cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obesity and Cancer

Obesity is a global epidemic and a wealth of evidence suggests that obesity in addition to sedentary lifestyle and diet are modifiable risk factors associated with cancer. Several cancers including breast (in postmenopausal women), cervical, colon, endometrial, esophageal, gallbladder, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rectal, renal, thyroid cancer, and even pancreatic cancer have been associated with obesity. A variety of biological mechanisms involving the adipocyte has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Moreover, poorer outcomes in terms of worsened disease survival have been reported for obese patients. A number of small, randomized, controlled trials to promote weight loss in cancer survivors have been undertaken and suggest modest results in relation to weight control. This chapter will review the potential mechanisms linking obesity and cancer together with a summary of the available studies of weight control in cancer survivors. Guidelines for cancer survivors regarding diet and physical activity for risk reduction and weight control also will be discussed.
Bisexual Women's Experiences with Binegativity in Romantic Relationships

The current study examines bisexual women's experiences with binegativity in romantic relationships, particularly how they relate to the gender and sexuality of their partners, and how these experiences affect how they pursue and perceive relationships. Interviews were conducted with 10 self-identified bisexual women, age 19 to 24, living in the Northeast United States. Qualitative analysis of in-depth interview data revealed that bisexual women face varied forms of binegativity, including invalidation and stereotypes from straight men and lesbian women. Specifically, bisexual women face significant and pervasive hypersexualization from straight men in the form of increased interest, requests for threesomes, and inquiries about their sexual history. These negative experiences affect how bisexual women pursue and navigate relationships, such as employing screening processes to avoid negativity and expressing fear about revealing their sexual identity to partners. Thus, despite increasing visibility...
Association of Household Opioid Availability and Prescription Opioid Initiation Among Household Members.

Importance Increases in prescription opioid use in the United States have been attributed to changing prescribing guidelines and attitudes toward pain relief; however, the spread of opioid use within households through drug diversion may also be a contributing factor. Objective To investigate whether individuals living in a household with a prescription opioid user are more likely to initiate prescription opioids themselves, compared with individuals in households with a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) user. Design, Setting, and Participants This was a retrospective cohort study using administrative health care claims data from 2000 to 2014 of commercial insurance beneficiaries sharing a health plan with continuous prescription drug coverage, without opioid or NSAID use in the prior year. Enrollees were followed from the date of the first prescription filled by a household member for an eligible opioid or NSAID until initiation of prescription opioids, disenrollment, or administrative censoring after 1 year or the end of follow-up on December 31, 2014. Risk of opioid initiation was derived from inverse probability-weighted (IPW) Kaplan-Meier estimators that adjusted for potential confounders, prognostic factors, and predictors of censoring. Exposure Outpatient pharmacy dispensing of a prescription opioid or prescription NSAID. Main Outcomes and Measures Incident outpatient pharmacy fill for a prescription opioid by a household member. Results From 2000 to 2014, 12 695 280 individuals were exposed to prescription opioids and 6 359 639 to prescription NSAIDS through an index prescription to a household member. The IPW estimated risk of opioid initiation in the subsequent year was 11.83% (95% CI, 11.81%-11.85%) among individuals exposed to prescription opioids in the household, compared with 11.11% (95% CI, 11.09%-11.14%) among individuals exposed to prescription NSAIDs, resulting in a risk difference of 0.71% (95% CI, 0.68%-0.74%). An unmeasured confounder that is modestly associated with the exposure (eg, prevalence difference = 0.9%) and the outcome (eg, risk difference = 0.9) after adjustment for all measured variables could explain our observed estimate of the overall risk difference (0.71%). Conclusions and Relevance Living in a household with a prescription opioid user may increase risk of prescription opioid use, which may reflect both increased access to these products as well as shared risk factors, such as prescriber preference and prescription drug monitoring.
Installation of the Ether Bridge of Lolines by the Iron- and 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Oxygenase, LolO: Regio- and Stereochemistry of Sequential Hydroxylation and Oxacyclization Reactions.

The core of the loline family of insecticidal alkaloids is the bicyclic pyrrolizidine unit with an additional strained ether bridge between carbons 2 and 7. Previously reported genetic and in vivo biochemical analyses showed that the presumptive iron- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent (Fe/2OG) oxygenase, LolO, is required for installation of the ether bridge upon the pathway intermediate, 1-exo-acetamidopyrrolizidine (AcAP). Here we show that LolO is, in fact, solely responsible for this biosynthetic four-electron oxidation. In sequential 2OG- and O2-consuming steps, LolO removes hydrogens from C2 and C7 of AcAP to form both carbon–oxygen bonds in N-acetylnorloline (NANL), the precursor to all other lolines. When supplied with substoichiometric 2OG, LolO only hydroxylates AcAP. At higher 2OG:AcAP ratios, the enzyme further processes the alcohol to the tricyclic NANL. Characterization of the alcohol intermediate by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that it is 2-endo-hydroxy-1-e...
Pitfalls of Layer Removal Techniques in X-Ray Residual Stress Measurements

