cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Linking ocean conditions to year class strength of the invasive European green crab, Carcinus maenas

Once a non-native species arrives and survives in an area, its long-term persistence depends on its recruitment success. If conditions are not favorable for recruitment it will ultimately disappear. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has a 6 year life span and has persisted at low densities in Oregon and Washington coastal estuaries for the past 12 years. We show here that after the arrival of the strong founding year class of 1998, significant self- recruitment to the Oregon and Washington popula- tions occurred only in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Warm winter water temperatures, high Pacific Decadal Oscillation and Multivariate ENSO (El Nino South- ern Oscillation) Indices in March, late spring transi- tions and weak southward shelf currents in March and April are all correlated with the these strong year classes. Cold winter water temperatures, low Pacific Decadal Oscillation Indices, early spring transitions and strong southward (and offshore) currents in March and April are linked to year class failure. Right now, green crabs are still too rare to exert a measurable effect on the native benthic community and on shellfish culture in Oregon and Washington. How- ever, if their numbers were to increase, we would be able to predict the arrival of strong year classes from ocean conditions and alert managers and shellfish growers of possible increases in predation pressure from this invader.
Cancer mortality in IBM Endicott plant workers, 1969–2001: an update on a NY production plant

In response to concerns expressed by workers at a public meeting, we analyzed the mortality experience of workers who were employed at the IBM plant in Endicott, New York and died between 1969–2001. An epidemiologic feasibility assessment indicated potential worker exposure to several known and suspected carcinogens at this plant. We used the mortality and work history files produced under a court order and used in a previous mortality analysis. Using publicly available data for the state of New York as a standard of comparison, we conducted proportional cancer mortality (PCMR) analysis. The results showed significantly increased mortality due to melanoma (PCMR = 367; 95% CI: 119, 856) and lymphoma (PCMR = 220; 95% CI: 101, 419) in males and modestly increased mortality due to kidney cancer (PCMR = 165; 95% CI: 45, 421) and brain cancer (PCMR = 190; 95% CI: 52, 485) in males and breast cancer (PCMR = 126; 95% CI: 34, 321) in females. These results are similar to results from a previous IBM mortality study and support the need for a full cohort mortality analysis such as the one being planned by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Capsulectomy and Membranectomy with the Argon Laser

Using the argon laser photocoagulator, I created openings in opacified posterior capsules and secondary membranes in ten eyes with resulting improvement in visual acuity. Eight of these eyes had implanted intraocular lenses. There was no evidence of damage to the intraocular lens or to the ocular structures. All openings remained patent during the follow-up period.
Familias: Preparando la Nueva Generación: A Randomized Control Trial Testing the Effects on Positive Parenting Practices

OBJECTIVES: This article reports the effects of a culturally grounded parenting intervention to strengthen positive parenting practices. METHOD: The intervention was designed and tested with primarily Mexican origin parents in a large urban setting of the southwestern United States using an ecodevelopmental approach. Parents (N = 393) were randomly assigned three treatment conditions: (1) a parenting and youth intervention, (2) a youth only intervention, or (3) a control group. A measurement model for positive parenting was first evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, followed by structural equation modeling to estimate the effects of the intervention on positive parenting (i.e., baseline to follow-up). RESULTS: As hypothesized, parents in the intervention group reported higher rates of positive parenting compared to parents in youth-only condition. CONCLUSION: The results are promising and add to growing evidence that interventions tailored to the cultural characteristics and environments of parents and their children can strengthen positive parenting. Language: en
Amphi-Atlantic phylogeography of direct-developing lineages of Lasaea, a genus of brooding bivalves

Direct-developing intertidal Lasaea spp. occur in the North Atlantic as both continental margin and oceanic island populations. We conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis of representative populations in order to test colonization hypotheses for North Atlantic oceanic islands. Thirty individuals each were collected in 1995 and 1996 from two continental putative source populations (Florida, Iberia) and two oceanic island populations (Bermuda, Azores). They were sequenced for a 462 nucleotide portion of the mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit (16S) gene. No amphi-Atlantic genotypes were detected: Bermudan lineages co-clustered exclusively with Floridian congeners, and Azorean samples formed an exclusive clade with Iberian haplotypes. Our data indicate that geographical proximity to continental source populations is a better predictor of phylogenetic relationships in North Atlantic Lasaea spp. than present-day oceanic surface circulation patterns. The phylogenetic trees generated are not consistent with colonization of oceanic islands by indirect-developing ancestral lineages or by truly trans-oceanic rafting events. However, they are consistent with predicted topologies resulting from limited (≤ 2000 km), long-distance colonization by rafting (against present-day circulation patterns in the case of the Azores) and from anthropogenic introductions.
Frost heave predictions of buried chilled gas pipelines with the effect of permafrost

