cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Intervention Mapping to Develop and Adapt Two Educational Interventions for Parents to Increase HPV Vaccination Among Hispanic Adolescents

Introduction: Effective interventions to increase HPV vaccination are needed to reach national vaccination goals and to reduce later HPV-related cancer disparities. We used Intervention Mapping (IM) to develop and adapt a theory- and evidence-based educational intervention targeting parents of Hispanic adolescents to increase HPV vaccination. Methods: We followed IM steps 1-6 to: (1) develop a logic model and identify modifiable factors associated with vaccination among Hispanic adolescents by conducting literature reviews, focus groups, and in-depth interviews with Hispanic parents; (2) develop outcomes, write performance objectives, and develop a matrix of change objectives; (3) develop and identify a program theme, program components, theoretical methods, and practical applications; (4) develop an intervention design plan; (5) develop implementation strategies; and (6) develop an evaluation plan. We completed Steps 1-6 for to develop an intervention targeting parents of females, and we followed the steps again to adapt the program once HPV vaccine recommendations included males. Results: The program Por Nuestras Hijas (For Our Daughters) included two components: a print fotonovela and a tailored interactive multimedia intervention (TIMI). The program utilized the methods tailoring, targeting, framing, anticipated regret, modeling, skill building, and education and counseling to target the following determinants: parental knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, skills, perceived benefits/barriers, perceived susceptibility, perceived norms, and outcome expectations as modifiable factors influencing HPV vaccination. Lay health workers implemented the program in community clinics. A logic model of change guided evaluation planning. We later adapted the outcome and intervention content for parents of Hispanic adolescent males and changed the theme to Por Nuestros Hijos (For Our Children). Throughout the development and adaptation processes, we relied on theory, empirical evidence, and new data to make decisions. Discussion: IM provided a systematic methodology for program development and adaptation. Tasks in each step built upon one another integrating findings from the literature, previous research, qualitative findings, and theory to develop two educational programs for parents to increase HPV vaccination. The systematic process allowed us to develop messages and materials targeting factors beyond HPV knowledge or awareness to create behavior change.
Thyroid cancer stem-like cell exosomes: regulation of EMT via transfer of lncRNAs

Thyroid cancers are the most common endocrine malignancy and approximately 2% of thyroid cancers are anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), one of the most lethal and treatment resistant human cancers. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) may initiate tumorigenesis, induce resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, have multipotent capability and may be responsible for recurrent and metastatic disease. The production of CSCs has been linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of stemness. Exosomes are small (30–150 nm) membranous vesicles secreted by most cells that play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication. Many non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), such as long-non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), can initiate tumorigenesis and the EMT process. Exosomes carry ncRNAs to local and distant cell populations. This study examines secreted exosomes from two in vitro cell culture models; an EMT model and a CSC model. The EMT was induced in a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell line by TGFβ1 treatment. Exosomes from this model were isolated and cultured with naive PTC cells and examined for EMT induction. In the CSC model, exosomes were isolated from a CSC clonal line, cultured with a normal thyroid cell line and examined for EMT induction. The EMT exosomes transferred the lncRNA MALAT1 and EMT effectors SLUG and SOX2; however, EMT was not induced in this model. The exosomes from the CSC model also transferred the lncRNA MALAT1 and the transcription factors SLUG and SOX2 but additionally transferred linc-ROR and induced EMT in the normal thyroid cells. Preliminary siRNA studies directed towards linc-ROR reduced invasion. We hypothesize that CSC exosomes transfer lncRNAs, importantly linc-ROR, to induce EMT and inculcate the local tumor microenvironment and the distant metastatic niche. Therapies directed towards CSCs, their exosomes and/or the lncRNAs they carry may reduce a tumor’s metastatic capacity. This report examined secreted exosomes from two in vitro cell culture models: an epithelial to mesenchymal transition model and a cancer stem-like cell model. The authors evaluated the expression and transfer of four long non-coding RNAs (HOTAIR, MALAT, PVT1, and linc-ROR) from exosomes derived from the models. They show that there is induced proliferation and invasive properties via the transfer of lncRNAs by exosomes.
The Enteroclysis Examination of Infants

In fairly recent literature, it is stated that air is an excellent contrast medium for the digestive tracts of children and that, in addition, it is very cheap ([41], page 46). It cannot be denied that a careful study of the gas shadows on one or more abdominal survey films can sometimes lead to useful conclusions. This fact certainly does not apply to children alone. However, it has been explained clearly in chapter 4–6 why air is not a useful contrast medium for the visualization of the intestinal lumen. This is true for children as well as adults.
Responses of limbic, midbrain and brainstem structures to electrically-induced vocalizations

