cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P5-01-08: Complex fibroadenoma is not an independent risk marker for breast cancer

Background: Fibroadenoma (FA) is a relatively common benign breast tumor that can occur in women of any age, with a peak incidence during the second and third decades. The only previous study of this lesion reported that FAs are associated with a 2.2 times increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer (BC) compared to matched controls [1]. This relative risk may increase to 3.1 among patients with complex FA, and remains elevated for decades after diagnosis. However, this study did not thoroughly account for other forms of concomitant risk factors. Our investigative team sought to examine breast cancer risk among women with non-complex and complex FA, overall and stratified by other BC risk factors. Materials and Methods: The study cohort included women between ages 18 to 85 in the Mayo Benign Breast Disease (BBD) Cohort who underwent excisional breast biopsy between 1967and1991 and were found to have a FA. FA was defined histologically as a combination of epithelial and stromal proliferation. Complex FA was defined as FA associated with any of the following features: sclerosing adenosis, epithelial calcifications, papillary apocrine change, and microcysts greater than 3.0 mm. The primary endpoint was a diagnosis of BC, determined using the Mayo medical record and questionnaire information from study participants. A single breast pathologist, blinded to the initial diagnosis and clinical outcome, performed pathology review. Observed vs. expected BC risk across levels of FA was assessed via standardized incidence ratios (SIRs), using age-stratified incidence rates from the Iowa Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry. Analyses were carried out overall and within subgroups of involution status (none, partial, complete) and overall histology (non-proliferative disease [NP], proliferative disease without atypia [PDWA] or atypical hyperplasia [AH]). Results: Of 9097 women in the Mayo BBD Cohort, FA were identified in 2139- non-complex in 1903 (20.9%) and complex in 236 (2.6%). The greatest proportion of FA occurred in the 40–69 age range. The mean ages for women with non-complex FA and complex FA were 45.7 and 50.2 years respectively. The SIR of breast cancer in the overall BBD cohort was 1.5 (95% CI [1.4–1.6]). The SIR among women with non-complex FA was 1.5 (95% CI [1.3–1.8]), and for complex FA increased to 2.41 (95% CI [1.7–3.4]). However, women with complex FA were more likely to have other concomitant high-risk histologic features such as PDWA and incomplete involution. In stratified analyses accounting for involution status and PDWA, complex FA did not demonstrate an independent increase in BC risk. Conclusion: Complex FA does not confer an increased risk for BC beyond other established histologic features. Therefore, women with complex FA should be managed based upon a risk level consistent with the major histologic category of PDWA and/or AH. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-01-08.
CLASSICAL MODEL FOR ELECTRONICALLY NON-ADIABATIC COLLISION PROCESSES: RESONANCE EFFECTS IN ELECTRONIC-VIBRATIONAL ENERGY TRANSFER

Abstract A classical model for electronically non-adiabatic collision processes is applied to E → V energy transfer in a collinear system, A + BC ( v = 1) → A ∗ + BC ( v = 0), resembling Br-H 2 .The model, which treats electronic as well as translational, rotational, and vibrational degrees of freedom by classical mechanics, describes the resonance features in this process reasonably well.
Use of maximal dendate activation to study the effect of drugs on kindling and kindled responses

Maximal dentate activation is a paroxysmal event characterized by the appearance of bursts of large amplitude population spikes in the dentate gyrus that has been shown to be associated with the production of afterdischarges in limbic circuits. Repeated elicitation of maximal dentate activation in the anesthetized rat produces a progressive increase in afterdischarge duration. The present work examined the role of NMDA receptor activation in this process. The effects of MK-801 (a systemically active NMDA receptor complex antagonist) and imipramine and desipramine (tricyclic antidepressants recently reported to have NMDA receptor-coupled channel blocking properties) were studied. MK-801, at 0.5 mg/kg, prevented the lengthening of the duration of maximal dentate activation. At 2 mg/kg, MK-801 also shortened the duration of maximal dentate activation already established. Imipramine showed a similar dose-dependent response pattern with 15 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg respectively. Desipramine (50 mg/kg) was similar to imipramine (50 mg/kg) in its effect. Thus, the drugs studied were effective at shortening limbic epileptiform discharges. These results support the use of this model to examine drug effects and strengthen the hypothesis that NMDA receptors play a critical role in seizure generation in the limbic system and, specifically, in the lengthening of the duration of maximal dentate activation.
Sociocultural and Victimization Factors That Impact Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence Among Kenyan Women

This study investigates the association between acceptance of intimate partner violence (IPV) and reported IPV victimization among Kenyan women, taking into consideration select sociocultural factors that may also influence acceptance of IPV. Data from a nationally representative, cross-sectional, household survey conducted between November 2008 and February 2009 in Kenya were analyzed. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to estimate the effect of select sociodemographic characteristics and reported IPV victimization on acceptance of IPV. The results showed that while both sociodemographic characteristics and reported IPV victimization were significantly associated with IPV acceptance, sociocultural factors had a greater impact. Programs aimed at empowering women and culturally competent IPV prevention strategies may be the key elements to reducing IPV.
The distribution of inverted repeat sequences in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome

Although a variety of possible functions have been proposed for inverted repeat sequences (IRs), it is not known which of them might occur in vivo. We investigate this question by assessing the distributions and properties of IRs in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) genome. Using the IRFinder algorithm we detect 100,514 IRs having copy length greater than 6 bp and spacer length less than 77 bp. To assess statistical significance we also determine the IR distributions in two types of randomization of the S. cerevisiae genome. We find that the S. cerevisiae genome is significantly enriched in IRs relative to random. The S. cerevisiae IRs are significantly longer and contain fewer imperfections than those from the randomized genomes, suggesting that processes to lengthen and/or correct errors in IRs may be operative in vivo. The S. cerevisiae IRs are highly clustered in intergenic regions, while their occurrence in coding sequences is consistent with random. Clustering is stronger in the 3′ flanks of genes than in their 5′ flanks. However, the S. cerevisiae genome is not enriched in those IRs that would extrude cruciforms, suggesting that this is not a common event. Various explanations for these results are considered.
On the duration of contact for the Hertzian impact of a spherical indenter on a Maxwell solid

Abstract An expression is derived for the duration of contact for a Hertzian impact of a spherical indenter on a Maxwell solid valid for ηT 0 ≪ 1. The result disagrees with a previous analysis. The expression is compared with numerical predictions of the contact duration in which empirical creep and relaxation functions were used.
Spin-fluctuation mediated interaction in the two-dimensional Hubbard model

Abstract Using Monte Carlo results for the magnetic spin susceptibility and the irreducible electron-electron interaction, we argue that the exchange of para-antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations mediates the effective electron-electron interaction in the doped two-dimensional Hubbard model.
An experimental technique for studying heterogeneous reactions of polyaromatic hydrocarbons on particle surfaces

An experimental technique for studying atmospheric heterogeneous reactions of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on particle surfaces is reported. Particle bound organics were reacted in a 200 liter Teflon continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), with vapor phase oxidants. To provide a source of chemically stable particles for the CSTR, soot particles from a residential wood stove were first introduced during under darkness into a 25 m3 outdoor Teflon chamber. Air containing the particles was then added at a constant flow to the CSTR. The rates of heterogeneous reactions were obtained by comparing reacted particle samples with unreacted ones. The derivation of rate expressions for heterogeneous reactions in the CSTR is described. The use of the technique for a study of the nitration of selected soot particle bound PAH species by NO2 and HNO3 is demonstrated.
Testing A Priori Hypotheses about Differences among Covariance Matrices.

Provided is a description of three methods that allow one to test certain types of a priori hypotheses about differences among covariance matrices. In addition to descriptions of methods not generally found in discussions of multivariate analyses, briefly outlined are procedures for using two computer programs, COFAMM and LISREL, for testing such hypotheses. Also provided are examples of application of the methods to a meaningful data set.
Non-H-2 genes alter the H-2 determined susceptibilities in immune complex nephritis

These experiments examined the effects of genes outside of the H-2 region on disease susceptibility and pathogenesis. Four strains of mice with the susceptible H-2 type, H-2d, but different non-H-2 genes were studied. B10, D2, Balb/c, NZB, and DBA/2J mice were injected with 4 mg of apoferritin i.p. q.d. for 28 days. B10, D2 and Balb/c mice developed proliferative and crescentic glomerulonephritis. NZB mice developed proliferative and crescentic glomerulonephritis with wire loop lesions suggestive of lupus. DBA/2J mice developed only minimal mesangial proliferation without crescents or necrosis. Electron microscopy showed subepithelial and mesangial deposits in B10, D2, moderate subepithelial and mesangial deposits in Balb/c, and marked mesangial, subendothelial and subepithelial deposits in NZB. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of IgG, IgM, C3 and apoferritin in these deposits. The DBA/2J mice had only minimal mesangial deposits by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. These experiments demonstrate that non-H-2 genes alter the H-2d determined disease susceptibility seen in H-2 congenic mice. NZB genes can alter the disease so that lupus-like lesions develop and DBA/2J genes can substantially ameliorate the disease.
A Simplified Account of Drug Accumulation and Steady-State Dose Equivalences

