cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA11: Women at high risk for ovarian cancer: Novel strategies for identification and prevention

Most women carry a lifetime risk of 1.4% of ovarian cancer. However, certain women with germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or other hereditary cancer genes have elevated lifetime risks, some as high as 50%. Identification of these unaffected, high-risk women, followed by patient-centered prevention strategies, is key to decreasing overall mortality from ovarian cancer. A number of barriers exist for identification—including cost, patient preference, and availability of genetics services. In an effort to decrease these barriers, novel delivery systems of genetic testing have been developed. We are currently testing an on-line genetic counseling and testing strategy in a study called Making Genetic Testing Accessible (MAGENTA). We hypothesize that online genetic education and testing with access to board-certified genetic counselors could improve access to genetic testing while maintaining test quality and clinical utility. In this prospective, randomized, national clinical trial, over 3,000 women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer will undergo genetic testing. We will compare the effectiveness of online genetic education with optional telephone counseling with three other strategies: online genetic education with required pretest telephone genetic counseling, online genetic education with required post-test telephone genetic counseling, and online genetic education with required pre- and post-test telephone genetic counseling. The primary outcome is cancer risk distress at 3 months post disclosure of genetic test results. Additional endpoints include testing completion rate (defined as receiving results), genetics knowledge, cognitive outcomes (i.e., decisional satisfaction, decisional regret), and behavioral outcomes. We currently have women enrolled from all 50 states in the United States. Preliminary data from this study will be presented. In addition, we will discuss our prospective, multicenter surgical prevention study that has enrolled over 200 women nationwide who have undergone either a salpingectomy or risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO). The concept of salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy as a cancer-prevention strategy for high-risk women is based on multiple studies implicating the fallopian tube epithelia as the cell of origin for BRCA-associated high-grade serous ovarian cancer. This information, coupled with high-risk women’s desire to minimize side effects associated with surgical menopause from RRSO, forms the rationale for the study. Finally, we will discuss plans for a prospective, international trial of salpingectomy in high-risk women that will be powered for a cancer efficacy endpoint. Citation Format: Karen H. Lu. Women at high risk for ovarian cancer: Novel strategies for identification and prevention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr IA11.
The Future of Wearables in Health

Personalized medicine and prevention approaches, aided by new wearable sensing, analytics, language technologies, visualization tools and interface methods, have the potential to transform health from reactive treatments based on deviations from population-level data to one in which interventions and prevention are tailored to individual characteristics. To make this happen will require a range of new fundamental scientific advances across computing, engineering and the behavioral and social sciences in concert with the biomedical research community. These partnerships are needed because the solutions to complex health problems and processes must effectively satisfy a multitude of constraints arising from the sparsity and heterogeneity of data, limitations of current cyber-physical systems, language and cultural factors, network limits, and barriers to patient, provider and caregiver behavioral change. This talk explores the opportunities and challenges in developing a smarter and more connected health ecosystem using wearable technology and highlights promising new areas of research.
Uptake of14C-Gossypol by Murine Erythroleukemia Cells: A Model of Unmediated Diffusion for Gossypol Uptake by a Nontesticular Cell

Gossypol (G) has been shown to be a highly efficacious oral male contraceptive [1, 2, 3]. G has potential for wide use as a contraceptive agent. Additionally, the study of G may provide a useful model for the development of new male oral contraceptives. The mechanism of contraceptive action and the pharmocokinetics of G are not well defined. At therapeutic (contraceptive) doses G is relatively non-toxic [2, 3]. Acutely toxic doses of G, in vivo, are ∿1000 fold greater than contraceptive doses of the drug [4, 5]. Thus, the in vivo pharmacology of G may be viewed as having two important facets. One involves the basis for selective toxicity to testicular tissues, i.e., what is the nature of the uptake system or target for drug action that accounts for testicular sensitivity to G? A second consideration is that contraceptive doses of G are not acutely toxic to most body tissues. We have approached the latter issues by studying the toxicity of G, in vitro, to an established cell line. Murine erythroleukemia cells (MELC) were chosen since they provide an easily handled model for non-testicular cells. Our preliminary studies [6] demonstrated the following: i) G is toxic and is irreversibly cytocidal to MELC after 24 h of exposure to G (30 µM). ii) G toxicity to MELC depends on the fetal calf serum (FCS) concentration of the growth medium, e.g., 5 µM G is not toxic when serum is 10% (v/v) but is toxic when the serum concentration of the medium is reduced to 5%. iii) FCS as well as bovine serum albumin (BSA) potently blocked the steady uptake of 14C-G by MELC and direct and indirect experiments demonstrated high affinity binding (KD < 1 µM) of G to BSA and FCS. iv) 14C-G uptake by MELC is saturable with a Km of ∿8 µM. High affinity binding of G to human serum albumin has been demonstrated by [7].
Minimum Wage, Market Imperfection, and Production Efficiency: Panel Event Study in Vietnam