Abstract This chapter describes the limbic, midbrain and brainstem regions that participate in the production of vocalizations elicited by midbrain reticular stimulation in the rat brain. Fluorodeoxyglucose autoradiography was used to map the functional activity of all brain regions simultaneously during the elicited vocalizations. This approach permitted us to propose a new model of functional pathways for innately programmed vocalization in the rat brain. The structures involved in species-typical vocalizations were grouped into five levels of hierarchical organization along the neuraxis: limbic; hypothalamic; midbrain; pontine; and medullar levels. These five hierarchical levels interact using two parallel sets of anatomical pathways: (1) a direct pathway, which corresponds to the well-known limbic-midbrain-medulla pathway for innate vocalization in mammals; and (2) a more elaborate, indirect pathway, which involves three specific regions at each of the five hierarchical levels that form a network comprising a total of 15 brain regions. This model is consistent with the results published on the neural control of vocalizations in mammals, while at the same time it significantly extends the scope of the general model of neural control of innate vocalizations in mammals.
Optical and Electromagnetic Shape-Capturing Systems for Limb Anthropometrics

The allied health disciplines of prosthetics and orthotics require specialized knowledge of anthropometrics and have consequently developed instrumentation and systems to capture shapes of specific body segments. This instrumentation has found application for digital shape capture and subsequent model modification for intact and residual limbs as well as for the head and torso. Two primary technologies have emerged. Optical scanners are largely non-contact and use combinations of digital cameras, lasers, and lights to capture the surface geometry of a limb. Electromagnetic field-based systems are contact scanners that require the entire surface of the limb segment to be traced using a stylus. The accuracy of both systems has been established versus known measures and conventional hand-tool anthropometrics. Furthermore, the use of systems for routine collection of anthropometrics for all patients has been proposed even in cases when the instrumentation is not used as part of the process of fabrication of a prosthesis or an orthosis. Additional utility is possible with the use of the digital caliper function of magnetic field scanners. In particular, the collection of body segment parameters that is a necessary part of clinical gait analysis is significantly more efficient with the digitizer. An additional practical application of the systems is centralized fabrication of prosthetic and orthotic components. In conclusion, specialized equipment for limb digitization has benefitted the disciplines of prosthetics and orthotics and could have ancillary benefits in other fields as well.
Effect of switchgrass ecotype and cultivar on establishment, feeding, and development of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

As interest in production of second-generation biofuels increases, dedicated biomass crops are likely to be called upon to help meet feedstock demands. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a North American native perennial grass that as a candidate biomass crop, combines high biomass yields with other desirable ecosystem services. At present, switchgrass is produced on limited acres in the United States and experiences relatively minor insect pest problems. However, as switchgrass undergoes breeding to increase biomass yield and quality, and is grown on more acres, insect pest pressure will probably increase. To investigate how currently available switchgrass ecotypes and cultivars may influence herbivory by generalist insect herbivores, we performed feeding trials using neonate and late-instar fall armyworm [Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)]. No-choice feeding experiments were used to explore how switchgrass varieties influence larval establishment, consumption levels, and life-history traits in contrast to a preferred host, corn (Zea mays L.). Neonate S. frugiperda consumed greater amounts of corn than switchgrass and increased amounts of upland versus lowland ecotypes. Late-instar larvae, which do the majority of the larval feeding, exhibited lower consumption of lowland ecotypes, which led to increased development time and reduced pupal weights. The exception to these trends was the upland cultivar 'Trailblazer', which unexpectedly performed similarly to lowland cultivars. These results suggest that both switchgrass ecotype and cultivar can influence feeding damage by a common generalist herbivore. These findings can be used to help inform current switchgrass planting decisions as well as future breeding efforts.
C0 interior penalty methods for an elliptic state-constrained optimal control problem with Neumann boundary condition

Abstract We study C 0 interior penalty methods for an elliptic optimal control problem with pointwise state constraints on two dimensional convex polygonal domains. The approximation of the optimal state is obtained by solving a fourth order variational inequality and the approximation of the optimal control is computed by a post-processing procedure. We prove the convergence of numerical solutions with rates in the H 2 -like energy error by using the complementarity form of the variational inequality. Furthermore, we develop an a posteriori analysis for a residual based error estimator and introduce an adaptive algorithm. Numerical experiments are provided to gauge the performance of the proposed methods.
Low-Income Residents' Perceptions of Medication Availability

