cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid screening for disordered eating in college-aged females in the primary care setting.

Abstract Purpose: To identify an efficient, valid, and reliable instrument for use by primary care physicians during clinical encounters to screen female adolescents at risk for eating disorders. Methods: We created a survey of 36 questions, including the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) and additional test questions identified through focus groups and literature review. The EAT-26 is a valid and reliable tool to identify individuals with eating disorders (1). We randomly distributed the survey to 865 college freshman women residing in dormitories at the University of Florida. The EAT-26 portion of the survey was scored according to established protocol. A score of ≥20 identified individuals likely to have an eating disorder, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Results: 402 women completed surveys for a response rate of 47%. Based on the EAT-26 scores greater than 20, 17% of our population had scores predictive of an eating disorder. Four test questions correlated with positive EAT-26 scores: "How many diets have you been on in the past year?"; "Do you feel you should be dieting?"; "Do you feel dissatisfied with your body size?"; and "Does your weight affect the way you feel about yourself?" Conclusions: These four test questions in written format screen for disordered eating among female college students in primary care settings.
Stroke: High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Diagnostic modalities for the diagnosis of acute stroke have increased in number and quality. Magnetic resonance imaging has increasingly become a central tool for the management of patients with stroke. New sequences, such as diffusion and perfusion, provide insight into the infarcted core and the hypoperfused brain. The use of higher magnetic fields allows us to gain in signal strength, which can be used to improve imaging speed and/or resolution. Recent additional sequences allow perfusion without contrast and susceptibility-weighted imaging can help identify early bleeding. These new techniques should provide more information about the on going ischemic process.
Estimating the incidence of heat-related deaths among immigrants in Pima County, Arizona.

Widespread media reports have described an increase in heat-related deaths among illegal immigrant border crossers in Southern Arizona in recent years. We conducted a retrospective case series review of heat-related deaths reported by a large border county medical examiner office in an attempt to estimate the occurrence and distribution of these deaths for the years 1998–2003. United States Border Patrol apprehension data were also collected and used in the analysis to estimate the size of the population of border crossers. An increase in the total heat-related deaths has occurred since 1999 in Pima County Arizona and has continued to date. Precise estimates of rates are not possible but appear to have increased as well. Implications for understanding the complexity of researching this public health issue including the definition of cases and population at risk are discussed.
The importance of the perianal connective tissue in the surgical anatomy and function of the anus

The anatomy of the perianal connective tissue has been reviewed. The most important element is the conjoined longitudinal coat, the axis of the connective-tissue system. Fibers of the longitudinal coat penetrate the internal and external sphincter, interlacing with each other as well as the perimysium and endomysium and forming a fibroelastic network. The fibers and bundles of the internal and external sphincters lie in the meshes of this network with innumerable attachments to it. The fibroelastic network continues through the perianal fat to the pelvic wall and is connected to the lower levator fascia and the perianal skin, insuring the firm anchoring of the anus. During sphincter contraction the fibroelastic network moves together with the sphincters. Thus, the sphincter function is the integration of the contraction of the muscle fibers attached to the web. The elastic elements of the network pull the anal canal slightly apart, but the muscle tone overcomes this and keeps the anus closed. Surmounting the elasticity of the web causes the muscle function to be elastic as well. Surgical procedures such as stretching, transecting the sphincters, whether sharply or gradually, can lead to scar formation with loss of elasticity or mobility in that part of the sphincter and secondary impairment of function.
Time-resolved red luminescence from europium-catalyzed single walled carbon nanotubes

The photo-physical properties of Eu-SWCNTs indicate that intrinsic excitonic properties of SWCNTs sensitize the lanthanoid element europium (Eu) to emit time-resolved red luminescence.
Decomposition algorithms for large-scale nonconvex optimization problems

In order for primal-dual methods to be applicable to a constrained minimization problem it is necessary that restrictive convexity conditions are satisfied. In this paper we consider a procedure by means of which a nonconvex problem is convexified and transformed into one which can be solved with the aid of primal-dual methods. Under this transformation, separability of the type necessary for application of decomposition algorithms is preserved. This feature extends the range of applicability of such algorithms to nonconvex problems.
Open access, a revolution in scholarly publishing.