The accumulation of medication taken regularly can influence its clinical effects, cumulative toxicities and steady-state equivalent doses to similar agents, and the elimination of concurrent medications. A basic expression of drug accumulation, the Unit Dose Accumulation Ratio (UDAR), is defined as the ratio of the day-average blood drug concentration at steady-state to the peal blood drug concentration after one dose. In a single-compartment analysis the UDAR is found to equal 0.0601 multiplied by the elimination half-life (in hours). The UDARs estimated in this way approximate those found from measurements of valproic acid, desipramine, and reboxetine. Further modeling reveals that in common situations graduality of release has only small effects on UDARs. Extension to multiexponential elimination is described by simple expressions in terms of ratios of kinetic coefficients. Modeling of accumulation with biexponential elimination is depicted on a graph. Several applications of the UDAR are illustrated. The UDAR permits determination of steady-state dose equivalences from single dose equivalences and vice-versa. This facilitates medication interchange, as in clinical withdrawal management by replacement of short-acting sedative-hypnotics with long-acting agents, e.g., alprazolam with clonazepam. The UDAR reflects tolerance, e.g., if 30-mg flurazepam equals 4-mg lorazepam, the UDAR indicates that at steady-state, 30 mg/day of flurazepam approximates 21 mg/day of lorazepam. The UDAR can estimate total exposure, e.g., to organic chlorine. The UDAR complements methods described previously for drug dose prediction and blood drug level monitoring that were simplified by expressing blood levels as averages over the day.
Effect of alcohol and task on hemispheric asymmetry of visually evoked potentials in man

The study examined the effect of a dose of alcohol producing a mean blood alcohol content of 90 mg% on components of the scalp-recorded visually evoked potential (VEP) both with and without a visual discrimination task to control the level of attention, and the interaction of amplitudinal hemispheric asymmetry of the VEP with alcohol treatment and the discrimination task. Ingestion of ethyl alcohol producing a mean blood alcohol content of 90 mg% affected VEPs recorded from the central scalp by attenuating the overall amplitude of the later VEP components (60-200 msec) and by significantly reducing hemispheric asymmetry in the amplitude of these VEP components. Alcohol attenuates VEP components P90-N120 and N120-P180, and the task of counting flashes and attending to discriminate double flashes increased amplitude of VEP components N60-P90 and P90-N120 in control and placebo conditions. Several studies have reported that the VEP recorded from the right hemisphere of human beings is larger than the VEP recorded from the homologous location in the left hemisphere. Evoked potentials recorded under control and placebo conditions in this study also demonstrated a hemispheric asymmetry with right larger than left for component P90-N120. We also found a reliable alcohol by hemispheric asymmetry interaction. Alcohol selectively depressed the amplitude of the right hemisphere VEP (P90-N120) component to a significantly greater extent than the left hemisphere VEP was affected.
Novel Fluorochromes for Functional Imaging of Cancer

In spite of no molecular beacon has been used in a significant trial with human breast cancer patients, biopsy specimens open the opportunity to image intrinsic and extrinsic signals of animal and human cancers.
Chromatophore radial muscle fibers anchor in flexible squid skin

Cephalopod skin is soft, flexible, and produces rapid color changes for camouflage and signaling primarily by regulating the shapes of its numerous chromatophore organs. Each chromatophore has 10–30 radial muscle cells, termed fibers, under central nervous system control. Each fiber contains myofilaments that contract in concert to stretch the pigment-containing cell from its punctate, spherical state to a fully expanded thin disk of color. Expansion occurs in less than one second and can result in a 14-fold expansion in pigment cell diameter. We investigated the anchoring mechanism of radial muscle fibers that expand pigment cells in the longfin squid, Doryteuthis (Loligo) pealeii. The proximal Active Zone of a radial muscle fiber adheres to the pigment cell within an ensheathing sinus. The distal portion forms terminal arbors, thereby increasing the surface area, to adhere it to the dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). While the muscle fiber is attached to the pigment cell with haptosomes, the remainder of the fiber is adhered to the surrounding basal lamina (part of the ECM) by numerous, closely spaced, small costamere-like projections. Branching of the radial muscle fiber termini and the costamere-like attachments are key anatomical specializations that anchor the radial muscle fibers in the pliable skin while allowing the freedom of movement required for large changes in pigment cell diameter. We postulate that these features may be relevant for the development of soft actuation models in materials science.
Certain disubstituted o-aminoacetoxy- and propoxybenzoic and cinnamic acids and their tert-butyl esters.

Several o-aminoacetoxy- and propoxy derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids as well as certain of their tert-butyl esters have been prepared as potential analgesics and local anesthetics. The syntheses and biological evaluation of representative compounds are presented.
Thickening of the oceanic crust with age

The most widely accepted models for ocean-crust formation and composition fail to predict the thickening of the oceanic crust with age, yet such thickening has been described in the Pacific Ocean for years. To reconcile this apparent long-standing conflict, we have reexamined the evidence for the thickening of the Pacific crust by using a statistical treatment of a large number of seismic profiles and by doing a detailed reanalysis of several profiles fanning a transect across the southern Pacific Ocean. From the statistical studies, we find that crust younger than 30 Ma has a mean thickness of 5.67 km, whereas crust between 30 and 100 Ma has a mean thickness of 6.01 km. This 0.34-km difference, although statistically significant, is far less than that reported in several previous studies. Our results from the South Pacific transect suggest that changes in the crustal thickness are not systematic, and from both studies it appears that crustal thickening is not particularly important. The small thickening that we do observe is probably the result of isolated processes that are not active under the oceanic crust as a whole. As a result, arguments favoring a large component of serpentinite in the crust cannot be based upon evidence for crustal thickening beneath the Pacific Ocean.
Palatal perforation resulting from intranasal prescription narcotic abuse