Industries in developing countries involve a host of small businesses which compete with foreign or state-owned firms. This paper examines how an unexpected spike of minimum wages disproportionately affected productivity of domestic and foreign firms under the mixed market structure using Vietnam's enterprise census. While foreign firms were shielded from the policy shock, production of domestic firms has become smaller and informal. A panel event study estimation finds that small domestic firms constrained by the minimum wage regulation significantly reduced employment (-14%), profit margins (-1 percentage point) and TFP (-2%) over three years. Unproductive capital-labor adjustments contributed to the productivity loss. Moreover, a triple-difference regression indicates that small firms faced significantly large negative minimum wage effect when foreign or state-owned firms held strong price setting power in the same market.
Care Does Not Stop Following ROSC: A Quality Improvement Approach to Postcardiac Arrest Care

Pediatric cardiac arrests carry significant morbidity and mortality. With increasing rates of return of spontaneous circulation, it is vital to optimize recovery conditions to decrease morbidity. Methods We evaluated all patients who presented to a large quaternary pediatric intensive care unit with return of spontaneous circulation. We compared patient-specific postcardiac arrest care preimplementation and postimplementation of a standardized postcardiac arrest resuscitation pathway. We implemented evidence-based best practices using the Translating Research into Practice framework and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Our primary aim was to increase the percent of postcardiac arrest care events meeting guideline targets for blood pressure and temperature within the first 12 hours by 50% within 18 months. Results Eighty-one events occurred in the preintervention group (August 1, 2016-April 30, 2018) and 64 in the postintervention group (May 1, 2018-December 1, 2019). The percent of postcardiac arrest events meeting guideline targets for the entirety of their postarrest period improved from 10.9% for goal mean arterial blood pressure to 26.3%, P = 0.03, and increased from 23.4% for temperature to 71.9%, P < 0.0001. Conclusions Implementing a postcardiac arrest standardized care plan improved adherence to evidence-based postcardiac arrest care metrics, specifically preventing hypotension and hyperthermia. Future multicenter research is needed to link guideline adherence to patient outcomes.
When field isn’t field anymore: Innovating the undergraduate social work field experience in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

This essay summarizes one undergraduate social work field program’s innovative response to the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virtual field program provided flexible, accessible options mee...
COVID-19 prevalence, symptoms, and sociodemographic disparities in infection among insured pregnant women in Northern California.

Background Research on COVID-19 during pregnancy has mainly focused on women hospitalized for COVID-19 or other reasons during their pregnancy. Little is known about COVID-19 in the general population of pregnant women. Objective To describe the prevalence of COVID-19, symptoms, consequent healthcare use, and possible sources of COVID-19 exposure among a population-based sample of pregnant women residing in Northern California. Methods We analyzed data from 19,458 members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California who were pregnant between January 2020 and April 2021 and responded to an online survey about COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, symptoms, and their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical diagnosis of COVID-19 during pregnancy was defined separately by self-report and by documentation in electronic health records (EHR). We examined relationships of COVID-19 with sociodemographic factors, underlying comorbidities, and survey measures of COVID-19-like symptoms, consequent healthcare utilization, and possible COVID-19 exposures. Results Among 19,458 respondents, the crude prevalence of COVID-19 was 2.5% (n = 494) according to self-report and 1.4% (n = 276) according to EHR. After adjustment, the prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 was higher among women aged <25 years compared with women aged ≥35 years (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.75, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.49) and among Hispanic women compared with White women (PR, 1.91, 95% CI: 1.53, 2.37). Prevalence of self-reported COVID-19 was higher among women affected by personal or partner job loss during the pandemic (PR, 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.47) and among women living in areas of high vs. low neighborhood deprivation (PR, 1.74, 95% CI: 1.33, 2.27). We did not observe differences in self-reported COVID-19 between women with and without underlying comorbidities. Results were similar for EHR-documented COVID-19. Loss of smell or taste was a unique and common symptom reported among women with COVID-19 (42.3% in self-reported; 54.0% in EHR-documented). Among women with symptomatic COVID-19, approximately 2% were hospitalized, 71% had a telehealth visit, and 75% quarantined at home. Over a third of women with COVID-19 reported no known exposure to someone with COVID-19. Conclusions Observed COVID-19 prevalence differences by sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors underscore social and health inequities among reproductive-aged women. Women with COVID-19 reported unique symptoms and low frequency of hospitalization. Many were not aware of an exposure to someone with COVID-19.
Interactive Optimization: An Optimal Scaling and Step Sizing Approach for the Method of Abstract Forces

