cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty Quantification in Radiogenomics: EGFR Amplification in Glioblastoma

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Radiogenomics uses machine-learning (ML) to directly connect the morphologic and physiological appearance of tumors on clinical imaging with underlying genomic features. Despite extensive growth in the area of radiogenomics across many cancers, and its potential role in advancing clinical decision making, no published studies have directly addressed uncertainty in these model predictions. METHODS We developed a radiogenomics ML model to quantify uncertainty using transductive Gaussian Processes (GP) and a unique dataset of 95 image-localized biopsies with spatially matched MRI from 25 untreated Glioblastoma (GBM) patients. The model generated predictions for regional EGFR amplification status (a common and important target in GBM) to resolve the intratumoral genetic heterogeneity across each individual tumor - a key factor for future personalized therapeutic paradigms. The model used probability distributions for each sample prediction to quantify uncertainty, and used transductive learning to reduce the overall uncertainty. We compared predictive accuracy and uncertainty of the transductive learning GP model against a standard GP model using leave-one-patient-out cross validation. RESULTS Predictive uncertainty informed the likelihood of achieving an accurate sample prediction. When stratifying predictions based on uncertainty, we observed substantially higher performance in the group cohort (75% accuracy, n=95) and amongst sample predictions with the lowest uncertainty (83% accuracy, n=72) compared to predictions with higher uncertainty (48% accuracy, n=23), due largely to data interpolation (rather than extrapolation). CONCLUSION We present a novel approach to quantify radiogenomics uncertainty to enhance model performance and clinical interpretability. This should help integrate more reliable radiogenomics models for improved medical decision-making.
Adult Higher Education: Access and Innovation

The accelerated rate of change in our present-day society makes learning a necessity for adults (Merriam, Caffarella, & Baumgartner, 2007). The changing needs of the American population are redefining the notion of the college student and, thus, redefining the nature of our colleges and universities. When FutureWorks, a consulting and policy development firm based in Massachusetts, began investigations in 2001 to determine barriers to postsecondary education access, they discovered that approximately 60-65 million adult workers in the United States were without a college degree. Not only was this a serious concern for individual workers, but also an economic problem for America; we must prepare workers to fill new jobs. According to Bosworth and Choitz (2004), Even assuming that high school graduates continue on to college at the same or higher rates, the United States likely will see a net gain of perhaps 3 million workers with college credentials by 2020. This gain does not come close to covering the estimated 15 million new jobs created by 2020 that will require college education. Quite simply, employers, workers, and postsecondary education systems must invest in adults currently in the work force if we are to maintain our competitive edge in a skilled economy (p. 4). Layoffs and outsourcing have had a great impact on the blue collar sector. Many of these workers are discovering that they do not hold the skills to secure new employment. This is driving these individuals into higher education to increase or develop new skills and respond to a job market that requires a more technologically-skilled labor force (Compton, Cox, & Lanaan, 2006). With less than 20% of today's college students in the 18-22-year-old age group, colleges and universities are increasingly confronted with the need to build educational programs for a highly diverse student population, including diversity of age, gender, race, socioeconomic background, to name a few. Today's college students are typically working adults with families who seek the education and skills necessary to build their careers (Duderstadt, 2006). The changing demographics within higher education have forced colleges and universities to respond with programs that serve the needs of adult learners. That is the focus of this issue of Adult Learning. The issue begins with an article written by Cynthia Zafft of World Education. This article addresses the need for support for participants transitioning from literacy programs into post-secondary education. Cynthia addresses the obstacles these learners face and reports on the use and effectiveness of five adult basic education to college transition models that she and her colleagues at National College Transition Network at World Education studied. …
Passive Sub-Ambient Cooling from a Transparent Evaporation-Insulation Bilayer

Summary Hydrogel-based evaporative cooling, which mimics perspiration of mammals, provides great potential to reduce energy consumption for thermal regulation. Yet, environmental heat gain presents a critical challenge to this cooling strategy at sub-ambient temperatures. Herein, inspired by the fur layer of desert animals, we propose an evaporation-insulation cooling design based on hydrogels and aerogels. Our transparent bilayer structure relies on water evaporation from hydrogels through highly porous aerogels that are of ultralow thermal conductivity and minimize heating from the surroundings. Consequently, this bilayer design allows for optimization between the temperature drop from the ambient and the effective cooling time, which we demonstrated through both modeling and experiments. We show that our hydrogel-aerogel structure can extend the lifetime of the cooling package by 400% compared with the conventional single-layer design. We further provide design guidelines for various cooling applications, including thermal regulation of food, pharmaceuticals, and buildings.
Intraoperative Label-Free Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Imaging for Point-of-Procedure Cancer Diagnostics