Iwould like to thank Robert Ferguson, MD and the Editorial Team of the Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives (JCHIMP) for the opportunity to write this commentary and congratulate them on the launch of the Journal which will serve as a valuable resource for physicians and other health professionals practicing in community settings. I am also very appreciative of their decision to publish JCHIMP as an open access (OA) journal which will add significantly to its value and impact. (Published: 9 May 2011) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2011, 1 : 6350 - DOI: 10.3402/jchimp.v1i1.6350
Implantación percutánea de endoprótesis Zenith para aneurismas de aorta abdominal

La implantacion de una ewct 2ndoprotesis aortica mediante un abordaje completamente percutaneo para el tratamiento de los aneurismas de aorta abdominal (AAA) confiere el beneficio teorico de ser un tratamiento minimamente invasivo y mas rapido. El objetivo del presente estudio fue demostrar la utilidad de este abordaje usando un dispositivo de fijacion suprarrenal y un sistema de cierre mediado por sutura. Efectuamos una revision retrospectiva en un solo centro de 14 pacientes que se sometieron a correccion percutanea de un AAA con un dispositivo Zenith entre agosto de 2003 y marzo de 2007. Se examinaron los resultados inmediatos y tardios relacionados con el abordaje durante un seguimiento medio de 12,1 ± 2,0 meses. El tamano medio de los AAA era de 5,6 cm. El cierre arterial inmediato y la tasa de resultado tecnico fue del 96% (27/28 vasos). Un fracaso hemostatico inmediato preciso correccion quirurgica abierta. Durante el seguimiento, se requirio correccion quirurgica de un vaso debido a claudicacion de nuevo inicio. No se detectaron otras complicaciones inmediatas o tardias (trombosis, pseudoaneurisma, infeccion o trombosis venosa profunda). Para el tratamiento de los AAA, un abordaje percutaneo se asocia a diversas ventajas sobre el abordaje arterial femoral pero tambien entrana sus propios riesgos exclusivos en el periodo postoperatorio inmediato y tardio. En ultimo termino, esta “tecnica de precierre” puede aplicarse sin riesgos para la endoprotesis Zenith a pesar de ser de un mayor perfil.
Hypoglycemia: symptom or diagnosis?

Although hypoglycemia is a medical diagnosis, it is generally a sign of an underlying disorder of fasting adaptation. This article looks at the issues and literature in relation to hypoglycemia in newborns and infants, older children, diagnosis and treatment.
Differential arrival of newly synthesized apical and basolateral plasma membrane proteins in the epithelial cell line A6

The labeling of specific cell surface proteins with biotin was used to examine both protein distribution and delivery of newly synthesized proteins to the apical and basolateral cell surface in A6 cells. Steady-state metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine followed by specific cell surface biotinylation demonstrated polarization of membrane proteins. The delivery of newly synthesized proteins to the apical or basolateral cell surface was examined by metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine using a pulse-chase protocol in combination with specific cell surface biotinylation. Newly synthesized biotinylated proteins at the apical cell surface reached a maximum after a 5 min chase, and then fell over the remainder of a 2 hr chase. The bulk flow of newly synthesized proteins to the basolateral membrane slowly rose to a maximum after 90 min. The detergent Triton X-114 was used to examine delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic proteins to the cell surface. Delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic proteins to the apical cell surface reached a maximum 5 to 10 min into the chase period. The arrival of hydrophilic proteins at the basolateral surface showed early delivery and a maximum peak delivery at 120 min into the chase period. In contrast, only an early peak of delivery of newly synthesized hydrophobic proteins to the basolateral membrane was observed.
Sex differences in the effects of cocaine abuse across the life span

Abstract Cocaine alters brain function from the early days of development throughout the entire life of an individual. Since the first preclinical research on cocaine sensitization was published, sex differences in response to the drug in adult rats have been noted. With the appearance of reports on “crack babies” during the 1980s, sex differences in response to prenatal (developmental) exposure have been identified in both clinical and preclinical reports. Cocaine administered during early development in the rat produces wide-spread alterations in function which depend on the timing of drug administration as well as the sex of the animal. In males, the response patterns following postnatal days (PND) 11–20 cocaine administration (equivalent to the late prenatal period in humans) are quite similar to those seen following prenatal exposure (equivalent to the first half of pregnancy in humans). There is a general decrease in dopaminergic (DA) markers and reactivity perhaps due to the uncoupling of the D1 receptor from its second messenger system. While similar changes in D1 uncoupling are seen in females, behavioral and metabolic responses to drug challenges generally show increases in DA responsivity (except adolescents) perhaps due to the activational effects of estrogen and/or decreases in serotonin (5-HT) mediated regulation of DA function. We have found that a significant factor in the hyper-responsivity of the female is the role of the testing environment and the responses to stress which can obscure underlying neurochemical dysregulation. Whether parallel factors are operational in adult males and females is currently under investigation.
Enkephalin: Radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay in morphine dependent rats

Abstract A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for enkephalins is described which discriminates between leucine-enkephalin and methionine-enkephalin. Total opiod peptide activity was assayed by the ability of brain extracts to complete for opiate receptor binding. In rats treated with morphine and/or naloxone, opiates were separated from opioid peptides by Dowex AG-50W column chromatography prior to radioreceptor assay. Chronic administration of morphine failed to alter immunoreactive enkephalin levels or total opioid activity in radioreceptor assays.
The family receiving home care: Functional health pattern assessment pane