The method of abstract forces (MAF), suggested by Troutt and Hemming (1985), for interactive multiple criteria optimization was modified to handle heterogeneous criteria. The modified method of abstract forces (MMAF) was tested by comparing solutions derived with it against solutions found with the more traditional “what-if” method. Both methods aid the decision maker (DM) in solving problems that involve numerous alternatives and conflicting criteria. A unique aspect of the MMAF is its capability of reverse problem solving (RPS). In RPS the DM works backward to determine the inputs that would result in the desired solution. In constrast a what-if method (WIFM) tells the DM what the results are after the DM varies the inputs.
Control of simple arm movements in the elderly

Abstract In this chapter, the characteristics of single-joint arm movements in the elderly are described in terms of kinematic relations, movement variability and muscle activation patterns. In studies involving visually-guided, step-tracking elbow movements of different amplitudes, no evidence of movement slowing was found. Elderly subjects were able to scale peak velocity suggesting no apparent impairment in movement initiation. However, analysis of the time course of movements revealed age-related changes in the ability to produce time symmetric velocity profiles where deceleration duration was consistently longer than the duration of the acceleratory phase. Compared to young subjects, trajectory variability was greater for both acceleratory and deceleratory phases regardless of movement amplitude. Changes in movement dynamics appeared related to altered control of antagonist muscle drive in that a normal pattern of phasic activation was replaced by either continuous or inappropriately timed phasic antagonist activity. The similarity of these findings to those observed in patients with mild cerebellar dysfunction is discussed. In other studies, elderly subjects were able to improve motor performance with practice as evidenced by a reduction in trajectory variability and improved control of antagonist muscle drive. Elderly subjects were also able to adapt to unexpected changes in visual display gain although the time course of adaptation, particularly in scaling of peak velocity, was often prolonged compared to young subjects. Changes in the performance of upper limb motor tasks are discussed in terms of adaptive strategies in the face of possible age-related cerebellar degeneration.
Gender and Social‐Cognitive Development

Contemporary theory and research on children's gender development from a social-cognitive perspective are reviewed in six sections. First, I examine contemporary social-cognitive theories and conceptual models pertinent to the study of gender development. These include cognitive-developmental, information-processing, intergroup, and motivational approaches. Second, I summarize the development of children's gender cognitions. Topics include gender stereotyping, attitudes, prejudice, self-concepts, and gender and as a social identity. Third, possible causes and consequences of gender-typed play are considered. In the fourth section, I review research on gender comparisons of performance and achievement. Some of the reviewed domains are academic achievement (including verbal, spatial, mathematical, science, and artistic domains), athletic achievement, interpersonal competence, and intrapersonal competence. Fifth, I highlight some of the individual and social-relational influences on gender-related variations in performance and achievement. Finally, I advocate for more theory bridging and replication in future research on gender development. Keywords: academic achievement; cognitions; culture; gender identity; human sex differences; media; parent–child relationships; peer relations; play; psychological theories; psychosocial development; self-concept; sexism; sex roles; sex role attitudes; social interaction; social norms; teacher-student interactions
Multi-slot 50-/spl Omega/ antennas for quasi-optical circuits

CPW-fed multiple-slot antennas have been developed for active arrays and integrated antennas. This letter describes how the antenna can be engineered for a self-resonant 50-/spl Omega/ input impedance for various substrate parameters, and the concepts are verified using a three-slot antenna on /spl epsiv//sub r/=2.2 substrate and a five-slot antenna on /spl epsiv//sub r/=9.8 substrate. These antennas have been integrated directly with commercial MMIC gain block chips without any matching networks to create a quasi-optical amplifier array. >
DNA strand exchange and selective DNA annealing promoted by the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 nucleocapsid protein.

Nucleocapsid protein (NC) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The protein displayed a variety of activities on DNA structure, all reflecting an ability to promote transition between double-helical and single-stranded conformations. We found that, in addition to its previously described ability to accelerate renaturation of complementary DNA strands, the HIV-1 NC protein could substantially lower the melting temperature of duplex DNA and could promote strand exchange between double-stranded and single-stranded DNA molecules. Moreover, in the presence of HIV-1 NC, annealing of a single-stranded DNA molecule to a complementary DNA strand that would yield a more stable double-stranded product was favored over annealing to alternative complementary DNA strands that would form less stable duplex products (selective annealing). NC thus appears to lower the kinetic barrier so that double-strand single-strand equilibrium is rapidly reached to favor the lowest free-energy nucleic acid conformation. This activity of NC may be important for correct folding of viral genomic RNA and may have practical applications.
An outer arm dynein light chain acts in a conformational switch for flagellar motility

A system distinct from the central pair–radial spoke complex was proposed to control outer arm dynein function in response to alterations in the mechanical state of the flagellum. In this study, we examine the role of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii outer arm dynein light chain that associates with the motor domain of the γ heavy chain (HC). We demonstrate that expression of mutant forms of LC1 yield dominant-negative effects on swimming velocity, as the flagella continually beat out of phase and stall near or at the power/recovery stroke switchpoint. Furthermore, we observed that LC1 interacts directly with tubulin in a nucleotide-independent manner and tethers this motor unit to the A-tubule of the outer doublet microtubules within the axoneme. Therefore, this dynein HC is attached to the same microtubule by two sites: via both the N-terminal region and the motor domain. We propose that this γ HC–LC1–microtubule ternary complex functions as a conformational switch to control outer arm activity.
Rapid maturation of the muscle biochemistry that supports diving in Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens).

