cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Suspected Hereditary Cancer Syndromes and Germline Mutations Among a Diverse Cohort of Probands Reporting a Family History of Prostate Cancer: Toward Informing Cascade Testing for Men.

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is increasingly recognized as part of hereditary cancer syndromes (HCSs). HCS prevalence among diverse probands seeking genetic evaluation with PCa family history (FHx) has not been reported and has implications for cascade genetic testing. Objective To evaluate the rates of HCSs among probands reporting PCa FHx and germline mutations among probands. Design, setting, and participants A prospective genetic testing database queried for individuals with PCa FHx. Pedigrees analyzed for three HCSs: hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), hereditary PCa, and Lynch syndrome. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Associations between HCS overall, and with plausible link to PCA FHx and race evaluated using Fisher's exact test. Germline mutation rates described among probands with a suspicion of an HCS connected with PCa FHx. Results and limitations A total of 345 probands reported PCa FHx: 53 African American (AA) and 292 Caucasian (Wh). Overall, 220 probands (63.8%) met the criteria for at least one HCS with a potential link to PCa FHx (75.5% AA; 61.6% Wh). HBOC linked to PCa FHx was identified in a higher percentage of AA than Wh probands (90.2% vs 74.6%, p = 0.04). Among probands who underwent genetic testing with any HCS potentially linked to PCa FHx (n = 169), 19.5% had germline mutations identified; five AA probands had germline mutations (all in BRCA1/2), while 28 Wh probands had mutations in a spectrum of genes. Conclusions A significant percentage of AA probands with PCa FHx meet the criteria for HCSs, with HBOC identified at the highest rate. Although limited in sample size, our findings implicate BRCA mutations in AA families with HCSs linked with PCa, underscoring the need for greater enrollment of AA participants in genetic studies. Patient summary Hereditary cancer syndromes potentially linked to prostate cancer are common in patients reporting a family history of prostate cancer. African-American patients may need special attention with regard to testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, which may impact men with prostate cancer in these families.
Increasing Traffic Throughput by Controlling Autonomous Vehicles at Low Penetration Rates.

Human drivers may behave in an imprecise/unstable manner, leading to traffic oscillations which are harmful to traffic throughput. Recent field experiments have shown that the control of a single autonomous vehicle (AV) can increase traffic throughput on a circular test track, as well as reduce traffic oscillations on straight roads. We consider a mixed traffic environment consisting of humans and autonomous vehicles, where the goal is to find a control policy for the autonomous vehicles which maximizes traffic throughput by preventing oscillations in speed. We formulate this problem as an optimization problem which can be solved using gradient based optimization. Numerical experiments on a circular road show that the optimized control policy improves traffic throughput by 28%.
Prenylation of axonally translated proteins controls NGF-dependent axon growth

Compartmentalized signaling is critical for cellular organization and specificity of functional outcomes in neurons. Here, we report that post-translational lipidation of newly synthesized proteins in axonal compartments allows for short-term and autonomous responses to extrinsic cues. Using conditional mutant mice, we found that protein prenylation is essential for sympathetic axon innervation of target organs. We identify a localized requirement for prenylation in sympathetic axons to promote axonal growth in response to the neurotrophin, Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). NGF triggers prenylation of proteins including the Rac1 GTPase in axons, counter to the canonical view of prenylation as constitutive, and strikingly, in a manner dependent on axonal protein synthesis. Newly prenylated proteins localize to TrkA-harboring endosomes in axons, and promote receptor trafficking necessary for axonal growth. Thus, coupling of prenylation to local protein synthesis presents a mechanism for spatially segregated cellular functions during neuronal development.
PVT Robust Passive Phase Shifter for 5G MIMO Applications

Integrated Ka-Band phase shifter with near-constant insertion-loss for 5G phased array applications is presented in this paper. The differential phase shifter design is based on variable artificial transmission line with digitally tuned inductance and capacitance per unit cell. The IC occupies area of 840 x 840 μm2 and was fabricated in 0.12 μm SiGe BiCMOS process, using CMOS features only. The measured results show insertion loss of 10.2±0.15 dB and phase RMS error of 1.2° at 38.5 GHz with zero power consumption. The phase tuning range is larger than 180 degrees at 37–40 GHz. Excellent PVT robustness is demonstrated over multiple wafer sites, making it suitable for integration in large-scale arrays.
Crystal and molecular structure of fenspiride, C15H20N2O2

The crystal and molecular structure of fenspiride, a bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drug, are reported. Fenspiride crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with two crystallographically independent molecules in the general position of the space group P21/n (No. 14) and Z = 8. Rietveld refined unit cell parameters are a = 11.52013(8) A, b = 5.614091(31) A, c = 44.1567(4) A, α = 90°, β = 93.0885(6)°, γ = 90°, and V = 2851.69(4) A3.
Factors associated with appropriate and low-value PSA testing.