Abstract Frost heave is an anticipated issue for the arctic pipeline design. In this study, the pipe displacement due to frost heave is assumed as the amount of soil heave at the free-field area, where the influence of the restraint of pipeline in frozen ground is negligible. To predict the pipe displacement, a quasi two-dimensional explicit finite difference model was developed and Segregation Potential (SP) concept was applied to the model. The developed frost heave model was verified by a full-scale buried chilled gas pipeline experiment in Fairbanks, Alaska. The simulated thermal analysis results agreed with the observed results. Simulation of the pipe displacement was conducted for two ground conditions — with and without permafrost. In the case with permafrost, rising of the permafrost table was simulated. The result indicated that pipe displacement stops when the freezing front reaches the permafrost table. However, heave continues for the ground free of permafrost. Segregation heave played a more significant role to the total heave in the case of no permafrost than that with permafrost. The total heave without permafrost was 30% more than that with permafrost in a 25-year simulation.
Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from visualized bulbospinal neurons in the brainstem slices.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a method for electrophysiological characterization of retrogradely labeled bulbospinal neurons in the specific cytoarchitectonic regions in the brainstem slices. Several days after the spinal cord was injected with the carbocyanine dye, DiI, retrogradely labeled bulbospinal neurons were visualized by epifluorescence optics in the brainstem slices with the aid of a silicon intensifier tube (SIT) camera. Labeled somata were routinely seen in the caudal raphe nuclei, rostroventral medial and lateral portions of the medulla, the A5 group and in other medullary sites known to project to the spinal cord. Electrophysiological properties of the DiI-labeled neurons were assessed by whole-cell recordings using micropipettes filled with biocytin. The slices were subsequently processed for dual visualization of biocytin and serotinin or a marker for noradrenergic neurons, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). The electrophysiological properties of bulbospinal neurons were correlated with their morphology and neurochemical content. This technique may be useful in other areas of CNS for studying morphology, neurochemical content and physiology of retrogradely labeled neurons.
Managing singular behavior in the tracking control of quantum dynamical observables

Singularities can arise in the external field obtained by tracking control of quantum mechanical systems. Whether or not the trajectory is disturbed by the presence of a singular point is shown to mainly depend on the average momentum along the trajectory at the moment of passing the singular point. If the singularity occurs on a turning point, the tracking will be quite unstable since the direction taken by the trajectory is very sensitive to field errors. The theoretical analysis of these situations yields detailed conclusions about the impact of field singularities in quantum tracking control. A rank index is defined to characterize nontrivial singularities, and the rank is shown to play an important role in determining the tracking quality while passing over a singular turning point where the field has a unique solution. A special class of nontrivial singularities is identified by the ability to remove the singularity under a proper limiting process. These insights into the nature and influence of singularities in tracking control of quantum systems are beneficial for developing numerical schemes and for designing controls.
Honoring the Thornburgs Pursuing Policy-Relevant Research

Hershel and Ellen Thornburg left a strong legacy to the field of adolescent research, especially through their pioneering work identifying early adolescence as worthy of special focus and through the links they made among research, practice, and policy. This article honors their legacy by pointing to areas of progress in research, needed progress in policy and practice, and future research priorities. Improved communication with policy makers and practitioners can lead to more effective research questions. Also needed is increased scientific rigor to provide answers to pressing societal questions.
A pedestrian's introduction to spacetime crystallography

Ordinary crystallography deals with regular, discrete, static arrangements in space. Of course, dynamic considerations--and thus the additional dimension of time--must be introduced when one studies the origin of crystals (since they are emergent structures) and their physical properties such as conductivity and compressibility. The space and time of the dynamics in which the crystal is embedded are assumed to be those of ordinary continuous mechanics. In this paper, we take as the starting point a spacetime crystal, that is, the spacetime structure underlying a discrete and regular dynamics. A dynamics of this kind can be viewed as a "crystalline computer." After considering transformations that leave this structure invariant, we turn to the possible states of this crystal, that is, the discrete spacetime histories that can take place in it and how they transform under different crystal transformations. This introduction to spacetime crystallography provides the rationale for making certain definitions and addressing specific issues; presents the novel features of this approach to crystallography by analogy and by contrast with conventional crystallography; and raises issues that have no counterpart there.
Aglomerularism in Antarctic Fish

Urine formation in antarctic bony fish does not involve glomerular filtration. Evidence for aglomerularism came from both direct observation of kidney serial sections by light microscopy and the low concentrations of inulin labeled with carbon-14 that were excreted into the urine when this renal clearance tracer was injected into the bloodstream via a cannula implanted in the caudal vein. Aglomerularism most likely prevents urinary loss of glycoproteins with biological antifreeze properties.
Primary malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents: A 20 year experience ☆