Physiological constraints dictate animals9 abilities to exploit habitats. For marine mammals, it is important to quantify physiological limits that influence diving and their ability to alter foraging behaviors. We characterized age-specific dive limits of walruses by measuring anaerobic (acid buffering capacity) and aerobic (myoglobin content) capacities of the muscles that power hind ( longissimus dorsi ) and fore ( supraspinatus ) flipper propulsion. Mean buffering capacities were similar across muscles and age classes (a fetus, 5 neonatal calves, a 3-month old, and 20 adults), ranging from 41.31 – 54.14 slykes and 42.00 – 46.93 slykes in the longissimus and supraspinatus , respectively. Mean myoglobin in the fetus and neonatal calves fell within a narrow range ( longissimus: 0.92 – 1.68 g 100 g wet muscle mass −1 ; supraspinatus : 0.88 – 1.64 g wet muscle mass −1 ). By 3 months postpartum, myoglobin in the longissimus increased by 79%, but levels in the supraspinatus remained unaltered. From 3-months postpartum to adulthood, myoglobin increased by an additional 26% in the longissimus and increased by 126% in the supraspinatus ; myoglobin remained greater in the longissimus compared to the supraspinatus . Walruses are unique among marine mammals because they are born with mature muscle acid buffering capacity and attain mature myoglobin content early in life. Despite rapid physiological development, small body size limits the diving capacity of immature walruses and extreme sexual dimorphism reduces the diving capacity of adult females compared to adult males. Thus, free-ranging immature walruses likely exhibit the shortest foraging dives while adult males are capable of the longest foraging dives.
Oxygen levels affect axon guidance and neuronal migration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Perinatal lack of oxygen can impair brain development. In the worm C. elegans, this study shows that oxygen deprivation during embryogenesis caused specific axon-pathfinding errors. The defects were absent in worms lacking the hypoxia-response transcription factor HIF-1. Overexpression of HIF-1 replicated the hypoxia-induced defects. Hypoxia or HIF-1 induced the Eph receptor Vab-1, which may in part explain the pathfinding errors. Oxygen deprivation can cause severe defects in human brain development, yet the precise cellular and molecular consequences of varying oxygen levels on nervous system development are unknown. We found that hypoxia caused specific axon pathfinding and neuronal migration defects in C. elegans that result from the stabilization of the transcription factor HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1) in neurons and muscle. Stabilization of HIF-1 through removal of the proteasomal HIF-1 degradatory pathway phenocopies the hypoxia-induced neuronal defects. Hypoxia-mediated defects in nervous system development depended on signaling through the insulin-like receptor DAF-2, which serves to control the level of reactive oxygen species that also affects axon pathfinding. Hypoxia exerted its effect on axon pathfinding, at least in part, through HIF-1–dependent regulation of the Eph receptor VAB-1. HIF-1–mediated upregulation of VAB-1 protected embryos from hypoxia-induced lethality, but increased VAB-1 levels elicited aberrant axon pathfinding. Similar genetic pathways may cause aberrant human brain development under hypoxic conditions.
Ellipse detection and phase demodulation for wood grain orientation measurement based on the tracheid effect

Abstract The methods of ellipse detection and phase demodulation for determining wood grain orientation are proposed. These methods are based on the tracheid effect—laser beam impinging upon a wood surface forms an elongated laser spot with its direction indicative of the grain orientation. Experimental results show that the method of ellipse detection is suitable for the grain orientation measurement on planed softwood surfaces, while the method of phase demodulation is capable of extracting the grain orientation precisely from laser images with low signal-to-noise ratio, such as the images on the surfaces of hardwood species or roughsawn materials.
The International Prognostic Index Assessed at Relapse Predicts Outcomes of Autologous Transplantation for Diffuse Large-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Second Complete or Partial Remission