Background Palatal perforation resulting from insufflation of cocaine has been well documented. In comparison, reports of destructive orofacial lesions resulting from intranasal abuse of prescription narcotics are rare. We present the clinical and histopathologic findings in a case of palatal perforation arising in a patient abusing a prescription opioid drug. The patient denied any history of cocaine use but admitted to habitually crushing and snorting a hydrocodone/acetaminophen preparation. Study design The patient presented to our clinic seeking resolution of speech difficulties associated with an oroantral fistula. Surgical repair of the defect had been attempted unsuccessfully in the past. Endoscopic examination and blood and chemistry panels were conducted prior to surgical attempt at repair. During the surgery, several biopsy specimens were removed for histolopathologic evaluation and flow cytometry from lesional and perilesional sites in both the oral and nasopharyngeal cavities. Culture and cytology for fungal organisms were also performed. Results Histopathologic examination revealed normal mucosa with diffuse and focal inflammatory changes and no evidence of malignancy. Polarizable foreign material was noted in the specimens. The absence of lymphoid neoplasia was confirmed by flow cytometric analysis. The toxicology panel was positive for the presence of opiates in the blood. Culture and cytology were positive for candidal organisms. A palatal obturator was fabricated for the patient, producing significant improvement in the quality of speech. Conclusions This is the first reported case of palatal perforation resulting from abuse of a drug other than cocaine. The potential for drugs other than cocaine to produce destructive orofacial lesions should be considered.
Application of a Utility-Theory-Consistent, System-of-Demand-Equations Approach to Household Travel Choice

By applying a distinct new framework for travel-demand analysis that is based on utility maximization subject to time and money constraints, systems of demand equations are estimated for the underlying determinant of travel demand: out-of-home activity participation. The system of demand equations is derived from a flexible, indirect utility function. For consistency with short-period behavioral observations, the accompanying stochastic specification allows for cardinally ordered integer observations with correlated unobserved heterogeneity. Using 1990 Bay Area Travel Survey data, the parameter estimates of two such specifications are extended to produce estimates of various economic implications, such as values of time and demand elasticities. Several hypotheses regarding travel behavior—including the constancy of travel-time budgets and total activity-participation rates—and the welfare effects generated by changes in the travel environment are also examined.
A new preparation of gastrin: preliminary characterization.

THIS Laboratory is examining the chemistry of ‘gastrin’, about which little has been reported. We have recently prepared a gastrin-like secretory stimulant from porcine antral mucosa by a new and somewhat novel method. This is a preliminary report on its chemical properties, and similar data on ‘gastrin’ as prepared by a more conventional procedure. The quotation marks signify only that it is not known whether gastrin is a single compound, or a group of similar structures with a common unique moiety, or a group of biologically, more or less, specific substances. The facts that gastrin has been reported as dialysable1, non-dialysable2, with an isoelectric point near pH 5.03, or pH 8.04, to name only a few of its properties, leave the question very much open. Recently, Gregory et al. 5 described a gastrin-like substance isolated from a pancreatic tumour.
Cell-based therapies: From basic biology to replacement, repair, and regeneration☆

A series of meetings in the last 6 months has afforded an extraordinary opportunity to assess the progress that has been made in the development of cell-based therapeutic approaches and the issues that still need to be addressed. Even though real progress has been made, it has become clear that the key to success will come from a better understanding of the basic biology so as to be able to deliver the right biological signals at the right place and at the right time. Beyond the basic biology, there are some other key issues. These include the selection of cell source, the development of "smart", instructive biomaterials that can be used to deliver the biological signals, and the development of bioreactors for the expansion of cells and the growth of tissues, ones that can be scaled up for clinical studies. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, though still very much in a fledgling state, continues to offer the promise to address clinical needs where today there are no treatment options available. To do this, however, will require a better understanding of the biology and the development of key technologies. Long-term clinical therapies and treatments must move beyond the replacement of tissues and organs to the harnessing of the intrinsic repair and regenerative potential of the human body.
The effects of barometric pumping on contaminant transport

