cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hereditary colorectal cancer

CN02-02 Colorectal cancer in developed countries has an incidence worldwide of more than a million cases annually. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. An anticipated ~155,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and an estimated 55,000 individuals will die in the U.S. this year. Genetics has made important contributions to the identification of individuals who are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. This session will review advances in the field of colorectal cancer prevention. These advances include new risk assessment models for Lynch Syndrome cancer risk, improved approaches to understanding the role of missense mutations in colorectal cancer susceptibility, and the discovery of novel susceptibility loci from genetic association studies.
Development of an add-on kit for scanning confocal microscopy (Conference Presentation)

Scanning confocal microscopy is a standard choice for many fluorescence imaging applications in basic biomedical research. It is able to produce optically sectioned images and provide acquisition versatility to address many samples and application demands. However, scanning a focused point across the specimen limits the speed of image acquisition. As a result, scanning confocal microscope only works well with stationary samples. Researchers have performed parallel confocal scanning using digital-micromirror-device (DMD), which was used to project a scanning multi-point pattern across the sample. The DMD based parallel confocal systems increase the imaging speed while maintaining the optical sectioning ability. In this paper, we report the development of an add-on kit for high-speed and low-cost confocal microscopy. By adapting this add-on kit to an existing regular microscope, one can convert it into a confocal microscope without significant hardware modifications. Compared with current DMD-based implementations, the reported approach is able to recover multiple layers along the z axis simultaneously. It may find applications in wafer inspection and 3D metrology of semiconductor circuit. The dissemination of the proposed add-on kit under $1000 budget could also lead to new types of experimental designs for biological research labs, e.g., cytology analysis in cell culture experiments, genetic studies on multicellular organisms, pharmaceutical drug profiling, RNA interference studies, investigation of microbial communities in environmental systems, and etc.
Molecular Aspects of Cytochrome P450 2E1 and Its Roles in Chemical Toxicity

Cytochrome P450 2E1, previously known as P450LM3a, P450j, P450ac, or P450alc, has received a great deal of attention in recent years because of its vital role in the activation of many toxic chemicals (Yang, et al., 1992, Yang, et al., 1990, Guengerich, et al., 1991, Koop, 1992). In this chapter, the structure, catalytic activities, and regulation of this enzyme are discussed. Examples are used to illustrate this enzyme as a target for the interactions of many environmental chemicals. Although written in the form of a review, it is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the literature. Many of our own studies are used as examples to illustrate pertinent points.
Sources and Significance of Variation as Measured in Human Populations

Our commission is to discuss the nature and meaning of variation and yet to avoid overlap with the comments of our distinguished colleagues. As theorists, we shall take a somewhat abstract approach; and as physicians we shall try to extend it to include the level of human subtlety.
DPG - a link between blood acid-base status and respiratory function.

The intimate connection between the acid-base status and respiratory function of blood is a fundamental concept of physiology. Recognition of this fact effectively dates back to the report by Bohr et al. (1904) of the effect of CO2 on the oxyhemglobin dissociation curve (ODC), since it later became clear that CO2-mediated pH changes are primarily responsible for the “Bohr effect”.
Phase-Controlled Rectifiers and Line-Commutated Inverters

As an introduction to a discussion of phase-controlled rectifiers, it is instructive to review the operation of simple diode circuits. One of the most basic circuits is shown in Fig. 7–1. This is referred to as a full-wave rectifier because an output voltage is supplied on both half-cycles of the ac input. The term single way implies that current flows in only one direction in the transformer secondary windings. Figure 7–1 is also called a two-pulse rectifier since there are two dc output current pulses per cycle of the ac input frequency. Another name for the circuit of Fig. 7–1 is the single-phase, center-tap rectifier.
Dominance of Furosemide for Loop Diuretic Therapy in Heart Failure: Time to Revisit the Alternatives?

To the Editor: Diuretics are a mainstay of treatment in both chronic and acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Studies during the 1990s and early 2000s show that roughly 90% of HF patients receive at least 1 class of diuretics, particularly a loop diuretic, for management of chronic ([1,2][1]) or
A heuristic approach to stochastic models of single neurons

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses heuristic approximation methods for the firing times obtained from several stochastic one-compartment or lumped models of a neuron. The first-passage times through four neural models include Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process, Stein's model, Stein's model with a reversal potential, and stochastic after-hyperpolarization model. The models considered in the method are of the voltage threshold type; specifically, when the voltage across the cell membrane at a particular spatial location, called the trigger zone, exceeds a voltage threshold, then a brief electrical pulse known as an action potential or spike is generated. Noise is considered to be unwanted in a system and to be eliminated by some appropriate averaging or filtering. The rate parameter of the limiting exponential distribution has been obtained in three ways for the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process and interaction among the three approaches—asymptotic series in Seigert's approach, perturbation of dynamic systems via the Wentzell–Freidlin method, and Poisson nature of up-crossings from extreme value theory—appears to be a rich area for gaining insight.
Open educational resources: an analysis of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities student preferences