Abstract Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto HSCT) has become the standard treatment for patients with relapsed diffuse large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) responding to conventional salvage chemotherapy. Nevertheless, more than half of these patients will relapse following auto HSCT and die. This study was undertaken to determine whether the International Prognostic Index (IPI) assessed at time of relapse (IPI-R) could be used to identify patients with greater probability for long-term survival following auto HSCT. Eighty patients, median age 47 years (range 19-68 years), with diffuse large cell lymphoma in either second complete remission (CR 2, n=27) or partial remission (PR 2, n=53) were treated between 1984 and 2002 with auto HSCT. Clinical features predictive of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed. Post-auto HSCT, CR was achieved in 73 patients (91%). With a median follow-up of 5 years (range 1.0-14.2 years), OS and PFS at 5 years were 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27%-50%) and 32% (95% CI 22%-42%), respectively. Two risk groups with significantly different OS and PFS were identified by the IPI-R. The high-risk group (3, 4, or 5 IPI factors) had 2.0 times (95% CI 1.1-4.0, P = .03) the risk of death and 2.2 times (95% CI 1.2-4.0, P = .01) the risk of relapse as the low-risk group (0, 1, or 2 IPI factors). The median OS was 5 months versus 27 months and the median PFS was 2 months versus 8 months for the high- and low-risk IPI-R groups, respectively. In Cox regression analysis, high-risk IPI-R status (relative risk [RR] 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.8, P = .02) and bone marrow (BM) involvement at diagnosis (RR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.4, P = .01) were independent predictors for poor OS. Similarly, high-risk IPI-R status (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.7, P = .01) and BM involvement at diagnosis (RR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7-8.7, P = .001) were independent predictors for poor PFS. These results suggest that the IPI-R predicts OS and PFS following auto HSCT for patients with aggressive NHL in CR 2 or PR 2. Patients with high-risk IPI-R should be considered for novel therapeutic approaches.
Observations on the Melting Behavior of Imitation Mozzarella Cheese

Abstract The melting characteristics and functional stability of imitation and natural commercial Mozzarella cheeses were investigated. Five brands of commercial casein-based imitation Mozzarella cheese (three to five samples per brand) were randomly assessed for apparent viscosity and free oil formation. Average apparent viscosity among brands ranged from 9.5 ± 1.8 to 28.3 ± 14.5%; average free oil ranged from 4.3 ± 1.9 to 7.9 ± 1.3%. Apparent viscosity and free oil were also measured weekly in five different samples of imitation Mozzarella (three different brands) during 3 to 4 wk of storage at 4°C. Stored imitation cheeses showed a high degree of functional stability with comparatively little change in apparent viscosity or free oil. In contrast, natural low moisture part skim Mozzarella cheeses (n = 8) underwent large changes in apparent viscosity and free oil during 4 wk of storage at 4°C. Apparent viscosity decreased from 111 ± 22 to 27 ± 6% in the first 14 d after manufacture; free oil increased from 5.9 ± .6 to 8.4 ± .9%. These data indicate that casein-based imitation Mozzarella cheeses examined were functionally analogous to 2- to 4-wk-old (apparent viscosity) and 0- to 2-wk-old (free oil) natural low moisture part skim Mozzarella cheese and were functionally more stable during refrigerated storage. Such stability makes analogs very attractive to the food processing and service industries. Analogs may make substantial inroads into the Mozzarella market in the future if certain labeling constraints, which presently limit their acceptance, are overcome.
Comparison of Mobile Text Entry Methods

In this preliminary study, we tested a small group of users on their ability to perform common text input tasks using both standard and unfamiliar input devices: the standard QWERTY keyboard, an on...
Early inhibition of TNFα increases 6-hydroxydopamine-induced striatal degeneration

Evidence suggests that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) is a leading cause of dopaminergic neuronal cell death. TNF also, however, has neuroprotective effects. Thus, TNF might have a dual role following injury: immediate release after injury is protective, whereas chronic increases are detrimental. In the present study, 6-hydroxydopamine was used to lesion the dorsal striatum in male Fisher 344 rats at 2 different time points. Group 1 received a daily injection of TNFalpha antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ODN) or control on days 1 through 7 post-lesion. Group 2 received a daily injection of TNF antisense ODN or control on days 5 through 15 post-lesion. Rats were killed on the day following the last injection of TNF antisense ODN. Injection of TNF antisense ODN on days 1 through 7 increased the area of the tyrosine-hydroxylase-negative zone ipsilateral to the injection when compared to controls. In contrast, when inhibition of TNF was delayed, the area of tyrosine hydroxylase loss was significantly reduced. These findings suggest that TNF release is neuroprotective in the early stages of injury but becomes neurotoxic when chronically induced.
Charging users for library service

Abstract The question of instituting direct charges for library service is examined and is contrasted with the current indirect changing system where services are paid for by taxes of various types. The policy of whether to levy direct charges for on-line bibliographic searching serves as an example for the analysis. In this case it is concluded that due to considerations of information as a merit good, the service should be supplied free of direct charges to certain users in a specified amount. For other users it is reasonable to impose direct charges.
Catastrophic flooding from Glacial Lake Wisconsin