Abstract Background Malignant pancreatic neoplasms in children and adolescents are rare. The clinical presentation, pathologic characteristics, management, and outcomes at two institutions are discussed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all pediatric patients (age Results Thirty-one patients were identified with median age of 14.7years (4–18years). The most common histology was solid pseudopapillary tumor (SPT) (n=22, 71%) followed by neuroendocrine tumors (n=4, 13%), pancreatoblastoma (n=4, 13%), and one unclassified spindle cell neoplasm (3%). Most patients presented with abdominal pain (n=22, 71%). Complications included pancreatic leak, pseudocyst formation, pancreatitis, pancreatic insufficiency, and small bowel obstruction. The overall 1- and 5-year survival was 96% (95% CI 74%–99%) and 78% (95% CI 43%–93%). Median follow-up among patients alive at the end of follow-up was 20months ( Conclusion The majority of pediatric and adolescent patients present with SPTs which are usually resectable and associated with an excellent prognosis. Other histologic subtypes more often present with distant metastases and portend a worse prognosis.
Rapid sequence analysis of small peptides

Abstract Small amounts of peptide material can be analyzed by a modified sequential degradation plus dansylation procedure. The method requires about 5 nanomoles per step, and is primarily designed for application to peptides of up to five or six residues. Alternatively it can be applied to the terminal sequence of larger peptides, but it is not generally applicable to proteins. Several cycles of degradation can be carried out in a typical working day, so that the entire sequence of a pentapeptide is established within a two-day period.
A Broadband Multi-hop Network for Earth-Mars Communication using Multi-purpose Interplanetary Relay Satellites and Linear-Circular Commutating Chain Topology

Bandwidth utilization in the Mars exploration environment has been projected to increase past 1 Gbps duplex within the next decade. At present, all communication is routed through the Deep Space Network and is subject to the variable orbital geometry of Earth, Mars and the Sun. Data Communication speeds, between Earth and Mars, are neither satisfactory nor can they be utilized on a 24x7 basis, due in part to the lack of a space based telecommunication backbone. A holistic assessment of the merits of multi-hop communication in deep space was undertaken during 2009-2010, and a potentially robust new solution, employing a novel Linear-Circular Commutating Chain (LC3) architecture, developed for persistent, broadband connectivity between Earth and Mars. New classes of spacecraft suitable for use as Multi-purpose Interplanetary Relay (MIR) satellites in heliocentric orbit are outlined. Preliminary communication link budget and orbital analysis of a two-constellation MIR satellite network is presented, consisting of a linear chain of satellites (࢔૚ group, 36 nodes) following Mars, and a circular chain of satellites located inside of Earth’s orbit (࢔ ૛ group, 292 nodes). Potential orbital tracks are presented for network (365 nodes, including spares) supporting 1 Gbps end-to-end transmission with intermediate switching/trunking facilities, that should be able to be constructed by 2020 and serviced in deep space, using readily available technology practices. The proposed network avoids occultation problems caused by Earth-Sun-Mars geometry, provides redundant capability, and if desired, can be extended with very high capacity Optical links in place of, or in addition to, the RF links. A preliminary space mission concept summary is also included.
Dopamine, the Kidney, and Hypertension

There is increasing evidence that the intrarenal dopaminergic system plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure, and defects in dopamine signaling appear to be involved in the development of hypertension. Recent experimental models have definitively demonstrated that abnormalities in intrarenal dopamine production or receptor signaling can predispose to salt-sensitive hypertension and a dysregulated renin-angiotensin system. In addition, studies in both experimental animal models and in humans with salt-sensitive hypertension implicate abnormalities in dopamine receptor regulation due to receptor desensitization resulting from increased G-protein receptor kinase 4 (GRK4) activity. Functional polymorphisms that predispose to increased basal GRK4 activity both decrease dopamine receptor activity and increase angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor activity and are associated with essential hypertension in a number of different human cohorts.
Raman studies of aldol condensation reactions on sodium hydroxide-treated silica gel

Abstract Adsorbed species from the reaction of acetaldehyde on NaOH-treated silica gel were studied using Raman spectroscopy. Catalytic activity for acetaldehyde condensation reactions increased with coverage of Na+ ions. At room temperature and an acetaldehyde vapor pressure of 300 Torr, the Raman spectrum of acetaldehyde adsorbed on NaOH-treated silica gel is characteristic of adsorbed acetaldehyde and 6-hydroxy-2,4-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane. The latter compound is a trimer of acetaldehyde from the base-catalyzed condensation of the monomer. At lower pressures the above dioxane decomposes and chemisorbed acetaldol is the dominant surface species. At elevated temperatures, Raman bands of crotonaldehyde, which is produced by the dehydration of adsorbed species, appear in spectra of the acetaldehyde reaction system. The reactions of crotonaldehyde on the catalyst surface are similar to those of acetaldehyde. Two condensation products result from the reactions of crotonaldehyde with adsorbed acetaldol and with adsorbed acetaldehyde. When acetaldehyde is adsorbed in the presence of pyridine, the rate of the condensation reaction is not significantly affected. In the presence of formic acid the catalytic activity for aldol condensation reactions is destroyed.
Pain and fatigue as mediators of the relationship between mobility aid usage and depressive symptomatology in ambulatory individuals with SCI.

