cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Need to Improve the Clinical Utility of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Tests: Either Too Narrow or Too Broad

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing for disease susceptibility is largely dominated by 2 extremes—narrow tests that only screen for a few variants and broad tests that include dozens of genes. These tests may lack clinical utility for consumers wanting to understand their disease risks. In the context of genetic testing, clinical utility refers to the ability of a test to generate results that can be used to reduce morbidity and mortality through the adoption of medical management strategies, including screening and surgery. Narrow and broad tests, however, lack clinical utility for different reasons. Narrow tests are often incomplete, and only include a limited number of relevant variants.1 Broad tests, by contrast, are concerning because they often include genes for which well-established risk estimates, medical management guidelines, or both may be absent.
Androgen Regulates SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Levels and Is Associated with Severe COVID-19 Symptoms in Men

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has led to a global health crisis, and yet our understanding of the disease pathophysiology and potential treatment options remains limited. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs through binding and internalization of the viral spike protein to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on the host cell membrane. Lethal complications are caused by damage and failure of vital organs that express high levels of ACE2, including the lungs, the heart and the kidneys. Here, we established a high-throughput drug screening strategy to identify therapeutic candidates that reduce ACE2 levels in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived cardiac cells. Drug target analysis of validated hit compounds, including 5 alpha reductase inhibitors, revealed androgen signaling as a key modulator of ACE2 levels. Treatment with the 5 alpha reductase inhibitor dutasteride reduced ACE2 levels and internalization of recombinant spike receptor binding domain (Spike-RBD) in hESC-derived cardiac cells and human alveolar epithelial cells. Finally, clinical data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients demonstrated that abnormal androgen states are significantly associated with severe disease complications and cardiac injury as measured by blood troponin T levels. These findings provide important insights on the mechanism of increased disease susceptibility in male COVID-19 patients and identify androgen receptor inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy.
The Role of Contingency Adduction in the Creative Act

This article discusses the potential role of contingency adduction in creative behavior. Some have characterized creativity as the study of generativity. Generativity is the investigation of procedures that result in the occurrence of untrained, often composite, patterns from earlier trained components. An increasing number of applied programs are attempting to apply generative procedures in their design. Headsprout Early Reading®, for example, explicitly employed generative procedures to teach reading. There remains a lack of understanding about the role contingency adduction plays in the generative process. Contingency adduction is defined when patterns shaped under one context are recruited by contingencies in another context for which the pattern was not originally shaped. Adduced patterns may be new sequences of repertoires, the combination of repertoires, or the repertoire may acquire a new function. The moment of reinforcement of these new patterns from previously established patterns marks the moment of adduction. Thus, procedures that make such selection more likely may be fundamental to encourage what might be called creative behavior. Examples and nonexamples of contingency adduction involving both verbal and nonverbal procedures in both animals and humans will be described, and their implications noted.
Theoretical investigation of optical properties of embedded plasmonic nanoparticles

Abstract Plasmonic properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) that are embedded in a silica matrix were investigated using the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method. Plasmonic NPs can be embedded in a semiconductor matrix using experimental methods such as ion-implantation technique. In this study, the optical properties of the spherical and rod-shaped Au, Ag, and Cu NPs were simulated. By calculating the influence of size and shape on the plasmonic properties of the single embedded NPs, the study has revealed that rod-shaped Ag NPs produce higher extinction, greater scattering quantum yield, and stronger field enhancement in comparison to the Au and Cu. Also, due to plasmonic coupling in the dimeric structures, the rod-shaped Ag NPs show stronger plasmonic properties when compared to the monomeric structures and other dimeric structures. This study provides a quantitative guide for the selection of embedded plasmonic NPs for their potential applications, such as metal-fluorescence enhancement and energy harvesting.
Shifts in intertrial interval duration in autoshaping with rats: Implications for path dependence

Abstract Rats exposed to spaced (S) conditions of training, with intertrial intervals (ITIs) averaging 90 s, acquired autoshaping performance (contact with a retractable lever presented 10 s before the response-independent delivery of 5 food pellets) faster than rats exposed to massed (M) training, with ITIs averaging 15 s. Gradual or abrupt transitions between S and M training were followed by concomitant gradual and abrupt changes in behavior. However, S-to-M and M-to-S transitions supported different levels of adjustment. S-to-M transitions were generally less open to competition between sign and goal tracking than M-to-S transitions. These results suggest that responses that become dominant early in training regulate terminal performance after extensive training. Thus, initial massed training promotes strong goal tracking that interferes with sign tracking even under conditions that would otherwise promote sign tracking. By contrast, initial spaced training tends to promote sign tracking that can interfere with goal tracking even when ITI duration favors goal tracking. These results are discussed in the context of the theoretical issue of path dependence. Their implications for learning theory and their potential applicability to the nature of sign and goal tracking endophenotypes in relation to substance use disorders are briefly discussed.
Data-driven source localization using shipping sources of opportunity