The winds of change in health care make assessment of the family more important than ever as a tool for health care providers seeking to assist the family move themselves toward high-level wellness. Limited medical care and imposed self-responsibility for health promotion and illness prevention, which are natural consequences of these changes, move the locus of control for health management back to the family. The family's teachings, modeling, and interactions are greater influences than ever on the health of the patient. Gordon's functional health patterns provide a holistic model for assessment of the family because assessment data are classified under 11 headings: health perception and health management, nutritional-metabolic, elimination, activity and exercise, sleep and rest, cognition and perception, self-perception and self-concept, roles and relationships, sexuality and reproduction, coping and stress tolerance, and values and beliefs. Questions posed under each of the health patterns can be varied to reflect the uniqueness of the individual family as well as to inquire about family strengths and weaknesses in all patterns. Data using this model provide a comprehensive base for including the family in designing a plan of care.
A Basal Ganglia Pathway Drives Selective Auditory Responses in Songbird Dopaminergic Neurons via Disinhibition

Dopaminergic neurons in mammals respond to rewards and reward-predicting cues, and are thought to play an important role in learning actions or sensory cues that lead to reward. The anatomical sources of input that drive or modulate such responses are not well understood; these ultimately define the range of behavior to which dopaminergic neurons contribute. Primary rewards are not the immediate objective of all goal-directed behavior. For example, a goal of vocal learning is to imitate vocal-communication signals. Here, we demonstrate activation of dopaminergic neurons in songbirds driven by a basal ganglia region required for vocal learning, area X. Dopaminergic neurons in anesthetized zebra finches respond more strongly to the bird's own song (BOS) than to other sounds, and area X is critical for these responses. Direct pharmacological modulation of area X output, in the absence of auditory stimulation, is sufficient to bidirectionally modulate the firing rate of dopaminergic neurons. The only known pathway from song control regions to dopaminergic neurons involves a projection from area X to the ventral pallidum (VP), which in turn projects to dopaminergic regions. We show that VP neurons are spontaneously active and inhibited preferentially by BOS, suggesting that area X disinhibits dopaminergic neurons by inhibiting VP. Supporting this model, auditory-response latencies are shorter in area X than VP, and shorter in VP than dopaminergic neurons. Thus, dopaminergic neurons can be disinhibited selectively by complex sensory stimuli via input from the basal ganglia. The functional pathway we identify may allow dopaminergic neurons to contribute to vocal learning.
Species-Specific Resistance to Antimicrobial Synergism in Streptococcus faecium and Streptococcus faecalis

Combinations of penicillin with various aminoglycosidic aminocyclitols were tested against a collection of clinical isolates of Streptococcus faecium in vitro and were used to treat endocarditis caused by S. faecium in the rabbit model. S. faecium proved more resistant to penicillin than Streptococcus faecalis. Even more striking, however, was the resistance to in vitro synergism by combinations of penicillin and various aminoglycosides. At clinically achievable concentrations, penicillin-gentamicin was the only combination that was synergistic against all strains that were tested. Combinations of penicillin and streptomycin and penicillin and amikacin were synergistic only against those strains that were not highly resistant to streptomycin and kanamycin, respectively. Combinations of penicillin with kanamycin, tobramycin, sisomicin, or netilmicin failed to produce synergism against any of these strains. The possible clinical significance of these findings was verified by use of the rabbit model of endocarditis. Combinations of penicillin with gentamicin or streptomycin were synergistic in the therapy of endocarditis that was produced by a strain of S. faecium that did not have a high level of resistance to aminoglycosides. However, the combination of penicillin and netilmicin was no more effective than penicillin alone.
Digital storytelling for reflective practice in communities of learners

This paper will present the use of digital storytelling in community development settings to promote reflective practice and foster connections in communities of learners. Through digital storytelling, individuals learn to tell a story, and in doing so, become more effective actors in collaborative work environments. This particular form of digital storytelling encourages participants to communicate meaning on multiple levels (voice, point, emotional content, tension, story arc), and it allows storytellers to take fresh perspective on their work. Participants abstract meaning, but also give it a concrete form, as story, which can then be shared. We consider the benefits of this approach as a way to strengthen ties among participants in the creative and social outreach work in which they engage.
Decreased Extracellular-Signal-Regulated Kinase and Increased Stress-Activated MAP Kinase Activities in Aged Human Skin In Vivo

