cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical students' attitudes toward pregnant women with substance use disorders.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether medical students' attendance at a clinic designed for pregnant substance users would yield changes in their attitudes toward the special needs of this population. Study design This prospective study involved 104 consecutive third-year students rotating on our obstetrics-gynecology clerkship. Students were assigned to attend either a half day prenatal clinic designed specifically for women with substance use disorders during the first 4 weeks (study group) or during the second 4 weeks (control group). Each answered a confidential 24-question survey (using a 5-point scale from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree"), dealing with comfort levels and attitudes, at the beginning and midway points of the 8-week clerkship. Student t tests were used for comparisons of averaged scores. Results At the beginning of the clerkship, no differences were found between the study (n = 52) and control groups (n = 52) in their responses to the survey. Regardless of gender, students who attended the clinic reported they became more comfortable in talking with patients about their substance use ( P P P P P Conclusion Medical students became more comfortable and better informed about pregnant women with substance use disorders after attending a clinic dedicated toward this population's special needs.
Supply Chain Issues in Reusable Packaging

Abstract Reusable/returnable shipping containers are not appropriate for every product or logistical system. Successful use depends on whether the investment is profitable, considering all cost flows, some of which are related to packaging performance issues. But it also depends on the ability of the supply chain to manage the relationships and operational aspects of the system. This paper uses two case studies to illustrate how a well-managed supply chain facilitates reusable packaging: the US automobile manufacturing industry and the UK supermarket industry. It also shows how logistics and packaging factors affect the cost of a reusable packaging system.
In Vivo Regulation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Dorsal Root Ganglia Is Mediated by Nerve Growth Factor-Triggered Akt Activation during Cystitis

The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in sensory hypersensitivity has been suggested; however the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction that regulate BDNF expression in primary afferent neurons during visceral inflammation are not clear. Here we used a rat model of cystitis and found that the mRNA and protein levels of BDNF were increased in the L6 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in response to bladder inflammation. BDNF up-regulation in the L6 DRG was triggered by endogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) because neutralization of NGF with a specific NGF antibody reduced BDNF levels during cystitis. The neutralizing NGF antibody also subsequently reduced cystitis-induced up-regulation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt activity in L6 DRG. To examine whether the NGF-induced Akt activation led to BDNF up-regulation in DRG in cystitis, we found that in cystitis the phospho-Akt immunoreactivity was co-localized with BDNF in L6 DRG, and prevention of the endogenous Akt activity in the L6 DRG by inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) with a potent inhibitor LY294002 reversed cystitis-induced BDNF up-regulation. Further study showed that application of NGF to the nerve terminals of the ganglion-nerve two-compartmented preparation enhanced BDNF expression in the DRG neuronal soma; which was reduced by pre-treatment of the ganglia with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and wortmannin. These in vivo and in vitro experiments indicated that NGF played an important role in the activation of Akt and subsequent up-regulation of BDNF in the sensory neurons in visceral inflammation such as cystitis.
Ibuprofen attenuates hypochlorous acid production from neutrophils in porcine acute lung injury.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCI), a neutrophil-generated oxidant, has been implicated in tissue destruction in sepsis induced acute lung injury (ALI). Ibuprofen, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, successfully attenuates many of the physiological derangements in ALI. The aim of this study was to examine the role of PMN hypochlorous acid in sepsis-induced ALI and evaluate the effect of ibuprofen therapy. Neutrophils from three groups of young (15–25 kg), anesthetized swine were studied: controls (C, n = 7) received 0.9% NaCl, septic animals (Ps, n = 8) received live Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5 × 108 CFU/ml at 0.3 ml/20 kg/min) for 60 min, and ibuprofen-treated animals (Ps + I, n = 6) received Ps plus ibuprofen 12.5 mg/kg administered at 0 and 120 min. Neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood at 0, 60, and 300 min and the rate and total production of HOCl were assessed on the basis of the ability of the amino acid taurine to trap HOCl. Results: Septic (Ps) PMNs produce 32% more HOCl, P < 0.01, at 300 min than at baseline which was associated with a marked increase in both extravascular lung water (6.44 ± 0.8 ml/kg, t = 0 vs 16.03 ± 2.6 ml/kg, t = 300, P < 0.01) and bronchoalveolar protein content (115 ± 13 μg/ml, t = 0 vs 633 ± 104 μg/ml, t = 300, P < 0.01). Ibuprofen significantly attenuated (P < 0.05) HOCl production when compared to Ps, in conjunction with significantly (P < 0.05) reduced levels of extravascular lung water and bronchoalveolar lavage protein.
Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE): A Measure of Self-Reported Ageism

The Relating to Older People Evaluation (ROPE) is a 20-item questionnaire that measures positive and negative ageist behaviors that people may engage in during everyday life. In this article, we report the first findings from several administrations of the ROPE along with initial psychometric information on the instrument. Respondents were college students, community-dwelling older adults, and persons affiliated with a university community. Results indicate that most people of all ages readily admit to positive ageist behaviors. Younger and older adults appear to participate in similar amounts of ageist behavior. Analyses by gender indicated that women endorsed the positive ageism items more often than did men. Psychometric analyses yielded estimates of adequate test-retest reliability and internal consistency reliability. Implications for current views of ageism as a social phenomenon and strategies for reducing ageist behaviors in everyday life are discussed.
Ubiquitin and ubiquitin conjugates in human lens.