Underwater source localization is often achieved with a purely model-based approach such as matched-field processing, which relies on simulated replica-field. However, such approaches only yield reasonable predictions if the complex and dynamic ocean environment is sufficiently known – often a daunting task. Alternatively, it has been suggested that channel impulse responses (CIRs) estimated from measurements of sources of opportunity (such as commercial shipping vessels) can feed a data-driven approach to source localization that forgoes the need for precise model-parameters [Durofchalk et al., JASA 146(4), 2691–2691 (2019)]. In this presentation, vertical line array (VLA) data from the SBCEx16 experiment conducted in the vicinity of shipping lanes in the Santa Barbara channel (580 m depth, downward refracting profile) are first used to a construct a library of estimate CIRs between selected locations along shipping tracks and VLA receivers using ray-based blind deconvolution (RBD) [Byun et al., JASA 141(2), 797–807 (2017)]. Subsequently, this library of data derived CIRs is used to train a machine learning algorithm to localize other surface sources. The average localization error and computational efficiency obtained with this machine learning approach is compared to that of traditional matched field processing techniques.
Nanoengineering Approaches Toward Artificial Nose

Significant scientific efforts have been made to mimic and potentially supersede the mammalian nose using artificial noses based on arrays of individual cross-sensitive gas sensors over the past couple decades. To this end, thousands of research articles have been published regarding the design of gas sensor arrays to function as artificial noses. Nanoengineered materials possessing high surface area for enhanced reaction kinetics and uniquely tunable optical, electronic, and optoelectronic properties have been extensively used as gas sensing materials in single gas sensors and sensor arrays. Therefore, nanoengineered materials address some of the shortcomings in sensitivity and selectivity inherent in microscale and macroscale materials for chemical sensors. In this article, the fundamental gas sensing mechanisms are briefly reviewed for each material class and sensing modality (electrical, optical, optoelectronic), followed by a survey and review of the various strategies for engineering or functionalizing these nanomaterials to improve their gas sensing selectivity, sensitivity and other measures of gas sensing performance. Specifically, one major focus of this review is on nanoscale materials and nanoengineering approaches for semiconducting metal oxides, transition metal dichalcogenides, carbonaceous nanomaterials, conducting polymers, and others as used in single gas sensors or sensor arrays for electrical sensing modality. Additionally, this review discusses the various nano-enabled techniques and materials of optical gas detection modality, including photonic crystals, surface plasmonic sensing, and nanoscale waveguides. Strategies for improving or tuning the sensitivity and selectivity of materials toward different gases are given priority due to the importance of having cross-sensitivity and selectivity toward various analytes in designing an effective artificial nose. Furthermore, optoelectrical sensing, which has to date not served as a common sensing modality, is also reviewed to highlight potential research directions. We close with some perspective on the future development of artificial noses which utilize optical and electrical sensing modalities, with additional focus on the less researched optoelectronic sensing modality.
Large-deformation reduced order homogenization of polycrystalline materials

Abstract In this manuscript, we present a finite strain formulation of a reduced order computational homogenization model for crystal plasticity. The proposed formulation leverages and generalizes the principles of the Eigenstrain-based reduced order homogenization (EHM) approach. Asymptotic analysis with multiple scales is employed to describe the microscale problem in the deformed configuration . A two-term Taylor series approximation of the constitutive behavior along with a geometry-based basis reduction is employed to arrive at the reduced order model . An efficient implementation scheme is proposed to evaluate the multiscale system without the need to recompute the reduced basis as a function of evolving deformation. The ability of the proposed modeling approach in capturing homogenized and localized behavior as well as texture evolution is demonstrated in the context of single crystal and polycrystal microstructures .
Reducing the Incidence of Noninvasive Face Mask-Related Skin Breakdown

