cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
I Can't Believe It's Not Toothpaste! Poison Control Center Calls Regarding Dental and Oral-Care Products

Background: A cluster of incidents in which non-toothpaste products were used to brush teeth prompted a review of all calls to one Poison Control Center (PCC) regarding exposures to dental and oral-care products to determine if any resulted in significant toxicity. Methods: Retrospective review of 65,849 calls to one PCC during one calendar year. All inquiries about exposures to substances used as dental or oral-care products were analyzed by a single reviewer for reported adverse effects, including hospital admission or PCC referral for emergent medical evaluation. Results: 798 calls involved exposure to dental or oral-care products, comprising 1.21% of all calls received. Toothbrushing incidents with non-toothpaste products (122 cases) did not result in any significant recognized toxicity. Twenty-four patients were either referred for emergent medical evaluation (14) or were admitted to the hospital (10). In 23 of these patients (96%), the toxic agent was either an over-the-counter analgesic or a local anesthetic used to treat dental pain. Conclusions: Among PCC calls received regarding dental and oral-care products, over-the-counter analgesics and local anesthetics used for dental pain resulted in the most frequent need for emergent medical evaluation or for hospital admission.
Rhyme, Rhythm, and Stanza

The very best way to read a poem is to read it aloud, for although poems usually come to us as a visual experience, as words locked into the printed page, they are intended to be heard as well as seen. An attentiveness to the sounds and patterns of sound is essential to the full appreciation of most poems. For example, the rhythm and other sound patterns may contribute to a sense of dignity and stateliness, as in the opening lines of John Milton’s “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity”: This is the month, and this the happy morn, Wherein the Son of Heaven’s Eternal King, Of wedded maid and virgin mother born, Our great redemption from above did bring; For so the holy sages once did sing, That he our deadly forfeit should release, And with his Father work us a perpetual peace. The sounds of another poem may approach those of ordinary conversation, as in the opening lines of W. H. Auden’s “The Unknown Citizen”: He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be One against whom there was no official complaint, And all the reports on his conduct agree That, in the modern sense of an old-fashioned word, he was a saint.
Fire and Climate History in the Central Yenisey Region, Siberia

Siberian forests are shaped by complex interactions of climate, forest fires, insect outbreaks, and humans. Unravelling the linkages and mechanisms of these interactions will require long temporal and large spatial-scale perspectives. A full account of the past input of Siberian forest fires to global atmospheric composition (e.g., trace gases, aerosols, and particulates), as well as the potential for future input, will require accurate area burned time series and maps (Valendik 1990; Stocks 1991; Goldammer 1992; Dixon and Krankina 1993). Unfortunately, complete and reliable fire activity records are available only for the past one or two decades at best. Furthermore, these data cover only monitored areas, which are less than half of the total area in many remote regions of Siberia (Valendik 1990). Complete meteorological observations extending more than a few decades into the past are generally only available for larger cities. Hence, we must turn to “natural archives”, such as lake deposits and tree rings, to reconstruct long-term historical changes and trends in climate and disturbance processes (Valendik and Ivanova 1990).
Poster ‐ 16: Time‐resolved diode dosimetry for in vivo proton therapy range verification: calibration through numerical modeling

Purpose: A method to refine the implementation of an in vivo, adaptive proton therapy range verification methodology was investigated. Simulation experiments and in-phantom measurements were compared to validate the calibration procedure of a time-resolved diode dosimetry technique. Methods: A silicon diode array system has been developed and experimentally tested in phantom for passively scattered proton beam range verification by correlating properties of the detector signal to the water equivalent path length (WEPL). The implementation of this system requires a set of calibration measurements to establish a beam-specific diode response to WEPL fit for the selected ‘scout’ beam in a solid water phantom. This process is both tedious, as it necessitates a separate set of measurements for every ‘scout’ beam that may be appropriate to the clinical case, as well as inconvenient due to limited access to the clinical beamline. The diode response to WEPL relationship for a given ‘scout’ beam may be determined within a simulation environment, facilitating the applicability of this dosimetry technique. Measurements for three ‘scout’ beams were compared against simulated detector response with Monte Carlo methods using the Tool for Particle Simulation (TOPAS). Results: Detector response in water equivalent plastic was successfully validated against simulation for spread out Bragg peaks of range 10 cm, 15 cm, and 21 cm (168 MeV, 177 MeV, and 210 MeV) with adjusted R2 of 0.998. Conclusion: Feasibility has been shown for performing calibration of detector response for a given ‘scout’ beam through simulation for the time resolved diode dosimetry technique.
Pulmonary Risk Factors in Allogeneic Transplantation for Hurler Syndrome.

