cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structured versus narrative reporting of pelvic MRI in perianal fistulizing disease: impact on clarity, completeness, and surgical planning.

To evaluate clarity, completeness, and impact on surgical planning of MRI reporting of perianal fistulizing disease using a structured disease-specific template versus narrative reporting for planning of disease treatment by colorectal surgeons. In this HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study with waiver of informed consent, a structured reporting template for perianal fistulizing disease MRIs was developed based on collaboration between colorectal surgeons and abdominal radiologists. The study population included 45 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic MRI for perianal fistulizing disease prior to implementation of structured reporting, and 60 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic MRI for perianal fistulizing disease after implementation of structured reporting. Objective evaluation of the reports for the presence of 12 key features was performed, as also subjective evaluation regarding the clarity and completeness of reports, and impact on surgical planning. Significantly more key features were absent in narrative reports [mean: 6.3 ± 1.8 (range 3–11)] than in structured reports [mean: 0.3 ± 0.9 (range 1–5)] (p ≤ 0.001). The use of structured reporting also increased the percentage of completeness (72.5–88.3% for surgeon 1, and 61.2–81.3% for surgeon 2; p = 0.05 and 0.03, respectively), helpfulness in surgical planning (7.1 ± 1.5–7.6 ± 1.5 for surgeon 1, and 5.8 ± 1.4–7.1 ± 1.1 for surgeon 2; p = 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), and clarity (7.6 ± 1.3–8.3 ± 1.1 for surgeon 1, and 5.2 ± 1.4–7.1 ± 1.3 for surgeon 2; p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively) of the reports. Structured MRI reports in patients with perianal fistulizing disease miss fewer key features than narrative reports. Moreover, structured reports were described as more complete and clear, and more helpful for treatment planning.
Reducing energy cost of NOx production in air plasmas

Abstract Current worldwide fixed nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) is low, leading to significant environmental problems. An important aspect of this problem involves NH3 released from bacterially degraded, N-containing organic waste such as animal manure. Acidifying organic waste with nitric acid traps NH3 as NH4NO3, thus increasing the nitrogen content of the resulting organic fertilizer and reducing the environmental effects of NH3 emission. Air plasmas have been proposed for this purpose through production of NOx from air which can be readily converted to nitric acid. However, a major challenge remains in reducing the energy cost of NOx production in air plasmas to make the technology economically competitive. Different types of discharges such as arcs, sparks, dielectric barrier discharges have been investigated for NOx production but they are challenging to compare due to differences in their structure, geometry and excitation modes etc. Different discharges also utilize potentially different chemical reaction pathways to produce NOx. As of yet, there are no general evaluation criteria to determine the qualities of an appropriate discharge configuration for energy-efficient NOx production. In this study, we report on four types of discharges; dielectric barrier, glow, spark and extending arc discharge to examine NOx production efficiency under different conditions. Based on our results and previously published results from the literature, we propose a dimensionless parameter to guide the design of appropriate plasma sources for reduced energy cost NOx production.
Sketching Cognition and Creativity: Leveraging Sketch Interfaces for Enhancing Creativity and Cognition

In this workshop, the focus will be on providing a forum for researchers in the various interdisciplinary fields to engage in and explore research outcomes and discussions on sketching interactions, specifically for interfaces that promote creativity and cognition. Attendees of the workshop will actively experience sessions related to the presentation, discussion, and sharing of discoveries and innovations that target or leverage sketching interactions for interfaces in domains that include the learning sciences, education, artificial, and engineering. The workshop will serve as a platform to encourage opportunities of new collaborations and inspire growth for leveraging sketching interactions towards creativity and cognition.
Blogging Your Way to a Research Paper: The Benefits of a Semester-Long Blogging Assignment in the Political Science Classroom

Although the benefits of undergraduate research for students are broadly understood, implementation of undergraduate research in the college classroom can be challenging. In this article, I explain...
Comparing online reviews of hyper-local restaurants using deductive content analysis.

Abstract This study explored consumer-generated online reviews of six hyper-local restaurants in UK and US. A deductive content analysis was carried out involving intrinsic and extrinsic cues of locally grown food. Overall quality, taste, price, region of origin, and menu information were found to be important variables of hyper-local restaurants’ online reviews. Although there were substantially more reviews about price in the UK-based hyper-local restaurants, consumers were found to be more critical of price in the US restaurants. In the UK hyper-local restaurants, a need to provide great selections and variety in the menu offerings was noticed, whereas the US counterparts showcased a need for more creativity in addition to offering a great selection of food and drinks. Region of origin (local) is more important and positive to consumers in the UK restaurants. Contrary to popular beliefs, health benefit and to some extent freshness were not found to be important variables.
Beyond ECT – Neuromodulation and Interventional Psychiatry for Treatment Resistant Depression in Later Life