Background: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a common respiratory modality used for patients with acute respiratory failure. It involves use of an oronasal mask, held in place with straps on patient’s face to provide ventilatory support without using artificial airways. NIV use for longer duration and mask strap tension are associated with increased risk of skin breakdown at the nose bridge as well as cheeks, leading to reportable medical device-related injuries. The development of medical device-related skin injuries among hospitalized patients is a growing concern. The primary aim of this quality improvement project was to reduce the incidence of NIV related reportable, pressure ulcers among adult patients with acute respiratory failure. Methods: This was a collaborative, quality improvement (QI) project conducted at an academic medical center from July 2018–June 2020. All adult patients who received continuous NIV for acute respiratory failure were enrolled. The QI plan was devised to include key drivers of change: 1) prophylactic use of a foam dressing (Mepilex Lite) at the initiation of NIV; 2) Q4H skin assessment by bedside nurse and respiratory therapists, and 3) mask rotation for patients receiving NIV > 24 h. Mask rotation refers to sequential use of different masks (eg, oronasal to full face mask) to offload and redistribute the pressure on the underlying skin. The incidence of reportable, stage II and above, hospital acquired pressure injuries related to NIV mask occurred during pre-QI phase (July 2019–June 2019) were compared with the post- QI phase (July–June 2020). Results: During the pre-implementation phase, a total of 8 NIV mask-related, Stage II and above, skin injuries were reported (incidence rate 0.04 per 1,000 patient days). In the post implementation phase, there were total 2 NIV mask-related, Stage II and above, skin injuries identified (incidence rate 0.01 per 1,000 patient days). With the QI plan focused on the prophylactic measures and collaborative efforts between respiratory therapists and nurses, reportable NIV mask related injuries were reduced by 25%. The median Braden Score for pre-QI cohort was 14.5 (IQR 14.5–15) and 13 (13–13) for post-QI cohort representing moderate risk level for developing pressure sores in both the groups. Conclusions: The bundle-based QI plan including prophylactic foam dressing, Q4H skin assessments, and mask rotation was beneficial in reducing the incidence of NIV mask-related, reportable skin injuries in an adult population.
Prognostic Significance of Pulmonary Artery to Aorta Ratio and Other CT Markers in Pulmonary Fibrosis With and Without Emphysema.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with decreased survival in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema. Main pulmonary artery (PA) diameter and PA diameter/ascending aortic diameter (PA/AA) ratio, as measured on CT, have recently emerged as specific markers for PH. Our single-center retrospective study found that PA/AA ratio > 1 is associated with decreased survival in individuals with pulmonary fibrosis, with or without emphysema. Our study also describes markers of cardiac remodeling, and the echocardiographic diagnosis of PH in this patient population.
Performance and identity in the classical world

Performance and Identity in the Classical World traces attitudes towards actors in Greek and Roman culture as a means of understanding ancient conceptions of, and anxieties about, the self. Actors were often viewed as frauds and impostors, capable of deliberately fabricating their identities. Conversely, they were sometimes viewed as possessed by the characters that they played, or as merely playing themselves onstage. Numerous sources reveal an uneasy fascination with actors and acting, from the writings of elite intellectuals (philosophers, orators, biographers, historians) to the abundant theatrical anecdotes that can be read as a body of 'popular performance theory'. This text examines these sources, along with dramatic texts and addresses the issue of impersonation, from the late fifth century BCE to the early Roman Empire.
The meanings and context of smoking among Mexican university students.

Objectives. We sought to describe the dominant social contexts and meanings of smoking among Mexican university students. Methods. Structured observations were made and individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 43 university students who were at five levels of involvement with smoking (i.e., never smoker; ex-smoker; experimenter; regular smoker; frequent smoker). Content analysis of interview transcripts was used to distill the primary settings and themes that students associated with smoking. Results. Outside their homes and away from the purview of their parents, the environments that students frequented were permissive of smoking, supporting their perceptions of smoking behavior, cigarettes, and the tobacco industry as normal and socially acceptable. Cigarette smoking was a highly social practice, with students practicing simultaneous smoking and cigarette sharing to underscore bonds with others. Moreover, the leisure times and places in which students smoked appeared to bolster their perceptions of cigarettes as offering them pleasurable relaxation and escape from boredom and conflictual social relations. All students believed that smoking was addictive and that second-hand smoke was dangerous to non-smokers. The short-term negative outcomes of smoking appeared more salient to students than either the longer-term health outcomes of smoking or the practices of the tobacco industry. Conclusions. The meanings and context of smoking were comparable to those found among youth in other parts of the world. Successful tobacco prevention messages and policies to prevent smoking in other youth populations may also succeed among Mexican youth.
Changes in phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidic acid in stimulated human neutrophils: Relationship to calcium mobilization, aggregation and superoxide radical generation