Abstract Ubiquitin, an 8·5 kDa polypeptide found almost universally in plants and animals, is a normal component in the lens. The best documented function for ubiquitin involves its conjugation to proteins as a signal to initiate degradation. Conjugates for ubiquitin-dependent degradation tend to be of very high molecular mass and are rapidly degraded. Another role of ubiquitin conjugation may be as a stabilizer during stress for protection of constituent proteins, resulting in ubiquitin conjugates that are long-lived. Examination of clear and cataractous human lenses of
Optimal data fusion of correlated local decisions in multiple sensor detection systems

Z. Chair and P.R. Varshney (1986) solved the data fusion problem for fixed binary local detectors with statistically independent decisions. Their solution is generalized by using the Bahadur-Lazarsfeld expansion of probability density functions. The optimal data fusion rule is developed for correlation local binary decisions, in terms of the conditional correlation coefficients of all orders. It is shown that when all these coefficients are zero, the rule coincides with the original Chair-Varshney design. >
Laser Doppler velocimetry: a new technique for the measurement of intestinal mucosal blood flow

Laser Doppler velocimetry is a technique for continuous measurement of blood flow changes in tissue utilizing the Doppler shift principle. The authors describe a study designed to evaluate laser Doppler velocimetry measurement of blood flow in the canine small intestinal mucosa compared with electromagnetically measured total flow to the isolated segment of the intestine.
Bis(catechol)salen]MnIII coordination polymers as support-free heterogeneous asymmetric catalysts for epoxidation

The formation of coordination polymers by the reaction of [bis(catechol)salen]Mn III with several di- and trivalent metal ions is reported. These polymers are insoluble in a wide range of organic solvents and water but can be dissolved upon addition of excess pyrocatechol. They function as enantioselective heterogeneous epoxidation catalysts and exhibit catalytic activity comparable to that of the homogeneous [bis(catechol)salen]Mn III building block alone when used for
A call for the utilization of consensus standards in the surgical education literature.

BACKGROUND: Assessment methods and theory continue to evolve in the general education literature. Nowhere is this more evident than in the framework of validity methods and concepts. The consensus standards of the American Educational Research Association, American Psychological Association, and National Council on Measurement in Education have changed from "types of validity" (criterion, construct, and content) and "valid instruments," last used in 1974, to a concept of identifying evidence for the validity of results and the use of those results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical education literature for the adoption of the current consensus standards. METHODS: As a representative sample of the surgical educational literature, the validation effort in laparoscopic simulator education was chosen. A MEDLINE search using the terms validity.tw and laparoscop$.tw between 1996 and 2008 (September week 1) yielded 192 citations. All titles and abstracts were reviewed, resulting in 47 studies appropriate for in-depth analysis. RESULTS: Validation studies have evaluated 21 different simulators. Twenty-three percent of the studies adhere, in part, to the new consensus standards for validity. One hundred percent use the old framework of types of validity including 75% using construct validity, 38% using face validity, and 11% using content. CONCLUSION: The widespread use of the currently (after 1999) accepted framework for validity is lacking in the surgical education literature. Surgical educators must remain current and begin to investigate our assessments within the contemporary framework of validity to avoid improper judgments of performance.
Regression Analysis: Theory, Methods, and Applications

(1991). Regression Analysis: Theory, Methods, and Applications. Technometrics: Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 479-480.
Hashing via finite field

In order to produce full length probe sequences, the table size m for many existing open addressing hash functions, for example, the widely used double hashing, must be prime, i.e., m=p where p is prime. In this paper, we propose a new and efficient open addressing technique, called hashing via finite field, to construct a new class of hash functions with table size m=p^n, where p is prime and n>=1. It is clear that it includes prime m as a special case when n=1. We show that the new class of hash functions constructed via finite field produces full length probe sequences on all table elements. Also, some theoretic analysis is provided along with concrete examples.
Enhanced expression of Pctk1, Tcf12 and Ccnd1 in hippocampus of rats: Impact on cognitive function, synaptic plasticity and pathology.