Intraoperative imaging in surgical oncology can provide information about the tumor microenvironment as well as information about the tumor margin. Visualizing microstructural features and molecular and functional dynamics may provide important diagnostic and prognostic information, especially when obtained in real-time at the point-of-procedure. A majority of current intraoperative optical techniques are based on the use of the labels, such as fluorescent dyes. However, these exogenous agents disrupt the natural microenvironment, perturb biological processes, and alter the endogenous optical signatures that cells and the microenvironment can provide. Portable nonlinear imaging systems have enabled intraoperative imaging for real-time detection and diagnosis of tissue. We review the development of a label-free multimodal nonlinear optical imaging technique that was adapted into a portable imaging system for intraoperative optical assessment of resected human breast tissue. New developments have applied this technology to assessing needle-biopsy specimens. Needle-biopsy procedures most always precede surgical resection and serve as the first sampling of suspicious masses for diagnosis. We demonstrate the diagnostic feasibility of imaging core needle-biopsy specimens during veterinary cancer surgeries. This intraoperative label-free multimodal nonlinear optical imaging technique can potentially provide a powerful tool to assist in cancer diagnosis at the point-of-procedure.
Reductions in Cardiac Structure and Function 24 Months After Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract Objective To determine the alterations in cardiac structure and function that occur in the months after spinal cord injury (SCI). Study Design Cross-sectional Setting Rehabilitation Hospital Participants Volunteers (N=29; 4 women, 25 men) between 3 and 24 months after SCI. Main Outcome Measures Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on each volunteer. The relationships between time since injury and neurologic and sensory levels of injury to cardiac structure and function were assessed via multiple linear regression. Results Time since injury was most strongly associated with reductions in left ventricular end diastolic volume (r2=0.156; P=.034), end systolic volume (r2=0.141; P=.045), and mass (r2=0.138; P=.047). These structural changes were paralleled by reduced stroke volume (r2=0.143; P=.043) and cardiac output (r2=0.317; P= Conclusions These results suggest progressive reductions in left ventricular structure and systolic function between 3 and 24 months after SCI that occur independent of neurologic and sensory levels of injury.
Linear Optimization Model to Minimize Total Cost of Repetitive Construction Projects and Identify Order of Units

AbstractThis study developed a linear optimization model for scheduling repetitive construction projects with varying quantities of work in repetitive units. The model provides new capabilities tha...
Single isocenter SRS using CAVMAT offers improved robustness to commissioning and treatment delivery uncertainty compared to VMAT

PURPOSE In this study, we evaluate and compare single isocenter multiple target VMAT (SIMT) and Conformal Arc Informed VMAT (CAVMAT) radiosurgery's sensitivity to uncertainties in dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and treatment delivery. CAVMAT is a novel planning technique that uses multiple target conformal arcs as the starting point for limited inverse VMAT optimization. METHODS All VMAT and CAVMAT plans were recalculated with DLG values of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mm. DLG effect on V6Gy [cc], V12Gy [cc], and V16Gy [cc], and target dose was evaluated. Plans were delivered to a Delta4 (ScandiDos, Madison, WI) phantom and gamma analysis performed with varying criteria. Log file analysis was performed to evaluate MLC positional error. Sixteen targets were delivered to a SRS MapCHECK (Sun Nuclear Corp., Melbourne, FL) to evaluate VMAT and CAVMAT's dose difference (DD) as a function of DLG. RESULTS VMAT's average maximum and minimum target dose sensitivity to DLG was 9.08 ±3.50%/mm and 9.50 ± 3.30%/mm, compared to 3.20 ± 1.60%/mm and 4.72 ± 1.60%/mm for CAVMAT. For VMAT, V6Gy [cc], V12Gy [cc], and V16Gy [cc] sensitivity was 35.83 ± 9.50%/mm, 34.12 ± 6.60%/mm, and 39.23 ± 8.40%/mm. In comparison, CAVMAT's sensitivity was 23.19 ± 4.50%/mm, 22.45 ± 4.40%/mm, and 24.88 ± 4.90%/mm, respectively. Upon delivery to the Delta4 , CAVMAT offered superior dose agreement compared to VMAT. For a 1%/1 mm gamma analysis, VMAT and CAVMAT had a passing rate of 94.53 ± 4.40% and 99.28 ± 1.70%, respectively. CAVMAT was more robust to DLG variation, with the SRS MapCHECK plans yielding an absolute average DD sensitivity of 2.99 ± 1.30%/mm compared to 5.07 ± 1.10%/mm for VMAT. Log files demonstrated minimal differences in MLC positional error for both techniques. CONCLUSIONS CAVMAT remains robust to delivery uncertainties while offering a target dose sensitivity to DLG less than half that of VMAT, and 65% of that of VMAT for V6Gy [cc], V12Gy [cc], and V16Gy [cc]. The superior dose agreement and reduced sensitivity of CAVMAT to DLG uncertainties indicate promise as a robust alternative to VMAT for SIMT SRS.
Device profile of the Zephyr endobronchial valve in heterogenous emphysema: overview of its safety and efficacy.

