cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ejaculatory Status and Fertility Rates After Primary Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection

Purpose: We determined the incidence of antegrade emission after primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in a large contemporary cohort. Our secondary purpose was to evaluate the fertility rate in this population.Materials and Methods: We queried the testicular cancer database at our institution from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2005 and identified all 280 patients who underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Of these patients we contacted 176, and questioned them about ejaculatory and fertility status at 3 to 9 years of followup.Results: Of 176 patients who underwent primary retroperitoneal lymph node dissection 171 (97%) reported preserved antegrade emission. Of the 135 men who underwent a nerve sparing procedure 134 (99%) could ejaculate, as could 33 of 37 (89%) who underwent nonnerve sparing surgery. An attempt to father children was reported by 64 men, of whom 47 (73.4%) were successful. Three other patients fathered children via in vitro fertilization.Conclusions: Most men w...
Synthesis of libraries of peptidomimetic compounds containing a 2-oxopiperazine unit in the main chain

Peptoid libraries have been shown to be a useful source of protein-binding agents. However, simple linear peptoids lack conformational constraints, which may limit their binding affinity for proteins. Here we report facile chemistry for the assembly of 2-oxopiperazine rings into the main chain of peptoid-like oligomers, thus rigidifying the structure. This modified sub-monomer synthesis is suitable for the creation of high quality combinatorial libraries.
Marketing as an engineering career

When funds are tight, design and development are curtailed first; however, marketing is one of the last areas to go. That's the view of two recent electrical engineering graduates who spent last summer in a ten-week pilot program for junior marketing engineers. The marketing assistantship program described here was developed by the Hewlett-Packard Co. to acquaint engineering undergraduates with the job opportunities available in marketing. The authors soon realized that their initial impressions of this field were somewhat misleading.
On Comparing Correlated Means in the Presence of Incomplete Data

Two statistics are proposed for testing the hypothesis of equality of the means of a bivariate normal distribution with unknown common variance and correlation coefficient when observations are missing on both variates. One of the statistics reduces to the one proposed by Bhoj (1978, 1984) when the unpaired observations on the variates are equal. The distributions of the statistics are approximated by well known distributions under the null hypothesis. The empirical powers of the tests are computed and compared with those of some known statistics. The comparison supports the use of one of the statistics proposed in this paper.
Performance of a Bi-unit Damper Using Digital Image Processing

This paper deals with passive vibration control using a bi-unit impact damper, also referred to as bi-unit impact vibration absorber. The main contribution of this work is to experimentally analyze the performance of a bi-unit impact vibration absorber using digital image processing. With the use of this technique, two or three bodies will be tracked simultaneously, namely, the primary system, and either the response of one or two impacting steel balls. The absorption pattern of the bi-unit is studied under free vibrations, constant frequency excitation, and sweep excitations. These results reveal that the use of digital image processing can eliminate the use of existing limitations which can sometimes change the dynamics of the system. The optical technique used captures reliably the detailed vibroimpact dynamics of the bodies. The detailed dynamic patterns of the particles during varying levels of energy absorption from the primary system are discussed in context of published theoretical results.
Pituitary Tumor Apoplexy in Adolescents

Objective The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in pituitary apoplexy and subclinical apoplexy secondary to adenoma hemorrhage in the adolescent population with regard to symptomatology, neuroimaging features, pathology, and outcomes compared with adults. Methods A retrospective series of 9 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of pituitary hemorrhage who were surgically treated at Rady's Children's Hospital San Diego, between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated for clinical, endocrine, neuroradiographic, and pathologic features in association with clinical outcomes. Results Nine patients (6 girls, age 14−21 years) presented to our institution with headache (9/9), nausea (3/9), dizziness (4/9), and visual disturbances (6/9) in the setting of a sellar hemorrhagic tumor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three patients presented with apoplexy and 6 with subclinical apoplexy. Duration of symptoms ranged from 3 days to 1 year. MRI revealed hemorrhage (9/9), rim enhancement (6/9), sphenoid sinus mucosal thickening (2/9), mass effect on the optic chiasm (8/9), and sellar remodeling (9/9). The percentage of hemorrhage preoperatively observed on MRI ranged from 50% to greater than 95%. On presentation, hyperprolactinemia was recorded in 7 patients, 6 of whom had galactorrhea and/or amenorrhea. Open transsphenoidal decompression was performed in 8/9 patients; 7 of 9 were diagnosed with prolactinoma. Biopsy specimens revealed 10%−90% hemorrhage and no infarction in any of the cases. All patients treated showed improvement of symptoms after surgery (average follow-up, 28.2 months). Postoperative complications included transient diabetes insipidus (n = 5), persistent cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (n = 3), and meningitis (n = 1). Five patients had long-term endocrine sequelae of hyperprolactinemia requiring ongoing medical treatment. Conclusions Pituitary hemorrhage resulting in apoplexy or subclinical apoplexy in adolescents may represent a distinct entity with a more indolent symptomatology and more favorable neurologic and endocrine outcome compared with adults that is worthy of further validation in a multi-institutional cohort.
Distortionless data compression of NMR images using vector quantization

