cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of intravenous acetaminophen and ketorolac in adolescents undergoing idiopathic scoliosis surgery.

BACKGROUND Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols increasingly use multimodal analgesia after major surgeries with intravenous acetaminophen and ketorolac, despite no documented cost-effectiveness of these strategies. AIMS The goal of this prospective cohort study was to model cost-effectiveness of adding acetaminophen or acetaminophen + ketorolac to opioids for postoperative outcomes in children having scoliosis surgery. METHODS Of 106 postsurgical children, 36 received only opioids, 26 received intravenous acetaminophen, and 44 received acetaminophen + ketorolac as analgesia adjuncts. Costs were calculated in 2015 US $. Decision analytic model was constructed with Decision Maker® software. Base-case and sensitivity analyses were performed with effectiveness defined as avoidance of opioid adverse effects. RESULTS The groups were comparable demographically. Compared with opioids-only strategy, subjects in the intravenous acetaminophen + ketorolac strategy consumed less opioids (P = .002; difference in mean morphine consumption on postoperative days 1 and 2 was -0.44 mg/kg (95% CI -0.72 to -0.16); tolerated meals earlier (P < .001; RR 0.250 (0.112-0.556)) and had less constipation (P < .001; RR 0.226 (0.094-0.546)). Base-case analysis showed that of the 3 strategies, use of opioids alone is both most costly and least effective, opioids + intravenous acetaminophen is intermediate in both cost and effectiveness; and opioids + intravenous acetaminophen and ketorolac is the least expensive and most effective strategy. The addition of intravenous acetaminophen with or without ketorolac to an opioid-only strategy saves $510-$947 per patient undergoing spine surgery and decreases opioid side effects. CONCLUSION Intravenous acetaminophen with or without ketorolac reduced opioid consumption, opioid-related adverse effects, length of stay, and thereby cost of care following idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents compared with opioids-alone postoperative analgesia strategy.
Motion Curves and Symptoma -Mathematics

Props. 19–30 (as well as 35–41) deal with lines and curves that are different both from the circles and straight lines of Euclidean geometry, and from the conic sections. They are generated from moving points, where a rule is given which regulates the “motions” involved. They will be called motion curves here. An example would be the plane spiral of Archimedes, where a point moves along the radius of a circle in uniform speed, and is at the same time carried along on that radius as it rotates the full circle, also in uniform speed. The point describes a spiral line in the process. Another example, though this is not used in ancient geometry, would be the generation of a circle as the “motion curve” described by the endpoint of a radius as the radius rotates a full 360°. In order to study the mathematical properties of such curves, one has to come to a quantifiable characterization, as a proportion, or an equality that applies to all the points on the curve and only to them. All mathematical properties have to be derived from, or related back to, this original characterizing property. It is called the symptoma of the curve. It ultimately rests on the motions used to generate the curve, but as they do not appear in the mathematical discourse, the mathematics develops out of the symptoma itself as the starting point. I will call this type of mathematics symptoma-mathematics. The conchoid of Nicomedes,1 e.g., has the symptoma that all lines drawn from a point of the curve to the pole have a definite neusis property: the segment cut off on it between the canon and the point on the curve has a fixed length. The curve itself is viewed as the locus for this property, and this is how it is employed in mathematical argumentation. An analogy would be to view the circle as the locus of all points that have a fixed distance to a given point. Arguably this could even be seen as the Euclidean symptoma of the circle. The case of the conics is somewhat similar: they could be viewed (and some scholars think they were) as the symptoma-curves for certain equalities expressible via application of areas, and whether this is their true definition or not, they were often employed this way in mathematical investigation.
Multiple Regression with Unbalanced Data

Regression analysis has become a very popular method for analyzing existing plant and research data. The existence of correlations among the independent variables is recognized as a major pitfall in the proper interpretation of such data. This paper out..
Moderators of Treatment Outcome in Cognitively Based Treatment of Antisocial Children

This study examined cognitive/academic functioning and severity of clinical dysfunction as moderators of treatment outcome of cognitively based treatment among children (N = 120, ages 7 to 13 years) referred for aggressive and antisocial behavior. We predicted that more favorable treatment outcome would be evident among children higher in intellectual functioning, reading achievement, and level of school functioning, and with less severe and chronic symptoms of antisocial behavior and fewer symptoms across a range of diagnoses. The predictions were evaluated in relation to posttreatment behavioral problems and prosocial functioning at home and at school. Reading achievement, academic and school dysfunction, and number of symptoms across all diagnoses predicted treatment outcome. Additional analyses indicated that parent, family, and contextual factors (socioeconomic disadvantage, parent dysfunction, and adverse child-rearing practices) were related to child predictors, as well as to treatment outcome. The results convey the importance of child moderators of cognitive-behavioral treatment, as well as broader parent, family, and contextual influences in which these are embedded.
Female trainees believe that having children will negatively impact their careers: results of a quantitative survey of trainees at an academic medical center