Abstract There is a paucity of research, in general, on TRD-LL and on novel approaches and interventional methods for older adults suffering with TRD-LL. Most of the lack of data stems from limited studies on these interventions in older adults since most pharmacotherapy and neuromodulation trials specifically exclude older adults or those with comorbid medical or psychiatric conditions. Broadly, approaches can be divided into those that are FDA approved for depression (but not specifically for TRD-LL) and those that are available and empirically supported but not FDA approved. Among the FDA approved treatments of transcranial magnetic stimulation (all forms of rTMS and dTMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and now intranasal ketamine, TMS has been most extensively studied for treatment of late life depression. Newer forms of TMS are also being evaluated in older adults. Though there are extensive data on the use of VNS in TRD, there are no studies in older adults specifically, although a multicenter trial supported by the US Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services, which will recruit adults aged 65 and above, will soon be underway. Published studies in DBS have included older adults but not in appreciable numbers for separate analyses. Studies thus far suggest some benefit in TRD but no specific data for TRD-LL. Most of the published studies of IV ketamine, which is not FDA approved for depression, are limited to case reports which tend to support its use and tolerability in TRD-LL when used as monotherapy or in combination with other interventions. Use of intranasal ketamine, which was recently FDA approved earlier in 2019, in TRD-LL remains anecdotal. Among other approaches with empirical support, but not necessarily FDA approved specific indications, are behavioral interventions (exercise, stress reduction activities), bright light therapy, combination pharmacotherapy (lithium, T3/T4, atypical antipsychotics, psychostimulants, D3 agonists, and opioid analogs), and combination pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. After briefly reviewing the above interventions, discussion will focus on the clinical assessment of TRD-LL and possible treatment algorithms.
Chapter 17 – Race, Ethnicity, and the Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in Adults

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the relationship of race and ethnicity to the etiology and prevalence of mental disorders in adults. It examines some of the ideas related to race, ethnicity, and the epidemiology of mental disorders that link national origins and particularly immigration experience to the processes that operate within American society. Any discussion of race or ethnicity with regard to most mental disorders in the United States should include a discussion of culture and the historical experiences of peoples who have come freely or have been brought to this country. Such a discussion should also take into account the range of current experiences, such as acculturation, socioeconomic status, poverty, discrimination, and minority status as well as many individual experiences that may or may not be influenced by group membership. Among these is the availability of treatment for those becoming ill. Thus, the prevalence of disorder in a group is a result of many different influences that can only partially be attributed to the group identity. This ambiguity has resulted in many conflicting results and the need for a great deal of caution in interpreting any proffered finding of ethnic or racial differences. The chapter also illustrates that the results of ethnic comparisons are strongly influenced by research methodologies that have variously relied on treatment records or direct assessments in communities, on sampling methods that compare groups of similar or vastly differing social and economic backgrounds, and on assessment methodologies that may or may not take into account the culture and beliefs about mental health of those being surveyed.
Towards elucidating structure of ligand-protected nanoclusters.

Ligand-protected metal nanoclusters (NCs) are organic–inorganic nanostructures, exhibiting high stability at specific “magic size” compositions and tunable properties that make them promising candidates for a wide range of nanotechnology-based applications. Synthesis and characterization of these nanostructures has been achieved with atomic precision, offering great opportunities to study the origin of new physicochemical property emergence at the nanoscale using theory and computation. In this Frontier article, we highlight the recent advances in the field of ligand-protected metal NCs, focusing on stability theories on monometallic and heterometal doped NCs, and NC structure prediction. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges on predicting previously undiscovered NCs and propose future steps to advance the field through applying first principles calculations, machine learning, and data-science-based approaches.
Rural barriers to early lung cancer detection: Exploring access to lung cancer screening programs in New Hampshire and Vermont

Abstract Background Rural populations face many health disadvantages compared to urban areas. There is a critical need to better understand the current lung cancer screening landscape in these communities to identify targeted areas to improve the impact of this proven tool. Methods Data from the County Health Rankings of New Hampshire and Vermont was reviewed for population density, distribution of adult smokers, and level of education compared to the distribution of Lung Cancer Screening Facilities throughout these two states. Results Screening programs in southern counties of Vermont with lower levels of education have decreased access. In New Hampshire, there are no programs within 30 miles of the areas with the largest distribution of smokers, and decreased access in some areas with the lowest levels of education. Conclusions Improving equitable access to high-quality screening services in rural regions and the creation of targeted interventions to address decreased access in areas of high tobacco use and low education is vital to decreasing the incidence of latestage presentations of lung cancer within these populations.
Adverse events among adult Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders.