Emphysema affects millions of people; the underlying pathophysiology is hyperinflation due to destruction of lung parenchyma. The mainstay of treatment is medical therapy however there are two surg...
Cohort Study of Cannabis Use History and Perinatal Cigarette Use Among Overweight and Obese Women.

In non-pregnant populations, cannabis use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) have been linked to tobacco use and less successful quit attempts. We compared perinatal cigarette use in women across 3 groups: never used cannabis (No CU group); used cannabis but did not meet CUD criteria (CU group); history of CUD (CUD group). Interviews with 257 pregnant women with overweight/obesity (M age = 28 years; 52% white) were conducted for a study of eating behavior in Western Pennsylvania from 2012–2016. Tobacco use was assessed early in pregnancy (< 20 weeks gestation), late in pregnancy (34–38 weeks gestation) and 6 months postpartum. CUD was measured with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). Data relevant to the proposed analyses were available for 252 women. Generalized mixed effect models were used to predict perinatal cigarette use based on cannabis use group, time and their interaction, adjusting for age, race, education, income, parity, and mood/anxiety disorder. Forty-eight percent of participants reported prior cannabis use and 15% were diagnosed with lifetime CUD. History of cannabis use predicted cigarette smoking in early pregnancy (OR 11.12, CI 3.27–37.85), late pregnancy (OR 6.55, CI 1.70–25.27), and 6 months postpartum (OR 7.57, CI 2.72–21.07), regardless of CUD. A history of CUD did not appear to confer additional risk for perinatal cigarette use. Given increasing rates of cannabis use among pregnant women, these results highlight the importance of addressing history of cannabis use in conjunction with tobacco use to improve smoking cessation efforts.
A stable space-time FE method for the shallow water equations

We consider the finite element (FE) approximation of the two dimensional shallow water equations (SWE) by considering discretizations in which both space and time are established using a stable FE method. Particularly, we consider the automatic variationally stable FE (AVS-FE) method, a type of discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin (DPG) method. The philosophy of the DPG method allows us to establish stable FE approximations as well as accurate a posteriori error estimators upon solution of a saddle point system of equations. The resulting error indicators allow us to employ mesh adaptive strategies and perform space-time mesh refinements, i.e., local time stepping. We establish a priori error estimates for the AVS-FE method and linearized SWE and perform numerical verifications to confirm corresponding asymptotic convergence behavior. In an effort to keep the computational cost low, we consider an alternative space-time approach in which the space-time domain is partitioned into finite sized space-time slices. Hence, we can perform adaptive mesh refinements on each individual slice to preset error tolerances as needed for a particular application. Numerical verifications comparing the two alternatives indicate the space-time slices are superior for simulations over long times, whereas the solutions are indistinguishable for short times. Multiple numerical verifications show the adaptive mesh refinement capabilities of the AVS-FE method, as well the application of the method to some commonly applied benchmarks for the SWE.
Comparison of Grazing Impacts Between the Invasive New Zealand Mudsnail Potamopyrgus Antipidarum, and Native Macroinvertebrates

To understand the impacts of an herbivorous invasive species on native herbivores, it is critical to quantify the relative impact of the invasive and the native species on shared resources. In a field experiment, we compared grazing efficacy of periphyton by the invasive New Zealand mudsnail, Potamopyrgus antipidarum, and 3 native macroinvertebrate grazers. Depending on the measure of periphyton biomass, P. antipodarum removed as much or more periphyton than any of the native grazers. When we examined diatom genera individually, P. antipodarum also suppressed the relative abundance of the greatest number of diatom genera and suppressed those diatoms more than the native grazers. As a result, P. antipodarum should compete strongly for periphyton with native grazers. In particular, because Ephemerella mayflies were the second most effective grazers and grazed many diatom genera similarly to the invasive snails, these mayflies may be competing with P. antipodarum in the introduced range. Overall, grazing ability may contribute to the invasion success of P. antipodarum.
78 Year Old Brazilian Male with Multiple Skin and Nasal Mucosal Ulcerations

A 78 year old male from Brazil presented with a complaint of multiple ulcerations involving the skin and nasal mucosa.
Computers in Agencies

To date, the developing presence and functions of computers in human services has followed a varied and often reactive course. Baselines and barometers of actual technology use, changing attitudes, and organizational impact are needed. This paper reports survey findings from a metropolitan sample of human service agencies (N = 103) regarding computer resources currently in use as well as agencies' concerns, perceptions of advantages, and future plans for computerization. Implications of these findings for planning, preparation, and training are discussed.
Emerging Diabetes Research: Prevention, Risk and Management.

