cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thinness pressures in ethnically diverse college women in the United States

While research consistently supports the negative impact of thinness pressures on body image, this work has primarily utilized White samples in the United States, limiting generalizability to other ethnicities. Further, limited research has examined ethnic differences in thinness pressures from distinct sociocultural influences. This study examined distinct sources of thinness pressures in 598 White, 135 Black, and 131 Hispanic college women in the United States. Mean levels of thinness pressures significantly differed across ethnicity, with Black women generally reporting the lowest levels of each pressure. Additionally, distinct sources of thinness pressures were more highly related to negative outcomes within ethnic groups. For White women, each source was salient for disordered eating. For Black women, family pressure was particularly salient for appearance evaluation. For Hispanic women, family pressure was particularly salient for disordered eating and appearance evaluation. Findings suggest possible ethnic differences in the relative salience of some pressures over others.
Modeling the Risk of Wrong-Way Driving Entry at the Exit Ramp Terminals of Full Diamond Interchanges:

Wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are a critical safety issue on freeways. Although these crashes are rare and random in nature, they often result in severe injuries and/or fatalities. Typically, exi...
Mitochondrial DNA Damage during Mitochondrial Lipid Peroxidation

It is well known that the carcinogenic potency of radiation and chemical carcinogens is closely correlated with the induction of DNA damage (1–3); however, the ultimate mechanisms involved are far from clear. In the case of high energy radiation, generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH·) probably plays a key role, either by direct attack of OH· on DNA, or indirectly via initiation of lipid peroxidation (4,5). Initiation of lipid peroxidation may also be a consequence of the generation of oxygen centered radicals in the oxidative stress associated with metabolism of some chemical carcinogens(6). Thus lipid peroxidation may be one of the mechanisms linking both radiation and metabolism of chemical carcinogens to DNA damage. This view is supported by reports (7–12) that products of lipid peroxidation can cause DNA damage in model systems and mutations in prokaryotes. However, actual data showing DNA damage to eukaryotic genes by lipid peroxidation is limited and indirect (5,13). In this communication, evidence is reported showing extensive damage to DNA of liver mitochondria occurring concomitantly with mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. Mitochondrial rather than nuclear DNA was studied since the former exists as a discrete circular molecule of single molecular weight, which facilitates detection of small degrees of DNA damage. The study of the relationship between lipid peroxidation and DNA damage in mitochondria is important in the assessment of the carcinogenic potency of oxidative stress, especially since many strong carcinogenic agents preferentially attack mitochondrial DNA (14).
A Cross-Category Analysis of Shelf-Space Allocation, Product Variety, and Retail Margins

Retailers' allocation of shelf space as well as the breadth of varietyoffered varies across categories. Many researchers have developedheuristics for determining what retailers should do with regard tothese decisions. We explore how these constructs are actually relatedin practice. We utilize data obtained from Marsh Supermarkets, a largeIndianapolis-based grocery retailer, to explore the relationshipsbetween these variables. The results of this analysis are a set of rawfacts concerning the relationship between some of grocery retailers'more important category-level decisions.
A Quality of Care Framework for Home-Based Medical Care

More than 6 million adults in the United States are homebound or semi-homebound and would benefit from home-based medical care (HBMC). There is currently no nationally recognized quality of care framework for home-based medical care. We sought to capture diverse stakeholder perspectives on the essential aspects of quality HBMC and create a quality of care framework for homebound adults. A qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews from purposive sampling of key HBMC stakeholders was performed. Leaders from 12 exemplar HBMC practices (clinicians and administrators), advocacy groups (American Association of Retired Persons, National Partnership for Women and Families, Kaiser Family Foundation), and representatives from 3 key professional medical societies associated with HBMC participated in phone interviews. Semistructured interviews were based on domains of quality developed by the National Quality Forum (NQF) for individuals with multiple chronic conditions. We identified 3 categories of quality HBMC: provider and practice activities; provider characteristics; and outcomes for patients, caregivers, and providers. Within these 3 categories, we identified 10 domains and 49 standards for quality HBMC. These included 3 new domains (comprehensive assessment, patient/caregiver education, and provider competency) as well as specification and adaptation of the NQF Framework for Multiple Chronic Conditions domains for HBMC. Notably, several quality domains emanating from the NQF Framework for Multiple Chronic Conditions (transitions, access, and patient/caregiver engagement) were applicable to HBMC. This quality of care framework serves as a guide for HBMC practices seeking to improve their care quality and as a starting point for health systems and payers to ensure value from HBMC practices with whom they work.
Estimation of Ischemic Core Volume Using Computed Tomographic Perfusion.

