cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Ballast Water Treatment Technologies on Ships Operating in the Baltic Sea Region

The introduction of invasive aquatic species in new environments has been identified as one of the four biggest threats to the world's oceans causing serious threats and harm to both ecology and human health. There is a major exchange of ship’s ballast water over longer distances between continents and regional seas, and it has been known for decades that ballast water transfers organisms to new ecosystems, where the strongest, most aggressive and adaptable species can survive and become invasive under favourable conditions. The focus of the research is to study available ballast water control technologies to determine their suitability and effectiveness in the reduction of harmful aquatic organisms and compounds in the Baltic Sea.
Understanding oil and gas pneumatic controllers in the Denver-Julesburg basin using optical gas imaging.

In the spring of 2018, a 10-day field study was conducted in Colorado’s Denver-Julesburg oil and natural gas production basin to improve information on well pad pneumatic controller (PC) population...
Meaning in life buffers the impact of experiential avoidance on anxiety

Abstract Experiential avoidance (EA), or the unwillingness to remain in contact with aversive thoughts, feelings, and sensations, has been implicated as a risk and maintenance factor of anxiety. Yet research is mixed on the extent to which EA contributes to symptom exacerbation. Cross-sectional studies suggest EA has a large influence on anxiety whereas longitudinal findings suggest EA predicts small increases in distress. Inversely related to EA and anxiety, meaning in life (MIL) entails making sense of and finding worth in one's experiences while also pursuing life aims. By facilitating a person's perceived management of distress, MIL is expected to prevent EA from making anxiety worse. Participants (n = 317) completed measures of EA, MIL, and anxiety at baseline and 3–4 months later. The influence of EA and the moderating effect of MIL on anxiety were examined cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Longitudinally, MIL changed the relationship between EA and changes in anxiety, such that when MIL was high, EA no longer predicted increased symptoms. Findings suggest that although EA is a vulnerability for anxiety, MIL buffers the small effect it has on later distress.
Living in the Margins

When people leave their communities to live in others, they become marginal to both communities. Learning new ways and modifying or relinquishing old ones becomes a way of thinking, feeling and acting. This has been happening with greater frequency in modern times since early 19th century. By mid 20th century in the United States, the changing kinds and resources of communities have yielded an increasing number of short-lived marginal experiences for an ever-greater number of people who periodically leave and enter one community after another—schools, jobs, neeighborhoods, cities—as part of their life experience. Marginality is overcome by learning the language and habits of the new community. Some people either hold themselves back or are held back from entering into the life of the community. When numbers of more durably marginal people become greater, the wellbeing and strength of the community declines.
E-cigarette use among young adults: A latent class analysis examining co-use and correlates of nicotine vaping

Abstract Introduction Although a significant proportion of young adults report e-cigarette use (nicotine vaping), little is known about co-use with other substances, including correlates that predict co-use. The current study aimed to identify co-occurring substance use patterns and evaluate multiple correlates in a college student sample. Methods 435 participants (21.4 ± 2.9 years; 57% women; 41% Hispanic/Latina/o, 29% Asian-American/Pacific Islander, 17% Caucasian/White, 6% Multiracial, and 5% African-American/Black) from a large, urban university were recruited in-person and completed an online survey in the fall of 2018 and the spring of 2019. Results Using latent class analysis (LCA), four substance use patterns were identified: Binge Drinkers (7%); e-cigarette Users (8%); Cannabis Users (14%); and Low Substance Users (71%). The e-cigarette Users class was characterized by moderate or greater use (>5 days of nicotine vaping in past 30-days) as well as past 30-day binge drinking and cannabis use. Higher levels of deviant peer affiliation (aOR = 1.28[1.11–1.47], p Conclusions The most pervasive co-occurring substance use was observed among the e-cigarette Users class. Young adults reporting moderate or greater levels of nicotine vaping tended to engage in binge drinking and cannabis use, which may ultimately increase risk of deleterious health outcomes. Deviant peer affiliation and impulsivity-lack of premeditation (but not internalizing symptoms) predicted membership in the e-cigarette Users class; consequently, public health efforts may benefit from increased selectivity in targeting young adults for e-cigarette prevention and intervention services.
The diagnosis and management of primary and iatrogenic soft tissue sarcomas of the sella

Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the sella is exceptionally rare. We conducted a case series, literature review, and nationwide analysis of primary and iatrogenic (radiation-associated) STS of the sella to define the clinical course of this entity. This study employed a multi-institutional retrospective case review, literature review, and nationwide analysis using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). We report five patients who were diagnosed at three institutions with malignant STS of the sella. All patients presented with symptoms related to mass effect in the sellar region. All tumors extended to the suprasellar space, with the majority displaying extension into the cavernous sinus. All patients underwent an operation via a transsphenoidal approach with a goal of maximal safe tumor resection in four patients and biopsy for 1 patient. Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated STS in all patients. Post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were given to 2 and 1 out of 4 patients with known post-operative clinical course, respectively. The 1-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 100% (5/5) and 25% (1/4). Twenty-two additional reports of primary, non-iatrogenic STS of the sella were identified in the literature. Including the three cases from our series, treatment included resection in all cases, and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy were utilized in 50% (12/24) and 17% (4/24) of cases, respectively. The national prevalence of malignant STS is estimated to be 0.01% among all pituitary and sellar tumors within the NCDB. We report the prevalence and survival rates of STS of the sella. Multimodal therapy, including maximal safe resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are necessary to optimize outcomes for this uncommon pathology.
Abalone Recruitment in Low-Density and Aggregated Populations Facing Climatic Stress