We previously identified a set of 50 genes that were differentially transcribed in the hippocampal CA1 region of aged, learning-impaired rats compared to aged, superior learning animals during a Morris water maze paradigm. In the current study, we expressed three of these genes (Pctk1, Tcf12 and Ccnd1), which had shown increased transcription in aged, learning impaired rats, in the hippocampus of young rats using viral gene transfer and tested for learning and memory deficits at age 7–14 months. Pctk1 injected animals displayed a modest deficit in acquiring latency in both the Morris water maze and the reverse Morris maze. In the radial arm water maze paradigm, Pctk1, Tcf12 and Ccnd1 expressing animals all showed significant deficits in spatial working memory compared to controls. Rats injected with Ccnd1 and Tcf12, but not Pctk1, also showed a significant deficit in spatial reference memory in the radial arm water maze. Electrophysiological experiments revealed no difference in LTP in Ccnd1 and Pctk1 animals. However, LTD induced by low frequency stimulation was observed in control and Ccnd1 animals, but not in Pctk1 treated animals. In addition, neither Ccnd1 nor Pctk1 expression produced any detectable neuropathology. In contrast Tcf12 expressing animals displayed significant neurodegeneration in both CA1 and dentate gyrus. Several Tcf12 animals also developed tumors that appeared to be glioblastomas, suggesting that aberrant Tcf12 expression in the hippocampus is tumorigenic. Thus, behavioral experiments suggested that overexpression of Pctk1 and Ccnd1 produce a deficit in learning and memory, but electrophysiological experiments do not point to a simple mechanism. In contrast, the learning and memory deficits in Tcf12 animals are likely due to neuropathology associated with Tcf12 gene expression.
Uranyl peroxide oxalate cage and core-shell clusters containing 50 and 120 uranyl ions.

Cage clusters built from uranyl hexagonal bipyramids and oxalate ligands crystallize from slightly acidic aqueous solution under ambient conditions, facilitating structure analysis. Each cluster contains uranyl ions coordinated by peroxo ligands in a bidentate configuration. Uranyl ions are bridged by shared peroxo ligands, oxalate ligands, or through hydroxyl groups. U50Ox20 contains 50 uranyl ions and 20 oxalate groups and is a topological derivative of the U50 cage cluster that has a fullerene topology. U120Ox90 contains 120 uranyl ions and 90 oxalate groups and is the largest and highest mass cluster containing uranyl ions that has been reported. It has a core–shell structure, in which the inner shell (core) consists of a cluster of 60 uranyl ions and 30 oxalate groups, identical to U60Ox30, with a fullerene topology. The outer shell contains 12 identical units that each consist of five uranyl hexagonal bipyramids that are linked to form a ring (topological pentagon), with each uranyl ion also coordin...
Cyclic GMP‐independent effects of nitric oxide on guinea‐pig uterine contractility

Abstract 1. The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of uterine contractility has yet to be clearly defined. We evaluated the effect of NO (in the form of S-nitroso-cysteine, CysNO) upon uterine contractility and guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) accumulation in pregnant and nonpregnant guinea-pig myometrium. 2. While CysNO had no effect upon spontaneous contractile activity in either pregnant or nonpregnant uterine tissues, addition of CysNO resulted in an immediate and reversible relaxation of oxytocin- or acetylcholine (ACh)-evoked contractions. 3. Relaxation of agonist-evoked contractions in response to CysNO was associated with significant elevations in intracellular cyclic GMP concentrations ([cyclic GMP]i). 4. Elevations in [cyclic GMP]i were not required for relaxation, as inhibition of guanylyl cyclase by methylene blue prevented [cyclic GMP]i accumulation while having no effect upon the ability of CysNO to relax agonist-evoked contractions. 5. Addition of the cyclic GMP-analogues, 8-Br-cyclic GMP and PET-cyclic GMP, only at high concentrations, produced partial relaxation of agonist-contracted tissues, suggesting the possibility that cyclic GMP may be sufficient but not necessary for myometrial relaxation. 6. Our studies not only provide evidence for a functional role for NO-modulation of agonist-evoked contractions in the pregnant and nonpregnant guinea-pig uterus, but also that these occur by a mechanism which is not dependent upon guanylyl cyclase activity.
Efficiency Characterization and Impedance Modeling of a Multilevel Switched-Capacitor Converter Using Pulse Dropping Switching Scheme

A pulse dropping switching technique (PDT) has been presented in this paper to accomplish variable conversion ratio (CR) in a multilevel modular capacitor-clamped dc-dc converter in the step-up conversion mode. The switching pattern is generated by comparing a triangular wave with a rectangular wave, and a proper output voltage regulation can be obtained by controlling the relative frequency and amplitude of these two waveforms. A state-space modeling technique has been applied here to estimate the variation in equivalent output resistance (EOR) for different operating conditions of the PDT. The EOR can be varied in a wide range without changing the operating frequency of the converter, and thereby the PDT enhances the degrees of freedom to accomplish voltage regulation in a two-phase switched-capacitor converter. Slow-switching limit of the converter has been derived to define the boundary of the EOR. Different challenges and limitations of the proposed modulation scheme has been discussed in detail, and the proposed analysis has been verified by comparing the analytical expressions with the simulation and experimental results for different switching frequencies, modulation indices, and number of active modules. In addition, variations in the CR, efficiency and ripple voltage for different number of active modules and switching conditions have been described in detail.
An interactive 1D Matlab FDTD code for education

This paper describes a 1D Matlab finite difference time-domain (FDTD) code with a graphical user interface for visualization of the time-domain electromagnetic response. The program animates time-domain reflection and transmission of a Gaussian plane wave through one or two homogeneous material slabs. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 9: 136–147, 2001
Resin flow analysis with fiber preform deformation in through thickness direction during Compression Resin Transfer Molding