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) continues to be standard therapy for patients with severe alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency, also termed Hurler syndrome. While many patients tolerate HCT well, in others severe toxicity is observed. An analysis was performed in 74 patients transplanted at the University of Minnesota for Hurler syndrome since 1990 in an attempt to define clinical attributes associated with a high-risk population. The stem cell source was a matched related donor for 14 (19%) of patients, while 43 patients (58%) were recipients of unrelated marrow; of these 16 were mismatched. An unrelated cord blood graft was utilized in 17 cases (23%). The preparative regimen included cyclophosphamide (Cy) and busulfan in 34 transplants (46%), while others received Cy and irradiation. The 5-year survival for all patients in this analysis was 53% (CI 41–65%). In the univariate analysis, prior cardiac complications, a history of hydrocephalus, CMV positivity, T cell depletion or choice of preparative regimen did not influence survival. A prior history of non-elective intubation also did not alter survival, nor was a history of a positive sleep study a significant factor in overall survival (40% vs. 63%; p=0.09). In contrast, the patients with a prior history of obstructive disease (reactive airway disease or bronchiolitis) had a significantly worse survival rate than those that did not (18%, CI 0–48% vs. 58%, CI 45–70%; p 2 years old had a relative risk of death of 3.0 (CI 1.2–7.4; p=0.02). Recipients of mismatched unrelated transplants also had a worse outcome in the multivariate analysis in comparison to matched related, unrelated and cord blood recipients (RR 2.9 (CI 1.2–6.8; p<0.01). Unexpectedly, the gender of Hurler patients was also correlated with outcome, as females having an increased relative risk of death (2.3; CI 1.1–5.2) compared to males (p = 0.03). While the reasons for this are unclear, it has been observed in studies on the iduronidase deficient mouse that the females had elevated levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF) in comparision to the males. This provides an intriguing hypothesis for the observed clinical findings - this will serve as a basis for further study. We conclude that it is possible to determine standard and high risk populations of patients with Hurler syndrome based on the pre-transplant evaluation; in children with Hurler that are <18 months of age with a negative pulmonary history, survival approaching 80% is observed. However, for patients at higher risk, alteration of the preparative regimen to reduce toxicity or prior treatment with enzyme therapy may be beneficial in achieving an improved outcome.
Chemotherapy in Patients With Hepatobiliary Cancers and Abnormal Hepatic Function

Sorafenib and cisplatin plus gemcitabine currently represent first-line treatment standards in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary cancer, respectively. Conventional cytotoxic agents (monotherapy or combination therapy) have demonstrated activity in the second-line setting or in those in which first-line agents are contraindicated. A strategy for safe yet effective administration of such systemic therapies in patients with advanced hepatobiliary cancer and abnormal liver function needs to be strongly considered. Here, we highlight the safety and tolerability of systemic therapies routinely used for the treatment of advanced hepatobiliary cancer in patients with hepatic dysfunction. Based on data from available clinical studies, we review dosing strategies recommended for chemotherapy and targeted therapy in those with liver dysfunction. Dose modifications for many agents in this population remain empiric due to limited clinical evidence. Future dedicated phase I studies are needed to provide further dosing considerations for combination therapy in those with abnormal liver function in which data is lacking.
Data Triumph at C.

Despite historical controversy, pharmacologic ascorbate is emerging as promising cancer therapy via pro-oxidant chemistry. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Schoenfeld et al. describe how intracellular iron pools and reactive oxygen species drive pharmacologic ascorbate's selective toxicity to cancer cells in vitro, in mice, and in humans.
Checking up on checkpoint inhibitors.

In this issue of Blood , Haverkos et al present timely and compelling data revealing both the opportunity and serious hazards incurred with the use of programmed death 1 (PD-1) pathway blockade after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) in relapsed lymphoma patients. 1
Murphy's Law: Preparing Students for Potential Presentation Mishaps.

As educators, we've all probably experienced presenting in new places and/or audiences, and having some sort of mishap. Therefore, as part of their professional preparation, we should prepare our s...
Origin of IgA and IgG Antibodies in the Female Reproductive Tract: Regulation of the Genital Response by Estradiol

Despite extensive studies, venereal disease remains a major world wide health problem which has devastating effects on both adults and newborns (1–3). The rise of gonococcus, herpes, group B streptococcus and pelvic inflammatory diseases during the past decade emphasizes the need for a renewed effort to develop an effective and lasting approach to immunological protection.
Late Holocene Sturzstroms in Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S.A.

