cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct optical assessment of large amorphous aggregates (marine snow) in the deep ocean

Large amorphous aggregates (LAA), frequently called ‘marine snow’, may accelerate the flux of fine particles and dissolved matter in the ocean by adsorption. The aggregates are extremely fragile, and their sampling with conventional towing and casting is impossible. To assess the size and spatial distribution of such aggregates we have developed a photographic system that can be lowered to full ocean depth. The system, based on light scattering in water, uses a well-collimated beam pointed downward from the verticle at an angle of 45°. The beam is produced by placing high-powered stroboscopic lights at the back focal plane of a Fresnel lens system. Illuminated aggregates in the light are photographed from a direction perpendicular to the beam axis. The photographed volume, 0.66 m3, is 106 × 156 × 40 cm. The resolution of the instrument is about 0.2 mm. Aggregates were distributed throughout the water column at all stations along a 200-km transect off Monterey Bay. The abundance of macroscopic aggregates (>0.5 mm) ranged from several per liter near the surface to 1 or less at depth.
Programmable spatial filtering with bacteriorhodopsin

We describe a programmable spatial-filtering system using bacteriorhodopsin (BR) film as a programmable, optically addressed spatial light modulator illuminated by a single wavelength of light. We use a computer-controlled mirror scanning system to write time-varying filter functions to the BR film and present proof-of-principle experimental results that demonstrate several elementary filtering operations.
Survival after anaphylaxis induced by a bumblebee sting in a dog.

A 3.5 yr old castrated male miniature schnauzer was referred with a history of collapse after a bee sting to the left hind limb. At the time of presentation, 14 hr after the sting, the dog was hypotensive, comatose, seizuring, and had a brief period of cardiac arrest. Over the following 48 hr, the dog developed azotemia, severely elevated liver enzyme levels, hypertension, hematochezia, hematemesis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The dog’s neurologic status improved slowly, but significant behavioral abnormalities remained. The dog was discharged after 7 days with ongoing polyuria, polydipsia, and behavioral changes. The polydipsia and polyuria resolved within a few days, but the behavioral changes continued for 6 wk. Reports of anaphylaxis from any cause are sparse in the veterinary literature. This is the first report of suspected anaphylaxis following a bee sting. There are no previous reports of behavioral changes after physical recovery from anaphylaxis.
Metabolic engineering to produce sesquiterpenes in yeast.

Presented here is a metabolically engineered yeast strain that produces sesquiterpenes. Epi-cedrol synthase expressed in a native yeast strain converted endogenous farnesyl pyrophosphate to 90 μg/L epi-cedrol. This system was genetically modified to increase foreign terpene yields to 370 μg/L. The best yields were obtained by overexpressing a truncated 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in a upc2-1 mating type a background. This system allows sufficient production to characterize novel sesquiterpene synthase genes.
Conjugation and transfer of fetal-placental steroid hormones.

A Characteristic of human preg-nancy is the dramatic increase in production of certain protein and steroid hormones (1). The principal functions of these large amounts of hormones are not clearly defined but it seems reasonable that the stimulation of the fetus by these physiologically active substances could produce irreversible damage. The two principal protein hormones present no challenge to the fetus. Chorionic gonadotropin and “growth hormone-prolactin,” although produced in the trophoblast, are secreted unidirectionally into the maternal circulation (2, 3). On the other hand, steroid hormones synthesized by the fetal-placental unit are found in highest concentrations within the unit, posing the dual problems of inactivation and transport to the mother for excretion. It is intended to develop the concept that conjugation is a major metabolic pathway of fetal-placental hormones. This process inactivates hormones but impedes transfer to the mother. However, mechanisms for reversal of conjugation opera...
Hemodynamic monitoring in neonates: advances and challenges

Continuous, reliable and real-time assessment of major determinants of cardiovascular function in preterm and term neonates has long been an elusive aim in neonatal medicine. Accordingly, aside from continuous assessment of heart rate, blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation, bedside monitoring of major determinants of cardiovascular function of significant clinical relevance such as cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, organ blood flow distribution and tissue oxygen delivery and coupling has only recently become available. Without obtaining reliable information on the changes in and interactions among these parameters in the neonatal patient population during postnatal transition and later in the neonatal period, development of effective and less harmful treatment approaches to cardiovascular compromise is not possible. This paper briefly reviews the recent advances in our understanding of developmental cardiovascular physiology and discusses the methods of bedside assessment of cardiovascular function in general and organ perfusion, tissue oxygen delivery and brain function in particular in preterm and term neonates. The importance of real-time data collection and the need for meticulous validation of the methods recently introduced in the assessment of neonatal cardiovascular function such as echocardiography, electrical impedance cardiometry, near infrared spectroscopy, visible light and laser-Doppler technology are emphasized. A clear understanding of the accuracy, feasibility, reliability and limitations of these methods through thorough validation will result in the most appropriate usage of these methods in clinical research and patient care.
Functioning status of adult children of depressed parents: a 23-year follow-up.