Medical training occurs during peak childbearing years. However, the intense workload, long work hours, and limited financial compensation are potential barriers to having children during this time. Here, we aimed to identify gender-based differences in beliefs and experiences of having children during graduate medical education. We hypothesized that both genders face significant challenges, but women are more likely to experience stressors related to work-family conflicts. We administered an anonymous web-based survey to all trainees at an academic medical center. Primary outcomes were gender differences in beliefs and experiences of having children during training. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using independent variables of gender, specialty type (surgical vs. medical), and parental status. In total, 56% of trainees responded (60% women, 40% men; n = 435). Women were more often concerned about the negative impact of having children and taking maternity leave on their professional reputation and career. The majority of women expressed concern about the potential negative impact of the physical demands of their jobs on pregnancy. Among parents, women were more likely than men to be the primary caregivers on weeknights and require weekday childcare from a non-parent. Women face greater work-related conflicts in their beliefs and experiences of having a family during graduate medical education. Trainees should be aware of these potential challenges when making life and career decisions. We recommend that institutions employ solutions to accommodate the needs and wellbeing of trainees with families while optimizing training and workload equity for all trainees.
Factors predictive of recurrence, metastasis, and death from primary basal cell carcinoma 2 cm or larger in diameter.

Background Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) recurrence and metastatic rates are known to be very low. The risk factors for these rare outcomes are subsequently not well studied. Objective To identify risk factors independently associated with local recurrence (LR) and metastasis and/or death (M/D) in large (≥2 cm) BCC. Methods BCCs histologically confirmed between 2000 and 2009 were retrospectively screened for tumor diameter at 2 academic centers. Medical records of all large BCCs and an equal number of randomly selected small BCCs were reviewed for LR and M/D. Results Included were 248 large BCC and 248 small BCC tumors. Large BCCs had a significantly higher risk of LR and M/D than small BCCs (LR: 8.9% vs 0.8%, P Limitations Retrospective cohort design. Conclusions Large BCCs, particularly those with additional risk factors, have a high enough risk of recurrence and metastasis to warrant further investigation to optimize management.
Shear Property Characterization for Agarose Gel

Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymer networks. They have a defined geometry, which gives them solid like characteristics. Hydrogels also exhibit liquid like nature since certain soluble molecules diffuse through the hydrogel matrix. These characteristics of hydrogel make it extremely difficult to determine the mechanical properties through conventional methods. A new in-plane shear test method that incorporates 3D printed parts and digital image correlation (DIC) was developed. 3D printed parts were used as loading fixture to ensure the appropriate grip on the hydrogel. DIC was used to measure the properties and validate the test methodology. It was identified that shear modulus could be calculated to within 5% coefficient of variation at about 20% strain. Future research will identify ways to increase the limit of the stress-strain curve for calculating shear properties.
Questions Can Answer Questions About Mechanisms of Preschoolers’ Selective Word Learning

This study examined how inferences about epistemic competence and generalized labeling errors influence children?s selective word learning. Three- to 4-year-olds (N = 128) learned words from informants who asked questions about objects, mentioning either correct or incorrect labels. Such questions do not convey stark differences in informants? epistemic competence. Inaccurate labels, however, generate error signals that can lead to weaker encoding of novel information. Preschoolers retained novel labels from both informants but were slower to respond in the Inaccurate Labeler condition. When the test procedure was not sensitive to the strength of information encoding, children performed above chance in both conditions and their response times did not differ. These results suggest that epistemic-level inferences and error generalizations influence preschoolers? selective word learning concurrently.
History of obesity hypoventilation

Abstract An examination of the history of obesity-hypoventilation syndrome requires a diverse review of history and the history of science, and of literature. There were remarkably accurate descriptions of patients who were likely to have obesity-hypoventilation syndrome for many centuries. As scientists in the 17th and 18th centuries began to understand the composition of air, our understanding of respiration also advanced. The development of the polysomnogram and arterial blood gas testing finalized our ability to reliably quantify and diagnose this syndrome.
Effects of virtual reality environments on overground walking in people with Parkinson disease and freezing of gait.