Abstract Background It is common for adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) to misuse additional substances, and these individuals may be particularly at risk for adverse events, including mortality. Less is known about how continued receipt of prescription opioids or risk of adverse events (e.g., suicidality, overdose, poisoning) differs for people with co-occurring OUD and additional substance use disorders (SUDs). Methods We conducted a retrospective study using IBM® MarketScan® Multi-State Medicaid Database enrollment/claims data. We used logistic regression to measure the association between sample characteristics and our dependent variables. The sample consisted of non-Medicare-eligible adults aged 18–64 years who were continuously enrolled in Medicaid in 2016–2017 with an OUD diagnosis on at least one claim in 2016. Results Adults with OUD and a co-occurring SUD were more likely than adults with OUD only to have an opioid-related poisoning event (odds ratio [OR] = 1.488, p = .0052), all-cause poisoning (OR = 1.756, p Conclusions This study provides evidence that adults with OUD and a co-occurring additional SUD have increased risk for several adverse events. Multisubstance use should be screened for and identified to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
The diabetic foot

Abstract Diabetes is an ongoing global epidemic associated with pathologies such as foot ulcers, which are a leading cause of hospitalization. Ulceration, infection, gangrene, and amputation are outcomes of underlying vascular, neurological, and immunological dysfunction, leading to an estimated burden of billions of dollars every year in health care costs. Improving the treatment of ulcers together with prevention are key facets in foot ulcer control and they require integrated, multidisciplinary approaches.
Training oncology care providers in the assessment and treatment of tobacco use and dependence

BACKGROUND Clinical practice guidelines for promoting smoking cessation in cancer care exist; however, most oncology settings have not established tobacco use assessment and treatment as standard care. Inadequate staff training and other implementation challenges have been identified as barriers for delivery of evidence-based tobacco treatment. Providing training in tobacco treatment tailored to the unique needs of tobacco-dependent patients with cancer is one strategy to improve adoption of best practices to promote smoking cessation in cancer care. METHODS A tobacco treatment training program for oncology care providers (tobacco treatment training-oncology [TTT-O]) consisting of a 2-day didactic and experiential workshop followed by 6 monthly, collaboratory videoconference calls supporting participants in their efforts to implement National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines in their oncology settings was developed and implemented. This article presents preliminary results on program evaluation, changes in participants' self-efficacy, and progress in implementing tobacco treatment. RESULTS Data have been obtained from the first 5 cohorts of TTT-O participants (n = 110) who completed training, course evaluations, baseline and follow-up surveys. Participants rated the training as highly favorable and reported significant gains in self-efficacy in their ability to assess and treat tobacco dependence. Participants also demonstrated significant improvements in tobacco treatment skills and implementation of several indicators of improved adoption of best practices for tobacco treatment in their cancer care settings. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of tobacco treatment training for cancer care providers is feasible, acceptable, and can have a significant positive impact on participants' tobacco treatment skills, self-efficacy, and greater adoption of tobacco treatment delivery in cancer care.
Instructional Quality and Student Learning in Higher Education: Evidence from Developmental Algebra Courses

Little is known about the importance of instructional quality in American higher education because few recent studies have had access to direct measures of student learning that are comparable across sections of the same course. Using data from two developmental algebra courses at a large community college, I found that student learning varies systematically across instructors and was correlated with observed instructor characteristics including education, full-time status, and experience. Instructors appeared to have effects on student learning beyond their impact on course completion rates. A variety of robustness checks suggested that these results do not appear to be driven by nonrandom matching of students and instructors based on unobserved characteristics or censoring of the dependent variable due to students who dropped the course before the final exam.
IT Educational Experience and Workforce Development for Information Systems and Technology Students.

This study involves an analysis of a cohort of student’s during their pursuit of a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Technologies (IST) at a Midwestern university. Demographics and analysis of this cohort include basic demographic information, student home-life and personal responsibilities, employment and work experience, and their academic experience while attending a 4year public institution. Fifty-three students in an IST program provided responses and perceptions to this survey. Over three quarters (> 75%) of the respondents identified that they were working during their degree with a high percentage on non-traditional students identified in this study. Program content and preparation for employment in the Information Technology (IT) field/profession were assessed. Findings and conclusions of the perceptions of this cohort’s responses to the survey are provided.
Characterization of RhoC expression in benign and malignant breast disease: A potential new marker for small breast carcinomas with metastatic ability