Abstract Background Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for early detection of prostate cancer is low-value when it is not indicated by guidelines and the harms outweigh the benefits. In this retrospective cohort study, we identify provider and patient factors associated with PSA testing, particularly in situations where testing would be low-value. Methods We used electronic health record data from 2011 to 2018 representing 1,738,021 health system encounters in the United States. Using logistic generalized estimating equation models, we examined patient factors (age, comorbid illness, family history, race and prior PSA results), provider factors (gender, specialty, graduation year and medical school rank), and overall time trends associated with PSA testing in low-value and appropriate settings. Results Comorbid illness (odds ratio (OR) 0.0 for 3+ conditions vs none) and no prior PSA testing (OR 0.2) were associated with a lower likelihood of PSA testing in low-value situations, while family history of prostate cancer (OR 1.6) and high prior PSA test results (OR 2.2 for PSA > 6 vs 0–1) were associated with a greater likelihood. Men aged 55–65 years were at greatest risk for PSA testing in low-value situations. The provider factor associated with PSA testing in low-value situations was specialty, with urologists being most likely (OR 2.3 versus advanced practice providers). Internal medicine physicians were more likely to perform PSA testing during low-value situations (OR 1.3 versus advanced practice providers) but much more likely to order a PSA test where appropriate (OR 2.2). All PSA testing decreased since 2011. Conclusion We identified several patient and provider factors associated with PSA testing in low-value settings. Some aspects suggest attention to relevant factors for PSA testing in low-value settings (e.g. comorbid illness), while others may encourage PSA testing in low-value settings (e.g. family history). The greatest likelihood of PSA testing in low-value settings is among men within the age range most commonly recommended by guidelines.
Ileal or Colonic Histologic Activity Is Not Associated With Clinical Relapse in Patients With Crohn's Disease in Endoscopic Remission

Background & Aims Goals of treatment for Crohn’s disease (CD) are clinical and endoscopic remission. It is not clear whether histologic markers of healing associate with endoscopic remission in patients with CD. Methods We identified patients with CD from a single institutional registry, and collected data from 129 patients (46.5% female; mean age 25 y; mean CD duration 14.5 y) who underwent colonoscopy evaluation and had simple endoscopic scores for CD below 3 (the definition of endoscopic remission). Histologic signs of CD activity were graded in 192 biopsies (90 ileum and 102 colon), and disease was classified as active (presence of crypt destruction, neutrophils, erosions or ulcerations), quiescent (presence of architectural distortion and chronic inflammatory infiltrate), or normal histology (none of these). The primary outcome was clinical relapse within 2 y (dose escalation, change in therapy, need for systemic steroids, or CD-related hospitalization or surgery). We performed multivariable regression adjusting for relevant confounders to examine the independent predictive value of histologic activity. Results Within 2 y of endoscopic evaluation, 42 patients (32.6%) had a clinical relapse. There were no significant differences in proportions of patients with active ileal CD (23.8%), quiescent CD (28.6%), or normal histology (37%) between those who relapsed and those remaining in remission (P = .43). There were no significant differences in proportions of relapses among patients with active colonic disease (38.1%), quiescent disease (35.0%), or normal histology (27.9%, P = .73). A linear regression analysis found no association between histologic features of active disease in ileal histology biopsies and symptom scores (Harvey Bradshaw index and simple inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire scores). Conclusions In an analysis of biopsies from patients with CD who had achieved clinical and endoscopic remission, histologic remission was not associated with clinical relapse within 2 years.
Introduction: Counterintuitive Juxtapositions

In this introductory chapter, the author establishes the context by first providing an overview of the ubiquitous pornography industry, including a modern history, definitions (e.g., Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, “I know it when I see it.”), as well as, describing the traditional business operation, which will introduce the reader to the human resource management (HRM) practices and how these traditional HR practices are utilized within this non-traditional industry. The chapter will also introduce the reader to the construct of so-called “dirty work” and the organization-as-pariah. This chapter will also give the reader an overview of the discipline of Human Resource Management.
Study on Closing Spring Fatigue Characteristics of High Voltage Circuit Breaker

One of the most causing closing fault of high voltage circuit breaker is closing spring failure. In order to avoid such closing fault, this paper analyzed the relationship between energy of closing spring and its load, as well as the experiment carried out to get the minimum energy when closing. The time-varying static stress relaxation curve of closing spring force was obtained by analogy the real working condition of high voltage circuit breaker which closing spring is compressed for a long time, the operation time-varying dynamic stress relaxation curve of closing spring force was also obtained by carrying mechanical endurance test. In the end, established the model of closing spring storage life and fatigue life, closing spring life prediction and fault early warning of high voltage circuit breaker was then realized.
Plasmons, excitons, and polaritons in aligned carbon nanotubes