Background Freezing of gait (FoG) is a common target of rehabilitative interventions for people with Parkinson disease (PD). Virtual reality (VR) holds potential for advancing research and clinical management of FoG through flexible creation of FoG-provoking environments that are not easily or safely replicated in the clinic. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether VR environments that replicate FoG-provoking situations would exacerbate gait impairments associated with FoG compared to unobstructed VR and physical laboratory environments. Methods Gait characteristics (pace, rhythm, variability, asymmetry, and postural control domains) and festination were measured using motion capture while people with PD walked in VR environments based on FoG-provoking situations (doorway, hallway, and crowd environments) compared to unobstructed VR and physical laboratory environments. The effect of VR environments was assessed using one-way repeated measures ANOVAs with planned contrasts. Results Ten participants (mean age 74.1 years, 3 females, Hoehn and Yahr stage 2-3) with PD who self-reported FoG participated. Gait speed and step length were reduced in all VR environments compared to the physical laboratory. Step width was wider, step length was more variable, and festination was more common for some of the VR environments compared to the physical laboratory environment. Compared to the unobstructed virtual laboratory environment, step length was more variable in VR crowd and doorway environments. Conclusions The exacerbation of gait impairments that are characteristic precursors of FoG in FoG-provoking VR environments supports the potential utility of VR technology in the assessment and treatment of gait impairments in PD.Implications for rehabilitationFreezing increases fall risk and reduces quality of life in Parkinson disease (PD).Virtual reality (VR) can simulate visuospatial environments that provoke freezing.Immersive VR doorway, hallway, and crowd environments were developed.Gait speed slowed when people with PD walked overground in all VR environments.Step variability and festination increased in freeze-provoking environments.
Stem cells in a colonial animal with localized growth zones

Siphonophores (Hydrozoa) have unparalleled colony-level complexity, precision of organization, and functional specialization between zooids (i.e., the units that make up colonies). Previous work has shown that, unlike other colonial animals, most growth in siphonophores is restricted to one or two well-defined growth zones that are the sites of both elongation and zooid budding. To understand this unique growth at the cellular level, we characterize the distribution of interstitial stem cells (i-cells) in the siphonophore Nanomia bijuga. Within the colony we find that i-cells are present at the tips of the growth zones, at well-defined sites where new zooid buds will arise, and in the youngest zooid buds. As each zooid matures, i-cells become progressively restricted to specific regions until they are mostly absent from the oldest zooids. We find no evidence of the migratory i-cells that have been observed in colonial cnidarian relatives. The restriction of i-cells to particular developing structures and sites of growth suggest a plant-like model of growth for siphonophores, where the growth zones function much like meristems. This spatial restriction of stem cells could also explain the precision of colony-level organization in siphonophores as a consequence of restricted growth potential.
Design and Stability Analysis of an Offshore Floating Multi-Turbine Platform

The technology of multi-turbine platform design is currently in development which can accommodate multiple turbines on a single platform that results in a reduction of installation and mooring costs. This paper presents a method to analyze the effects of the wake between the wind turbines on a multi-turbine platform and use it to find a suitable distance for spacing the wind turbines on the platform. Jensen wake model, Larsen wake model, and CFD simulations are used for calculating the wake effects. The actuator disk theory is used for modeling the rotor. The RANS equations with the k – ω SST turbulence model are used for CFD calculations. Based on the results of wake effects the spacing requirements for the wind turbines are calculated and the design of the platform is carried out. Hydrostatic analysis of the modeled platform is done to study the floating stability behavior of the platform. The first order hydrodynamics and wave loadings on the platform are calculated in the frequency domain using the potential flow linear diffraction model. The hydrodynamic analysis is carried out on the platform to predict the wave-body interaction between the platform and the waves.
Rationale and design of the validation of bladder health instrument for evaluation in women (VIEW) protocol

Bladder health is an understudied state and difficult to measure due to lack of valid and reliable instruments. While condition specific questionnaires assess presence, severity and degree of bother from lower urinary tract symptoms, the absence of symptoms is insufficient to assume bladder health. This study describes the methodology used to validate a novel bladder health instrument to measure the spectrum of bladder health from very healthy to very unhealthy in population based and clinical research. Three samples of women are being recruited: a sample from a nationally representative general population and two locally recruited clinical center samples—women with a targeted range of symptom severity and type, and a postpartum group. The general population sample includes 694 women, 18 years or older, randomly selected from a US Postal delivery sequence file. Participants are randomly assigned to electronic or paper versions of the bladder health instrument along with a battery of criterion questionnaires and a demographic survey; followed by a retest or a two-day voiding symptom diary. A total of 354 women around 7 clinical centers are being recruited across a spectrum of self-reported symptoms and randomized to mode of completion. They complete the two-day voiding symptom diary as well as a one-day frequency volume diary prior to an in-person evaluation with a standardized cough stress test, non-invasive urine flowmetry, chemical urine analysis and post void residual measurement. Independent judge ratings of bladder health are obtained by interview with a qualified health care provider. A total of 154 postpartum women recruited around 6 of the centers are completing similar assessments within 6–12 weeks postpartum. Dimensional validity will be evaluated using factor analysis and principal components analysis with varimax rotation, and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha. Criterion validity will be assessed using multitrait-multimethod matrix including correlations across multiple data sources and multiple types of measures. We aim to validate a bladder health instrument to measure the degree of bladder health within the general population and among women (including postpartum) recruited from local clinical centers. Trial registration NCT04016298 Posted July 11, 2019 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04016298?cond=bladder+health&draw=2&rank=1 ).
Mediating Effects of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors on the Association Between Maternal Race-Ethnicity and Cesarean Delivery Among Low-Risk Women.

