contribute to defining mechanisms by which simvastatin modulates EC barrier properties, which may lead to new clinical applications. Funding: HL077134-01, Parker B. Francis Fellowship.
TCA: A Polymorphic Genetic Marker in Leukemias and Melanoma Cell Lines

TCA (T Cell system A) is a di-allelic system of HLA-like antigens encoded by genes located about 15 cM telomeric to HLA-A. In normal individuals, TCA antigens are only expressed on a subpopulation of T cells, the TG lymphocytes. We now report on the expression of TCA on leukemias and other malignancies. An increased proportion of cells carrying the TCA phenotype was encountered in testing peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (T-ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In contrast, patients with B-cell malignancies such as chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL) or non-T/non-B common acute lymphoblastic leukemia (common ALL) had normal proportions of TCA-positive lymphocytes. Quantitatively different levels of TCA expression are found on some melanoma cell lines and others are TCA negative. These variations are independent of the expression of HLA Class I antigens by the same cells. The expression of TCA antigens by malignant nonlymphoid cells suggests that this system may code for differentiation markers, important in the biology of neoplastic transformation.
Novel endovascular technique for removal of adherent PICC

IntroductionPeripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are a popular alternative to central venous lines. PICCs can provide reliable long-term access for intravenous fluids, antibiotics and to...
Viscosity of Liquid – Inorganic Compounds

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the values of viscosity of liquid (inorganic compounds) in tabular form. For the tabulation, an equation is selected for liquid viscosity as a function of temperature. The tabulation is arranged by alphabetical order such as Ag, Al, Ar, and Zr to provide ease of use in quickly locating the data by using the chemical formula. The compound name and chemical abstracts registry number (CAS No) are also provided in tabular form. Values for regression coefficients are given in the adjacent columns. The temperature range for use is also given in the columns (TMIN and TMAX). The equation should not be used for temperatures outside this range. The next column provides the code for the tabulation. The last three columns provide values for liquid viscosity at representative temperatures. For liquid viscosities, the experimental data for inorganics is very limited or scarce when compared to that available for organics. The estimation methods for inorganics are also very limited or scarce in comparison to organics. Thus, in the absence of experimental data and the scarcity of estimation methods, the estimates for inorganics should be considered as very rough approximations. A comparison of calculated and data values is also given for a representative compound. The graph shows favorable agreement of equation and data.
Matters of Life and Death: Give and Take in the Bcl-2 Family

Abstract The mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, a major mode of cell death in vertebrate animals, is characterized by the process of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), in which proteins of the mitochondrial inter-membrane space gain access to the cytosol, thereby triggering caspases and apoptosis. This life-or-death decision is controlled by the proteins of the Bcl-2 family. These include the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 effector proteins, Bax and Bak, that cause the permeabilization event, and the anti-apoptotic proteins, e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, which prevent it. A third sub-family, the BH3-only proteins, which include Bid, Bim, Bad, Puma, and Noxa (among others), regulate the other two sub-families, promoting the activation of the effectors or blocking the activity of the anti-apoptotic proteins (or both). Structural studies have led to a greater understanding of these complex interactions and have provided the basis for the development of BH3-mimetics that show promise for cancer therapies. New structural studies have begun to elucidate the mechanisms whereby Bax and Bak become activated, opening new avenues towards promoting or inhibiting the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. A proposed “hit and run” model of effector activation, whereby a BH3-only protein engages Bak or Bax and then must be displaced as the effector proteins associate, was validated in these structural studies. Additional, emerging insights will be discussed in the context of a unified model of Bcl-2 protein interactions. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Integrated Experimental–Technoeconomic Analysis of the Lifetime of Pd–Au Membranes

Palladium and palladium/alloy membranes have shown to be an effective technology option for the production of pure hydrogen. In particular, Pd/Au membranes have displayed superior chemical stability and separation performance. However, the lack of industrial operating experience gives rise to technological uncertainties such as the lifetime of the membranes which could potentially prevent the deployment of this new technology option. In light of the above recognition, the primary aim of the present research work is to combine long-term H2 membrane permeance and He leak characterization tests (cumulative testing over 2.2 years) conducted to estimate the lifetime of composite asymmetric Pd/Au membranes at different thicknesses with a comprehensive economic performance assessment framework in the presence of inherent trade-offs between permeance, thickness, and membrane lifetime. The experimental results are depicted in terms of the produced H2 purity and flux at different testing times and various membrane ...
Frequency, predictors, and outcomes of urine drug testing among patients with advanced cancer on chronic opioid therapy at an outpatient supportive care clinic