The most important factor in predicting outcome in patients with early breast cancer is the stage of the disease. There is no robust marker capable of identifying invasive carcinomas that despite their small size have a high metastatic potential, and that would benefit from more aggressive treatment. RhoC-GTPase is a member of the Ras-superfamily and is involved in cell polarity and motility. We hypothesized that RhoC expression would be a good marker to identify breast cancer patients with high risk of developing metastases, and that it would be a prognostic marker useful in the clinic. We developed a specific anti-RhoC antibody and studied archival breast tissues that comprise a broad spectrum of breast disease. One hundred eighty-two specimens from 164 patients were used. Immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed tissues. Staining intensity was graded 0 to 3+ (0 to 1+ was considered negative and 2 to 3+ was considered positive). RhoC was not expressed in any of the normal, fibrocystic changes, atypical hyperplasia, or ductal carcinoma in situ, but was expressed in 36 of 118 invasive carcinomas and strongly correlated with tumor stage (P = 0.01). RhoC had high specificity (88%) in detecting invasive carcinomas with metastatic potential. Of the invasive carcinomas smaller than 1 cm, RhoC was highly specific in detecting tumors that developed metastases. RhoC expression was associated with negative progesterone receptor and HER-2/neu overexpression. We characterized RhoC expression in human breast tissues. RhoC is specifically expressed in invasive breast carcinomas capable of metastasizing, and it may be clinically useful in patients with tumors smaller than 1 cm to guide treatment.
Biomarkers to distinguish surgical etiologies in females with lower quadrant abdominal pain.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:686–691 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Lower abdominal pain is a common complaint in girls and young women presenting to a pediatric emergency department (PED). An extensive evaluation may be required to exclude surgical emergencies such as appendicitis and ovarian torsion. However, clinicians and families prefer to limit invasive procedures and radiation exposure. The literature suggests that serum biomarkers such as the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) can predict ovarian torsion in adults, while the membrane glycoprotein cluster of differentiation-64 (CD64) has been linked with bacterial infections and sepsis. Therefore, the study objective was to assess whether plasma IL-6 or neutrophil CD64 surface levels would assist clinicians in distinguishing surgical diagnoses (ovarian torsion and appendicitis) from nonsurgical diagnoses in young females with lower abdominal pain. Methods: This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, pilot study of young females presenting with lower abdominal pain. Demographics, clinical and laboratory data, and final diagnoses were recorded. Plasma IL-6 and neutrophil CD64 were quantified. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to detect significant differences in IL-6 and CD64 values between surgical and nonsurgical patients. Further analysis was done to detect differences among the surgical patients (appendicitis vs. ovarian torsion). A bivariate analysis using the Wilcoxon rank sum was used to test for significant differences in IL-6 and CD64 by selected clinical factors. Results: There were 112 female subjects ages 6 to 21 years enrolled. Final diagnoses were grouped as appendicitis (n = 38, 34%), ovarian torsion (n = 15, 13%), and nonsurgical (n = 59, 53%). Surgical cases had significantly higher levels of IL-6 compared to nonsurgical cases (p < 0.0001), and appendicitis patients had significantly higher CD64 indexes compared to ovarian torsion patients (p = 0.007). The clinical characteristics of fever of ≥38°C (p = 0.0002) and constant pain (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with elevated IL-6. Fever of ≥38°C (p = 0.02) was significantly associated with a higher CD64 index. Conclusions: Interleukin-6 was significantly elevated in surgical patients compared to nonsurgical patients in this sample of young females, and CD64 was significantly elevated in appendicitis patients compared to ovarian torsion patients. These data suggest that with larger sample sizes and future confirmatory studies, these biomarkers may be useful in the evaluation of young women with lower quadrant abdominal pain.
Cruel and Unusual Punishments

What does it mean to say that the infliction of some punishment P is wrong in principle? Getting at this question is to get at the core of the Eighth Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishments. I shall argue that the best way to explicate the concept of a punishment’s being wrong in principle is through a retributive conception and justification of punishment — i.e., a conception and, justification resting upon the concepts of justice, rights and desert (and not social utility). Before arguing positively for this, however, let me first briefly suggest why other ways of proceeding (other conceptions of cruel and unusual) will not work.
Race, Ethnicity, Culture, and Health in the United States

Health outcomes in the United States are influenced by multifactorial components. The impact of factors such as race, racism, ethnicity, and culture has been debated throughout history as possible contributors to health outcomes within specific communities. In concordance with this ongoing discussion, these concepts remain urgent and frequently revisited topics among organizations created to serve the general population; however, evidence is still lacking in support of these factors as direct contributors to poor health. In some instances, race, aspects of culture, and ethnicity continue to drive and direct care, treatment, costs, and health care decision-making. Perceptions of these concepts solely or collectively continue to create and foster health inequities and disparities within different population groups in the United States. Until America is able to acknowledge, understand, and correct the inequalities that persist racially, culturally, and socially, the divide between care provided to minorities and to whites will continue to persist. Keywords: race and ethnicity; health, ethnicity and culture; acculturation; African American
Skateboarding injuries: an updated review