Access to medications is a critical determinant of health which often mediates the effects of diseases and leads to healthier lifestyles. With limited access to pharmacies, neighborhoods become pharmacy deserts. The purpose of this study was to explore the medication needs and perceptions of low-income community residents. A purposive sample of 40 low-income community residents participated in focus groups. Content analysis revealed four themes: transitioning to the present, stereotyping, feelings of disconnectedness, and ideal pharmacy. These findings reiterate the difficulties of living in pharmacy deserts, and decrease the gaps of limited qualitative research in this area.
Thyroid-Like Follicular Carcinoma of the Kidney With Extensive Sarcomatoid Differentiation: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney (TLFCK) is an extremely rare primary renal malignancy that typically has an indolent course and good prognosis. Histologically, this tumor mimics follicular carcinoma of the thyroid; however, typical thyroid markers are negative. There are fewer than 40 cases reported in the literature, and thus, the prognosis and course of disease is not well understood. Sarcomatoid differentiation has never been reported in a case of TLFCK. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with an aggressive TLFCK with extensive sarcomatoid differentiation and metastatic disease at presentation. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of both the thyroid-like component and the poorly differentiated sarcomatoid component using our solid tumor panel to evaluate for any disease-associated mutations and to better understand the molecular profile of these tumors.
Sentinel lymph node mapping alone compared to more extensive lymphadenectomy in patients with uterine serous carcinoma

Abstract Objectives The objective of our study was to assess survival among patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC) undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping alone versus patients undergoing systematic lymphadenectomy (LND). Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for newly diagnosed USC at our institution from 1/1/1996-12/31/2017. Patients were assigned to either SLN mapping alone (SLN cohort) or systematic LND without SLN mapping (LND cohort). Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method, compared using Logrank test. Results 245 patients were available for analysis: 79 (32.2%) underwent SLN, 166 (67.7%) LND. 132 (79.5%) in the LND cohort had paraaortic LND (PALND) versus none in the SLN cohort. Median age: 66 and 68 years in the SLN and LND cohorts, respectively (p>0.05). Proportion of stage I/II disease: 67.1% (n = 53) and 64.5% (n = 107) in the SLN and LND cohorts, respectively (p>0.05). Median follow-up: 23 (range, 1–96) and 66 months (range, 4–265) in the SLN and LND cohorts, respectively (p Conclusions SLN mapping alone and systematic LND yielded similar survival outcomes in stage I-III USC. In our practice, the SLN algorithm has replaced systematic LND as the primary staging modality in this setting.
Debt's Emotional Encumbrances

This chapter focuses on the role of emotions in the theory and practice of commercial and consumer credit laws, including bankruptcy, in the United States. It assesses knowledge about people’s emotions regarding personal and business financial problems, and evaluates how “money law” systems account for these emotions. This assessment finds that emotions surrounding taking on and being able to pay back debt differ between business leaders and people who shoulder household debt. These differences are traceable in large part to historical understandings of the respectability of incurring debt. This history has shaped the development of bankruptcy, commercial, and consumer credit laws in ways that make it easier for businesses than for households to access and navigate these legal systems. The result is that people dealing with stigmatizing money troubles face additional emotional encumbrances brought by “money law” systems, which impacts access to justice and the effectiveness of these laws. In contrast, business debt comes with less stigma and a relatively hospitable legal system, creating an opportunity for heightened risk taking. The chapter ends by considering the economic and social ramifications of business and consumer debt’s differing emotional encumbrances.
Discussion on the relationship between internal audit and corporate governance

The article analyzes the corporation governance structure and internal audit peculiarity of different models based on the theoretical basis of corporate governance structure,and draws the conclusion that internal audit is the effective means of perfecting the corporate governance,also conducts research on how to perfect corporate governance through strengthening internal audit.
History of STEM in the USA

A review of the history of Higher Education in the US, with an emphasis on the role STEM education and diversity within in US higher education from Colonial times to the twenty-first century. The founding of the first universities in the US was motivated by providing religious training and later shifted toward science and engineering education as the nation began to grow and the education system included more diverse institutions. At each stage the growth of higher education produced new economic growth, and yet the expansion of the higher education system made slow progress in providing greater access to higher education for women and non-white students. In the nineteenth century the founding of liberal arts colleges, historically black colleges and Land Grant institutions began to provide more diverse curricula and provided access to women and African American students. In the twentieth century, US universities were massively scaled up, and increasing fractions of students received degrees in STEM subjects, with the growth of a STEM workforce which enabled social mobility through higher education. The concept of a meritocratic system of equal opportunity, underlies the American Dream and expectations for social mobility in the US has not provided equal results for students from all racial and ethnic groups, and especially in STEM fields, where the levels of enrollment, degree completion and persistence through graduate programs are all lower for non-white students and women. Bringing greater equity and inclusion within STEM fields is urgently needed, and the chapter reviews some key recommendations for helping develop more diversity in the STEM workforce across all levels of higher education.
The vapor pressure and vaporization enthalpy of (−) β-Elemene and (−) β-Bisabolene by correlation gas chromatography

Abstract The vaporization enthalpies and vapor pressures of (−) β-elemene and (−) β-bisabolene are evaluated by correlation gas chromatography using two sets of standards, a mixture of various cyclic hydrocarbons and a series of n-alkanes. Both compounds are sesquiterpenes found in a variety of plants. β-Elemene has been used in China for the treatment of a variety of cancers. β-Bisabolene is used as a flavoring agent and it has also been shown to exhibit cytotoxicity in breast cancer cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. Vaporization enthalpies of [(66.8 ± 3.0) and (73.9 ± 3.0)] kJ·mol−1 and vapor pressures of [(3.1 ± 1.0) and (0.72 ± 0.2)] Pa at T = 298.15 K have been evaluated for (−) β-elemene and (−) β-bisabolene, respectively. Vapor pressures were also evaluated as a function of temperature from T = (298.15–450) K and fit to a second order polynomial.
Traumatic Injuries Due to Interpersonal and Domestic Violence in the United States.

