cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a New Immunoassay for Human Cathepsin K-Generated Periostin Fragments as a Serum Biomarker for Cortical Bone.

Periostin is a matricellular protein mainly expressed by periosteal cells and osteocytes in bone, but is also present in several other tissues. Available immunoassays use antibodies of unclear specificity. The aim of the study was to develop a bone-specific periostin ELISA based on the detection of fragments generated by the osteoclastic and osteocytic protease cathepsin K. In vitro digestion of human recombinant intact periostin by cathepsin K leads to the generation of multiple fragments. Using LS–MS/MS, it was found that the GSLQPIIK peptide was the most efficiently and abundantly generated periostin fragment. A rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against the synthetic GSLQPIIK sequence was produced. Immunohistochemistry experiments of the tibia showed that the GSLQPIIK fragments localized at the periosteal surface and within the osteocytes. Using the same antibody, we developed an ELISA for the measurement of GSLQPIIK in the serum. This ELISA demonstrated intra- and interassay variability below 14% with a sensitivity allowing accurate determinations in the serum of healthy individuals. Serum GSLQPIIK was measured in 160 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age 65 year) participating in the Geneva Retiree Cohort. Serum GSLQPIIK levels did not correlate with total periostin, hip BMD, and the bone markers PINP and CTX. However, GSLQPIIK was negatively correlated (p values ranging from 0.007 to 0.03) with Hr-pQCT measures of tibia and radius cortical bone, but not with trabecular parameters. We have developed the first assay for the detection of periostin fragments generated by cathepsin K. Because serum levels of this new marker significantly correlated with cortical bone measurements in postmenopausal women, it may prove to be useful for the clinical investigation of patients with osteoporosis.
Transition of Femtosecond-Filament-Solid Interactions from Single to Multiple Filament Regime

High-peak-power fs-laser filaments offer unique characteristics attractive to remote sensing via techniques such as remote laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (R-LIBS). The dynamics of several ablation mechanisms following the interaction between a filament and a solid determines the emission strength and reproducibility of target plasma, which is of relevance for R-LIBS applications. We investigate the space- and time-resolved dynamics of ionic and atomic emission from copper as well as the surrounding atmosphere in order to understand limitations of fs-filament-ablation for standoff energy delivery. Furthermore, we probe the shock front produced from filament-target interaction using time-resolved shadowgraphy and infer laser-material coupling efficiencies for both single and multiple filament regimes through analysis of shock expansion with the Sedov model for point detonation. The results provide insight into plasma structure for the range of peak powers up to 30 times the critical power for filamentation P cr . Despite the stochastic nucleation of multiple filaments at peak-powers greater than 16 P cr , emission of ionic and neutral species increases with pump beam intensity, and short-lived nitrogen emission originating from the ambient is consistently observed. Ultimately, results suggest favorable scaling of emission intensity from target species on the laser pump energy, furthering the prospects for use of filament-solid interactions for remote sensing.
Hadza Men With Lower Voice Pitch Have a Better Hunting Reputation

Previous research with hunter-gatherers has found that women perceive men with voices manipulated to be lower in pitch to be better hunters, and men perceive women with lower pitch to be better gatherers. Here, we test if actual voice pitch is associated with hunting and gathering reputations in men and women, respectively. We find that voice pitch does relate to foraging reputation in men, but not in women, with better hunters having a lower voice pitch. In addition, we find that the previously documented relationship between voice pitch and reproductive success no longer holds when controlling for hunting reputation, but hunting reputation remains a significant predictor of reproductive success when controlling for voice pitch. This raises the possibility that voice pitch is being selected for in hunter-gatherers because of the relationship between voice pitch and hunting reputation.
Some Observations on Early Cognitive Development

The issue that I should like to take as my central concern pertains most broadly to organization of achievements in development. If the notion of organization is taken to imply a differentiation of parts in a system and an interdependence of the parts through specifiable relations within the system, the issue of organization may be addressed at the level of actions or at the level of structurations of cognitive processes manifested in actions. One of the attractions of studying development during infancy stems from the relative lack of differentiation between the level of actions and of thought during this period. In the course of this presentation, I should like to share with you some observations on the interrelationships between various achievements stemming from a longitudinal study of a small group of infants as well as some speculations on the implications these observations have for the question of organization in early cognitive development.
Fratricidal Rebels: Ideological Extremity and Warring Factionalism in Civil Wars

Why do rebels kill each other? When confronting a formidable regime, rebels often descend into warring factionalism rather than forge unity across their ranks to reap the advantages of cooperation....
Pediatricians' Knowledge and Practices Related to Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives for Adolescent Girls