Understanding spatial and temporal patterns in the recruitment of marine invertebrates with complex life histories remains a critical knowledge gap in marine ecology and fisheries. As marine invertebrates are facing multiple stressors from overfishing and climatic stress, it is important to evaluate the conditions that facilitate recruitment in low-density populations. The red abalone Haliotis rufescens historically supported an economically important fishery in California, but the fishery was sequentially closed as stocks declined, and the last fished area was closed in 2018 following the collapse of the kelp forests in Northern California. Here, red abalone recruitment was evaluated annually from 2012 to 2016 and monthly from 2016 to 2017 in Central California where red abalone naturally occur in highly aggregated but low-density populations because of sea otter predation. Trends in wind-driven upwelling, temperature, wave forces, and food resources (kelp) were evaluated over the same time period as factors that could affect recruitment patterns. Recruitment was annually consistent except in 2015, when recruitment declined by 76%, likely because of reproductive failure during the second year of the North Pacific marine heat wave. The monthly recruitment assessment was the first field assessment of red abalone recruitment over a full year, and it showed that red abalone can recruit year-round. There were no clear recruitment patterns associated with seasonal wind-driven upwelling or relaxation patterns, and kelp density was constant over the study period; however, conditions at the study sites included three key features that may provide optimal conditions for consistent recruitment: (1) spatial abalone aggregation, (2) a sheltered embayment that may retain larvae, and (3) persistent algal food resources. These results can inform statewide and global abalone recovery and management programs.
Imaging Spectroscopy of Ionized Gaseous Nebulae around Optically Faint AGNs at Redshift z ∼ 2

We present Keck/OSIRIS laser guide-star assisted adaptive optics (LGSAO) integral-field spectroscopy of [O III] λ5007 nebular emission from 12 galaxies hosting optically faint (R = 20–25; ν L_ν ~ 10^(44) – 10^(46) erg s^(−1)) active galactic nuclei (AGNs) at redshift z ~ 2–3. In combination with deep Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Camera 3 (HST/WFC3) rest-frame optical imaging, Keck/MOSFIRE rest-optical spectroscopy, and Keck/KCWI rest-UV integral-field spectroscopy, we demonstrate that both the continuum and emission-line structures of these sources exhibit a wide range of morphologies, from compact, isolated point sources to double-AGN merging systems with extensive ~50 kpc tidal tails. One of the 12 galaxies previously known to exhibit a proximate damped Lyα system coincident in redshift with the galaxy shows evidence for both an extended [O III] narrow-line emission region and spatially offset Lyα emission (with morphologically distinct blueshifted and redshifted components) indicative of large-scale gas flows photoionized by the central AGN. We do not find widespread evidence of star formation in the host galaxies surrounding these AGNs; the [O III] velocity dispersions tend to be high (σ = 100–500 km s^(-1)), the continuum morphologies are much more compact than a mass-matched star-forming comparison sample, and the diagnostic nebular emission-line ratios are dominated by an AGN-like ionizing spectrum. The sample is most consistent with a population of AGNs that radiate at approximately their Eddington limit and photoionize extended [O III] nebulae whose characteristic sizes scale approximately as the square root of the AGN luminosity.
Addressing undergraduate skill gaps in higher education: Revisiting communication in the major course outcomes

Ongoing employer concerns about communication skill deficits and workforce readiness among college graduates have prompted this regionally-based study comparing survey results between 2015 and 2018...
The Need for New Cost Measures in Pediatric Value-Based Payment

* Abbreviations: APM — : alternative payment model InCK — : Integrated Care for Kids TCOC — : total cost of care Value-based payment reform is gaining momentum as health care stakeholders seek to reduce costs and improve quality. Reforms have not been evenly distributed, with most alternative payment models (APMs) being focused on adults. The relative lack of child-focused APMs represents a missed opportunity. Early life interventions can improve children’s cognitive and behavioral development, resulting in reduced costs over a lifetime; however, such interventions require new financing models to be sustainable.1 The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s recent Integrated Care for Kids (InCK) Model, which requires APM development to support the integration of health care and other family-serving sectors, offers new momentum for child-focused payment reform.2 To capitalize on the reform opportunities, new cost measures for APMs are needed that better capture the value of children’s healthy development and promote greater investment for preventive interventions during this critical life stage. Cost measures play a vital role alongside quality measures in shaping the incentives within an APM. Cost-of-care measures capture the total spending on health care services for a specific duration of time, population, or care setting. APMs use cost measures to ensure that the total amount paid out is not more than what would otherwise be spent absent the APM. For example, the total cost of care (TCOC) captures the total spending for a patient population over a certain duration … Address correspondence to Nathaniel Z. Counts, JD, Mental Health America, 500 Montgomery St, Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail: ncounts{at}mhanational.org
The Impact of Fiscal Consolidation and Structural Reforms on Growth in Japan