Human neutrophils aggregate and release mediators of inflammation, such as active oxygen species and lysosomal enzymes, when exposed to the chemoattractant, fMet-Leu-Phe, or the tumor promotor, phorbol myristate acetate. In order to 'stage' events which may lead to such neutrophil responses, we determined the temporal relationship between stimulus-induced changes in the endogenous phospholipids phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidic acid, the mobilization of calcium, and the onset of aggregation and generation of superoxide anion during the initial 2 min of cell activation. Within 5 s after addition of fMet-Leu-Phe (10(-7) M) neutrophils accumulated phosphatidic acid and the levels of PI decreased, as determined by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography and phosphorus determinations. By 5 s, phosphatidic acid levels rose approximately 3.5-fold and at 15 s the loss of PI exceeded the quantity of phosphatidic acid generated. In response to phorbol myristate acetate (1 microgram/ml), however, changes in PI or phosphatidic acid were not observed until after 60 s. Accumulation of phosphatidic acid in fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated cells was not inhibited by chelation of extracellular calcium. Neutrophils exposed to either fMet-Leu-Phe or phorbol myristate acetate also showed rapid decrements in fluorescence of cell-associated chlorotetracycline (used as an indirect probe of mobilization of intracellular membrane-associated calcium) and took up 45Ca2+ from the extracellular medium (under 60 s). The results indicate that changes in calcium mobilization, together with the alterations in phospholipid metabolism (under 5 s) anteceded aggregation and the generation of O2-. (10-15 s) induced by fMet-Leu-Phe. In contrast, when neutrophils were exposed to phorbol myristate acetate, changes in PI and phosphatidic acid (over 60 s) were observed after the mobilization of calcium (under 5 s) and the onset of O2-. generation and aggregation (30-35 s).
No Scrutiny Whatsoever: Deconstitutionalization of Poverty Law, Dual Rules of Law, and Dialogic Default

This article traces how the Supreme Court has deconstitutionalized Poverty Law by four departures from normal constitutional doctrine: first, by categorical immunization of “social or economic legislation”; second, by circumvention of normal suspect class or classification analysis; third, by application of rationality review in a reflexive manner to uphold governmental regulation; and fourth, by ratcheting down from the heightened scrutiny normally used for protection of established fundamental rights. In particular, she explores the historical emergence of judicial deference for “social or economic legislation,” and finds that Justice Douglas, who coined the phrase, specifically rejected deference for laws that disadvantaged poor people. Turning to the present, Professor Nice argues poor people lack the financial clout necessary to achieve meaningful political protection. Building on the ground-breaking work of the late Jacobus tenBroek, she argues that the exclusion of poor people from both constitutional and political protection has contributed to the construction of dual rules of law, one superior set of rules for the haves and an inferior set of rules for the have-nots. She then blends dialogic constitutional theory and social movement mobilization scholarship to explain how the dialogic default on questions of economic justice both reflects and perpetuates the lack of constitutional rights for poor people. Professor Nice concludes that it is precisely the mutually reinforcing power of mobilizing political support and claiming legal rights that together can produce traction toward achieving constitutional inclusion for the have-nots.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Technology Integration

This article offers a rationale for why efforts to further technology integration into the lives of students with learning disabilities (LD) should be considered within the ever-growing response to intervention (RTI) approach permeating prevention and intervention efforts for struggling students and those with LD. This introduction is followed by an overview of the five articles that make up this special issue of the Learning Disability Quarterly. Each article seeks to build on the previous one in order to assist the reader in understanding current and future ramifications of technology integration within the RTI framework.
Suppression of male-specific cytochrome P450 2c and its mRNA by 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl in rat liver is not causally related to changes in serum testosterone

Abstract Rat cytochrome P450 2c (P450 gene IIC11) is a constitutive, male-specific hepatic enzyme which is suppressed >90% by treatment with 3,4,5,3′,4′,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (HCB) [H. N. Yeowell et al. (1987) Mol. Pharmacol. 32 , 340–347]. HCB also decreases serum testosterone levels in adult male rats (>98% loss). The present study assesses whether the suppression of P450 2c by HCB is a direct result of its effects on serum testosterone levels. Further, the site along the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis at which HCB acts to depress testosterone secretion was examined. Administration of the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone to HCB-treated rats failed to prevent the suppression of P450 2c mRNA and its associated microsomal steroid 16α-hydroxylase activity under conditions where it effectively reversed the large decrease in P450 2c mRNA and steroid 16α-hydroxylase activity produced by castration. Hepatic steroid 6β-hydroxylase activity, which is catalyzed primarily by P450 2a (P450 gene IIIA2), was also suppressed by HCB and was not protected by methyltrienolone. Administration of either human chorionic gonadotropin, an analog of pituitary-derived luteinizing hormone, or the hypothalamic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone elevated serum testosterone levels to a much smaller extent in HCB-treated rats than in control rats. These results indicate that the effects of HCB on serum testosterone levels reflect its effects on testicular function rather than the pituitary or hypothalamus. However, the present study demonstrates that the consequential reduction in serum testosterone levels in HCB-treated rats is not causally related to the reduction in hepatic P450 2c levels. Thus, HCB must also act on some other regulatory mechanism involved in the expression of this protein.
OBM and Quality Improvement Systems