Recent decades have seen population expansion into, and pressure upon, marginal mountain lands. The inevitable disasters associated with such expansion have in many cases forced attention onto the distribution of, and processes associated with, rock avalanches (sturzstroms). Increased attention on rock avalanches has also resulted from the United Nations’ declaration of the 1990s as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. In North America, particularly notable efforts directed at identifying and reducing rock-avalanche hazards have taken place in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories (Eisbacher, 1978, 1979; Cruden, 1982, 1985; Eisbacher and Clague, 1984; Cruden and Hungr, 1986; Evans, 1987, 1989a, 1989b; Evans et al., 1987, 1989; Clague and Evans, 1987; Van Gassen and Cruden, 1989; Jackson and Isobe, 1990; Ryder et al., 1990; Evans and Clague, 1990, 1994; Kaiser and Simmons, 1990; Hungr, 1995). In the U.S.A., the bulk of rock-avalanche-hazard research has been focused on the tectonically active states of Alaska and California (Griggs, 1920; Shreve, 1966, 1968a, 1968b; Eppler et al., 1987). Work in the Rocky Mountain states has also been undertaken (Voight, 1978), but few studies have focused on the distribution and age of rock-avalanche deposits in Montana, a state where the western third is seismically active and mountainous. Exceptions include works by (1964), who described the rockslide avalanche produced by the Madison Canyon earthquake of 1959, near Yellowstone National Park; (1965), who described rockfall-avalanche and rockslide-avalanche deposits of Pleistocene and Holocene age at Sawtooth Ridge, Montana, approximately 100 km southeast of Glacier National Park; and previous papers describing site characteristics and ages associated with two sturzstrom sites in Glacier National Park (Butler, 1983; Butler et al., 1986, 1991; Butler and Schipke, 1992; Butler and Malanson, 1993).
A General Approach to Site-Specific, Intramolecular C-H Functionalization Using Dithiocarbamates

Intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer is an established approach for the site-specific functionalization of unactivated, aliphatic C-H bonds. Transformations using this strategy typically require unstable intermediates formed using strong oxidants and have mainly targeted C-H halogenations or intramolecular aminations. Herein, we report a site-specific C-H functionalization that significantly increases the synthetic scope and convergency of reactions proceeding via intramolecular hydrogen atom transfer. Stable, isolable N-dithiocarbamates are used as precursors to amidyl radicals formed via either light or radical initiation to efficiently deliver highly versatile alkyl dithiocarbamates across a wide range of complex structures.
A Power-Balanced Clustering Algorithm to Improve Electrical Infrastructure Resiliency

Timely evaluation of power system resiliency is important for power system operators and planners when they are confronting extreme weather or other large-scale natural disasters such as earthquakes or tsunamis. Intentional islanding operation is a solution to mitigate those threats because a proper islanding scheme has the potential to stop the propagation of cascading outages. Adequate partitioning of a large power grid is paramount in positioning different areas of the grid at good starting points for survival and reconnection. This paper builds upon a multi-objective electrical distance based clustering algorithm with i) a new index that ensures adequate amount of generation capacity for each cluster, ii) a new electrical distance matrix based on Q-V sensitivity, and iii) a simplification of the clustering method that shortens simulation times by equivalencing a given power system model. The results suggest that the new index improves upon the solutions that existing methods provide by enforcing the balance of load demand and power capacity within each cluster, while reducing computation time. These solutions are also consistent across the two electrical distance matrices that we consider in this work.
Digital Circuit Simulator Project at Undergraduate Level

This paper discusses various aspects of student learning based on a project to develop a primitive digital electronic circuit simulator at the undergraduate level within the Computer Engineering program at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA. Beyond software programming, the project exposes students to a language compilation step, circuit data base schemes, and simulation techniques in their final semester. Students are to understand a simple text based grammar used to describe the logic circuit, how it is compiled and stored in memory, and the simulation kernel itself before completing the project. The paper also includes a discussion of survey results from students about their experience.
Survival of acid-adapted and non-adapted Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli using an in vitro model

Abstract Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are known to adapt and survive acidic conditions. Acid-adaptation also may result in cross-protection against other stressors present in foods, such as reduced water activity (aw), refrigeration conditions, or the presence of antimicrobials. Three independent experiments were conducted with non-adapted (control) and acid-adapted E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 serogroups (E. coli O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145) in vitro and in situ. Experiment 1: STEC cocktails in media were left untreated (non-adapted; control) or adapted (pH 5.0), exposed to mild acidic conditions (pH 4.5) or reduced aw (0.88 and 0.75) for 4 days at 24 °C, and evaluated for survival. Experiment 2: Non-adapted and acid-adapted STEC cocktails were subjected to desiccation (28 days at 24 °C) on sterile paper disks, and remaining pathogen populations were determined. Experiment 3: Control and acid-adapted STEC were subjected to mild acidic conditions (pH 4.5) and low aw (0.88 or 0.78) in ground beef slurries (GBS; 4 days at 24 °C) and surviving populations enumerated. Results from experiment 1 demonstrated that populations of non-O157:H7 STEC serogroups O45, O103, O111 and O121 were significantly different from populations of E. coli O157:H7, and non-O157:H7 STEC serogroups O26 and O145. In contrast, when STEC serogroups were acid-adapted, all populations of non-O157:H7 STEC were significantly different from populations of E. coli O157:H7. Results of experiments in media with aw of 0.88 or 0.78 demonstrated that there was no significant difference between E. coli O157:H7 and any of the non-O157:H7 STEC, regardless of acid-adaptation. In experiment 2, exposure to desiccation resulted in no significant difference in survival between E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 STEC, regardless of acid-adaptation. Experiment 3 in acidified GBS demonstrated that all non-O157:H7 STEC behaved similarly to E. coli O157:H7, except for E. coli O145, which had a higher reduction than O157:H7. There were no significant differences in bacterial populations associated with GBS with modified aw. Collectively, these results suggest than non-O157:H7 STEC behave similarly to E. coli O157:H7 when exposed to low pH (
Optimizing Warnings on E-Cigarette Advertisements.