The nondestructive aspect of X-ray residual stress analysis is often heralded as its most important attribute. Unfortunately, errors caused by the presence of steep subsurface stress gradients and difficulties in interpreting surface results often limit the usefulness of surface data. More often than not, subsurface data are required. This necessitates successive layer removal via electropolishing techniques. Correction procedures will be briefly reviewed and examples presented showing common residual stress distributions. It will be shown that, for most cases, the assumptions on which traditional correction procedures are based are usually abrogated by the method of layer removal. Fortunately, the corrections are small and can be neglected except when the stress gradient into the depth is sufficiently steep that the exponentially weighted average of the stress over the volume of irradiation is not representative of the true stress in that region. Other difficulties including coarsening of the grain size and changes in preferred orientation with layer removal will be illustrated.
Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Disposal in Patients with Type I (IDDM) and Type II (NIDDM) Diabetes Mellitus

In 1933 Himsworth and Kerr8 used the plasma glucose response to an oral glucose plus intravenous insulin challenge to divide patients with diabetes mellitus into two types — designated as being either insulin sensitive or insulin insensitive. Based upon the available clinical information, patients classified by Himsworth as being insulin sensitive seem most comparable to individuals who would be designated as having insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) by today’s criteria.12 In contrast, the group of patients who would be classified today as having noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) share the characteristics of those designated by Himsworth as being insulin insensitive. Several years ago,16 we reviewed available information as to the ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake in patients with diabetes mellitus. At that time we indicated that resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake characterizes patients with NIDDM, but that it could also exist in patients with IDDM. However, in the latter instance the resistance appeared to be related to degree of metabolic control, and it seemed to us that insulin sensitivity was normal in patients with IDDM well-controlled on insulin. Interest in the role played by insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus has increased greatly since publication of our earlier review. This has been associated with the development of new techniques for the assessment of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in patients with diabetes, resulting in the appearance of a considerable amount of new information as to the characteristics of insulin action in patients with both NIDDM and IDDH. The purpose of this presentation will be to critically review available data, and to use this information in an attempt to define the effects of IDDH and NIDDH on insulin-stimulated glucose disposal.
Fracture Response of Cross-Linked Epoxy Resins as a Function of Loading Rate

The failure behavior of cross-linked polymer epoxies were investigated under Mode I fracture at low and high loading rates. By varying the monomer choices, the properties of the epoxies can be tailored to achieve a greater resistance to cracking and high impact toughness. For these experiments, a unique four-point bending specimen was developed. High rate experiments were conducted on a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) with pulse-shaping. High speed digital imaging was used to determine the failure initiation, and allow for use of digital image correlation (DIC) to optically measure the crack opening displacement (COD) and crack propagation velocity. The experimental results are used to obtain the energy required to initiate fracture at various loading rates. The critical energy required to initiate fracture for this epoxy shows limited rate dependence from quasi-static to dynamic loading rates, but becomes rate sensitive when loaded at dynamic rates. The experimental procedures and results are discussed in this paper.
Presence of Histopathological Treatment Effects at Resection of Recurrent Glioblastoma: Incidence and Effect on Outcome.

Background Resection may be appropriate for select patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The incidence of histopathological findings related to prior treatment and their prognostic implications are incompletely characterized. Objective To quantify the incidence and survival outcomes associated with treatment effect at resection of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Methods Patients who underwent resection for recurrent GBM were retrospectively reviewed, and pathology, treatment history, and survival data were collected. Treatment effect was defined as any component of treatment-related changes on pathology. Results In total, 110 patients underwent 146 reoperations. Median age at first reoperation was 57.2 yr and overall survival from reoperation was 10.8 mo. Treatment effect of any kind was noted in 81 of 146 reoperations (55%). Increased treatment effect was observed closer to radiotherapy; by quartile of time from radiotherapy, the rates of treatment effect were 77.8%, 55.6%, 40.7%, and 44.4% (P = .028). Treatment effect was associated with earlier reoperation (8.9 vs 13.8 mo after radiotherapy, P = .003), and the presence of treatment effect did not impact survival from primary surgery (25.4 vs 24.3 mo, P = .084). Patients treated with bevacizumab prior to reoperation were less likely to have treatment effect (20% vs 65%, P Conclusion Histopathological treatment-related changes are evident in a majority of patients undergoing resection for recurrent glioblastoma. There was no association of treatment effect with overall survival from primary surgery.
Cluster Touch: Improving Touch Accuracy on Smartphones for People with Motor and Situational Impairments

We present Cluster Touch, a combined user-independent and user-specific touch offset model that improves the accuracy of touch input on smartphones for people with motor impairments, and for people experiencing situational impairments while walking. Cluster Touch combines touch examples from multiple users to create a shared user-independent touch model, which is then updated with touch examples provided by an individual user to make it user-specific. Owing to this combination, Cluster Touch allows people to quickly improve the accuracy of their smartphones by providing only 20 touch examples. In a user study with 12 people with motor impairments and 12 people without motor impairments, but who were walking, Cluster Touch improved touch accuracy by 14.65% for the former group and 6.81% for the latter group over the native touch sensor. Furthermore, in an offline analysis of existing mobile interfaces, Cluster Touch improved touch accuracy by 8.21% and 4.84% over the native touch sensor for the two user groups, respectively.
Simulation Studies of Neuronal Modulation Using Magneto-electric Nanoparticles for Astrocyte Stimulation