Variation in the ambient atmospheric pressure results in subsurface motion of air in porous and fractured earth materials. This is known as barometric pumping. We analyze this phenomenon for unfractured media and demonstrate that if hydrodynamic dispersivity is included, barometric pumping can significantly decrease the retention time of volatile subsurface contaminants. Formulae are derived which give analytically the dependence of the effect on the amplitude and frequency of the barometric pump as well as on the material properties. In addition, numerical modeling results using a method which carefully avoids spurious numerical dispersion are presented. Field data will appear to follow a standard diffusive transport model; but in the systems in which barometric pumping is significant, the value for D will need to be greater than that derived from isobaric tests. In addition to enhancing the diffusion, pumping also sweeps out pore gases near the surface and thus, reduces the distance a subsurface contaminant must diffuse before it mixes with the atmosphere. These barometric pumping mechanisms will be enhanced by the presence of fractures, which permit pressure variations to propagate deep into the ground. Because barometric pumping affects the rate of contaminant transport from subsurface, this process may play an important role in the environmental remediation of volatile organic chemicals in the vadose zone.
Facultative nitrogen fixation by canopy legumes in a lowland tropical forest

Symbiotic dinitrogen (N(2)) fixation is often invoked to explain the N richness of tropical forests as ostensibly N(2)-fixing trees can be a major component of the community. Such arguments assume N(2) fixers are fixing N when present. However, in laboratory experiments, legumes consistently reduce N(2) fixation in response to increased soil N availability. These contrasting views of N(2) fixation as either obligate or facultative have drastically different implications for the N cycle of tropical forests. We tested these models by directly measuring N(2)-fixing root nodules and nitrogenase activity of individual canopy-dominant legume trees (Inga sp.) across several lowland forest types. Fixation was substantial in disturbed forests and some gaps but near zero in the high N soils of mature forest. Our findings suggest that canopy legumes closely regulate N(2) fixation, leading to large variations in N inputs across the landscape, and low symbiotic fixation in mature forests despite abundant legumes.
Flow and High Affinity Binding Affect the Elastic Modulus of the Nucleus, Cell Body and the Stress Fibers of Endothelial Cells

Cell mechanical properties are important in the adhesion of endothelial cells to synthetic vascular grafts exposed to shear flow. We hypothesized that the local apparent elastic modulus of the nucleus and the cell body would increase to a greater extent for cells adherent via the dual ligand (integrin-fibronectin/avidin-biotin) and exposed to flow, than for cells treated with either ligand alone. High affinity avidin-biotin bonds and in vitro flow exposure were used to improve adhesion to grafts thereby altering the mechanical properties of endothelial cells. Introduction of the dual ligand chemistry at the cell-substrate interface increased the apparent elastic modulus of the cells as compared to cells adherent with the fibronectin-integrin bonds only. Cells cultured on the dual ligand surface exhibited higher elastic moduli of the nucleus and cell body relative to cells cultured on fibronectin alone. Exposure of cells to flow increased the apparent elastic modulus of the cell body, nucleus, and stress fibers of cells adherent to the fibronectin surface. A similar effect was seen for cells adherent to the dual ligand surface, although there was little effect on the elastic modulus of the nucleus. While the dual ligand surface produces an increase in adhesion strength, focal contact area and elastic modulus, the change in elastic modulus after exposure to flow is due only to an increase in stress fibers and not an increase in contact area.
The DtN nonreflecting boundary condition for multiple scattering problems in the half-plane

Abstract The multiple-Dirichlet-to-Neumann (multiple-DtN) non-reflecting boundary condition is adapted to acoustic scattering from obstacles embedded in the half-plane. The multiple-DtN map is coupled with the method of images as an alternative model for multiple acoustic scattering in the presence of acoustically soft and hard plane boundaries. As opposed to the current practice of enclosing all obstacles with a large semicircular artificial boundary that contains portion of the plane boundary, the proposed technique uses small artificial circular boundaries that only enclose the immediate vicinity of each obstacle in the half-plane. The adapted multiple-DtN condition is simultaneously imposed in each of the artificial circular boundaries. As a result the computational effort is significantly reduced. A computationally advantageous boundary value problem is numerically solved with a finite difference method supported on boundary-fitted grids. Approximate solutions to problems involving two scatterers of arbitrary geometry are presented. The proposed numerical method is validated by comparing the approximate and exact far-field patterns for the scattering from a single and from two circular obstacles in the half-plane.
Treaties, Tenure, and Torture: The Conflicting Domestic Effects of International Law

International human rights treaties are argued to increase both the likelihood of domestic mobilized dissent and judicial constraint. These pressures pull leaders in conflicting directions: mobilized challenges undermine a leader’s position in power, increasing incentives to repress; courts raise the probability of litigation, decreasing incentives to repress. We argue authorities balance these pressures based on their job security. Politically insecure leaders, desperate to retain power, repress to control the destabilizing effects of dissent. Secure leaders are less likely to fall to citizen pressures, but the probability of facing an effective judiciary weighs heavily in their expected costs. Consequently, they repress less to avoid litigation. We find empirical support for the implications of our formal theory using data on commitment to the UN Convention Against Torture. Treaties have no effect on repression in states with insecure leaders but have a positive effect on rights protection in states hea...
A 3-D reconstruction algorithm for interpolation and extrapolation of planar cross sectional data