BACKGROUND Data are limited on the use and outcomes of urine drug tests (UDTs) among patients with advanced cancer. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with UDT ordering and results in outpatients with advanced cancer. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of 1058 patients who attended an outpatient supportive care clinic from March 2014 to November 2015. Sixty-one patients who were receiving chronic opioid therapy and underwent UDTs were identified. A control group of 120 patients who did not undergo UDTs was selected for comparison. RESULTS Sixty-one of 1058 patients (6%) underwent UDTs, and 33 of 61 patients (54%) had abnormal results. Multivariate analysis indicated that the odds ratio for UDT ordering was 3.9 in patients who had positive Cut Down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye Opener (CAGE) questionnaire results (P = .002), 4.41 in patients aged < 45 years (P < .001), 5.58 in patients who had moderate-to-severe pain (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale pain scores ≥4; P < .001), 0.27 in patients with advanced-stage cancer, (P = .008), and 0.25 in patients who had moderate-to-severe fatigue (P = .001). Among 52 abnormal UDT results in 33 patients, the most common opioid findings were prescribed opioids absent in urine (14 of 52 tests; 27%) and unprescribed opioids in urine (13 of 52 tests; 25%). CONCLUSIONS UDTs were used infrequently among outpatients with advanced cancer who were receiving chronic opioid therapy. Younger age, positive CAGE questionnaire results, early stage cancer or no evidence of disease status, higher pain intensity, and lower fatigue scores were significant predictors of UDT ordering. More than 50% of UDT results were abnormal. More research is necessary to better characterize aberrant opioid use in patients with advanced cancer. Cancer 2016;122:3732-9. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
How to Integrate Any Real Function

In this chapter, we study problems of integration, demonstrating the advantages that transition to hypernumbers and extrafunctions gives for this field. It is well known that it is possible to integrate only some real functions. Shenitzer and Steprāns (1994) explain that while in the eyes of some mathematicians the Lebesgue integral was the final answer to the difficulties associated with integration and there is no perfect integral, there were others who were not willing to give up the search for the perfect integral, one which would make all functions integrable. Although efforts of different mathematicians extended the scope of integrable functions, their results only gave additional evidence for impossibility of such a perfect integral.
The Carnol process for CO2 mitigation from power plants and the transportation sector

Abstract A CO2 mitigation process is developed which converts waste CO2, primarily recovered from coal-fired power plant stack gases with natural gas, to produce methanol as a liquid fuel and coproduct carbon as a materials commodity. The Carnol process chemistry consists of methane decomposition to produce hydrogen which is catalytically reacted with the recovered waste CO2 to produce methanol. The carbon is either stored or sold as a materials commodity. A process design is modelled and mass and energy balances are presented as a function of reactor pressure and temperature conditions. The Carnol process is a viable alternative to sequestering CO2 in the ocean for purposes of reducing CO2 emissions from coal burning power plants. Over 90% of the CO2 from the coal burning plant is used in the process which results in a net CO2 emission reduction of over 90% compared to that obtained for conventional methanol production by steam reforming of methane. Methanol as an alternative liquid fuel for automotive engines and for fuel cells achieves additional CO2 emission reduction benefits. The economics of the process is greatly enhanced when carbon can be sold as a materials commodity. Improvement in process design and economics should be achieved by developing a molten metal (tin) methane decomposition reactor and a liquid phase, slurry catalyst, methanol synthesis reactor directly using the solvent saturated with CO2 scrubbed from the power plant stack gases. The benefits of the process warrants its further development.
CHAPTER 121 – STYX/Dead-Phosphatases

This chapter highlights the functional diversity of STYX/dead-phosphatase domains. The emergence of additional catalytically inactive, phosphatase-like proteins from human, yeast, and viral sources, implies an ancient origin for participation of dead-phosphatases in phosphorylation-dependent signaling. Proposed mechanisms of dead-phosphatase function range from being antagonists of PTP-substrate interaction to allosteric regulators of active PTPs and even structural scaffolds for protein complexformation. Perhaps a diversity of function for deadphosphatases is expected given the multiplicity of substrates and strategies employed in regulating active PTPs. A crystallographic study of an inactive mutant of the PTP, KAP,and its phosphorylated substrate, CDK2, illustrates how non-catalytic binding at the PTP active site can modulate the conformation and function of its bound substrate molecule. Co-crystallization of STYX/dead-phosphatases with their interacting proteins will likely provide naturally occurringexamples of this and other phosphorylation regulatory mechanisms.
Grid and Nongrid Cells in Medial Entorhinal Cortex Represent Spatial Location and Environmental Features with Complementary Coding Schemes

The medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) has been identified as a hub for spatial information processing by the discovery of grid, border, and head-direction cells. Here we find that in addition to these well-characterized classes, nearly all of the remaining two-thirds of mEC cells can be categorized as spatially selective. We refer to these cells as nongrid spatial cells and confirmed that their spatial firing patterns were unrelated to running speed and highly reproducible within the same environment. However, in response to manipulations of environmental features, such as box shape or box color, nongrid spatial cells completely reorganized their spatial firing patterns. At the same time, grid cells retained their spatial alignment and predominantly responded with redistributed firing rates across their grid fields. Thus, mEC contains a joint representation of both spatial and environmental feature content, with specialized cell types showing different types of integrated coding of multimodal information.
Increased utilization of advanced imaging technology and its economic impact for patients diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States.

368Background: This study examined utilization patterns and predictors for use of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) among Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with bladder cancer. Methods: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked databases to analyze claims data for 36,855 patients aged 60-90 years diagnosed with bladder cancer from 2004 to 2011. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used to determine whether significant changes in the proportion of patients receiving advanced imaging after cancer diagnosis occurred during the time interval; trends in the usage of the imaging modality types were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was conducted to analyze potential demographic and clinical predictors associated with receipt of advanced imaging. The costs of imaging were measured using Medicare payments. Results: While the overall trend of imaging use remained essentia...
A novel approach to percutaneous removal of large tricuspid valve vegetations using suction filtration and veno‐venous bypass: A single center experience

Background Tricuspid valve surgery has been the de facto standard treatment for tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) refractory to medical therapy. It is now possible to remove right-sided vegetations percutaneously using a venous drainage cannula with an extracorporeal bypass circuit. Objectives The purpose of our study is to describe our single-center experience of percutaneous tricuspid valve vegetation removal. Methods We reviewed the perioperative course of 33 consecutive patients with large tricuspid valve vegetations who carried high surgical risk. Results The cohort included 12 males and 21 females over a 40-month period with an average age of 37 years. A preponderance of patients carried an admitted or confirmed diagnosis of injection drug use (72.7%). Average vegetation size was 2.1 +/– 0.7 cm prior to the procedure with a 61% reduction in size after the procedure. All patients survived the procedure and 90.9% survived the index hospitalization. Three patients proceeded to elective tricuspid valve replacement due to worsening severity of tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusion Percutaneous removal of large tricuspid valve vegetations is a safe and effective alternative for patients with TVE who carry high-surgical risk. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of weather on the recreational uses of coastal lagoons in Rhode Island, USA

Abstract The recreational uses of coastal lagoons (also known locally as salt ponds) contribute significantly to the important tourism economy of the southern part of the US state of Rhode Island. The lagoons are valued highly for the wide range of recreational services they provide, such as fishing, clamming, rowing, boating, or merely relaxing. Outdoors on or near the water, weather conditions may influence individual recreation decisions strongly. A changing climate is expected to affect weather conditions in Rhode Island, thereby potentially influencing when, how, and how much recreation will take place in the coastal areas of the state. Through direct observations of human activities on coastal lagoons, the sensitivity of coastal recreational uses to changes in weather conditions was assessed. If future changes in climate bring warmer temperatures and more intense wind and rain events, our results suggest that there may be a decrease in relaxing, rowing, and fishing on coastal lagoons when days are hotter and a decrease in rowing and fishing when days are windier. Nevertheless, warmer temperatures also may lengthen the summers, leading to an overall increase in the peak coastal recreation season. However, during the hottest periods, there may be a shift toward more motor boating and away from other uses, motor boaters were more resistant than other users to changes when temperatures increase. Understanding how weather and climate influence coastal recreation could help coastal managers and businesses better plan for the future in Rhode Island and other coastal environments worldwide.
Modulation of Glycine-Mediated Spinal Neurotransmission for the Treatment of Chronic Pain.