A computational study of the effects of using magneto-electric nanoparticles (MNPs) to modulate brain neurons by stimulating astrocytes is discussed in this paper. The MNP brain-stimulation approach in the blood-brain barrier enables large-scale micrometer-level neuromodulation that leads to a specific stimulation pathway and avoids lateral effect. We describe here a simulation of nanoparticle stimulation used to modulate the neurons of a hypothetical patient with Parkinson’s disease. The major characterized symptoms of the PD patients under this simulation are tremor. Our simulation studies indicate the pulsed sequences of the electric field in an affected neuron could be raised to levels comparable to those of healthy people, leading to the possibility of this novel brain modulation for treating this symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
Non-suicidal self-injury, suicide ideation, and past suicide attempts: Comparison between transgender and gender diverse veterans and non-veterans.

Abstract Background Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, especially veterans, experience elevated rates of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide related behaviors compared to gender majority individuals. Research has yet to compare TGD veterans to non-veterans or look at correlates of NSSI and related behaviors to suicide related outcomes. This study examines prevalence and suicide related correlates of NSSI among TGD veterans and TGD non-veterans. Method Data analyzed in the were part of the Trans Lifeline Mental Health Survey. Both TGD veterans (N = 313) and non-veterans (N = 3,972) completed an online, cross-sectional survey that included self-report measures of NSSI, suicidal ideation (SI), and suicidal attempt (SA) along with lifetime hospitalization and avoidance of care due to NSSI. Results Results of this paper indicate that prevalence of NSSI, SI, and SA are elevated in both the TGD veterans and non-veteran subpopulations. Further, veterans compared to non-veterans have a lower prevalence of NSSI but higher prevalence of hospitalization when self-harm is inflicted, reflecting more healthcare utilization or increased severity of NSSI episodes. Additionally, veterans were less likely to avoid care due to NSSI. Further, veteran status seemed to be a protective factor against demographic differences that increased rates of NSSI history in non-veteran TGD individuals. Limitations The limitations of this study include its cross-sectional study design, one question assessing SA, and few TGD male veterans. Conclusion NSSI is an important risk factor in future suicide related outcome such as SI and SA. Further, differences in healthcare utilization among TGD veterans and non-veterans are apparent.
Clostridioides difficile cd2775 Encodes a Unique Mannosyl-1-Phosphotransferase for Polysaccharide II Biosynthesis.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the leading cause of antibiotic-induced bacterial colitis and life-threatening diarrhea worldwide. The commonly existing anionic polysaccharide II (PSII) ...
Evaluation of Mosaicism and Off Target Mutations in CRISPR-Mediated Genome Edited Bovine Embryos

The CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool has the potential to improve the livestock breeding industry by allowing for the introduction of desirable traits. Although an efficient and targeted tool, the CRISPR/Cas9 system can have some drawbacks, including off-target mutations and mosaicism, particularly when used in developing embryos. Here, we introduced genome editing reagents into single-cell bovine embryos to compare the effect of Cas9 mRNA and protein on the mutation efficiency, level of mosaicism, and evaluate potential off-target mutations utilizing next generation sequencing. We designed guide-RNAs targeting three loci (POLLED, H11, and ZFX) in the bovine genome and saw a significantly higher rate of mutation in embryos injected with Cas9 protein (84.2%) vs. Cas9 mRNA (68.5%). In addition, the level of mosaicism was higher in embryos injected with Cas9 mRNA (100%) compared to those injected with Cas9 protein (94.2%), with little to no unintended off-target mutations detected. This study demonstrates that the use of Cas9 protein, rather than Cas9 mRNA, results in a higher editing efficiency in bovine embryos while lowering the level of mosaicism. However, further optimization must be carried out for the CRISPR/Cas9 system to become feasible for single-step embryo editing in a commercial system.
Use of High-Frequency Pulses to Generate Unique Electrotactile Sensations for Real-Time Feedback in Wearable Sensory Systems

Wearable real-time systems such as health monitors exhibit a need for user feedback capable of communicating a wide range of messages. This paper describes how high-frequency (100 − 2k Hz) electrotactile stimulation pulses can be utilized for producing multiple unique message sensations within a limited time period of 0.5s. Two experiments were conducted on willing participants using a custom electrotactile stimulator. Experiment 1 investigated the effectiveness of producing unique sensations by varying electrotactile pulse frequency above 100Hz. Results indicate that even though pulse frequencies above 100Hz produce detectable sensations, discrimination by frequency higher than 100Hz is not feasible. Experiment 2 investigated the effectiveness of discriminating electrotactile pulse frequencies higher than 100Hz when the signal was modulated at a fixed low frequency (6Hz) “bundle”. Results show that variations in low-frequency Bundle duty-cycle produced at least three distinct sensations that may be utilized to expand the available set of uniquely perceived electrotactile sensations.
Cooperation among unrelated ant queens provides persistent growth and survival benefits during colony ontogeny.