The ability of human skin to rejuvenate itself diminishes with the passage of time, resulting in increased fragility. This increased fragility reflects both reduced growth of skin cells and loss of collagenous connective tissue. Oxidative damage plays a central role in cellular aging. Cellular responses to growth signals and oxidative stress are mediated, in part, by growth-factor-activated and stress-activated MAP kinases. We report here that the extracellular-signal-regulated MAP kinase pathway is reduced and the stress-activated MAP kinase pathway is increased in old, compared with young, human skin in vivo. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase activity was 45% lower in old skin (mean age 84.3 y) relative to young skin (mean age 23.8 y). This lower extracellular-signal-regulated kinase activity resulted from reduced activation, since total extracellular-signal-regulated kinase protein levels did not differ between young and old skin, whereas phosphorylated (i.e., activated) extracellular-signal-regulated kinase protein was reduced 60% in old skin. Cyclin D2, which is regulated by extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and functions to promote cell cycle progression, was reduced 50% in old skin compared with young skin. In contrast, stress-activated MAP kinase activity was elevated 3.4-fold in old skin compared with young skin. This increased activity resulted from enhanced activation, since total stress-activated MAP kinase protein levels were similar in old and young skin. Transcription factor c-Jun, which is activated by stress-activated MAP kinases and promotes expression of connective-tissue-degrading matrix metalloproteinases, was elevated 2-fold in old skin compared with young skin. Treatment of old skin with vitamin A (retinol) for 7 d stimulated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase activity, consistent with its demonstrated ability to stimulate cell growth in old human skin. Taken together, these data indicate that alterations in MAP kinase activities play a key role in the pathophysiology of human skin aging.
Testing differential networks with applications to the detection of gene-gene interactions

Model organisms and human studies have led to increasing empirical evidence that interactions among genes contribute broadly to genetic variation of complex traits. In the presence of gene-by-gene interactions, the dimensionality of the feature space becomes extremely high relative to the sample size. This imposes a significant methodological challenge in identifying gene-by-gene interactions. In the present paper, through a Gaussian graphical model framework, we translate the problem of identifying gene-by-gene interactions associated with a binary trait D into an inference problem on the difference of two high-dimensional precision matrices, which summarize the conditional dependence network structures of the genes. We propose a procedure for testing the differential network globally that is particularly powerful against sparse alternatives. In addition, a multiple testing procedure with false discovery rate control is developed to infer the specific structure of the differential network. Theoretical justification is provided to ensure the validity of the proposed tests and optimality results are derived under sparsity assumptions. A simulation study demonstrates that the proposed tests maintain the desired error rates under the null and have good power under the alternative. The methods are applied to a breast cancer gene expression study.
Scratch: creating and sharing interactive media

Scratch (http://scratch.mit.edu) is a new programming language that makes it easy to create interactive stories, music, games, art, and animations - and share those creations on the web. In a little over a year, more than 47,000 members have contributed over 300,000 projects online. Scratch presents powerful opportunities for learning - as people program and share with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, plan systematically, and work collaboratively, while also learning important computational ideas. In this seminar, participants will have a unique opportunity to work with the creative team that developed Scratch. Join members of the Scratch Team from MIT Media Lab for hands-on experiences with Scratch, explorations of how collaboration is supported by Scratch, and design-oriented activities for further supporting collaboration. Bring your laptop - no prior experience with Scratch is necessary!
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization of Tissue Culture Media.

Liquid ethylene oxide, which kills bacteria, yeasts, and molds, was added to a tissue culture medium instead of the usual antibiotics. With some limitations, the use of ethylene oxide sterilization of tissue culture medium has been shown feasible. Data indicate that this method can be used in experiments involving the sterilization of test chemicals and components of the medium used for mammalian cells in culture.
Grassroots AIDS Knowledge Implications for the Boundaries of Science and Collective Action

Grassroots AIDS groups create, disseminate, and interpret knowledge. Their success in these new roles shows that traditional, top-down dissemination theories are inadequate; the debate over marginal innovation has defined marginality too simplistically; and the scientific journal is not the only source of scientific information. These circumstances—combined with what is known about "boundary work" by mainstream scientists—indicate that, despite problms, AIDS grassroots knowledge production challenges traditional definitions and boundaries of scientific work and offers a gateway to wider democratization of science. Using a resource mobilization approach, the authors assess whether the grassroots' AIDS knowledge production model applies in other public policy issues, such as toxic exposure and women's health resarch .
Visuospatial tasks compared via activation of regional cerebral blood flow

Abstract Regional cerebral blood flow was measured in 19 subjects during the performance of three tasks thought to primarily involve right hemisphere processing: judgement of line orientation, mental rotation of three-dimensional cube arrays, and a fragment puzzle task. Asymmetries in hemispheric flow (right side greater) were only observed in the line orientation and rotation conditions and were present in both sexes. The magnitude of the asymmetry was greater in the rotation task which also showed an asymmetry in parietal flow. Thus mental rotation placed the most asymmetric demand on cerebral resources. This provides a task that more reliably activates the right hemisphere than those previously reported and suggests a truly “mental manipulative” aspect to right hemisphere advantage in visuospatial performance.
Photochemical studies on η5-cyclopentadienyl(triphenylphosphine)nickelalkyl and -aryl compounds