An application of vector quantization (VQ) to subjective distortion-free compression of two-dimensional NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) image data is presented. An alteration of regular VQ is used to allow a linearly growing codebook size which adaptively compresses the input data, resulting in a reduced-size output image file. Due to certain subjective constraints of the biomedical profession, distortionless data compression is sometimes required to store, transmit and reconstruct the original signal. With the aforementioned VQ method, the compressed signal is composed to components: the VQ codebook index and the actual error vectors between the input and the nearest-match codeword. Distortionless compression ratios of 10:1 were realized for test data. The algorithm worked sufficiently well for cranial, spinal skeleton, and organ tissue images. >
A new genetics or an epiphenomenon? Variations in the discourse of epigenetics researchers

Epigenetics is a field on the rise that seeks to explain phenotypic variance despite a stable and enduring DNA sequence. The hopes for the field are high, and claims about its revolutionary potential abound. Some scholars in the humanities and social sciences see the field as potentially replacing reductionism and genetic determinism, bringing social life and environment more firmly into view. This paper attends to the discourses of epigenetics researchers themselves. Through qualitative interviewing and analysis, I classify these scientists into three groups based on the claims they make about the impact and future of their field: champions, those who take the middle ground, and skeptics. The variance in discourse about epigenetics suggests a far more complex and contested trajectory for the field, one that may or may not support anti-deterministic views.
The Chlamydomonas PF6 Locus Encodes a Large Alanine/Proline-Rich Polypeptide That Is Required for Assembly of a Central Pair Projection and Regulates Flagellar Motility

Efficient motility of the eukaryotic flagellum requires precise temporal and spatial control of its constituent dynein motors. The central pair and its associated structures have been implicated as important members of a signal transduction cascade that ultimately regulates dynein arm activity. To identify central pair components involved in this process, we characterized a Chlamydomonas motility mutant (pf6-2) obtained by insertional mutagenesis. pf6-2 flagella twitch ineffectively and lack the 1a projection on the C1 microtubule of the central pair. Transformation with constructs containing a full-length, wild-type copy of the PF6 gene rescues the functional, structural, and biochemical defects associated with the pf6 mutation. Sequence analysis indicates that the PF6 gene encodes a large polypeptide that contains numerous alanine-rich, proline-rich, and basic domains and has limited homology to an expressed sequence tag derived from a human testis cDNA library. Biochemical analysis of an epitope-tagged PF6 construct demonstrates that the PF6 polypeptide is an axonemal component that cosediments at 12.6S with several other polypeptides. The PF6 protein appears to be an essential component required for assembly of some of these polypeptides into the C1-1a projection.
Fresh Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee

Objectives:Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee can be difficult to treat. Cartilage restoration techniques are often indicated when the lesion or fragment cannot be salvaged. Fresh osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation can restore both bone and cartilage defect as a treatment modality. We hypothesize that osteochondral allografting is a successful method for treating osteochondritis dissecans of the knee.Methods:Between 1983 and 2010, 164 patients (181 knees) underwent OCA for OCD of the femoral condyle(s) (type III or IV). Minimum two-year follow-up was available on 149 patients (165 knees). Median age was 25 years (range, 14 to 55) and 73% were male. Mean allograft size was 7.2 cm2(range, 2 to 23 cm2). Evaluation included frequency and type of reoperations, modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel (18-point) scale, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) pain and function scores, and Knee Society function (KS-F) score. Clinical failure was defined as revision OCA or conversion to arthro...
Adults are not simply big children

During medical school clerkships and pediatric residency, trainees are constantly reminded that “children are not simply small adults.” As shown by Chiaretti and colleagues (page [2771][1]), it seems that the converse of this statement—adults are not simply big children—is true as well, at
Statins and Interstitial Lung Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature and of Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reports

Objective To systematically review all published case reports and the US Food and Drug Administration adverse event reporting (FDA-AER) database to examine the relationship between statins and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Data sources PubMed (1987 to September 2007) and the FDA-AER database (as of June 2007) were searched for reports of ILD in which a statin was listed as a causative suspect. Review methods Two authors (one author for Pub Med cases and one for FDA-AER cases) independently abstracted patient data. Given the paucity of information, all case reports and case series in English and French were included. All adverse event reports from the FDA-AER database in which a statin was listed as causative suspect were included. Results The literature search using PubMed yielded eight articles describing a total of 14 case reports of ILD in association with statin use. The FDA-AER system database contained 162 cases of reported statin-induced ILD as of June 2007. For every 10,000 reports of a statin-associated adverse event, approximately 1 to 40 reports were for ILD. Conclusions Statin-induced ILD is a possible newly recognized side effect of statin therapy. The mechanism of lung injury is not defined. The current review provides novel information from the FDA-AER that supports a possible, although unusual, pulmonary class effect of statins.
Aggregated IgG inhibits the differentiation of human fibrocytes.