Abstract Glacial Lake Wisconsin was a large proglacial lake that formed along the southern margin of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the Wisconsin glaciation. It was formed when ice of the Green Bay Lobe came into contact with the Baraboo Hills in southwestern Wisconsin and blocked the south-flowing Wisconsin River. During early glacial recession, the ice dam failed catastrophically and the lake drained in about a week. Despite early recognition of the former lake and the likelihood that it failed catastrophically, outflow rates during the failure have not been previously evaluated. Estimates based on step-backwater modeling indicate that peak discharge was between 3.6 and 5.3 × 10 4 m 3 /s in the lower Wisconsin River. As an alternate method, we used a previously derived empirical relationship between lake volume and peak discharge for dam-break events. From a digital elevation model altered to incorporate isostatic depression, we estimated the lake volume to be 87 km 3 just prior to dam breach, suggesting that the flooding magnitude was as high as 1.5 × 10 5 m 3 /s at the outlet. Adjusting these results for downstream flood wave attenuation gives a discharge of around 4.4 × 10 4 m 3 /s in the lower reach, which closely matches the results of the step-backwater modeling. These estimates of discharge from the catastrophic failure of ice-marginal lakes improve our understanding of the processes that have produced the morphology and behavior of present-day upper Midwest river systems.
Evidence for modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission by nicotine

Abstract Bath-application of nicotine (800 μM) to mouse hippocampal slices resulted in an increase in the amplitude of the population spike and the appearance of multiple population spikes in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer. Similar effects were observed after perfusion of the GABAA antagonist bicuculline methiodide (2 μM) and the glutamate decarboxylase inhibitor l -C- allylglycine (4 mM). These apparently excitatory effects of nicotine (800 μM) could be reversed by bath-application of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; 400 μM), as well as by the GABA uptake inhibitor nipecotic acid (5 mM) and the benzodiazepine flurazepam (4 μM). Nicotine did not alter binding of [3H]GABA or [3H]flunitrazepam to whole brain plasma membranes. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the electrophysiological effects of nicotine on CA1 pyramidal cell excitability is mediated by disruption of GABAergic transmission.
Superior colliculus activation by retinal nicotinic ganglion cells: a 2-deoxyglucose study

Systemic injection of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, di-isopropylfluorophosphate, in rats causes a marked increase in glucose use in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus. This activation of the superior colliculus is largely a retinal effect. Furthermore, since this response can be blocked by intraocular as well as systemic injections of mecamylamine, it is postulated that retinal nicotinic receptors are involved.
Robust license plate detection using image saliency

Inspired from the observation that license plates are very salient to human visual perception, we propose a novel license plate detection algorithm based on image saliency in this paper. The proposed algorithm consists of two parts. The first part segments out the characters on a license plate using an intensity saliency map with a high recall rate. The second part applies a sliding window on these characters to compute some saliency-related features to detect license plates. We test the robustness of our algorithm by applying it on a mixed data set with high diversity collected from four databases. The mixed data set has 1024 images composed of license plates of all states of the U.S. We achieve a detection rate of 90% with False Positive Per Image (FPPI) = 12%. The detection box given by our algorithm has high precision, which will be very helpful for many applications such as license plate recognition.
Band gap modulation in two dimensions by MBE growth of tilted superlattices and applications to quantum confinement structures

Abstract The MBE growth of GaAs-AlAs “tilted superlattices” (TSLs) having interface planes tilted with respect to the substrate surface plane is reported. The TSLs are produced by depositing fractional monolayer superlattices (GaAs) m -(AlAs) n , with p = m + n ≈ 1, on vicinal (100) surfaces. The crystal growth parameters that are important to the TSL structural perfection are discussed. We demonstrate the growth of GaAs quantum wire arrays deposited directly by using the TSL deposition mode. Carrier confinement in 2 dimensions by the quantum wire structure is demonstrated by following the polarization dependence of the selectively excited photoluminescence from these structures.
Food Policy: Implications for the Food Industry

This paper addresses the question of food policy from the standpoint of the domestic food industry.' My thesis is that the turbulent 1972-75 period has been unique and should not be used as a prototype of future problems. Several of the destabilizing influences during this period should be less significant in the future. Moreover, coming as it did after a long period of relative price stability, it caught both the food industry and the government off guard, and their initial responses often exaggerated the situation. The food industry has been operating under conditions of greatly increased uncertainty since 1972. One source of additional uncertainty has come from food markets themselves: fluctuations in the supply and demand for food commodities generated short-term price volatility and concurrently contributed to doubts about the longer-term outlook. The second major source of new uncertainty derives from governmental policy: unexpected government interventions have become more frequent, and the absence of a political consensus on food issues leaves the most probable future policy in doubt. There is an obvious interaction between market instability and government policy. Economic pressures in food markets enabled the government to discontinue obsolete production-control and export-expansion programs that had been widely criticized from an economic standpoint. However, the same economic pressures intensified conflicts between various interest groups and brought forth new government measures that added to uncertainty. As one would expect, processes of adjustment have been set in motion in the food industry. Firms are altering business practices as the food industry searches for a new equilibrium. A similar search is also underway within the government, as the political system attempts to arrive at a new policy equilibrium. This process is slow and complex because it involves the resolution of conflicts between divergent interest groups and economic philosophies. In particular, conflicts between domestic and international objectives will be difficult to resolve. The food industry's adjustment depends on some prediction about future government policy, but this depends on many imponderables including market developments. This state of affairs has caught the food industry in an intense national debate about proper food policy. Firms are making decisions with little certainty about the rules under which they will operate.
Abundance and distribution of krill in the ice edge zone of the Weddell Sea, austral spring 1983