Photo-induced degradation studies of a series of organonickel complexes of the type (η5-C5H5)(PPh3)Ni(R) (R = CH3, C2H5, C6H5 and C6H4CH3-p) as well as certain deuterated analogs have been undertaken. Photolysis of the methyl compounds in benzene as well as benzene-d6 gives methane as the major gaseous product, the photogenerated methyl group abstracting hydrogen from either the cyclopentadienyl ring, from the solvent, or from another methyl group. The photo-induced dealkylation of the ethyl compound gives both ethylene and ethane, and is explained by β-hydride elimination followed by subsequent reaction of the hydrido intermediate with additional ethyl compound. The photolysis of the phenyl and p-tolyl complexes in benzene solution leads to biaryl formation, both from the coupling of two coordinated aryl groups as well as interactions with the solvent. Triphenylphosphine is a product in all of these photo-decomposition studies.
Sequence, expression and genetic mapping of a rainbow trout retinoblastoma cDNA

Abstract A full-length cDNA for retinoblastoma (RB1) has been cloned from a cDNA library prepared from 3-week-old rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed embryos. The trout RB1 cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 910 amino acids and is the most divergent cloned retinoblastoma gene sequence to date. RT–PCR studies reveal high levels of RB1 expression by the second week of embryogenesis, which remains uniformly expressed until hatching. Expression studies of adult fish tissues show the RB1 gene to be expressed in all tissues examined, including the oesophagus, eye, liver, intestine, posterior and anterior kidney, skin, stomach, muscle, spleen, gill, swim bladder, gonads and brain. The RB1 gene appears to be a single copy gene based on Southern analysis, and maps to linkage group XVI in the trout genome map. Polymorphisms in the RB1 gene and in closely linked markers should facilitate LOH analysis of RB1.
Achieving and sustaining gender balance in an undergraduate teaching institution

Recruiting and retaining women in the STEM faculty ranks has been a national priority for many years. Recent research, sponsored by the NSF ADVANCE program, was performed mostly by doctoral institutions. However, for small undergraduate universities, the resulting challenges and decision frameworks are likely to be different. The prevalent recommendations need to be re-evaluated and re-interpreted for relevance and applicability. Multiple change agents have been identified, but it is believed that the departmental climate most strongly correlates with successful institutional transformation. The primary success factor is a set of formalized processes in: (1) teaching, scholarship and service, (2) mentoring, and (3) leadership. A secondary factor is a faculty support infrastructure capable of fostering collaborations and reducing isolation. A third factor is an introspective capability that broadens the understanding of the issues affecting women ultimately expressed in the form of better policies and procedures. There is a strong connection between gender progress on the faculty side and improving the pipeline of female students. To effectively intervene on the supply side, it is important to have networking, mentoring and role modeling processes that match student demographics and global sociological conditions. In the case of our University, this requires recruiting, developing and retaining faculty whose principal focus is undergraduate education which is challenging in STEM fields where the traditional emphasis is on research. Curricular evolution in doctoral institutions is typically driven by emerging trends and technological opportunities while the needs of regional industries and local programs are more influential among primarily undergraduate institutions. As advanced degrees become a professional requirement, baccalaureate graduates will be expected to pursue advanced studies early in their career. Hence, more undergraduate STEM programs will serve as feeders to doctoral institutions. The future supply of graduate students and ultimately faculty will become more dependent on these teaching universities. This paper describes our specific efforts and successes in the context of an undergraduate teaching institution. We have demonstrated that even with limited resources and no external funding, it is possible to improve the community culture and climate. Tangible strategies and initiatives aimed at improving the climate are presented: (1) administrative leadership commitment, (2) grants and endowments, (3) faculty development resources, (4) workshops that mirror industry successes, (5) early and mid-career planning, and (6) recruiting and retention of female faculty.
Interactions of anionic surfactants with cationic polyelectrolyte gels: Competitive binding and application in separation processes

Abstract Mixtures of oppositely charged surfactants and polyelectrolytes are commonplace in household products, whose performance depends on surfactant/polyelectrolyte binding. Many of these formulations contain multiple surfactant species. Although polyelectrolyte interactions with ionic/nonionic surfactant mixtures have been characterized in detail, literature on polyelectrolyte interactions with mixtures of anionic or cationic surfactants remains limited. To address this, we used UV–vis spectroscopy and gel swelling experiments to study the competitive binding of two anionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), to a cationically derivatized hydroxyethyl cellulose gel (JR-125TM). Because SDBS absorbs UV radiation and SDS does not, UV–vis spectroscopy allowed the effect of SDS on the SDBS binding to be elucidated. The competitive binding of SDBS and SDS to the gel was modeled using a simple, two-species Langmuir isotherm, which yielded fair agreement with the experimental data. Additionally, to address the need for effective separation processes, we demonstrated the use of cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose gels in the removal (and recovery) of surfactants from water. This revealed that densely-crosslinked polyelectrolyte gels are advantageous for surfactant removal because they: (1) increase the surfactant/polyelectrolyte binding strength, and (2) increase the binding capacity of the gel by reducing swelling. The gel-bound surfactant can be recovered and recycled by extraction into a 50/50 water/ethanol mixture.
The Variable Order of Events in the Life Course.