Fibrocytes are fibroblast-like cells, which appear to participate in wound healing and are present in pathological lesions associated with asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and scleroderma. Fibrocytes differentiate from CD14+ peripheral blood monocytes, and the presence of serum delays this process dramatically. We previously purified the factor in serum, which inhibits fibrocyte differentiation, and identified it as serum amyloid P (SAP). As SAP binds to Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG; FcγRs), FcγR activation may be an inhibitory signal for fibrocyte differentiation. FcγR are activated by aggregated IgG, and we find aggregated but not monomeric, human IgG inhibits human fibrocyte differentiation. Monoclonal antibodies that bind to FcγRI (CD64) or FcγRII (CD32) also inhibit fibrocyte differentiation. Aggregated IgG lacking Fc domains or aggregated IgA, IgE, or IgM do not inhibit fibrocyte differentiation. Incubation of monocytes with SAP or aggregated IgG inhibited fibrocyte differentiation. Using inhibitors of protein kinase enzymes, we show that Syk- and Src-related tyrosine kinases participate in the inhibition of fibrocyte differentiation. These observations suggest that fibrocyte differentiation can occur in situations where SAP and aggregated IgG levels are low, such as the resolution phase of inflammation.
A computationally compact divergence measure for speech processing

The directed divergence, which is a measure based on the discrimination information between two signal classes, is investigated. A simplified expression for computing the directed divergence is derived for comparing two Gaussian autoregressive processes such as those found in speech. This expression alleviates both the computational cost (reduced by two thirds) and the numerical problems encountered in computing the directed divergence. In addition, the simplified expression is compared with the Itakura-Saito distance (which asymptotically approaches the directed divergence). Although the expressions for these two distances closely resemble each other, only moderate correlations between the two were found on a set of actual speech data. >
On the use of wavelets for the detection and analysis of power system transients

This paper discusses how the powerful wavelet analysis technique is applied to the detection and analysis of power system transients. Although traditional Fourier analysis techniques are suitable for periodic signals, the analysis of aperiodic signals, caused by a transient event, benefit from the robust wavelet analysis technique. The basic idea is to decompose the signal into a number of detailed and smoothed versions, which contain the high-and low-frequency components of the signal, respectively. By analyzing the detailed version of the signal at different levels of resolution, both time and frequency localization of the event can be achieved. Consequently, the wavelet analysis technique can focus on both the very short time interval and the high frequency components of the power system transient so as to enhance its detection and characterization.
Surgical instrument manufacturing in southern Germany.

ABSTRACT Most of the finer surgical instruments are manufactured in a small town in southern Germany. The creation of these instruments follows a complex process that has evolved since the turn of the century. This article discusses the history of the town's instrument manufacturing and the process the craftsmen follow as observed by the author. AORN J 64 (Nov 1996) 710–714.
Magnitude and Quality of Vaccine-Elicited T-Cell Responses in the Control of Immunodeficiency Virus Replication in Rhesus Monkeys

ABSTRACT While a diversity of immunogens that elicit qualitatively different cellular immune responses are being assessed in clinical human immunodeficiency virus vaccine trials, the consequences of those varied responses for viral control remain poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated the induction of virus-specific T-cell responses in rhesus monkeys using a series of diverse vaccine vectors. We assessed both the magnitude and the functional profile of the virus-specific CD8+ T cells by measuring gamma interferon, interleukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha production. We found that the different vectors generated virus-specific T-cell responses of different magnitudes and with different functional profiles. Heterologous prime-boost vaccine regimens induced particularly high-frequency virus-specific T-cell responses with polyfunctional repertoires. Yet, immediately after a pathogenic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge, no significant differences were observed between these cohorts of vaccinated monkeys in the magnitudes or the functional profiles of their virus-specific CD8+ T cells. This finding suggests that the high viral load shapes the functional repertoire of the cellular immune response during primary infection. Nevertheless, in all vaccination regimens, higher frequency and more polyfunctional vaccine-elicited virus-specific CD8+ T-cell responses were associated with better viral control after SHIV challenge. These observations highlight the contributions of both the quality and the magnitude of vaccine-elicited cellular immune responses in the control of immunodeficiency virus replication.
cis‐Dichloroalkanes from Epoxides: cis‐1,2‐Dichlorocyclohexane

cis-Dichloroalkanes from epoxides: cis-1,2-dichlorocyclohexane product: cis-1,2-dichlorocyclohexane Keywords: halogenation, chlorination; replacement reactions, miscellaneous
Synthesis and characterization of an ionizable polyhexapeptide collagen model.