The fitness consequences of cooperation can vary across an organism’s lifespan. For non-kin groups, especially, social advantages must balance intrinsic costs of cooperating with non-relatives. In this study, we asked how challenging life history stages can promote stable, long-term alliances among unrelated ant queens. We reared single- and multi-queen colonies of the primary polygynous harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex californicus, from founding through the first ten months of colony growth, when groups face high mortality risks. We found that colonies founded by multiple, unrelated queens experienced significant survival and growth advantages that outlasted the colony founding period. Multi-queen colonies experienced lower mortality than single-queen colonies, and queens in groups experienced lower mortality than solitary queens. Further, multi-queen colonies produced workers at a faster rate than did single-queen colonies, even while experiencing lower per-queen worker production costs. Additionally, we characterized ontogenetic changes in the organization of labor, and observed increasing and decreasing task performance diversity by workers and queens, respectively, as colonies grew. This dynamic task allocation likely reflects a response to the changing role of queens as they are increasingly able to delegate risky and costly tasks to an expanding workforce. Faster worker production in multi-queen colonies may beneficially accelerate this behavioral transition from a vulnerable parent–offspring group to a stable, growing colony. These combined benefits of cooperation may facilitate the retention of multiple unrelated queens in mature colonies despite direct fitness costs, providing insight into the evolutionary drivers of stable associations between unrelated individuals.
A national survey of pediatric emergency medicine physicians on improving education in child maltreatment recognition and reporting child abuse & neglect

Abstract Background Child maltreatment is an important public health problem with serious consequences. Even in the face of increased research and enhanced public awareness over the last decade, the rate of child fatalities due to reported child maltreatment has increased. Objective This study describes pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) physicians' knowledge, training, confidence, and barriers in recognition and reporting suspected child maltreatment. Participants and setting A nationally representative sample of PEM physician members of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Collaborative Research Committee (PEM CRC) participated. Methods A cross-sectional 36-item survey study of PEM physicians with content domains including provider knowledge, preparedness, confidence, and barriers to identifying and reporting child maltreatment was conducted and distributed. Results 113 of 486 members completed the survey. Confidence with recognizing and reporting child abuse (95%) was greater than in child neglect (88%). Knowledge in child maltreatment recognition and reporting was significantly correlated with confidence in reporting and recognition (p Conclusion Our national survey study demonstrates that PEM-trained physicians have high confidence and knowledge with the management of child maltreatment, and that inclusion of mandated child maltreatment training in residency/fellowship and mandated training for medical licensure in all states could improve child maltreatment recognition and reporting.
Moths of Block Island (Rhode Island, USA) I: Zygaenoidea

As a result of surveying effort since 2015, I herein report 7 species of Zygaenoidea from Block Island, a small offshore island in southern New England with a history of intensive agricultural use. I quantify species phenology and local abundance, compare the island's fauna to those of nearby landmasses and the broader region, and discuss possible future colonization of Block Island by additional species as well as the likely factors behind the composition of the island's zygaenoid fauna.
RF magnetron triode sputtering of CdTe and ZnTe films and solar cells

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Research and Commercial Potential 1 1.2 Basic CdS/CdTe Structure 1 CHAPTER 2: CURRENT RESEARCH EFFORTS 3 2.1 The CdS/CdTe Junction 3 2.2 CdTe Back Contact 5 2.3 CdS/CdTe Substrate Configuration 7 2.4 ZnTe Films Doped With N 8 2.5 Triode Sputtering 8 CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH OBJECTIVES 9 CHAPTER 4: MATERIAL AND DEVICE FABRICATION 10 4.1 RF Magnetron Sputtering 10 4.2 CdCla Vapor Annealing System 14 CHAPTER 5: CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES 17 5.1 Material Characterization 17 5.2 Device Characterization 21 CHAPTER 6: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 27 6.1 Triode Sputtering of CdTe Films 27 6.2 Triode Sputtering of p+-ZnTe Films 47 6.3 N-Doped ZnTe Films in CdS/CdTe Solar Cells 57 CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSIONS 70 CHAPTER 8: SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH 73 APPENDIX: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR CdCl2 VAPOR ANNEALING SYSTEM 74
Integrating integrity constraints with database filters implemented in hardware

In an earlier study the concept of a filter chip for selection, projection, and join operations was presented. In this paper the filter concept is broadened to include data-base integrity constraints. The constraints are formalized in canonical forms. Several filter simplification techniques are described, and finally a filtering hardware architecture is presented.
Report on a PC Based System Designed to Enhance the Teaching of IBM 370 Assembly Language

This is a report on the current capabilities and status of the EAS system, an integrated editor, assembler, and emulator for IBM 370 assembler language that runs on PC and AT machines. EAS has been placed in the public domain by the author.
On Possibly Nonexistent Propositions