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) provide a unique 1D environment in which to examine the physics of interplay between multivalley Dirac band structure and strong Coulomb interactions. Although the 1D nature of individual SWCNTs has stimulated much interest, its macroscopic manifestation has been difficult to observe. We have recently developed a controlled vacuum filtration technique to fabricate wafer-scale films of highly aligned and densely packed SWCNTs. Here, we summarize our accomplishments using these unique samples. We made the first observation of intersubband plasmons – quantum plasmons whose excitation energy is comparable to the quantum confinement energy. We further built an exciton-polariton architecture, which displayed a continuous transition from the ultrastrong-coupling regime to the weak-coupling regime through facile polarization control. The vacuum Rabi splitting exhibited cooperative enhancement when the number of excitons was increased.
Characteristics of transition to turbulence over a Mach 6 flared cone

We study turbulence production at the end of a second-mode-induced transition in a Mach 6 boundary layer based on both experiments and numerical simulations. By using ultra-fast visualization and particle image velocimetry, we succeed in capturing a soliton-like wave packet that plays a determining role in turbulence production. We reproduce the experiment by direct numerical simulation, revealing that this wave packet arises from the vortical first Mack mode (the counterpart of Tollmien–Schlichting waves in low-speed boundary layers), rather than the rapidly growing dilatational second Mack mode, which triggers a Λ-vortex and consequent turbulent structure. These results reveal the existence of a transition mechanism in hypersonic boundary layers similar to that in low-speed boundary layers.
Opioid use disorder from poppy seed tea successfully treated with buprenorphine in primary care: a case report.

BACKGROUND Poppy seeds contain morphine and other opioid alkaloids and are commercially available in the United States. Users of poppy seed tea (PST) can consume several hundred morphine milligram equivalents per day, and opioid dependence from PST use can develop. We report a case of a patient with chronic pain and PST use leading to opioid use disorder (OUD). This case represents the first published report of OUD from PST successfully treated with buprenorphine (BUP) in a primary care setting. The provider in this case used a unique model of care with an opioid prescribing support team to deliver safe and effective care. CASE PRESENTATION A 47-year-old man with chronic pain and prescription opioid use presented to primary care to discuss a flare of shoulder pain, and revealed in subsequent conversation a long-standing use of PST to supplement pain control. Attempts at cessation resulted in severe withdrawal symptoms, leading to return to PST use. The primary care provider consulted the VA Puget Sound SUpporting Primary care Providers in Opioid Risk reduction and Treatment (SUPPORT) team to evaluate the patient for OUD. The patient discontinued all opioids, and initiated BUP under the supervision of the primary care provider. He remained on a stable dosage, without relapse, 24 months later. CONCLUSIONS PST, which can be made through purchase of readily available poppy pods, carries risk for development of OUD and overdose. Herein we highlight the utility of a primary care opioid prescribing support team in empowering a primary care provider to prescribe BUP to treat a patient with complex OUD.
Identification and functions of usefully disordered proteins.

Publisher Summary This chapter illustrates that protein disorder is encoded by the amino acid sequence and that protein disorder is essential for many important biological functions. An ordered protein contains a single canonical set of Ramachandran angles, whereas a disordered protein or region contains an ensemble of divergent angles at any instant and these angles interconvert over time. Intrinsically disordered protein can be extended (random coil–like) or collapsed (molten globule–like). The latter type of disorder typically includes regions of fluctuating secondary structure, so disorder does not mean absence of helix or sheet. Both types of disorders have been observed in apparently native proteins. Intrinsic disorder might not be encoded by the sequence, but rather might be the result of the absence of suitable tertiary interactions. If this were the general cause of intrinsic disorder, any subset of ordered sequences and any subset of disordered sequences would likely be the same within the statistical uncertainty of the sampling. On the other hand, if intrinsic disorders were encoded by the amino acid sequence, any subset of disordered sequences would likely differ significantly from samples of ordered protein sequences.
Primary care residents self assessment skills in dementia.

The ability to accurately self-assess is a critical component of professionalism and is included in the newly required Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies. To assess residents' ability to accurately self-assess their competencies related to a commonly presenting problem in geriatrics, a Standardized Patient, portraying an individual with early signs of dementia, was inserted into family medicine residents' clinic schedules. Immediately post the encounter, each resident self-assessed his/her performance using a four category (Communication, History of Present Illness, Social History, Functional Assessment), 17-item behavioral checklist. The items in each category highlighted items specific to a dementia-screening interview (e.g., HPI: Used a standardized exam which includes orientation, memory, recall and registration). Resident ratings were compared to ratings from two faculty assessors who independently viewed the videotape of each resident's SP interview. While statistically significant differences between the self-assessment and expert assessors appeared in only one of the four major check list categories (functional assessment), item specific analysis revealed significant differences on discrete items within the dementia screening interview. Implications for teaching and assessment consistent with the ACGME required competency assessment category of professionalism are discussed.
Phase-resolved characterization of nanostructured reflective infrared quarter-wave plate