Chronic pain constitutes a significant and expanding worldwide health crisis. Currently available analgesics poorly serve individuals suffering from chronic pain, and new therapeutic agents that are more effective, safer, and devoid of abuse liabilities are desperately needed. Among the myriad of cellular and molecular processes contributing to chronic pain, spinal disinhibition of pain signaling to higher cortical centers plays a critical role. Accumulating evidence shows that glycinergic inhibitory neurotransmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn gates nociceptive signaling, is essential in maintaining physiological pain sensitivity, and is diminished in pathological pain states. Thus, it is hypothesized that agents capable of enhancing glycinergic tone within the dorsal horn could obtund nociceptor signaling to the brain and serve as analgesics for persistent pain. This Perspective highlights the potential that pharmacotherapies capable of increasing inhibitory spinal glycinergic neurotransmission hold...
Examining the Transitions Between Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Product Use in the United States Using the 2002-2003 and 2010-2011 Longitudinal Cohorts

Introduction Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use in the United States has remained constant or even increased slightly in recent years, whereas smoking has continuously decreased. Characterization of transitions between tobacco products is critical to understand the reasons behind the continuing use of smokeless tobacco. Methods Two longitudinal cohorts of Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS), 2002-2003 (n = 14996) and 2010-2011 (n = 18226), were used to examine transitions between cigarette and SLT use over 1-year periods. Weighted population percentages of four use categories (exclusive cigarette use, exclusive SLT use, dual use, and neither) were calculated for different demographic groups. Transition between use categories and quit rates by product were calculated for each cohort. Results Relative to 2002-2003, smoking quit rates of male exclusive smokers significantly increased in 2010-2011 (11.6% vs. 24.4%, p < .0001), but the corresponding SLT use quit rates remained stable (41.3% vs. 40.0%, p = .87). Similar patterns were found in females with smoking quit rates increasing considerably (12.3% vs. 24.2%, p < .0001). Smoking quit rates increased in most sociodemographic groups analyzed. Male SLT use quit rates were significantly lower in SLT exclusive users than in dual users in the 2010-2011 cohort (40.0% vs. 62.2%; p = .04), but smoking quit rates in exclusive smokers and in dual users were roughly equivalent (24.4% vs. 29.5%, p = .68). Conclusions Although smoking quit rates doubled overall and increased in most sociodemographic groups, SLT quit rates remained constant with little transition between products. Longer-term prospective data examining polytobacco use are needed to better understand transitions between tobacco products. Implications This study uses two longitudinal surveys to investigate changes in switching behaviors between tobacco products. We found that quit rates of self-reported smoking doubled between 2002-2003 and 2010-2011 in most sociodemographic groups in the United States, whereas in contrast quit rates of self-reported Smokeless Tobacco (SLT) use remained roughly constant. This explains in part the opposing trends of tobacco use by product in the United States, with smoking continuing its decrease, whereas SLT use remains constant. Moreover, smokers were unlikely to switch to other forms of tobacco compared to SLT users. Lastly, smoking cessation for dual users was not significantly different from that of exclusive smokers. Understanding transitions between smoking and SLT use is critical to assess the potential long-term impact of SLT use, and potentially that of other alternative tobacco products, on tobacco-related health outcomes.
Factor Xa interacts with two sites on monocytes with different functional activities