Alvin Plantinga gave a reductio of the conjunction of the following three theses: Existentialism (the view that, e.g., the proposition that Socrates exists can't exist unless Socrates does), Serious Actualism (the view that nothing can have a property at a world without existing at that world) and Contingency (the view that some objects, like Socrates, exist only contingently). I sketch a view of truth at a world which enables the Existentialist to resist Plantinga's argument without giving up either Serious Actualism or Contingency.
Neutron Star Physics and Monopole Flux Limits

Stringent bounds on the galactic monopole flux have been derived using monopole catalysis of nucleon decay inside neutron stars.1 Currently the most stringent limit comes from the pulsar PSR 1929+10 with the inclusion of monopole capture by the precursor main sequence star.2 This limit is FM < 10−28 cm−2 s−1 sr−1 assuming a strong interaction catalysis cross section. If this bound is correct then such monopoles are very rare indeed and detecting them will be virtually impossible. It is therefore of utmost importance to examine these catalysis bounds for possible loopholes. One possibility is that there are uncertainties in the observations of neutron star X-ray luminosities1 or in the calculations of monopole catalysis of nucleon decay. Another possibility is that something happens to the monopoles once they enter the neutron star that invalidates the catalysis bounds. I will focus on this latter possibility in my talk. Since neutron stars are complicated objects which are imperfectly understood, I will rely mainly on order of magnitude estimates and qualitative arguments and attempt to indicate where these may go wrong. A more detailed analysis will be presented in Ref. 3. I will give a brief review of the relevant properties of neutron stars.
Thymidylate Synthase, Dihydrofolate Reductase, Folyl Binder, 10-Formyl-H4PteGlu Synthetase, 5,10-Methenyl-H4PteGlu Cyclohydrolase and 5,10-Methylene-H4PteGlu Dehydrogenase Derived from Cells of Human Origin

In the past few years we have been engaged in studying several folate cofactor requiring enzymes derived from human cells; namely thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, folyl binder, 10-formyl-H4PteGlu synthetase, 5,10-methenyl-H4PteGlu cyclohydrolase and 5,10-methylene-H4PteGlu dehydrogenase. These have been purified and several properties have been examined, in particular the interactions with folyl-polyglutamate forms as substrates and inhibitors. Folylpolyglutamates are better substrates for thymidylate synthase, 10-formyl-H4PteGlu synthetase, and 5,10-methylene-H4PteGlu dehydrogenase when NADP is lower than 30 μM, whereas dihydrofolate reductase and membrane associated folyl binder do not distinguish between folylmono- and polyglutamates. Analog studies with thymidylate synthase suggest that there are two types of folate binding sites and this led us to propose a model for the subunit association.
Adequacy of lymphadenectomy among men undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 OBJECTIVE To compare rates of lymph node dissection (LND) and nodal yields between patients treated with open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) and robot-assisted RRP (RARP) in a contemporary single-institution series. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 1278 consecutive patients (716 ORRP and 562 RARP) from one institution were accrued prospectively in an institutional database, and the data analysed retrospectively. Disease risk was assessed using the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score. The likelihood of LND, nodal yield, and likelihood of node positivity were compared between ORRP and RARP. RESULTS Of patients treated with ORRP and RARP, 47.8% and 31.8% had LND, respectively, with more receiving LND over time in both surgical approaches. Men undergoing LND had a higher disease risk than those not undergoing LND (mean CAPRA score 4.3 vs 2.1, P < 0.01), and there was no difference in risk between those undergoing ORRP or RARP (mean CAPRA score 3.0 vs 2.9, P = 0.29). The mean (sd) nodal yield was 14.4 (8.7) for ORRP and 9.3 (5.4) for RARP (P < 0.01). Among patients undergoing LND, 5.8% of ORRP and 4.1% of RARP patients had positive nodes (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The indications for LND and template dissection should be the same regardless of surgical approach. The nodal yield was adequate using both approaches; the yield was higher among ORRP than RARP patients, but the difference was not large, and is less remarkable than the wide variation in yield within each approach. Several factors might explain this variation.
Risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimens based on mutation analysis

Background Mutation analysis is potentially a powerful tool to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy specimens. However, some clinicians may rely on a negative mutation panel to exclude malignancy. We aimed to determine the malignancy rate in indeterminate lesions with negative mutation analysis. Methods A literature review established a mutation analysis model using the prevalence of BRAF, RET, RAS, and PAX8/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ mutations in indeterminate lesions. This model was applied retrospectively to a study cohort of 466 consecutive indeterminate lesions that underwent hemi- or total thyroidectomy for definitive diagnosis, to evaluate its accuracy for identifying malignancy. Results Of 466 indeterminate lesions in the study, 30% (139) were malignant. These included 66 cases of papillary thyroid cancer, 45 cases of follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer, 18 cases of follicular thyroid cancer, and 10 others. The risk of malignancy was 42% when cytologic atypia was present vs 17% without. The mutation analysis model would correctly identify only 48 of 139 (34%) of malignant indeterminate lesions. Therefore, when mutation analysis is negative, the overall risk of malignancy would be 23%. When atypia is present, the risk of malignancy would be 31% vs 13% in lesions without. Conclusion Indeterminate lesions with a negative mutation analysis still carry a significant risk of malignancy, especially in the presence of atypia, requiring surgery for definitive diagnosis.
Hirschman, la industrialización y la teoría del desarrollo