Phase-resolved interferometric characterization of a nanostructured reflective quarter-wave plate for 1550 nm wavelength is presented. This device consists of a subwavelength-period grating in silicon with evaporated gold coating, and is compatible with standard fabrication processes.
Beamforming a bent array

A good choice of reference axis was described for beamforming a bent towed array when the number of beams and their steering angles were optimized for the linear geometry. It was found that in such a system, the signal processing algorithms and display layouts must be designed to handle the changing array shape without human intervention. Issues such as defining the number of beams and their steering angles as well as their reference line from which the angles were measured was also described. The results show that the use of an appropriate reference axis could reduce the loss in detection coverage that results from scalloping.
Oxidation of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal by succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH5A)

Elevated levels of 4-hydroxy-trans-2-nonenal (HNE) are implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative disorders. Although well-characterized in the periphery, the mechanisms of detoxification of HNE in the CNS are unclear. HNE is oxidized to a non-toxic metabolite in the rat cerebral cortex by mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs). Two possible ALDH enzymes which might oxidize HNE in CNS mitochondria are ALDH2 and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH/ALDH5A). It was previously established that hepatic ALDH2 can oxidize HNE. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that SSADH oxidizes HNE. SSADH is critical in the detoxification of the GABA metabolite, succinic semialdehyde (SSA). Recombinant rat SSADH oxidized HNE and other α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. Inhibition and competition studies in rat brain mitochondria showed that SSADH was the predominant oxidizing enzyme for HNE but only contributed a portion of the total oxidizing activity in liver mitochondria. In vivo administration of diethyldithiocarbamate (DEDC) effectively inhibited (86%) ALDH2 activity but not HNE oxidation in liver mitochondria. The data suggest that a relationship between the detoxification of SSA and the neurotoxic aldehyde HNE exists in the CNS. Furthermore, these studies show that multiple hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenases are able to oxidize HNE.
Prevalence of Inadequate Hydration Among US Children and Disparities by Gender and Race/Ethnicity: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2012

Objectives. We evaluated the hydration status of US children and adolescents.Methods. The sample included 4134 participants aged 6 to 19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2012. We calculated mean urine osmolality and the proportion with inadequate hydration (urine osmolality > 800 mOsm/kg). We calculated multivariable regression models to estimate the associations between demographic factors, beverage intake, and hydration status.Results. The prevalence of inadequate hydration was 54.5%. Significantly higher urine osmolality was observed among boys (+92.0 mOsm/kg; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 69.5, 114.6), non-Hispanic Blacks (+67.6 mOsm/kg; 95% CI = 31.5, 103.6), and younger children (+28.5 mOsm/kg; 95% CI = 8.1, 48.9) compared with girls, Whites, and older children, respectively. Boys (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.49, 2.07) and non-Hispanic Blacks (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.74) were also at significantly higher risk for inadequate hydration. An 8-fluid-...
Further study of spectral composition of P codas of earthquakes and explosions

abstract The spectral compositions (bandwidth 0.4 to 4.5 Hz) of the P codas of 108 explosions and 225 earthquakes recorded at LASA are the basis of a technique by which all earthquakes studied are discriminated successfully from all Semipalatinsk explosions. Such complete separation is not achieved, however, for the full set of presumed Russian explosions. The lack of detectable change in frequency content of P signals in the distance range 30° to 90° suggests a very high Q p value for the central mantle. This result, together with the observed rate of amplitude decay for long-period S waves, implies Q s for the central mantle is high while Q s values for the crust-upper mantle and lower mantle are very low.
Development of a Performance Specification for Indirect Visibility Systems on Heavy Vehicles

Recent advances in video technology and image processing have heightened the prospect of improving commercial vehicle safety by enhancing the ability of the driver to perceive and respond safely to surrounding traffic. This paper describes the experimental method of an approach for testing the indirect viewing requirements, determined from previous research, using drivers performing maneuvers on a test track course. Various configurations of camera placement, camera optical characteristics, and image viewing surfaces were implemented for this research. These studies will be completed by April 2007. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to present the experimental methodology and research protocols that were implemented to develop the performance specifications for these indirect viewing systems. This research provides the foundation for developing enhancements of the video imagery in order to implement an all-weather indirect viewing system for commercial drivers.
Population Regulation of the Eurasian Pine Adelgid (Homoptera: Adelgidae) in Hawaii

Population dynamics of the Eurasian pine adelgid, Pineus pini (Macquart), and its predator, Leucopis obscura Haliday, were studied over a 2-yr period in Hawaii. Densities of both species tended to be lowest during the summer dry season and highest at times of increased rainfall and tree flowering in winter. Correlation analysis of predator and adelgid densities indicated that the P. pini population was regulated by L. obscura at its higher densities, below economically significant levels.
Action of pyrazoline-type insecticides at neuronal target sites