This in-depth literature review shows that skateboarding has experienced intermittent periods of popularity, with an estimated 6-15 million skateboarders in the US currently involved at all levels of recreational play and competition. Head trauma accounts for ∼ 3.5-13.1% of all skateboarding injuries. Injury occurs most often to the upper extremity (55-63%), whereas thoracoabdominal and spine injuries account for 1.5-2.9% of all trauma and lower extremity injuries occur 17-26% of the time. Few fatal injuries (1.1%) have been reported, oftentimes resulting from traumatic head injuries incurred from collisions with motor vehicles. Although skateparks may be perceived as a safer alternative to street skateboarding, injuries still occur when the skateboarder collides with an object or falls from the board. Factors leading to trauma include fatigue and overuse, age and skill level, inadequate medical care, environmental conditions, equipment concerns, lack of fitness and training, and the detrimental behavior of the competitor. Although not all skateboarding injuries are avoidable, numerous opportunities exist to instill safety involving education, instruction, and supervision and the proper use of protective gear to reduce predisposition to trauma. Future research recommendations include a more standardized data collection system, as well as an increased focus on kinetic analysis of the sport. Legislation involving helmet laws and the increased investment in a safer environment for the skateboarder may also assist in reducing injury in this sport.
Firms' Propensity to Meet or Miss Analysts' Forecasts of Cash Flows and Earnings

We investigate firms' propensity to meet analysts' forecasts of cash flows and earnings, and identify factors pertaining to market valuation, financial analysts, and firms' financial condition to explain why firms sometimes meet cash flow forecasts but miss earnings forecasts. Firms meet cash flow forecasts but miss earnings forecasts nearly 75 percent as often as they meet earnings forecasts but miss cash flow forecasts. Firms are more likely to meet cash flow forecasts but miss earnings forecasts when: (1) the adverse valuation consequences of doing so are less severe; (2) analyst following of cash flows vis-a-vis earnings is large; (3) analysts forecast extreme positive accruals; (4) analysts downwardly revise cash flow but not earnings forecasts; (5) firms are in financial distress; (6) firms have inflated balance sheets; and (7) firms report decreases in earnings but not cash flows. We contribute to the literature exploring the importance of analysts' cash flow forecasts.
Young Moms’ Clinic: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pregnancy Education in Teens and in Young Single Women

Abstract Study Objective To study outcome of pregnant adolescents and single young women who attended and those who chose not to attend a nonurban, developmentally appropriate, pilot antenatal clinic called the “Young Moms’ Clinic.” To study “perceived” outcome among the Young Moms’ Clinic participants. Methods A multidisciplinary clinic was established to provide education about pregnancy, childbirth, infant care, contraception, and healthy lifestyles to young mothers with similar backgrounds. Over a 2-year period, all adolescents and single young mothers aged 13–23 years were invited to attend the Young Moms’ Clinic after the first trimester. The Clinic group consisted of the first 101 young women who were invited and chose to attend. The nonclinic group consisted of the first 95 young wonlen who were invited but declined to attend. Both groups had the same obstetric care givers, had a similar number of prenatal visits (median number, 12), and delivered in the same hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether participation in the clinic was an independent factor in outcome. Results Maternal weight gain and infant birth weight were significantly higher in the Clinic group. Pregnancy complications (preterm labor, intrauterine growth retardation, anemia) were significantly higher in the nonclinic group. Participants in the nonclinic group were almost three times as likely to have cesarean section delivery as those in the Clinic group. Neonatal intensive care unit transfer occurred only in infants of the control group. Conclusions Participation of pregnant adolescent and young adult women from a nonurban community in a developmentally targeted pilot, prenatal program resulted in fewer pregnancy complications and improved outcome in comparison with those who chose not to participate in the program. The results may be subject to bias because of self-selection among partIcIpants.
Evidence for a metastable mode of superfluid 3HeA

Abstract A metastable mode of 3 HeA has been observed using pulsed NMR techniques. The frequency of the mode is related to the previous cw NMR observation of a transverse satellite resonance.
An Evaluation of Film Speeds Obtained with Kodak SD-19A Developer

Experimental results are presented which show that even though Kodak SD-19A developer can produce a substantial increase in the fractional gradient speed of typical, high speed, panchromatic negative films, this increase is not reflected in speed measurements based on a resolving power criterion, except at very low values of resolution.
Governmental Provisions to Manage and Eradicate Feral Swine in Areas of the United States