Cross-sectional cohort study. To investigate a mediational model where pain (intensity and interference) and fatigue mediate the relationship between the use of mobility aids and moderate-to-severe depressive symptomatology among ambulatory participants with spinal cord injury (SCI). A medical university in the southeastern United States. Ambulatory adults (N=652) with chronic SCI responded to a mail-in survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess moderate-to-severe depressive symptomatology. The Brief Pain Inventory was used to assess pain intensity and interference, and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale–5-item version was used to assess fatigue. Participants self-reported use of mobility aids. On examining mobility aids used for ambulation, 65% were found to have used at least one aid. Severe pain intensity was reported by 11%, and 14% reported severe pain interference. Disabling fatigue was reported by 10% of the participants. Twenty-one percent (n=138) reported moderate-to-severe levels of depressive symptoms. On examining the relationships between mobility aids and depressive symptomatology, using people as a mobility aid was associated with increased odds of depressive symptomatology (2.6) and always using a wheelchair was associated with lower odds (0.3). However, these relationships were no longer significant after controlling for the mediating variables pain intensity, pain interference and fatigue. Pain and fatigue mediate the relationship between usage of certain mobility aids and depressive symptomatology. The use of people to assist in ambulation is associated with greater odds of moderate-to-severe depressive symptomatology, while always using a wheelchair is associated with lower odds.
β-Naphthol as a chromophore and fluorophore forming reagent in the HPLC determination of alkyl halides

Abstract A suitable chromophore- and fluorophore- forming reagent for the detection of alkyl halide water contaminants is β-naphtol. The ether derivatives are separated from each other and excess β-naphthol reagent by reverse, phase HPLC and are detected by ultraviolet absorption or fluorescence. A method for the determination of alkyl halides is presented. The method is applicable to concentration levels in the ppm range for UV detection and in the ppb concentration range using fluorescence detection.
Interleukin-7 receptor-α gene mutations are not detected in adult T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Somatic mutations in cancer cell genes are classified according to their functional significance. Those that provide the malignant cells with significant advantage are collectively referred to as driver mutations and those that do not, are the passenger mutations. Accordingly, analytical criteria to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations have been recently suggested. Recent studies revealed mutations in interleukin-7 receptor-α (IL7R) gene in 10% of pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients and in only a few cases of pediatric B-ALL. IL7R mutations are also frequently found in patients with lung cancer, but whereas in pediatric T-ALL IL7R mutations are “drivers” (consisting of gain-of-function mutations within a narrow 50-base pair interval at exon 6 that confer cytokine-independent cell growth and promote tumor transformation), in lung cancer, mutations are substitution mutations randomly distributed across the gene and are probably only “passenger” events. Because the treatment response of adult T-ALL is significantly poorer than that of childhood T-ALL and because exon 6 IL7R mutations play a role in the pathogenesis of childhood T-ALL, we sought to determine how the pattern of IL7R mutations varies between adult and childhood T-ALL. To that end, we sequenced the 50-base pair interval in exon 6 of the IL7R of DNA obtained from bone marrow samples of 35 randomly selected adult patients with T-ALL. Our analysis revealed that none of these 35 samples carried an IL7R mutation in exon 6. Whether differences in the genetic makeup of adult and childhood T-ALL explain the differential response to therapy remains to be determined.
Trends in endovascular surgery training.