Background: While racial–ethnic disparities in cesarean delivery rates among nulliparous women delivering a term singleton in the vertex position (NTSV) exist, it remains unclear the extent to whic...
Teachers’ perceptions of emotional display rules in schools: A systematic review

Abstract Display rules—norms regarding the expression of emotion in professional settings—drive teachers' internal regulation of external emotional displays, and therefore have important implications for teachers' professional success. In this systematic review, we synthesize the findings of 32 studies examining teachers' perceptions of the display rules of teaching, and their perceptions of the display rules' functions in schools. We find that teachers' identities and contexts shape their perceptions of display rules; further, we find teachers perceive display rules as a means to provide appropriate emotional support to students, to foster students’ academic development, and to position themselves as competent professionals.
Improved Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction May Not Be Associated With Changes in Shoulder Kinematics: An In Vivo Study.

Purpose To determine the in vivo effects of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) on glenohumeral kinematics during abduction and to compare those kinematics results with patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, and strength. Methods Dynamic biplane radiography was used to image 10 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears while performing scapular plane abduction pre- and 1-year post-surgery. Shoulder kinematics were determined by matching subject-specific computed tomography–based bone models to the radiographs using a validated tracking technique. Results No change was detected in static acromiohumeral distance (–0.7 ± 2.1 mm; P = .35); however, average dynamic acromiohumeral distance decreased (2.7 ± 1.2 mm to 2.3 ± 1.0 mm; P = .035) from pre- to 1-year post-surgery, respectively. The humeral head position was 0.5 ± 0.5 mm more superior 1-year post-surgery compared with pre-surgery (P = .01). Glenohumeral abduction increased from pre-surgery (150 ± 20°) to 1-year post-surgery (165 ± 10°) (P = .04) and all patient-reported outcomes improved from pre-surgery to 1-year post-surgery (all P Conclusions These data suggest that SCR may not depress the humeral head during functional abduction, as previously postulated, and postoperative improvements in subjective and clinical outcomes may be affected by mechanisms other than changes in shoulder kinematics. Clinical Relevance In vivo kinematics changes after SCR are small and do not correspond to previously postulated changes.
Fibrolamellar Variant of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Young Female.

Fibrolamellar variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) is a rare malignancy. Our patient presented to the hospital with increasing weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats. Imaging revealed a large liver mass and multiple pulmonary nodules concerning for metastasis. The patient eventually underwent interventional radiology (IR)-guided biopsy of the liver which revealed pathology consistent with FLHCC. The patient was discharged from the hospital and was scheduled for a follow up at an outpatient cancer center close to her family.
Low-overhead Hardware Supervision for Securing an IoT Bluetooth-enabled Device: Monitoring Radio Frequency and Supply Voltage

Over the past decade, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices increased tremendously. In particular, the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) expand...
Estimating Expected Return

If we want to estimate expected return on individual securities or on a portfolio, we need theory. Estimates based on past data are inaccurate, partly because of the many ways in which people can "...
Atmospheric Reaeration in a River Using Productivity Analysis

Two new methods for estimating the reaeration coefficient in rivers have been developed. The methods use measurements of dissolved oxygen and incident radiation with a solution to the oxygen mass balance equation. Parameters are estimated by minimizing the squared error between predicted and observed oxygen values. Night-time values of dissolved oxygen can be used to estimate the reaeration coefficient provided respiration is nearly constant. The coefficient can also be estimated by comparing net productivity with incident radiation. Field studies show the two methods to be reliable.
Regional Scale Groundwater Flow Modeling for Wakel River Basin: A Case Study of Southern Rajasthan

Rajasthan experiences varied climatic condition ranging from extreme aridity to subhumid and humid conditions. About 94 % of the total geographical area of the state falls under arid and semiarid conditions with erratic rainfall pattern. The groundwater is the main source of drinking and irrigation in the Wakel River basin but due to the overextraction of groundwater and consecutive droughts, the water table has been declining. On the basis of analyzing the hydrogeological conditions and water resources utilization of Wakel basin, a two-dimensional distributed parameters’ steady and transient groundwater flow model has been developed to better understand the aquifer system. This was done by developing a suitable conceptual model and then transforming into a steady and transient-state numerical groundwater model using MODFLOW, a groundwater flow model. Using the calibrated steady-state model, three model scenarios were developed to see the effect of decreased recharge and increased pumping. The findings from this study successfully explained the overall behavior of the aquifer and its parameters associated with it for the Wakel River Basin.
Analysis of function and regulation of proteins that mediate signal transduction by use of lipid-modified plasma membrane-targeting sequences.