The cost of college tuition and textbooks continues to rise and can function as a barrier to education for many students. This study evaluated Minnesota State Colleges and Universities students’ at...
Executive Function Predicting Longitudinal Change in Type 1 Diabetes Management During the Transition to Emerging Adulthood

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine 1) whether teens’ glycemic control and adherence to type 1 diabetes treatment regimen worsen during the transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood, and 2) whether teens’ executive function (EF), as measured by performance and self-reported problems with EF, is predictive of these changes (after controlling for general intelligence). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS High school seniors with type 1 diabetes (N = 236; mean age 17.74 years) were assessed at three yearly time points. At baseline, during the senior year of high school, participants completed a self-report measure of problems with EF and performance-based measures of EF and general intelligence (IQ). Glycemic control was determined on the basis of results collected from HbA1c assay kits, and teens reported their adherence at all three time points. RESULTS HbA1c increased significantly across the three time points and adherence declined. EF performance was not associated with adherence or HbA1c at baseline, nor with changes in adherence over time. However, better EF performance predicted slower increases in HbA1c over time (i.e., slope) while controlling for IQ. Teens’ self-reported problems with EF were associated with worse glycemic control and poorer adherence at baseline (i.e., intercept), but they did not predict changes in either HbA1c or adherence over time (i.e., slope). CONCLUSIONS Abilities involved in performance on EF tests may be one resource for maintaining better glycemic control during the transition to emerging adulthood. Assessment of such EF abilities may allow for the identification of individuals who are most at risk for deterioration of glycemic control during this transition.
Novel Insights of the Gene Translational Dynamic and Complex Revealed by Ribosome Profiling

Biology research has entered into the big data era. Systems biology approaches, therefore, have become essential tools to elucidate the whole landscape of how cells separate, grow, and resist different stresses. In 2009, a novel RNA technology, termed ribosome profiling, was invented by Dr. Jonathan Weissman Lab from UCSF. Ribosome profiling (Ribo-Seq) is a powerful tool which can provide the most direct readout of the intracellular translation state of a protein including information on the location of translation start/stop sites, ribosome distribution pattern, and even the moving rate of the translating ribosome, at the whole-genome scale and single-nucleotide resolution.
Weighted raised cosine waveform with reduced peak to average power ratio for optical transmission

The raised cosine is a bandwidth efficient pulse shaping waveform with relatively high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) for smaller excess bandwidths. Reducing the PAPR while maintaining the shaped waveform integrity and bandwidth efficiency increases the transmission rate by utilizing the spectrum more effectively. In this paper, we modify the raised cosine by reducing the adjacent symbol contribution to the PAPR with small increase in the Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and the required bandwidth over the raised cosine waveform. The attained PAPR reduction is on the order of 1.5 dB for the smaller excess bandwidth.
Uveal Melanoma Metastatic to the Liver: Treatment Trends and Outcomes.

Objective: To describe treatment trends and outcomes of liver metastasis from uveal melanoma. Methods: Retrospective case series of 73 patients with uveal melanoma liver metastasis. Patients were treated first-line with systemic therapy (not including checkpoint inhibitors), checkpoint inhibitors, local therapy or no treatment. Time to metastasis, detection method, and survival data were collected. Time periods were divided between 2004–2011 and 2012–2016. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Median PFS and OS for the entire cohort was 4 months (95% CI 3–5) and 15 months (95% CI 11–18), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in PFS and OS across the two time periods. Patients who received no treatment had the shortest OS (median 4.9 months), whereas those treated with local therapy had the longest PFS (median 4.6 months) and OS (median 18.7 months). Having liver metastasis diagnosed by symptoms was associated with a greater risk of mortality (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients who received first-line local treatment had the longest PFS and OS, while patients who received no treatment had the shortest OS. Survival outcomes did not improve for patients including those receiving check point inhibitors.
Closer Look at Mobile Hybrid Apps Configurations: Statistics and Implications