Pyrazoline-type insecticides were discovered in the early 1970s, but did not readily yield commercial insecticide products due to their unfavorable toxicity profiles and environmental properties. The recent registration of indoxacarb, a compound derived from pyrazolines, has drawn renewed attention to this insecticide class. This review summarizes the development of the pyrazoline-type insecticides and examines the mechanism of action of these compounds based on available electrophysiological, pharmacological, and toxicological information.
Isoscalar dipole resonances

Abstract The question of electromagnetic isoscalar dipole transitions is briefly reviewed. An energy weighted sum rule (corrected for c.m. effects) is applied and used with a doorway dominance approximation to predict inelastic form factors. Questions concerning the nature of the excited state are seen to be answerable with the sum rule.
Thin bilayer resists for 193-nm and future photolithography II

Bilayer, Si-containing resists are a technique of interest and a strong candidate to replace chemical vapor deposition (CVD) hardmask processes for small critical dimensions (CDs). Previously, we proposed a very thin film approach using bilayer resists for future lithography, defined the requirements for the resists, and demonstrated 55nm transferred patterns with high aspect ratios using 2-beam interferometer exposure. In this paper, we have demonstrated smaller-than- 60nm transferred patterns with a high numerical aperture (NA) scanner, as well as 45nm and 40nm transferred patterns with a 2-beam system using a 20% Si-containing thin bilayer resist. Immersion scanner exposure and a 35nm CD with 2- beam system were also studied.
Correlation between Adatom-Adatom Pair Interaction and Adlayer Superstructure Formation: Si on W {110}

Pair energies for Si adatoms on the W{110} for several bond lengths were obtained by direct field-ion---microscopy observations. Maximum binding occurred at a distance $\sqrt{2}a$ in the [$1\overline{1}0$] and maximum antibinding at $a$ in the [001]; $a$ is the lattice constant. From the data, the two-dimensional binding energy per adatom in an adlayer can be calculated. The $[\frac{2\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{3}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}]R35.26\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ superstructure has the lowest energy. Our search for a superstructure formation by thermal equilibration of Si adatoms confirmed this prediction.
Foreign capital, unemployment and national welfare

Abstract We consider a situation where foreign capital is allowed to flow only into the export-processing zone of an economy characterized by unemployment and pursuing protectionary policy. We derive conditions under which growth induced by an increase in the flow of foreign capital will be immiserizing. The results are derived when foreign capital does not directly flow into the protected sector but alters the composition of outputs in the other traded sectors through inter-sectoral reallocation of other resources.
Learning-based dynamic coupling of discrete and continuous trackers

We present a data-driven dynamic coupling between discrete and continuous methods for tracking objects of high dofs, which overcomes the limitations of previous techniques. In our approach, two trackers work in parallel, and the coupling between them is based on the tracking error. We use a model-based continuous method to achieve accurate results and, in cases of failure, we re-initialize the model using our discrete tracker. This method maintains the accuracy of a more tightly coupled system, while increasing its efficiency. At any given frame, our discrete tracker uses the current and several previous frames to search into a database for the best matching solution. For improved robustness, object configuration sequences, rather than single configurations, are stored in the database. We apply our framework to the problem of 3D hand tracking from image sequences and the discrimination between fingerspelling and continuous signs in American Sign Language.
AZIMUTHAL ANGULAR DISTRIBUTION OF $sup 12$C($gamma$,P$sub 0$)

The azimuthal angular distribution of the photoprotons produced in the reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}(\ensuremath{\gamma}, {p}_{0})^{11}\mathrm{C}$ by monochromatic polarized gamma rays from $^{3}\mathrm{T}(p, \ensuremath{\gamma})^{4}\mathrm{He}$ was measured for gamma-ray energies of 21.3 and 21.6 MeV. The ratio $R$ of the number of photoprotons with directions between 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} (with respect to the gamma-ray polarization) to the number between 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} was determined. The average observed ratio for $R$, 2.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7, is larger than but not inconsistent with that calculated for pure electric-dipole photon absorption, 2.08\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1.
Controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic: current status and global challenges

This review provides an overview of the current status of the global HIV pandemic and strategies to bring it under control. It updates numerous preventive approaches including behavioral interventions, male circumcision, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, vaccines, and microbicides. The manuscript summarizes current anti-retroviral treatment options, their impact in the western world, and difficulties faced by emerging and resource-limited nations in providing and maintaining appropriate treatment regimens. Current clinical and pre-clinical approaches towards a cure for HIV are described, including new drug compounds that target viral reservoirs and gene therapy approaches aimed at altering susceptibility to HIV infection. Recent progress in vaccine development is summarized, including novel approaches and new discoveries.
Working with native american families

Family education is a respectful approach to working with Native American families. When clinicians are informed about tribal ways, families can contribute greatly to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment and rehabilitation.
Knowing our nature: A note on Régis’ response to Malebranche