A three dimensional (3-D) reconstruction algorithm utilizing both linear interpolation and linear extrapolation was developed for the study of human prostatic cancer. The algorithm was validated by comparing the volumes and shapes of original to reconstructed objects. Synthetic objects of known geometry and wax models with shapes characteristic of prostatic carcinomas were assessed with standard planimetry and by the digital interpolation-extrapolation method. Volume and multifocality measurements obtained by reconstructing excised prostate glands using histologic maps obtained from whole-mount sections were tested. The new algorithm provided greater accuracy in determining tumor volumes than conventional methods. This model provides a basis for mathematical analysis of prostate cancer lesions.
Insulin resistance in preeclampsia.

In this issue of Hypertension , Parretti and her associates have tested the relationship of insulin resistance to preeclampsia.1 They make 2 exciting observations. First, insulin resistance is more common in women who are destined to develop preeclampsia months before clinically evident disease. Second, simple assessments of insulin resistance based on a single determination of fasting insulin and glucose can predict preeclampsia at least as well as the current gold standard for prediction of preeclampsia, uterine artery Doppler velocimetry. Increased insulin resistance is well established to be associated with preeclampsia.2 Its relevance as either a risk for preeclampsia or as causally important to its pathophysiology can be questioned. Most studies have not taken into account obesity, which is associated both with increased insulin resistance and with preeclampsia. There is no guarantee that insulin resistance is the mechanism by which obesity increases the risk of preeclampsia. Other relevant pathophysiological consequences of obesity include elevated inflammatory activity,3 altered adipokines,4 and higher concentrations of circulating asymmetrical dimethylarginine5 (an endogenous inhibitor of NO synthase). In addition, several prior …
Pathway-based analysis of GWAS datasets: effective but caution required.

Pathway-based analysis is rapidly emerging as an alternative but powerful approach for searching for disease causal genes from genomic datasets and has been applied to many complex diseases recently, but it is only now beginning to be applied in psychiatry. Here, we discuss critical issues in the pathway-based approach by specifically comparing the first pathway analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets in neuropsychiatric disorders by O'Dushlaine and colleagues ( Molecular Psychiatry 2010, doi:10.1038/mp.2010.7) with our analysis. We also computed the power of gene set enrichment analysis, hypergeometric test, and SNP ratio test in order to assist future applications of these methods in pathway-based analysis of GWAS datasets. Overall, we suggest that the pathway-based approach is effective but caution is needed in interpreting the results of such analysis.
Assessing Subjective Well-Being in the Old-Old The PANAS as a Measure of Orthogonal Dimensions of Positive and Negative Affect

A review of past research reveals apparent gaps in many current measures of positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) including the Bradburn (1969) Affect Balance subscales popular among gerontologists and other social scientists. In many cases, the measures produce PA/NA correlations so high that some researchers claim subjective well-being is unidimensional. A viable alternative measure of positive and negative affect is the PANAS (Watson, Clark, and Tellegen 1988), which appears to distinguish clearly between these two emotional dimensions of subjective well-being. Unfortunately, however, only younger samples have served as subjects in research on the PANAS. Accordingly, the current study assessed the psychometric qualities of the PANAS applied to a sample of the old-old. Consistent with prior studies of younger samples, the results here clearly support the viability of the measure among the elderly. Of particular significance, the PA and NA dimensions appear completely independent of each other. M...
Why International Organizations Will Continue to Fail Their Development Goals

Although International Organizations (IOs) have the ability to promote economic and political development throughout the world, political imperatives ensure that they will fail to meet their potential. This essay is a response to the editor's kind request to speculate as to the role of IOs over the next decade. Although my arguments apply broadly, here I consider development, and so I focus on organizations such as the World Bank and IMF. Over the coming decades these organizations will fail in their attempts to alleviate poverty. On a more positive note, political science is rapidly advancing our understanding of the pathologies of IOs. Unfortunately, the failure of IOs to alleviate poverty is, I believe, a politically stable circumstance: intellectual advances will not translate into better-performing IOs. I focus on a specific set of theoretical arguments as to why IOs fail to promote development, concluding that we should anticipate more of the same rather than the radical reforms that are necessary if IOs are to achieve their stated goals.Alastair Smith is professor of politics at New York University (alastair.smith@nyu.edu).
Stereotypes about scientists over time among US adults: 1983 and 2001:

Prior research demonstrates that students and some teachers often depict scientists as socially inept workaholic males; however, scholars rarely examine representative samples of adults. How the US general public stereotypes scientists may influence accepting science expertise because its practitioners can appear so eccentric. By expressing negative stereotypes, "typical adults" also can discourage youthful interests in science. This study analyzes general public interview data using identical questions from the 1983 and 2001 National Science Foundation Surveys of Public Understanding of Science and Technology, probability samples of 3219 adults. Despite many positive changes over nearly 20 years, and strong approval of a child’s potential science career, sizable minorities of adults continued to negatively stereotype scientists. Women were more positive than men but had considered a science career less often. Images of scientists also were affected by age, educational variables, parental status, and a religiosity measure.
Constructing Caribbean Literary History

Responding to reviews of his Caribbeana: An Anthology of English Literature of the West Indies, 1657–1777 by historian Richard Drayton and Nobel laureate Derek Walcott, Thomas W. Krise responds to questions about the writing of the literary history of the early Caribbean, including: What constitutes Caribbean literature? How does early Caribbean literature compare to early North American literature? How should critics deal with the lack of records from oral cultures? And, should early Caribbean literature be taught, and, if so, how?
Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hypereosinophilic syndromes

Hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by marked peripheral blood and tissue eosinophilia resulting in end organ damage. Recent advances in molecular biology and immunology have led to the identification of a number of distinct subtypes of HES with differing epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prognosis. The ability to distinguish between these HES subtypes combined with the availability of new treatment modalities, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, that target specific molecules involved in disease pathogenesis have dramatically altered the approach to the diagnosis and treatment of HES.
Measurement of nonthermal illumination-enhanced diffusion in silicon

Continued scaling of ultrashallow junctions in transistor devices raises the possibility that new physical effects connected with intense lamp illumination during rapid thermal annealing (RTA) need to be incorporated into models for transient enhanced diffusion (TED). Identification of such effects is difficult in conventional RTA geometries because lamps provide both heating and photostimulation, and because the interpretation of conventional dopant diffusion experiments is impeded by complex dopant-defect interactions and the presence of built-in electric fields in typical test structures. In this paper we present strong experimental evidence of nonthermal illumination-enhanced diffusion in unimplanted silicon.
A comparison of the resonant properties of small space-filling fractal antennas

The resonant properties of several small planar space-filling fractal antennas are considered over a range of self-resonant frequencies. These space-filling antennas have differing geometries and total wire length, but occupy the same planar area. The resonant properties considered include radiation resistance, efficiency, and quality factor. It is demonstrated that the resonant properties of these antennas are essentially the same, independent of significant differences in antenna geometry and total wire length.
Surface Proteins and Glycoproteins of Ejaculated Bovine Spermatozoa. I. Iodination and Proteolytic Digestion

Proteins exposed on the external surface of the bovine sperm membrane were identified by 525 I-iodination catalyzed by lactoperoxidase and proteolytic digestion by trypsin and chymotrypsin. The surface-labeled proteins were analyzed after solubilization in sodium dodecylsulfate by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels containing the detergent. Among some 20 bands initially resolved, eight were found labeled, corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 155,000, 126,000, 93,000, 75,000, 53,000, 29,000, 26,000, and 15,000. Evidence is presented that these polypeptide bands were not contaminants from the seminal fluid. Two bands of 26,000 and 15,000 were resistant to digestion by trypsin at the surface, whereas three bands of 29,000, 26,000, and 15,000 were insensitive to chymotrypsin. The rest of the bands were sensitive to both trypsin and chymotrypsin.
Integrating multiple knowledge representations and learning capabilities in an expert system: the ADVISE system

The ADVISE system is an integrated set of tools for the development of and experimentation with expert systems in various specific application domains. It functions as a multi-purpose inference system that employs three knowledge representations: a rule-base, a conceptual network and a relational data base. In addition, it includes learning capabilities by incorporating the inductive learning programs GEM (for learning from examples) and CLUSTER (for constructing classifications). Three expert systems have been developed using ADVISE: PLANT/ds (version 2)--for diagnosing soybean diseases, PLANT/cd--for predicting cutworm damage to corn, and BABY--a consultant for the neo-natal intensive care unit.
Radiofrequency Sacroiliac Joint Denervation for Sacroiliac Syndrome

Background and Objectives Radiofrequency (RF) denervation of the sacroiliac (SI) joint has been advocated for the treatment of sacroiliac syndrome, yet no clinical studies or case series support its use. Methods We report the results of a consecutive series of 50 SI joint RF denervations performed in 33 patients with sacroiliac syndrome. All patients underwent diagnostic SI joint injections with local anesthetic before denervation. Changes in visual analog pain scores (VAS), pain diagrams, physical examination (palpation tenderness over the joint, myofascial trigger points overlying the joint, SI joint pain provocation tests, and range of motion of the lumbar spine), and opioid use were assessed pre- and postdenervation. Results The criteria for successful RF denervation were at least a 50% decrease in VAS for a period of at least 6 months; 36.4% of patients (12 of 33) met these criteria. Failure of denervation correlated with the presence of disability determination and pain on lateral flexion to the affected side. The average duration of pain relief was 12.0 ± 1.2 months in responders versus 0.9 ± 0.2 months in nonresponders (P ≤ .0001). A positive response was associated with an atraumatic inciting event. Successful denervation was associated with a change in the pain diagram and a reduction in the pattern of referred pain, a normalization of SI joint pain provocation tests, and a reduction in the use of opioids. Conclusions This study suggests that RF denervation of the SI joint can significantly reduce pain in selected patients with sacroiliac syndrome for a protracted time period. Moreover, certain abnormal physical findings (i.e., SI joint pain provocation tests) revert to normal for the duration of the analgesia.
Effect of Glutamic Acid on Chick’s Proline Requirement