We are witnessing a transition in the development of mobile operating systems from native custom architectures to web-based cross-platforms. There are several security implications of bringing the web code to smart-phones. In this paper, we present a large-scale study that is centered on mobile hybrid apps configurations and permissions usage patterns. We study the platform configuration model and its’ evolution. We find that while the platform is adding more security features, there is a demonstrable misconfiguration trend. The result of analyzing a set of 2111 hybrid apps uncovered several alarming observations. We have found that 80% of the apps are vulnerable to injection attacks because of an absence or a poor usage of the security model provided by the platform. We also detect a trend of keeping risky default configuration settings which results in having over-privileged apps that may expose device APIs to malicious code. On the system side, we realize that most of the apps have access to the platform’s INTERNET and GEOLOCATION permissions. Google messaging is also recognized as the most widely used third-party service. In addition, we detect suspicious set of domains including spying, payment, Adware, and military that are white-listed. This study has the following contributions: (1) Systematizing our knowledge about mobile hybrid apps configuration model. (2) Providing an evidence of configuration misuse and developers tendency to use defaults. (3) Discussing possible reasons of misconfiguration practices and suggesting recommendations that address both the platform and the developer.
Combining Contextualized Embeddings and Prior Knowledge for Clinical Named Entity Recognition: Evaluation Study.

Background: Named entity recognition (NER) is a key step in clinical natural language processing (NLP). Traditionally, rule-based systems leverage prior knowledge to define rules to identify named entities. Recently, deep learning–based NER systems have become more and more popular. Contextualized word embedding, as a new type of representation of the word, has been proposed to dynamically capture word sense using context information and has proven successful in many deep learning–based systems in either general domain or medical domain. However, there are very few studies that investigate the effects of combining multiple contextualized embeddings and prior knowledge on the clinical NER task. Objective: This study aims to improve the performance of NER in clinical text by combining multiple contextual embeddings and prior knowledge. Methods: In this study, we investigate the effects of combining multiple contextualized word embeddings with classic word embedding in deep neural networks to predict named entities in clinical text. We also investigate whether using a semantic lexicon could further improve the performance of the clinical NER system. Results: By combining contextualized embeddings such as ELMo and Flair, our system achieves the F-1 score of 87.30% when only training based on a portion of the 2010 Informatics for Integrating Biology and the Bedside NER task dataset. After incorporating the medical lexicon into the word embedding, the F-1 score was further increased to 87.44%. Another finding was that our system still could achieve an F-1 score of 85.36% when the size of the training data was reduced to 40%. Conclusions: Combined contextualized embedding could be beneficial for the clinical NER task. Moreover, the semantic lexicon could be used to further improve the performance of the clinical NER system.
Short-Term Prognostic Impact of Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults Without Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease.

Arterial stiffness, represented as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD). In older populations, however, this association seems attenuated. Moreover, th...
Groundwater Occurrence, Recharge and Productivity in Tertiary Volcanic Rocks of Ethiopia and Climate Change Implications

This chapter discusses groundwater occurrence, recharge and productivity in the Tertiary volcanic rocks (Trap series) of the north-central plateau of Ethiopia. It outlines the various water-bearing rocks and the provenance of recharge mechanisms in these aquifer media. It also elaborates on the possible impact of climate change on the groundwater recharge and yield and gives generalized groundwater management strategies in the face of climate change in Ethiopia.
Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor sterilization of N95 respirators for reuse

Abstract Reprocessing of used N95 respirators may ameliorate supply chain constraints during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a higher filtration crisis alternative. The FDA Medical Countermeasures Initiative previously funded a study of HP vapor decontamination of respirators using a Clarus C system (Bioquell, Horsham, PA) which normally is used to fumigate hospital rooms. The process preserved respirator function, but it is unknown if HP vapor would be virucidal since respirators have porous fabric that may harbor virus. We evaluated the virucidal activity of HP vapor using a BQ-50 system (Bioquell, Horsham, PA) after inoculating 3M 1870 N95 respirators (3M, St. Paul, MN) with 3 aerosolized bacteriophage that are a reasonable proxy for SARS-CoV-2. Inoculation resulted in contamination of the respirator with 9.87e4 plaque forming units (PFU) of phage phi-6, 4.17e7 PFU of phage T7 and 1.35e7 PFU of phage T1. Respirators were reprocessed with BQ-50 with a long aeration phase to reduce HP vapors. Virucidal activity was measured by a standard plaquing assay prior to and after sterilization. A single HP vapor cycle resulted in complete eradication of phage from masks (limit of detection 10 PFU, lower than the infectious dose of the majority of respiratory viral pathogens). After 5 cycles, the respirators appeared similar to new with no deformity. Use of a Bioquell machine can be scaled to permit simultaneous sterilization of a large number of used but otherwise intact respirators. HP vapor reprocessing may ease shortages and provide a higher filtration crisis alternative to non-NIOSH masks.
Abstract B20: Patient-derived organoids demonstrate synergistic effect of co-targeting Aurora kinase and prosurvival BCL2 family proteins