The temporal order in which a man finishes school, starts working, and first marries is an important characteristic of his life course. Ordering patterns are distributed on a scale of the degree of conformity with the normative ordering of events. Major determinants of ordering patterns are identified. While family background is of limited importance for the ordering of events in the life cycle, the manner in which a man spends the years of late adolescence and early adulthood is of critical relevance. College attendance delays marriage, but not by a sufficient amount of time to prevent substantial numbers of men from marrying prior to completing their schooling. Military service is a major disruptive factor in the life courses of men, although the effects of service in the peacetime army have been less deleterious since men have some discretion in its timing. The unique histories of birth cohorts that result from the age-specific conjunction of period events is a crucial exogenous factor in the life course of men. Men for whom the ordering of events is deviant experience higher rates of marital disruption than do other men. This supports the hypothesis that the variable ordering of events in the life course is a contingency of some importance in the life cycle.
Cataract analysis and the assessment of radiation risk in space

Radiation cataract, a non-stochastic effect on the lens, is readily amenable to non-invasive analysis. Thus, it provides the means to assess radiation risk in space and for long-term monitoring of those who frequent that environment. The importance of such evaluations are underscored by the uncertainties associated with the assignment of quality factors for the effects of heavy charged particles constituting cosmic and solar radiation. Experimental studies were conducted using albino rats to evaluate the cataractogenic potential of 570 MeV/amu Argon ions administered as both single and protracted doses. The cataract studies and investigations of quantitative cytopathological changes associated with them indicate that as the dose of heavy particles decreases, the relative biological effectiveness, compared to X rays, increases. Fractionating the exposures not only failed to reduce the cataractogenic effect but caused a dose-dependent enhancement in the time of onset of opacification. Cytopathologically, the damage caused by heavy particles, when compared to low-LET radiation was found to be quantitatively dissimilar but qualitatively identical. In addition, damage which might be consistent with microlesions was not evident. The data indicates that as regards the cataractogenic potential of heavy particles at low doses an assignment of a Quality Factor (QF) of at least 40 may be in order.
Interaction between Endemic and Introduced Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Conventional-Till and No-Till Corn

Abstract We used entomopathogenic nematodes as a model to address the issue of environmental impact of introduced biological control agents in the soil. The study was conducted during three field seasons (1997, 1998, and 1999) in no-till and conventional-till corn near Goldsboro, North Carolina. The main objective was to evaluate the interaction of two endemic nematodes, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and an introduced exotic nematode, Steinernema riobrave (Texas). Two baiting methods with Galleria mellonella were used to evaluate the nematodes with regard to infected insects and nematode persistence when alone or in cohabitation in the field. We also examined the effects of soil depth on the nematodes' interactions, infectivity, and persistence. The results of the two baiting methods generally agreed with each other. The detection of H. bacteriophora was significantly suppressed in the presence of S. riobrave and slightly more so in conventional-till than in no-till. However, this endemic nematode was not completely displaced 1 and 2 years after the introduction of S. riobrave. Detection of S. carpocapsae and S. riobrave was not affected by the presence of each other, and detection of S. riobrave was not affected by the presence of H. bacteriophora. H. bacteriophora had the strongest tendency to be detected deeper in the soil profile, followed by S. riobrave and then S. carpocapsae. The nematodes' differences in environmental tolerances, differences in tendencies to disperse deeper in the soil profile, and patchy distributions may help explain their coexistence.
Role of N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline in the Antifibrotic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Captopril in Hypertension

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) are known to have antifibrotic effects on the heart and kidney in both animal models and humans. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a natural inhibitor of proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and a natural substrate of ACEi that was reported to prevent cardiac and renal fibrosis in vivo. However, it is not clear whether N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline participates in the antifibrotic effects of ACEi. To clarify this issue, we used a model of aldosterone-salt-induced hypertension in rats treated with the ACEi captopril either alone or combined with an anti-N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline monoclonal antibody. These hypertensive rats had the following: (1) left ventricular and renal hypertrophy, as well as increased collagen deposition in the left ventricular and the kidney; (2) glomerular matrix expansion; and (3) increased ED1-positive cells and enhanced phosphorylated-p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the left ventricle and kidney. The ACEi alone significantly lowered systolic blood pressure (P=0.008) with no effect on organ hypertrophy; it significantly lowered left ventricular collagen content, and this effect was blocked by the monoclonal antibody as confirmed by the histological data. As expected, the ACEi significantly decreased renal collagen deposition and glomerular matrix expansion, and these effects were attenuated by the monoclonal antibody. Likewise, the ACEi significantly decreased ED1-positive cells and inhibited p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in the left ventricle and kidney, and these effects were blocked by the monoclonal antibody. We concluded that in aldosterone-salt-induced hypertension, the antifibrotic effect of ACEi on the heart and kidney, is partially mediated by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline, resulting in decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.
Design of waveguide/coaxial transition for the band 2.5–4.1 Gc/s