Background and Purpose- Estimation of infarction based on computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) has been challenging, mainly because of noise associated with CTP data. The Bayesian method is a robust probabilistic method that minimizes effects of oscillation, tracer delay, and noise during residue function estimation compared with other deconvolution methods. This study compares CTP-estimated ischemic core volume calculated by the Bayesian method and by the commonly used block-circulant singular value deconvolution technique. Methods- Patients were included if they had (1) anterior circulation ischemic stroke, (2) baseline CTP, (3) successful recanalization defined by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥IIb, and (4) minimum infarction volume of >5 mL on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). CTP data were processed with circulant singular value deconvolution and Bayesian methods. Two established CTP methods for estimation of ischemic core volume were applied: cerebral blood flow (CBF) method (relative CBF, 2 seconds) and cerebral blood volume method ( 145%). Final infarct volume was determined on MRI (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images). CTP and MRI-derived ischemic core volumes were compared by univariate and Bland-Altman analysis. Results- Among 35 patients included, the mean/median (mL) difference for CTP-estimated ischemic core volume against MRI was -4/-7 for Bayesian CBF ( P=0.770), 20/12 for Bayesian cerebral blood volume ( P=0.041), 21/10 for circulant singular value deconvolution CBF ( P=0.006), and 35/18 for circulant singular value deconvolution cerebral blood volume ( P<0.001). Among all methods, Bayesian CBF provided the narrowest limits of agreement (-28 to 19 mL) in comparison with MRI. Conclusions- Despite existing variabilities between CTP postprocessing methods, Bayesian postprocessing increases accuracy and limits variability in CTP estimation of ischemic core.
Abstract PR11: Synthetic lethality between ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is a clinically heterogeneous tumor responsible for 15% of cancer-related deaths in children. Older age at diagnosis and MYCN amplification are associated with poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. Previously, sequencing stage 4 neuroblastoma tumors revealed recurrent mutations in the chromatin remodeler ATRX that are significantly associated with older age and mutually exclusive with MYCN amplification. Here, we expanded our genetic analysis of neuroblastoma across all ages and stages. We sequenced 475 neuroblastoma tumors and found that the incidence of ATRX mutations is correlated with older age at diagnosis and advanced stages of the disease. We also directly studied the mutual exclusivity between ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification using both cultured cells and orthotopic mouse models. We found that targeting ATRX using shRNA or CRISPR-Cas-9 reduces cell viability in MYCN-amplified cells. Additionally, induction of MYCN overexpression results in cell death in ATRX-mutant neuroblastoma cells. To characterize the molecular basis of the ATRX-mutations/MYCN-amplification incompatibility, we studied epigenetic, metabolic, and replicative changes associated with MYCN amplification in these cells. We discovered that induction of MYCN overexpression provokes mitochondrial abnormalities, metabolic reprograming, and replicative stress in ATRX mutant cells. Collectively, these data show synthetic lethality between ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification and suggest that the chromatin remodeler ATRX is important in reducing replicative stress associated with MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma. These data will also help in identifying therapeutic targets, which will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with high-risk neuroblastoma. Citation Format: Maged Zeineldin, Sara M. Federico, Lyra Griffith, Jongyre Jeon, Xiang Chen, John Easton, Jianrong Wu, Shenghua Mao, Yanling Liu, Arlene Naranjo, Alberto S. Pappo, Michael D. Hogarty, Michael A. Dyer. Synthetic lethality between ATRX mutations and MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Pediatric Cancer Research: From Basic Science to the Clinic; 2017 Dec 3-6; Atlanta, Georgia. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(19 Suppl):Abstract nr PR11.
Nuclear Reactions in Deuterided Solids Versus Excess Heat Claims

Studies of nuclear particle emissions from deuterided solids are briefly reviewed and contrasted with claims of excess power production. Evidence for growth of tritium and helium gases is also cons...
Peripheral cocaine-blocking agents: new medications for cocaine dependence. An introduction to immunological and enzymatic approaches to treating cocaine dependence reported by Fox, Gorelick and Cohen in the immediately succeeding articles (see pages 153-174)

Enzymes, antibodies and ethics were the topics of discussion in a panel presentation at the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20, 1996. The presentations were part of a day-long symposium sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Immunological and enzymatic approaches to medical treatment for cocaine dependence and abuse were discussed in this venue to introduce physicians to new concepts being developed with the support of NIDA’s Medications Development Division. Cocaine’s euphoric and rewarding effects result from activity within the brain. This central site of action has traditionally led researchers to look for antidotes that also act centrally, especially on dopamine neurotransmission in the forebrain. Because cocaine increases the extracellular concentration of dopamine in the brain, it is reasonable to expect that dopamine antagonists acting at forebrain neuroreceptors would block its effects. In contrast, the methods discussed in this session were designed to stop cocaine in the plasma before it enters the brain, thus acting as peripheral cocaine-blocking agents (PCBAs). The three new medical approaches highlighted in this immunological/enzymatic session involve the recruitment of natural biological processes to resist cocaine. Each of these approaches should alter the pharmacokinetics of cocaine which presumably will correspondingly modulate cocaine’s actions in the central nervous system (CNS).
Development of a Human Body Phantom Model for Wireless Body Area Network Applications