Many melanomas are resistant to standard-of-care immune checkpoint blockade and inhibitors of mutated BRAF. New effective therapies that work via immune and BRAF-independent mechanisms are urgently needed. We have previously demonstrated that an inhibitor of mitotic kinase Aurora A (AURKAi) can induce a distinct type of stable cell cycle known as senescence in melanoma tumors independent of their genetic background. Here we hypothesized that combination of AURKAi with a drug that selectively kills senescent cells, such as BCL2 inhibitor (BCLi) navitoclax, will be synthetically lethal to melanoma cells. Melanoma patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were used to test efficacy of AURKAi and BCLi combination treatment. To generate organoids, patient-derived tumor cells were cultured ex vivo in 3D matrix. Drug response was evaluated using fluorescent viability assay. Fifteen out of twenty PDOs were highly sensitive to AURKAi and BCLi combination treatment, exhibiting robust induction of cell death. No cell death was observed when either drug was added individually. NextGen DNA sequencing indicated that all sensitive PDOs retained wild-type TP53, while resistant tumors had mutations in this gene. Knockout or knockdown of TP53 abrogated AURKAi and BCLi-induced cell death in melanoma cells, suggesting that transcription factor p53 encoded by TP53 is a key mediator of drug response. Mechanistically, p53 was induced by AURKAi treatment independent of BCLi. However, single-agent AURKAi treatment resulted in activation of p53-mediated cell cycle arrest based on increased expression of CDK inhibitor p21 and decreased expression of proliferation markers. In contrast, addition of BCLi to AURKAi activated proapoptotic p53 target BAX and induced cleavage of PARP and caspases 3, 7, and 8. Treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor abrogated cell death, suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis. Electron microscopy revealed morphologic signs of apoptosis in combination-treated cells, including cell blebbing, apoptotic bodies, and nuclear fragmentation. This suggests that BCLi shifts cell fate decision in AURKAi-treated cells towards apoptosis. In conclusion, combination treatment with AURKAi and BCl2i induced p53-dependent apoptosis. Preclinical evaluation of this drug combination in PDO model demonstrated robust efficacy against melanomas with wild-type p53. Since p53 mutations are relatively rare in melanoma, a combination of AURKAi and BCLi presents a promising therapeutic option for this deadly disease. Citation Format: Vijaya Bharti, Ashlyn Blevins, Vivian L. Weiss, Sheau C Chen, Roman Uzhachenko, Ann Richmond, Anna E. Vilgelm. Patient-derived organoids demonstrate synergistic effect of co-targeting Aurora kinase and prosurvival BCL2 family proteins [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Evolving Landscape of Cancer Modeling; 2020 Mar 2-5; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B20.
TOPOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE BAND STRUCTURE OF SILICA

ABSTRACT Under some circumstances, the electronic properties (using a tight binding model) and the vibrational properties (using a rigid ion model) of silica networks can be expressed in terms of the Connectivity Matrix . This matrix contains information about the connectivity of the network and its properties are fairly well understood as a result of extensive studies on silicon networks. If the range of the overlap parameters becomes too large, this description breaks down and structural parameters such as the dihedral angle enter in an unavoidable way. In crystalline forms of silica, traditional band structure methods are far superior to this approach. However in comparing crystalline and vitreous silica, it is useful to have a common language when discussing the main features in the density of states. A detailed discussion is given for the oxygen 2s band in silica.
Strategies for food system sustainability in China

For the food system of China and its individual provinces to stay within downscaled planetary boundaries, sustainability strategies must combine demand, production, and redistribution interventions to meet targets for greenhouse gas emissions, water use, land use, and nutrient inputs.
Laboratory Measurements of the Hyperfine Structure of H14N12C and D14N12C

The nuclear quadrupole hyperfine structure of H14N12C and D14N12C has been resolved in the laboratory for the first time using millimeter-wave absorption spectroscopy. The transient species were produced in a pulsed DC discharge nozzle, and Doppler broadening effects were minimized by propagating the millimeter waves coaxially with the supersonic molecular beam. New rest frequencies for the J = 1-0, J = 2-1, and J = 3-2 rotational transitions of the ground vibrational state were determined. The nuclear quadrupole coupling constants derived from the spectra are (eQq)N = 264.5 ± 4.6 kHz for H14N12C and (eQq)N = 294.7 ± 13.1 kHz and (eQq)D = 261.9 ± 14.5 kHz for D14N12C.
Sensitivity of Pol-InSAR Measurements to Vegetation Parameters