BackgroundWe compared adult offspring of depressed or control parents who were followed for 23 years. Comparisons were on depression symptoms, physical functioning and disability, social functioning, and utilization of help and coping. Also examined was whether the parent's course of depression (stably remitted, partially remitted, non-remitted) was associated with offspring functioning.MethodDepressed parents successfully followed at 23 years (n=248, 82%) identified 215 adult offspring; 67% returned questionnaires. Matched control parents successfully followed (n=235, 79%) identified 261 adult offspring; 68% completed questionnaires.ResultsAdult offspring of depressed parents were more impaired than adult offspring of controls (with gender and education controlled) in the domains of depression and disability, and obtained more help for mental health problems. They also reported more severe recent stressors and relied more on active cognitive coping and seeking alternative rewards to cope. Adult offspring of depressed and control parents were comparable in a number of domains: psychiatric and behavioral problems other than depression, physical functioning and pain, social functioning, and hospitalizations and medication use for depression. Adult offspring of parents with a non-remitted course of depression were the most likely to show impaired functioning compared with controls.ConclusionsHaving a parent with depression is associated with more depression and disability in adulthood, but does not have debilitating effects in other life domains. Nonetheless, it may be important for offspring of depressed parents, particularly offspring of parents with a non-remitting depression course, to recognize their elevated risk of depression and potential need for help.
Predicted prostate specific antigen results using transrectal ultrasound gland volume. Differentiation of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Methods. The diagnostic performance of transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) gland volume and prostate specific antigen (PSA) results were evaluated in 204 men consecutively scheduled to undergo transurethral prostatic resection (TUR). Results. Nonpalpable prostate cancer was detected by TRUS alone in 18% (29 of 161) and by TUR alone in 9% (14/161), for an overall cancer incidence of 27%. A predicted PSA value (TRUS gland volume × 0.20 ng/ml/g = polyclonal PSA) was used for comparison with serum PSA for each patient. TRUS positive predictive value improved from 52% to 86% when serum PSA exceeded the predicted value. The specificity and positive predictive value of PSA at 2.5 ng/ml were 23% and 37%, respectively, which increased to 88% and 72%, respectively, when serum PSA exceeded the predicted value. Conclusions. Predicted PSA values produce decision levels near the 95th percentile for each patient and assist individual biopsy decisions better than grouped gland volume ranges. Wider application of TRUS and PSA in any clinical setting or early detection program is now possible.
Designing and Developing Effective Disease Management Programmes

The effectiveness of disease management programmes hinges on a combination of factors, all of which are important to consider when selecting a programme for implementation. This article provides a brief overview of disease management programmes commonly found in healthcare organisations, highlighting the issue of programme effectiveness.
EFFECT OF THYRO-PARATHYROIDECTOMY AND ADRENALECTOMY ON FOOD INTAKE IN RATS.

SummaryA study is reported concerning the alteration in voluntary food intake of adult female Sprague-Dawley-Rolfsmeyer rats following thyro-parathyroidectomy and adre-nalectomy separately and together. Food consumption declined gradually to 24% at about 60 days following thyroidectomy. After 119 days, graded replacement therapy with thy-roxine was initiated. Levels of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/100 g body weight failed to stimulate food intake comparable to the control level. Even on 2.0μg thyroxine after 189 days, food intake was still 31% below normal. After adrenalectomy, food intake was quickly reduced 27%, and after the thyroids were removed, food intake was reduced a total of 30%.
Theory Construction as Disciplined Reflexivity: Tradeoffs in the 90s

The article presents the author's commentary on papers published in the October 1999 issue of “Academy of Management Review.” The author explains that throughout the 1990s, many of the articles published did not offer modifications and suggestions that would enhance the field of management research and organizational methodologies. Instead, the articles appeared to present safe suggestions, expanding on current theories that the author suggests were fashionable during these years. The author looks at the paradigms that are suggested and explored in each of the issue's articles.
Numerical methods for transient solutions of machine repair problems

Abstract This paper reviews and compares two types of numerical methods of computing transient probabilities of finite Markovian queues (particularly the machine repair problem). A brief review of each method is followed by numerical examples of small and moderate size machine repair problems. The results demonstrate the feasibility of applying numerical techniques for obtaining transient solutions to Markovian queueing problems.
Analysis of Silica Surface Heterogeneity Using Butane and Butene Adsorption Data

Adsorption isotherms for butane and butene measured on silica samples at different temperatures are used as a data base for describing the chemical and physical changes in the systems. The stable numerical method for solving the adsorption integral equation (SAIEUS) is used to deconvolute adsorption data. The effect of lateral interactions between adsorbed molecules on the results obtained is underlined. The adsorption properties of the initial and heat-treated silica samples are discussed in terms of their butane and butene adsorption energy distributions. The analysis of the results obtained reveals the complex nature of the silica surface due to its microporosity and the presence of surface hydroxyl groups.
Neutral Gas Distribution and Kinematics of the Nearly Face-on Spiral Galaxy NGC 1232