Human body motions can have a significant impact on on-body electromagnetic (EM) wave propagations and affect wireless body area network (WBAN) applications. To help understand the body motion effects, an arm-swinging phantom model of the human upper body is developed in both measurement and simulation. The phantom model performance is compared to human volunteer results and shows similar time-varying behaviors.
The Periodic Table of the Elements of Green and Sustainable Chemistry

Achieving a sustainable future will only be possible through the intersection of the best science and technology in combination with the societal, economic, policy, cultural, moral, and ethical ecosystem. Green chemistry and green engineering provide the scientific and technological foundation of the elements of green and sustainable chemistry while the other elements, relating to humanitarian aims, enabling system conditions, and noble goals, provide the imperative context. This alternative periodic table, strives to outline the range of aspects and tools that are available and needed to accomplish the daunting and necessary tasks of moving toward a sustainable tomorrow.
High Rate of Recurrent Meniscal Tear and Lateral Compartment Osteoarthritis in Patients Treated for Symptomatic Lateral Discoid Meniscus: A Population-Based Study.

Background:Little is known about the natural history of a surgically treated symptomatic lateral discoid meniscus. The goals of this study were to describe the rate and factors associated with recu...
Vowel length and ‘voicing’ in a following consonant

Abstract: Most attempts to explain vowel lengthening before voiced consonants have failed because they have assumed that lengthening is either ‘learned’ (without explicit motivation) or is caused by physical factors alone (e.g. physical limitations of the vocal tract). These assumptions are the result of the failure to distinguish between physiological (physical) and phonological (abstract) definitions of ‘voicing’. (Physiologically, ‘voicing’ is the presence of vocal cord vibration during closure; phonologically, it is the abstract property that, for example, divides English segments into those that take an /s/ plural and those that take a /z/ plural.) Spectrographic analysis, however, indicates that vowel lengthening in English is triggered by phonological rather than physiological ‘voicing’. The acquisition of the lengthening rule is in turn motivated by perceptual factors. Speakers perceive vowels before phonologically ‘voiced’ consonants as longer than those before phonologically ‘voiceless’ consonants (Javkin,1976).
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Measurements of Four Nitroxide Probes in Supercooled Water Explained by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements of the rotational diffusion of small nitroxide probes have been demonstrated to be a powerful technique for experimentally investigating the prope...
Pro-inflammatory HDL in women with obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Abstract Background Individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which includes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), are at increased risk for cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. Limited data on pro-inflammatory high density lipoprotein (HDL) in NASH exists in the literature. We hypothesized that HDL from individuals with NASH would be more pro-inflammatory than HDL from individuals without NASH. Methods Study participants were individuals with obesity who had undergone bariatric surgery with wedge liver biopsy. Using HDL isolated from serum obtained from study participants at the time of surgery, HDL-elicited macrophage cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) from THP-1 macrophages, HDL-associated receptor expression (ABCA1 and ABCG1) from apolipoprotein E deficient (apo E−/−) mouse peritoneal macrophages, and isolevuglandin (isoLG) modified HDL were measured. Results 11 women with NASH and 15 women without NASH were included in the study. Both TNF-α (P = 0.032) and IL-1β (P = 0.029) were significantly more expressed by THP-1 macrophages exposed to HDL from women with NASH compared to women without NASH. ABCA1 and ABCG1 expression by apo E−/− mouse peritoneal macrophages was not significantly different when exposed to HDL from either women with NASH or women without NASH. IsoLG-modified HDL isolated from the serum of women with NASH trended higher than women without NASH. Conclusion Our study suggests a more pro-inflammatory HDL in women with obesity and NASH compared to women with obesity and without NASH.
HEART Pathway Implementation Safely Reduces Hospitalizations at One Year in Patients With Acute Chest Pain.