INTRODUCTION We examined the effect of visual optimizations on warning text recall. METHODS We used Amazon's Mechanical Turk to recruit 1854 young adult (18-34 years) electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) users or susceptible nonusers. We conducted a between-subjects 3 × 2 × 2 experiment to examine the influence of color (black text on white background [BW] vs. black on yellow [BY] vs. yellow on black [YB]), shape (rectangle vs. novel), and signal word (presence vs. absence of the word "warning"). We randomized participants to view one of 12 warnings on a fictional e-cigarette advertisement. We coded open-ended recall responses into three categories: (1) recalled nothing, (2) recalled something, (3) recalled the concept. We examined main effects on warning text recall using multinomial regression. We examined differences in attention, perceived message effectiveness, and appeal. RESULTS Those exposed to BW or BY warnings were more likely than those exposed to YB to recall something (AOR = 1.6, AOR = 1.5, respectively) or the concept (OR = 1.4, BW). Those exposed to novel shape (44.7% novel vs. 37.9% rectangle; p = .003) or color (44.5% BY vs. 41.9% YB vs. 37.5% BW; p = .04) warnings were more likely to report attention to the warning. In aided recall, those exposed to the signal word were more likely than those not exposed to select the correct response (64.0% vs. 31.3%; p < .0001). We did not find differences for message effectiveness or appeal. CONCLUSIONS Visual optimizations such as color may influence warning text recall and should be considered for new warnings. Research should continue exploring variations for advertisement warnings to maximize attention to warning text. IMPLICATIONS This study examines the impact of visual optimizations on recall of the US Food and Drug Administration-mandated e-cigarette advertisement warning text. We found that color might influence warning text recall, but we did not find effects for shape or signal word. It is possible the newly mandated e-cigarette advertisement warnings, which are required to occupy at least 20% of the advertisement, are currently novel enough to attract attention. Future research should examine optimizations following implementation of the new advertisement warnings.
Incorporating Behavioral Trigger Messages Into a Mobile Health App for Chronic Disease Management: Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial in Diabetes

Background: Although there is a rise in the use of mobile health (mHealth) tools to support chronic disease management, evidence derived from theory-driven design is lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of an mHealth app that incorporated theory-driven trigger messages. These messages took different forms following the Fogg behavior model (FBM) and targeted self-efficacy, knowledge, and self-care. We assess the feasibility of our app in modifying these behaviors in a pilot study involving individuals with diabetes. Methods: The pilot randomized unblinded study comprised two cohorts recruited as employees from within a health care system. In total, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited for the study and a within-subjects design was utilized. Each participant interacted with an app called capABILITY. capABILITY and its affiliated trigger (text) messages integrate components from social cognitive theory (SCT), FBM, and persuasive technology into the interactive health communications framework. In this within-subjects design, participants interacted with the capABILITY app and received (or did not receive) text messages in alternative blocks. The capABILITY app alone was the control condition along with trigger messages including spark and facilitator messages. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare adherence with behavioral measures and engagement with the mobile app across conditions. A paired sample t test was utilized on each health outcome to determine changes related to capABILITY intervention, as well as participants’ classified usage of capABILITY. Results: Pre- and postintervention results indicated statistical significance on 3 of the 7 health survey measures (general diet: P=.03; exercise: P=.005; and blood glucose: P=.02). When only analyzing the high and midusers (n=14) of capABILITY, we found a statistically significant difference in both self-efficacy (P=.008) and exercise (P=.01). Although the ANOVA did not reveal any statistically significant differences across groups, there is a trend among spark conditions to respond more quickly (ie, shorter log-in lag) following the receipt of the message. Conclusions: Our theory-driven mHealth app appears to be a feasible means of improving self-efficacy and health-related behaviors. Although our sample size is too small to draw conclusions about the differential impact of specific forms of trigger messages, our findings suggest that spark triggers may have the ability to cue engagement in mobile tools. This was demonstrated with the increased use of capABILITY at the beginning and conclusion of the study depending on spark timing. Our results suggest that theory-driven personalization of mobile tools is a viable form of intervention. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04132089; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT004122089
Diversity in Sex Work in India: Challenging Stereotypes Regarding Sex Workers