We have analyzed high velocity resolution H I synthesis observations of the nearly face-on Sc galaxy NGC 1232. The neutral gas distribution extends well beyond the optical extent of the galaxy. As expected, local peaks in the H I column density are associated with the spiral arms. Further, the H I column density drops precipitously near the center of the galaxy. Closed contours in the velocity field suggest either that the system is warped or that the rotation curve declines. The velocity dispersion is approximately constant throughout the system, with a median value of 9.9 ± 1.8 km s-1. When corrected for rotational broadening, there is no indication of a radial trend in the neutral gas velocity dispersion in this galaxy.
Energy optimization of algebraic multigrid bases

The application of a non-overlapping domain decomposition method to the solution of a stabilized finite element method for elliptic boundary value problems is considered. We derive an a-posteriori error estimate which bounds the error on the subdomains by the interface error of the subdomain solutions. As a by-product, some foundation is given to the design of the interface transmission condition. Numerical results support the theoretical results. Furthermore, we adapt a recent result on a-posteriori estimates for singular perturbation problems in order to obtain an a-posteriori estimate for the discrete subdomain solutions. — Authors' Abstract
Development of Chronic Productive Cough as Associated with Long-Term Ambient Inhalable Particulate Pollutants (PM10) in Nonsmoking Adults: The AHSMOG Study

Abstract Standardized respiratory symptom questionnaires were completed by 3091 nonsmoking California Seventh-Day Adventists in 1977, 1987, and 1992. Ambient concentrations of air pollutants estimated included total suspended particulates (TSP), 1973–1987; particulates ⩽10 μm in diameter (PM10), indirectly estimated from TSP, 1973–1987, and directly estimated from monitored PM10, 1987–1992; suspended sulfates, 1977–1992; sulfur dioxide, 1973–1992; and 8-hour average of ozone, 1973–1992. Adjustments to ambient concentrations have been made for time spent indoors. Chronic bronchitis was defined as cough only (cough type) or with sputum production (chronic productive cough) on most days, for at least 3 months/year, for 2 years or more. Using indirect estimates of PM10 prior to 1987 and direct estimates after 1987, multiple logistic regression models adjusting for covariates have been used to study development of chronic bronchitis (235 new cases) and chronic productive cough (169 new cases) between 1977 and ...
Sterol-regulated Degradation of Insig-1 Mediated by the Membrane-bound Ubiquitin Ligase gp78

Insig-1 and Insig-2, closely related endoplasmic reticulum membrane proteins, mediate transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that assure cholesterol homeostasis through their sterol-induced binding to Scap (SREBP cleavage-activating protein) and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recent studies show that Insig-1 (but not Insig-2) is ubiquitinated and rapidly degraded when cells are depleted of sterols. Conversely, ubiquitination of Insig-1 is blocked, and the protein is stabilized when intracellular sterols accumulate. Here, we report that the ubiquitin ligase gp78, which binds with much higher affinity to Insig-1 than Insig-2, is required for ubiquitination and degradation of Insig-1 in sterol-depleted cells. Sterols prevent Insig-1 ubiquitination and degradation by displacing gp78 from Insig-1, an event that results from sterol-induced binding of Scap to Insig-1. In addition to providing a mechanism for sterol-regulated degradation of Insig-1, these results help to explain why Scap is subject to endoplasmic reticulum retention upon Insig-1 binding, whereas 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase is ubiquitinated and degraded.
An adaptive algorithm for system level diagnosis

Abstract Consider a system of n units, at most t of which are faulty. An adaptive diagnosis algorithm is presented which uses a sequence of tests to identify a fault-free unit. The algorithm requires at most 2 t − ν ( t ) tests, where ν ( t ) is the number of 1's in the binary representation of t . Moreover, many of the tests can be performed simultaneously. The previously best algorithms for the same purpose required 2 t − 1 tests, none of which could be performed simultaneously.
Prony analysis for power system transient harmonics

Proliferation of nonlinear loads in power systems has increased harmonic pollution and deteriorated power quality. Not required to have prior knowledge of existing harmonics, Prony analysis detects frequencies, magnitudes, phases, and especially damping factors of exponential decaying or growing transient harmonics. In this paper, Prony analysis is implemented to supervise power system transient harmonics, or time-varying harmonics. Further, to improve power quality when transient harmonics appear, the dominant harmonics identified from Prony analysis are used as the harmonic reference for harmonic selective active filters. Simulation results of two test systems during transformer energizing and induction motor starting confirm the effectiveness of the Prony analysis in supervising and canceling power system transient harmonics.
High-pressure fast-pyrolysis, fast-hydropyrolysis and catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of cellulose: production of liquid fuel from biomass