ABSTRACT A review of the empirical OBM literature on quality improvement systems in organizations serving persons with developmental disabilities (DD) suggests the current literature offers a small but growing number of studies of large-scale, long-term, applications of behavioral supervision to improve targeted areas of staff performance. One conclusion offered is that it may be possible to expand the scope of OBM interventions in DD organizations by integrating OBM into the development of total quality management (TQM) approaches to quality improvement. To illustrate how such an integration might be accomplished, the current paper discusses OBM research in four areas that are important in implementing TQM (organizational systems analysis, team effectiveness, measuring consumer responses, and data analysis). Recommendations for practice and future research in OBM within DD organizations are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Stable Cationic [Hydrotris(1-pyrazolyl)borato]Mo(CO)(NO)(η3-allyl) ComplexesSolid-State and Solution Evidence for an η2-Allyl Structure

From the corresponding TpMo(CO)2(π-allyl) complexes, four symmetrically substituted TpMo(CO)(NO)(π-allyl)+ complexes (π-allyl = propenyl, 2-methylpropenyl, cyclohexenyl, and cyclooctenyl) were prep...
Effects of envelope bandwidth on importance functions for cochlear implant simulations

Frequency-importance functions (FIFs) quantify intelligibility contributions of spectral regions of speech. In previous work, FIFs were considered as instruments for characterizing intelligibility contributions of individual cochlear implant electrode channels. Comparisons of FIFs for natural speech and vocoder-simulated implant processed speech showed that vocoding shifted peak importance regions downward in frequency by 0.5 octaves. These shifts were attributed to voicing cue changes, and may reflect increased reliance on low-frequency information (apart from periodicity cues) for correct voicing perception. The purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing channel envelope bandwidth would reverse these shifts by improving access to voicing and pitch cues. Importance functions were measured for 48 subjects with normal hearing, who listened to vowel-consonant-vowel tokens either as recorded or as output from five different vocoders that simulated implant processing. Envelopes were constructed using filters that either included or excluded pitch information. Results indicate that vocoding-based shifts are only partially counteracted by including pitch information; moreover, a substantial baseline shift is present even for vocoders with high spectral resolution. The results also suggest that vocoded speech intelligibility is most sensitive to a loss of spectral resolution in high-importance regions, a finding with possible implications for cochlear implant electrode mapping.
The multiple reoperative bladder exstrophy closure: what affects the potential of the bladder?

Objectives. To define the possible cause of failure and the eventual potential of the bladder in 23 exstrophy patients, who underwent more than two failed prior attempts at closure. Methods. Twenty-three patients were selected from the exstrophy data base who had two or more prior closures. Eighteen patients had undergone 2 previous closures and 5 patients 3 previous closures for either complete dehiscence or significant prolapse. At the time of initial closure, 19 patients did not have an osteotomy. At secondary closure, 10 underwent osteotomy while at third closure 5 had an osteotomy. At the time of reclosure at our institution all underwent an osteotomy. Results. Reoperative repair at our institution was successful in all patients. Six patients achieved a bladder size suitable for bladder neck reconstruction and of them 3 are dry. The bladder size was inadequate in 9 patients and 8 are being monitored for possible bladder growth. Conclusions. Tension-free closure with osteotomy and immobilization are important factors both in an initial or any subsequent closure. The chance of obtaining an adequate bladder capacity for bladder neck plasty and eventual continence, following multiple reclosures, is markedly diminished.
Endometrial carcinoma associated with breast carcinoma : Low incidence with tamoxifen use

BACKGROUND. Women treated with tamoxifen for breast cancer are at increased risk of endometrial cancer. This study examines the experience at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) with women diagnosed with both endometrial carcinoma (EC) and breast carcinoma (BC) to determine the risk and stage of endometrial carcinoma among women treated with tamoxifen. METHODS. The tumor registry was searched for women with diagnoses of both BC and EC between 1980 and 1993. Systemic therapy was classified for all analytic cases of breast carcinoma (women who received primary BC treatment at RPCI). Medical records of all women with both BC and Ec were reviewed, including all analytic and nonanalytic cases. RESULTS. There were 1947 analytic and 1534 nonanalytic BC cases and 877 analytic and 239 nonanalytic EC cases. Thirty-six women in the nonanalytic breast cancer group also had endometrial carcinoma. Fifteen had endometrial carcinoma before breast carcinoma, and 20 of 21 women with breast cancer first had no record of tamoxifen use. Thirty-seven women in the analytic breast carcinoma group had endometrial carcinoma. Endometrial carcinoma preceded breast carcinoma in 29 women. Breast carcinoma preceded endometrial carcinoma in eight women, and two of these developed endometrial carcinoma during or after tamoxifen therapy. Therefore, a total of three women developed endometrial cancer during or after tamoxifen therapy (two analytic and one nonanalytic). The EC was classified as International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IA (1 patient) and IB (2 patients) with one patient each with histologic Grade I, II, and III after 1, 2, and 5 years of tamoxifen therapy, respectively. No patients had recurrence or died from endometrial carcinoma. The risk of endometrial carcinoma with tamoxifen was determined from the number ofwomen in the breast cancer analytic group receiving tamoxifen. Hormonal therapy was coded as part of systemic treatment in 652 of 1947 analytic patients (33% ; 510 as adjuvant therapy and 142 for metastatic cancer). Of these patients, 172 of 652 women (26%) had undergone hysterectomy prior to breast cancer diagnosis, and another 71 women (11%) received nontamoxifen hormone therapy (e.g., prednisone). Tamoxifen therapy was documented in 402 women in the analytic group. (The median age of these women at BC diagnosis was 63 years). Therefore, the maximum estimate of endometrial carcinoma risk is 2 of 402 cases (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS. The risk of endometrial carcinoma with tamoxifen use is low. The value of routine invasive screening for endometrial carcinoma for women receiving tamoxifen should be determined by prospective study.
Analysis of probe volume effects associated with laser-saturated fluorescence measurements.