Nicolas Malebranche was the first Cartesian philosopher to challenge Descartes’ claim that we are capable of possessing a clear and distinct understanding of the soul's nature. Other Cartesians, including Clauberg, La Forge, and Cordemoy, accepted without question the conclusion of the Second Meditation that the nature of the soul is better known than is the nature of body. After presenting an overview of Malebranche's argument, this note turns to the Cartesian philosopher Pierre-Sylvain Regis. Regis, like the Cartesians before Malebranche, sides with Descartes in this debate over the question of whether we can have knowledge of our soul's nature, but unlike his predecessors, he provides an original argument defending his position. This argument is, I argue, a direct response to the argument Malebranche had used in his case against Descartes.
Present status of the unisor facility

Abstract The UNISOR facility is an ISOL system at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory,primarily intended for radioactive-decay measurements. The current status of the facility is described including available accelerator beams, targets and ion sources, separator beam-lines and source handling equipment, and data acquisition systems.
A review of obstetric anesthesia in the new millennium: where we are and where is it heading?

Purpose of review The present article is an update on the state-of-the-art practice of obstetric anesthesia in the new millennium. It explores a number of important issues in this relatively new and still evolving subspecialty of anesthesiology. Recent findings Obstetric anesthesia is a subspecialty of anesthesiology dedicated to peripartum, perioperative pain and anesthetic management of women during pregnancy and the puerperium. In the new millennium an obstetric anesthesiologist has become an essential member of the peripartum care team, who closely works with the obstetrician, perinatologist, midwife, neonatologist, and labor and delivery nurse to ensure the highest quality care for the pregnant woman and her child. Summary Changes in maternal-fetal and neonatal medicine and obstetric anesthesia have been developing rapidly during the recent years and will continue to do so in the years to come. Obstetric anesthesia is art and science combined. An obstetric anesthesiologist is concerned simultaneously with the lives of at least two patients - the mother and her child. Exchange of information and communication skills in the ever changing environment of labor and delivery is essential for perfect outcome, which is always expected when providing passage for the mother and her baby from the antepartum to postpartum period.
On the non-linear Munk model. II, Stability

We examined the stability of a class of steady solutions of the barotropic vorticity equation in a rectangular basin. It is found that a large-scale vortex street generated by the wind stress is locally stable provided that Re Rec the street undergoes periodic oscillations accompanied by vortex shedding. In this process the potential vorticity is globally conserved. We show that the Gulf Stream system can be treated as a large-scale vortex street and variability of circulation in the western part of oceanic basins can be interpreted as an instability of such a street.
Hidden Markov model for the detection and tracking of highway vehicles in image sequences

ABSTRACT Motivated by recent interest in intelligent transportation systems, this paper considers the problem of tracking diverse vehicles as they traverse a roadway instrumented with video cameras. From vehicle tracks it is straight-forward to compute basic traffic parameters such as flow, speed, and concentration. The vehicles to be trackedcan be dense and we assume that computational resources are limited. Therefore, we cannot consider threedimensional processing but rather must partition the problem as much as possible into one or two dimensional problems. The key simplifying aspect is that the vehicles follow known tracks (the lanes). Keywords: Hidden Markov models, target tracking, video image processing, intelligent transportation systems. 1 Introduction Motivated by current interest in using video sensors as monitors in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS),1we describe low-complexity methods for detecting, classifying, and tracking objects (vehicles in ITS) that follow prescribed paths (highway lanes in ITS) based on video sequences using hidden Markov model (11MM)2 andmultiple target tracking (MTT)3 ideas.
An empirical test of a communibiological model of trait verbal aggressiveness

The purpose of this study was to test Beatty and McCroskey's communibiological model of trait verbal aggressiveness. In general, this model views trait verbal aggressiveness as an expression of temperament; specifically, that trait verbal aggressiveness represents low thresholds for the fight or flight (FFS) neurobiological system. This model further contends that behavioral inhibition circuitry (BIS) moderates FFS activation by tempering aggressive impulses, otherwise FFS activation would manifest itself in the form of physical rather than verbal attacks. Beatty and McCroskey (1997) propose that low thresholds for stimulating the behavioral activation system (BAS) should be related to trait verbal aggressiveness to the extent that the construct involves a proactive rather than a purely reactive interpersonal function. Because previous research indicated that psychoticism (P), neuroticism (N) and extroversion (E) represent psychological manifestations of the FFS, BIS, and BAS systems, respectively, hypoth...
Frequently Asked Questions about Assessment.