Abstract Study Objective A 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement identified long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) as first-line choices for adolescents, but pediatricians' current knowledge and practices about intrauterine devices (IUDs) and subdermal contraceptive implants (Implants) is unknown. We aimed to characterize pediatricians' knowledge and practices about LARCs for adolescents. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional online survey emailed to a convenience sample of AAP member pediatricians in New York, Utah, Illinois, and Kansas in 2015 and 2016. The study included 561 practicing pediatricians. Main Outcome Measures We measured knowledge about the suitability of IUDs and Implants for adolescents using two 7-item scales; a score of 7 indicates all correct. We dichotomized participants' scores as high and low knowledge if they scored ≥85% correct or Results Mean age was 47.4 (±11) years; 73% were female; and 72% general pediatricians. Almost all, 88%, counsel about contraception; 64% counsel about IUDs, and Implants, but only 4.1% insert them; 72% prescribe short-acting hormonal contraceptives; 44% had read the AAP policy statement. Mean score on the knowledge scale was lower for IUDs than for Implants (4.2 vs 5.1, respectively; P Conclusion Most pediatrician respondents provided reproductive health care for adolescents and counseled about LARCs, but few inserted the devices. We identified knowledge deficits about suitability of IUDs for adolescents.
Rectal cancer presenting with synchronous intraperitoneal spread of disease.

ABSTRACTThere are differing definitions regarding what portion of the large intestine should be considered “rectum” as opposed to “colon.” The transition from intra- to extraperitoneal rectum results in potentially disparate patterns of spread for rectal cancer dependent on tumor location relative to the peritoneal reflection. Here we report the case of a 50-year-old woman with a mid to upper rectal adenocarcinoma who presented with a synchronous biopsy-proven tumor implant in the peritoneal cavity. Her case highlights issues of varying definitions of organ anatomy within the literature, the role of primary tumor localization within different compartments of the abdominopelvic cavity for predicting potential routes of tumor spread, and the implications for adjuvant therapies.
Structural DNA Nanotechnology: Artificial Nanostructures for Biomedical Research

Structural DNA nanotechnology utilizes synthetic or biologic DNA as designer molecules for the self-assembly of artificial nanostructures. The field is founded upon the specific interactions between DNA molecules, known as Watson–Crick base pairing. After decades of active pursuit, DNA has demonstrated unprecedented versatility in constructing artificial nanostructures with significant complexity and programmability. The nanostructures could be either static, with well-controlled physicochemical properties, or dynamic, with the ability to reconfigure upon external stimuli. Researchers have devoted considerable effort to exploring the usability of DNA nanostructures in biomedical research. We review the basic design methods for fabricating both static and dynamic DNA nanostructures, along with their biomedical applications in fields such as biosensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering Volume 20 is June 4, 2018. Please see ...
Paradigms of Mechanism and Function

We have constructed a taxonomy consisting of four paradigms of science: Mechanism, Function, Logic, and System. Now we will examine in detail the paradigms of Mechanism and of Function. In biology, for example, we saw in the case of the discovery of DNA and its modeling that both paradigms of Mechanism (chemistry of DNA) and Function (function of DNA in genetics) were used. The basic research issue of “what is life” required both mechanistic and functional explanations. The paradigm of mechanism perceives the world in terms of space, time, matter, energy, and force. But to fully describe and explain life, science needs additional concepts to those of Mechanism: concepts such as purpose, intention, will, and reason. These are central concepts in the paradigm of Function.
The reactions of [n-Bu4N]2Re2Cl8 with Ph2PCMe2PPh2 and Ph2PC(CH2)2PPh2.

Abstract The reactions of [n-Bu4N]2Re2Cl8 with the phosphine ligands Ph2PCMe2PPh2 (2,2-dppp) and Ph2PC(CH2)2PPh2(cdpp), which are derivatives of Ph2PCH2PPh2, lead to the complexes trans-ReCl2(2,2-dppp)2 (1) and Re2Cl4(μ-cdpp)2 (2), respectively, while Re2(μ-O2CCH3)4Cl2 reacts with cdpp to afford trans-Re2(μ-O2CCH3)2Cl2(μ-cdpp)2 (5). The crystal structures of 1 and 5 have been determined, that of 5 being only the second one reported for a complex of cdpp.
ABO blood group system and bone marrow transplantation

The role of the ABO blood group system in determining the outcome of bone marrow transplantation was investigated in 53 patients with aplastic anemia and acute leukemia grafted from HLA-identical siblings. There was no correlation between ABO compatibility and marrow engraftment, graft rejection, or graft-versus-host disease. In 5 recipients with antibodies prior to transplantation to antigens of the ABH system present on the cells of their donors, plasma exchange and antibody absorption in vivo were effective in permitting engraftment of ABO-incompatible bone marrow. These findings indicate that the ABO system is not a clinically significant barrier to successful bone marrow transplantation in otherwise histocompatible individuals.
An Approach to Testing & Modeling Competence