John G. Ryan, DrPH Globally, research on type 2 diabetes continues to expand at a whirlwind pace, generating volumes of new science that addresses all levels of the condition. This month, Clinical Therapeutics is profiling 5 examples of emerging diabetes research, including diabetes prevention, evaluation of risk, and disease management. We chose to address these timely topics because of noteworthy presentations that explored them at the 74th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in 2014, and the 75th Scientific Sessions are taking place this month. A symposium session at the 74th Scientific Sessions, titled “More Than a Gut Feeling—The Role of Gut Bacteria in Diabetes and Obesity,” explored the function of the gut in health and disease, generating significant interest among the audience of diabetes investigators and providers. As this field emerges, we felt it was crucial to have this research thread represented among the journal’s diabetes and endocrinology articles. The 2015 Clinical Therapeutics update of emerging diabetes research features a recent review by van Olden et al of the current literature examining the contribution of intestinal bacterial strains to human metabolism and obesity, which offers a perspective on the clinical utility of modifying the gut microbiota. This perspective provides a tool for learning about novel mechanisms for preventing diabetes and developing new therapeutic approaches for managing type 2 diabetes from this remarkably rich and independent ecosystem. This team continues to actively push the frontier of our understanding of the interactions between the intestinal microbiota and host metabolism. The communication included in this issue provides a rich context for how the microbiome may reveal therapeutic potential. The relationship between conditions that produce an inflammatory response and diabetes is often complex and equivocal, complicating the primary and secondary prevention of type 2 diabetes. Alzheimer disease (AD) and gout are 2 important conditions on which to focus in this regard. AD influences patient cognition, which has an essential role in diabetes self-management. A building body of evidence suggests that hyperglycemia contributes to diabetes-like end-organ damage to the brain and that impaired insulin signaling may be a contributing factor in AD. It has been suggested that AD should be considered “type 3 diabetes” Similarly confounding, gout has been identified for many years as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, yet patients with type 2 diabetes have a lower risk for gout. Gout limits physical activity and creates dietary complexity by considering foods that are high in purine. Furthermore, the management of gout-related arthritis with a corticosteroid may contribute to metabolic-related adverse effects. Colchicine, an oral anti-inflammatory alkaloid agent commonly used for alleviating arthritisrelated pain from hyperuricemia—a gout-associated excess of uric acid in the blood—is thought to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Methane production during lactulose breath test is associated with gastrointestinal disease presentation

It has recently been determined that there is an increased prevalence of bacterial overgrowth in IBS. Since there are two gases (hydrogen and methane) measured on lactulose breath testing, we evaluated whether the different gas patterns on lactulose breath testing coincide with diarrhea and constipation symptoms in IBS and IBD. Consecutive patients referred to the gastrointestinal motility program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for lactulose breath testing were given a questionnaire to evaluate their gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms were graded on a scale of 0-5. Upon completion of the breath test, the results were divided into normal, hydrogen only, hydrogen and methane, and methane only positive breath tests. A comparison of all subjects and IBS subjects was undertaken to evaluate diarrhea and constipation with regards to the presence or absence of methane. This was further contrasted to Crohn's and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in the database. After exclusion criteria, 551 subjects from the database were available for comparison. Of the 551 subjects (P < 0.05, one-way ANOVA) and in a subgroup of 296 IBS subjects (P < 0.05, one-way ANOVA), there was a significant association between the severity of reported constipation and the presence of methane. The opposite was true for diarrhea (P < 0.001). If a breath test was methane positive, this was 100% associated with constipation predominant IBS. Furthermore, IBS had a greater prevalence of methane production than Crohn's or UC. In fact, methane was almost nonexistent in the predominantly diarrheal conditions of Crohn's and UC. In conclusion, a methane positive breath test is associated with constipation as a symptom.
Communicating Actionable Risk for Terrorism and Other Hazards

We propose a shift in emphasis when communicating to people when the objective is to motivate household disaster preparedness actions. This shift is to emphasize the communication of preparedness actions (what to do about risk) rather than risk itself. We have called this perspective "communicating actionable risk," and it is grounded in diffusion of innovations and communication theories. A representative sample of households in the nation was analyzed using a path analytic framework. Preparedness information variables (including content, density, and observation), preparedness mediating variables (knowledge, perceived effectiveness, and milling), and preparedness actions taken were modeled. Clear results emerged that provide a strong basis for communicating actionable risk, and for the conclusion both that information observed (seeing preparedness actions that other have taken) and information received (receiving recommendations about what preparedness actions to take) play key, although different, roles in motivating preparedness actions among the people in our nation.
Shallow lithospheric contribution to mantle plumes revealed by integrating seismic and geochemical data

[1] Using an integrated geophysical and geological approach based on a comparative analysis of 27 different parameters, we investigate both the location and origin of the source material for hot spot volcanoes. We report a significant correlation between extreme geochemical compositions of lavas with both shallow seismic velocities and the depth extent to which a hot spot source can be traced with seismic tomography. These relationships provide the first integrated evidence for buoyantly rising plumes of mantle material (plume depth extent correlation), incorporating thermally eroded continental material in the shallow mantle (anti-correlation with slow shallow seismic velocities). The extreme geochemical composition of the lavas is successfully modeled with this process, placing constraints on dynamical processes in the mantle and explaining the origin of a significantly debated mantle compositional end-member (enriched mantle; EM1).
Dynamic variation in forebrain estradiol levels during song learning.