The work described has been concerned with developing a wide-band transition to match a component in W.G.10 waveguide to a coaxial component having a characteristic impedance of 50Ω, over the frequency band 2.5–4.1 Gc/s. The coaxial termination is of a size suitable for termination in N, C or any similar 50Ω coaxial connection. In the design described, the waveguide and the coaxial connector have a common axis, so that the design could be readily adapted for use in a rotating joint.Transitions have been developed with a maximum reflection coefficient of about 0.1 over the band.
Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering Based T-outlier Detection

Diversification is a technique to reduce portfolio volatility. In traditional financial domains, the correlation coefficient has been used as a basis for diversification. However, it is problematic in reality since it only captures a single dimension. This research introduces a unique similarity based framework to identify outliers among high dimensional time series objects in financial markets. As the similarity between two assets decreases in the portfolio, the benefits of diversification increase. The paper proposes a novel and efficient Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering (HAC) algorithm based on vertical and horizontal dimension reduction algorithms. [11] Finally, this paper proposes a unique similarity measurement definition/calculation based on the timevalue function. This paper discloses a series of experiment results illustrating the effectiveness of the framework. The detected outliers can be used to monitor portfolio diversification and therefore mitigate risk.
THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM CONCENTRATIONS ON THE RECOVERY OF THE ACTION POTENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTIONS OF NERVE.

1. When the Ringer's solution applied to isolated frog sciatic nerve contains K+ in concentrations greater than 2 x standard, the height of the spike and of the after-potential is decreased, as is the duration of the after-potential; recovery of height and of excitability following response is delayed; degree and duration of supernormal excitability are decreased; postcathodal depression and postanodal enhancement are increased and prolonged. 2. The nerve functions just listed in general all change in the opposite direction when exposed' to increased environmental [Ca++]. (4.5–20 x standard) or decreased [K+] (0.05–0.2 x standard). The effects of decreased [Ca++] (0.20–0.25 x standard) are indeterminate. 3. When [K+] and [Ca++] are both greater than 2 x standard, whatever the ratio between the concentrations the effects characteristic of high [K+] eventually predominate. However, these effects, except for those involving spike height, are preceded by effects characteristic of high [Ca++] when this cation is present in sufficient excess. 4. When [K+] and [Ca++] are reduced to equal low levels (0.1–0.2 x standard), effects characteristic of low [K+] and high [Ca++] are obtained. 5. The experimentally determined order of ability of the environments to produce changes characteristic of high K+ (which is the reverse of the order of their ability to produce changes characteristic of high [Ca++]), is not the order of their K+ or Ca++ concentrations, nor of the ratio between these concentrations (Table II). 6. The results may be explained by the assumption that the functions investigated are all to greater or less degree controlled by (1) the [K+]/[Ca++] ratio and (2) the K+ concentration, at least when this exceeds a critical level. Control by [K+] is more effective for spike height and its recovery after stimulation than for the other functions. The special role of K+ is attributed to an unknown specific effect of this ion which Ca++ is unable to oppose. It is suggested that this K+ effect in general becomes marked on the frog nerve functions investigated when the K+ concentration is somewhat above 2 x standard, while the [K+]/[Ca++] ratio must be changed by a factor of 4 or more before it exerts a definite effect on these functions. 7. In standard and in modified cationic environments, nerve functions vary in the ease with which they manifest changes characteristic of high [K+] or of high [Ca++]. 8. The after-potential functions are less completely controlled by the cationic environment than are the other functions investigated.
Identification of subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome using electronic health records