Abstract Background Domestic and intimate partner violence (DV) are under-reported causes of injury. We describe the health care utilization of DV patients, hypothesizing they are at increased risk of mortality. Methods We queried the 2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for adult patients (18 y and older) with a primary diagnosis of trauma. DV was abstracted using International Statistical Classification of Diseases, ninth Revision codes for partner or spouse intimate violence, abuse, or neglect. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes included admission rates and charges. Results Among 14 million trauma patients, 654,356 (5.0%) had a diagnosis of DV. Compared with other trauma patients, DV patients were younger (34.6 versus 46.8 y, P Conclusions Injuries related to all types of DV are emerging as a public health crisis among both genders. To mitigate under-reporting, it is important to identify at-risk patients and provide them with appropriate resources.
Reactivity of Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter (PCM) in mediating environmental reactions: Current knowledge and future trends

Pyrogenic Carbonaceous Matter (PCM; e.g., black carbon, biochar, and activated carbon) are solid residues from incomplete combustion of fossil fuel or biomass. They are traditionally viewed as inert adsorbents for sequestering contaminants from the aqueous phase or providing surfaces for microbes to grow. In this account, we reviewed the recently discovered reactivity of PCM in promoting both chemical and microbial synergies that are important in pollutant transformation, biogeochemical processes of redox-active elements, and climate change mitigation with respect to the interaction between biochar and nitrous oxide (N2O). Moreover, we focused on our group’s work in the PCM-enhanced abiotic transformation of nitrogenous and halogenated pollutants and conducted in-depth analysis of the reaction pathways. To understand what properties of PCM confer its reactivity, our group pioneered the use of PCM-like polymers, namely conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), to mimic the performance of PCM. This approach allows for the controlled incorporation of specific surface properties (e.g., quinones) into the polymer network during the polymer synthesis. As a result, the relationship between specific characteristics of PCM and its reactivity in facilitating the decay of a model pollutant was systematically studied in our group’s work. The findings summarized in this account help us to better understand an overlooked environmental process where PCM synergistically interacts with various environmental reagents such as hydrogen sulfide and water. Moreover, the knowledge gained in these studies could inform the design of a new generation of reactive carbonaceous materials with tailored properties that are highly efficient in contaminant removal.
A gene–environment-induced epigenetic program initiates tumorigenesis

Tissue damage increases the risk of cancer through poorly understood mechanisms1. In mouse models of pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis associated with tissue injury collaborates with activating mutations in the Kras oncogene to markedly accelerate the formation of early neoplastic lesions and, ultimately, adenocarcinoma2,3. Here, by integrating genomics, single-cell chromatin assays and spatiotemporally controlled functional perturbations in autochthonous mouse models, we show that the combination of Kras mutation and tissue damage promotes a unique chromatin state in the pancreatic epithelium that distinguishes neoplastic transformation from normal regeneration and is selected for throughout malignant evolution. This cancer-associated epigenetic state emerges within 48 hours of pancreatic injury, and involves an ‘acinar-to-neoplasia’ chromatin switch that contributes to the early dysregulation of genes that define human pancreatic cancer. Among the factors that are most rapidly activated after tissue damage in the pre-malignant pancreatic epithelium is the alarmin cytokine interleukin 33, which recapitulates the effects of injury in cooperating with mutant Kras to unleash the epigenetic remodelling program of early neoplasia and neoplastic transformation. Collectively, our study demonstrates how gene–environment interactions can rapidly produce gene-regulatory programs that dictate early neoplastic commitment, and provides a molecular framework for understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental cues in the initiation of cancer. In mouse models of pancreatic cancer, a cooperative interaction between tissue damage and Kras gene mutation rapidly induces cancer-associated chromatin states in pre-malignant tissue, leading to gene dysregulation and neoplastic transformation.
Dual Primary IGH Translocations in Multiple Myeloma: A Novel Finding.