PURPOSE To gather vascular surgery fellows' opinions on various issues related to endovascular surgery (EVS) over a 2-year period and analyze the responses to identify trends in EVS training. METHODS Vascular surgery fellows in 2 consecutive years were given a 2-page questionnaire inquiring about training protocols and local practice habits. Respondents included 64 vascular fellows from the academic year 1998-1999 (F98) and 52 vascular fellows from the academic year 1999-2000 (F99) (78% men in the entire population; mean age 34 years), representing a significant fraction of trainees in North America. Data from F98 and F99 were compared and analyzed. RESULTS The majority (66%) of vascular surgery fellows were trained at university hospitals and performed EVS at the time of the survey: 83% in the F98 class and 92% in the F99 group (p=0.17). Utilization rates among the 9 interventions surveyed ranged from angiography (83%) and angioplasty (77%) to intravascular ultrasound (33%) and atherectomy (15%). Performance of endovascular grafting significantly increased among trainees (50% versus 81%, p<0.005), while atherectomy and angioscopy decreased. EVS performed in the operating room with portable imaging equipment decreased (67% versus 42%, p=0.02) as access to the radiology and cardiology suites increased. In most communities (63%), radiology specialists performed most of the EVS procedures, but the portion of communities where vascular surgery performed the majority of EVS procedures increased from 20% to 35% (p=0.10) from F98 to F99. Responders (90%) believed that EVS would become a major component of vascular surgery and comprise 30% of their future practice. The proportion of fellows who believed they were sufficiently trained in endovascular techniques increased from 30% to 50% (p=0.04), with the remainder willing to devote a short period (<3 months) for further training. CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of vascular trainees perform EVS and believe that it will have an increasing role in their practice. Trends include increased endovascular grafting and performance of EVS by vascular surgeons in interventional suites.
The association of opportunistic infections with the occurrence of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole hypersensitivity in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Hypersensitivity from trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) has been linked to a reactive nitroso intermediate from sulfamethoxazole metabolism, which may be altered in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The authors determined the clinical factors that are associated with TMP/SMX hypersensitivity in patients with HIV. In a case control study, 54 controls currently tolerating TMP/SMX prophylaxis were randomly matched by date of hypersensitivity reaction in case patients to 28 patients with a history of a rash consistent with erythema multiforme from TMP/SMX. Demographic data, coadministered medications, laboratory data, and histories of opportunistic infections were extracted on all patients. A highly significant association was observed between the number of opportunistic infections and the occurrence of TMP/SMX hypersensitivity (p 0.1). A tendency for protection from TMP/SMX hypersensitivity in blacks was also observed (p = 0.066). These observations suggest that the mechanisms by which HIV produces cellular immune dysfunction and alters drug detoxification may be linked.
Deletion and Substitution Analysis of the Escherichia coli TonB Q160 Region

The active transport of iron siderophores and vitamin B12 across the outer membrane (OM) of Escherichia coli requires OM transporters and the potential energy of the cytoplasmic membrane (CM) proton gradient and CM proteins TonB, ExbB, and ExbD. A region at the amino terminus of the transporter, called the TonB box, directly interacts with TonB Q160 region residues. R158 and R166 in the TonB Q160 region were proposed to play important roles in cocrystal structures of the TonB carboxy terminus with OM transporters BtuB and FhuA. In contrast to predictions based on the crystal structures, none of the single, double, or triple alanyl substitutions at arginyl residues significantly decreased TonB activity. Even the quadruple R154A R158A R166A R171A mutant TonB still retained 30% of wild-type activity. Up to five residues centered on TonB Q160 could be deleted without inactivating TonB or preventing its association with the OM. TonB mutant proteins with nested deletions of 7, 9, or 11 residues centered on TonB Q160 were inactive and appeared never to have associated with the OM. Because the 7-residue-deletion mutant protein (TonBΔ7, lacking residues S157 to Y163) could still form disulfide-linked dimers when combined with W213C or F202C in the TonB carboxy terminus, the TonBΔ7 deletion did not prevent necessary energy-dependent conformational changes that occur in the CM. Thus, it appeared that initial contact with the OM is made through TonB residues S157 to Y163. It is hypothesized that the TonB Q160 region may be part of a large disordered region required to span the periplasm and contact an OM transporter.
Centromeric Retroelements and Satellites Interact with Maize Kinetochore Protein CENH3

Maize centromeres are composed of CentC tandem repeat arrays, centromeric retrotransposons (CRs), and a variety of other repeats. One particularly well-conserved CR element, CRM, occurs primarily as complete and uninterrupted elements and is interspersed thoroughly with CentC at the light microscopic level. To determine if these major centromeric DNAs are part of the functional centromere/kinetochore complex, we generated antiserum to maize centromeric histone H3 (CENH3). CENH3, a highly conserved protein that replaces histone H3 in centromeres, is thought to recruit many of the proteins required for chromosome movement. CENH3 is present throughout the cell cycle and colocalizes with the kinetochore protein CENPC in meiotic cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrates that CentC and CRM interact specifically with CENH3, whereas knob repeats and Tekay retroelements do not. Approximately 38 and 33% of CentC and CRM are precipitated in the chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, consistent with data showing that much, but not all, of CENH3 colocalizes with CentC.
A prototype framework for providing hop-by-hop security in an experimentally deployed active network

Realizing large-scale active networks is heavily contingent upon addressing security concerns at the outset. Various approaches have been taken toward integrating security within an active node, each defining the mechanisms required to be in place within the node OS or the execution environment in order to provide security guarantees within the system. An acceptable short-term solution to security while deploying an active network in practical testbeds such as the Abone is to divide security concerns into two classes: hop-by-hop and end-to-end. This paper describes an architecture for setting up hop-by-hop packet authentication and integrity using non-active, "off-the-shelf" security components. The intent is for the framework to be generic enough to serve as an aid in securely deploying any new technology requiring mediated node-node security associations including, but not limited to active networks.
Patterns of treatment effects in subsets of patients in clinical trials