Study objective We determine whether implementation of the HEART (History, ECG, Age, Risk Factors, Troponin) Pathway is safe and effective in emergency department (ED) patients with possible acute coronary syndrome through 1 year of follow-up. Methods A preplanned analysis of 1-year follow-up data from a prospective pre-post study of 8,474 adult ED patients with possible acute coronary syndrome from 3 US sites was conducted. Patients included were aged 21 years or older, evaluated for possible acute coronary syndrome, and without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Accrual occurred for 12 months before and after HEART Pathway implementation, from November 2013 to January 2016. The HEART Pathway was integrated into the electronic health record at each site as an interactive clinical decision support tool. After integration, ED providers prospectively used the HEART Pathway to identify patients with possible acute coronary syndrome as low risk (appropriate for early discharge without stress testing or angiography) or nonlow risk (appropriate for further inhospital evaluation). Safety (all-cause death and myocardial infarction) and effectiveness (hospitalization) at 1 year were determined from health records, insurance claims, and death index data. Results Preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts included 3,713 and 4,761 patients, respectively. The HEART Pathway identified 30.7% of patients as low risk; 97.5% of them were free of death and myocardial infarction within 1 year. Hospitalization at 1 year was reduced by 7.0% in the postimplementation versus preimplementation cohort (62.1% versus 69.1%; adjusted odds ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.63 to 0.78). Rates of death or myocardial infarction at 1 year were similar (11.6% versus 12.4%; adjusted odds ratio 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.16). Conclusion HEART Pathway implementation was associated with decreased hospitalizations and low adverse event rates among low-risk patients at 1-year follow-up.
X-Linked Retinoschisis and a Coats-Like Response in the Setting of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Purpose:This case report describes a unique case of a young patient with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a unilateral Coats-like response, and X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS).Methods:A 9-year-old b...
Evaluating Student Perceptions of Open and Commercial Psychology Textbooks

Abstract Prior studies on students’ perception of open educational resources (OERs) indicates that students find open resources as good or better than commercial textbooks (Hilton, 2016). However, studies published to date have not attempted to control for student knowledge of cost as a variable influencing perception of quality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate students’ perception of the quality of brief, de-identified open and commercial textbook samples, then determine whether their preferences changed after learning textbook costs. As part of an in-class activity, students enrolled in an introductory-level psychology course reviewed samples of two commercial and two open textbooks. Participants rated the materials on quality measures (Gurung & Martin, 2011), selected a preferred textbook, and provided a rationale for their choice. Next, participants were informed of the cost of each textbook and asked to re-rate textbook quality and indicate whether their textbook preference had changed. Prior to learning the cost of the textbooks from which each sample was selected, 81.29% of responding participants indicated preference for a specific commercial text, citing quality factors related to quality/clarity of writing, book layout, and quality of figures as primary drivers of preference. Following the cost reveal, only 42.46% of responding participants indicated a preference for a commercial textbook while 57.53% indicated a preference for an open textbook. An exact McNemar’s test determined that this was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of respondents who selected open and commercial texts before and after price data were available, p < .01. Qualitative comments for participants who indicated a preference shift toward the open textbook referenced cost and quality of the materials as components of their decision-making, supporting previous studies that demonstrate cost is an important predictor of students’ textbook preferences (Clinton, 2019). Regression analysis showed that visual appeal, engaging writing, and clarity of writing predicted participants’ desire to use the text in class, but quality of examples was only a significant predictor for one of four texts. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Deep Semi-Supervised Learning Improves Universal Peptide Identification of Shotgun Proteomics Data

In proteomic analysis pipelines, machine learning post-processors play a critical role in improving the accuracy of shotgun proteomics analysis. Most often performed in a semi-supervised manner, such post-processors accept the peptide-spectrum matches (PSMs) and corresponding feature vectors resulting from a database search, train a machine learning classifier, and recalibrate PSM scores based on the resulting trained parameters, often leading to significantly more identified peptides across q-value thresholds. However, current state-of-the-art post-processors rely on shallow machine learning methods, such as SVMs, gradient boosted decision trees, and linear discriminant analysis. In contrast, the powerful learning capabilities of deep models have displayed superior performance to shallow models in an ever-growing number of other fields. In this work, we show that deep neural networks (DNNs) significantly improve the recalibration of shotgun proteomics data compared to the most accurate and widely used post-processors, such as Percolator and PeptideProphet. Furthermore, we show that DNNs are able to adaptively analyze complex datasets and features for more accurate universal post-processing, leading to both improved Prosit analysis and markedly better recalibration of recently developed p-value scoring functions.
Using a Virtual Scavenger Hunt to Engage Radiologic Science Students

The article discusses the use of the virtual scavenger hunt to engage radiologic science students with peers and course content in 2021. Topics covered include the hunt's helping of students to learn course content, encourage social connection among students, and work together towards a common goal, and the design of a virtual scavenger hunt and its implementation. Also noted is the positive student feedback about the activity.
Indivisiblities in Technology Regulation