Poly(Lys(HBr)-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Pro) has been synthesized and studied by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. It is apparently the first polyhexapeptide collagen model reported with an ionizable side chain. The monomer (e-(p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl)-Lys-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly-Pro-p-nitrophenyl-ester) was prepared by a stepwise strategy employing active esters. Polymerization in N,N-dimethyl formamide, followed by removal of the Lys side chain protection with HBr/acetic acid, gave a polydisperse product. Fractionation was accomplished by gel filtration chromatography. The polydisperse material had a molecular weight (Mr = 5–17,000). High molecular weight fractions from triple helices under concentrated conditions at 2°C. The triple helical structure gives a CD pattern very similar to that of collagen and its triple helical analogs. However, unlike collagen, the polyhexapeptide undergoes spontaneous dissociation at temperatures substantially below the melting temperature from a triple helical form to single chains. This process is promoted at low concentrations, high temperature, neutral pH, and low molecular weight, and is apparently due, in large part, to unfavorable ionic side-chain interactions. In addition to this relatively slow “ionic” dissociation the triple helical polypeptide may be thermally dissociated in a manner similar to collagen. The thermal denaturation is a relatively fast process compared with ionic dissociation. A high molecular weight fraction (3 × Mr = 48,000) was found to melt at 42°C at neutral pH but increased to 54°C at pH 12 where the lysyl side chains are predominantly deprotonated. Furthermore, reconstitution of triple helices appeared to be more readily achieved at high pH. Thus it is concluded that ionic repulsion between side chains causes destabilization of the triple helix and hinders reconstitution.
Novel 17α-ethynylestradiol derivatives: Sonogashira couplings using unprotected phenylhydrazines

Abstract The Pd/Cu catalyzed coupling of 17α-ethynylestradiol with halogenated amino-substrates was investigated. Iodophenylhydrazine and its protected derivatives reacted with 17α-ethynylestradiol to give 4-hydrazinophenyl derivatives without any degradation of the hydrazine group. Unprotected 3-, and 4-iodoaniline reacted similarly to produce the aminophenyl-derivatives. Protection of the amino group of halogenated benzylamines was required for alkyne coupling reactions, in order to avoid competing ortho -palladation of the benzylamine substrates.
Mpping Music Education Research in the USA: A Response to the UK

The research enterprise in the United States is a vast one, with at least 15 music education and two music therapy research journals. This is in addition to the multitude of papers presented at a myriad of state, regional and national conferences, including the hundreds of papers presented at the biannual meetings of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC): National Association for Music Education. Much of the USA music education research occurs in situ, such as general music classrooms and secondary ensemble rehearsals, and examines the impact of different aspects of teaching strategies on students’ attentiveness, attitudes and achievement, as well as studying informal learning. While common in the USA, it is unusual to see work in the UK that focuses on ensemble conducting or music classroom or ensemble management. Also, work in the USA can be classified under the titles used by the Special Research Interest Groups of MENC: Affective Response, Adult and Community Music Education, Creativity, Earl...
A cone beam CT evaluation of oropharyngeal airway space and its relationship to mandibular position and dentocraniofacial morphology

Abstract Background This study was conducted using cone beam computed tomography to examine the relationship between different skeletal patterns of the mandible and the oropharyngeal airway space and dentocraniofacial morphology. Methods The sample included 128 patients with mandibular retrognathism, mandibular prognathism, and normal mandibular posture. The oropharyngeal airway volume was measured though cone beam computed tomography, using Dolphin software. Roth-Jarabak analysis was performed. Results The airway volume size was significant between the three groups ( P P Conclusions Pharyngeal airway volume is largest in the mandibular prognathism group, followed by normal mandible posture, and then the mandibular retrognathism group. These results indicate that the anteroposterior dimension of the pharyngeal airway space is affected by different skeletal patterns of the mandible.
Zebra-Striping Visual Flow in Grid-based Graphic Design

Grids, matrices, and tables are commonly used to organize information. A number of design techniques and psychological principles address how viewers’ eyes can be guided through a visual work. Designers refer to such objectives as "creating visual flow." One common technique, “zebra-shading,” is intended to guide eyes through the grid by alternating shaded and unshaded rows or columns. However, the effects of these manipulations have largely not been explored experimentally. We will review the techniques designers use to guide the eyes of their audience, associated psychological foundations, and outline some research done on the graphic design of a specific type of grid: tables. Then, we will describe an experiment wherein participants conducted a visual search task in grids with different shading manipulations. The analysis showed data trending toward improved response time when the target followed the shading.
Photochemical Charge Separation in Nanocrystal Photocatalyst Films: Insights from Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy

Photochemical charge generation, separation, and transport at nanocrystal interfaces are central to photoelectrochemical water splitting, a pathway to hydrogen from solar energy. Here, we use surface photovoltage spectroscopy to probe these processes in nanocrystal films of HCa2Nb3O10, a proven photocatalyst. Charge injection from the nanoparticles into the gold support can be observed, as well as oxidation and reduction of methanol and oxygen adsorbates on the nanosheet films. The measured photovoltage depends on the illumination intensity and substrate material, and it varies with illumination time and with film thickness. The proposed model predicts that the photovoltage is limited by the built-in potential of the nanosheet–metal junction, that is, the difference of Fermi energies in the two materials. The ability to measure and understand these light-induced charge separation processes in easy-to-fabricate films will promote the development of nanocrystal applications in photoelectrochemical cells, ph...
Subject-Based versus Population-Based Care after Radiation Exposure