Este ensayo analiza tres contribuciones de Albert Hirschman que son importantes para comprender el proceso latinoamericano de industria - lizacion. La primera se refiere a las caracteristicas de este proceso en relacion con los casos de “industrializacion tardia” en el continente europeo analizados por Alexander Gerschenkron. La segunda se refiere a la aplicacion de sus teorias sobre la dinamica del proceso de desa - rrollo, en particular los conceptos de encadenamientos y crecimiento desequilibrado. La tercera es su reflexion sobre el auge y la crisis de la teoria clasica del desarrollo, que se puede utilizar en forma apropiada para analizar la crisis y eventual desmantelamiento de la estrategia de sustitucion de importaciones America Latina
Say “GDNT”: frequency of adolescent texting at night

Abstract Objective Electronic media use is pervasive among adolescents. However, prior studies of media use have not specifically focused on texting behavior, and current estimates of teen texting—a primary form of communication among adolescents—are based on teens' self-reported use. Evaluating the frequency of nighttime texting is crucial, given evidence that such behaviors may contribute to epidemic levels of insufficient sleep among adolescents. Methods Descriptive analysis of objectively recorded outgoing text message data in a sample of adolescents (n = 43; mean = 16.06, SD = 1.29 years of age; 63% females). Results The current study found that texting behavior was ubiquitous in the pre-bedtime period with 98% of adolescents sending at least 1 text after 8:00 pm . Texting was also very prevalent at night: 70% of participating teens sent at least 1 text between 10:00 pm and 5:59 am . Conclusions These findings add to a growing body of literature highlighting the potential role of mobile electronic devices in adolescent sleep disturbances.
In Pursuit of Happiness, Bhutan Opens to Globalization and Business

The Kingdom of Bhutan, a small country situated on the border between China and India, has in recent years become a constitutional democratic monarchy. As part of its 2008 constitution, Bhutan committed to promote conditions that would enable the pursuit of Gross National Happiness. The countrythus initiated an effort to improve the quality of life and happiness for its citizens and has embraced globalization far more than previouslythrough attracting business, tourism, and communications. The author’s hereinaddress some of the initiatives provide the context within which these efforts have arisen.
Dietary Assessment of Older Iowa Women with a Food Frequency Questionnaire: Nutrient Intake, Reproducibility, and Comparison with 24-Hour Dietary Recall Interviews

The authors report the results of a dietary survey of 38,121 Iowa women, 55-69 years of age in 1986, based on a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire previously tested among Boston-area women aged 34-59 years. The Iowa women, compared with the younger Boston-area women, consumed a similar amount of calories (1,767 vs. 1,844 kcal) and a similar amount of total calories from fat (35 vs. 37%) but had markedly greater intake of the following micronutrients after including supplement use: iron (+18%), calcium (+33%), vitamin A (+43%), riboflavin (+46%), thiamine (+50%), and pyridoxine (+122%). The reproducibility of the questionnaire was examined in two more administrations to 44 of the Iowa women in January and June of 1988. Reproducibility was highest for alcohol (Pearson's r = 0.99), caffeine (r = 0.95), and vitamin E (r = 0.90) and lowest for sucrose (r = 0.53), polyunsaturated fat (r = 0.56), and iron (r = 0.59). Micronutrient intakes were generally more reproducible than macronutrient intakes. The agreement between the June 1988 questionnaire and the average of five 24-hour dietary recalls was also assessed in the 44 subjects. The median correlations of energy-adjusted intake were as follows: for macronutrients, r = 0.45; for micronutrients without supplements, r = 0.33; and for micronutrients with supplements, r = 0.64. This food frequency questionnaire appears to be reasonably reproducible and accurate, so that its use may be extended to epidemiologic studies of older women with a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Heliospheric shocks (excluding planetary bow shocks)

A summary of advances made during 1983-1985 in the theory of collisionless heliospheric shocks is presented (with reference to the latest observations of slow shocks in the geomagnetic tail) together with a summary of recently developed simulations of shock structure and shock propagation. Consideration is also given to the theoretical basis for the production of energetic particles by shocks in the solar wind and the corona. Finally, satellite-based observations related to interplanetary and coronal shocks and to heliospheric boundary shock are discussed.
A possible hepatic factor in the control of plasma free fatty acid levels