Feral swine (wild hogs) are one of the most widely distributed free-ranging mammals in the world. In the United States, feral swine serve as game animals for the sport of hunting in some areas, while they are nuisance species at other locations. Increasing feral swine populations creates negative impacts to growing crops, native plant communities, and wildlife. Feral swine can also serve as reservoirs for a number of bacterial and viral diseases that can infect wild animals, livestock, and humans. The US state governments are adopting statutes and regulations to reduce the growth and dispersal of feral swine populations. An analysis of these provisions suggests that while they seek to control feral swine populations, they are unlikely to provide any significant relief from damages to crops and native ecosystems. More localized reduction plans and a national disease control program are suggested to assuage damages being wrought by these invasive animals.
Human pituitary adenomas show no loss of heterozygosity at the retinoblastoma gene locus

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene (RBl) is inactivated in hereditary and sporadic forms of retinoblastoma as well as in a number of other sporadic tumors. The majority of human pituitary tumors have been shown to be monoclonal neoplasms, suggesting that 1 or more somatic mutations are involved in the clonal expansion of a single progenitor cell. Recently, a high percentage of transgenic mice containing a disrupted RBl allele have been shown to develop pituitary tumors. To investigate whether RBl inactivation contributes to the development of human pituitary adenomas, we searched for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) within the RBl gene locus in a variety of human pituitary adenomas. We screened 34 adenomas for LOH using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based microsatellite polymorphic marker at the RBl gene locus. In addition, a variable number of tandem repeat markers from within the RBl gene was also used to search for LOH in 14 tumors. We found no LOH or microsatellite instability at the RBl locus in any of the informative cases (30 of 34). Additionally, we showed that 4 repiesentative adenomas from female patients are monoclonal in origin using a PCR-based clonality analysis assay. We conclude that the RBl gene shows no LOH in a variety of human pituitary adenomas and thatPCR-based microsatellite markers can serve as a useful tool for LOH analysis in human pituitary tumors.
An FTIR–ATR investigation of in vivo poly(ether urethane) degradation

Surface degradation of implanted poly (ether urethane) s was studied quantitatively with a micro-ATR-FTIR technique. Substantial degradation was observed particularly in the soft segment at the α-carbon adjacent to the ether linkage. The degradation caused changes in the concentration profiles of the soft-segment groups in the depth direction, and the affected depth was up to 10 microns after implantation for 10 weeks. Inhibition of degradation by antioxidants indicated the oxidative nature of degradation. An in vivo poly (ether urethane) degradation mechanism was proposed
Artificially Induced Symbiosis Between Marine Flagellates and Vertebrate Tissues in Culture

SYNOPSIS. Algal symbiotes isolated from marine invertebrate hosts, and grown axenically in culture, have been successfully combined in artificial associations with chick fibroblasts and grunt (Haemulon sp.) fin explants. Growth (measured by cell numbers and chlorophyll a) is stimulated in both symbiotes and host cells. Studies of nitrogen uptake and exchange suggest that these artificial associations are similar to other, natural symbioses involving invertebrate hosts, e.g. the hermatypic corals.
Motion-compensated post-processing of gated cardiac SPECT images using a deformable mesh model

We present a post-reconstruction motion-compensated spatio-temporal filtering method for noise reduction in cardiac gated SPECT images. SPECT imaging suffers from low photon count due to radioactive dose limitations resulting in a high noise level in the reconstructed images. This is especially true in gated cardiac SPECT where the total number of counts is divided into a number of gates (time frames). Classical spatio-temporal filtering approaches, used in gated cardiac SPECT for noise reduction, do not accurately account for myocardium motion and brightening and therefore perform sub-optimally. The proposed post-reconstruction method consists of two steps: motion and brightening estimation and spatio-temporal motion-compensated filtering. In the first step we utilize a left ventricle model and a deformable mesh structure. The second step, which consists of motion-compensated spatio-temporal filtering, makes use of estimated myocardial motion to enable accurate smoothing. Additionally, the algorithm preserves myocardial brightening, a result of partial volume effect which is widely used as a diagnostic feature. The proposed method is evaluated quantitatively to assess noise reduction and the influence on estimated ejection fraction.
Enhanced magnetism in amorphous Fe-based alloys

Systematic investigations of binary amorphous Fe–T alloys (T=an early transition‐metal elements Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta...) over wide composition ranges reveal depressed magnetic properties with anomalously low magnetic ordering temperature and magnetization. We show in this work, via a prototype amorphous Fe70Ti30 alloy, the substitution of Fe by Co, Ni, or Cu greatly enhances the magnetic ordering temperature and the magnetization. Our results indicate that this is primarily caused by the increased Fe moment upon alloying.
Evidence for Internal Friction in IDPs of the Calcitonin Peptide Family