Studies were performed to elucidate the functional significance of factor Xa interactions at the monocyte membrane in the presence and absence of factor Va, with respect to prothrombin and factor IX cleavage. Factor Xa-catalyzed prothrombin activation at the monocyte surface was absolutely dependent on the addition of factor Va, indicating that thrombin was generated solely by a membrane-bound complex of factors Va and Xa. In contrast, in the absence of added factor Va, factor Xa bound to monocytes catalyzed the cleavage of factor IX to the nonenzymatic intermediate factor IX alpha through a reaction that was dependent on both monocyte and factor Xa concentration. At limiting factor Xa concentration, added factor Va inhibited the factor Xa-catalyzed cleavage of factor IX, suggesting that a monocyte-bound complex of factors Va and Xa did not recognize factor IX as a substrate. These combined data suggest that factor Xa interacts with the monocyte through two sites which can be distinguished by their requirement for added factor Va and their expression of different functional activities. Both functional sites could be distinguished also by their differential susceptibility to inhibition by a monoclonal antibody directed against the light chain of factor Va (alpha-HFV1). At the monocyte surface, the factor Va/Xa- catalyzed activation of prothrombin was maximally inhibited with 0.25 mumol/L alpha-HFV1, whereas 1.0 mumol/L alpha-HFV1 was required to effect 50% inhibition of the factor Xa-catalyzed cleavage of factor IX. The ability of factor Va to modulate factor Xa substrate specificity was investigated further. Factor Xa bound to thrombin-activated platelets either through platelet-released factor Va or added factor Va did not cleave factor IX. Consistent with this result, a plasma concentration of factor IX had no effect on thrombin generation catalyzed by a platelet-bound complex of factors Va and Xa. In marked contrast, factor Xa bound to phospholipid vesicles either independently or in complex with factor Va catalyzed factor IX cleavage with equal efficiency. These combined data indicate that factor Va bound to cell surfaces modulates factor Xa substrate specificity, whereas no discriminatory effect is conferred by factor Va bound to phospholipid vesicles. Thus, by providing two distinct sites at its membrane surface, the monocyte modulates factor Xa binding and the functional activity expressed by the bound enzyme, depending on the availability of factor Va.
REGULATION OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE OF RABBIT LYMPHOCYTES BY ANTIGEN ACTIVATED SUPPRESSOR CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the regulation of the immune response of rabbit lymphocytes by antigen-activated suppressor cells. Spleen cells from rabbits immunized with trinitrophenylated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (TNP-KLH) produce 2,000–17,000 indirect anti-TNP plaque-forming cells (PFC) per 10 cultured cells when incubated 5–7 days with 0.01–10 ng TNP–KLH. In a study described in the chapter, KLH-stimulated responses as great as TNP–KLH and TNP on other carriers stimulated minimal responses indicating that antigen-specific proliferation was carrier-specific. The T-cell requirements for proliferation and high-dose suppression were examined. Neither the carrier nor the conjugate has any effect on the anti-SRBC response of cells from SRBC primed rabbits but both suppress the anti-SRBC response of cells from doubly immunized rabbits. This specifically induced, nonspecifically directed suppression appears to act on B cells during the later T-independent stages of the PFC response as does mitogen induced suppression.
In Search of a New Indigeneity: Archaeological and Spiritual Heritage in Highland Bolivia

Bolivians are inventing spiritual practices that fit into the current dominant political discourse of decolonization and revalorization of native beliefs by associating these new traditions with archaeological spaces and objects. This new Bolivia is believed to emerge from the ashes of the old economic and social order, which for centuries oppressed and elided native religious practices, and harkens back to precolonial values. Drawing from long-term ethnographic research, media reports, and scholarly works, I aim to examine these new practices to improve our understanding of emerging indigenous identities in this small Andean nation. I discuss two case studies that exemplify how the urban indigenous are rediscovering the power of ancestor veneration and animism in their heritage to construct a new sense of national belonging.
Randomized sketches for kernels: Fast and optimal nonparametric regression

Kernel ridge regression (KRR) is a standard method for performing nonparametric regression over reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces. Given $n$ samples, the time and space complexity of computing the KRR estimate scale as $\mathcal{O}(n^{3})$ and $\mathcal{O}(n^{2})$, respectively, and so is prohibitive in many cases. We propose approximations of KRR based on $m$-dimensional randomized sketches of the kernel matrix, and study how small the projection dimension $m$ can be chosen while still preserving minimax optimality of the approximate KRR estimate. For various classes of randomized sketches, including those based on Gaussian and randomized Hadamard matrices, we prove that it suffices to choose the sketch dimension $m$ proportional to the statistical dimension (modulo logarithmic factors). Thus, we obtain fast and minimax optimal approximations to the KRR estimate for nonparametric regression. In doing so, we prove a novel lower bound on the minimax risk of kernel regression in terms of the localized Rademacher complexity.
Finite-temperature many-body perturbation theory in the canonical ensemble

Benchmark data are presented for the zeroth- through third-order many-body perturbation corrections to the electronic Helmholtz energy, internal energy, and entropy in the canonical ensemble in a wide range of temperature. They are determined as numerical λ-derivatives of the respective quantities computed by thermal full configuration interaction with a perturbation-scaled Hamiltonian, H[over ]=H[over ]_{0}+λV[over ]. Sum-over-states analytical formulas for up to the third-order corrections to these properties are also derived as analytical λ-derivatives. These formulas, which are verified by exact numerical agreement with the benchmark data, are given in terms of the Hirschfelder-Certain degenerate perturbation energies and should be valid for both degenerate and nondegenerate reference states at any temperature down to zero. The results in the canonical ensemble are compared with the same in the grand canonical ensemble.