Estimation of forest height from combined polarimetric and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (Pol-InSAR) measurements has been the focus of radar remote sensing studies in the past decade. The simplicity of the random-volume-over-ground (RVoG) model makes it one of the most widely used candidates for estimating canopy height. However, the polarization-independent extinction coefficient assumption in the RVoG model fails in some certain types of the canopies, as suggested by the oriented-volume-over-ground (OVoG) model. The sensitivity of coherence magnitude and phase to different parameters of the canopy is expressed in a closed-form formulation in this paper for the first time. In order to simplify our formulation, the forest is represented by a layer of discrete randomly distributed dielectric scatterers over ground, with azimuthal symmetry. The sensitivity analysis of this work quantifies the contribution of differential extinction due to polarization change in interferometric coherence. Therefore, we can quantitatively evaluate whether the RVoG model is accurate enough to be used for a specific kind of canopy or the OVoG model is needed for better estimation. A simple layer of leaves over ground is used to simulate the sensitivity of Pol-InSAR measurements to different parameters.
A Note on the Limits of Rossby Wave Amplitudes

Quasi-geostrophic dynamics, as usually formulated, centers on the conservation of pseudopotential vorticity (PV) on isobaric surfaces. The present study has the objective to investigate some simple constraints which conservation of PV imposes on internal Rossby waves. Attention is given to some of the limitations that conservation of potential vorticity imposes on the dynamics of the stratosphere. Another possible constraint imposed by hydrodynamic stability is also discussed. The quantitative limitations these constraints put on the amplitudes of internal Rossby waves are assessed and compared with observations of the lower stratosphere.
Distributed application management using Plush

Recent computing trends have shown an increase in the demand for large-scale, distributed, federated computing environments. Two of the more popular environments that have emerged are the grid and PlanetLab. At a high level, these systems are similar in many ways; both are comprised of a set of heterogeneous interconnected machines that allows secure resource sharing for a variety of different users and applications. However, at a lower level, the systems are very distinct in the sense that they were designed to solve different types of problems, and therefore have fundamental differences that make it difficult to develop and deploy applications on both platforms. As a result, application designers and researchers create software that runs on either the grid or PlanetLab, but not both. We propose to solve this problem by describing a common abstraction for both PlanetLab and grid applications. Further, we present Plush - a tool that implements the distributed application abstraction by providing a pluggable and extensible infrastructure allowing users to customize their environment for running experiments on both PlanetLab and the grid.
Guided ultrasonic wave testing of an immersed plate with hidden defects

This paper presents the results of an experimental study in which guided ultrasonic waves are used for the contactless nondestructive testing of a plate immersed in water. In the experiment, narrowband leaky Lamb waves are generated using a focused transducer and are detected with an array of five immersion sensors arranged in a semicircle. The ultrasonic signals are processed to extract a few damage-sensitive features from the time and frequency domains. These features are then fed to an artificial neural network to identify the presence of hidden defects, i.e., defects devised on the surface of the plate not facing the probing system. We find that the noncontact inspection system and the signal processing technique enable the classification of the plate health with a success rate >75%.
Closure duration and release burst amplitude cues to stop consonant manner and place of articulation.

The perception of stop consonants was studied in a constant neutral [s-1] context. Truncated natural [p] , [t], and [k] release bursts at two intensities were preceded by variable silent closure intervals. The bursts, though spectrally distinct, conveyed little specific place information but contributed to the perception of stop manner by reducing the amount of silence required to perceive a stop (relative to a burstless stimulus). Burst amplitude was a cue for both stop manner and place; higher amplitudes favored "t," lower amplitudes favored "p" responses. The silent closure interval, a major stop manner cue, emerged as the primary place cue in this situation: Short intervals led to "t," long ones to "p" responses. All these perceptual effects probably reflect listeners' tacit knowledge of systematic acoustic differences in natural speech.
Recycling the distal dorsum as a sheen graft

Abstract Background: Surgeons performing rhinoplasty are increasingly faced with secondary procedures in graft-depleted patients. Objective: A method is described for recycling resected distal dorsum as a Sheen tip graft. Methods: Each of 16 primary rhinoplasty patients was treated with a Sheen graft to the nasal tip harvested from the distal cartilaginous dorsum; the dorsal cartilaginous hump was removed without dorsal mucosal disruption. Intact dorsal vestibular mucosa acts as a mucosal spreader graft by adding width between the dorsum and the resected upper lateral cartilages. The hump must be large enough that resection of the distal dorsum will not result in overresection of the midvault. Results: Postoperative photographic analysis of each of the 16 patients after 1 to 5 years of follow-up shows increased nasal tip projection, establishment of a tip-defining point, and a double break (a supratip and infralobular break). No graft absorption was clinically noted. Conclusions: Recycling of the distal dorsum as a Sheen graft in selected patients results in an aesthetic contour. This method limits surgical dissection to a single donor area, saves time, preserves the septum, avoids potential septal perforation or hematoma, and decreases hemorrhage and edema.
Hurricane-related exposure experiences and stressors, other life events, and social support: concurrent and prospective impact on children's persistent posttraumatic stress symptoms.