Sex work is often characterized by images of coercion, poverty, destitution and lack of agency, but research indicates that sex work in India is more diverse than these popular representations. Moving beyond inaccurate tropes of sex workers as solely being oppressed victims, this paper aims to shed light on the diversity of sex work in India by sharing themes found across four studies conducted in three different urban areas of India: Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Our research highlights that within the diverse umbrella of sex work in India, there are unique subgroups of sex workers whose particular issues often become lost in a monolithic and reductionist narrative of sex work. From our research, we found that, contrary to popular myths, (1) sex workers are not passive recipients of the trade; (2) sex workers often live in families and have multiple identities as mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers; (3) sex workers increasingly operate from non-brothel-based settings; (4) sex workers are not only women, but also identify as cisgender male and third gender/transgender; and finally, (5) HIV is often not the most pressing, self-reported health concern for sex workers.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Alcohol and Drug Misuse Among IPV-Victimized Women: Exploring the Role of Difficulties Regulating Positive Emotions.

Alcohol and drug misuse is prevalent and problematic among women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Emotional dysfunction has been identified as a key mechanism in the etiology, mainte...
Hospital robotic use for colorectal cancer care

The use of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer continues to increase. However, not all organizations offer patients the option of robotic intervention. This study seeks to understand organizational characteristics associated with the utilization of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer. We conducted a retrospective study of hospitals identified in the United States, State of Florida Inpatient Discharge Dataset, and linked data for those hospitals with the American Hospital Association Survey, Area Health Resource File and the Health Community Health Assessment Resource Tool Set. The study population included all robotic surgeries for colorectal cancer patients in 159 hospitals from 2013 to 2015. Logistic regressions identifying organizational, community, and combined community and organizational variables were utilized to determine associations. Results indicate that neither hospital competition nor disease burden in the community was associated with increased odds of robotic surgery use. However, per capita income (OR 1.07 95% CI 1.02, 1.12), average total margin (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001, 1.02) and large-sized hospitals compared to small hospitals (OR: 5.26, 95% CI 1.13, 24.44) were associated with increased odds of robotic use. This study found that market conditions within the U.S. State of Florida are not primary drivers of hospital use of robotic surgery. The ability for the population to pay for such services, and the hospital resources available to absorb the expense of purchasing the required equipment, appear to be more influential.
Popularity-Aware 360-Degree Video Streaming

Tile-based streaming techniques have been widely used to save bandwidth in 360° video streaming. However, it is a challenge to determine the right tile size which directly affects the bandwidth usage. To address this problem, we propose to encode the video by considering the viewing popularity, where the popularly viewed areas are encoded as macrotiles to save bandwidth. We propose techniques to identify and build macrotiles, and adjust their sizes considering practical issues such as head movement randomness. In some cases, a user’s viewing area may not be covered by the constructed macrotiles, and then the conventional tiling scheme is used. To support popularity-aware 360° video streaming, the client selects the right tiles (a macrotile or a set of conventional tiles) with the right quality level to maximize the QoE under bandwidth constraint. We formulate this problem as an optimization problem which is NP-hard, and then propose a heuristic algorithm to solve it. Through extensive evaluations based on real traces, we demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can significantly improve the QoE and save the bandwidth usage.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini: “A Volcano of Ideas”

This field-based case offers the experiences of a historic winery in Tuscany, Italy, to set the stage for how the leader's philosophy affects all aspects of the company, as well as how those practices create the culture of an all-female-staffed organization. The situation provides an opportunity to explore and connect the relationship among the leader's values, the actions she takes, and the impact of those values and actions on how the organization works. The case opens with the owner of Casato Prime Donne and Fattoria del Colle wineries, Donatella Cinelli Colombini, reflecting on strategic plans to increase production, build a warehouse, and grow the estates. In the long term, she would have to decide when a good time might be to step down from the business and pass it to her daughter. Had she built a self-managed team that could continue to grow the business and build future relationships between the wineries and tourism? Was her business sturdy enough to stand on its own when she left? Excerpt UVA-OB-1290 Aug. 27, 2019 Donatella Cinelli Colombini: “A Volcano of Ideas” The story of each one of us is so different. —Donatella Cinelli Colombini How could anyone know that by denying her access to male wine masters, Donatella Cinelli Colombini would rewrite the rules and launch Italy's first all-female-staffed winery? Her vision for wineries Casato Prime Donne (Casato) and Fattoria del Colle affected wineries throughout the country. From organizing the first cantine aperte (open cellar) movement in Italy to creating an all-female taster team selecting red wine primarily for female consumers to granting a prestigious award recognizing others who enhanced the role of women in society—all on top of owning an all-female-staffed winery—Cinelli Colombini had set a distinctive tone for women in the industry. . . .
Female Sexual Function and Dysfunction