This paper presents an approach to measuring competence, and to statistically modeling the reliability and validity of the scores produced. To be sure, there are many possible approaches. By presenting this model, I hope to stimulate debate and data.
“I Support the Right to Die. You Go First”: Bias and Physician-Assisted Suicide

Consider these three positions about physician-assisted suicide: 1. Physician-assisted suicide should be illegal for everyone. 2. Physician-assisted suicide should be legal for only the terminally ill. 3. Physician-assisted suicide should be legal for all competent adults.
sST2 as a novel biomarker for the prediction of in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) biomarker is an emerging predictor of adverse clinical outcomes, but its prognostic value for in-hospital mortality after coronary artery ...
Improving Student Learning Outcomes through Community-based Research: The Poverty Workshop:

Engaged learning extends education outside of the formal classroom through internships, experiential learning, and community- or service-based learning. To better understand the potential of engage...
Updates on progress in cancer screening for children with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW A significant proportion of pediatric cancer occurs in children with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. Their survival may be significantly improved and/or late effects diminished through screening for their greatly elevated cancer risks. Here, an overview of new developments in the field of pediatric cancer surveillance is provided. RECENT FINDINGS Consensus-based screening guidelines have been developed for most syndromes associated with childhood cancer risks. Studies evaluating the clinical utility of these screening regimens have also been emerging. This review focuses on three conditions for which consensus screening recommendations have been evolving in response to new evidence: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, and constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome. For each condition, recently proposed screening guidelines and relevant evidence are described and potential future directions for improving cancer surveillance practices are anticipated. Also, the implications of several recent studies exploring the psychosocial aspects of screening in these conditions are discussed. SUMMARY Significant strides have been made in cancer surveillance for children with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes. A continued emphasis on consensus-driven screening guidelines and collaborative research evaluating the clinical utility of recommended screening methodologies will lead to further improvements in the clinical outcomes of these vulnerable children.
Early detection of faults in HVAC systems using an XGBoost model with a dynamic threshold

Abstract Growing demand for energy efficient buildings requires robust models to ensure efficient performance over the evolving life cycle of the building. Energy management systems can prevent energy wastage in buildings without sacrificing occupant’s comfort. However, their full capabilities have not been completely realized, partly due to their inability to quickly detect faults in HVAC systems. An accurate model and an appropriate threshold are the key factors in fault detection. The traditional method of setting a fixed threshold often leads to missed opportunities to detect faults, delayed detection of faults or false alarms. To improve the effectiveness of fault detection algorithms, we have first developed a data-driven model using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). We have then applied the proposed dynamic threshold method to determine occurrences of faults in real time. This method adjusts the threshold value dynamically according to the real-time moving average and moving standard deviation of the predictions. The results demonstrate the usefulness of our proposed method to detect faults early in the course. An average increase of 8.82% and 117.65%, in the F1 score, is achieved with the proposed method in comparison to the traditional fixed threshold method and an existing dynamic residual method.
Examining child trauma knowledge among kin caregivers: Implications for practice, policy, and research

Abstract This exploratory study investigated kinship (e.g., relative) caregivers' (N = 130) perceived and actual knowledge associated with child trauma. Results indicate that whilst participants perceived themselves to be knowledgeable about child trauma, they were more neutral as to whether other kinship providers held child trauma knowledge. Overall, discrepancy scores between perceived and actual knowledge variables indicate that participants may be more knowledgeable about child trauma than they perceived. Though whether or not participants had received child trauma training did impact discrepancy scores, the number of trainings received bore no relationship on child trauma knowledge. In general, findings from this study suggest the need for more adept training models related to kinship caregivers and trauma, and underscore the need for additional research in this area of inquiry. This is the first study known to the researchers to explicitly examine this topic.
RanGTP regulates cilium formation and ciliary trafficking of a kinesin-II subunit independent of its nuclear functions