Objective: We investigated the influence of hurricane exposure, stressors occurring during the hurricane and recovery period, and social support on children's persistent posttraumatic stress (PTS). Method: Using a 2-wave, prospective design, we assessed 384 children (54% girls; mean age = 8.74 years) 9 months posthurricane, and we reassessed 245 children 21 months posthurricane. Children completed measures of exposure experiences, social support, hurricane-related stressors, life events, and PTS symptoms. Results: At Time 1, 35% of the children reported moderate to very severe levels of PTS symptoms; at Time 2, this reduced to 29%. Hurricane-related stressors influenced children's persistent PTS symptoms and the occurrence of other life events, which in turn also influenced persistent PTS symptoms. The cascading effects of hurricane stressors and other life events disrupted children's social support over time, which further influenced persistent PTS symptoms. Social support from peers buffered the impact of disaster exposure on children's PTS symptoms. Conclusions: The effects of a destructive hurricane on children's PTS symptoms persisted almost 2 years after the storm. The factors contributing to PTS symptoms are interrelated in complex ways. The findings suggest a need to close the gap between interventions delivered in the immediate and short-term aftermath and those delivered 2 years or more postdisaster. Such interventions might focus on helping children manage disaster-related stressors and other life events as well as bolstering children's support systems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Devising Effective Responses to Increased Alcohol and Drug Usage among Students

Campus police and university administrators are facing an increased use of alcohol and other drugs by college students. In an effort to address these concerns, campus police are re-examining their policies and adopting flexible community-oriented strategies as well as reassessing methods to deal effectively with alcohol and drug usage. The results of the CORE Institute Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies Survey at a public four-year institution in eastern North Carolina were analysed to determine patterns and trends of alcohol and drug use. Specific recommendations are made for campus police departments to address the increased usage of alcohol and drugs on college campuses based upon the CORE findings and the prevention and intervention strategies utilised by other college and universities.
Educational Technology and the Future

The computer, and such associated devices as the optical videodisc, is at present little used in the learning process. But this use is extremely likely to increase rapidly in the future. There will be important implications to those interested in learning. The present paper outlines some of those implications.
Hypo-elastic model for lung parenchyma

A simple, isotropic, elastic constitutive model for the spongy tissue in lung is formulated from the theory of hypo-elasticity. The model is shown to exhibit a pressure dependent behavior that has been interpreted in the literature as indicating extensional anisotropy. In contrast, we show that this behavior arises naturally from an analysis of isotropic hypo-elastic invariants and is a result of non-linearity, not anisotropy. The response of the model is determined analytically for several boundary value problems used for material characterization. These responses give insight into both the material behavior as well as admissible bounds on parameters. The model predictions are compared with published experimental data for dog lung.
Monetary pricing of software development risks: A method and empirical illustration

The ability to price (monetize) software development risks can benefit various aspects of software development decision-making. This paper presents a risk pricing method that estimates two parameters for every individual risk factor: extra cost incurred per unit exposure, and project sensitivity, to that factor. Since variability is a widely used measure of risk in finance and decision sciences, the method derives risk pricing parameters by relating variability in risk factors to variability in project cost. This approach rests on the fact that a parametric cost estimator predicts project cost by adjusting the ''nominal'' cost of a project based on the expected values of risk factors (cost drivers), but the actual project cost often deviates from prediction because the actual values of risk factors normally deviate from expectations. In addition, to illustrate the viability of the method, the paper applies the method empirically with COCOMO data, to approximate risk pricing parameters for four risk factors (Personnel Capability, Process Maturity, Technology Platform, and Application Task). Importantly, though, the method could work equally well with data recorded based on other parametric cost estimators. The paper also discusses several areas that can benefit from benchmark risk pricing parameters of the kind we obtain.
The limits to growth debate and future crisis in Africa: a case-study from Swaziland.