Sexual function is an important part of most women’s lives. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD), defined as a sexual problem that causes clinically significant distress, is common, but under-identified and undertreated. Clinicians should ask about sexual concerns in routine visits. Assessment of FSD should include a comprehensive history and physical examination utilizing a biopsychosocial approach. Providers should explore psychological, emotional, interpersonal, and sociocultural contributing factors. Medications should be reviewed as possible contributors. Antidepressants are a common cause of FSD. Treatment of FSD should focus on the underlying diagnosis. Given its complexity, FSD is best treated utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, including a medical provider, pelvic floor physical therapist, and sex therapist. General recommendations for all patients with FSD include increasing exposure to sexual stimuli such as erotic literature, scheduling sex, decreasing stressors, and improving overall general health through adequate sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet.
THE DIHEDRAL SYMMETRY OF THE P53 TETRAMERIZATION DOMAIN MANDATES A CONFORMATIONAL SWITCH UPON DNA BINDING

The p53 tumor suppressor forms stable tetramers, whose DNA binding activity is allosterically regulated. The tetramerization domain is contained within the C-terminus (residues 323-355) and its three-dimensional structure exhibits dihedral symmetry, such that a p53 tetramer can be considered a dimer of dimers. Under conditions where monomeric p53 fails to bind DNA, we studied the effects of p53 C-terminal mutations on DNA binding. Residues 322-355 were sufficient to drive DNA binding of p53 as a tetramer. Within this region residues predicted by the three-dimensional structure to stabilize tetramerization, such as Arg337 and Phe341, were critical for DNA binding. Furthermore, substitution of Leu344 caused p53 to dissociate into DNA binding-competent dimers, consistent with the location of this residue at the dimer-dimer interface. The p53 DNA site contains two inverted repeats juxtaposed to a second pair of inverted repeats. Thus, the four repeats exhibit cyclic-translation symmetry and cannot be recognized simultaneously by four dihedrally symmetric p53 DNA binding domains. The discrepancy may be resolved by flexible linkers between the p53 DNA binding and tetramerization domains. When these linkers were deleted p53 exhibited novel DNA binding properties consistent with an inability to recognize four contiguous DNA repeats. Allosteric regulation of p53 DNA binding may involve repositioning the DNA binding domains from a dihedrally symmetric state to a DNA-bound asymmetric state.
Design and implementation of the Vesta parallel file system

The Vesta parallel file system is designed to provide parallel file access to application programs running on multicomputers with parallel I/O subsystems. Vesta uses a new abstraction of files: a file is not a sequence of bytes, but rather it can be partitioned into multiple disjoint sequences that are accessed in parallel. The partitioning-which can also be changed dynamically-reduces the need for synchronization and coordination during the access. Some control over the layout of data is also provided, so the layout can be marched with the anticipated access patterns. The system is fully implemented, and is beginning to be used by application programmers. The implementation does not compromise scalability or parallelism. In fact, all data accesses are done directly to the I/O node that contains the requested data, without any indirection or access to shared metadata. There are no centralized control points in the system. >
On estimating the Spectral Radius of large graphs through subgraph sampling

Extremely large graphs, such as those representing the Web or online social networks, require prohibitively large computational resources for an analysis of any of their complex properties. In this paper, we investigate an algorithmic approach to overcoming this difficulty by inferring key properties of the full graph using a strategic sample of small subgraphs of the graph. We focus, in particular, on the spectral radius (the largest eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix) of the graph because of its relationship to multiple highly relevant properties of graphs. We describe the Spectral Radius Estimator (SRE), a new greedy algorithm based on adding nodes with high estimated eigenvalue centrality into sample subgraphs. We present results on the performance of the SRE on real-world graphs and show that it estimates the spectral radius of real graphs with 98% to 99.99% accuracy using a subgraph of size less than about 4% of the full graph. This work demonstrates the feasibility and the potential of subgraph sampling as a computationally cheap means of inferring complex properties of extremely large graphs.
The metabolism of histone fractions: Phosphorylation and synthesis of histones in late G1-arrest

Abstract The biosynthesis and phosphorylation of histone fractions were measured in synchronized CHO Chinese hamster cells arrested in late G1 by hydroxyurea treatment. Hydroxyurea was found to inhibit the initiation of both DNA and histone synthesis, thus confirming the conclusion that it arrests cells in G1 slightly before the G 1 S boundary. However, hydroxyurea did not inhibit the phosphorylation of histone f1 or histone f2a2. The phosphorylation of histone f1, which normally is absent in early G1, begins 2 hr prior to DNA synthesis. In the presence of hydroxyurea, f1 phosphorylation occurs on schedule at this same time in G1, resulting in significant G1-phase f1 phosphorylation. This offers strong evidence that (a) f1 phosphorylation is not restricted to S phase; (b) “old” f1 which was synthesized in previous cell cycles is phosphorylated in G1 before “new” f1 which is synthesized in S phase; and (c) G1-phase f1 phosphorylation does not require new histone or new DNA synthesis. Histone f1 phosphorylation was observed to occur at accelerated rates in S phase over phosphorylation rates observed in late G1-arrest. Data support the proposal that three different levels of f1 phosphorylation occur during the cell cycle: (1) a G1-related phosphorylation of “old” f1; (2) an S-related phosphorylation of both “old” and “new” f1; and (3) a superphosphorylation of f1 associated with chromosome condensation during the G2 to M transition. It is also possible that a limited proportion of f1 may be phosphorylated in G1, perhaps at the initial DNA synthesis sites, and that an increased proportion of f1 is phosphorylated in S as DNA is synthesized. Similarities between the kinetics of histone f1 phosphorylation and the association of DNA with lipoprotein in synchronized control and hydroxyurea-treated cells suggest an involvement of f1 phosphorylation in cell-cycle-dependent chromatin structural changes.
Accurate amniotic fluid bilirubin analysis from the “bloody tap”: A preliminary report☆