It is now established that the function of many signaling molecules is controlled, in part, by regulation of subcellular localization. For example, the dynamic recruitment of normally cytosolic proteins to the plasma membrane, by activated Ras or activated receptor tyrosine kinases, facilitates their interaction with other membrane-associated components that participate in their full activation (e.g., Raf-1). Therefore, the creation of chimeric proteins that contain lipid-modified signaling sequences that direct membrane localization allows the generation of constitutively activated variants of such proteins. The amino-terminal myristoylation signal sequence of Src family proteins and the carboxy-terminal prenylation signal sequence of Ras proteins have been widely used to achieve this goal. Such membrane-targeted variants have proved to be valuable reagents in the study of the biochemical and biological properties of many signaling molecules.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INFECTIONS

Sex differences in vulnerability to infectious diseases have been defined by a search of the world9s literature and a study of the Johns Hopkins Hospital case records covering the period from 1930 to 1963. Special attention has been focused on bacterial meningitis at all ages and bacterial septicemia in children less than 15 years of age. A significant male preponderance is seen in all the data, but it is most marked in infancy. This is also the period in which infections by Gram-negative enteric bacilli outnumber those by Gram-positive organisms and this difference affects males more than females. The advent of antibiotics and related therapy has been associated with an increased sex ratio in incidence of infectious diseases, even as death rates from these diseases decreased. The sex differences in susceptibility to the infections cited in this paper are consistent with the expectations of a genetic hypothesis that concerns a gene locus on the X chromosome of human beings, which is involved with synthesis of immunoglobulins. In general one might expect greater resistance to infectious diseases in that sex for which heterozygosity is possible. More direct evidence for the hypothesis must come from comparative studies of the immune mechanism in the two sexes.
Symptomatology, pulmonary function and response, and T lymphocyte β2-receptors during smoking cessation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Study Objectives. To characterize the effect of smoking cessation and nicotine replacement on pulmonary symptomatology, baseline pulmonary function and response to terbutaline, and purified T lymphocyte β2-receptor regulation; and the relationship between T lymphocyte β2-receptor density and pulmonary function. Design. Open-label, longitudinal, 28-week study. Setting. A university clinical research center. Patients. Eighteen long-term smokers with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were enrolled and seven completed the study. Interventions. Subjects stopped smoking with the aid of nicotine substitution and behavioral counseling. Pulmonary response (FEVi) to subcutaneous terbutaline and T lymphocyte β2-receptor density (Bmax) and function (cAMP) were measured prior to smoking cessation (week 0), during nicotine replacement (week 8), and after nicotine cessation (week 28). Measurements and Main Results. Serum cotinine concentrations, plasma epinephrine concentrations, and day and night cough decreased significantly after smoking cessation, whereas basal cAMP concentrations increased (p<0.05). No significant change was seen in baseline FEV1, pulmonary response to terbutaline, or Bmax over the 28 weeks; however, intrasubject changes in Bmax between visits correlated significantly (p<0.05) with intrasubject changes in pulmonary response between visits. Conclusions. Our data indicate that smoking cessation is associated with a significant decrease in the symptomatology of COPD, and that change in T lymphocyte β2-receptor density is a good marker of change in pulmonary response to β2-agonists.
PENICILUNASE-PRODUCING NEISSERIA GONORRHŒÆ

Abstract Repeated failure of penicillin G treatment in a man with gonorrhœal urethritis prompted penicillin sensitivity testing of the responsible strain of Neisseria gonorrhœœ. Disc diffusion sensitivity testing showed complete resistance to 10 μg of penicillin G. The organism produced penicillinase.
Deaths associated with laparoscopic sterilization by unipolar electrocoagulating devices, 1978 and 1979☆

In 1978 and 1979, two women in the United States were reported to have died from electrical complications following sterilization with unipolar coagulating devices. Both deaths followed apparent bowel injuries occurring at the time of sterilization. Numerous reports have documented the electrical accidents associated with unipolar electrocoagulation. Because unipolar electrocoagulation has greater risk for these complications than alternative sterilization techniques, without proved greater benefits, we question the need for continuing its use in female sterilization.
Overlapping Endeavors: Anthropology and Literature

Alma Gottlieb and Philip Graham. Parallel Worlds: An Anthropologist and. Writer Discover Africa. New York: Crown, 1993. xix. 324 pp.
Performance and interaction anxiety: specific relationships with other- and self-evaluation concerns