Abstract Resin flow during Compression Resin Transfer Molding (CRTM) can be best described and analyzed in three phases. In the first phase, a gap is created by holding the upper mold platen parallel to the preform surface at a fixed distance from it. The desired amount of resin injected into the gap quickly flows primarily over the preform. The second phase initiates when the injection is discontinued and the upper mold platen moves down squeezing the resin into the deforming preform until the mold surface comes in contact with the preform. Further mold closure during the final phase will compact the preform to the desired thickness and redistribute the resin to fill all empty spaces. This paper describes the second phase of the infusion. We assume that at the end of phase one; there is a uniform resin layer that covers the entire preform surface. This constrains the resin to flow in through the thickness direction during the second phase. We model this through the thickness flow as the load on the upper mold forces the resin into the preform, simultaneously compacting the preform. The constitutive equations describing the compaction of the fabric as well as its permeability are included in the analysis. A numerical solution predicting the flow front progression and the deformation is developed and experimentally verified. Non-dimensional analysis is carried out and the role of important non-dimensional parameters is investigated to identify their correlations for process optimization.
Concurrent sequencing of full-dose CMF chemotherapy and radiation therapy in early breast cancer has no effect on treatment delivery.

Abstract With the increasing use of breast-conserving therapy plus systemic chemotherapy for the treatment of early breast cancer, the optimal sequencing of radiation therapy and chemotherapy remains controversial. Sequencing of therapy may influence not only treatment delivery, but control rates, complications and cosmesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether concurrent sequencing of standard doses of CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil) and adjuvant radiation therapy for early breast cancer impacted on optimum treatment delivery. As both an intravenous (i.v.) 3-week regimen and classic (standard) CMF were utilised in this study, both types of CMF were compared. The effect of sequencing on complications and treatment delays were also assessed. 116 patients treated with CMF chemotherapy and adjuvant tangent breast radiation were studied. 73 patients were treated prospectively with concurrent therapy and were retrospectively compared with a matched group of 40 patients treated with sequential or sandwich therapy. All patients had stage 1 or 2 cancers. There were no planned dose reductions introduced for either treatment modality. Concurrent sequencing had no impact on the ability to deliver optimum radiation or chemotherapy doses. There was no significant difference in acute Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) skin reactions or complications between the two groups. Although small, there was a significant delay (1.32 days (0–15 versus 0.36 (0–7)) in the concurrent group ( P =0.03) in the delivery of radiation therapy. Sequencing had no significant effect on haematological parameters. ‘Standard’ CMF had a more profound effect on treatment delivery than i.v. CMF (Radiation delay 2.2 days versus 0.26, P =0.002, % chemotherapy delivered 93% versus 99% P =0.000004). At a mean follow-up of 2.6 years, there was no difference in the cosmetic scores between the two groups. Both local and distant control rates were excellent. This study has shown that standard radiation therapy can be delivered safely concurrently with CMF chemotherapy. Whether this approach may lead to better control rates in the future needs further study.
Prevalence of Unhealthy Lifestyle Patterns Among Overweight and Obese Adults

This study determined the prevalence of unhealthy eating, exercise, and coping pattern traits among a large sample of overweight and obese adults. We analyzed responses to a 53-item lifestyle pattern questionnaire posted on a commercial weight loss program Web site collected from 2004 through 2008. Subjects included 446,608 healthy weight, overweight, and obese adults, 18-65 years old, average age 31.9 (s.d. = 11.8), average BMI 30.5 kg/m(2) (s.d. = 7.5). Categorically, 25.5% were healthy weight, 29.0% were overweight, 33.7% were class I-II obesity, and 11.8% class III obesity. A stratified random sample was used to estimate the prevalence of the 21 lifestyle patterns (7 eating, 7 exercise, and 7 coping) in the general population, and the prevalence of patterns in the complete dataset was further analyzed by gender, age, and BMI. Finally, we analyzed the odds ratio of the pattern prevalence for each BMI category. We found that unhealthy lifestyle patterns in diet, exercise, and coping were highly prevalent among this population. In general, the prevalence of these patterns rose with increasing BMI and is correlated with advancing age. Gender differences were seen with many of the patterns, most noticeably among the coping patterns. The odds ratio for 18 of the 21 patterns was >1.0 and steadily increased with higher BMI categories. We conclude that unhealthy lifestyle patterns in diet, exercise, and coping are highly prevalent among the overweight and obese population. Pattern recognition represents a new method to analyze the cluster of behaviors, attitudes, and traits seen among this population.
Metabolic response to endotoxin in vivo in the conscious mouse: role of interleukin-6