Estrogens shape brain circuits during development, and the capacity to synthesize estrogens locally has consequences for both sexual differentiation and the acute modulation of circuits during early learning. A recently optimized method to detect and quantify fluctuations in brain estrogens in vivo provides a direct means to explore how brain estrogen production contributes to both differentiation and neuromodulation during development. Here, we use this method to test the hypothesis that neuroestrogens are sexually differentiated as well as dynamically responsive to song tutoring (via passive video/audio playback) during the period of song learning in juvenile zebra finches. Our results show that baseline neuroestradiol levels in the caudal forebrain do not differ between males and females during an early critical masculinization window. Instead, we observe a prominent difference between males and females in baseline neuroestradiol that emerges during the subadult stage as animals approach sexual maturity. Second, we observe that fluctuating neuroestradiol levels during periods of passive song tutoring exhibit a markedly different profile in juveniles as compared to adults. Specifically, neuroestrogens in the caudal forebrain are elevated following (rather than during) tutor song exposure in both juvenile males and females, suggesting an important role for the early consolidation of tutor song memories. These results further reveal a circadian influence on the fluctuations in local neuroestrogens during sensory/cognitive tasks. Taken together, these findings uncover several unexpected features of brain estrogen synthesis in juvenile animals that may have implications for secondary masculinization as well as the consolidation of recent sensory experiences. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 271–286, 2015
Phenolic-storing cells : keys to programmed cell death and periderm formation in wilt disease resistance and in general defence responses in plants?

Specialized cells of plants synthesize phenolics and store them in their vacuoles during the normal processes of differentiation. Such phenolic-storing cells are distributed within most tissues. In some tissues they occur uniformly in all of the cells, whereas in other tissues they occur randomly scattered, and in still others they appear to be strategically located at potential points of entry. Based on the evidence presented herein, it is proposed that these cells can, first, by decompartmentation, rapid oxidation of their phenolic content, and the ensuing lignification and suberization of cells, and cell death, seal off infections or injuries at the immediate site of cellular penetration and, secondly, if this defence should fail and the stress persist, these same processes promote the prolonged build-up of IAA and ethylene that cause a further metabolic cascade in outlying cells that includes secondary metabolism and growth responses to produce a peridermal defence in depth. A relationship between the strategic location of these phenolic-storing cells within plant tissues and the defence sequence that ensues is proposed.
Timing and intensity of groundwater movement during Egyptian Sahara pluvial periods by U-series analysis of secondary U in ores and carbonates

Wet climatic episodes are known to have prevailed in the Egyptian Sahara several times during the late Quaternary, most recently during the Holocene 8000 yr ago. Earlier wet episodes have been recognized as having occurred during the past 300,000 yr and have been dated by U-series methods in speleothems and in lake travertines. We show here that the times of enhanced groundwater movement can also be determined by 230Th/234U dating of secondary U in ores of uranium, iron, and phosphate. We also present evidence that such acceleration of groundwater movements is indicated by relatively low 234U/238U activity ratios in the secondary uranium. Our new data show that pluvial periods in Egypt occurred during marine oxygen isotope stages 4, 5, 6, and 7 and therefore are consistent with the view that the wet episodes are the results of migration of the tropical monsoonal belt driven primarily by the 23,000-yr precession cycle of the Milankovich curve, modulated by the 100,000-yr eccentricity cycle.
Release of avian pancreatic polypeptide by various intraluminal contents in the stomach, duodenum, or ileum of turkeys

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) has been shown to be released postprandially in several species. In this study we tested the efficacy of an amino acid solution (905 mOsM), 0.1 N HCl (300 mOsM), 905 mOsM NaCl, 300 mOsM glucose, corn oil, and balloon distention within the stomach, duodenum, or ileum in stimulating release of avian PP (APP) in turkeys. Although they differ in osmolarity, and are thus difficult to compare, amino acids appeared to be the best stimulant and HCl the next best. The stomach was the site in which nutrients were most likely to stimulate APP release. There was no significant difference between the responsiveness of the ileum and duodenum. A control experiment in which blood was drawn but no intraluminal treatments were administered indicated that handling and bleeding caused depression of normal fasting plasma [APP].
Adenylyl cyclase system of the small preovulatory follicles of the domestic hen: responsiveness to follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone

The purpose of this study was to determine if the granulosa cells of the small preovulatory follicles of the domestic hen are a target tissue for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The third largest (F3), fourth largest (F4), and fifth largest (F5) follicles were removed from hens at 20, 12, 6 and 2 h before ovulation of the F1 follicle. Basal, FSH- and luteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulable adenylyl cyclase (AC) activities were measured in the granulosa cells. Isolated granulosa cells of the F5 follicle, obtained 20 h before ovulation of the F1 follicle, were incubated with ovine (o) or turkey (t) FSH and progesterone (P4) was assayed in the medium. Basal AC activity was similar for F5, F4 and F3 granulosa cells except for an increase (P less than 0.01) in F3 follicles removed 2 h before ovulation of the F1 follicle. The FSH-stimulable AC activity of F5, F4 and F3 granulosa cells was elevated over basal (P less than 0.01). The greatest responsiveness was seen in the F5 follicle and the least in the F3 follicle. LH-stimulable AC activity was absent in the F5 follicle but present in the F4 and F3 follicles with the greater responsiveness in the F3 follicle. Isolated F5 granulosa cells secreted significant amounts of P4 in response to oFSH and tFSH. The data indicate that: 1) FSH stimulates the AC system of granulosa cells of the smaller preovulatory follicles (F5 greater than F4 greater than F3) while LH stimulates the AC system of granulosa cells of the larger follicles (F3 greater than F4), and 2) FSH promotes P4 production by granulosa cells of F5 follicles.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Exploring the Intraurban Digital Divide Using Online Restaurant Reviews: A Case Study in Franklin County, Ohio

Web 2.0 has yielded a wealth of publicly available data, largely through the popularization of social media and the proliferation of user-generated content (UGC). Thus, the data void in social science research is diminishing as these new data sources are exploited. The discipline of geography, in particular, stands to benefit considerably from geotagged UGC or volunteered geographic information (VGI). In this article, we utilize a form of UGC—restaurant reviews—to evaluate the geography of Web 2.0 in Franklin County, Ohio. We find that restaurant reviews are largely concentrated in relatively few areas of the city, indicating that the impacts of Web 2.0 have not touched down evenly within the central county of the Columbus metropolitan statistical area. We argue that an intraurban digital divide is still apparent and might even be exacerbated by Web 2.0.
Activation of dihaloalkanes by glutathione conjugation and formation of DNA adducts.

Ethylene dibromide (1,2-dibromoethane, EDB) can be activated to electrophilic species by either oxidative metabolism or conjugation with glutathione. Although conjugation is generally a route of de...
Nonlinear optical properties of the salts of "diffuse" anions

A new class of materials, which demonstrates a potentially high third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) response based on highly polarizable anions, is discussed. Two examples of such ions included in this article are trithiocarbonate (CS32-) and aci-nitro-dithioacetate (NO2CHCS22-. The NLO response of any real materials containing these ions will be highly dependent on the nature of the cation present. It is expected that smaller and more localizing cations will have a smaller NLO response. We have performed ab initio finite-field computations of several anions along with some salts of the aci-nitro-dithioacetate anion to illustrate this effect.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Biophysical evaluation of the tumorigenic response to implanted polymers

An evaluation of the biophysical changes of methylcholanthrene induced tumor (M4) in laboratory animals receiving four different alloplastic implants was conducted. The implants are silicone, polyether urethane, poly(methyl methacrylate), and bioglass. The tumor was allowed to grow to a large size in 28 days and then removed by shelling it from the surrounding tissue. Three different analytic volumetric measurements were carried; size in cm3, volume in milliliters and weight in grams. Statistical analysis on the three different analytic measurements did not disclose any significant differences in tumor growth potential between the control and the experimental groups. We conclude that in this study we were unable to demonstrate any tumor "facilitation" effect by any of the implantable polymers used. Therefore, there is no contraindication in using the polymers to reconstruct defects produced by cancer ablative procedures.
Comparison between recombinant P450s and human liver microsomes in the determination of cytochrome P450 Michaelis–Menten constants

Non-linear dose-exposure (supra-proportionality) occurs when plasma drug concentrations increase in a non-linear fashion with increasing dose. To predict the likelihood of this, an understanding is required of the K(M), which reflects a drug ability to saturate a specific enzyme involved in its metabolism. This study assessed the accuracy of K(M) and V(max) determinations for compounds using a substrate-depletion approach with those determined using the product-formation approach, using both recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and human liver microsomes. For the vast majority of the compounds studied, the K(M)'s using recombinant CYPs and human liver microsomes in the two approaches predicted within two-fold. Further comparisons between the K(M) and V(max)-values were made between those measured using the product-formation approach and those estimated following simultaneous fitting of the Michaelis-Menten equation to all substrate depletion plots. In each case values were comparable. In conclusion, the current study showed the substrate-depletion approach can be used to estimate K(M) and V(max) using both human liver microsomes and recombinant P450s. Estimation of these parameters during early discovery will aid in the understanding of dosages at which non-linearity may occur, but potentially aid predictions of likely clinical drug-drug interactions.
Electrical shock and lightning strike