Abstract Insulin acts as a regulator of lipid metabolism by inhibiting the rate of lipolysis. Hyperinsulinemia, produced by the peripheral infusion of glucose, therefore, causes a lowering of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) by decreasing the mobilization of fats from peripheral deposits. Based on previous studies, it was postulated that a lowering of plasma FFA could be produced, in the absence of hyperinsulinemia, by the infusion of glucose directly into the liver. This study was undertaken to investigate the existence of endogenous factors other than insulin, which inhibit lipolysis. It was determined that glucose at a dosage of 0.125 gm/kg/hr could be infused into the portal vein of dogs without increasing plasma insulin levels. This dosage significantly lowered plasma FFA levels when injected into the portal vein but had no effect on plasma FFA when infused peripherally. There were significant decreases in FFA turnover following portal glucose administration, with no changes in fractional turnover. This indicated that the lowered plasma FFA concentrations found following portal infusions of glucose, were due to reduced lipid mobilization from adipose tissue, rather than increased tissue uptake of FFA. These results suggested the exitence of an hepatic factor, stimulated by portal glucose infusion, which lowered FFA mobilization from adipose tissue.
Improving Free-Piston Stirling Engine Specific Power

This work uses analytical methods to demonstrate the potential benefits of optimizing piston and/or displacer motion in a Stirling engine. Isothermal analysis was used to show the potential benefits of ideal motion in ideal Stirling engines. Nodal analysis is used to show that ideal piston and displacer waveforms are not optimal in real Stirling engines. Constrained optimization was used to identify piston and displacer waveforms that increase Stirling engine specific power.
Preparation of some basic and anhydrous rare earth acetates. Their properties and reactions in acetic acid as solvent

Abstract Solutions of rare earth oxides in anhydrous acetic acid represent metastable systems from which hydroxo-acetates, Ln2(OH)3(OAc)3·2HOAc, gradually precipitate. Presence of equivalent amounts of acetic anhydride causes formation of so-called basic acetates which are best represented as binuclear oxo-complexes with the type formula, Ln2O(OAc)4·2HOAc (where Ln = La, Nd, Sm). The anhydrous acetates were prepared by refluxing the oxides with acetic anhydride. The solubility of neodymium acetate in acetic acid increases markedly in the presence of potassium acetate to form a negatively charged complex ion, suggesting that the anhydrous rare earth acetates exhibit amphoteric characteristics in acetic acid. Conductometric titrations of solutions of the oxo- and anhydrous acetates in acetic acid with various acids show complete neutralization only with perchloric acid; with sulphuric and oxalic acids, minima correspond to formation of insoluble 1 : 1 compounds (moles acid per mole rare earth); with phosphoric and citric acids, maxima suggest formation of soluble 1 : 1 compounds, followed by minima corresponding to insoluble compounds with 3 : 2 and 2 : 1 mole ratios, respectively.
Cavity-length detuning effects and stabilization of a synchronously pumped femtosecond linear dye laser

We report on the cavity-length detuning characteristics of a synchronously pumped femtosecond linear-resonator cw dye laser. The severe cavity-matching requirement (to within 0.2 μm) for optimum short-pulse generation is addressed by an active cavity-length stabilization scheme based on second-harmonic generation. This allows pulses ~100 fsec in duration to be maintained for periods of several hours.
Does sex matter in musculoskeletal health? The influence of sex and gender on musculoskeletal health.

Disease prevalence rates differ for men and women; this comes as news neither to physicians nor to laypersons. Likewise, women's life expectancies differ from those of men. Among some populations, this difference is dramatic. For example, the National Center for Health Statistics reports that, in 2001, the life expectancy of a black American woman was 75.5 years and that of a black American man was just 68.6 years1. Worldwide, women live, on the average, between four and ten years longer than men do. Historically, studies that have examined differences in men's and women's health have assumed that women were “little men,”2 and were limited to topics associated with the reproductive system, e.g., breast cancer and menopause, and that sex differences outside the reproductive system could be explained by variations in height, weight, body fat percentage, etc. Until the past decade, it was not possible to explore the basis of the differences in disease prevalence and morbidity and mortality between men and women at the genetic and cellular levels. Today, however, emerging information from such studies provides a compelling case for the existence of innate, and heretofore unexamined, differences between men and women. Medical researchers in virtually every discipline are now beginning to realize that every organ in the body, not just those related to reproduction, is capable of responding differently on the basis of sex, and that these different responses result from chromosomes as well as hormones. In the Institute of Medicine report3, Exploring the Biological Contributions to Human Health: Does Sex Matter?, “sex” is defined as “the classification of living things, generally as male or female according to their reproductive organs and functions assigned by the chromosomal complement” and “gender” is defined as “a person's self-representation as male or female, or how that person …
Adult-generated neurons exhibit diverse developmental fates