In a mass casualty radiation event situation, individualized therapy may overwhelm available resources and feasibility issues suggest a need for the development of population-based strategies. To investigate the efficacy of a population-based strategy, Chinese macaques (n = 46) underwent total-body irradiation and received preemptive antibiotics, IV hydration on predetermined postirradiation days and were then compared to macaques (n = 48) that received subject-based care in which blood transfusions, IV hydration, nutritional supplementation and antibiotic supportive measures were provided. Estimated radiation doses for LD30/60, LD50/60 and LD70/60 of animals with subject-based care: 6.83 Gy (6.21, 7.59), 7.44 Gy (6.99, 7.88) and 8.05 Gy (7.46, 8.64), respectively, and for population-based care: 5.61 Gy (5.28, 6.17), 6.62 Gy (6.13, 7.18) and 7.63 Gy (7.21, 8.20), respectively. Analysis of four time periods, 0–9, 10–15, 16–25 and 26–60 days postirradiation, identified significant mortality differences duri...
Post: Problem-Oriented Subroutine Translator

A language called POST (Problem Oriented Subroutine Translator) has been developed and is presented herein. The use of POST simplifies the programming of the subroutines necessary to accomplish the commands of the problem-oriented system. This language is similar to FORTRAN but features implied matrix operations, automatic storage allocation, and indirect addressing. With POST, civil engineers with some programming experience, i.e., knowledge of FORTRAN, should be able to develop quickly and easily the subroutines necessary for their own problem-oriented system, or for the extension or modification of existing systems. The use of POST is illustrated with an example program.
Perspectives on the bacteriology of postoperative obstetric-gynecologic infections

The development of postoperative infections is influenced by both host and external factors. The present report focuses on the influence of prophylactic agents on the apparent cause of infection after cesarean section and vaginal hysterectomy. The correlation between in vitro susceptibility patterns of potential pathogens and normal flora and in vivo response is also considered.
Heuristic Reasoning in the Theory of Numbers

(1959). Heuristic Reasoning in the Theory of Numbers. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 66, No. 5, pp. 375-384.
Application of DQM Method to the Steady State Analysis of Thermo-Tunneling Electrodes

Thermo-tunneling of hot electrons across a few nanometer gap has application to vacuum electronics, flat panel displays, and holds great potential in thermo-electric cooling and energy generation. However development of such applications requires formation of dynamically balanced gap separating the two surfaces. One such approach is the use of Lorentz (repulsive) and Coulomb (attractive) forces to obtain an equilibrium gap between two elastic electrodes. The present paper describes the application of the Differential Quadrature Method (DQM) to the solution of a clamped-clamped Euler-Bernouli beam subject to the combined action of Lorentz and Coulomb forces. The results show that due to non-local action of the Lorentz force, the shape of the tunneling electrode is inherently non-uniform with Coulomb forces acting primarily at one end of the beam while the Lorentz force distributed along the remaining part. DQM method also allows analysis of the stability of the tunneling current as a function of the applied external potential and magnetic field. In addition to the classical electrostatic pull-in instability with no-tunneling, a second regime with non-zero tunneling current is also identified. To the best of our knowledge this is the first attempt to analyze this phenomenon under the effect of both Electrostatic and Lorenz forces in this particular case. Linear stability analysis of the tunneling regime indicates the appearance of a saddle-saddle bifurcation indicating unstable tunneling regime.© 2013 ASME
Facet Selectivity of Ligands on Silver Nanoplates: Molecular Mechanics Study

Colloidal nanomaterials with well-defined shapes have wide applications in many fields. However, the exact role of capping ligands, which often dictates the shape of products in colloidal syntheses, is often unclear. Here we use a classical molecular-mechanics force-field method, mining minima (M2), to compute the binding free energy of the ligands such as citrate, monocarboxylates, dicarboxylates, and tricarboxylates to both (111) and (100) facets of silver and to investigate the mechanisms of the anisotropic growth of silver nanoplates. The distribution of partial charges on a ligand, the geometry complementation in the complex, and the entropic penalty on binding played crucial roles in discriminating the two facets and determining a good or poor ligand. Our finding allows rational design of capping ligands that may perform as well as citrate in promoting the anisotropic growth of nanoplates; however, designing a compound that outperforms citrate is found to be challenging.
Universality and m X cut effects in B → X s ℓ + ℓ −

The most precise comparison between theory and experiment for the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{s}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ rate is in the low ${q}^{2}$ region, but the hadronic uncertainties associated with an experimentally required cut on ${m}_{X}$ potentially spoil the search for new physics in these decays. We show that a 10%\char21{}30% reduction of $\mathrm{d}\ensuremath{\Gamma}(B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{s}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}})/\mathrm{d}{q}^{2}$ due to the ${m}_{X}$ cut can be accurately computed using the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{s}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ shape function. The effect is universal for all short distance contributions in the limit ${m}_{X}^{2}\ensuremath{\ll}{m}_{B}^{2}$, and this universality is spoiled neither by realistic values of the ${m}_{X}$ cut nor by ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$ corrections. Both the differential decay rate and forward-backward asymmetry with an ${m}_{X}$ cut are computed.
Perpetrators’ reactions to perceived interpersonal wrongdoing: The associations of guilt and shame with forgiving, punishing, and excusing oneself