Clinical Practice Points • Cytogenetics in multiple myeloma is utilized to risk stratify patients into standard and high-risk groups. • Immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene translocations such as t(4;14) and t(14;16) are high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities that confer poor outcomes to therapy in multiple myeloma. • Primary IGH translocations are typically considered mutually exclusive events. • Here, we describe a case of multiple myeloma with dual primary IGH translocations involving both t(4;14) and t(14;16).
Making the switch

Changing career path can be daunting but there are big rewards for those who are brave enough to switch. M S Zobaer describes his unexpected journey from dusty plasmas to neuroscience
Affective Changes During 6 Days of Experimental Alcoholization and Subsequent Withdrawal

Experimental studies of affective changes associated with prolonged heavy alcoholization and withdrawal are of considerable importance. They offer the possibility of delineating critical motivational factors involved in heavy drinking (approximately one quart or more of hard spirits/day). Drinking at such high levels probably occurs intermittently as part of the clinical course of many alcoholics and may be of particular importance in inducing withdrawal at high levels of severity.
Lipid Microdomains Are Required Sites for the Selective Endocytosis and Nuclear Translocation of IFN-γ, Its Receptor Chain IFN-γ Receptor-1, and the Phosphorylation and Nuclear Translocation of STAT1α

IFN-γ contains a nuclear localization sequence that may play a role in the nuclear transport of activated STAT1α via a complex of IFN-γ/IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR)-1/STAT1α with the nuclear importer nucleoprotein interactor 1. In this study, we examine the mechanism of endocytosis of IFNGR-1 and the relationship of its nuclear translocation to that of STAT1α. In untreated WISH cells, both IFNGR-1 and IFNGR-2 were constitutively localized within caveolae-like microdomains isolated from plasma membrane. However, treatment of cells with IFN-γ resulted in rapid migration of IFNGR-1, but not IFNGR-2, from these microdomains. Filipin pretreatment, which specifically inhibits endocytosis from caveolae-like microdomains, inhibited the nuclear translocation of IFN-γ and IFNGR-1 as well as the tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1α, but did not affect the binding of IFN-γ to these cells. In the Jurkat T lymphocyte cell line, which does not express caveolin-1, nuclear translocation of IFNGR-1 and STAT1α were similarly inhibited by filipin pretreatment. Isolation of lipid microdomains from Jurkat cells showed that both IFNGR-1 and IFNGR-2 were associated with lipid microdomains only after stimulation with IFN-γ, suggesting that the IFNGR subunits are recruited to lipid microdomains by IFN-γ binding in lymphocytes (Jurkat) in contrast to their constitutive presence in epithelial (WISH) cells. In contrast, treatments that block clathrin-dependent endocytosis did not inhibit either activation or nuclear translocation of STAT1α or the nuclear translocation of IFN-γ or IFNGR-1. Thus, membrane lipid microdomains play an important role in IFN-γ-initiated endocytic events involving IFNGR-1, and the nuclear translocation of IFN-γ, IFNGR-1, and STAT1α.
A study of SPACR ghost dynamics applied to RNAV routes in the terminal area

A particular suite of tools for automation support for aircraft controllers is called spacing of performance-based arrivals on converging routes (SPACR) where there is a controller decision aide called converging route display aid (CRDA). In the past, certain extensions to CRDA have been investigated. Many of these extensions have resulted in unstable or undesirable dynamics of the "ghost" targets such as jumping and hesitation. This paper defines alternative functional extensions to target aircraft detection and ghost projection that is useful for area navigation (RNAV) routes and provide the results of analyses performed to determine the effectiveness of such extensions. In particular we show that if the aircraft conform closely to the RNAV route the "ghost" targets behave in a manner that should be acceptable to controllers, based upon past controller feedback. We also show under what conditions the dynamics of the "ghost" targets behave badly.
Initial uptake and absorption of nonheme iron and absorption of heme iron in humans are unaffected by the addition of calcium as cheese to a meal with high iron bioavailability

Background Quantitative data on the mucosal uptake and serosal transfer of nonheme-iron absorption in humans and the effects of calcium on these components are limited. Objective Our objective was to measure the initial mucosal uptake and the subsequent serosal transfer of nonheme iron and to determine the effects of adding calcium to a meal on both heme- and nonheme-iron retention. Design Whole-gut lavage and whole-body scintillation counting methods were applied to determine the 8-h uptake of nonheme iron and the 2-wk retention (absorption) of heme and nonheme iron in healthy adults (n = 17) after the consumption of meals of radiolabeled food. Results The initial uptake and absorption of nonheme iron were 11% and 7%, respectively, and the absorption of heme iron was 15%. Two-thirds of the nonheme iron taken up by the mucosa within 8 h was retained by the body after 2 wk (serosal transfer index: 0.63). Serum ferritin correlated inversely with the initial uptake and absorption of nonheme iron, but not with the nonheme serosal transfer index or the absorption of heme iron. Adding calcium (127 mg in cheese) to the meal did not affect absorption. Conclusions On the basis of its association with serum ferritin, the initial mucosal uptake was the primary control point for nonheme-iron absorption. An apparent reduction in heme-iron absorption associated with the lavage procedure suggested that uptake of heme iron may take longer and proceed further through the intestine than that of nonheme iron. The absorption of both forms of iron was unaffected by the addition of cheese to this meal with high iron bioavailability.
“Black Hole Artifacts”—A New Potential Pitfall for DXA Accuracy?