With Japan’s public debt reaching historical levels, the need for fiscal consolidation and structural reforms have increased. As fiscal consolidation will require a sustained and large adjustment in the fiscal balance, its growth effect is a concern particularly for the short run. This paper uses the IMF’s Global Integrated Monetary and Fiscal Model to analyze the growth impact of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms. Although fiscal consolidation has short-term costs, the potential long-term benefits are considerable, and reforms that raise potential growth could support consolidation. Simulations show that the external environment also matters but domestic policies should be the priority.
The Test-Retest Reliability of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form in Youth with Down Syndrome-A Pilot Study.

Background: It is unclear whether assessments of motor proficiency are reliable for individuals with Down syndrome. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the test–retest reliability of the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form (BOT-2 SF) in youth with Down syndrome. Methods: Ten youth (ages 13.1–20.7 years) with Down syndrome completed the BOT-2 SF (14 items) plus a standing long jump on two separate occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to determine the test–retest reliability of the BOT-2 SF and the standing long jump. Results: The test–retest reliability of the BOT-2 SF overall scores and percentile rankings were considered excellent. The test–retest reliability of each of the subtests varied with classifications of poor (n = 5), fair to good (n = 6), and excellent (n = 4). Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that children with Down syndrome have reduced motor skills. However, there appears to be a lack of assessment tools that reliably evaluate the motor skills of this population. The results from this investigation suggest that the BOT-2-SF provides “excellent reliability” (≥0.75) to assess the motor skills in youth with Down syndrome.
Skin Closure Technique and Postprocedural Pain after Spinal Cord Stimulator Implantation: A Retrospective Review.

Spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion stimulation are minimally invasive surgical techniques used to treat an array of chronic pain disorders. There is a paucity of data related to defining best practices in these specific patient populations, and historically, providers have relied on consensus committees to opine on the best techniques for patient safety and experience. The most efficacious mechanism of surgical closure—specifically a running suture closure compared to a surgical staple closure—is debated. A retrospective review of 155 patients implanted with either a spinal cord or dorsal root ganglion stimulator between 2017 and 2019 was undertaken to determine if the type of surgical closure was related to degree of postoperative surgical site discomfort. The primary outcome showed no statistically significant difference on postoperative pain scores between the suture (6.0 (IQR 5.0–8.0)) and staple (7.0 (IQR 5.0–8.0)) cohorts at postoperative day (POD) #1 (adjusted β 0.17 (95% CI −0.61 to 0.95), ). This finding held for postoperative pain scores at POD #10 as well (staples (1.0 (IQR 0.0–4.0)) and suture (2.0 (IQR 0.0–5.0), adjusted β −0.39 (95% CI −1.35 to 0.58), )) . A regression analysis was performed to identify secondary factors impacting postoperative pain scores. Higher preoperative pain score (β 0.50 (95% CI 0.09 to 0.92), ) and female gender (β 1.09 (95% CI 0.15 to 2.02), ) were predictive of higher incisional pain scores at POD#10. Increasing age was associated with decreased incisional pain scores at POD#10 (β −0.06 (95% CI −0.09 to −0.03), ). These findings are of interest to the pain practitioner and may be valuable in preoperative discussions with prospective patients.
“Very Fine People on Both Sides:” Diverse Viewpoints, Truth, and Free Speech on Campus

Reflecting a larger context of profound political polarization, controversies and protests around campus speakers have exposed deep social fractures, highlighting an important normative question fo...
Imperial Russia's Muslims: Islam, Empire and European Modernity, 1788–1914

Acknowledgements Notes on transliteration and dates Introduction 1. A world of Muslims 2. Connecting Volga-Ural muslims to the Russian State 3. Russification: unmediated governance and the Empire's quest for ideal subjects 4. Peasant responses: protecting the inviolability of the Muslim domain 5. Russia's great transformation in the second half of the long nineteenth century (1860-1914) 6. The wealthy: prospering with the sea-change and giving back 7. The cult of progress 8. Alienation of the Muslim intelligentsia 9. Imperial paranoia 10. Flexibility of the Imperial domain and the limits of integration Conclusion Bibliography.
Validation of Exposure Models: The Role of Conceptual Verification, Sensitivity Analysis, and Alternative Hypotheses

Available methods for evaluating the veracity and reliability of exposure models extend far beyond simple comparisons of observed and predicted values. To be valid, model tests must, first, be tailored to evaluate a model within its intended range of operation. Appropriate tests must then be developed to ensure that the model performs in accord with its designers' intentions and that significant phenomena have not been neglected or oversimplified. Finally, comparisons between model predictions and realworld data sets can be used to compare the performance of competing models, but such studies usually cannot serve as general proofs of the reliability or validity of an individual model. These points can be elucidated by means of a discussion of some of the ''validation'' studies executed during the development of the exposure analysis modeling system (EXAMS). The EXAMS was designed to evaluate the probable long-term behavior of newly synthesized organic chemicals in aquatic systems.
A simplified assay for coenzyme M (HSCH2CH2SO3). Resolution of methylcobalamin-coenzyme M methyltransferase and use of sodium borohydride.