SUMMARY We discuss the practice of examining patterns of treatment effects across overlapping patient subpopulations. In particular, we focus on the case in which patient subgroups are defined to contain patients having increasingly larger (or smaller) values of one particular covariate of interest, with the intent of exploring the possible interaction between treatment effect and that covariate. We formalize these subgroup approaches (STEPP: subpopulation treatment effect pattern plots) and implement them when treatment effect is defined as the difference in survival at a fixed time point between two treatment arms. The joint asymptotic distribution of the treatment effect estimates is derived, and used to construct simultaneous confidence bands around the estimates and to test the null hypothesis of no interaction. These methods are illustrated using data from a clinical trial conducted by the International Breast Cancer Study Group, which demonstrates the critical role of estrogen receptor content of the primary breast cancer for selecting appropriate adjuvant therapy. The considerations are also relevant for general subset analysis, since information from the same patients is typically used in the estimation of treatment effects within two or more subgroups of patients defined with respect to different covariates.
Microlumbar discectomy and decompression in the treatment of lumbar radiculopathies

The use of the microscope for the surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniations and other degenerative conditions provides improved visualization for both the surgeon and the operating room personnel. The microscope allows more accurate identification of the spinal anatomy, minimizing the possibility of injury to the dura and nerve roots. A good understanding of the surgical anatomy and relationships of the nerve root and disc to the overlying bony structures will allow the procedure to be performed with a minimum of soft tissue dissection and epidural exposure. Meticulous attention to the imaging studies, patient positioning, anatomy, and surgical technique will help to make this a procedure that will greatly benefit both the surgeon and the patient.
N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and sudden cardiac death risk: implications for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death.

t c Over the last several decades, significant advances have been made in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, despite these advances, the majority of cardiovascular disease deaths occur suddenly outside of the hospital or in the emergency room, and survival rates from cardiac arrest remain poor despite advances in resuscitation. Thus, early identification of subjects at isk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) and effective primary preention strategies will be essential to further reducing mortality rom cardiovascular disease. However, it is well known that our urrent risk stratification approach, which uses left ventricular jection fraction (LVEF) and clinical symptoms of congestive eart failure (CHF) to identify individuals at risk, does not identify he majority of individuals who later will go on to suffer SCD. Not nly do the majority of these individuals not have documented epressed LVEF, but more than half have no clinically recogized heart disease prior to the SCD. Therefore, in order to have significant impact on SCD incidence, we need to address SCD revention in broader populations. Blood-based markers, which ould easily be measured in large, relatively well populations, may urther our understanding of the biologic underpinnings of SCD ithin lower-risk populations and ultimately improve SCD risk rediction. One such marker, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide NT-proBNP), a neurohormone released under conditions of volme and pressure overload, has been associated with SCD risk ndependent of LVEF among patients with prior myocardial inarction and CHF and with appropriate shocks for ventricular
Psychological well-being in persons affected by Huntington's disease: a comparison of at-risk, prodromal, and symptomatic groups.

In order to broaden knowledge of psychological functioning in Huntington’s disease (HD), participants at-risk, prodromal, and symptomatic for HD reported on stress, negative affect, and depressive ...
Intraindividual variation of prostate specific antigen measurement and implications for early detection of prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND Many researchers have described intraindividual prostate specific antigen (PSA) variation, but its implications for a prostate carcinoma screening program have not been well appreciated. In this study, the author explored misclassification problems associated with intraindividual PSA variation. METHODS The previous research work on intraindividual PSA variation was reviewed and summarized. Then, on the basis of the results from the previous work and a simple measurement error model, the author estimated misclassification probabilities for a single PSA measurement. RESULTS With a variance-based approach of meta-analysis, the author derived a summary coefficient of variation (13.1%) of the intraindividual PSA variation from the previous relevant studies. They found that there were substantial risks for misclassification, especially among those with PSA values near the recommended cutoff point (4.0 ng/mL). For an individual with a true PSA level at 3.9 ng/mL, the risk for misclassification as PSA higher than 4.0 ng/mL was approximately 42%; for an individual with a true PSA value at 3.0 ng/mL, the risk was less than 1%. CONCLUSIONS Intraindividual PSA variation should become a part of interpreting PSA test results, especially for men with a PSA value near the cutoff point. Both sensitivity and specificity of PSA test reported in the literature have been underestimated, and the risk of prostate carcinoma associated with PSA test results has been biased down to the null (no effect) because of the intraindividual PSA variation. Cancer 2001;92:776–80. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
A Case Study of Urban and Peri-urban Mammal Communities: Implications for the Management of National Park Service Areas