AbstractWe describe a model in which guilt and shame associate with reactions to wrongdoing among perpetrators of interpersonal harm. Individuals who reported wronging another person (N = 410) completed measures of perceived transgression severity, guilt and shame, and possible reactions to perpetration of wrongdoing (i.e., forgiving, punishing, and excusing oneself). Guilt positively predicted forgiving and punishing oneself, and negatively predicted excusing oneself of blame. Shame, in contrast, negatively predicted forgiving oneself and positively predicted punishing and excusing oneself. The observed patterns of associations between guilt and shame with perpetrators’ reactions to wrongdoing provide further support for the dual-process model of self-forgiveness. Implications for future basic and applied investigations are discussed.
Endovascular aortic crossclamp: A novel way to reduce warm ischemia time in DCD donors

Strategies like donation after cardiac death (DCD) have become more widely accepted to increase potential organ supply and decrease waiting list time. Warm ischemia time (WIT) is a key prognostic factor for organ function. Any process that can decrease WIT could decrease the number of discarded organs as well as improve graft and patient survival. A novel endovascular aortic crossclamping technique in DCD donors is described. Six kidneys and two livers were recovered from three donors. Mean WIT from extubation to aortic crossclamp was 25 +/- 8 minutes. Time from initial glidewire placement to crossclamp was less than 2 minutes. All the organs were adequately flushed; back table examination confirmed clean venous effluent and no signs of thrombosis. Four kidneys were transplanted. Two kidneys were discarded after DCD was prolonged and WIT was 60 minutes. The two livers were not allocated. The WIT can be manipulated after cardiac activity has stopped. The endovascular crossclamp is a novel and feasible technique that can decrease WIT after cardiac death by reducing the surgical time to aortic crossclamp.
Evidence for the production of a nonsteroidal endotheliotropic factor by human granulosa cells in culture

Objective To determine the cellular source of the angiogenic activity displayed by follicular fluid (FF). Design Human granulosa cells were harvested from 27 follicular aspirates obtained 34 to 36 hours after eight patients, previously treated with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), follicle-stimulating hormone plus hMG, or clomiphene citrate and hMG received human chorionic gonadotropin (10,000 IU intramuscularly). Granulosa cells from individual follicles were plated at 50,000 cells/cm 2 in Medium 199 (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) supplemented with either 5% calf serum or 0.1% bovine serum albumin; media collected 24 hours later was assayed in vitro measuring endothelial cell migration. Fractions depleted of steroids by reversed phase C 1 chromatography were assayed as well. Results Granulosa cell-conditioned media from 18 of 27 follicles significantly stimulated endothelial cell migration ( P Conclusions These findings suggest that human granulosa cells are a source of (nonsteroidal) endotheliotropic-angiogenic activity in FF.
Entscheidungsregeln in ihrer genetischen Evolution

Nun wenden wir uns dem evolutionsgeschichtlich bedeutsamen Ubergang vom Organismus zum Superorganismus zu. Zwischen einzeln lebenden Bienen und Wespen, die Brutpflege betreiben, indem sie Vorrate fur ihre Brut aufbauen, und der Schaffung einer eusozialen Gesellschaft liegt nur ein kleiner Evolutionsschritt. In diesem Stadium baut jedes Weibchen sein eigenes Nest und versorgt es von Zeit zu Zeit mit Pollen oder erbeuteten Arthropoden als Nahrung fur die Jungen. Was jetzt noch fehlt, damit daraus eine Kolonie wird, ist der Verzicht einiger ausgewachsener Tiere auf Fortpflanzung, um so ihrer Mutter zu helfen, mehr Nachwuchs groszuziehen. Es ist aber auch denkbar, dass eine Kolonie entsteht, wenn erwachsene Tiere das Nest verlassen und sich in anderen Kolonien als nicht fortpflanzungsfahige Helfer „verdingen“.
Valproate for Intractable Epilepsy

The efficacy and side effects of high dose valproic acid (VPA) therapy in 46 children with refractory epilepsy were studied at the Department of Child Neurology, Okayama University Medical School, Okayama, Japan.
Mental Health and Sport Performance Programming in Athletes Who Present Without Pathology: A Case Examination Supporting Optimization:

Athletes are exposed to unique stressors that often negatively impact the way they think, behave, and feel in athletic, academic, and social domains. The Optimum Performance Program in Sports (TOPP...
Potential epidemiologic, economic, and budgetary impacts of current rates of hepatitis C treatment in medicare and non-medicare populations