A lab-scale, high-pressure, continuous-flow fast-hydropyrolysis and vapor-phase catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) reactor has been successfully designed, built and tested with cellulose as a model biomass feedstock. We investigated the effects of pyrolysis temperature on high-pressure cellulose fast-pyrolysis, hydrogen on high-pressure cellulose fast-hydropyrolysis, reaction pressure (27 bar and 54 bar) on our reactor performance and candidate catalysts for downstream catalytic HDO of cellulose fast-hydropyrolysis vapors. In this work, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method has been developed and utilized for quantitative characterization of the liquid products. The major compounds in the liquid from cellulose fast-pyrolysis (27 bar, 520 °C) are levoglucosan and its isomers, formic acid, glycolaldehyde, and water, constituting 51 wt%, 11 wt%, 8 wt% and 24 wt% of liquid respectively. Our results show that high pressures of hydrogen do not have a significant effect on the fast-hydropyrolysis of cellulose at 480 °C but suppress the formation of reactive light oxygenate species like glycolaldehyde and formic acid at 580 °C. The formation of permanent gases (CO, CO2, CH4) and glycolaldehyde and formic acid increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature in the range of 480 °C–580 °C in high-pressure cellulose fast-pyrolysis, in the absence of hydrogen. Candidate HDO catalysts Al2O3, 2% Ru/Al2O3 and 2% Pt/Al2O3 resulted in extents of deoxygenation of 20%, 22% and 27%, respectively, but led to carbon loss to gas phase as CO and CH4. These catalysts provide useful insights for other candidate HDO catalysts for improving the extent of deoxygenation with higher carbon recovery in the liquid product.
Effects of cholinergic drugs on poor performance of rats in a shuttle-box

Atropine or scopolamine improved conditioned avoidance behavior for most rats which performed poorly, in spite of extensive training, in a shuttle-box procedure. As previously reported, d-amphetamine also improved performance in many of these animals, but there was no particular relationship between a rat's responses to the cholinergic blocking agents and to d-amphetamine. The effect of any one of the 3 agents was, for the most part, reversible after the drug effect had dissipated.
Positron emission tomography of the central nervous system

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a computerized imaging technique which may enable quantitative regional information about brain function to be obtained in v i vo . In contrast to the 'static' anatomical images produced by transmission computerized tomography (CT), PET images reflect the activity of physiological and metabolic processes. The high cost of PET hardware ($0.5-$1.0 million) and the need for a medical cyclotron and a sophisticated imaging facility have so far served to restrict the development of positron emission tomography to a small number of university medical centers engaged in hightechnology biomedical research. Until recently, the limited spatial resolution of 'state-of-the-art ' PET scanners (approximately 1 cm v 1 mm for modern CT scanners) has tempered the enthusiasm of clinically-oriented researchers accustomed to high-resolution CT images. In spite of these limitations, positron emission tomography offers unparalleled opportunities for investigating the relationship between regional cerebral metabolism and brain function. Most living tissues are composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Fortunately, cyclotron-produced positron-emitting radioisotopes of carbon, oxygen and nitrogen are available and eminently suitable for PET imaging: "C (t~ = 20 min), ~N (t~ = 10 min) and 1~O (t~ = 2 min). Another biologically important positron emitter is ~SF (t t = 110 min). During the past two decades, resourceful organic and radiochemists have succeeded in incorporating a number of short-lived positron emitters into compounds of biological interest, such as glucose, amino acids, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Tracer amounts of these compounds can be injected into or inhaled by human subjects, whose brains are them imaged to demonstrate the threedimensional distribution of the labeled tracer. The quantitative interpretation of
Nanotaper coupler for the horizontal slot-waveguide

Slot-waveguides have attracted considerable attention recently due to the high-intensity electric fields and power densities that can be achieved in very small volumes of low-index materials. Latest applications of this concept have led to new designs of photodetectors, modulators and CMOS-compatible light-emitting devices. However, the coupling of light to and from fiber optics and slot-waveguides remains a challenge. In this paper we present the numerical analysis of a slotted nanotaper for coupling between a fiber and the horizontal slot-waveguide. We used numerical simulations to study the coupling process and found a minimum mismatch loss of 0.4 dB for a tip width of 105 nm. The mode conversion from the tip of the coupler to the full width of the slot-waveguide was performed with a loss less than 0.2 dB when the length was at least 80 microns. This inverse taper increases significantly the coupling efficiency, compared to other approaches such as direct butt coupling and an improved rectangular silicon nanotaper.
Chemical Processing in High-Pressure Aqueous Environments. 7. Process Development for Catalytic Gasification of Wet Biomass Feedstocks