Time-dependent and steady-state lateral fluorescence intensities are obtained analytically as a function of the saturation parameter along the laser axis for Gaussian and quasi-Lorentzian irradiance profiles. The sensitivity of these fluorescence intensities to quenching is compared with the sensitivity of the center-line fluorescence emission. Experimental saturation curves are analyzed similarly and compared to the steady-state predictions. The results show that the desired insensitivity of laser-saturated fluorescence (LSF) measurements to quenching is adversely affected by the fractional laser power in the wings of the transverse irradiance distribution. Ambiguities in the analysis of LSF measurements arising from these effects can be essentially eliminated by conducting the analysis with respect to the center-line fluorescence emission as opposed to the fluorescence intensity.
Creating and Implementing Pediatric Simulation Experiences for Licensed Practical Nursing Students

Abstract The phenomenon of decreasing opportunities for hands-on clinical experiences for undergraduate nursing students, especially in the field of pediatrics, has led academic administrators to focus on nontraditional alternatives. Over the past decade, faculty members have been engaged in the use of simulation environments that include manikins and standardized patients to provide students with enhanced learning opportunities. Simulated experiences can be used to fulfill clinical course learning objectives and can also be used as a method of evaluating students' clinical competence. As part of a Pennsylvania Workforce grant, a simulation workshop that focused on pediatric assessment, therapeutic communication, physical exam, and medication calculation and administration was designed and implemented for licensed practical nursing students. Evaluation methods of the workshop included written student evaluations, verbal faculty responses, and verbal responses from the human standardized patients, all of which were extremely positive. This pilot project contributes to the growing body of knowledge about simulation's ability to enhance nursing clinical experiences.
Regulatory Reform and the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

The Bush administration, through the office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OMB/OIRA), has shown renewed interest in regulatory reform as an important public issue, especially as it pertains to the nation's manufacturing sector. On March 9, 2005, OMB/OIRA announced that Federal agencies will be taking practical steps of an administrative nature to reduce the cost burden on manufacturing firms operating in the United States by acting on 76 suggested reforms of federal regulations suggested by the public. Recommended actions range from gathering and reporting additional information to issuing modernized regulations, with reforms to be implemented through rulemaking procedures that include an opportunity for public participation.
1-benzyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diols as novel affinity and photoaffinity probes for β-adrenoceptor subtypes

Abstract Trimetoquinol (TMQ, 1 ) is a potent non-selective β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) agonist possessing a tetrahydroisoquinoline (THI) structure. The binding site for 1-trimethoxybenzyl group of 1 , which distinguishes it from classical catecholamines, is unknown. Affinity and photoaffinity labeled compounds are good tools to determine the exact interaction between a ligand and a specific amino acid(s) in a receptor. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of affinity 6 , 12 , 18 , and photoaffinity 24 , 29 labeled analogues of TMQ. All of these compounds were full agonists and demonstrated an equal or greater binding affinity and functional activity as compared to TMQ on β 1 -, β 2 -, and β 3 -AR. Washout experiments on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing hu β 2 -AR were helpful in identifying the isothiocyanate 18 and the azide 24 as very effective affinity and photoaffinity labels at this receptor subtype.
Oral Cancer Chemotherapy: The Critical Interplay Between Patient Education and Patient Safety

Currently, 10% of cancer chemotherapy is prescribed to patients by means of an oral formulation, but, by 2013, this percentage is predicted to increase to 25%. Oral chemotherapy offers many advantages, including no need for sometimes painful intravenous access, no intravenous drug administration fees, more time at home for patients, and a greater sense of patient autonomy. However, oral cancer chemotherapy also poses challenges, many of which revolve around adherence and safety. These challenges are discussed here. There are few other circumstances in which patient education and the maintenance of institutional safety infrastructure play such an integral role in sustaining favorable cancer clinical outcomes.
The Nysa Euroregion: The First Ten Years