Abstract The quantitation of bilirubin in amniotic fluid is of paramount importance in prognosticating the severity of Rh isoimmunization. Amniotic fluid contaminated by maternal blood can result in erroneous results when direct spectrophotemetric analysis is performed on such fluid. The technique and results of a one-step chloroform extraction performed on “bloody” amniotic fluid is presented. Results confirm that chloroform extraction yields more accurate clinical information in regard to Rh isoimmunized patients in whom a “bloody tap” is obtained.
Delayed wound healing in diabetic (db/db) mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm challenge: a model for the study of chronic wounds

Chronic wounds are a major clinical problem that lead to considerable morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that an important factor in the failure of chronic wounds to heal was the presence of microbial biofilm resistant to antibiotics and protected from host defenses. A major difficulty in studying chronic wounds is the absence of suitable animal models. The goal of this study was to create a reproducible chronic wound model in diabetic mice by the application of bacterial biofilm. Six-millimeter punch biopsy wounds were created on the dorsal surface of diabetic (db/db) mice, subsequently challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) biofilms 2 days postwounding, and covered with semiocclusive dressings for 2 weeks. Most of the control wounds were epithelialized by 28 days postwounding. In contrast, none of biofilm-challenged wounds were closed. Histological analysis showed extensive inflammatory cell infiltration, tissue necrosis, and epidermal hyperplasia adjacent to challenged wounds-all indicators of an inflammatory nonhealing wound. Quantitative cultures and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the majority of bacteria were in the scab above the wound bed rather than in the wound tissue. The model was reproducible, allowed localized cutaneous wound infections without high mortality, and demonstrated delayed wound healing following a biofilm challenge. This model may provide an approach to study the role of microbial biofilms in chronic wounds as well as the effect of specific biofilm therapy on wound healing.
Studies on pollen and pollen extracts: VIII. Dialyzability of pollen allergens

Abstract Substances in pollen extracts capable of eliciting skin reactions in sensitized rabbits or in certain sensitive human beings, have been shown to be dialyzable through three different membranes, and at varied P H . The active material dialyzes more freely in solutions having a slightly acid reaction. The evidence indicates that there is not complete correlation in response of sensitive rabbits and human beings to the dialyzable skin reactive material.
Late Signals from CD27 Prevent Fas-Dependent Apoptosis of Primary CD8+ T Cells

The role of costimulation has previously been confined to the very early stages of the CD8+ T cell response. In this study, we demonstrate the requirement for CD27 costimulation during the later phase, but not programming of the primary CD8+ T cell response to influenza virus and reveal a novel mechanism of action for CD27 costimulation. CD27 signals, during the later phase of the primary CD8+ T cell response, prevent apoptosis of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. Blocking CD27L (CD70) on days 6 and 8 after infection reduces the number of NP(366-374)-specific CD8+ T cells, increases their sensitivity to CD95/Fas-mediated apoptosis, and up-regulates FasL on CD4+ T cells. This reduction of NP(366-374)-specific CD8+ T cells requires the presence of CD4+ T cells and Fas signaling. Lack of CD27 signals also decreases the quality of memory CD8+ T cell responses. Memory CD8+ T cells, which express surface CD27 similar to naive cells, however, do not require CD27 costimulation during a secondary response. Thus, CD27 acts indirectly to regulate primary Ag-specific CD8+ T cell responses by preventing apoptosis of CD8+ T cells during the later phase of the primary response and is required for optimal quality of memory cells, but is not required during normally primed secondary CD8+ T cell responses.
Earlier and Later If and Only If Past, Present and Future

To prove the equivalence one must start with one side, and the earlier-later side seems, for starting with, logically the clearer. The equivalence is provable on reasonable definitions of ‘past’, ‘present’ and ‘future’ in terms of the earlier-later structure of time. McTaggart's attempted distinction between the past-present-future A series and the earlier-later B series, as though they were rivals for the structure of time, is based on an unexamined, and false, assumption. The equivalence shows they are not rivals; they are quite consistent with each other. A very serious consequence is that all subsequent argument, from the A side or the B, however sophisticated, is flawed to the extent that it accepts McTaggart's false distinction.
Impact of Work Teams on Manufacturing Performance: A Longitudinal Field Study