Abstract PROLINE has been considered by nutritionists as a nonessential amino acid for chicks. Its relative abundance in natural proteins made it difficult to determine its role in chick nutrition. Almquist and Grau (1944) fed a purified diet with and without proline to groups off our chicks. They observed that the birds receiving proline showed an immediate gain in weight, whereas those without it showed a reduced growth rate for four days, but after that time they grew at the normal rate. They classified proline as a dispensable amino acid, but reported that there might be conditions under which the chick did not synthesize it rapidly enough for maximum growth. Benton et al. (1955) reported that when 1% l -proline was added to an amino acid diet containing 0.5% l -proline, there was a very small growth response. Roy and Bird (1959) observed that the addition of 0.5 to 2% l -proline to the…
Patient-centered online management of psoriasis: a randomized controlled equivalency trial.

Background Previous research suggests that technology-enabled health care delivery may improve access to dermatologic specialty care. Outcomes research using validated outcomes measures is necessary for evaluation of novel health care delivery models. Objective We sought to compare the clinical equivalence of a novel patient-centered online health care delivery model with standard in-office care for follow-up treatment of patients with psoriasis. Methods A total of 64 participants with psoriasis were randomized to receive follow-up care either in-office or online over a 24-week period. Patients randomized to the online group underwent standardized training on capturing high-quality digital images of their psoriatic skin and transmitting these images and clinical history to a dermatologist securely. The dermatologist then performed asynchronous, online evaluation and provided recommendations directly to patients. We used clinically validated disease severity and quality-of-life measures to assess effectiveness between the models. Results Both online and in-office groups showed improvement in psoriasis disease severity as measured by mean improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (online group: mean = –3.4, in-office: mean = –3.4). Patient-centered online care resulted in similar improvement in psoriasis severity compared with in-person follow-up care (mean difference in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index change 0.1, 95% confidence interval –2.2 to 2.3, a priori equivalence margin of 2.5). Investigator Global Assessment and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores also improved during the study period; no significant differences existed between the two groups. Limitations The follow-up period was limited to 24 weeks. Conclusion A patient-centered online model may be an effective alternative to in-office care for follow-up management of psoriasis.
Cloud condensation nucleus activation properties of biogenic secondary organic aerosol

monoterpenes (a-pinene, b-pinene, limonene, and D 3 -carene) and one terpenoid alcohol (terpinene-4-ol). In each case the aerosol formation was driven by the reaction of ozone with the biogenic precursor. The SOA produced in each experiment was allowed to age for several hours, during which CCN concentrations were periodically measured at four supersaturations: S = 0.27%, 0.32%, 0.54%, and 0.80%. The calculated relationships between particle dry diameter and critical supersaturation were found to fall in the range of previously reported data for single-component organic aerosols; of the systems studied, a-pinene SOA was the least CCN active, while limonene SOA exhibited the strongest CCN activity. Interestingly, the inferred critical supersaturation of the SOA products was considerably more sensitive to particle diameter than was found in previous studies. Furthermore, the relationships between particle size and critical supersaturation for the monoterpene SOA shifted considerably over the course of the experiments, with the aerosol becoming less hygroscopic over time. These results are consistent with the progressive oligomerization of the SOA.
Staff members are human subjects, too

Top management, clinical supervisors, secretaries, government administrators, counselors, and patients are all examples of informants and agents used by health services researchers as they strive to learn how organizational and managerial factors affect the effectiveness, efficiency, quality, and the cost of substance abuse treatment and prevention services. Patients are clearly a vulnerable population, and researchers in clinical settings, as a rule, strive to protect patient safety and rights to privacy. However, as researchers begin to expand the scope of their study to the organizational contexts in which services are delivered, those responsible for providing services (staff members) are frequently enlisted to serve both as informants on policies and practices, and as participants acting as agents of the researchers in innovating therapeutic and business practices. Researchers need to be mindful that staff members, when acting as informants or as agents, are human subjects, too; and, as such, research procedures should be designed in a manner that minimizes their risk and conforms to sound ethical guidelines. In the interest of stimulating dialogue on ways to protect staff members from unintended harm, this essay overviews human subjects protection policy, describes examples of risks, and offers suggestions for preventing harm when designing studies.