Abstract The effect of the ice edge zone on the abundance and distribution of Antarctic krill was investigated by acoustic and net sampling methods in the northwestern Weddell Sea during austral spring, 1983. The dominant acoustic target was Euphausia superba which occurred over the entire study area in the upper 100 m of the water column, either in aggregations or loosely defined layers. The vertical depth distribution under the pack ice was similar to that of open water. Average krill biomass under the ice ranged from 1 to 68 g m −2 and in open water range from 10 to 100 g m −2 . Another euphausiid, Thysanoessa macrura , appeared to be ubiquitous but was much less abundant than E. superba. T. macrura also formed aggregations. All stages were found in open water, but only adults and juveniles under the ice. A few adults and larvae of a third euphausiid, E. frigida , were found only in open water. Salps, which were abundant in open water, were not present under the pack ice. The pack ice directly influenced the abundance and distribution of young krill. Juvenile E. superba were much more abundant under the ice than in open water north of the ice edge. Numerous observations were made of juvenile krill feeding on the undersurface of ice floes where chlorophyll concentrations were much greater than in the water column below. These observations appear to indicate that the pack ice serves as a giant nursery area for young krill, providing a refugium from predators as well as a vast food resource that may be critical to the survival of overwintering juvenile E. superba .
The development and implementation of a tunnel characterization method

The Garner and Coffman method was developed to design a proposed underground facility based on an allowable settlement profile; the method may also be used to characterize an unknown underground facility based on an observed surface settlement profile. The method uses both static methods and 2-D finite element analyses to relate the characteristics of the ground surface settlement profile to the underground facility (depth, diameter, and number of tunnels). The calibration and validation of the Garner and Coffman method, as obtained by using tunnel segment data from historical tunneling projects (Bangkok, London, Taipei, Singapore, and Heinenoord), are presented. Specifically, the method was calibrated using settlement profiles and facility characteristics from 15 tunnel segments and validated using settlement profiles from 16 additional tunnel segments. A numerical relationship (developed during this research project) was then used during the validation of the model to predict facility characteristics for the "unknown" underground structures. The predicted depth and diameter for each of the "unknown" underground structures were within ten percent of the actual diameter and actual depth of the underground structure, as obtained from the literature. For all 16 validation tunnel segments, the tunnel location was predicted within one tunnel diameter of the actual facility centerline. (A)
Efficacy and safety profile of a single dose of hydromorphone compared with morphine in older adults with acute, severe pain: a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

Abstract Background: Older adults (ie, those aged ≥65 years) are the fastest growing segment of the US population, with an estimated ~71 million expected by 2030. Over the past 10 years, there has been an 11% increase in the number of emergency department (ED) visits by older adults, and pain is their most common chief complaint. Objective: The goal of this study was to compare weight-based IV hydromorphone and IV morphine in adults aged ≥65 years presenting to the ED with acute, severe pain. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of older adults with acute, severe pain at an adult, urban academic ED. Patients were randomly allocated to receive a single dose of 0.0075-mg/kg IV hydromorphone or 0.05-mg/kg IV morphine. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in decrease in pain from baseline to 30 minutes after the medications were infused. Patients' degree of pain was measured on a numerical rating scale (NRS) where “0” was defined as “no pain” and “10” was defined as “the worst pain possible.” Adverse effects, pain reduction at 10 minutes and 2 hours postbaseline, patient evaluations of satisfaction and pain relief at 30 minutes postbaseline, and use of additional analgesics and antiemetics were tracked as secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 194 patients were randomized to treatment; 183 patients (hydromorphone group, n = 93; morphine group, n = 90 [overall mean (SD) age, 75 (8) years]) had sufficient data for analysis at the primary end point of 30 minutes postbaseline. The mean decrease in pain from baseline to 30 minutes in patients allocated to IV hydromorphone was 3.8 versus 3.3 NRS units in patients allocated to IV morphine. This difference of 0.5 NRS unit (95% CI, −0.2 to 1.3) was neither clinically nor statistically significant. A majority of patients in both groups (57.0% randomized to hydromorphone and 58.9% randomized to morphine) failed to achieve a ≥50% reduction in pain within 30 minutes of treatment. The incidence of adverse effects from baseline to 30 minutes was not statistically different in the 2 groups. Conclusions: A single dose of IV hydromorphone at 0.0075 mg/kg was neither clinically nor statistically different from IV morphine at 0.05 mg/kg for the treatment of acute, severe pain at 30 minutes postbaseline in these older adults in the ED. The incidence of adverse effects was not statistically different. Our data suggest that hydromorphone and morphine in the doses given had similar efficacy and safety profiles in these older adults. Neither regimen provided ≥50% pain relief for the majority of patients. Future investigations of acute pain management in older adults should examine the efficacy and safety of higher initial (loading) doses of opioids titrated at frequent intervals until adequate analgesia is achieved.
Assessment of technological choices using a pathway methodology