Lee Fennell's "Slices and Lumps: Division and Aggregation in Law and Life" reveals the benefits of isolating configurations in legal analysis. A key characteristic of configurations -- or "lumps" -- whether found or created, is that they are indivisible. To say a lump is indivisible is not to say that it is literally impossible to divide, but rather "that it is considerably less valuable when divided, or that it is expensive (perhaps prohibitively so) to divide successfully." This Essay will extend Fennell's approach to indivisibilities to the context of technology regulation. Fennell discusses at least two types of indivisibilities in the book. I will call these indivisibilities of fact and indivisibilities of law. Indivisibilities of fact are facts about the world that make it difficult to divide up a resource in ways other than predetermined lumps. Indivisibilities of law are outcomes at law that are relatively "all-or-nothing." Indivisibilities of both types are at play in current issues in technology regulation. With respect to indivisibilities of fact, this Essay will discuss the example of indivisibility of privacy regulation. Some argue that piecemeal, sector-specific privacy regulation is the same as no regulation at all due to realities of the technosocial environment. This comes down to a debate about the degree to which the level of consumer privacy-a fact about the world-is indivisible. With respect to indivisibilities of law, this Essay will discuss the example of consent in the law of adhesion contracts in the digital age. Whether there is consent is a binary distinction, with major implications at law. Some consumer advocates have argued that consent should be segmented into meaningful consent and less meaningful consent. But, perhaps, the concept of consent is indivisible. Whether or not consent can be understood as divisible-a characteristic of the law-has major implications for this area of law and policy.
An example of functional integration and application of diversity, inequities, and social determinants of health in an applied physiology course.

Increasing diversity, and including diverse perspectives in STEM classrooms and teaching practices is recognized as a current higher education priority. Resources to assist institutions and instruc...
Alignment of Hands-on STEM Engagement Activities with Positive STEM Dispositions in Secondary School Students

This study examines positive dispositions reported by middle school and high school students participating in programs that feature STEM-related activities. Middle school students participating in school-to-home hands-on energy monitoring activities are compared to middle school and high school students in a different project taking part in activities such as an after-school robotics program. Both groups are compared and contrasted with a third group of high school students admitted at the eleventh grade to an academy of mathematics and science. All students were assessed using the same science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) dispositions instrument. Findings indicate that the after-school group whose participants self-selected STEM engagement activities, and the self-selected academy of mathematics and science group, each had highly positive STEM dispositions comparable to those of STEM professionals, while a subset of the middle school whole-classroom energy monitoring group that reported high interest in STEM as a career, also possessed highly positive STEM dispositions comparable to the STEM Professionals group. The authors conclude that several different kinds of hands-on STEM engagement activities are likely to foster or maintain positive STEM dispositions at the middle school and high school levels, and that these highly positive levels of dispositions can be viewed as a target toward which projects seeking to interest mainstream secondary students in STEM majors in college and STEM careers, can hope to aspire. Gender findings regarding STEM dispositions are also reported for these groups.
Abstract 15536: Chronic Nebivolol Treatment Suppresses Endothelin-1-Mediated Vasoconstrictor Tone in Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure

Introduction: Endothelin (ET)-1 plays a major role in the pathophysiology of clinical hypertension and contributes to the elevated cardiovascular risk in this population. In vitro data suggests that the antihypertensive, nebivolol (N), suppresses vascular ET-1 production; however, there is no in vivo clinical evidence that N reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that chronic N therapy will reduce ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone in adults with elevated blood pressure (BP ≤ 130/85 mm Hg). Methods: In an ongoing study, 30 middle-aged adults were treated for 12 weeks: 10 with N (5 mg/d; BP 143/87±2/2 mmHg); 10 with metoprolol succinate (M: 100 mg/d; 140/90±2/2 mmHg); and 10 with placebo (P; 139/85±2/2 mmHg). Before and after the drug intervention, forearm blood flow (FBF: plethysmography) was determined in response to intrabrachial infusion of the ET A selective receptor antagonist BQ123 and in combination with the ET B selective receptor antagonist BQ788. Results: Subject baseline demographics (age, BMI, systolic and diastolic BP) were similar between the 3 groups. Blood pressure was lowered (P A -mediated vasoconstrictor tone. In stark contrast, FBF responses to BQ123 and BQ123+BQ788 were not significantly altered by M treatment. As expected the vascular responses to ET-1 receptor blockade was not affect by P. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that, in spite of a similar reduction in blood pressure, N, but not M, treatment reduces ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone in adults with elevated blood pressure. Diminished ET-1 mediated vasoconstrictor tone with N may provide an important vascular benefit in this at risk population.
Survey of Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program Training in Outer and Middle Ear Screening

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the national training practices of speech-language pathology graduate programs in outer and middle ear screening. Method Directors of all American Speech-Language-Hearing Association–accredited speech-language pathology graduate programs (N = 254; Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, 2013) were surveyed on instructional formats in outer and middle ear screening. Results The graduate speech-language pathology program survey yielded 84 (33.1%) responses. Results indicated that some programs do not provide any training in the areas of conventional screening otoscopy using a handheld otoscope (15.5%; n = 13) or screening tympanometry (11.9%; n = 10), whereas close to one half (46.4%; n = 39) reported no training in screening video otoscopy. Outcomes revealed that approximately one third or more of speech-language pathology graduate programs do not provide experiential opportunities in screening handheld otoscopy (36.9%...
Complications of axillary lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the breast: a report based on a patient survey.