In mammals, olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons, granule cells and periglomerular (PG) cells, are generated throughout adulthood. PG cells comprise a heterogeneous population in both morphology and molecular phenotypes. It is unknown whether adult genesis of PG cells occurs among all subtypes or is limited to a subpopulation. We show that within 2 weeks after retroviral labeling in the subventricular zone, two morphological populations of PG cells are found in the OB, one with large multi-glomerular dendritic arbors, and one with dendritic arbors limited to one or two glomeruli. On both types, immature dendritic spines are first evident at 4 weeks and mature, pedunculated spines by 6 weeks. To differentiate PG subpopulations we used expression of calcium binding proteins, GAD67 and tyrosine hydroxylase as markers. Among adult-born BrdU labeled cells, all molecular subtypes were represented, although GAD67 and tyrosine hydroxylase expressing cells were overrepresented proportional to their expression in the total PG cell population. During the time when spines are maturing, approximately half the PG cells are lost, in roughly equal proportions to their generation. Our data show the diverse developmental potential of SVZ neuroblasts and suggest that integration into synaptic circuits is necessary for survival.
The GAO investigation of corporate environmental disclosure: An opportunity missed

Abstract In July 2004, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued Environmental Disclosure—SEC should explore ways to improve tracking and transparency of information [Government Accountability Office. 2004. Environmental Disclosure—SEC should explore ways to improve tracking and transparency of information, GAO, Washington, DC]. The report is the culmination of the organization's extensive investigation into environmental disclosure by corporations in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The study was undertaken at the request of three members of the U.S. Senate. This commentary provides an extensive overview of the process, the findings, and the subsequent recommendations of the GAO in its investigation into corporate environmental disclosure. More so, however, it critiques the study, identifying what we see as both the strengths and the shortcomings of the GAO's examination.
SU-FF-T-284: Independent Calculation of Dose for a Helical TomoTherapy Treatment Plan

Purpose: To develop a new calculation algorithm for independently verifying doses from helical TomoTherapy treatment plans. Method and Materials: The calculation algorithm confirms dose to a point in a high‐dose, low‐gradient region where modulation is expected to be minimal. Inputs to the algorithm are the coordinates of the point, the radiological depth for each projection angle in the axial plane of the point, and the treatment sinogram. The algorithm uses common dosimetric functions (e.g., TPR, Scp), which were measured on the TomoTherapy treatment unit. Measured lateral and longitudinal profile data are used to quantify the off‐axis dose dependence. Test comparisons were made using a 7‐cm diameter PTV centered in a 20‐cm diameter cylindrical phantom. The phantom was positioned in the center of the treatment bore for one test and 10 cm off‐axis for another. Comparisons were also made for five prostate cancer treatment plans. In all cases, the point of calculation was the geometric center of the PTV. Results: Measurements of both TPR and Scp on the TomoTherapy unit demonstrated small variation with jaw width (field length) and the number of open leaves (field width). Therefore, average values of TPR(d) and Scp were used in the algorithm. Comparisons with the cylindrical phantom treatment plans demonstrated good agreement, with the calculated doses agreeing within 2% at the PTV center for both the on‐axis and off‐axis treatment plans. Results for the prostate patients also showed good agreement within 4%. Conclusion: A new calculation algorithm that uses standard dosimetric functions has been developed for verifying doses from helical TomoTherapy treatment plans. Supported in part by a research agreement with TomoTherapy, Inc.
Preferential trading agreements and capital flows

Abstract A three-country trade model is used to determine the impact of a preferential trading agreement between two countries on world prices and the international allocation of capital. Assuming the agreeing countries have characteristics typically associated with developing countries, we derive a simple condition that predicts whether a country experiences an inflow or outflow of capital with the agreement. While at least one country experiences a capital inflow, the other may experience an outflow. Welfare implications are addressed.
Discrimination and identification of dynamic catalytic reaction models via introduction of feedback

Abstract Linear and nonlinear feedback manipulations based on effluent concentration measurements from a catalytic CSTR are successfully used to discriminate between two rival models for catalytic N2O decomposition. Introduction of feedback causes steady-state multiplicity and bifurcation to periodic solutions. Much greater differences between the alternative models are revealed by this approach than by steady-state and “transient response” methods. Limit cycles obtained with feedback have in some cases nonharmonic form near bifurcation which may be attributed to bifurcation phenomena of higher order than the usual Hopf case. The dynamic studies are systematically organized using a new “decrement diagram” technique which displays the influence of two feedback parameters on closed-loop system bifurcations.
Concentration of Carbon Dioxide inside Leaves

DURING photosynthesis, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the intercellular spaces of a leaf, [CO2]int, determines the flux of carbon dioxide into the leaf if stomatal apertures and external concentration remain constant. Previously [CO2]int has not been estimated during photosynthesis but has been equated with the external concentration at which photosynthesis ceased. Our object was to estimate [CO2]int during active photosynthesis. Gabrielsen1 found the minimum to which many plants would reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in a closed system to be 100 p.p.m. by volume and concluded that [CO2]int was also 100 p.p.m. Heath2 arrived at the same conclusion. He drew air through leaves with porometers, varied the flow-rate and carbon dioxide concentration in the incoming air, and measured the carbon dioxide in the air leaving the leaf. Regardless of the rate of flow of air or concentration of carbon dioxide, the exhausted air contained about 100 p.p.m. carbon dioxide. Similar results were obtained by passing air over leaves at slow flow-rates.