Projected demand and resource adequacy in rural Swaziland is examined both theoretically and empirically (realistically) and compared with UN data. An overview of the Malthusian debate and background are provided. The study area was in Mahamba-Zombodze Rural Development Area (RDA) in census enumeration districts 3304-07 and 3350. The location physical characteristics current settlement and land use and historical changes are presented. In testing the limits to growth theory the theoretical perspective taps the land capability and high estimates of maize production and rangeland carrying capacity as an upper limit on resource capacity. Comparison is made among baseline data in 1947 the recent census in 1986 and projections to the year 2000. The theoretical results indicate that cropland is adequate with high input management between 1947 and 1986 and after. Rangeland adequacy declined between 1947 and 1986 and is projected to remain at about the same level in the year 2000 due to declines in livestock holdings per homestead. Rangeland is insufficient due to competition with arable land. Results vary according to enumeration area for both theoretical and realistic results. Cropland adequacy decreased between 1947 and 1986 and no allowance is made for fallow land; projections are for a continued decrease. Cropland is inadequate because of drought or low fertilizer use. Rangeland adequacy decreased between 1947 and 2000. It is uncertain whether resource management can compensate for the inadequacies in cropland and rangeland. The in-depth survey of district 3306 yields grim results due to unequal resource allocation limited income opportunities and inadequacies in the resource base. The UN projections and the theoretical results are meaningless when realistic estimates show that only 50% of the projected population can be fed under adverse climate or management conditions in the year 2000. Complete collapse however is not the result but rather longterm low equilibrium. The policy implication is that neither physical social or economic constraints can be ignored. Ideological conflicts deny the reality. Critical policies need to be examined.
An empirical analysis of software effort estimate alterations

This research studies the effect of descriptive estimate alterations on the accuracy of the resulting estimate. The two major reasons for estimate alterations studied here are the project manager's experience and time constraints. Estimate alterations done for these two reasons and their effect on accuracy is also examined. The confidence of the project manager in the estimation model and its effect on the accuracy of the resulting estimate is also studied. The extent of estimate alterations, estimate alterations made for these two reasons, and the project manager's confidence significantly affect the accuracy of the resulting final estimate. Finally, the reasons reported by managers to explain the percentage of relative error in software effort estimation are documented.
Comparison of blenders for the extraction of carbofuran from radishes

Extraction, although an essential link in the chain of pesticide analysis, is rarely evaluated. Most of the methods utilized to determine pesticide recoveries through an analytical scheme cannot in fact assess extraction efficiency. Work has been performed at this laboratory to more quantitatively determine extraction efficiencies and to identify significant variables in the extraction process (WHEELER et al. 1978, 1979). Typically, the extraction process involves the mixing of an extracting solvent with the substrate to be extracted utilizing one of several commonly used blenders. Analytical methodology protocols of various agencies rarely define the type of blending apparatus that should be used or the operational parameters for that apparatus. It has been assumed that the various blenders will produce adequate, or at least similar extractions. This paper will compare the effectiveness of three commonly used blenders to extract 1~C-labeled carbofuran from radishes.
Improvements in an anisotropic ocean surface emissivity model based on WindSat polarimetric brightness observations

The goal of this research has been to develop a standardized fast full-Stokes ocean surface emissivity model with Jacobian for a wind-driven ocean surface applicable at arbitrary microwave frequencies, polarizations, and incidence angles. The model is based on the Ohio State University (OSU) two-scale code for surface emission developed by Johnson (2006, IEEE TGRS, 44, 560) as presented in our 2013 URSI talk. A total of five physical tuning parameters were identified, including the spectral strength and the hydrodynamic modulation factor. The short wave part of the spectrum is also allowed to have an arbitrary ratio relative to the long wave part. The foam fraction is multiplied by a variable correction factor, and also modulated to allow an anisotropic foam fraction with more foam on the leeward side of a wave.
Mapping of the heavy ion outflows as seen by IMAGE and multifluid global modeling for the 17 April 2002 storm

[1] Multifluid global modeling that includes both light and heavy ion dynamics is used to investigate changes in magnetospheric dynamics produced by enhanced ionospheric outflows for the 17 April 2002 storm. The predicted outflow rates and their effects on the magnetosphere are compared with AMIE and IMAGE/HENA data as a function of relative O+ concentration in the ionosphere. It is shown that O+ can be the dominant species on the dusk side in the inner magnetosphere during the periods of high activity even for ionospheric concentrations as low as 5% as a result of differential heavy ion convection patterns. However, for these low outflow conditions, the cross-polar cap potential is much larger than that calculated by AMIE. As the O+ ionospheric concentration increases, the heavy outflow rate approaches canonical values, and the effective ionospheric resistivity falls in association with a decrease in cross-polar cap potential and an increase in the auroral field aligned currents. Within the magnetosphere, the region where the O+ concentration exceeds 50% expands toward the duskside and down the tail. Pressures in excess of 1 nPa can be supported by the enhanced O+ outflows. The presence of these enhanced outflows appears at about the same time and over a similar region to enhancements seen in the HENA 51–180 keV oxygen data. These results provide a direct tie between heavy ionospheric outflows and their energization in the tail and suggest that during this period the heavy ions provide a substantial amount of the plasma required to support the magnetotail current sheet. The model results also show that the enhanced O+ outflow leads to the enhanced exclusion of light ions of both solar wind and ionospheric origin in the plasma sheet, albeit with the light ions experiencing enhanced heating in an O+ dominated current sheet. These results indicate that observed heavy ionospheric outflows and their energetization in the tail have global consequences for the magnetosphere including supporting the dynamics of the tail current sheet during active times and in global circulation including the cross-polar cap potential and the region 1 and 2 currents.
Systemic Hypoperfusion in a Neonate With Tricuspid Atresia and Transposition of the Great Arteries Similarity to the Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Infants with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome present a reproducible appearance that terminates in irreversible shock during the neonatal period. There is disagreement over the exact cause of this appearance. This case involves a newborn infant with tricuspid atresia and transposition of the great arteries, and with the clinical appearance and course usually reserved for neonates with the hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Accurate diagnosis is crucial in all such infants to correctly distinguish those with a hopeless outcome from those amenable to palliative cardiovascular surgery. This case supports the contention that ductal closure alone is not the principal cause of death in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
CHANGES IN ALANINE TRANSAMINASE ACTIVITY RELATED TO CORTICOSTEROID TREATMENT OR CAPACITY FOR GROWTH.