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder because of the variable criteria used for diagnosis. Therefore, International Classification of Diseases 9 (ICD-9) codes may not accurately capture the diagnostic criteria necessary for large scale PCOS identification. We hypothesized that use of electronic medical records text and data would more specifically capture PCOS subjects. Methods: Subjects with PCOS were identified in the Partners Healthcare Research Patients Data Registry by searching for the term “polycystic ovary syndrome” using natural language processing (n = 24,930). A training subset of 199 identified charts was reviewed and categorized based on likelihood of a true Rotterdam PCOS diagnosis, i.e. two out of three of the following: irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovary morphology. Data from the history, physical exam, laboratory and radiology results were codified and extracted from notes of definite PCOS subjects. Thirty-two terms were used to build an algorithm for identifying definite PCOS cases and applied to the rest of the dataset. The positive predictive value cutoff was set at 76.8 % to maximize the number of subjects available for study. A true positive predictive value for the algorithm was calculated after review of 100 charts from subjects identified as definite PCOS cases with at least two documented Rotterdam criteria. The positive predictive value was compared to that calculated using 200 charts identified using the ICD-9 code for PCOS (256.4; n= 13,670). In addition, a cohort of previously recruited PCOS subjects was submitted for algorithm validation. Results: Chart review demonstrated that 64 % were confirmed as definitely PCOS using the algorithm, with a 9 % false positive rate. 66 % of subjects identified by ICD-9 code for PCOS could be confirmed as definitely PCOS, with an 8.5 % false positive rate. There was no significant difference in the positive predictive values using the two methods (p= 0.2). However, the number of charts that had insufficient confirmatory data was lower using the algorithm (5 % vs 11 %; p < 0.04). Of 477 subjects with PCOS recruited and examined individually and present in the database as patients, 451 were found within the algorithm dataset. Conclusions: Extraction of text parameters along with codified data improves the confidence in PCOS patient cohorts identified using the electronic medical record. However, the positive predictive value was not significantly different when using ICD-9 codes or the specific algorithm. Further studies are needed to determine the positive predictive value of the two methods in additional electronic medical record datasets.
Sulfonyl-Containing Aldophosphamide Analogues as Novel Anticancer Prodrugs Targeted against Cyclophosphamide-Resistant Tumor Cell Lines

A series of sulfonyl-group containing analogues of aldophosphamide (Aldo) were synthesized as potential anticancer prodrugs that liberate the cytotoxic phosphoramide mustards (PM, IPM, and tetrakis-PM) via beta-elimination, a nonenzymatic activation mechanism. Kinetic studies demonstrated that all these compounds spontaneously liberate phosphoramide mustards with half-lives in the range of 0.08-15.2 h under model physiological conditions in 0.08 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C. Analogous to Aldo, the rates of beta-elimination in all compounds was enhanced in reconstituted human plasma under same conditions. The compounds were more potent than the corresponding phosphoramide mustards against V-79 Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts in vitro (IC(50) = 1.8-69.1 microM). Several compounds showed excellent in vivo antitumor activity in CD2F1 mice against both P388/0 (Wild) and P388/CPA (CP-resistant) tumor cell lines.
Fibrinolysis in Haemophilia: The Effect of ε‐Amino‐Caproic Acid

In 1962 Abe, Sato, Kazama and Matsumura reported that two boys suffering from haemophilia had improved during treatment with e-amino-caproic acid (e-A.C.A.) as shown by a diminished number of haemorrhages and decreased need for blood transfusions and that this improvement was associated with reduced fibrinolytic activity. In order to assess the effect of e-A.C.A. in haemophilia, a trial has been conducted in six boys over a period of 6 months. They were all suffering from haemophilia A and their previous histories were available. During the trial they were seen at fortnightly intervals and on each visit a full record of all haemorrhagic episodes since the last visit was made, together with any subjective comments from the patient or his parents about pain, mobility, etc. At each visit a specimen of venous blood was taken for estimation of fibrinolytic activity, the patients attending at the same time of day in order to minimize physiological diurnal variation (Fearnley, 1960). Any changes in diet, activity or habits during the preceding 24 hours were also noted. Fibrinolytic activity was measured by the method of Lackner and Goosen (1959) (which is a modification of that originally described by Fearnley, Balmforth and Fearnley, 1957). During the first 3 months half of the patients were on treatment with e-A.C.A. and during the second 3 months the other half. The dosage was calculated by the percentage method (Catzel, 1962) based on the daily adult dose of 10 g. per day. No treatment was given during the control period.
US Food and Drug Administration Approval Overview in Metastatic Breast Cancer

We reviewed trials that supported US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals of drugs and biologics for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the last two decades. This summary provides an overview of the basis for approval, including end points, trial design, major trial findings, and regulatory considerations. Approval of hormonal agents is excluded from this analysis. In the last two decades, 10 products with 14 MBC indications (four for first-line and 10 for second- to third-line treatment) were approved by the FDA. Approval decisions for these 14 indications were supported by a variety of end points that showed a favorable benefit-to-risk profile. Among these 14 indications, four were granted accelerated approval (AA), and 10 were given regular approval (RA). Of the four approved under AA, two have subsequently demonstrated clinical benefit resulting in conversion to RA. We conclude with current FDA thinking on the drug development challenges for the treatment of MBC and recommendations for future trial design. J Clin Oncol 30. © 2012 by American Society of Clinical Oncology