Abstract Certain types of metallic objects apparently have high attenuation (a white image) on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan images, but instead show up as black (black hole artifacts). When small, these artifacts may easily be missed on visual inspection. We hypothesized that such "black hole" artifacts could have a significant effect on bone mineral density (BMD) results. Human use approval (Institutional Review Board [IRB]) was obtained to publish patient scans and an IRB waiver was obtained for nonhuman research. We placed individual surgical clips and cassettes of clips of tantalum, stainless steel and titanium, and a bullet over the third lumbar vertebra (L3) of a Hologic spine phantom. In addition, 4 or 8 individual tantalum or stainless steel clips and tantalum squares were placed over L3 of cadaveric spines (high-density spine L1–L4 BMD=1.049g/cm 2 ) and low-density spine BMD (L1–L4 BMD=0.669g/cm 2 ) with attached soft tissues. Stainless steel and titanium clips scanned as white objects with DXA. A bullet and tantalum clips scanned black (black holes). All clip types were visible on single-energy scans as white objects. Eight tantalum clips significantly lowered L3 BMD compared to 4 or 0 clips in the high-density spine. There were no significant differences in BMD L1–L4 between 0, 4, and 8 tantalum clips in the high-density spine. In the low-density spine, 8 tantalum clips over L3 had significantly lower BMD compared to 4 tantalum clips overlying L3 and 4 clips lateral to L3 and 4 clips over L3. All of these scenarios had lower L3 BMD than no tantalum clips overlying L3. The BMD of L1–L4 was lowest with 8 clips at L3, but was not significantly different than no clips overlying L3. Eight tantalum clips lateral to L3 was significantly higher than no clips over L3. Black hole artifacts can occur in DXA scans containing certain metals like tantalum surgical clips. Although these surgical clips could decrease BMD at a localized area, they do not significantly decrease the L1–L4 spine BMD in a high-density spine specimen. In a low-density spine specimen, tantalum clips do have the potential to alter BMD of a single vertebral body and L1–L4. Attention should be paid to the possibility of black hole artifacts on DXA scans and the effect they may have on spine results. Viewing scans in the single-energy mode can be used to verify the presence of tantalum clips.
Analyzing Investments Needed to Support Oil and Gas Production and Distribution

The purpose of this study was to forecast road investment needs in the oil- and gas-producing counties of North Dakota over the next 20 years in light of its expected population growth and the growth of oil and gas production. With the essential objective of quantifying the additional investments necessary for efficient year-round transportation of oil while providing travelers with acceptable roadway service, the study focused on roads owned or maintained by local governments, e.g., counties and townships. Impacts and funding needs were analyzed for three types of roads: paved, gravel, and graded and drained. The analysis was based on three main data sources: oil production forecasts, traffic data, and county road surveys. The forecast output of wells was routed over the road network to pipelines, with a detailed geographic information system model in which oil movements were represented as equivalent tractor-semitrailer trips that follow least-cost paths. The projected inputs of sand and water and the o...
Theory of high temperature intercrystalline fracture under static or fatigue loads, with or without irradiation damage

Hull and Rimmer’s theory of high temperature creep fracture by grain boundary void growth and Skelton’s theory of high temperature fatigue fracture have been extended. The present theory includes the effect on void growth of volume diffusion and of vacancy generation by irradiation damage or plastic deformation within the grain interiors. The growth rate of cylindrical as well as spherical voids is calculated. We find that the presence of volume diffusion or of vacancy generation within the grain does not increase very much the growth rate of spherical voids but under certain conditions the growth rate of cylindrical voids is increased markedly. Unlike Skelton, we find that vacancy production within the grains does not decrease the critical radius for the growth of a grain boundary void in push-pull fatigue. (Likewise intra-granular vacancy production does not decrease the critical radius of grain boundary voids in creep.) Since in push-pull fatigue void growth is observed in the case of radii smaller than the critical value it is concluded that the stress concentrations that are produced by grain boundary sliding (according to the theory of Raj, Ashby, and Gifkins) are responsible for this growth. Whether voids aided by stress concentrations can continue to grow beyond a certain size depends critically upon the “roughness” of the grain boundary. It is strongly recommended that grain boundary internal friction peak studies be carried out in connection with void growth and high temperature fracture experiments. In particular, grain boundary voids are more likely to grow in push-pull fatigue (or in creep) if the value of the grain boundary sliding activation energy is close to that of volume self diffusion rather than if the sliding activation energy is close to the grain boundary self diffusion activation energy.
Relationship of Exercise to Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Beginning Chemotherapy