This study examines whether performance anxiety (PA) is specifically associated with other-evaluation concerns and interaction anxiety (IA) with self-evaluation concerns. Individuals with public speaking fears and high levels of PA or IA were distinguishable from nonanxious controls on measures taken during a public speaking challenge. In addition, high PA individuals exhibited more observer-rated negative speech characteristics in an Other-Evaluation condition compared to a Self-Evaluation condition, but high IA individuals and nonanxious individuals did not. These results provide some evidence for the distinctiveness of these dimensions of social anxiety.
Enhanced electrical and noise properties of nanocomposite vanadium oxide thin films by reactive pulsed-dc magnetron sputtering

Thin films of VOx (1.3 ≤ x ≤ 2) were deposited by reactive pulsed-dc magnetron sputtering of a vanadium metal target while RF-biasing the substrate. Rutherford back scattering, glancing angle x-ray, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed the formation of nanocolumns with nanotwins within VOx samples. The resistivity of nanotwinned VOx films ranged from 4 mΩ·cm to 0.6 Ω·cm and corresponding temperature coefficient of resistance between −0.1% and −2.6% per K, respectively. The 1/f electrical noise was analyzed in these VOx samples using the Hooge-Vandamme relation. These VOx films are comparable or surpass commercial VOx films deposited by ion beam sputtering.
Study Protocol: A randomized controlled trial of patient navigation-activation to reduce cancer health disparities

Cancer health disparities affecting low-income and minority patients are well documented. Root-causes are multifactorial, including diagnostic and treatment delays, social and financial barriers, and poor communication. Patient navigation and communication coaching (activation) are potential interventions to address disparities in cancer treatment. The purpose of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of an intervention combining patient navigation and activation to improve cancer treatment. The Rochester Patient Navigation Research Program (PNRP) is a National Cancer Institute-sponsored, patient-level randomized trial (RCT) of patient navigation and activation, targeting newly-diagnosed breast and colorectal cancer patients in Rochester, NY. The goal of the program is to decrease cancer health disparities by addressing barriers to receipt of cancer care and promoting patient self-efficacy. The intervention uses trained, paraprofessional patient navigators recruited from the target community, and a detailed training and supervisory program. Recruited patients are randomly assigned to receive either usual care (except for baseline and follow-up questionnaires and interviews) or intervention. The intervention patients receive tailored assistance from their patient navigators, including phone calls, in-person meetings, and behind-the-scenes coordination of care. A total of 344 patients have been recruited. Outcomes measured at three month intervals include timeliness of care, patient adherence, patient satisfaction, quality of life, self-efficacy, health literacy, and cancer knowledge. This unique intervention combining patient navigation and patient activation is designed to address the multifactorial problem of cancer health disparities. If successful, this study will affect the design and implementation of patient navigation programs. clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00496678
Structural defect control and photosensitivity in reactively sputtered germanosilicate glass films

The optical performance of refractive index structures induced in photosensitive (PS) glasses ultimately depends on the index modulation depth attainable. In germanosilicate materials, the photosensitive response is linked to the presence of oxygen-deficient germanium point defect centers. Prior efforts to increase PS in these materials, e.g., hydrogen loading, rely on a chemical reduction of the glass structure to enhance the population of oxygen deficient centers and thus increase the saturated refractive index change. We have previously reported the development of highly photosensitive, as-deposited germanosilicate glass films through reactive atmosphere (O2Ar) sputtering from a Ge/Si alloy target. The present work details our investigation of the effect of substrate temperature during deposition on the material structure and propensity for photosensitivity. Using optical absorption/bleaching, Raman, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and selective charge injection techniques we show that the predominate defect states responsible for the PS response can be varied through substrate temperature control. We find that two regimes of photosensitive behavior can be accessed which exhibit dramatically different UV-bleaching characteristics. Thus, the corresponding dispersion of the refractive index change as well as its magnitude can be controlled using our synthesis technique. Tentative defect models for the photosensitive process in materials deposited at both ambient temperature and at elevated substrate temperatures are presented.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Tracking a changing environment: optimal sampling, adaptive memory and overnight effects.

Abstract Foraging in a variable environment presents a classic problem of decision making with incomplete information. Animals must track the changing environment, remember the best options and make choices accordingly. While several experimental studies have explored the idea that sampling behavior reflects the amount of environmental change, we take the next logical step in asking how change influences memory. We explore the hypothesis that memory length should be tied to the ecological relevance and the value of the information learned, and that environmental change is a key determinant of the value of memory. We use a dynamic programming model to confirm our predictions and then test memory length in a factorial experiment. In our experimental situation we manipulate rates of change in a simple foraging task for blue jays over a 36 h period. After jays experienced an experimentally determined change regime, we tested them at a range of retention intervals, from 1 to 72 h. Manipulated rates of change influenced learning and sampling rates: subjects sampled more and learned more quickly in the high change condition. Tests of retention revealed significant interactions between retention interval and the experienced rate of change. We observed a striking and surprising difference between the high and low change treatments at the 24 h retention interval. In agreement with earlier work we find that a circadian retention interval is special, but we find that the extent of this ‘specialness’ depends on the subject's prior experience of environmental change. Specifically, experienced rates of change seem to influence how subjects balance recent information against past experience in a way that interacts with the passage of time.
Gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves

The current study examined gender and identity status differences in late adolescents' possible selves. The intent of the study was to clarify conflicts between theory and research on gender differences in identity by investigating the content of participants' possible selves. Participants completed measures of identity and possible selves. The results indicated that there was a relationship between gender and the mean number of both feared and balanced interpersonally themed possible selves. The pattern of results is discussed in terms of prior findings regarding gender differences in both identity and possible selves. Suggestions for future research are also provided.
A complementary action of corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone on the mouse adrenal, with observations on the reactivity of reproductive tract structures to dehydroepiandrosterone and 11-hydroxy-androstenedione.

Dehydroepiandrosteronc (DHA) and corticosterone (B) had complementary and roughly additive effects in reducing adrenal weights in mice when the adrenal X zone was present. DHA suppressed the X zone whereas B reduced the size of the zona fasciculata. DHA had no effect on adrenal weights in mature mice in which the X zone was not present. The suppression of the X zone by DHA was compatible with apparently normal ovarian and uterine maturation. X zone suppression was produced by doses of DHA which gave only minimal stimulation to seminal vesicle growth, but had pronounced effects on the growth of the preputial glands and the phallus in either sex. 11-hydroxy-Δ4-androstcnedione was somewhat less active than DHA in suppressing the X zone, but its effects on reproductive tract structures were of the same order of magnitude If the reactivity of the human embryonic phallus is similar to that of the immature rodent, excessive production of either of these two adrenal androgens could be expected to account for the ...
Opium Alkaloids X: Biosynthesis of 1-Benzylisoquinolines

Radioactively labeled norreticuline was incorporated into papaverine in Papaver somniferum to an extent of about 5% without prior demethylation to norlaudanosoline. 1,2-Dehydronorreticuline does not participate in the biosynthesis of this alkaloid. (+)-Laudanosine is derived from (+)-reticuline via (+)-laudanidine, while (+)-codamine plays only a minor role. Radiodilution studies indicated that tetrahydropapaverine and papaveroline 6,3′,4′-trimethyl ether (pacodine) occur in the opium poppy. Based on the results of a series of tracer experiments, a scheme was proposed for the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in P. somniferum.
Effects of temperature, light and a chemical modulator on linolenate biosynthesis in mutant and wild type Arabidopsis calli

Abstract Temperature and light affected desaturation of linoleic acid (18:2) to linolenic acid (18:3) at the sn -1 and sn -2 positions of specific lipids in an independent manner in callus tissue of Arabidopsis thaliania . The prokaryotic pathway of desaturation predominated in tissue grown at 28° while at 18° the eukaryotic pathway predominated. The effects of the fadD mutation were diminished by continued growth in darkness. 4-Chloro-5-dimethylamino-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone, a compound thought to reduce desaturation of 18:2 by the prokaryotic pathway, caused a reduction in a specific polypeptide. This same polypeptide was reduced in a mutant of Arabidopsis ( fadD ) that has genetically reduced amounts of 18:3. The correlation between reduced levels of this polypeptide and reduced levels of 18:3 suggest an involvement of this polypeptide in fatty acid desaturation.
Fractionation of the Stale-Flavor Components of Dried Whole Milk

Summary The stale flavor of dried whole milk has been shown to exist in two forms which can be separated by CCl 4 -vapor distillation and Girard's-T extraction. One is nonvolatile under the conditions employed but can be extracted from the milk fat with Girard's-T reagent; the other is volatile and is not recovered from the Girard's-T extract after hydrolysis of the resulting hydrazones. The Girard's-T extractible component is recovered more completely from the fat when lower concentrations of Girard's-T reagent are used, a behavior similar to aldehydes. It can be separated by paper or column chromatography into a stationary and a mobile component which contains the flavor. The R f value of the mobile component is similar to that of the reaction product of heptaldehyde. It is readily decomposed by alkali or 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine in 4 m HCl. On treatment with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, at least four carbonyl compounds were obtained as decomposition products and tentatively identified by paper chromatography as acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone, and either 2-butanone or 2-pentanone. The CCl 4 -vapor distillates were found to contain at least seven carbonyl compounds, five of which have been identified as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, acetone, and 2-penatone. The remaining two compounds possess the spectra and chromatographic characteristics of a saturated monocarbonyl compound and either an unsaturated dicarbonyl or hydroxycarbonyl compound. The stale-flavor component of this fraction appears to behave like a dicarbonyl compound with Girard's-T reagent.
Aggression, gender-typical childhood play, and a prenatal hormonal index