Abstract The primary objective of this study was to compare urban and peri-urban mammal assemblages and relate variation in these communities to local differences in vegetation. We surveyed 15 locations in both urban and peri-urban habitats (n = 30). Boundaries of our survey areas coincided with those of National Park Service (NPS) areas in central Virginia. Over a 14-month period, we used five trap-types to document species in three guilds. A total of 9 and 15 species were documented at urban and peri-urban locations, respectively. Top predators Canis latrans (Coyote) and Felis rufus (Bobcat) were undetected at urban sites, while mesopredators were consistently more abundant. The absence of four small prey species and reduced abundances of the most common native generalist, Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse), were also associated with urban locations. Multivariate analyses of relative abundance data indicated significantly dissimilar mammal communities in urban and peri-urban locations. Shrub cover...
Limited role of COX-2 in HIV Tat-induced alterations of tight junction protein expression and disruption of the blood–brain barrier

Tat protein released from HIV-infected blood-borne leukocytes can contribute to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and induction of inflammatory responses and can provide entry for HIV into the brain. To mimic this pathology, Tat was injected into the tail vein of C57BL/6 mice. Treatment with Tat markedly upregulated expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and decreased expression of tight junction proteins, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). These alterations were associated with the disruption of the BBB integrity as quantified by extravasation of Evans blue dye into the brain tissue. In addition, direct treatment of brain microvessels with prostaglandin E(2), a product of COX-2 activity, resulted in decreased expression of both occludin and ZO-1. To determine if upregulation of COX-2 is involved in the disruption of tight junction proteins and BBB integrity, mice were pretreated with rofecoxib, a specific inhibitor of COX-2, prior to Tat treatment. COX-2 inhibition attenuated Tat-induced alterations of occludin expression. However, rofecoxib was ineffective in preventing downregulation of ZO-1 expression and increased BBB permeability. These results suggest only a limited role of COX-2 overexpression in the loss of tight junction integrity and the BBB breakdown in HIV-related brain diseases.
Seasonal variation in mussel byssal thread mechanics

The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, attaches itself to the substrate by producing a radially arranged complex of collagenous byssal threads. The strength of byssal attachment, or tenacity, has been shown to vary seasonally on Rhode Island shores, increasing twofold in spring in comparison with fall. It was previously assumed that this seasonality was due to increased thread production following periods of increased wave action; however, recent findings do not support this view. As an alternate hypothesis, this study evaluates the contribution of seasonal changes in the material properties of byssal threads to an annual cycle in mussel attachment strength. Tensile mechanical tests were performed seasonally, on both newly produced threads and on threads outplanted in the field for up to nine weeks. Threads produced in spring were over 60% stronger and 83% more extensible than threads produced in all other seasons. The mechanical integrity of byssal threads also deteriorated over time in spring and summer. These results suggest that reduced attachment strength in fall reflects the production of inferior quality threads following a period of increased decay. Here, we propose a new scheme where variation in byssal thread material properties, rather than quantity, explains the seasonal pattern in attachment strength observed on Rhode Island shores.
Multiple chemical sensitivity: Where is the research?

Abstract Chemical sensitivity has received relatively little research attention. This paper clarifies some of the key terms associated with multiple chemical sensitivity. The perspective is presented that before much progress can be made in understanding multiple chemical sensitivity, scientists must agree upon a measure or group of measures that reflect existence and extent of the condition, and upon a chemical or mixture of chemicals that can produce it.
Placebo Use in Pain Management: A Mechanism-Based Educational Intervention Enhances Placebo Treatment Acceptability

Abstract Health care providers use treatments whose effectiveness derives partially or completely from ‘nonspecific’ factors, frequently referred to as placebo effects. Although the ethics of interventional placebo use continues to be debated, evidence suggests that placebos can produce clinically meaningful analgesic effects. Burgeoning evidence suggest that patients with chronic pain might be open to placebo treatments in certain contexts despite limited knowledge of their well-established psychoneurobiological underpinnings. In this investigation we sought to examine the effects of a brief, mechanism-based placebo analgesia educational intervention on aspects placebo knowledge and acceptability. Participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain completed a web-based survey in which they rated their knowledge of placebo analgesia, assessed placebo acceptability across different medical contexts, and evaluated 6 unique patient–provider treatment scenarios to assess the role of treatment effectiveness and deception on patient–provider attributions. Using a pre–post design, participants were randomized to receive either a placebo educational intervention or an active control education. Results showed that the educational intervention greatly improved perceptions of placebo knowledge, effectiveness, and acceptability, even in deceptive treatment contexts. This was the first study of its kind to show the value of an educational intervention in increasing openness to and knowledge of placebo analgesic interventions among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Perspective In this we article highlight how patients with chronic pain might be open to placebo interventions, particularly adjunct and/or complementary treatments, when provided education on the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms that underlie placebo effects. Study findings highlight ethically acceptable ways to potentially use placebo factors to enhance existing pain treatments and improve patient health outcomes.
Agree or not agree? The role of cognitive and affective processes in group disagreements