Cardiac arrest from electrical shock or lightning strike is associated with significant mortality and requires modification and extension of standard advanced life support measures to achieve successful resuscitation. Patients who experience electrical shock or lightning strike may sustain cardiac and respiratory arrest secondary to the direct effects of current. However, the majority of victims have associated multisystem involvement, including neurologic complications, cutaneous burns, and associated blunt trauma. As a result, a combination of advanced cardiac life support measures and advanced trauma life support techniques is indicated. Victims with cardiac arrest from electrical shock or lightning strike require prompt, aggressive resuscitation using standard methods for airway control, ventilation, and chest compressions, as well as usual measures for defibrillation and cardiac pharmacotherapy. Unique considerations include vigorous fluid resuscitation and spinal immobilization for victims of electrical shock and reversal of normal multiple casualty triage priorities when managing several lightning strike victims. Because the majority of victims are relatively young and seldom have significant underlying cardiac disease, the chance for successful resuscitation may be greater for patients who experience sudden death from electrical shock or lightning strike than for those with other causes of cardiac arrest, even among patients with initial rhythms traditionally unresponsive to therapy. Although numerous specialized aspects are required for the successful management of victims of electrical shock and lightning strike, the following article focuses on the unique considerations necessary for immediate care of cardiac arrest victims, with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms of sudden death and currently recommended guidelines for resuscitation.
Determination of Time to Onset and Rate of Action of Insulin Products: Importance and New Approaches

One important aspect of insulin drug development is to ascertain that short-acting insulins mimic the normal mealtime insulin release in healthy subjects. Therefore, it is important to identify metrics that allow identification of unique characteristics of insulin products based on pharmacokinetic (PK) (time-concentration) or glucodynamic (time course of action) profiles. Current development programs use metrics such as "onset of action" to characterize insulin products, in addition to peak and area under the curve parameters for PK and glucodynamic profiles. However, in current practice, onset of action parameter is often interchangeably used with rate of action for insulin products, which points to existence of confusion about their definitions and methods of determination. In this paper, we discuss these two parameters with an underlying objective to prompt discussion on development of a quantitative standard for insulin products based on the onset and/or rate of action. This paper presents euglycemic clamp and meal challenge study data using a hypothetical insulin product and attempts to clear confusion by emphasizing on the distinct properties of these parameters.
A continuum description of partially coherent interfaces

A continuum model of a two-phase crystal-crystal system is constructed in which the structure of the interface between the phases is determined by energy minimization, rather than by being specified a priori. The interfacial structure is parameterized by a variableĤ corresponding to the jump in the surface deformation gradient (or strain) at the interface, so that coherence is defined locally by the conditionĤ = 0. The energy of the system is taken to be the sum of the bulk and interfacial energies, where the interfacial energy densityf xs depends onĤ. In order to explore how the equilibrium interfacial structure depends on the functionf xs (Ĥ), a model system consisting of an elastic film on a rigid substrate is studied, and the interfacial energy density is taken to be nonconvex with a sharp minimum associated with coherence. In this case, it can be shown that the energy of the system is driven to its infimum by separating the interface into coherent and incoherent regions, which may be viewed as a continuum analog to a partially coherent interface. Further, this solution only appears above a certain critical thickness of the film, in agreement with misfit dislocation models of partially coherent interfaces.
Molecular characterization of plasminogen activator in human supragingival plaque.

Abstract Extravascular participation of the serine protease plasminogen activator (PA) in tissue remodelling and cell migration may be relevant in the regulation of periodontal homeostasis and the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The molecular nature of authentic PA in crevicular fluid has been characterized, and this study has sought to determine whether human supragingival plaque also contains PA; if so, of which molecular species and from what source. Thirty samples of supragingival plaque from 10 individuals, extensively washed to remove adherent saliva, were all found by substrate analysis to have tissue-type PA (tPA) activity. Unstimulated parotid or mixed saliva also showed tPA activity, but submandibular saliva had no measurable PA activity. Freshly isolated plaque microbes cultured under aerobic or anaerobic conditions contained no PA activity (preliminary investigation). PA activity was restricted to individual epithelial cells suggesting that the origin of PA activity in human supragingival plaque is in part from plaque-adherent epithelial cells.
A Review of the Group Manifold Approach and Its Application to Conformal Supergravity

Abstract An introductory review of the group manifold method is followed by the reconstruction of N = 1 conformal supergravity. New results are: a derivation of the χ-space constraints as field equations and a duality relation between the dilaton and axion curvatures that results in a purely geometric second-order action without Maxwell term. New ideas are: the group manifold used contains no coordinates corresponding to conformal boosts and S -supersymmetry, and rheonomic symmetry is obtained by breaking the O (2) symmetry between Q and S supersymmetry via Lagrange multiplier one-forms.
Viewing Popular Films about Mental Illness Through a Sociological Lens