We report the results of a longitudinal field study examining the impact of work teams on manufacturing performance. An electromechanical assembly plant was our research site from April 1992 throug...
Contribution of Proteoglycan Osmotic Swelling Pressure to the Compressive Properties of Articular Cartilage

The negatively charged proteoglycans (PG) provide compressive resistance to articular cartilage by means of their fixed charge density (FCD) and high osmotic pressure (πPG), and the collagen network (CN) provides the restraining forces to counterbalance πPG. Our objectives in this work were to: 1), account for collagen intrafibrillar water when transforming biochemical measurements into a FCD-πPG relationship; 2), compute πPG and CN contributions to the compressive behavior of full-thickness cartilage during bovine growth (fetal, calf, and adult) and human adult aging (young and old); and 3), predict the effect of depth from the articular surface on πPG in human aging. Extrafibrillar FCD (FCDEF) and πPG increased with bovine growth due to an increase in CN concentration, whereas PG concentration was steady. This maturation-related increase was amplified by compression. With normal human aging, FCDEF and πPG decreased. The πPG-values were close to equilibrium stress (σEQ) in all bovine and young human cartilage, but were only approximately half of σEQ in old human cartilage. Depth-related variations in the strain, FCDEF, πPG, and CN stress profiles in human cartilage suggested a functional deterioration of the superficial layer with aging. These results suggest the utility of the FCD-πPG relationship for elucidating the contribution of matrix macromolecules to the biomechanical properties of cartilage.
Cataract in infants treated with argon laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose Previous studies of lens opacities occurring after argon laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity indicate that the lens in these laser-treated eyes may be at risk for cataract. We studied the occurrence of permanent, visually significant cataracts in four infants after laser therapy for retinopathy of prematurity. Methods The records of 51 consecutive patients (100 eyes) treated only with argon laser photocoagulation for threshold retinopathy of prematurity at our institution were reviewed. Patient characteristics and treatment variables were compared between infants who developed cataracts and those who did not. Results Complete opacification of the lens nucleus and cortex developed in six eyes of four patients between 19 and 99 days after laser therapy. An additional patient developed a transient, focal, anterior capsular, and subcapsular opacity in one eye that cleared by one month postoperatively. Eyes that developed permanent cataracts were noted to have a prominent anterior tunica vasculosa lentis at the time of treatment. After laser therapy, these eyes developed hyphema, shallowing of the anterior chamber, corneal edema, and progressive opacification of the lens. When compared with eyes that did not develop cataract, no statistically significant difference in number of burns, zone or clock hours of extraretinal proliferation, birth weight, gestational age, or age at treatment was found. Conclusions Cataract is a potential vision-threatening complication of argon laser photocoagulation that must be considered before choosing a treatment modality for infants with threshold retinopathy of prematurity.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF ASSERTIVE COMMUNITY TREATMENT TEAMS

Clients who were high service users with serious mental disorders were randomly assigned to assertive community treatment (ACT) or to standard case management (SCM) at three sites and followed for 18 months. Clients in ACT spent more days in the community than did those in SCM, at no additional cost. For clients who were hospitalized at study entry, assertive community treatment was more cost-effective than standard case management.
Infection with Ostertagia ostertagi in goats and calves.

Abstract In order to determine the usefulness of the goat as a model host for Ostertagia ostertagi , a series of experiments was conducted in which young goats and calves were experimentally infected with L 3 of calf-source and goat-source isolates. The goat-source isolate was derived from a continuous passage of the bovine parasite in goats. Patent infections resulted in 73 out of 86 inoculated goats (85%). The largest number of patent infections was observed when inoculation consisted of a single dose of goat-source larvae. Percent establishment of infection was generally low in goats inoculated with either larval source. Time taken to achieve patency in goats was frequently within the range normal for cattle infections, but was often extended (21–67 days). With the exception of the generally higher level of establishment of goat- or calf-source isolates in calves and the low frequency of the vulval flap in adult female worms established in goats, little difference was observed in percent establishment or worm population characteristics of the two isolates in goats as based on source of larval inoculum, inoculation course, and age of host at inoculation. Prolonged passage of infection in goats did not result in a stabilized isolate more adapted to the goat or less adapted to calves. Fecal egg counts were generally minimal or negative in goats during the first 30 days of infection, but were often increased and not substantially lower than counts in calf infections after 60 or 90 days. Low level egg counts in goats were observed to persist for up to 17 months. During the spring of 2 years, goat kids grazed on a cattle pasture acquired O. ostertagi infections which included adult worms, but a larger number of early L 4 . The latter were presumed to be inhibited in development just as such inhibition occurs in cattle during spring.