BACKGROUND Axillary lymph node dissection is commonly performed as part of the primary management of breast carcinoma. Its value in patient management, however, has recently been questioned. Few studies exist that document long term complications. METHODS Four hundred thirty-two patients with Stage I or II breast carcinoma who were free of recurrence 2-5 years after surgery were identified. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of long term symptoms and complications as perceived by the patient, and patient and treatment factors that may have predicted complications were determined. Three hundred thirty of the 432 (76%) completed a mailed, self-administered questionnaire. In addition, the medical records of the 330 patients were reviewed. Patient and treatment factors were analyzed with logistic regression. RESULTS Numbness was reported by 35% of patients at the time of the survey. Pain was noted in 30%, arm swelling in 15%, and limitation of arm movement in 8%. Eight percent reported episodes of infection or inflammation at some point since the diagnosis of breast carcinoma. The majority of symptoms were mild and interfered minimally with daily activities. Younger age (P = 0.001) was associated with more frequent reporting of pain. Numbness was more common in younger patients (P = 0.004) as well as in those with a history of smoking (P = 0.012). There was a positive association of limitation of arm motion with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (P = 0.016). Arm swelling was associated with both younger age (P = 0.004) and greater body surface area (P = 0.008). Radiation therapy was associated with a higher frequency of infection or inflammation in the arm and/or breast (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Mild symptoms, especially pain and numbness, are common 2-5 years after axillary lymph node dissection. The frequency of inflammation or infection in patients treated with radiation to the breast or chest wall after an axillary lymph node dissection may be greater than previously appreciated. Severe complications or symptoms that have a major impact on daily activities are uncommon. These findings should help health care providers and their patients with breast carcinoma weigh the pros and cons of axillary lymph node dissection. Cancer 1998;83:1362-1368. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Serum macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22 levels are associated with glioma risk, CD4 T cell lymphopenia and survival time.

Defects in antigen presenting cell function have been implicated in glioma immunosuppression. We measured peripheral CCL22, a dendritic cell/macrophage derived T cell trafficking chemokine, in sera from 1,208 glioma cases and 976 controls to assess whether it might provide a biomarker of glioma risk, survival and immune dysfunction. Cluster models were used to examine the relationship between CCL22 and glioma risk. Patient survival was assessed using Cox regression models. We also examined the relationship between CCL22 levels and CD4 cell counts, as well as allergy history and IgE levels. CCL22 levels were significantly lower among glioma cases compared with controls (Mean ± SEM: 1.23 ± 0.03 ng/mL in cases vs. 1.60 ± 0.03 ng/mL in controls, p < 0.0001) and this difference remained significant even after controlling for other covariates in the cluster models (highest quartile versus lowest Odds Ratio = 0.21, p < 0.0001). CD4 cell counts were positively correlated with CCL22 in glioma cases (Spearman r(2) = 0.51, p < 0.01) and were significantly lower in cases compared with controls. Higher CCL22 levels were associated with longer survival in all cases combined and in GBM cases (hazard ratio(allcases) = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72-0.91, p = 0.0003). CCL22 levels were not associated with IgE level or self-reported allergies. Circulating CCL22 levels are related to both glioma risk and survival duration independent of age, histology, grade and IDH mutation status. CCL22 should be considered a marker of immune status with potential prognostic value.
Development of Dengue virus type 2 replicons capable of prolonged expression in host cells

Background As part of a program to develop a Dengue virus vaccine which avoids the deleterious effects of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection mediated by antibodies to Dengue virus structural proteins, we have begun to investigate the possibility of designing Dengue vaccines based on non-structural proteins.
Intellectual Property Rights for Plant Biotechnology: International Aspects

Intellectual property rights (IPR) are important internationally, in public, non-profit and private institutions, both as incentives for innovation and as constraints on freedom to operate in agricultural research and development. Early 20th century progress in plant breeding and genetics led to the development of hybridisation, which increased yields while providing an important physical means of restricting the reproduction of plant genetic resources. Subsequently, in countries around the world the expansion of ‘intellectual property rights’ (IPR) has created several other means of restricting the reproduction and trading of plant genetic resources. Keywords: defining; protecting; intellectual property rights (IPR); international
Tracking task ontology

The knowledge involved in tracking a ballistic missile in the boost phase, the first three minutes after its launch, is quite crucial. An intelligent system that would track the missile would use different types of sensors and be able to communicate with the Global Positioning System. The Global Positioning System and radar play a major part in the development of my research because each gives valuable information that must be turned into knowledge. The Global Positioning System gives actual latitude and longitude while the radar provided altitude.
Cross-Cultural Differences in Attitudes About Aging: Moving Beyond the East-West Dichotomy