Inflammation and insulin resistance are characteristics of endotoxemia. Although the role of interleukin (IL)-6 in insulin-resistant states has been characterized, little is known of its role in the metabolic response to inflammation. To study the role of IL-6, conscious chronically catheterized mice were used. Five days before being studied, catheters were implanted in the carotid artery and jugular vein. After a 5-hour fast, Escherichia coli (250 μg per mouse) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected in IL-6⁻/⁻ (KO, n = 13) and IL-6+/+ (WT, n = 10) littermates. The IL-6 response to LPS was simulated in an additional group of KO mice (KO + IL-6, n = 10). Interleukin-6 increased in WT (15 ± 0.7 ng/mL) 4 hours after LPS and was undetectable in KO. Interleukin-6 replacement in the KO restored circulating IL-6 to levels observed in the WT group (14 ± 0.3 ng/mL). Tumor necrosis factor-α increased more rapidly in WT than in both KO and KO + IL-6 mice. The KO mice exhibited a more profound glucose excursion 30 minutes after LPS injection and no apparent hypoglycemia at 4 hours (95 ± 5 vs 70 ± 8 mg/dL, KO vs WT), despite having a blunted glucagon and epinephrine response. Glucose levels in KO + IL-6 mice, while decreased (93 ± 4 mg/dL) at 4 hours, remained higher than those in WT mice. In summary, the absence of IL-6 protected against LPS-induced hypoglycemia. Acute restoration of the IL-6 response to LPS did not potentiate hypoglycemia but partially restored the glucagon response. Thus, although IL-6 promotes glucose intolerance in insulin-resistant states, IL-6 promotes hypoglycemia during acute inflammation.
Dr. Miller Goes to Washington: You Should, Too†

Otolaryngologists, like most physicians, tend to avoid local, state, and national politics for a variety of reasons. Although physicians and their patients are frequently affected by policies made in these political arenas, physicians tend to avoid active participation because of inexperience, lack of time, lack of knowledge about ways to influence policy development, and a general distaste for the political process. Otolaryngologists need to participate in the process to ensure that their particular perspectives and concerns are heard. However, otolaryngologists also need to look beyond their personal or specialty interests to influence the broader health care debate. Before we are specialists, we are first physicians who have a fiduciary responsibility to mankind (our patients) to improve the health care system for all Americans. We have a moral and ethical obligation to address, influence, and support health care beyond the specialty level. Health policy developed in an absence of physician input is missing the insight of expertise and experience.
An Efficient Reaction Pathway Search Method Applied to the Decomposition of Glycerol on Platinum

First-principles-calculation-based understanding of the reaction mechanisms of processing biomass derivatives is currently lacking due to the cost involved in performing computations of multireaction mechanisms of large molecules. We combine semiempirical methods (group additivity and Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) linear free energy relationships) and density function theory (DFT) calculations to provide an efficient search method of key intermediates and reactions and point out the most likely reaction pathways for conversion of glycerol to synthesis gas on Pt(111). The following pathway, C3H8O3 → CHOHCHOHCH2OH → CHOHCHOHCHOH → CHOHCOHCHOH → COHCOHCHOH → COCOHCHOH → CO + COHCHOH, is identified as the most favorable one and a highly dehydrogenated species (COCOHCHOH) is a key intermediate for C–C bond cleavage. The (over-)functionalization of biomass changes the nature of the rate-controlling step to dehydrogenation compared to C–C scission in hydrocarbons and monols. Our results indicate that for biomass ...
Prosocial behavior in advertising aimed at children: A content analysis

Much of the research on advertising aimed at children has focused on the immaturity of the child as a consumer. This paper examines children's advertising on a different level by describing its content in terms of beneficial or “prosocial” examples. Socialization of children through television has been the subject of many studies of conventional television programs, but not advertising. The content analysis described in this paper indicates that commercials for products like “Barbie,” “Care Bears,” and “McDonald's,” are rich in examples of sharing, courtesy, and physical affection. Outside the ethical issues of persuasion and consumerism, this study is one of the first to evaluate children's commercials in terms of its socialization potential.
Further Experiments in the Separation of Globin Chains by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract The applicability of various column packings, solvents, and gradients for the separation of globin chains by high performance liquid chromatography has been examined. Although numerous combinations may be applied to advantage in special situations, a particularly effective system uses a Waters μBondepak C18 packing with a slight gradient of perchlorate-phosphate-methanol-acetonitrile mixtures. A chromatogram with human β, α, AγT, Gγ, and AγI chains is finished in 80 min, and quantitation of the various chains is possible.
Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in a younger population. Review of literature and experience at Yale

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in younger adults is a rare entity with an incidence of 2.7% among 1014 patients seen or treated at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale - New Haven Medical Center between 1958 and 1980. Although there are reports of contrastingly divergent therapeutic experiences, the authors contend that even early stage cancers frequently fail definitive therapy with a rampant course, causing a rapidly fatal outcome. The three-year actuarial survival was a mere 17% at Yale. The authors speculate that younger adult oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are possibly related to a genetic disorder or immunodeficiency, and recommend aggressive surgical and radiotherapeutic approaches combined with possible adjuvant immunotherapy.
Towards an index of cognitive efficacy EEG-based estimation of cognitive load among individuals experiencing cancer-related cognitive decline

This paper describes an effort to estimate variations in cognitive effort among cancer survivors experiencing treatment related cognitive decline. EEG-based cognitive state sensing algorithms were validated in the context of an experiment with 5 brain cancer and 5 breast cancer survivors. Workload was manipulated by varying text complexity and time pressure. Analysis indicates that EEG-based cognitive state sensing algorithms were able to distinguish between high and low cognitive workload with an average classification accuracy of 0.84. Results suggest that 5 to 10 channels of EEG can provide enough information to achieve classification accuracies exceeding 0.80. The highest density of informative sites were over the left temporal and mid to inferior frontal regions in the left hemisphere - regions that play a major role in language.
A Golden Spike for Planetary Science

The progression from astronomical observation to geochemical analysis epitomizes advancements in planetary exploration.
The crosslinking of nuclear protein to DNA using ionizing radiation.