The distortion of images is especially problematic in films about disability (Saran 1998a; 1998b). Among films portraying characters with disabilities, psychiatric disabilities are portrayed more often than any other disability category (Byrd and Elliott 1985), and popular films depicting characters with mental illness often portray their symptoms inaccurately (Fleming and Manvell 1985). Negative images of people with mental illness (PWMI) in visual media such as television and film are ubiquitous (Wahl 1995), and the popularity of "mental patient and asylum" films has been explored (C. Smith 1999). Most disturbing is the linking of mental illness with homicidal behavior, a myth that appears frequently in horror films (Hyler, Gabbard, and Schneider 1991) and the plethora of films about serial killers. Other stereotypical media images suggest that PWMI are likely to be childlike, irresponsible, incompetent, unpredictable, dangerous, and unstable; often they have unusual appearances. These wide-eyed characters, often portrayed with unkempt clothing and wild hair, cannot be taken seriously (Wahl 1995). In this paper I discuss an exercise I use requiring students to view a popular film that portrays a particular mental disorder or a character with a mental disorder. Students analyze the film and write two papers, one about the sociological model of mental illness and a second about possible links between media images and the societal rejection or acceptance of people with mental illness. I begin with a description of necessary materials and how the films can be used, then discuss the assigned readings and classroom discussions of the sociological and medical models of mental illness, including suggestions for reading assignments. Next, I explain how popular films about mental illness can be categorized to maximize the exercise's utility for students' learning. I conclude with an evaluation of the exercise based on a pre-test/post-test comparison of students' knowledge of the theory and concepts of residual deviance, labeling, stereotype, and stigma.
Different Sensitivity of the Transforming Growth Factor-β Cell Cycle Arrest Pathway to c-Myc and MDM-2

Recently, the oncoprotein MDM-2 was implicated in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) growth inhibitory pathway by the finding that prolonged, constitutive expression of MDM-2 in mink lung epithelial cells could overcome the antiproliferative effect of TGF-β (Sun, P., Dong, P., Dai, K., Hannon, G. J., and Beach, D. (1998) Science 282, 2270–2272). However, using Mv1Lu cells conditionally expressing MDM-2, we found that MDM-2 does not overcome TGF-β-mediated growth arrest. No detectable changes were observed in various TGF-β responses, including cell cycle arrest, activation of transcriptional reporters, and TGF-β-dependent Smad2/3 nuclear accumulation. This finding was in direct contrast to the effect of forcing c-Myc expression, a bona fide member of the TGF-β growth inhibitory pathway, which renders cells refractory to TGF-β-induced cell cycle arrest. Our results suggest that an MDM-2-dependent increase in cell cycle progression may allow the acquisition of additional mutations over time and that these alterations then allow cells to evade a TGF-β-mediated growth arrest. Our conclusion is that, whereas c-Myc down-regulation by TGF-β is a required event in the cell cycle arrest response of epithelial cells, MDM-2 is not a direct participant in the normal TGF-β antiproliferative response.
No A 4 U: The relationship between multitasking and academic performance

The proliferation and ease of access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as Facebook, text messaging, and instant messaging has resulted in ICT users being presented with more real-time streaming data than ever before. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in individuals increasingly engaging in multitasking as an information management strategy. The purpose of this study was to examine how college students multitask with ICTs and to determine the impacts of this multitasking on their college grade point average (GPA). Using web survey data from a large sample of college students at one university (N=1839), we found that students reported spending a large amount of time using ICTs on a daily basis. Students reported frequently searching for content not related to courses, using Facebook, emailing, talking on their cell phones, and texting while doing schoolwork. Hierarchical (blocked) linear regression analyses revealed that using Facebook and texting while doing schoolwork were negatively associated with overall college GPA. Engaging in Facebook use or texting while trying to complete schoolwork may tax students' capacity for cognitive processing and preclude deeper learning. Our research indicates that the type and purpose of ICT use matters in terms of the educational impacts of multitasking.
Non‐Linear Model Predictive Control: A Personal Retrospective

An overview of non-linear model predictive control (NMPC) is presented, with an extreme bias towards the author’s experiences and published results. Challenges include multiple solutions (from non-convex optimization problems), and divergence of the model and plant outputs when the constant additive output disturbance (the approach of dynamic matrix control, DMC) is used. Experiences with the use of fundamental models, multiple linear models (MMPC), and neural networks are reviewed. Ongoing work in unmeasured disturbance estimation, prediction and rejection is also discussed. On presente un apercu general du controle predictif par modeles non lineaires (NMPC), en mettant l’accent en particulier sur les experiences des auteurs et les resultats publies. Les defi s incluent des solutions multiples (a partir des problemes d’optimisation non convexes), ainsi que la divergence entre les sorties de modele et d’installation lorsque la perturbation de sortie additive constante (la methode du controle de matrice dynamique, DMC) est utilisee. Les experiences avec les modeles fondamentaux, les modeles lineaires multiples (MMPC) et les reseaux neuronaux sont examinees. Le travail actuellement mene sur l’estimation, la prediction et le rejet des perturbations non mesurees est egalement examine.