ABSTRACT Many of us are concerned about newly imposed demands coming from accrediting organizations or administrations to assess our mathematics departments and ourselves as individual instructors. To be sure, cynicism about assessment abounds on campuses. This article attempts to take on some generic objections and to unravel the complexities which lie hidden in them.
P wave velocity structure in the Yucca Mountain, Nevada, region

[1] We have performed a crustal tomographic inversion using over 250,000 P arrival times from local earthquake sources and surface explosions in the Yucca Mountain, Nevada, region. Within the shallowest 2–3 km, topographic features tend to dominate the structure with high velocities imaged under Bare Mountain, the Funeral Mountains, and higher terrain to the east of Yucca Mountain and low velocities imaged under Crater Flat, Jackass Flat, the Amargosa Desert, and the caldera complexes. Imaged shallow velocities also show correlation with several known gravity and aeromagnetic anomalies. Below the basins (∼2–3 km depth), velocities vary between 5.5 and 6.5 km/s and lose many of the correlations seen in the shallowest layers; however, a few major structures, such as the Bare Mountain block, can be traced to at least 10 km depth. Additionally, we image structures that may be associated with the Wahmonie intrusion and pre-Tertiary structural trends. Yucca Mountain itself is underlain by a high-velocity upper crustal-scale structure similar to other structures in the region such as Bare Mountain and may represent a Basin and Range style back-tilted block, which may provide a structural explanation for Yucca Mountain's topographic expression. Additionally, the imaged, relatively low velocity basement under Crater Flat may provide a preferred conduit for magma intrusion into Crater Flat compared to Yucca Mountain, accounting for the lack of post-Miocene volcanism observed at the mountain proper. We explore our tomographic results in the context of four major tectonic models that have been proposed for the Yucca Mountain region.
Metabolic effects of some electrofluorimetric dyes.

Abstract The effect of five electrofluorimetric dyes on mitochondrial metabolism was examined to determine their suitability for mitochondrial studies and other biological uses. The dyes merocyanine 540, 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid and bis(1,3-dibutyl barbituric acid-(5))-pentamethane oxonol were found to be inhibitors of the respiratory chain. However, the first two exerted their effect only at high concentrations. 3.3′-Dihexyl-2,2′-oxacarbocyanine was found to act as an uncoupler. 3,3′-Dipropyl-thiocarbocyanine inhibited β-hydroxybutyrate respiration while dissociating succinate supported respiration from the phosphorylation of ADP. Merocyanine 540 and 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonic acid may be the best suited for studies of membrane potentials in mitochondria since their effect on metabolism is negligible.
Independent Test of a Model to Predict Radiation Pneumonitis After Definitive Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Heart Irradiation is (Again) a Statistically Significant Risk Factor

for regions of lung with minimal lung function had a linear regression line with far less slope (-0.0003, r Z 0.57) than regions with higher lung function (slope Z -0.0011, r Z 0.95). The increased radiosensitivity of high functioning lung was significantly different from regions with minimal lung function (p Z 0.039). The measured percent reduction in DLCO had a modest correlation with the amount of lung demonstrating a >5% reduction in PFC at 3 months post-RT (r Z 0.52). Conclusions: Regions of increasing pre-RT lung function show greater fractional reduction in function post-RT. Our data reveals the increased sensitivity of high functioning lung, providing direct support for the hypothesis that improved oxygenation via ventilation increases the radiosensitivity of lung tissue. Author Disclosure: J. Bayouth: None. K. Du: None. G. Christensen: None. B. Smith: None. J. Buatti: None. J. Reinhardt: None.
Nuclear Envelope Irregularity Is Induced by RET/PTC During Interphase

Nuclear envelope (NE) irregularity is an important diagnostic feature of cancer, and its molecular basis is not understood. One possible cause is abnormal postmitotic NE re-assembly, such that a rounded contour is never achieved before the next mitosis. Alternatively, dynamic forces could deform the NE during interphase following an otherwise normal postmitotic NE re-assembly. To distinguish these possibilities, normal human thyroid epithelial cells were microinjected with the papillary thyroid carcinoma oncogene (RET/PTC1 short isoform, known to induce NE irregularity), an attenuated version of RET/PTC1 lacking the leucine zipper dimerization domain (RET/PTC1 Δzip), H (V-12) RAS, and labeled dextran. Cells were fixed at 6 or 18 to 24 hours, stained for lamins and the products of microinjected plasmids, and scored blindly using previously defined criteria for NE irregularity. 6.5% of non-injected thyrocytes showed NE irregularity. Neither dextran nor RAS microinjections increased NE irregularity. In contrast, RET/PTC1 microinjection induced NE irregularity in 27% of cells at 6 hours and 37% of cells at 18 to 24 hours. RET/PTC1 Δzip induced significantly less irregularity. Since irregularity develops quickly, and since no mitoses and only rare possible postmitotic cells were scored, postmitotic NE re-assembly does not appear necessary for RET/PTC signaling to induce an irregular NE contour.
Incorporating content sensitivity into standard video compression algorithms