The rate at which Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) undergo large conformational changes in solution is expected to substantially affect their function. The roughness in IDPs energy landscape can significantly slow down this diffusional dynamics, giving rise to internal friction. Both experiments and simulations of unfolded states of proteins show that compact states exhibit greater internal friction than denaturant-expanded states1,2. Yet it is unclear to what extent, and in which way, changes in a protein sequence may affect the internal friction. Using a nanosecond laser-pump spectroscopy technique we quantify the rate at which two ends of a polypeptide chain come into contact, while also quantifying the relative end-to-end distance (or compactness) of the chain. We compare these values for different IDPs of the Calcitonin peptide (Ct) family. Our previous studies showed that these IDPs populate highly compact states in near native conditions3,4 and become more expanded at increasing denaturant concentrations5,6. We find that, under conditions in which the end-to-end distances are the same, certain sequences exhibit significantly slower contact formation rates than others, indicating greater internal friction. As expected, such differences are apparent in water but not in denaturant. We experimentally investigate the possible causes for the observed sequence-dependence.1. Soranno, Andrea, et al. PNAS 2012; 109:17800-17806.2. Echeverria, Ignacia, et al. JACS 2014; 136:8708-8713.3. Vaiana, Sara M., et al. BIOPHYSICAL J 2009; 97:2948-2957.4. Sizemore, Sara M., et al. BIOPHYSICAL J 2013; 104:54A-55A.5. Sizemore, Sara M., et al. BIOPHYSICAL J 2014; 106:270A.6. Cope, Stephanie M., et al. BIOPHYSICAL J 2014; 106:687A.
The rate and selectivity of methane oxidation over La0.75Sr0.25CrxMn1−xO3−δ as a function of lattice oxygen stoichiometry under solid oxide fuel cell anode conditions

Abstract Perovskite-structured La0.75Sr0.25CrxMn1−xO3−δ (LSCM, x = 0 , 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1) is a potential anode material for direct hydrocarbon solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A pulse reactor system was used to determine the catalytic activity and selectivity of LSCM toward methane total oxidation f between 700 and 900 °C in the absence of gas-phase oxygen. This replicates the SOFC anode environment, in which oxidation occurs through reduction of the oxide lattice. Activity and selectivity were characterized as a function of lattice oxygen stoichiometry, 3 − δ . As 3 − δ decreased, the selectivity toward total oxidation decreased for all compositions due to either a change toward partial oxidation or increased dry-reforming activity. The reaction rate and range of oxygen stoichiometry favoring total oxidation increased with increasing Mn content. This was accompanied by a decrease in both carbon formation and oxide stability. These measurements suggest that more-active catalysts are required for SOFC applications.
Nanosilver from nano-AgBr: synthesis, surface chemistry, and nonlinear optical properties

We report preparation of silver nanoparticles in the 10 nm size range by exhastive reduction of a well-known and well-characterized AgBr nanosol. These silver nanoparticles exhibit a second order hyperpolarizability tensor, β=(100±10) x 10 -30 esu per atom. The nanoparticles chmisorb a monolayer of iodide ions with concomitant bleaching of the surface plasmon absorption but no attenuation of Hyper-Rayleigh (second harmonic light) Scattering (HRS). Further addition of iodide leads to significant enhancement of HRS, which we attribute so surface-enhanced second harmonic scattering (SESHS) from iodide ion physisorbed on the AgI adlayer. A merocyanine dye, which does not exhibit HRS in solution, chemisorbs as a monolayer to the nanosilver, with formation of J-aggregates. These aggregates, like the free dye, are not active in second harmonic scattering. Further addition of dye leads to HRS enhancement, which we interpret as physisorption of dye onto the J-aggregate monolayer; the non-centrosymmetric surface environment allows observation of SESHS. A lower-limit estimate of the second order hyperpolarizability of the adsorbed dye is 200 X 10 -30 esu per molecule.
Review of pellet fueling