Research on cross-cultural differences in aging attitudes has long focused on comparisons between Asian and Western cultures. Such research was inspired by the belief that Confucian values and filial piety in Asian societies would translate into more positive attitudes towards aging and older adults than in the West. However, empirical evidence for this claim is scarce. Recent research indicates that population aging and socioeconomic development may play a more important role for aging attitudes than shared cultural values. Also, effects may differ across individual cultures and specific aspects of aging beliefs. This chapter begins with a definition of attitudes towards aging and a review of relevant theoretical frameworks for understanding cross-cultural differences. We then consider the empirical evidence for cultural differences in specific aspects of aging beliefs and attitudes and conclude with practical implications and an agenda for future research.
A new, sensitive, high resolution Raman detector based on ionization

Abstract A novel detection method for weak pulsed or cw Raman fluxes is described. The detector is based upon the production of Raman scatter with a tunable pulsed or cw dye laser, collecting a large fraction of the Raman scatter and transferring it efficiently into an ionization detector containing a metal (M) vapor, such as Li. The resonance ionization detector (RID) is simultaneously illuminated by a second dye laser. When the second laser is tuned to an excited state transition of the metal vapor M and when the first laser is at such a wavelength that the Raman scatter appears at the ground state absorption transition of the metal, then a current will be produced in the RID which is proportional to the Raman scatter intensity. Both the production and collection of this current can be made very efficient (approaching 100%) and should result in improved sensitivity compared to conventional dispersive or FT Raman techniques. The new approach should be much less sensitive to scatter, should have a spectral resolution better than 0.1 cm −1 and should allow Raman scatter measurements to be made at wavenumbers below 100 cm −1 and under certain conditions to 0.01 cm −1 . The approach should be especially useful in highly scattering environments like Ag-sols in surface enhanced Raman and should be useful for detection of ultratrace levels of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids. The Raman-RID approach should also be useful for resonance Raman since laser scatter and molecular fluorescence should have minimal effects.
Predictors of Condom Use and HIV Testing Among Midlife and Older Women Seeking Medical Services

Objectives: This study examines correlates and predictors of sexual HIV risk reported by a sample of midlife and older women (M age = 56.01 years, SD = 4.34). Methods: In sum, 1,280 participants were recruited from primary health clinics and a hospital emergency department. Results: Of those women in a heterosexual relationship (n = 623), 73% reported having vaginal sex in the past 6 months. Only 12% of these women reported always using a condom during vaginal sex; 45% reported having been tested for HIV. Logistic regression analyses revealed that condom use is associated with more education, being employed, living with a partner, and being HIV positive. HIV testing is associated with being younger, unemployed, and not living with a partner. Discussion: These results (a) demonstrate that midlife and older women are at risk for HIV/AIDS and (b) contribute to a growing understanding of the risk picture involved with such women.
[99mTc]Annexin V-128 SPECT Monitoring of Splenic and Disseminated Listeriosis in Mice: a Model of Imaging Sepsis.

Here, we evaluate [99mTc]annexin V-128, an in vivo marker of apoptosis, for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging of localization and antibiotic treatment of disseminated bacterial infection, using a well-described mouse model that employs bioluminescent Listeria monocytogenes. Sixteen groups of five mice in six separate experiments were infected with bioluminescent Listeria, and in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was performed each day, to assess the location and extent of infection and response to antibiotics. [99mTc]annexin V-128 was then injected for SPECT imaging, and the two sets of images were correlated and validated. Signals from BLI and [99mTc]annexin V-128 SPECT co-localized within the spleen and other organs including bone marrow, intestine, nasopharynx, and brain. Decreases in [99mTc]annexin V-128 uptake and BLI signal within the spleen directly reflected the reduction of bacterial infection by ampicillin treatment. Tc-99m-Annexin V-128 uptake as observed by SPECT allowed for the detection of systemic listeriosis and ampicillin treatment in mice. [99mTc]annexin V-128 should be further explored for the assessment of bacterial spread and antibiotic efficacy in patients with disseminated bacterial infection.
DECREASE IN THE INTENSITY OF HYDROGEN LINES IN THE SOLAR PHOTOSPHERE AND CHROMOSPHERE.