DNA-protein complexes were generated in intact Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by the use of ionizing radiation. The DNA-protein crosslinks, as measured by a filter-binding assay, occurred immediately following the irradiation, were produced in a dose-dependent manner and were reversible. The reversibility of the crosslinks in the intact cells was dependent upon general protein synthesis. Three proteins that were attached to DNA in unirradiated cells were analyzed according to the presence of DNA attached to the proteins before, during and after exposure to ionizing radiation. All three proteins contained more DNA reversibly attached to the proteins after exposure to 5 Gy ionizing radiation as compared to unirradiated cells. One of the proteins was increasingly attached to DNA using 2.5–50 Gy X-ray. These data suggest that the increased DNA-protein crosslinking observed with ionizing radiation may involve the increase in particular protein(s) crosslinked to DNA as well as an increase in the amount of DNA attached to specific proteins.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Behaviors of Undocumented Migrants in Geneva: A Cross Sectional Study

Undocumented migrants face major barriers in accessing prevention and health care. Whereas the association between low socioeconomic status and poor health is well documented only few studies have addressed specific health issues in undocumented migrants. The aim of the present study is to describe sexual and reproductive health behaviors of undocumented migrants in Geneva. This descriptive cross sectional study included consecutive undocumented migrants presenting from November 2007 to February 2008 to a health facility offering free access to health care to this population. Following informed consent, they completed a self administered questionnaire about their socio-demographic profile and sexual and reproductive health behaviors. A total of 384 patients were eligible for the study. 313 (82%) agreed to participate of which 77% (241 patients) completed the survey. Participants were mainly young, Latino-American, single, well-educated and currently working women. They had multiple partners and reported frequently engaging in sexual intercourse. Use of contraceptive methods and strategies of prevention against sexually transmitted infections (STI) were rare. Nearly half of the women had had at least one induced abortion and 40% had had an unplanned pregnancy. One in four participants reported a current or past STI or other genital infection. The results of our study suggest that undocumented migrants engage in frequent and high risk sexual intercourse with insufficient use of contraceptive methods and suboptimal strategies of prevention against STI. Our study underlines the real need for specific sexual and reproductive educational programs targeting this hard to reach population.
Functional Roles for the Pleckstrin and Dbl Homology Regions in the Ras Exchange Factor Son-of-sevenless

Abstract Activation of p21 by receptor tyrosine kinases is thought to result from recruitment of guanine nucleotide exchange factors such as Son-of-sevenless (Sos) to plasma membrane receptor substrates via adaptor proteins such as Grb2. This hypothesis was tested in the present studies by evaluating the ability of truncation and deletion mutants of Drosophila (d)Sos to enhance [P]GTP loading of p21 when expressed in P-labeled COS or 293 cells. The dSos catalytic domain (residues 758-1125), expressed without the dSos NH2-terminal (residues 1-757) or adaptor-binding, COOH-terminal (residues 1126-1596) regions, exhibits intrinsic exchange activity as evidenced by its rescue of mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in endogenous GTP/GDP exchange activity. Here we show that this dSos catalytic domain fails to affect GTPp21 levels when expressed in cultured mammalian cells unless the NH2-terminal domain is also present. Surprisingly, the COOH-terminal, adaptor binding domain of dSos was not sufficient to confer p21 exchange activity to the Sos catalytic domain in these cells in the absence of the NH2-terminal domain. This function of promoting catalytic domain activity could be localized by mutational analysis to the pleckstrin and Dbl homology sequences located just NH2-terminal to the catalytic domain. The results demonstrate a functional role for these pleckstrin and Dbl domains within the dSos protein, and suggest the presence of unidentified cellular elements that interact with these domains and participate in the regulation of p21.
The Signature of Solar Activity in the Infrared Spectral Irradiance

The effects of solar activity on the spectral irradiance have been studied using atmospheric semiempirical models developed from observations of the various surface features observed on the Sun. From these models, it has been the long-standing belief that the contributions of active regions to solar irradiance at wavelengths in the range of 1.2-3 μm is negative; that is, their net effect reduces the overall solar irradiance at these wavelengths by a small amount. For verifying the validity of the current modeling, we use the observed plage areas to compute the solar irradiance variations at two bands (centered at 0.516 and 1.553 μm wavelength). We compare in detail the predictions of the models by Fontenla et al. with measurements of the solar spectral irradiance variations obtained by the Spectral Irradiance Monitor instrument aboard the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment spacecraft. The data comparison extends over a 6 month period in 2003 that covers several solar rotations. The comparison indicates that the variations in the short wavelength display good agreement between models and observations but also that the current models of IR spectral irradiance are inaccurate at the long wavelength. This disagreement in the IR may be due to the fact that, contrary to the current model assumptions, the presence of active regions on the disk increases the spectral irradiance at all wavelengths, even near 1.6 μm. Consequently, the modeling of solar spectral irradiance at wavelengths in the range around 1.6 μm has to be revised to match the new observations.
Analysis of the Effects of Perkinsus marinus Proteases on Plasma Proteins of the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