An evaluation was conducted of 134 university students (93 female, 41 male) with the Aggression Questionnaire of Buss and Perry (1992) and a Gender-Typical Play Behavior Questionnaire constructed for this study. Measurements were taken of an index of prenatal androgen activity − finger length ratios − for which gender differences have been reported. Gender differences in aggression and in the finger length ratios were found, in the directions reported in the literature. Correlations between greater current report of aggression and play style more typical of boys during childhood were found in both the male and female samples. This relationship between current level of aggression and gender-typical childhood play across time was notable. Gender-typical finger length ratios were associated with gender-typical patterns of play for several indices. The current findings provide support for the idea that physical aggression, childhood play style, and finger length ratios may reflect prenatal androgenic influence.
Engineering a telecom-band controlled-NOT gate

We experimentally characterize a linear optics, telecom-band quantum controlled-NOT gate using a fiber-based source of degenerate photon pairs, and bound its process fidelity to 0.907 = Fp = 0.948.
Radiography review: the interstitial pattern of pulmonary disease.

The interstitium supports and surrounds the blood vessels, lymph vessels, bronchi, and alveoli. One of the most common interstitial lung patterns is that of multiple, variably sized distinct nodules. Pulmonary granulomas, abscesses, and neoplasms usually have this radiographic appearance. Other interstitial patterns result from the summation of multiple areas of diseased perivascular and peribronchial interstitial tissue and/or alveolar septa. Diseases characterized by this unstructured increase in pulmonary density include pulmonary fibrosis, early dirofilariasis, interstitial edema, viral pneumonia, and certain types of metastatic neoplasia.
SEARCH FOR ENHANCEMENT OF BREMSSTRAHLUNG PRODUCED BY 575-Mev ELECTRONS IN A SINGLE CRYSTAL OF SILICON

A single-crystal of silicon of 0.013-in. thickness was placed in the analyzed beam of the Stanford electron linear accelerator. The crystal was mounted in a double goniometer. X rays radiated in the crystal were detected by photoproduction of pions in a polyethylene target. The pion counting rate was examined as a function of "scanning" the goniometer over a range of sintering time 0.04 radian about both axes in steps of 0.010 radian. No statistically significant dependence of x-ray intensity on crystal orientation was found. (W.D.M.)
Treatment of distal ureteral tumors using endoscopic argon photoirradiation.

This is the first report on the use of endoscopic argon photoirradiation to treat patients with low-grade ureteral tumors involving the distal ureter. Using a rigid ureteropyeloscope, a 300 μ, or 600 μ quartz fiber, and 5 watts (W) of power in a continuous-wave mode, the lesions were ablated without complication. Patients remain free of ureteral recurrence after 5, 7, and 22 months. We conclude that the shallow (1 mm) depth of penetration and the ability to use the fiber in either a contact or noncontact mode provide the surgeon a large margin of safety and low risk of ureteral perforation. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of intravenously and orally administered tetrabromobisphenol A [2,3-dibromopropyl ether] in male Fischer-344 rats

Tetrabromobisphenol A bis[2,3-dibromopropyl ether],2,2-bis[3,5-dibromo-4-(2,3-dibromopropoxy)phenyl]propane is a brominated flame retardant with substantial U.S. production. Due to the likelihood of human exposure to TBBPA-DBPE and its probable metabolites, studies regarding the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion were conducted. Male Fischer-344 rats were dosed with TBBPA-DBPE (20mg/kg) by oral gavage or IV administration. Following a single oral administration of TBBPA-DBPE, elimination of [(14)C] equivalents in the feces was extensive and rapid (95% of dose by 36h). Following repeated daily oral doses for 5 or 10 days, route and rate of elimination was similar to single administrations of TBBPA-DBPE. After IV administration, fecal excretion of [(14)C] equivalents was much slower (27% of dose eliminated by 36h, 71% by 96h). Urinary elimination was minimal (<0.1%) following oral or IV administration. A single peak that co-eluted with the standard of TBBPA-DBPE was detected in extracts of whole blood following oral or IV administration. TBBPA-DBPE elimination from the blood was slow. Kinetic constants following IV dosing were-t(1/2beta): 24.8h; CL(b): 0.1mLmin(-1). Kinetic constants following oral dosing were: t(1/2alpha): 2.5h; t(1/2beta): 13.9h; CL(b): 4.6mLmin(-1). Systemic bioavailability was 2.2%. Liver was the major site of disposition following oral or IV administration. After oral administration, 1% of the dose was eliminated in bile in 24h (as metabolites). In in vitro experiments utilizing hepatocytes or liver microsomal protein, no detectable metabolism of TBBPA-DBPE occurred. These data indicate that TBBPA-DBPE is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Compound which is absorbed is sequestered in the liver, slowly metabolized, and eliminated in the feces.