Abstract Context Cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly chemotherapy, has well-established adverse effects on individuals. Exercise has been found to confer benefits to patients, although the current evidence base is limited primarily to patients assessed during or after treatment. Although exercise has been a target of intervention efforts, its relationship to quality of life in patients about to begin chemotherapy has not fully been examined. Objectives To examine the relationship of pre-treatment exercise rates to patient's quality of life. Methods One hundred ninety-two adults diagnosed with Stages I–IV cancer and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, provided data on exercise, distress (anxiety and depression), and health-related quality of life prior to their initial chemotherapy infusion. Results As predicted, higher rates of exercise activity were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, and better overall mental and physical quality of life. These relationships were independent of demographic variables (i.e., body mass index and age) also associated with quality of life in the present analyses. Conclusion These findings further highlight the importance of assessing exercise before the start of chemotherapy as part of broader efforts to link patients to appropriate interventions aimed at enhancing quality of life. Findings also raise the possibility that assessing exercise rates could be useful in matching patients to the type of intervention most likely to benefit them. Future research should use prospective longitudinal designs to further explore this association.
Significance of slow synaptic potentials for transmission of excitation in guinea-pig myenteric plexus.

Abstract Intracellular recordings were made from neurones in myenteric ganglia of the guinea-pig ileum in vitro . Synaptic potentials were evoked by electrically stimulating presynaptic fibres as they entered the ganglion, using a small focal electrode. Slow synaptic depolarizations (excitatory postsynaptic potentials) were evoked in most myenteric neurones of both types. A single stimulus was more likely to evoke a slow excitatory postsynaptic potential in cells with nicotinic synaptic input (S cells; 50%) than in cells with long-lasting after-hyperpolarizations following the soma action potential (AH cells; 20%). Two pulses often evoked a slow excitatory postsynaptic potential in AH cells when one pulse was ineffective. The optimally effective time between the pulses was about 100 ms. Ten pulses resulted in slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials even when delivered at frequencies as low as 0.5 Hz. For the same frequency of presynaptic stimulation, the duration of the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential was greater in AH cells than in S cells and the amplitude of the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential was slightly greater in S than AH cells. Spontaneous depolarizations were observed which had time-courses and amplitudes similar to the evoked slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. They were not blocked by tetrodotoxin or atropine. The calcium-dependent after-hyperpolarization which follows one or more action potentials in AH cells was reduced or even abolished during the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential. Presynaptic nerve stimulation at intensities lower than those required to cause a slow excitatory postsynaptic potential caused a reduction in the calcium dependent after-hyperpolarization. It is concluded that the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential is generated by an intracellular intermediate process which is sensitive to the intracellular calcium concentration. The results suggest that the postsynaptic action of the synaptic transmitter is to interfere with the intracellular process which couples the entry of calcium to the increase in potassium conductance.
Major Positional Obstruction of the Trachea in a Patient With a Right-Sided Aortic Arch and Kommerell’s Diverticulum

TRACHEAL COMPRESSION in patients with a right-sided aortic arch and Kommerell’s diverticulum (classically defined as a bulbous configuration of the origin of an aberrant left subclavian artery in the setting of a right-sided aortic arch) previously has been described. In reported cases, clinically significant tracheal compression was noted preoperatively or soon after induction of anesthesia but prior to any change in the position of the patient. There has not been a case report in a patient with a right-sided aortic arch and Kommerell’s diverticulum in whom tracheal compression and/or obstruction was related only to surgical positioning and was otherwise absent. This case report describes a patient with a right-sided aortic arch and Kommerell’s diverticulum without any clinically significant symptoms during normal daily activities, exercise, or while sleeping in supine, lateral, or prone positions. Following tracheal intubation under general anesthesia in the supine position, no tracheal compression or difficulty with mechanical ventilation was encountered. However, complete tracheal obstruction was manifested in the right lateral decubitus position after placement of an axillary roll. This compression was relieved completely when the axillary roll was removed and the patient was returned to the supine position.
Phase behavior in fluid-solid systems

Abstract The presence of solids can completely alter the phase behavior of associated fluid systems. Examples where fluids can effect solid-solid equilibria and where solids can affect fluid-fluid equilibria are given for supercritical systems, hydrate forming systems and coal liquid-solid systems. These show that common assumptions made in systems containing solids and fluids can sometimes be drastically wrong.
MOMENT-ROTATION HYSTERESIS BEHAVIOR OF TOP AND SEAT ANGLE STEEL FRAME CONNECTIONS