Abstract The methylation of 2,2'-dithiodiethanesulfonic acid ((S-CoM)2) by methylcobalamin-coenzyme M methyltransferase requires an additional acidic protein, when NADPH is used as the electron source. This protein component and NADPH may be replaced by sodium borohydride which acts by reducing (S-CoM)2 to 2-mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (HS-CoM) prior to methylation. Evidence suggests that reduction by borohydride is chemical rather than enzyme directed. Catalysis by 100-fold purified methyltransferase requires only methylcobalamin and HS-CoM. The assay is accurate, reliable, and may be used to determine the usual enzyme kinetic parameters.
Heterodimeric transforming growth factor beta. Biological properties and interaction with three types of cell surface receptors.

Type beta transforming growth factors (TGF) are disulfide-linked homo- and heterodimers of two related polypeptide chains, beta 1 and beta 2. The homodimers TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 are widely distributed, but the heterodimer TGF-beta 1.2 has been found only in porcine platelets (Cheifetz, S., Weatherbee, J.A., Tsang, M.L.-S., Anderson, J.K., Mole, J.E., Lucas, R., and Massague, J. (1987) Cell 48, 409-415). Here we characterize the receptor binding and biological properties of TGF-beta 1.2 and compare them with those of TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2. Three types of cell surface receptors previously identified by affinity labeling with 125I-TGF-beta 1 are available for binding to TGF-beta 1.2. These three types of receptors are detected as 65-kDa (type I), 85-95-kDa (type II), and 250-350-kDa (type III) affinity-labeled receptor complexes on electrophoresis gels. They co-exist in many cell types, have high affinity for TGF-beta 1, and varying degrees of affinity for TGF-beta 2. Of the 11 cell lines screened in the present study none showed evidence for additional receptor types that would bind TGF-beta 2 but not TGF-beta 1. In receptor competition studies, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 1.2, and TGF-beta 2 competed for binding to type I and type II receptors with a relative order of potencies of 16:5:1 and 12:3:1, respectively, whereas all three forms of TGF-beta were equipotent as ligands for the type III receptors. The three forms of TGF-beta were equally potent at stimulating the biosynthesis of extracellular sulfated proteoglycan in BRL-3A rat liver epithelial cells, a response that presumably involves the type III receptor present in these cells. In contrast, the ability of the three ligands to inhibit the growth of B6SUt-A multipotential hematopoietic progenitor cells which display only type I receptors decreased in the order TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 1.2, and TGF-beta 2 with a relative potency of 100:30:1. The results indicate that the presence of one beta 1 chain in TGF-beta 1.2 increases (with respect to TGF-beta 2) the biological potency and binding affinity toward receptor types I and II, but the presence of a second beta 1 chain in the dimer is required for full potency.
Testosterone Pretreatment and the Response of Pituitary LH to Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) in the Male Dog

To characterize the effects of testosterone (T) pretreatment on the resenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), intact male dogs were injected subcutaneously with either oil or 500 μMg/kg of T in oil at 1, 3, 6, 12, or 24 hours prior to intravenous GnRH administration (50 ng/kg). The pre-GnRH levels of plasma LH were reduced in all groups of T-treated dogs except in animals given T 1 hour before GnRH. The concentrations of plasma LH during both the peak-response period and the recovery period following GnRH administration in animals injected with T did not differ from those in animals injected with oil. These results indicate that T pretreatment has no effect on the ability of the pituitary to respond to exogenous GnRH at all time periods tested, and imply that direct feedback of T on the pituitary may not be acutely involved in steroid negative feedback in the male dog. Unexpectedly, however, there was some indication that the time of injection of either oil or T could affect the response of the pituitary to GnRH, and this may represent a stress phenomenon.
THE EFFECT OF VARYING PATTERNS OF PRESSURE DELIVERY DURING POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION(PPV)ON CARDIAC OUTPUT (CO)

THE EFFECT OF VARYING PATTERNS OF PRESSURE DELIVERY DURING POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION(PPV)ON CARDIAC OUTPUT (CO)
Bacterial adhesins: common themes and variations in architecture and assembly.