Abstract Kinesin is part of the microtubule (MT)-binding motor protein superfamily, which exerts crucial functions in cell division and intracellular transport in different organelles. The heterotrimeric kinesin-II, consisting of the kinesin like protein KIF3A/3B heterodimer and kinesin-associated protein KAP3, is highly conserved across species between the green alga Chlamydomonas and humans. It plays diverse roles in cargo transport including anterograde (base to tip) trafficking in cilium. However, the molecular determinants mediating trafficking of heterotrimeric kinesin-II itself is poorly understood. Using the unicellular eukaryote Chlamydomonas and mammalian cells, we show that RanGTP regulates ciliary trafficking of KAP3. We found the armadillo repeat region 6-9 (ARM6-9) of KAP3, required for its nuclear translocation, is sufficient for its targeting to the ciliary base. Given that KAP3 is essential for cilia formation and the emerging roles of RanGTP/importin β in ciliary protein targeting, we further investigate the effect of RanGTP in cilium length regulation in these two different systems. We demonstrate that precise control of RanGTP levels, revealed by different Ran mutants, is crucial for cilium formation and maintenance. Most importantly, we were able to segregate RanGTP regulation of ciliary protein incorporation from of its nuclear roles. Our work provides important support for the model that nuclear import mechanisms have been coopted for independent roles in ciliary import.
Does the association of school experiences and marijuana use differ based on age of African American high school students

ABSTRACTAfrican American adolescents are disproportionately involved in marijuana use. This study investigated whether the association of school experiences and recent marijuana use (past 30 days) ...
Towards string theory expectations for photon couplings to axionlike particles

Axionlike particle (ALP)--photon couplings are modeled in large ensembles of string vacua and random matrix theories. In all cases, the effective coupling increases polynomially in the number of ALPs, of which hundreds or thousands are expected in the string ensembles, many of which are ultralight. The expected value of the couplings ${g}_{a\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}}\ensuremath{\simeq}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GeV}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}\ensuremath{-}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GeV}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ provide viable targets for future x-ray telescopes and axion helioscopes, and in some cases are already in tension with existing data.
Dual wavelength Raman spectroscopic analysis of solid rocket propellant for the detection of stabilizer decay (Conference Presentation)

Energetic nitrogen-based compounds utilized in solid rocket propellants break down under typical environmental conditions. The breakdown of these energetic propellant compounds requires stabilizing additives to absorb excess acids that form. These chemical changes result in a reduction of stabilizers and an increase of inert compounds over time which decrease propellant performance. Vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman can detect changes in chemical concentrations due to the strong spectrum that these compounds demonstrate. In this study two wavelengths, 532 nm and 783 nm, are used to analyze the Raman spectra of propellant samples to characterize the changes to compounds over time. Computational techniques are demonstrated to mitigate fluorescence and single out the ratio of chemical peaks specific to stabilizer compounds. In addition, fluorescence in the 532 nm spectrum is examined as a method for characterizing propellant compounds, as 2NDPA traditionally has more fluorescence than MNA, and the 532 nm Raman system traditionally detects more fluorescence than the 785 nm Raman system. Detection of the stabilizer MNA in concentrations of greater than .70% and lower than .40% are demonstrated. Raman spectroscopy is shown to provide a rapid method for analyzing high and low concentrations of stabilizer compounds to determine the remaining viability of propellant.
Solar Assisted Half Effect Refrigeration System

Solar assisted half effect refrigeration system has been studied comprehensively. The effect of various parameters on overall performance of the system has been done quantitatively. In addition to this, solar thermal calculations are performed and its contribution in saving energy is also assessed.
Acute Thrombotic Complication Post-Endovenous Ablation With Mobile Thrombus: A Case Study:

Endovenous ablation is a common procedure performed on the superficial veins of the lower extremities to treat symptoms of venous insufficiency and varicose veins. While endovenous ablation is a mi...
IEQ Field Investigation in High-Performance, Urban Elementary Schools

School buildings are one of the most commonly occupied building types for children, second only to their homes. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is an ongoing issue in schools, especially in urban environments where students are exposed to higher levels of outdoor pollutants. To examine this issue, five elementary school buildings located in a major city on the East Coast of the United States were selected for one-week of quantitative IEQ measurements, with a satisfaction survey collected from teachers at the selected schools. The schools included three high-performance schools, one recently renovated school, and one conventional school. Despite building designers and operators following the recommendations of current high-performance design standards, the three high-performance school buildings did not have measurably better IEQ than the renovated and conventional school buildings, nor were they perceived as better based on the satisfaction survey. This indicates that current high-performance design standards may not place enough emphasis on reducing health-related pollutants in urban schools.
How do institutions and infrastructure affect mobilization around public toilets vs. piped water? Examining intra-slum patterns of collective action in Delhi, India