IN their study of the number of levels and the population of upper levels of hydrogen, Ivanov-Kholodnyi and Nikol'skii1 state “in prominence and chromospheric spectra, it has been found that near the series limit the lines do not merge because of their broadening and convergence, but instead they disappear because of a rapid fall in intensity”. After reviewing the Inglis–Teller formula2 and the Ecker–Weizel3 solution of the Schrodinger equation for an electron moving in a Debye field, they state “… that the problem of the drop in line intensity toward the series limit has not been solved so far …”.
Features of Fast Living: On the Weak Selection for Longevity in Degenerate Birth-Death Processes

Deterministic descriptions of dynamics of competing species with identical carrying capacities but distinct birth, death, and reproduction rates predict steady state coexistence with population ratios depending on initial conditions. Demographic fluctuations described by a Markovian birth-death model break this degeneracy. A novel large carrying capacity asymptotic theory confirmed by conventional analysis and simulations reveals a weak preference for longevity in the deterministic limit with finite-time extinction of one of the competitors on a time scale proportional to the total carrying capacity.
Absence of antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide in sera of patients with hepatitis C virus infection and cryoglobulinemia

Objective To determine if antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are found in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP were measured in sera from 50 patients with HCV infection but without cryoglobulinemia, sera from 29 patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia (including 13 with rheumatic symptoms and 5 with arthritis), and sera from 20 normal blood donors. Anti-CCP was measured by second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results No sera with elevated anti-CCP were found in patients with HCV infection without cryoglobulinemia, and in that population, the maximum anti-CCP was 10 units, well below the positive cutoff of 20 units. Positive findings on RF testing >13 IU/ml were present in 22 (44%) of the HCV patients, with RF >50 IU/ml in 8 (16%) and a maximum RF of 526 IU/ml. Of the cryoglobulinemia patients, 22 (76%) had positive results on tests for RF, including 18 (62%) with RF >50 IU/ml and a maximum RF of 5,540 IU/ml. Two (6.9%) of the cryoglobulinemia patients had borderline-positive findings on tests for anti-CCP (25 units and 37 units), which were false-positive results caused by nonspecific binding in the ELISA. No association between the RF and the anti-CCP concentrations was found. Conclusion Whereas RF was frequent in patients with HCV infection with and without cryoglobulinemia, anti-CCP was not observed in patients with uncomplicated HCV infection. Borderline-positive anti-CCP results were observed infrequently in patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia and were caused by nonspecific binding to plastic. Measurement of anti-CCP may help in diagnosing RA in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Distribution and habitat selection of the pygmy rabbit, Brachylagus idahoensis, in Nevada (USA)

Abstract We surveyed for pygmy rabbits, Brachylagus idahoensis, in Summer 2003 in Nevada (USA) to better determine the distribution, habitat, and soil patterns of this potentially threatened species. Pygmy rabbits and/or their sign (burrows and fecal pellets) were observed at 261 of 643 survey sites and their known distribution was extended 12 km to the south. Data on topography, soil, lithology, and hydrology were compared between sagebrush habitats where pygmy rabbits and/or their sign was present and absent. A predictive equation was produced and used as a model for characterizing habitats where pygmy rabbits were present. This model successfully explained the occurrence of pygmy rabbits and/or their sign on 56.7% of the surveyed transects. Sites occupied by pygmy rabbits were closer to perennial streams, had deeper soils, and had more northerly aspects than did unoccupied sites. Burrows and pellets were excellent indicators of the occurrence of pygmy rabbits, and thus should be considered indicators of the presence of rabbits when conducting surveys in similar ecosystems due to the difficulty of observing rabbits in tall, dense stands of sagebrush where they are most common. The results of this survey indicate that pygmy rabbits are not as uncommon in Nevada as previously thought.
Modeling competitive inhibition effects during biodegradation of BTEX mixtures

Abstract A quantitative evaluation of the biodegradation rates of mixtures of volatile aromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes [BTEX]) was conducted. Three different mixed bacterial cultures grown on BTEX or benzene were used in batch biodegradation tests with individual and mixed BTEX compounds. The bacteria degraded each compound faster when it was present alone than when it was a component of a BTEX mixture. The biodegradation rates in the mixtures were predicted using a basic competitive inhibition model to account for the effects of up to five BTEX compounds. Under the limiting assumptions of similar individual half-saturation coefficients ( K s ) for the multiple compounds and substrate concentrations significantly greater than K s , the competitive inhibition model could be simplified to demonstrate that the biodegradation rate of any individual compound in the multi-component mixture should be proportional to its individual maximum specific degradation rate and the concentration of the compound relative to the total mixture concentration. Comparison of measured BTEX mixture degradation to predictions from this simplified model showed this model yielded estimates of similar accuracy to the more rigorous competitive inhibition equation. This is the first report of a quantitative evaluation of the biodegradation of five-compound mixtures.
Downsizing in US Manufacturing, 1967 to 1997

Abstract Using US Census of Manufacturing data covering the period from 1967 to 1997, I analyze factors affecting downsizing in manufacturing. The data show that average establishment size declined in manufacturing, from an average of 60.5 employees in 1967 to 46.5 in 1997. The econometric results indicate considerable support for the hypotheses that foreign competition puts pressure on enterprises to downsize and that falling profits lead to a reduction in establishment size. However, the findings reject the notions that unions are an effective impediment to downsizing and that faster information-technology capital formation leads to downsizing.