We forecast the health and budgetary impact of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment on the Medicare program based on currently observed rates of treatment among Medicare and non-Medicare patients and identify the impact of higher rates of treatment among non-Medicare populations. We developed a computer microsimulation model to conduct an epidemiologic forecast, a budgetary impact analysis, and a cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment of HCV based on three scenarios: 1) no treatment, 2) continuation of current-treatment rates, and 3) treatment rates among non-Medicare patients increased to match that of Medicare patients. The simulated population is based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. HCV progression rates and costs were calculated in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program Medicare 5% claims data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study and published literature. We estimate that 13.6% of patients with HCV in the United States are enrolled in Medicare, but 75% will enter Medicare in the next 20 years. Medicare patients were over 5 times as likely to be treated in 2014-2015 as other patients. Medicare paid over $9 billion in treatment costs in both 2015 and 2016 and will total $28.4 billion from 2017-2026. Increasing treatment rates among non-Medicare patients would lead to 234,000 more patients being treated, reduce HCV mortality by 19%, and decrease Medicare costs by $18.6 billion from 2017-2026. We find that treatment remains cost-effective under most assumptions, costing $31,718 per quality adjusted life year gained. Conclusion: Medicare treats a disproportionately large share of HCV patients. Continued low rates of treatment among non-Medicare HCV patients will result in both reduced and deferred treatment, shifting future treatment costs to Medicare while increasing overall medical management costs, morbidity, and mortality. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:99-109).
‘Derde hand’ en de hersenen

Uit onderzoek blijkt dat Homo neanderthalensis en Homo habilis hun rechtersnij- en hoektanden gebruikten bij bepaalde handelingen. Dit heeft merkwaardige implicaties voor de evolutionaire ontwikkeling van het brein.
The Relationship Between Core Stability & Squat Ratio in Resistance-Trained Males

Background: The lumbopelvic-hip complex, also referred to as the “core”, is composed of every muscle between the knees and sternum. The back squat (BS) and front squat (FS) are both staple exercises that challenge the core in different ways. Possessing a properly balanced squat ratio (SR = 1-RM FS/1-RM BS; 1-RM = one-repetition maximum) could lead to a more stable core. Objective: This study attempted to determine if there was a meaningful relationship between the SR and core strength (CS) in resistance-trained males. If a strong relation exists between the SR and CS, strength and conditioning professionals would have a readily available assessment tool for examining CS by simply viewing the SR. Method : Twenty-one resistance-trained males (age = 28.3 ± 6.2 years; body mass = 93.1 ± 13.1 kg; height = 181.9 ± 7.6 cm; weight training experience with FS & BS = 6.4 ± 3.7 years) performed CS tests (flexor endurance, extensor endurance, prone bridge, left side-bridge, and right side-bridge), along with a 1-RM in the BS and FS. An aggregate of the CS test times (CSA) was also calculated for comparison with the SR. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient ( r ) was used to compare the SR with the CS tests and the CSA. Results: The CS test results were as follows (secs): flexor endurance 228.2±93.0, extensor endurance 137.0±28.2, prone bridge 166.7±51.3, left side-bridge 97.36±31.0, right side-bridge 100.2±28.3, and CSA 729.8±165.4. The 1-RM BS, 1-RM FS, and SR were: 157.5±29.7 kgs, 132.2±24.3 kgs, and 0.84±0.06 respectively. A moderate correlation was found between total CSA and the SR (r = 0.50, CD 2 = 0.25, p<0.05). In addition, a moderate correlation was found between the prone bridge test and the SR (r = 0.49, CD 2 = 0.24, p<0.05). A very strong positive correlation was also found between 1-RM BS and 1-RM FS (r = 0.93, CD 2 = 0.86, p<0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the CSA and prone bridge test are moderately related to the SR. However, the low coefficient of determination between the SR and CS times suggests that the SR is not a suitable estimate of CS. The very strong relationship between the 1-RM FS and 1-RM BS provides strong evidence for the interchangeable use of these modalities within a resistance training protocol.
A CONTINUOUS FLOW-THROUGH SYSTEM FOR STUDYING THE DISSOLUTION CHARACTERISTICS OF RESORBABLE CERAMICS

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a continuous flow-through system for studying the dissolution characteristics of resorbable ceramics. Various in vivo environment simulations, saline, phosphate buffered saline, deionized water. Ringer's solution, Tyrode's solution, sweat, calf serum in saline, bovine blood, and human plasma have been used to investigate the in vitro degradation and/or dissolution characteristics of implants. The goal of developing an implant material is its successful use in humans. Thus, it was considered desirable to investigate the dissolution characteristics of resorbable, aluminum-calcium-phosphorous-oxide (ALCAP) ceramics in a flowing plasma environment at 37oC. Continuous plasma flow system provides a rapid procedure for assessing dissolution characteristics of resorbable implant materials. Dissolution studies conducted on ALCAP ceramics in a flowing human plasma environment show that ALCAP ceramics are resorbable in an acellular environment. The study also shows that by releasing aluminum, calcium and inorganic phosphorous ions, ALCAP ceramics increase the pH of the surrounding media and the latter may assist in the formation of new bone.
Factors Associated with Heart Failure Self-Care in a Low Socioeconomic Status, Urban Patient Population