We employed two in vitro buffer systems to determine the potential pathogenic effects of Perkinsus marinus serine proteases on the plasma proteins of the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) and the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas). Specifically, this study characterized the oyster plasma protein targets of P. marinus proteases. Additionally, protease-specific inhibitory activity was revealed upon comparison of artificial (PBS) and endogenous (plasma-based) diluents employed during protease digestions. It was found that a C. virginica plasma protein of approximately 35 kDa was eliminated when a standard buffer (PBS) was used as a diluent; however, this protein was preserved when a low-molecular-weight, plasma-based, diluent was used. The results strongly indicate that low-molecular-weight inhibitors of P. marinus proteases are present in oyster plasma. A control (nonparasitic) serine protease, α-chymotrypsin, was employed to ascertain the specificity of the protease inhibitors. Although α-chymotrypsin possesses ample proteolytic activity for C. virginica plasma proteins, the anti-proteases could specifically inhibit only P. marinus proteases. Such specificity of anti-protease activity is not uncommon among low-molecular-weight serine proteases. The hemolymph target protein was isolated by 2D electrophoresis and isoelectrically isolated for further characterization by N-terminal amino acid sequencing.
Multi-channel 100-Gbit/s DQPSK data exchange using bidirectional degenerate four-wave mixing

We propose a simple approach to performing simultaneous multi-channel data exchange using bidirectional degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) in a single highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) assisted by optical filtering. Data exchange between two-channel 100-Gbit/s return-to-zero differential quadrature phase-shift keying (RZ-DQPSK) signals with a variable channel spacing is implemented with a power penalty of less than 4.2 dB at a bit-error rate (BER) of 10−9. Moreover, simultaneous ITU-grid-compatible four-channel 100-Gbit/s RZ-DQPSK data exchange is demonstrated with a power penalty of less than 4.7 dB at a BER of 10−9.
Superheating in liquid and solid phases during femtosecond-laser pulse interaction with thin metal film

Superheating of the liquid phase caused by non-equilibrium evaporation during femtosecond-laser processing of a thin metal film is investigated by adopting the wave hypothesis along with the two-temperature model. The simulation results show that the superheating in the liquid occurs shortly after the evaporation. For a 100-fs laser pulse of 0.7 J/cm2, the maximum degree of superheating in liquid can reach 600 K. The superheating in solid can also be captured in the current model, which can be as high as 300 K. The effects of laser fluence, pulse duration and film thickness on the degree of superheating were studied. A higher laser fluence will increase the degree of superheating in liquid significantly but has little effect for the solid part. In the range adopted in the current work, the pulse duration has little effect on the degree of superheating in both liquid and solid phases.
Establishment of hamster blastocyst-derived embryonic stem (ES) cells

The establishment of four ES cell lines from the Syrian "golden" hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is described. The cells can be maintained in the undifferentiated state when grown on primary mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder layers. In suspension culture they spontaneously differentiate into embryoid bodies of increasing complexity which contain a variety of tissues including embryonic ectoderm and myocardium. All four lines--one female and three male--are karyotypically normal with 44 chromosomes. Hamster is the second species from which ES cells have been established. As in mouse, the cells should be useful for developmental and transgenic studies.
Caffeine attenuates delayed-onset muscle pain and force loss following eccentric exercise.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-measures experiment examined the ef- fects o fa5m g · kg -1 body weight dose of caffeine on delayed-onset muscle pain intensity and force loss in response to 64 eccentric actions of the dominant quadriceps induced by electrical stimulation. Low caffeine- consuming college-aged females (n 9) ingested caffeine or placebo 24 and 48 hours following electrically stimulated eccentric exercise of the quadriceps. One hour after ingestion, maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) and submaximal voluntary eccentric actions were used to determine force loss during activation of damaged quadriceps and whether caffeine atten- uates muscle pain intensity. Pain intensity was measured usin ga0t o 100visual analog scale. Caffeine produced a large (12.7 raw visual analog scale (VAS) units; - 48%; Cohen's d effect size - 0.88), statistically significant hypoalgesia during the MVIC (t -2.52; df 8; P.036). The reduction in pain scores during submaximal voluntary eccentric movements was smaller (7.8 raw VAS units; -26%, d - 0.34), as was the increase in MVIC force (4.4%; d 0.13). Perspective: Eccentric exercise occurs when skeletal muscles produce force while being lengthened. For example, the biceps brachii muscles act eccentrically when a cup of coffee is lowered from the mouth to a tabletop. This experiment found that caffeine (equal to 2 cups of brewed coffee) could produce a large reduction in pain resulting from eccentric exercise-induced, delayed-onset muscle injury. This finding may improve the quality of life of individuals who experience skeletal muscle pain after engaging in unaccustomed, eccentrically biased exercise.
Reaction of diphenylacetylene with organophosphides - A stereospecific synthesis of vinyl phosphines.