Established in 1991, the Nysa Euroregion is the prototype of substate crossboundary cooperation in the former Eastern Europe. Encompassing adjoining portions of Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic, it was created to promote the region's economic development. This study examines major initiatives undertaken within Nysa during the first 10 years of its existence. In the process it demonstrates how the larger context of Nysa (political differences and economic inequalities between Poland and Germany) affects both the ability of Polish communes in the euroregion to engage in cross-boundary projects and the nature of this cooperation (reflected in particular cross-border projects and initiatives). Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: F02, F21, O18. 6 figures, 4 tables, 59 references.
COMPONENT SYNTHESIS METHOD FOR SYSTEM TRANSIENT RESPONSES

The system may be formed by joining components through the connecting elements at the boundaries of the components. The transient responses of the system are calculated based on the geometric compatibility and force equilibrium equations. For the rigid and linear connecting elements at the joints, no iteration is required, and direct marching procedures are used to calculate the responses. For nonlinear connecting elements, the interconnecting force vectors at the joints are determined using iterative procedures, and the responses are computed subsequently
Evidence that human disturbance reduces Snowy Plover chick survival

Abstract Disturbance from human recreation may impact vulnerable life stages of beach-nesting plovers (Charadrius spp.). Although human recreation may decrease hatching success of Snowy Plovers (C. alexandrinus), we are unaware of any studies indicating an impact on chick survival. We tested whether the rate of chick loss in a breeding population of Snowy Plovers was lower on weekdays than on weekends and holidays, when beach visitation increases in most coastal areas. We used data collected on chick survival and the timing of chick loss in 1999 and 2000 at Point Reyes National Seashore, California. Observed weekend and holiday chick loss was 72% greater than expected in 1999 and 69% greater than expected in 2000. This suggests that increased human recreation on Point Reyes beaches over weekends and holidays negatively affected Snowy Plover chick survival.
Hydrogen in jellium: First-principles pair interactions

Ground-state pair potentials between protons immersed in jellium (interacting electrons plus a compensating background) and at densities corresponding to the range $1l{r}_{s}l4$ are calculated using first-principles density functional theory methods. While the results obtained for immersing a single H atom in an electron gas agree with previous calculations, it is discovered that molecular-type short-range binding becomes unstable at surprisingly low density (at about ${r}_{s}=3.2),$ and that at even lower density there is a bistability between a weakly bound molecule and an unpaired state. This behavior is a result of the possible pairing of hydrogen and itinerant jellium electrons with little electrostatic penalty, a consequence of the positive background filling the entire volume V. Another important finding is a density range $(1.5l{r}_{s}l2)$ where the pair potentials are insufficiently strong to bind the protons, suggesting the possibility of inducing hydrogen into a state of low-temperature quantum fluid at a critical density.
Strategic candidacy, monotonicity, and strategy-proofness

Abstract We show that any voting rule satisfying unanimity and candidate stability (meaning that no candidate gains by withdrawing from the election) satisfies strategy-proofness. It follows that Gibbard–Satterthwaite theorem implies candidate stability theorem of Dutta, Jackson, and Le Breton.
Spectroscopic studies of carbon. XX. The pyrolysis of polyvinylidene chloride and of Saran

Abstract Fourier transform photothermal beam deflection spectroscopy was used to record the spectra of chars produced by heating in vacuo pure polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and the copolymer Saran over the 100–690°C range. The infrared spectra obtained provide direct information about the degradation and subsequent carbonization of PVDC and Saran. Pyrolysis of both homopolymer and copolymer at T = 200°C results in the destruction of the original ordered vinylidene structure and there is spectroscopic evidence for the formation of polyenic sequences. At T>200°C the spectra show the development of an increasingly aromatic system with rings containing evidence of chlorine substitution. As pure polyvinylidene chars contain 50% less hydrogen than their polyvinyl counterparts, the spectra of chars obtained at T>400°C show little vibrational structure in the region >2000 cm−1, and at degradation temperatures >500°C no vibrational features are observable over the entire 4000 - 500 cm−1 range. In contrast, the inclusion of only a small percentage of vinyl monomer in the copolymer Saran results in chars whose spectra exhibit vibrational features up to degradation temperatures of 690°C. The spectroscopic character of PVDC and Saran chars and their oxidation are discussed in detail. In addition, these results are compared and contrasted with earlier analyses of the chars of polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene fluoride.
Biological Control of Obscure Scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in California: An Experimental Approach