Introduction Patients with low socioeconomic status (SES) have worse heart failure (HF) outcomes than patients with high SES, including higher readmissions. Interventions to improve outcomes in low SES patient populations have not been successful however the reasons remain unclear. Objective To describe the social factors impacting psychological stress and self-care in a low SES patient population with HF and multiple readmissions. Methods In this mixed methods study, 35 subjects with low SES participated in semi-structured interviews about personal and community factors impacting their stress and self-care. Subjects were interviewed during an inpatient readmission for acute decompensated heart failure from two urban hospitals in Chicago. Subjects completed standardized instruments measuring psychological stress (PSS-10), and self-care (SCHFI). Subjects were categorized into high stress (PSS-10 >20) and moderate/low stress (PSS-10 Results Ninety one percent of subjects were African American and 91% were from neighborhoods with high rates of poverty and violence according to US Census data. Subjects experienced a range of admissions (2–12) within the previous 180 days of the current HF admission. Across all three SCHFI sub-scales, the majority of scores were 20 (PSS-10 (14.9 [8.2]). The overarching qualitative theme was that social factors and psychological stress influence self-care. Subjects described the following events as stressful and impacting their self-care: financial difficulties, concern for children/grandchildren's safety, personal health, past impactful deaths, and a recent stressful event. Among subjects whose PSS-10 scores were Conclusion Social factors and psychological stress has impacted the ability of this low SES patient population to perform adequate HF self-care. Research to develop and test sensitive interventions that address social determinants influencing self-care are needed since low SES patient populations continue to experience poorer outcomes.
Visibility Measurement Techniques

The term “visibility” is variously defined, but generally indicates the distance to which human visual perception is limited by atmospheric conditions. The physical and physiological mechanisms that influence visual perception during the night in distinguishing lights differ from those in the daytime in distinguishing objects illuminated by daylight. Basically, however, visibility describes the transparency of the air in the horizontal direction and represents the maximum distance that one can see in the atmosphere at any given time.
Structured Odorant Response Patterns across a Complete Olfactory Receptor Neuron Population.

Summary Odor perception allows animals to distinguish odors, recognize the same odor across concentrations, and determine concentration changes. How the activity patterns of primary olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), at the individual and population levels, facilitate distinguishing these functions remains poorly understood. Here, we interrogate the complete ORN population of the Drosophila larva across a broadly sampled panel of odorants at varying concentrations. We find that the activity of each ORN scales with the concentration of any odorant via a fixed dose-response function with a variable sensitivity. Sensitivities across odorants and ORNs follow a power-law distribution. Much of receptor sensitivity to odorants is accounted for by a single geometrical property of molecular structure. Similarity in the shape of temporal response filters across odorants and ORNs extend these relationships to fluctuating environments. These results uncover shared individual- and population-level patterns that together lend structure to support odor perceptions.
Foreign-Born Hispanic Women's Health Patterns in Allostatic Load Converge to U.S.-Born Hispanic Women at a Slower Tempo Compared With Men.

Abstract Objectives We investigated the patterns of foreign-born Hispanic health convergence to U.S.-born Hispanics using an allostatic load index, a subjective biological risk health profile, and we explored whether the health convergence patterns differ by sex. Methods The analytic sample consisted of 3,347 Hispanics from the pooled 2005–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used negative binomial regression models to investigate the association between duration in the United States and the allostatic load index, while controlling for potential covariates. Results Foreign-born Hispanics who had lived in the United States for 0–9 years and 10–19 years had lower levels of allostatic load than U.S.-born Hispanics; however, those who had lived in the United States for 20 or more years had a level of allostatic load similar to their U.S.-born counterparts. The pattern of immigrant health convergence shows a clear sex difference. In the sex-stratified models, we found that foreign-born Hispanic men converged to the level of allostatic load of U.S.-born Hispanic men after having lived in the United States for approximately 10 years. The health convergence pattern qualitatively differed for foreign-born Hispanic women, who remained healthier than U.S.-born Hispanic women regardless of duration in the United States. Conclusions Foreign-born Hispanics are healthier than their U.S.-born counterparts, providing support for the healthy migrant hypothesis. This relatively better health of foreign-born Hispanics disappears with a longer duration in the United States, providing support for the health convergence hypothesis, but is most noticeable for men. Foreign-born Hispanic women converge to U.S.-born Hispanic women's health status at a slower tempo, compared with foreign-born Hispanic men.
Optimum funicular arch of several rigid segments

A new concept in building construction is introduced. Arches or vaults with rigid members can be designed with zero moments at the joints (funicular), thus greatly decreasing the need for rigid joints. The lengths and inclinations of these members are determined for the optimum funicular arch which has maximum enclosed area. Analytic solutions are found for arches with five segments or less.