We develop and test a theoretical framework for understanding how cognitive and affective processes (cognitive and affective integration) influence the way in which disagreements (task and process) among group members affect their performance (individual and group level performance). We use this framework to explain how and why diversity may be either beneficial or detrimental to group process and outcomes. Specifically, we examine how group faultlines may hinder members' ability to create a shared understanding of the problem (cognitive integration) and a shared motivation to synthesize their knowledge (affective integration). If this happens, then groups will fail to share and process information, which will hinder group performance and satisfaction. We test this theory on 321 MBA students in 88 five to six person teams from a prestigious East Coast university.
War on Cancer Redux

President Obama announced a remarkable initiative to cure cancer that he likened to a moonshot during his 2016 State of the Union address. Sadly, cancer has affected just about everyone with very few degrees of separation; the call to arms to cure it is something we can all readily respond to
Lawrence R. Frey and David L. Palmer, Teaching communication activism: communication education for social justice

The edited volume, Teaching communication activism: communication education for social justice, is essential reading for any scholar who wants to teach communication courses in ways that advance de...
The U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women: A focus on women's health.

Amidst controversy contradiction and conflict the UN Fourth World Conference on Women (August/September 1995 Beijing) brought together the largest group of women in history to address critical issues directly affecting the health of women and their families worldwide. Preeminent issues addressed at the Non-Government Organization Forum (the parallel conference attended by over 30000 women) included violence against women reproductive health poverty the victimization of women in armed conflict protection of girl children and human rights. While official delegates in Beijing debated compromised and finally approved a Platform of Action with strong advocacy for the improvement of womens health and protection of womens human rights NGO Forum attenders in Huairou shared ideas and developed strategies for the advancement of women. The unprecedented participation of over 3000 NGOs in the NGO Forum reflects a significant trend in grassroots organization and health promotion worldwide. Through NGOs women all over the world have created new political spaces for themselves where their voices can be heard and their actions can have impact. Health educators and health NGOs (like the IUHPE) have significant roles to play in achieving the Beijing agenda. By contributing research and teaching skills by providing leadership for womens health advocacy and by monitoring government compliance of the Platform health education practitioners can assist women worldwide in attaining the highest attainable level of health for themselves and their families. Though the Beijing Conference was the final of the four UN conferences on women it represents the beginning not the end of womens journey toward achieving health equality development and peace. This journey can only be accomplished if government and non-government organizations particularly health promotion organizations work together to address health issues of significance to women. (full text)
Synthesis, structure, and reactivity of iridium(III) complexes containing a 4,6-dimethyl-1,3-benzenediphenylimine pincer ligand.

A nonheterocyclic bis(imino)aryl ligand with blocking methyl substituents, 4,6-dimethyl-1,3-benzenediphenylimine (NCHN), has been synthesized. Metalation via oxidative addition proceeds under mild conditions with the Ir(I) reagent [Ir(CH2═CH2)2(Cl)]2 to produce the Ir(III) product (NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(Cl). Neutral nucleophiles such as water or triphenylphosphine add readily to the vacant sixth coordination site. Protonation of the ethyl group results in loss of ethane and formation of a dicationic chloride-bridged (NCN)Ir dimer. Alternatively, the chloride ligand can be abstracted from (NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(Cl) to provide access to various neutral and cationic species, including (NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(OAc) (OAc = acetate), [(NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(bpy)][BF4] (bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), [(NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(NCCH3)2][BF4], and [(NCN)Ir(CH2CH3)(OH2)2][BF4], which is water soluble.
When Survival Reigns over Growth: Sequential Attention to Survival and Growth in New Ventures

Although extensive research suggests that new ventures pursue multiple organizational goals, little is known about whether these organizational goals are in conflict with one another. Drawing on a ...
Field Tests with Newer Materials Against the Gypsy Moth

The following compounds were tested by knapsack mistblower against the gypsy moth, porthetria dispar (L.): trichlorfon at 4 pounds active per gallon of formulation, SD 8447 (phosphoric acid, 2-chloro-I(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) vinyl dimethyl ester), and Thuricide® 90TS (Bacillus thuringiensis var. thuringiensis Berliner) containing 30 billion viable spores per gram of liquid. In 3 separate trials each material was tested against 3 different age groups of the larvae. In the 1st trial the larvae were 95% 2nd instar; in the 2nd they were 50% 2nd and 48% 3rd; in the 3rd trial they were 33% 3rd, 61% 4th, and 4% 5th instar, SD 8447 and trichlorfon at 1 pound in 10 gallons of water reduced the larvae on the test apple trees to very low numbers and gave excellent protection of the foliage. In the 2nd trial SD 8447 was used at 0.5 pounds ami also gave full protection. Thuricide 90TS at 10 and 20 pints in 10 gallons of water gave very good protection to foliage and although a few Ian are remained on the tree they apparently did little feeding. Thuricide 90TS at 5 pints per 10 gallons was ineffective and did not prevent complete defoliation.