Abstract Alanine transaminase activity in liver can be increased or decreased from its normal level by various physiological conditions. The only common factor associated with these experimental treatments appears to be related to changes in the size of the amino acid pool in liver. Thus, in addition to conditions associated with an enhanced rate of gluconeogenesis, such as glucocorticoid treatment, diabetes, starvation or feeding high protein diets, each of which increases alanine transaminase activity, other conditions involving the growth of new tissues including the presence of a rapidly growing tumor, fetal development or partial hepatectomy each results in decreased activity of this transaminase in liver. Only steroids with glucocorticoid activity are effective as inducers of this transaminase. Treatments modifying pituitary-adrenal function alter the hepatic activity of alanine transaminase. Injection of corticotrophin results in elevated activity whereas injection of deoxycorticosterone consistently lowers the level of this enzyme, apparently by depression of pituitary output of ACTH. In the adrenalectomized rat, both the level of dietary protein and the presence of a corticosteroid appear to be necessary for maximal induction of alanine transaminase activity. Significant changes in alanine transaminase activity were also induced by cortisol in the thymus gland and several neoplasms responsive to this steroid. The relative change in the activity of this enzyme does appear to reflect changes in metabolism associated with the growth inhibitory effect of cortisol on such tissues. Attempts to demonstrate the induction of tyrosine transaminase in tissues other than liver have not been successful. Aspartate transaminase in liver, thymus gland or lymphocytic neoplasms is unresponsive to cortisol treatment indicating some selectivity of the adaptive response of alanine transaminase in the same tissues. Additional studies are required to determine which enzymic alterations underlie the capacity of tissues to respond to corticosteroid treatment. The alteration of alanine transaminase activity in vivo requires further study with regard to the possibility that this enzyme has a regulatory role under physiological conditions.
Racial inequities in the timing of breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment.

Background:Recent studies suggest differences in quality and timeliness of care received may be major contributing sources to the racial disparity in breast cancer detection and related outcomes.Methods:Female patients with breast cancer diagnosed during 1985–1993 (n = 400) and followed through June
Characterization and validation of a streptozotocin-induced diabetes model in the vervet monkey.

Abstract Introduction: Streptozotocin (STZ), preferentially toxic to pancreatic beta cells, is commonly used to model Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in numerous species, including nonhuman primates. Methods: We induced DM in twenty vervet monkeys ( Chlorocebus aethiops ) by intravenous administration of either 45 (n = 8, STZ-45) or 55 mg/kg STZ (n = 12, STZ-55); ten control (CTL) monkeys received saline. Results: Overall there was 15% mortality, likely secondary to renal toxicity. Twice-daily insulin therapy was initiated to maintain comparable glycemic control, confirmed by comparable glycated hemoglobin levels. Exogenous insulin requirements increased rapidly for 4 weeks; STZ-45 insulin doses stabilized thereafter while STZ-55 doses continued to increase through 16 weeks. Glucose tolerance testing and arginine-stimulated insulin secretion confirmed 80–90% reduction in pancreatic beta cell function in both groups. Body weight was reduced in all STZ monkeys, with return to baseline only in STZ-45 at 16 wks. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were noted in the STZ-55 group. Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) was also increased with STZ-55 (p Discussion: We have demonstrated that a model of DM can be induced and maintained in vervets with a single dose of STZ. The lower dose of STZ (45 mg/kg) significantly improved the toxicity profile without altering efficacy in inducing DM. Finally, sufficient time following induction is recommended to allow transient renal, hepatic and hematologic parameters to resolve.