Through the use of a metal catalyst, gasification of wet biomass can be accomplished with high levels of carbon conversion to gas at relatively low temperature (350 °C). In a pressurized-water environment (20 MPa), near-total conversion of the organic structure of biomass to gases has been achieved in the presence of a ruthenium metal catalyst. The process is essentially steam reforming, as there is no added oxidizer or reagent other than water. In addition, the gas produced is a medium heating value gas due to the synthesis of high levels of methane, as dictated by thermodynamic equilibrium. While good gas production was demonstrated, biomass trace components caused some processing difficulties in the fixed catalyst bed tubular reactor system used for the catalytic gasification process. Results are described for tests using both bench-scale and scaled-up reactor systems.
Modeling groundwater velocity uncertainty in nonstationary composite porous media

Despite the intensive research over the past decades in the field of stochastic subsurface hydrology, our ability to analyze and model heterogeneous groundwater systems remains limited. Most existing theories are either too restrictive to handle practical complexity or too expensive to be applied to realistic problem sizes. In this paper we present approximate, closed-form equations that allow modeling 2D nonstationary flows in statistically inhomogeneous aquifers, including composite aquifers containing multiple zones characterized by different statistical models. The composite representation has the effect of decreasing the variance of deviations from the mean, relaxing the limitation of the small-perturbation assumption. The simple formulas are illustrated with a number of examples and compared with a corresponding first-order nonstationary numerical analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that, despite the gross simplifications, the closed-form equations are robust and able to capture complex variance dynamics, reproducing surprisingly well the first-order numerical solutions and the Monte Carlo simulation even in highly nonstationary, variable situations.
Disability Trends by Marital Status Among Older Americans, 1997–2010: An Examination by Gender and Race

This study examined disability trends by marital status among older adults aged 60 and above from 1997 to 2010 in the U.S. We addressed two questions: (1) Has the relationship between marital status and disability changed over the study period? (2) Can the trends be explained by changes in socioeconomic status? We paid special attention to potential gender and racial variations in these patterns. Data were drawn from the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) 1997–2010 (N = 170,446). Consistent with previous literature, our results from logistic regression models suggested that the married had lower odds of reporting either ADL or IADL disability than the unmarried groups over the entire study period across all gender and racial subgroups examined. More importantly, we found that the ADL disability gaps of widowed white men, widowed white women, and divorced white women in comparison to their married white counterparts decreased from 1997 to 2010; the IADL disability gaps of widowed white men and widowed black women in comparison to their married counterparts also decreased, while the IADL disability gap between never married white men and married white men increased over time. Socioeconomic status could explain little of these trends. These results, coupled with the growth of unmarried elderly population, suggest that the national long-term care system needs to get prepared for the potentially significant increase in demand for their services among the vulnerable unmarried elderly (especially blacks) and provide affordable and adequate services to those in need.
Weight-strength-redundancy interaction in optimum design of three-dimensional brittle-ductile trusses

Abstract The effects of optimization on both reserve strength and redundancy of three-dimensional brittle-ductile trusses are demonstrated. The optimum design is defined as the truss of least weight, subject to a prescribed set of side and behavior constraints. The weight-strength-redundancy interaction in optimum design of three-dimensional indeterminate trusses is illustrated with numerical examples of minimum-weight design of a 25-bar space truss having brittle, ductile, or brittle-ductile members.
Identifying an Effective Paradigm for FES-Induced Cycle Ergometry in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare progressive resistance and submaximal cycling protocols to determine which of the two should be considered a more effective paradigm for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The essential definition of an “effective” cycling paradigm is one that delays the onset of fatigue as indicated by measurable or computable cycling parameters. These parameters include stimulation intensity, cycling time, cadence, joint power output, and heart rate. It was hypothesized that stimulation intensity and joint power output would be higher for progressive resistance cycling, whereas cycling time, cadence, and heart rate would be higher for submaximal cycling. Method: Six spinal cord—injured persons participated in this study. Kinematic data and pedal forces were recorded at regular intervals during both exercise paradigms. Results: Stimulation levels remained lower and cadence was maintained longer during submaximal riding, indicating less fatigue than during progressive...
Pediatric registered nurses as preceptors for 3rd‐year medical students: A program to enhance the pediatric inpatient experience

Background: Pediatric clinical clerkships often include inpatient rotations with limited direct patient exposure and little input from experienced registered nurses (RNs). Purpose: We sought to enhance medical student education by increasing direct patient contact and the frequency of performing basic pediatric caregiving skills through an RN preceptor program. Methods: We designed a prospective, controlled teaching interaction utilizing surveys during a children's hospital inpatient rotation. Medical students were matched with an RN during one 8‐hr shift (Ns) or acted as controls (Cs). Results: Forty‐seven Ns and 46 Cs participated. Ns performed all tasks surveyed significantly more often, including changing diaper, giving bottle‐feedings, measuring blood pressure and temperature, and giving medications. Direct daily patient interaction was 3 hr for Ns versus 1.7 hr for Cs. Ninety‐six percent of Ns and 100% of RNs felt the program was worthwhile. Conclusions: A 1‐day interaction significantly increased d...
Educational Opportunities in Bladder Cancer: Increasing Cystoscopic Adherence and the Availability of Smoking-Cessation Programs