Among the earliest events in many bacterial infections are the molecular interactions that occur between the pathogen and host cells. These interactions are typically required for extracellular colonization or internalization to occur and may involve a complex cascade of molecular cross talk at the
Regulation of Digestive Reactions by the Pancreas

The sections in this article are: 1 Regulation Of Digestion As A Function of Bulk 2 Regulation of Specific Digestive Reactions 2.1 Effect of Diet on Digestive Enzyme Content of the Pancreas 2.2 Parallel Secretion 2.3 Adaptation Versus Regulation 2.4 Nonparallel Transport 3 Properties of Regulation 3.1 Sensory Input 3.2 Modes of Action 3.3 Regulatory Outcomes 4 Mechanism of Secretion 5 End Products and Zymogen Granules 6 Conclusion
Principles of Consumer Protection in the North American Free Trade Agreement

Consumer policy has not been a high priority at the regional level for NAFTA subcommittees and working groups. Nor has it been a priority for national trade offices, such as the U.S. Trade Representative. To the extent that an impact can be seen, it has been piecemeal, as standards for specific sectors or products are harmonized or mutual recognition agreements are reached. Such efforts have at times sought to ensure that consumer interests are protected, but the primary focus has been removing non-tariff barriers to trade. Not surprisingly, the impact on consumer protection has been mixed and concerns about the environment and food safety continue to cause great concern among NAFTA critics and consumer groups. Like the GATT, the objectives of NAFTA are primarily to break down barriers to trade among the member states, and not necessarily to harmonize consumer protection laws in the member states, or to create a common consumer policy. To the extent that consumer protection is referenced in the treaty, it is mentioned as an area in which each member state has freedom to impose restrictions on trade as a legitimate public policy objective. In other words, so long as a member state's consumer laws pursue legitimate policy goals and are not disguised restrictions on trade, they will be allowed. In this paper, Professor James Nehf discusses the references in NAFTA to consumer protection, the role that regional consumer protection policy plays in the NAFTA member states, and the manner in which national consumer rules are accepted as legitimate non-tariff barriers to trade.
Providing Tractable Security Analysis in HOL

This paper describes tools that let HOL users, even unsophisticated ones, employ sophisticated HOL concepts in conveniently specifying system designs and proving that these designs have particular nondisclosure security properties. These tools include the Romulus Interface Process Specification Language (IPSL) and a translator for translating IPSL specifications into HOL90.
Towards a mechanistic understanding of tumor invasion--lessons from the alpha6beta 4 integrin.

This review explores the mechanistic basis of carcinoma migration and invasion by focusing on the contribution of integrins. Integrins are essential for invasion not only for their ability to mediate physical interactions with extracellular matrices, but also for their ability to regulate signaling pathways that control actin dynamics and cell movement, as well as for growth and survival. Our comments center on a unique member of the integrin family, the alpha 6 beta 4 integrin, which is a receptor for the laminin family of basement membrane components. Numerous studies have implicated this integrin in the invasion of solid tumors and have provided a rationale for studying the mechanistic basis of its contribution to the invasive process. Such studies have revealed novel insights into the mechanism of carcinoma invasion that involve both the dynamics of cell migration and signaling pathways that regulate this migration.
Inducible prostate intraepithelial neoplasia with reversible hyperplasia in conditional FGFR1-expressing mice.

Accurate determination of the contributions of oncogenes toward tumor progression requires their regulation. Herein, we created transgenic mice with prostate-specific expression of ligand-inducible FGFR1 or FGFR2, based on lipid-permeable dimerizing molecules, called chemical inducers of dimerization. Despite extensive homology and equivalent expression by both chimeric receptors in the ventral prostate gland, only FGFR1 triggers detectable nuclear translocation of Erk and progression to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Induction of PIN grade I-II, indicated by multiple layers of atypical cells, is seen consistently by 12 weeks of chemical inducers of dimerization treatment. By 6 months, more extensive nuclear atypia, thickened “reactive” stroma, and basement membrane herniation occurs, corresponding to PIN IV. By timed removal of FGFR1 signaling, we show that induced hyperplasia is reversible until extensive intraductal vascularization occurs, but continued progression requires prolonged FGFR1 signaling. Additionally, by highlighting differences between the two receptors and creating the foundation for controlling FGFR1 signaling during prostate cancer progression, a model of early stage prostate cancer is established for developing targeted intervention directed toward the FGFR signaling axis.
TH‐AB‐304‐02: Fitting Grade>=2(2+) Acute Rectal Complication Rates in Prostate Cancer Patients to Lyman Kutcher Burman (LKB) and Logistic Regression NTCP Models Using Dosimetry and Patient Specific Characteristics