Abstract Why does a slum community mobilize differently around different public services? I use qualitative data derived from ethnographic fieldwork in four urban slum communities in Delhi, India, to examine the strategies they employ for countering everyday problems of access to water and toilets. While literature explains communities’ use of informal arrangements and political engagement to access water, what is less clear is why similar strategies do not emerge in the case of toilets. While collective action literature focuses on community-level factors such as social capital, trust, ethnic heterogeneity, and intermediary organizations, it often ignores how services interact with the slum ecology and the institutional frameworks they are embedded within. Caste, gender, religion, class, and influential slum leaders no doubt mediate everyday social relations in Indian slums, but communities that surmount these obstacles may still not be able to mobilize in a way that improves everyday service delivery. I argue that communities are able to coordinate when they think their efforts will yield success – both locally in terms of inducing reciprocity and reducing free riding as well as when they get appropriate institutional support for their initiatives. Infrastructural characteristics unique to a service determine whether reciprocity and cooperation can be sustained within the built environment of the slum. Bureaucratic complexity determines whether communities will be able to negotiate successfully. In the case of water, easy adaptability within the neighborhood and ease of bureaucratic access allow for sustained coordination within communities. The infrastructural nature of toilets makes it harder to find arrangements that will work within the slum ecology and induce cooperation. The complicated institutional dynamics create obstacles on top of that deter sustained mobilization. What communities experience instead is a sporadic pattern of collective action around poorly functioning public toilets.
Diffusing capacity in normal-for-age spirometry and spirometric impairments, using reference equations from the global lung function initiative

Abstract Background Reference equations from the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) are now available for both spirometry and diffusion. However, respiratory phenotypes defined by GLI-based measures of diffusion have not yet been evaluated in GLI-based normal-for-age spirometry or spirometric impairments. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional data from 2100 Caucasians, aged 40–85 years. GLI-based spirometric categories included normal-for-age and the impairments of restrictive-pattern and three-level severity of airflow-obstruction (mild, moderate, severe). GLI-based diffusion included diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and measured components of alveolar volume (VA) and transfer coefficient (KCO): DLCO = [VA]x[KCO]. Using multivariable regression models, adjusted odds ratios (adjORs) for DLCO, VA, and KCO Results Relative to normal-for-age spirometry, the restrictive-pattern increased the adjORs (95% confidence intervals) for DLCO and VA Conclusion Abnormal diffusion is most prevalent in spirometric impairments but also occurs in normal-for-age spirometry. These results further inform the respiratory phenotypes of GLI-based spirometric categories and, in turn, the spirometric evaluation of respiratory disease.
A neuropsychologically-based intervention with increased follow-up support for employed women with multiple sclerosis: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Objective:To evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a neuropsychologically-based vocational intervention with increased follow-up support for women with multiple sclerosis.Design:Single-blinded ...
Protecting Children Online: Identifying Registered Sex Offenders’ Presence on the Internet and Consequent Online Social Behavior

Research regarding the threat of registered sex offenders has highlighted their reentry into society and the threat they pose to vulnerable populations such as the children in society. However, the research regarding the presence of registered sex offenders on the Internet is focused mainly on societal fears and incidents of unwanted sexual solicitation of youth. Currently, Internet users are unable to identify registered sex offenders online, which create an environment of insecurity online. The paper presents the concept of a transparent sex offender online presence and a proposed research model for studying the impact of this transparency on individuals’ online social behaviors.
Why are recommendations optimistic? Evidence from analysts’ coverage initiations

We examine the long-term stock performance of analyst recommendations and the properties of accompanied earnings forecasts for initiations and non-initiations to evaluate the reporting, selection, and processing explanations for analyst optimism. We find that Strong Buy and, to a lesser degree, Buy initiation recommendations underperform their non-initiation counterparts after controlling for analyst, brokerage, and firm characteristics associated with the initiation decision and expected long-term stock returns. Yet, earnings forecasts accompanying Strong Buy and Buy initiation recommendations are less optimistic and more accurate than those accompanying non-initiation recommendations. Our findings suggest that conflicts of interest (that is, the reporting explanation) are the dominant source for favorable recommendations.
Towards improved genetic diagnosis of human differences of sex development

Despite being collectively among the most frequent congenital developmental conditions worldwide, differences of sex development (DSD) lack recognition and research funding. As a result, what constitutes optimal management remains uncertain. Identification of the individual conditions under the DSD umbrella is challenging and molecular genetic diagnosis is frequently not achieved, which has psychosocial and health-related repercussions for patients and their families. New genomic approaches have the potential to resolve this impasse through better detection of protein-coding variants and ascertainment of under-recognized aetiology, such as mosaic, structural, non-coding or epigenetic variants. Ultimately, it is hoped that better outcomes data, improved understanding of the molecular causes and greater public awareness will bring an end to the stigma often associated with DSD. Differences of sex development (DSD) are under-diagnosed, partly because of the complexity of conditions included under this umbrella terminology. This Review discusses the potential of genomic approaches to improve variant detection, molecular diagnosis and outcomes for individuals with DSD.
High school health education: The impact of medical student led instruction in northern Nevada high schools.