Obscure scale, Melanaspis obscura (Comstock), is native to the eastern half of the United States where it is associated with hosts in the genera Quercus, Carya, and Castanea. In its native home, the scale is exploited by a complex of natural enemies, including predators, parasites, and pathogens. Although obscure scale is generally maintained at low levels in natural habitats (presumably by natural enemies), it is a major pest of pin oak in urban areas and a minor pest of pecan. In 1962, an infestation of obscure scale was detected on oaks in Capitol Park in Sacramento, CA; efforts to eradicate the infestation were not successful, and this population became a target for classical biological control in 1981. Because the infestation was restricted and spread slowly, there was sufficient time for preintroductory investigations. Exploration for candidate natural enemies for importation into California was directed at parasites associated with obscure scale on pecan in southern Texas. Eleven species in 8 genera were recovered; the major species were Ablerus clisiocampae (Ashmead), Coccophagoides fuscipennis (Girault), Encarsia aurantii (Howard), and Physcus varicornis (Howard). Instead of releasing all of the major primary parasites (empirical approach), a more experimental approach was employed--that is, single-species release of E. aurantii. This species was chosen because of its thelyotokous reproduction, high egg load at emergence (highest among major primary parasites), and abundance in the native home of obscure scale. Over 11,000 females were released in 1988 and establishment was confirmed in 1990. From 1992-1994, the parasite population increased steadily while the abundance of scale crawlers declined by 3-fold; the crawler-to-parasite ratio declined from approximately 25 to approximately 7. Through selective pruning, parasitization by E. aurantii, and timing of insecticide treatments, obscure scale is now under integrated pest management (IPM) in Capitol Park, and it may eventually come under complete biological control. This project illustrates how preintroductory investigations both in the native home of the target pest and under quarantine conditions can be used to derive an introduction strategy in classical biological control. Some additional aspects of introduction strategy are discussed.
THE INDENTATION OF A NEWTONIAN FLUID BY A RIGHT CIRCULAR CYLINDER

The indentation of the free surface of a semi infinite Newtonian fluid by a rigid right circular cylinder is considered. It is assumed that the weight and inertia effects of the fluid are negligible compared to its viscous effects.
High-resolution digital 3D imaging of large structures

This talk summarizes the conclusions of a few of these laser scanning experiments on remote sites and the potential of the technology for imaging applications. Parameters to be considered for these types of activities are related to the design of a large volume of view laser scanner, such as the depth of field, the ambient light interference (especially for outdoors) and, the scanning strategies. The first case reviewed is an inspection application performed in a coal- burning power station located in Alberta, Canada. The second case is the digitizing of the ODS (Orbiter Docking System) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and, the third case is the digitizing of a large sculpture located outside of the Canadian Museum of Civilisation in Ottawa-Hull, Canada.
Primary atypical epithelial hyperplasia of prostate gland: a premalignant lesion?

Atypical primary hyperplasia (or dysplasia) of the prostate gland is based on both histological and cytological features. There are various histological forms which can consist of irregular epithelial proliferations demonstrating both tubular, papillary and/or pseudocribriform. They are almost always found in association with similar patterns of carcinoma. If they are found as the only lesion in a needle-biopsy of the prostate without the carcinoma then it is highly recommended that the patient be followed very carefully with subsequent biopsies.
Relating sediment yield to watershed variables

The yield of sediment from watersheds depends upon three sets of variables: (1) inherent watershed characteristics such as geology and topography; (2) land use, condition of vegetation, and management and protective measures; and (3) nature of storms and streamflow which produce and transport sediment. Measured quantities of yield also depend on the sediment measuring device and on which fraction of total sediment yield is measured. The sources of variation in sediment yield between and within watersheds can be evaluated by study of the yield from many watersheds which have wide differences in variables affecting sediment yields. Such studies are useful to determine and evaluate the principal sources of sediment, to evaluate the probable effects of conservation programs on yield, and to provide criteria for design of reservoirs and channels. This paper summarizes some recent studies in which multiple regression analysis was used in relating sediment yield to watershed variables. The studies are discussed in the light of methods of selecting watersheds, data, variables, and functions; and the effects of neglected variables, errors in variables, and exclusion of nonsignificant variables.
Who needs to do what where?: Using learning management systems on residential vs. commuter campuses

Learning Management Systems (LMS) are web-based systems allowing instructors and/or students to share materials and interact online. This study compared differences in LMS use between instructors and students at a large residential campus with students at a smaller commuter campus. Responses to an online survey about LMS activities and tools were categorized by three different interaction types: Learner-Instructor (LI), Learner-Content (LC), and Learner-Learner (LL). Aggregated log data was also analyzed to see if students' use was consistent with their beliefs. Respondents from both campuses rate highly all activities and tools within the LMS. Findings suggest that residential students value activities and tools supporting LC interaction more than commuter students, while commuter students value activities and tools fostering LL interactions more than residential students. The aggregated log data was consistent with the survey data showing a higher level of activity in the most heavily used LC-oriented tools for the residential campus and higher activity in the LL-oriented tools for the commuter campus.