Purpose: Models of rectal toxicity which include dosimetry only are known to have a relatively low predictive power, at least as measured by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). It has been suggested that the predictive power of models can be improved by including non-dosimetric patient specific characteristics. Methods: We compiled a database of 79 prostate patients who were treated with an IMRT technique to a dose of 77.4 Gy, 1.8Gy/fx, with an integrated boost to 81–83Gy in a sub-volume of a prostate which was identified on a pre-treatment MRI study. Acute grade 2+ rectal toxicities were graded according to CTCAE v4 by a physician who retrospectively reviewed patient’s medical records. We modified the LKB model to include one patient specific variable at a time, and we also used an NTCP model based on logistic regression to perform multi-variate analysis. We used patient specific variables available to us in a retrospective study: age, diabetes, hormonal treatment, Gleason Score, PSA, Statin use, prostate volume, boost volume and rectal volume. Results: Grade 2+ acute rectal toxicity occurred in 20% (16/79 patients). The LKB model with dosimetry alone gives AUC=0.65. Four variables, age, diabetes, PSA, Statin use, increase the AUC in LKB model to a maximum of 0.79. The same four variables in the logistic regression model increase AUC to 0.87. The most significant correlations are with PSA and with Statin use. Conclusion: Including patient specific variables in toxicity models can significantly increase apparent predictive power of a model. Somewhat surprising finding of a strong correlation between rectal toxicity and PSA in our dataset suggests that conclusions from each individual study should be treated with caution, until independently confirmed. Larger databases from prospective studies or meta-analysis of multiple studies may be needed to find patient characteristics that are truly predictive.
RIGIDITY–PLASTICITY–VISCOSITY: CAN ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL DAMPERS PROTECT BASE‐ISOLATED STRUCTURES FROM NEAR‐SOURCE GROUND MOTIONS?

The concept of seismic protection by lengthening the fundamental period of the structure has been implemented through a number of isolation systems. While flexible isolation systems can effectively protect structures from earthquakes containing high frequencies and sharp accelerations, they might amplify the response of the structure when subjected to rapid, long-period motions. In this case of long period excitations the stiff superstructure should be 'locked' to the ground, rather than be supported on flexible bearings. This paper shows through a comprehensive analytical study that a practical solution to this problem is to provide additional rigidity to the structure using a friction-type mechanism (rigid-plastic behaviour). The presence of friction-type forces reduce substantially the relative displacements of a single-degree-of-freedom structure by keeping accelerations at low levels; however, they are responsible for the presence of permanent displacements. Accordingly, the use of controllable fluid dampers is proposed and it is shown that they can be a practical solution to the problem. The response of a single-degree-of-freedom base-isolated structures is investigated, and the feasibility of a proposed electrorheological damper to deliver the required forces is discussed.
Pain: a poor parameter of evaluation in dentistry.

Abstract In the treatment of patients, lack of pain is only one of the criteria that should be used to assess success. We cannot allow our judgment to be swayed by pain alone. In treatment of the pulp and the periapex, failure can also be pain-free.
Taking Library Instruction into the Online Classroom: Best Practices for Embedded Librarians

ABSTRACT The proliferation of online courses has led librarians to adapt their instructional techniques and follow teaching faculty and students into the online environment. Moving beyond Web pages and online research guides, librarians are now becoming instructional partners in online course management systems. Through an online survey of librarians and a literature review, the authors examine best practices for these “embedded librarians.”
Mitochondrial Respiration-Coupled Superoxide Production Underlies Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Motor Neurons

Glutamate excitotoxicity is responsible for neuron death during both acute neuron injury and chronic neurodegeneration. However, its specific mechanism is not clear. Cytosolic calcium influx and excessive reactive oxygen species generation have been suggested to play important roles. We hypothesized that glutamate-induced neuron death is mediated by cytosolic calcium influx, subsequent mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) openings, and triggered mitochondrial superoxide production. Cultured NSC-34 cells, the motor neuron-like cell line, were differentiated to NSC-34D cells, which express glutamate receptors. Confocal imaging of the NSC-34D cells expressing a newly developed superoxide indicator, mt-cpYFP, revealed a bursting superoxide production event in individual mitochondria, named superoxide flash. The frequency of superoxide flash was positively correlated to mitochondrial respiration. Interestingly, glutamate (1 mM) incubation stimulated superoxide flash activity up to 24 hr, but inhibited it after 48 hr. The glutamate-induced superoxide flash activity was accompanied by a transient cytosolic calcium influx, which was blocked by glutamate receptor inhibitors, MK-801 (10 μM) and NBQX (1 μM), and mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibition. We previously showed that superoxide flash is a triggered event by PTP openings, which is modulated by calcium. Simultaneous imaging of mitochondrial membrane potential using TMRM and superoxide flash showed that dissipation of membrane potential accompanied each flash in NSC-34D cells. Further, glutamate-induced flash activity was potentiated by atractyloside, a PTP opener, and abolished by cyclosporine A, a PTP blocker. Finally, cell death occurred at 24 hr after glutamate incubation. SOD1 and SOD2 overexpression blocked the glutamate-induced superoxide flash activity and cell death. In summary, we identified a signaling pathway mediating the glutamate excitotoxicity in motor neurons. This pathway includes cytosolic calcium influx-associated mitochondrial calcium uptake, calcium induced PTP opening, and bursting superoxide production coupled to mitochondrial respiration.
Effect of folate deficiency and ethanol ingestion on intestinal folate absorption