Abstract There are an extraordinarily large number of potential technological changes for improving productivity, performance, service, and overall compatibility of transportation systems. This proliferation of opportunities overwhelms conventional analytic techniques and policy-making mechanisms. This paper presents a methodological framework for analyzing and evaluating multitudinous options in an efficient manner that is useful and meaningful for policy analysis and planning. The traditional “end state” scenario approach is discarded in favor of a pathway approach. After presenting several motivational and illustrative examples, the basic methodological structure of the pathway approach is described.
Neurohypophysial Hormones in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Adults: Absence of Arginine Vasotocin and of a Diurnal Rhythm of Arginine Vasopressin*

We previously reported a prominent diurnal rhythm of oxytocin (OT) in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) similar to the brisk CSF OT rhythm in monkeys. An OT CSF rhythm has not been found in lower species. In contrast, a pronounced arginine vasopressin (AVP) rhythm has been found in lower species, but the AVP CSF rhythm is less marked in subhuman primates. In patients (n = 7) in whom lumbar drains had been temporarily placed for treatment of CSF rhinorrhea, we obtained CSF samples every 6 h. In 6 of these 7 patients, we previously reported (1) finding a prominent CSF OT rhythm, with a peak at 1200 h, by analysis of variance of repeated measures. When the samples of CSF of these same 6 patients (plus 1 additional patient) were assayed for AVP, no AVP rhythm was found. We also measured AVP, OT, and arginine vasotocin (AVT) by RIA in single samples of CSF obtained from 23 other patients. In these single samples of CSF, mean AVP was 0.9 +/- 0.11 (+/- SEM) pg/ml, and OT was 3.7 +/- 0.5 microU/ml. CSF AVT immunoreactivity was 0.6 pg/ml or less in the 23 patients. Two pools of CSF were separated by reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography. The peak OT and AVP, as determined by RIA, coeluted exactly with synthetic and human posterior pituitary OT and AVP, respectively. No immunoreactive AVT was found in the position of synthetic AVT in the eluates. Thus, OT and AVP are present in human adult CSF, but AVT is not. The lack of a prominent rhythm of AVP in human CSF is in marked contrast to the brisk OT rhythm. The rhythm of neurohypophysial peptides in human and subhuman primates is different from the rhythm in lower species, suggesting different functions for OT and AVP in the central nervous system of various species.
Focal fatty infiltration: a cause of nontumorous defects in the left hepatic lobe during CT arterial portography.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to determine the frequency and significance of characteristic nontumorous low attenuation defects found in the left hepatic lobe during CT arterial portography (CTAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty CTAPs performed over a 17 month period were retrospectively reviewed to identify nonsegmental low attenuation defects adjacent to the falciform ligament, gallbladder, or porta hepatis. Twenty-four separate defects were present in 14 of 80 (18%) patients. Cases in which a defect was present were compared with MR, surgical findings, and pathology reports. RESULTS The defects were oval or triangular in shape with a mean maximum diameter of 1.7 cm (range 1-5 cm). None of these defects were identified on MR in the 12 patients who underwent T1, T2, and STIR MR; however, 3 showed dropout of signal on chemical shift MR, suggesting fatty infiltration. In the 12 patients who underwent surgery, no lesion was shown to represent tumor. Two intraoperative biopsies of the area of the defects showed fatty infiltration. CONCLUSION Nontumorous low attenuation defects adjacent to the gallbladder, falciform ligament, or porta hepatis are a pitfall of CTAP and can be associated with focal fatty infiltration, as well as decreased perfusion due to technical factors or a variation in hepatic vascular supply.
Self-consistent cluster-Bethe-lattice method of a diluted ferromagnet

Abstract The magnetic properties of a diluted Heisenberg ferromagnet in which the lattice sites are occupied randomly by magnetic and non-magnetic atoms are studied using a self-consistent cluster-Bethe-lattice method. The magnetization, Curie temperature and susceptibility are calculated for different concentrations of the magnetic atom, and are compared with the results of the mean-field approximation.
Characterizing the Gel to Liquid Crystal Transition in Lipid-Bilayer Model Systems

A laboratory exercise that introduces differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is presented. In order to connect this basic physical chemistry technique with an application in the biological sciences, students investigated the thermodynamic properties of lipid-bilayer model compounds. DSC was used to characterize the gel-to-liquid-crystal transition for three phosphatidylcholines of varying acyl chain length. The laboratory exercise is suitable only for students with some background in physical chemistry and biochemistry.