Typical implementations of standard video compression algorithms use variance-based perceptual masking to adaptively vary the degree of compression noise to video content; the idea being that the human visual system is more sensitive to errors in low variance regions of the image. On a similar note, quality assessment algorithms employ similar spatial-frequency adaptive measures to judge compressed video quality. Such simplistic analysis leads to problems when we encounter "clean edges" in video (for example, text) which although classified as high frequency areas, are still very sensitive to compression noise. Such discrimination between "good" and "bad" texture is particularly important for low bit rate, internet video transmission. In this paper we will propose a novel, computationally simple scheme which further distinguishes between "clean" and "random" edges. By comparing the proposed algorithm with other standard texture classification schemes in literature, we will show that we obtain a substantial improvement in discriminatory ability, albeit at a much lower computational cost. Further more, we will show that the proposed scheme can be applied on a per macro-block basis, thus making it particularly suitable to drive standard, block based video compression algorithms such as H.261/3 or MPEG-1/2 which are quite popular.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Temporal relationship between neurotransmitter release and ion flux during spreading depression and anoxia

Brain ion homeostasis is severely perturbed during spreading depression of Leao and during anoxia. The ionic composition of the extracellular space changes abruptly and approaches the intracellular...
The High Prevalence of Depression and Dementia in Elder Abuse or Neglect

BACKGROUND: The risk factors for mistreatment of older people include age, race, low income, functional or cognitive impairment, a history of violence, and recent stressful events. There is little information in the literature concerning the clinical profile of mistreated older people. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of abused or neglected patients and to compare the prevalence of depression and dementia in neglected patients with that of patients referred for other reasons. DESIGN: A case control study. SETTING: Baylor College of Medicine Geriatrics Clinic at the Harris County Hospital District (Houston, Texas). PATIENTS: Forty-seven older persons referred for neglect and 97 referred for other reasons. INTERVENTION: Comprehensive geriatric assessment. MEASUREMENTS: Standard geriatric assessment tools. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant higher prevalence of depression (62% vs 12%) and dementia (51% vs 30%) in victims of self-neglect compared to patients referred for other reasons. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first primary data study that highlights a high prevalence of depression as well as dementia in mistreated older people. Geriatric clinicians should rule out elder neglect or abuse in their depressed or demented patients. J Am Geriatr Soc 48: 205–208, 2000.
Hybrid discrete/continuum algorithms for stochastic reaction networks

Direct solutions of the Chemical Master Equation (CME) governing Stochastic Reaction Networks (SRNs) are generally prohibitively expensive due to excessive numbers of possible discrete states in such systems. To enhance computational efficiency we develop a hybrid approach where the evolution of states with low molecule counts is treated with the discrete CME model while that of states with large molecule counts is modeled by the continuum Fokker-Planck equation. The Fokker-Planck equation is discretized using a 2nd order finite volume approach with appropriate treatment of flux components. The numerical construction at the interface between the discrete and continuum regions implements the transfer of probability reaction by reaction according to the stoichiometry of the system. The performance of this novel hybrid approach is explored for a two-species circadian model with computational efficiency gains of about one order of magnitude.
Radio Phone-in Talk Shows as Politically Significant Infotainment in Hong Kong:

Past research has generated two main characterizations of the radio phone-in talk show phenomenon. Some argue that talk shows can provide forums for public deliberation, while others regard talk sh...
A photochemical method for rapid and precise determination of carbon monoxide levels in blood.

Abstract A simple and inexpensive flash photolysis apparatus for determination of the level of carbon monoxide saturation of blood samples is described. Saturation with CO is determined by observing the change in light transmission at 432 nm produced on photolysis of bound CO with a light flash. The procedure is highly specific for carbon monoxide, requires less than 5 μl of blood (obtainable from a finger prick), and has a resolution better than 0.1% in saturation. In addition the apparatus does not require frequent calibration.
Role of synthetic extracellular matrix in development of engineered dental pulp.

In cases of damaged oral tissues, traditional therapies, such as a root canal, replace the injured tissue with a synthetic material. However, while the materials currently used can offer structural...
Electrochemical sensor for o-nitrophenol based on β-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene nanosheets

An electrochemical sensor for the quantification of o-nitrophenol (o-NP) has been developed based on the β-cyclodextrin functionalized graphene nanosheets modified glassy carbon electrode (CD-GNs/GCE). The results indicated that CD-GNs showed good electrochemical behavior to the redox of o-NP which is attributed to the combination of the excellent properties of graphene and cyclodextrin. The peak currents possess a linear relationship with the concentration of o-NP in the range of 5-400 µM. The detection limit of o-NP reached to 0.3 µM on the basis of the signal-to-noise characteristics (S/N = 3). The peak potentials for the reversible redox waves are not affected by other nitrophenol isomers (m, p-NP), illustrating good selectivity. Furthermore, the developed electrochemical sensor exhibited good stability and reproducibility for the detection of o-NP and could be used to determine o-NP in real water sample.