The effects of folate deficiency, generalized malnutrition, and alcohol ingestion on jejunal transport, mucosal uptake, and reduction of folic acid were evaluated in rats. As measured by an everted gut sac technique, a folate-deficient diet fedad libitum did not alter transport or mucosal uptake of folate. Partial starvation, which was produced in rats pairfed with animals ingesting ethanol, increased jejunal folate transport and mucosal uptake in animals ingesting either a folate-deficient or control diet. A 20% ethanol ingestion by rats consuming folate-deficient or control diets resulted in transport and mucosal uptake rates intermediate in value compared to those fromad libitum fed and pair-fed groups. No differences in reduction of folic acid were found. These results suggest that folate depletion and ethanol ingestion, alone or in combination, do not affect the ability of the rat jejunum to transport folate but that partial starvation results in an increase in folate transport activity.
Maternal history of child abuse moderates the association between daily stress and diurnal cortisol in pregnancy: a pilot study

Previous research on the association between maternal daily stress and cortisol in pregnancy has yielded inconsistent findings. However, past studies have not considered whether stressful experiences in childhood impact maternal cortisol regulation in pregnancy. In this pilot study we aimed to examine whether the association between maternal daily stress and cortisol differed according to maternal history of child abuse. Forty-one women provided salivary cortisol samples at wake-up, 30 minutes after wake-up, and bedtime for 3 days at 3 times over second and third trimesters of pregnancy. On each day of cortisol collection women reported their daily stress. Women reported child abuse experiences prior to age 18 by completing 15 items from the Adverse Childhood Experiences scale. Twenty-one percent (N=9) of women reported a history of child sexual abuse (CSA), 44% (N=18) reported a history of non-sexual child abuse, and 34% (N=14) reported no history of child abuse. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) analyses revealed that stress in the day prior was associated with increases in morning cortisol in women with CSA histories compared to women with non-sexual abuse histories or no history of child abuse. Increases in evening cortisol were associated with increases in daily stress in women with CSA histories compared to women with non-sexual abuse histories or no history of child abuse. Results reveal a dynamic association between daily stress and cortisol in pregnancy and suggest that patterns differ according to maternal child abuse history. Language: en
A note on the error in gaussian quadrature

The error in Gaussian quadrature is analyzed using methods from the theory of analytic functions. It is well known that the error term may be expressed in terms of a contour integral against a kernel function K"n(t). We give two methods for computing the coefficients (in terms of the moments) for the Laurent series of K"n(t), and we give explicit expressions for K"n(t) for two particular measures. We then use the Laurent expansion of K"n(t) to estimate the error for various functions and measures.
Synthesis of Staphylococcus aureus Type 5 trisaccharide repeating unit: solving the problem of lactamization.

The chemical synthesis of an orthogonally protected trisaccharide derived from the polysaccharide of Staphylococcus aureus Type 5, which is an attractive candidate for the development of immunotherapies, is described. The challenging α-fucosylation and β-mannosylation are addressed through the careful choice of protecting groups. Lactamization of a β-d-ManpNAcA moiety during deprotection was avoided by a late stage oxidation approach. Versatility of the trisaccharide was demonstrated by its transformation into a spacer-containing repeating unit suitable for immunological investigations.
Congenital aberrantly located cutaneous Stensen's duct orifice--a newly described anomaly.

Abstract A case of a child born with an aberrant, cutaneous Stensen's (parotid) duct orifice and ipsilateral preauricular skin tags is reported. This congenital anomaly has been repotted in the medical literature only once previously. Possible explanations for pathogenesis of this unusual anomaly are discussed and a simple method of surgical correction is described
Evaluating bottles and labels versus tasting the oils blind: Effects of packaging and labeling on consumer preferences, purchase intentions and expectations for extra virgin olive oil

Abstract The objective of this research was to assess Northern California consumer liking, purchase intent and sensory and nutritional expectations for commercial extra virgin olive oils based on their packaging and labeling, and to compare those ratings to hedonic and purchase intent ratings for the same oils tasted blind. A set of 18 commercial extra virgin olive oils was evaluated by two groups of Northern California consumers under different conditions. One group (N = 102) visually assessed the bottles and labels and then indicated their liking and purchase intent for the oils, among other variables. Another group (N = 110) tasted the oils blind, and then indicated their liking and purchase intent for the oils. We uncovered two preference segments in the evaluation of the bottles and labels (packaging study), both of which liked the California EVOOs, but differed in their liking of the imported oils. Consumers in segment 1 liked mostly California EVOO bottles, while consumers in segment 2 also liked some of the imported oils, particularly those from Italy. The preference map generated from the hedonic ratings in the packaging study was quite different from that generated from the blind hedonic ratings, with California oils faring much better when ‘fully dressed’, likely because of the desirable features of their packaging, the possible familiarity of the consumers with them, the desire of most consumers to buy local, and maybe most importantly because many consumers in the blind tasting study disliked bitter and pungent oils, and/or actually liked oils that were somewhat rancid. Region of origin was the variable that showed the biggest impact on the overall liking of the bottles and labels in the packaging study. California EVOOs were significantly preferred over most of the imported oils, overall and for preference segment 1. Consumers were willing to pay more for the oils in the packaging study than they expected to pay in the blind tasting study. Purchase intent followed similar trends to overall liking in the packaging study, and it was inversely related to the purchase intent recorded in the blind tasting study.
Hypertension and unilateral hydronephrosis in children successfully treated by pyeloplasty: report of two cases.