Cancer survivors who continue to smoke following diagnosis are at increased risk for recurrence. Yet, smoking prevalence among survivors is similar to the general population. Adherence to cystoscopic surveillance is an important disease-management strategy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) survivors, but data from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (SEER) suggest current adherence levels are insufficient to identify recurrences at critically early stages. This study was conducted to identify actionable targets for educational intervention to increase adherence to cystoscopic monitoring for disease recurrence or progression. NMIBC survivors (n = 109) completed telephone-based surveys. Adherence was determined by measuring time from diagnosis to interview date; cystoscopies received were then compared to American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests for univariate and logistic regression for multivariable analyses. Participants averaged 65 years (SD = 9.3) and were primarily white (95 %), male (75 %), married (75 %), and non-smokers (84 %). Eighty-three percent reported either Ta- or T1-stage bladder tumors. Forty-five percent met AUA guidelines for adherence. Compared to non-smokers, current smokers reported increased fear of recurrence and psychological distress (p < 0.05). In regression analyses, non-adherence was associated with smoking (OR = 33.91, p < 0.01), providing a behavioral marker to describe a survivor group with unmet needs that may contribute to low cystoscopic adherence. Research assessing survivorship needs and designing and evaluating educational programs for NMIBC survivors should be a high priority. Identifying unmet needs among NMIBC survivors and developing programs to address these needs may increase compliance with cystoscopic monitoring, improve outcomes, and enhance quality of life.
The Demise of Privacy in a Private World: From Front Porches to Chat Rooms

From the 1970s onward there has been a consistent increase in not only the value placed on privacy, but the concern with threats to personal privacy. As place is shunned and evaded, interpersonal integration in local community is reduced, accompanied by a retreat into private space and a greater concern with regard to technologically enhanced threats to privacy. Whereas the value placed upon personal privacy has changed over time, so have the media technologies that may protect or invade that privacy. This article argues that the contemporary preoccupation with privacy actually represents the devaluation of publicness and the release from obligation, along with the search for safety.
Longitudinal analysis of healthcare costs: a case study of patients with major depressive disorder treated with duloxetine

AbstractObjective:To develop and apply a longitudinal model that adjusts for pre-treatment covariates to examine the trajectory of healthcare costs in duloxetine patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods:Retrospective healthcare cost data from Thomson Reuters Marketscan® Database included 10,987 patients with MDD, aged 18–64, receiving duloxetine at low ( 60 mg/day) initial doses. A linear mixed-effects model for repeated measures used dose, month, and dose*month as fixed effects and patient (dose) as a random effect, and adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, body system disorders, and prior medication history. Model goodness-of-fit was evaluated with R2. Rates of change (slopes) were estimated from the fitted model and differences in the cost trajectory among dosing cohorts were tested using the F-test. Bootstrapping and propensity score (PS) stratification were conducted to provide sensitivity analyses.Results:Main effects and covariates were a...
Comparison of 3D conformal breast radiation treatment plans using the anisotropic analytical algorithm and pencil beam convolution algorithm

Abstract Purpose To investigate (1) dosimetric differences between plans calculated using the anisotropic analytical algorithm (AAA) and pencil beam convolution (PBC) algorithm, (2) the plan quality achieved using AAA compared to PBC based on dosimetric parameters and (3) discrepancies with an independent MU verification calculation for breast treatment planning. Materials and methods This study included 10 lumpectomy (Group I) and 10 mastectomy (Group II) cases. Target volumes were defined as breast for Group I and chest-wall for Group II based on the isodose distribution of PBC plans in order to evaluate plans. All plans were initially calculated with PBC. For study aim (1), plans were re-calculated using AAA with the same monitor units (MUs). For study aim (2), plans were calculated using AAA with modifications of wedges, subfields and beam weightings from the original plans to achieve optimal coverage. For study aim (3), independent MU verification was performed. A 3% difference between primary MUs and verification MUs was considered an action level. Results (1) Plans using PBC overestimate the dose to the target volume compared to plans using AAA (Group I V 95% =90.4%:84.4%; Group II V 95% =83.0%:74.5%; PBC:AAA). (2) The new plans using AAA achieved similar target coverage to the original PBC plans based on dose–volume histograms (DVHs). Yet, the high-dose volume ( V 105% ) was significantly larger in AAA plans than PBC plans for Group II ( V 105% =19.5%:24.0%). For both groups, there was a significant increase in the ipsilateral lung volume receiving low dose with AAA plans (Group I V 5Gy =23.6%:39.9%; Group II V 5Gy =21.2%:33.6%). Isodose distributions of AAA plans displayed insufficient coverage in the superior area. (3) In Group I, all PBC cases passed MU verification versus 30% of AAA cases. In Group II, 80% of PBC plans versus 65% of AAA plans were within the action level. Conclusions Plans using AAA calculation can achieve a similar level of target coverage based on DVH as PBC calculation. Nevertheless, the dose distribution shows insufficient coverage in the superior area with AAA plans compared to PBC plans. The lung volume receiving the low-dose (i.e. 5Gy) is larger and the dose to the skin is greater in AAA plans than PBC plans. Compared with PBC calculation, a larger tolerance in discrepancy between AAA and independent MU verification should be allowed to account for the inadequate heterogeneity corrections in the latter.
Assessment of Hypercholesterolemia Control in a Managed Care Organization