Health education is an important topic in high school given its lasting effect on learners. Medical students are in a unique position to deliver this curriculum as they can provide information from a relatable standpoint. Ten medical students created a health education program, The Healthier Nevada Project (HNVP), designed for high school students using four modules focused on adolescent public health concerns: substance use and addiction, exercise, personal relationships, and stress and mental health. The curriculum was administered to over 700 health class students at three schools in Reno, Nevada, U.S.A., from August 2019-March 2020. This cross-sectional study measured whether the modules increased students' comfort level, familiarity, and likelihood of discussing each topic with a healthcare provider. The method of evaluation was pre- and post-Likert scale surveys with 7-10 questions regarding students' understanding of each topic, knowledge of related resources, and likelihood of future discussions with healthcare providers. Linear regression analysis showed significant increases in mean scores (in all cases p < 0.0001) for all four modules after the training. The modules were adjusted for the cluster effect of School and showed no significant two-way interaction between pre- and post-survey, although overall differences between schools were present. These findings indicate that HNVP significantly increased students' knowledge, comfort, and likelihood of discussing each topic with a healthcare professional following module administration. Future efforts will aim to evaluate the long-term impact of HNVP on student behavior and evaluate if presenter type influences program success among adolescents.
Potential Mechanisms Underlying Marijuana-Associated Periodontal Tissue Destruction.

While definitive evidence awaits, cannabis is emerging as a likely risk factor for periodontal tissue destruction. The mechanisms that underlie potential cannabis-induced or cannabis-enhanced perio...
Atmospheres with Exponentially Varying Characteristics

It has already been said that no restrictions have so far been imposed on the way the functions λ(τ) and χ*τ) depend on optical depth. Moreover, it turns out that even if we consider particular forms of these functions, which at the same time admit considerable generality, it is possible to derive several relatively simple equations and relations. The significance of these equations and relations is due to the following reasons. First, for real inhomogeneous atmospheres, the dependence of optical properties on depth can, more or less accurately, be described by a concrete function. Second, one can design a simple algorithm for the numerical solution of these equations. Thus, all the above points allow us both to estimate the influence of inhomogeneity of actual media on the radiation field, and provide a testing tool for more complicated methods of solution.
Molecular Recombination in T4 Bacteriophage Deoxyribonucleic Acid II. Single-Strand Breaks and Exposure of Uncomplemented Areas as a Prerequisite for Recombination

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from several “DNA-deficient” amber mutants was observed to be either nicked (amber 22, 82, 122, and wild type) or cut (amber 453) after injection into a nonpermissive host. This effect was inhibited by chloramphenicol (CM), indicating that it is due to phage-induced enzymes. Although most of the mutants tested for replication in a density-label system were in fact DNA-deficient (amber 22, 82, 122), one (amber 81) was found to replicate almost identically to the wild type, and another (amber 453) was found to assume a hybrid density only. The hybrid moiety was less than, or equal to, one phage equivalent length, and was more efficiently extracted from infected bacteria than was similarly replicated DNA from wild-type phage. Interparental recombination between heavy and light parental DNA was observed for amber 82, 122, and wild type, but was not observed for amber 453; it was inhibited by CM. In contrast to amber 82 and wild type, the amber 453 intracellular DNA does not have single-strand regions, Because amber 453, unlike amber 82 and wild type T4, does not recombine, nicking and exposure of single-strand regions is postulated to be a prerequisite for recombination.
Creation and implementation of a two year preclinical curriculum using multiple teaching approaches at a new osteopathic medical school (719.6)

Curricular design and implementation for the pre-clinical years of a new osteopathic medical school is being built on a number of curriculum innovations. Beginning with semester 1, a foundations of...
Size-Biased Sampling†

Size biased sampling refers to a type of nonrandom sampling in which the likelihood of an object's inclusion in the sample is proportional to the size (or length) of the object.
Technology assessment for energy efficiency programs in Pacific Northwest

This paper introduces a hierarchical decision modeling framework for energy efficiency program planning in electric utilities. The proposed approach focuses on assessment of emerging energy efficiency technologies and is proposed to bridge the gap between technology screening and cost/benefit evaluation practices. The proposed approach is expected to identify emerging technology alternatives, which have the highest potential to pass cost/benefit ratio testing procedures, and contribute to effectiveness of decision practices in energy efficiency program planning. Proposed framework also incorporates a rank order analysis for testing the robustness of results from different stakeholder perspectives in an attempt to enable more informed decision making practices. Proposed framework was applied for the case of Northwest U.S., results of the case application and future research initiatives are presented.
Analysis of prognostic factors in 1,041 patients with localized soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities.