Reaction of lithium diphenyl phosphide with diphenylacetylene producing high yields of stereochemically pure vinyl phosphides in presence of primary or secondary amine
Reinforcement learning of interface mapping for interactivity enhancement of robot control in assistive environments

The supervisory control of robots is a very demanding application. In the context of robots control in assistive environments, it is important that the robot user is able to give commands to robots in a way that is easy and intuitive. There are several tasks that can be achieved using robots under assistive environments. It is challenging to efficiently control multiple robots / robots with degrees of freedom with a simple/intuitive interface by a single operator. In this proposal, we propose the use of Reinforcement Learning for intuitive interface mapping. Based on interaction with the environments, we can determine the optimal interface mapping through the process of Reinforcement Learning. The novelty of this paper is the use of changing reward functions based on qualitative performance evaluation for the Reinforcement Learning algorithm. In this paper, we show that the use of proposed reward functions can result in optimal/intuitive interface mapping for multiple robots / robots with degrees of freedom control applications.
Do Neural Cells Communicate with Endothelial Cells via Secretory Exosomes and Microvesicles

Neurons, glial, cells, and brain tumor cells tissues release small vesicles (secretory exosomes and microvesicles), which may represent a novel mechanism by which neuronal activity could influence angiogenesis within the embryonic and mature brain. If CNS-derived vesicles can enter the bloodstream as well, they may communicate with endothelial cells in the peripheral circulation and with cells concerned with immune surveillance.
Preparation of the Professional Athletic Trainer: A Descriptive Study of Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs

Context: The examination of the appropriate professional degree for preparation as an athletic trainer is of interest to the profession. Descriptive information concerning universal outcomes is nee...
Acute effects of ethanol on Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the prepubertal rat ovary

Background: Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is a 30 kDa mitochondrial protein that plays an essential role in steroid hormone biosynthesis by facilitating delivery of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membrane, where side chain cleavage occurs to initiate ovarian steroidogenesis. Because ethanol (EtOH) suppresses estradiol secretion in prepubertal female rats, we evaluated the effects of EtOH on prepubertal ovarian StAR. Methods: At 0700 hr, 28-day-old female rats were gavaged with saline or a 3 g/kg dose of EtOH. At 0800 hr, half of each of these two groups was treated with 15 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). At 1000 hr, a 2 g/kg dose was administered to maintain moderately elevated blood alcohol levels. At 1600 hr, all of the animals were killed by decapitation, and blood and ovaries were collected for measurement of serum pregnenolone and estradiol and for ovarian StAR gene and protein expression. Results: Northern blot analysis showed two major transcripts of 3.8 and 1.7 kb of ovarian StAR mRNA. The ovaries from EtOH-treated rats showed decreased (p < 0.01) basal expression of both 3.8 and 1.7 kb StAR transcripts. PMSG-stimulated animals showed a more than 4-fold increase (p < 0.001) in the levels of both transcripts, when compared with ovaries from animals that received saline or EtOH only. Conversely, in EtOH-treated animals, the PMSG-stimulated expression of the 1.7 kb transcript was blocked, and the increase in the 3.8 kb StAR transcript was blunted (p < 0.05 vs. PMSG). Western blot analysis revealed that EtOH exposure also depressed (p < 0.01) the basal expression of StAR protein. PMSG-stimulated animals showed an increase (p < 0.001) in levels of StAR protein, and this was blocked (p < 0.01) by EtOH. These changes observed in ovarian StAR mRNA and protein were paralleled by changes in serum pregnenolone and estradiol. Specifically, acute EtOH exposure suppressed (p < 0.05) the basal levels of both steroids. Furthermore, PMSG-stimulated animals showed an increase in the production of pregnenolone (p < 0.05) as well as estradiol (p < 0.01), and EtOH blocked this stimulatory action of PMSG on both steroids. Conclusion: These results demonstrate for the first time that EtOH is capable of altering ovarian StAR expression, which contributes to the detrimental effect this drug has on ovarian steroidogenesis during prepubertal development.
Expectations in the German hyperinflation reconsidered

Abstract Data on forward foreign exchange rates during the German hyperinflation after World War I provide direct observations of expected changes in the spot rate. Although levels of these forward rates seem to be efficient predictors of the spot rate, the predicted changes in the spot rate are biased downward substantially and do not meet the specific conditions of rationality. Indeed, the bias in the forward rate predictions is similar to bias in adaptive expectations of the spot rate. The behavior of the forward rate can be rationalized as a gradual market adaptation to a new regime of volatile and escalating inflation, reasonably represented by adaptive expectations. The strict definition of rational expectations needs to be broadened to allow for the difficulty of distinguishing between permanent and transitory shocks.