To determine the extent of achievement of goal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) as defined by National Cholesterol Education Program—Adult Treatment Panel II (NCEP-ATP II) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2000 guidelines, we conducted a retrospective study by integrating data from medical, laboratory, and pharmacy claims databases. Subjects were selected from a 232,000-member staff-model managed care organization consisting of 19 clinics in the Minneapolis—St. Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area. A total of 124,971 members aged 18 years and older, who had been continuously enrolled from July 1, 1996–June 6, 1998, were included. Outcome measures were the extent of achievement of goal LDL as defined by NCEP-ATP II and the use of antihyperlipidemic drugs for patients with and without diabetes at various levels of risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Of 124,971 subjects, 6538 had a history of CHD, 1523 of whom met their LDL goal. Of the population with CHD who did not achieve goal, 1141 (43%) missed by over 30 mg/dl; 621 (54%) of these patients were not receiving drug therapy. A total of 17,267 had no history of CHD but had two or more risk factors; 3298 of these achieved their LDL goal. Of those who did not achieve goal, 1136 (35%) missed by over 30 mg/dl; 897 (79%) of these were not receiving drug therapy. A total of 6586 had a history of diabetes; 1004 and 2340 reached an LDL of 100 mg/dl or lower and less than 130 mg/dl, respectively. Of those with diabetes who had an LDL greater than 100 mg/dl, 1276 (49%) missed their goal by over 30 mg/dl; 898 (70%) of these were not receiving drug therapy. Inadequate use of pharmacologic agents plays a significant role in failure to achieve goal LDL for patients with CHD, without CHD, and with diabetes. Analysis of the data based on the new ADA guidelines for LDL demonstrates the need for continued vigilance. Finally, the successful merging of medical, laboratory, and pharmacy claims databases provides a benchmark for other institutions.
Spine stability: the six blind men and the elephant

Stability is one of the most fundamental concepts to characterize and evaluate any system. This term is often ambiguously used in spinal biomechanics. Confusion arises when the static analyses of stability are used to study dynamic systems such as the spine. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to establish a common ground of understanding, using standard, well-defined terms to frame future discussions regarding spine dynamics, stability, and injury. A qualitative definition of stability, applicable to dynamic systems, is presented. Additional terms, such as robustness (which is often confused with stability) and performance are also defined. The importance of feedback control in maintaining stability is discussed. Finally, these concepts are applied to understand low back pain and risk of injury.
Identification of a Role for CLASP2 in Insulin Action

Insulin stimulates the mobilization of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) storage vesicles to the plasma membrane, resulting in an influx of glucose into target tissues such as muscle and fat. We present evidence that CLIP-associating protein 2 (CLASP2), a protein previously unassociated with insulin action, is responsive to insulin stimulation. Using mass spectrometry-based protein identification combined with phosphoantibody immunoprecipitation in L6 myotubes, we detected a 4.8-fold increase of CLASP2 in the anti-phosphoserine immunoprecipitates upon insulin stimulation. Western blotting of CLASP2 immunoprecipitates with the phosphoantibody confirmed the finding that CLASP2 undergoes insulin-stimulated phosphorylation, and a number of novel phosphorylation sites were identified. Confocal imaging of L6 myotubes revealed that CLASP2 colocalizes with GLUT4 at the plasma membrane within areas of insulin-mediated cortical actin remodeling. CLASP2 is responsible for directing the distal end of microtubules to the cell cortex, and it has been shown that GLUT4 travels along microtubule tracks. In support of the concept that CLASP2 plays a role in the trafficking of GLUT4 at the cell periphery, CLASP2 knockdown by siRNA in L6 myotubes interfered with insulin-stimulated GLUT4 localization to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, siRNA mediated knockdown of CLASP2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose transport. We therefore propose a new model for CLASP2 in insulin action, where CLASP2 directs the delivery of GLUT4 to cell cortex landing zones important for insulin action.
Growth and development of hand‐reared Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago

In 1991 2.1 Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus pups were born at Lincoln Park Zoo. Because of high i infant mortality in mother-reared pups the Maned wolf Species Survival Program recommends that offspring are removed for hand-rearing (Rodden, 1995).] This paper documents the formula, feeding technique, weaning, housing, medical treatment and behavioural enrichment involved in the hand-rearing of these three and a (J pup born 11 months later. Comparative data from other zoos are also 1 presented.
Molecular genetics of androgenic 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases

Abstract 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 2 catalyzes the NAD+-dependent oxidation of androgens, estrogens and progestins, predominantly in the secretory endometrium, placenta, liver and small intestine. 17β-HSD type 3 catalyzes the NADPH-dependent conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in the testis, and the genetic disease 17β-HSD deficiency is caused by mutations in the 17β-HSD3 gene.
Religiosity, Economics and Life Satisfaction

This paper uses a large individual data set from the Euro Barometer Survey (ICPSR 1993) to estimate the influence of religious phenomena on self-perceived satisfaction of an individual, controlling for macroeconomic conditions, effects of his political stance, and other socio-economic variables. Our estimated ordered logit model results show that an individual's life satisfaction is positively related to measures of strong religious attachment in the sense of being willing to commit to attending religious services frequently. Our other findings include that no strong evidence exists for the hypothesis that leftists suffer more from income inequality.
The fetal antigen hypothesis for breast cancer, revisited.

Abstract The fetal antigen hypothesis was proposed over a decade ago to explain the small, short-term promotional effect, as well as part of the long-term protective effect that pregnancy has on breast cancer risk. The hypothesis is based on immune interaction between mother and fetus, and postulates that breast cancer genes which a woman's fetus inherits from her mate may be indirectly involved in protecting the woman against breast cancer. This article addresses new epidemiological data pertaining to the hypothesis plus the growing evidence that prenatal reproductive factors are important determinants of breast cancer risk. It also suggests that iso-immunization from pregnancy, similar to Rh iso-immunization, can produce immunity against breast cancer. The proposed mechanism provides a plan for development of a vaccine against breast cancer. If the fetal antigen hypothesis is valid for breast cancer, the mechanism behind it is likely to apply to other cancers, even cancers that are found in males, since males can be affected by the prenatal component of this mechanism.
The yin–yang of followership–leadership in public health

Aim To examine an innovative leadership model for public health professionals and for public health systems.
Stoichiometric substitution in natural quartz

Abstract Evidence is presented for the substitution of foreign elements in quartz in such a way as to preserve electrical neutrality. The nature of the substituting species is controlled by both the abundance of elements in the environment and by crystal chemical parameters.
Augmented hepatic and skeletal thyromimetic effects of tiratricol in comparison with levothyroxine

A thyroid hormone analog with organ-selective effects could have therapeutic application for disorders such as hyperlipidemia and osteoporosis. We performed a randomized clinical trial to determine the specific thyromimetic effects of tiratricol. Twenty-four athyreotic patients underwent detailed metabolic and physiological evaluation after a 2-month baseline period, taking TSH-suppressive doses of L-T4. They were then randomized to blinded treatment with either tiratricol (24 micrograms/kg twice daily) or L-T4 (1.9 micrograms/kg daily). The dose of hormone was increased until the TSH level was less than 0.1 mU/L, and the metabolic and physiological testing was repeated. Comparing the change from baseline to the study drug periods, when serum TSH levels were equivalently suppressed, there were no significant differences between the two groups in resting metabolic rate, weight, urea nitrogen excretion, or symptom score. Plasma total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels declined 13 +/- 4% and 23 +/- 6% in the tiratricol group compared with 2 +/- 2% and 5 +/- 3% in the L-T4 group (P = 0.015 and P = 0.0066, respectively). Serum sex hormone-binding globulin levels increased 55 +/- 13% with tiratricol compared with a 1.7 +/- 4% decline with L-T4 (P = 0.0006), indicating an augmented hepatic response to tiratricol. Skeletal metabolic activity was enhanced, with increased levels of serum osteocalcin and urinary excretion of calcium and pyridinium cross-links. Tiratricol and L-T4 had comparable effects on cardiovascular function. Tiratricol has distinct augmented hepatic and skeletal thyromimetic actions of potential therapeutic value.
Setting up e-platforms for collaboration in SME contexts

This paper aims to investigate how improvements in different collaborative SMEs contexts can be eased by applying a common methodology. Considering that a large amount of different management aspects are involved in the configuration of collaborative environments, multiple management methods are proposed to support companies in establishing their networks. A common roadmap is applied to four case studies to support implementation of ICT applications. The methodology can be extended and applied to other European virtual enterprises different in branches and cultural background.
Note on the choice of basis set in density functional theory calculations for electronic structures of molecules (test on the atoms from the first three rows of the periodic table (2 ≤ N ≤ Z ≤ 18), water, ammonia and pyrrole)

Abstract The effect of basis set in Kohn-Sham theory on estimating correlation energy was investigated using a density functional subroutine and a Hartree-Fock SCF one-electron density program (working with arbitrary basis set). Lee-Yang-Parr density functional estimation, MP2 perturbation calculation and Davidson's accurate configuration interactions calculations for correlation energies of atoms were used for this test. In the density functional estimation a simple 3-21G basis set has produced the same results as the huge triple-zeta basis set with polarization functions within the chemical accuracy (1 kcal/mol).