PURPOSETo identify specific independent adverse clinicopathologic factors for event-free survival in a cohort of consecutively treated patients with extremity soft tissue sarcomas.PATIENTS AND METHODSProspectively collected data from a population of 1,041 adult patients with localized (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] stage IA to IIIB) extremity soft tissue sarcomas were analyzed. Patients were treated at a single institution between 1982 and 1994. Patient, tumor, and pathologic factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate techniques to identify independent prognostic factors for the end points of local recurrence, distant recurrence, disease-specific survival, and post-metastasis survival.RESULTSThe 5-year survival rate for this cohort of patients was 76%, with a median follow-up time of 3.95 years. Significant independent adverse prognostic factors for local recurrence were age greater than 50 years, recurrent disease at presentation, microscopically positive surgical margins, and the h...
Scapular instability associated with brachial plexus irritation: A proposed causative relationship with treatment implications

Brachial plexus irritation and other compression neuropathies can be diverse in their presentations and can cause a myriad of signs and symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to review the pertinent anatomy, kinesiology, and neurophysiology and to outline one possible cascade of events that may contribute to more diffuse upper extremity symptoms. Scapular instability and local myofascial trigger points resulting in possible secondary muscle imbalances are described. Their possible relationship to brachial plexus irritation in addition to the implications of the irritation are also discussed. The author postulates that proximal nerve irritation in the region of the thoracic outlet and shoulder may help to account for diffuse or unrelieved symptoms following conventional treatment of distal extremity problems in patients with occupational or cumulative trauma disorders. This paper outlines specific examination procedures for the therapist, which include upper limb tension testing, extensibility testing of the pectoralis minor, and gross manual muscle testing of the lower trapezius.
Pulse propagation on a fractal network

Abstract This paper considers the propagation of a pulse through a theoretical fractal network having characteristics similar to networks found in nature, such as the His-Purkinje system of the heart. The relationships between perturbations of the network pulse decorrelation histogram and scaling changes in segment length distributions, multi-fractal spectra and power spectra based on defects at several locations and covering a range of sizes are discussed. Our results show that perturbation of fractal objects produces changes in geometry across many size scales. The location and size of the perturbation produces changes in the density distribution which are reflected in scaling and spectral measures. Characterizing the extent of change in terms of the multi-fractal spectrum and wavelength appear to be useful methods for relating the propagation properties associated with the perturbation to geometric changes present in the network.
a New Version of Algebraic Stress Model for Simulating Strongly Swirling Turbulent Flows

A new version of the algebraic Reynolds stress model (ASM) is formulated, simplified, and employed to simulate strongly swirling flows. This model for axisymmetric cylindrical coordinates accounts for some physical mechanisms relevant to swirl-turbulence interactions that have been ignored in the original ASM derived for Cartesian coordinates. The calculated results of gas tangential and axial velocities based on this model are in good agreement with the measurements. The central toroidal recirculation zone and the combined forced and free vortex motion are well predicted. Comparisons of the predicted mean dynamic properties of strongly swirling flows show the superiority of the present model over the κ-e model and the original ASM. A turbulence model constant β, which is introduced in the model formulation and represents the intensity of rotational effect on turbulence, is optimized through successive comparisons with the measured data.
Fabrication of Surface Plasmon-Polariton Couplers and Waveguide Devices

Described is holographic stepping-lithography fabrication of grating couplers and waveguide platforms for efficient surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) excitation on metallic structures. This provides consistent coupling with design flexibility and high efficiency for various SPP nanophotonic devices.
Extrahepatic Expression of NAD(P)H:Menadione Oxidoreductase, UDP Glucuronosyltransferase-1A6, Microsomal Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, and Hepatic Nuclear Factor-1α mRNAs inch/chand14CoS/14CoSMice

Abstract Oxidative stress-induced gene expression in liver of the untreated newbornc14CoS/c14CoSmouse, as compared with that in thecch/cchwild-type mouse, appears to be caused by homozygous loss of the fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) gene on Chr 7 and absence of the FAH enzyme, which leads to increased levels of endogenous reactive oxygenated metabolites (ROMs) formed in the tyrosine degradative pathway. In these mice almost all studies to date have been carried out in liver. We have examined the extrahepatic expression of four genes. Two genes are members of the [Ah] battery and induced by ROM-mediated oxidative stress: NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase (Nmo1) and UDP glucuronosyltransferase-1A6 (Ugt1a6). The other two genes are decreased in the livers of14CoS/14CoSmice as compared with that inch/chmice: microsomal aldehyde dehydrogenase (Ahd3) and hepatocyte-specific nuclear factor-1α HNF-1α (Hnfl α). In liver plus nine extrahepatic tissues of untreated newborn14CoS/14CoSmutant andch/chwild-type mice, we compared NMO1, UGT1A6, AHD3 and HNF-1α mRNA levels. Our results show a wide variation in extrahepatic tissue-specific expression of all four transcripts and indicate that numerous differences exist in the extrahepatic expression of these genes between14CoS/14CoSandch/chmice.
Selection for thermodynamically stable DNA tetraloops using temperature gradient gel electrophoresis reveals four motifs: d(cGNNAg), d(cGNABg),d(cCNNGg), and d(gCNNGc).