The injection of frozen pellets composed of the isotopes of hydrogen has become the leading candidate for refueling fusion power reactors based on the tokamak concept. This lofty position has been reached partly as a result of efforts to find an attractive solution to the perplexing problem of depositing atoms of fuel deep within the magnetically confined, hot plasma, and because of some recent experimental successes. To some extent, the relative merits of this technique will depend upon the distance that the cryogenic pellet will penetrate such a plasma, and the early exploratory research has addressed this problem on both theoretical and experimental fronts. The conclusion from the theoretical effort is that a protective blanket consisting of hydrogenic gas or cold plasma will envelope the pellet and partially shield the surface from the intense plasma heat flux. The blanket prolongs pellet lifetime, but penetration to the plasma center might require pellet injection velocities in excess of 10 km/s. The need for central penetration has not yet been established either theoretically or experimentally. The experiments performed to date have verified the existence of a shielding mechanism in general, and pellet ablation models that incorporate neutral gas shielding in particular are in adequate agreement with the experiments. Magnetic shielding effects are expected to contribute to, but not dominate, self-shielding in the higher plasma temperature regimes of the future. The tokamak plasma has demonstrated a surprising resilience even to massive density perturbations caused by the large refueling pellets used in present experiments. The characteristic discharge behavior is qualitatively not unlike that observed with gas puffing; but, for the first time, central plasma fueling has been studied, and this does not appear to be superior to refueling by partial pellet penetration. If relatively large pellets containing a significant fraction of the total plasma charge are acceptable in the present resistive plasma regimes, then it can be argued that they should have little impact on the gross stability of a hot thermonuclear tokamak plasma. Large pellets are preferable from the standpoint of attaining deep penetration, and this has important implications for the technology of pellet injection. The interesting velocity regime of 1 km/s has already been achieved with simple gun-type devices and this should be adequate for near-term tokamak experiments. Further improvements are anticipated, but the 10 km/s and above regime is uncertain; and, if current theory and experiments extrapolate to the future, such velocities might be desirable but unnecessary.
Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Differences During High-Caloric Food Challenge in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa Versus Normal Controls • 9

Previous neuroimaging studies have employed symptom provocation paradigms to examine the functional neuroanatomic correlates of emotions or behaviors that characterize particular psychiatric disorders. This study was designed to determine areas of differential brain activity associated with the hallmark food aversion of anorexia nervosa (AN). We hypothesized that this feature of AN would be associated with dysfunction within the paralimbic system. The tracer, oxygen 15-labeled carbon dioxide, was used to make positron emission tomographic measurements of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). We compared 8 young women with AN to 8 medically/psychiatrically healthy female control subjects during both a neutral and provoked state. Presentation of standardized neutral, low-caloric food stimuli (apple, lettuce) was followed by viewing of provocative, high-caloric food stimuli (cake, bagel + cream cheese). Heart rate was monitored by pulse oximetry and subjects completed emotional state analog scales after each scan. Stereotactic transformation and statistical parametric mapping techniques were used to determine locations of significant activation; a statistical threshold of p=0.001 (z=3.09) was used for analysis of imaging data. Provocative food stimuli produced a significant desire to eat in controls (p=0.01), whereas in the AN group, identical stimuli produced significant disgust (p=0.008) and other negative emotions. A significant heart rate increase (p=0.023) was noted after exposure to provocative stimuli in AN subjects, but not in controls. Planned contrasts(rCBF for provoked vs. neutral conditions) demonstrated a significant decrease in rCBF within the left anterior temporal cortex in controls only. Within the AN group alone, significantly decreased rCBF was seen in the right somatosensory cortex in an area controlling sensory function of the mouth. These results implicate left anterior temporal cortex, a component of the paralimbic system, in the mediation of normal appetitive function and as an area that appears to be differentially activated in AN. Interestingly, subjects with AN had decreased activity in a brain region mediating oral sensation, accompanying their reported experience of high-caloric food aversion.
A Parallel Processor Operating System Comparison

Three different operating system strategies for a parallel processor computer system are compared, and the most effective strategy for given job loads is determined. The three strategies compare uniprogramming versus multiprogramming and distributed operating systems versus dedicated processor operating systems. The level of evaluation includes I/O operations, resource allocation, and interprocess communication. The results apply to architectures where jobs may be scheduled to processors on the basis of processor availability, memory availability, and the availability of one other resource used by all jobs.
Note on the instability of a surface of discontinuity

In a paper recently published I found it necessary to extend those investigations of Lord Rayleigh which deal with the instability of the surface common to two streams of fluid. The Rayleigh investigation is equivalent to a first order approximation to the flow and concludes that the initial form of the disturbance of the common surface is maintained but that its amplitude increases exponentially with the time, the form of the surface at time t being, with particular values inserted, where a is the initial amplitude, 2π/ k the wave-length, U the velocity of the upper stream, – U the velocity of the lower stream, and ρ the density of both fluids. A second order approximation to the flow for the above particular case shows that the original disturbance does not grow symmetrically, the ordinate of the common surface being given by (A slightly amended form of this solution is given byequation III(8).) The solution suggests the initial stages in the formation of vortices. The problem was further discussed by a numerical step-by-step method and showed the formation of vortices quite clearly.
Rationale of the rhodamine b method for antimony

Abstract The chemistry of the colorimetric rhodamine B-benzene extraction method for the determination of antimony is examined and sources of error are considered.