Abstract Two children with unilateral hydronephrosis and hypertension with raised renal vein renins were treated by pyeloplasty resulting in a return of the blood pressure to normal.
Using the “ Summa Set - up ” in robotic assisted gynecologic surgery

During challenging gynecologic (GYN) procedures, the conventional robotic set-up can limit a surgeon’s ability to effectively and efficiently perform these procedures. We present a novel set-up using a parallel-docking approach of the da Vinci ® Surgical System with only three robotic arms and incorporating two patient side assist ports to overcome the difficulties presented during challenging GYN procedures. The Summa Set-up (SS) uses 4 ports actively, 2 assist ports and 2 robotic ports, compared to the traditional set-up which uses 4 ports: 1 assist port and 3 robotic ports. With the SS format, the patient-side assistant stands at the head of the bed and can simultaneously retract the uterus and aide in surgical dissection along with the console surgeon. While there are many possibilities of da Vinci ® docking, port placement and assistant placement during robotic-assisted GYN surgery, we believe the SS can be an alternative for many GYN surgeons, especially those in teaching hospitals, for increased mobility and efficiency during complex GYN procedures.
A family of high-swing CMOS operational amplifiers

A family of high-swing CMOS operational amplifiers has been developed to maximize the available dynamic range with low supply voltages. Complementary differential pairs are used to achieve an almost rail-to-rail input common-mode voltage range. High linearity is obtained by summing currents so that the small-signal differential-mode voltage gain is constant over the entire input common-mode range. With a 5.0-V power supply, the total harmonic distortion is typically only 1% in a unity-gain configuration with a 4.5-V/sub p-p/ signal. The measured DC offset voltages versus input common-mode range track between the conventional and high-swing versions. These measurements suggest that the commonly feared crossover distortion may not be a problem when the current summation high-swing topology is used. The measured step response characteristics were excellent and exhibited no signs of phase mismatch crossover distortion for high-frequency signals. >
Optoakustische Spektroskopie in kondensierten Phasen

Die optoakustische Spektroskopie ist ein neues zerstorungsfreies analytisches Verfahren, das in einfacher Weise Informationen uber die Elektronenanregungsspektren von Pulvern, halbfesten Stoffen, Gelen und Flussigkeiten liefert. Es last sich auch auf Proben anwenden, die mit konventionellen optischen Verfahren nicht untersucht werden konnen. Eine Vielzahl von Anwendungsmoglichkeiten auf den Gebieten der anorganischen und organischen Halbleiter, der Katalyse und vor allem der Biologie und der Medizin ist bereits erschlossen. Zu den Vorteilen der optoakustischen Spektroskopie zahlt, das das Signal nahezu unempfindlich gegenuber Lichtstreuung durch die Probe ist und das Aussagen uber strahlungslose Desaktivierungsprozesse gewonnen werden konnen. Nachteilig ist die Signalsattigung, die in Sonderfallen zu verringerter Intensitat einzelner Absorptionsbanden fuhrt.
Interfacial Properties of Extended-Surfactant-Based Microemulsions and Related Macroemulsions

Extended surfactants containing an intermediate-polarity spacer, such as polypropylene oxide, in between the hydrophilic head and the hydrocarbon tail are known to result in superior solubilization and low interfacial tension, though they exhibit slow kinetics. The present work seeks to evaluate both equilibrium and kinetic aspects of extended-surfactant-based micro- and macroemulsions. The interfacial morphology of the extended surfactant membrane, i.e., characteristic length (ξ) and interfacial rigidity (E r) at optimum middle-phase microemulsion conditions, was characterized using the net-average curvature model. The results showed that extended surfactants resulted in a relatively rigid interfacial membrane compared with conventional surfactants having similar hydrocarbon chain length. In addition, both ξ and E r parameters increased with the length of the polypropylene oxide spacer. Increasing E r values correlated to the slow coalescence rates of extended surfactant emulsified systems. Two alternative approaches (the addition of combined linkers and co-surfactant) are shown to overcome the slow kinetics of coalescence while maintaining desirable high solubilization and low interfacial tension.
Program understanding: challenge for the 1990's

In the Program Understanding Project at IBM's Research Division, work began in late 1986 on tools which could help programmers in two key areas: static analysis (reading the code) and dynamic analysis (running the code). The work is reported in the companion papers by Cleveland and by Pazel in this issue. The history and background which motivated and which led to the start of this research on tools to assist programmers in understanding existing program code is reported here.