This paper presents an approach toward formulating analytical models to predict the moment-rotation hysteresis behavior of top and seat angle connections. Experimental results obtained from 12 top and seat angle connection specimens are used to obtain the prediction equations for the parameters defining the moment rotation hysteresis loops of a typical top and seat angle connection. These parameters include the initial stiffness, ultimate moment capacity, ultimate rotation, the transition moment, characteristic moment, and rigidity parameter. Regression analysis results and comparisons with test results are presented to demonstrate the acceptability of these prediction equations. The prediction equations obtained for these parameters are used to develop four different moment rotation hysteresis models for the connection: the bilinear, elastoplastic, Ramberg-Osgood, and modified bilinear models. The results of the study show that the top and seat angle connection behaves as a semirigid connection. A wide range of initial stiffnesses and ultimate moment capacities are possible to achieve by altering the connection geometry related variables within a practical range. For certain geometric configurations of the connection, significant transfer of moment from the beam to the column can occur before the connection fails. Also, it is possible to design a connection with low stiffness and small moment transfer capability, so that it behaves in a manner such that it is close to being classified as a pin connection. The prediction equations developed for the parameters characterizing the four hysteresis models give acceptable results when compared to experimental results. The degree to which the models idealized the actual behavior varies with the elastoplastic model being the least conservative and the modified bilinear modeling being the best. The Ramberg-Osgood model is the most accurate in just modeling the nonpinching moment-rotation loops.
Time-of-flight cross correlation on a detector array for ultrafast packet detection.

We describe and demonstrate an interferometric technique for measuring the first-order cross correlation of ultrafast optical pulses. This technique may permit single-shot pulse detection and is applicable to receivers for time-domain optical communications.
Screening mammography was used more, and more frequently, by longer than shorter term Medicaid enrollees

Abstract Objective Recent studies have shown that timing and length of enrollment (LOE) in Medicaid in relation to cancer diagnosis are associated with stage of breast cancer among Medicaid beneficiaries. Whether LOE in Medicaid is also associated with the use of screening mammography (USM) is unclear, however. The objective was to determine whether USM among Medicaid beneficiaries is associated with LOE in Medicaid. Study design and setting The study used Ohio Medicaid enrollment and claims files, and a cohort approach to estimate USM during the 8-year study period. USM was assessed through (a) the proportion of women receiving screening mammography, and (b) the frequency of screening mammography exams. This study used women 40–64 years of age enrolled in Ohio Medicaid during 1992–1999 (n = 140,592). Results The proportion of women receiving screening mammography increased significantly with each additional year of LOE [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.59, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.57–1.60], and was higher among women presenting comorbid conditions (AOR: 3.05; 95% CI: 2.90–3.20). The mean number of annual mammography exams increased from 0.08 among women with LOE ⩽12 months, to 0.26 among women with LOE ⩾7 years. Conclusion Both LOE and comorbid conditions are independently, significantly, and positively associated with USM, although their interactive effect relative to USM needs to be studied further. These findings have important implications in the methods employed to study use of cancer screening and other preventive services by Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as in Medicaid policy analysis and program management.
Maternal dietary canola oil suppresses growth of mammary carcinogenesis in female rat offspring.

As suggested by rodent studies and studies using human breast cancer cells, dietary canola oil is linked with lower breast cancer risk. Here, we investigated the effect of maternal (pregnancy plus lactation) dietary canola oil on the susceptibility of female Sprague-Dawley rat offspring to mammary carcinogenesis. Although the control diet had 10% soybean oil, the treatment diet was formulated to contain 10% canola oil as a fat source. N-nitroso-N-methylurea was injected to induce mammary cancer in offspring. The offspring of canola-fed dams showed significantly decreased tumor multiplicity (1.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.9 ± 0.3, respectively; P = 0.04) and tumor volume (1232.5 ± 771.0 mm3 vs. 6,302.5 ± 1,747.4 mm3, respectively; P = 0.01), along with increased survival rate (87% vs. 47%, respectively; P = 0.01). In addition, the mRNA expression of development-related gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 was significantly higher in the lactating mammary tissues of the canola group dams and mammary tumor tissues of the offspring ...
Enantio‐ and Chemoselective Differentiation of Protected α‐Amino Acids and β‐Homoamino Acids with a Single Copper(II) Host

The association between an achiral copperII containing host 1 and chiral carboxylates has been expanded beyond previous studies to new chiral carboxylate guests, both α-amino acids and β-homoamino acids. The observed exciton-coupled circular dichroism (ECCD) signals for the enantiomers of each carboxylate were equal and opposite, and these signals differed in size and shape between the individual amino acids. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was applied as a statistical analysis technique to differentiate the amino acids, both enantioselectively and chemoselectively, giving the absolute configuration and identity of the amino acid. The identity of each of the α-amino acids and β-homoamino acids were determined independently by LDA analysis, and then the two were considered together. Each of these analyses showed good differentiation of the amino acid guests with the use of only one host molecule.