Hairpins play important roles in the function of DNA, forming cruciforms and affecting processes such as replication and recombination. Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) and in vitro selection have been used to isolate thermodynamically stable DNA hairpins from a six-nucleotide random library. The TGGE−selection process was optimized such that known stable DNA tetraloops were recovered, and the selection appears to be exhaustive. In the selection, four families of exceptionally stable DNA loops were identified: d(cGNNAg), d(cGNABg), d(cCNNGg), and d(gCNNGc). (Lowercase denotes the closing base pair; N = A, C, G, or T; and B = C, G, or T.) It appears that the known stable d(cGNAg) triloop motif can be embedded into a tetraloop, with the extra nucleotide inserted into either the middle of the loop, d(cGNNAg), or at the 3‘-end of the loop, d(cGNABg). For d(cGNNAg) and d(cGNABg), a CG closing base pair was strongly preferred over a GC, with ΔΔG°37 ≈ 2 kcal/mol. Members of the two families, d(cC...
Photochemical control of copper complexation by dissolved organic matter in Rocky Mountain streams, Colorado

We investigated photochemical, seasonal, and source effects on copper (Cu) complexation by dissolved organic matter (DOM). Cu-DOM complexation regulates Cu toxicity by decreasing the activity of the cupric ion ({Cu2+}), the most bioavailable Cu species. However, DOM is photochemically unstable under solar insolation. We analyzed Cu-DOM complexation before and after photooxidation of DOM collected from six rivers during spring runoff and late summer (n = 12 DOM samples). After irradiation of DOM for 24 h in a solar simulator (~4 d of ambient insolation), we analyzed Cu-DOM complexation during potentiometric titrations of Cu into dissolved organic carbon concentrations of 5 mg L−1. In 10 DOM samples across the range of titrations (Cu, 7.8 x 10−8 to 8.7 x 10−6 mol L−1), photooxidation of DOM decreased Cu complexation, increasing {Cu2+} by an average of 156% ± 28% (mean ± SE). In one DOM sample, irradiation had no net effect on {Cu2+} (6% ± 12%), whereas in another Cu complexation was enhanced (30% ± 4%). Cu complexation that was indistinguishable before irradiation decreased significantly more during photooxidation of DOM in spring (185% ± 25%) than in summer (74% ± 14%). The specific ultraviolet absorption coefficient at 254 nm explained ~60% of the variation in conditional stability constants of Cu-DOM complexes regardless of DOM source, season, or extent of photooxidation. During a simulated contaminant event where 1.5 x 10−6 mol L−1 Cu was added to site waters, water chemistry reduced bioavailability in 6 of 12 cases to below the {Cu2+} expected to cause 50% mortality ({Cu2+}LC50) in larval fish. However, after 6 d of photooxidation, none of the site waters remained below {Cu2+}LC50.
The TRH test during dopamine receptor blockade in depressed patients

In an evaluation of the possible role of dopamine on TRH test results, 21 depressed patients were given TRH before and after one week of treatment with a low dose of haloperidol. Haloperidol significantly increased serum prolactin (both basal and after TRH) and cortisol levels, decreased body temperature, and had no effect on serum TSH, growth hormone, or thyroid hormone levels. Five of six patients with initial TSH blunting were retested with TRH; in four patients the TSH response remained blunted. These data render it unlikely that dopamine exerts a major inhibitory input on TSH secretion in depression.
Toward an Optimal Design of a Network Database from Relational Descriptions

This paper suggests a method for building up a network database starting from relational descriptions. The network generated is optimal in terms of data item appearances and, given that, it is also optimal in terms of the number of records. Moreover, it preserves third normality, in case we start with third-normal relations. We develop a model for implementing the network that guarantees the minimality of the sum of storage and access costs. We show that the model can be solved efficiently.
Teacher Language Awareness

Teacher Language Awareness (TLA) is an area of increasing interest to those involved in language teacher education. This book provides an introduction to the nature of TLA, assesses its impact upon teaching and its potential impact on learning. The book focuses specifically on grammar. It aims to encourage teachers and others involved in language education to think more deeply about the importance of TLA ad to adopt a more principled approach to the planning of those parts of their programmes assosciated with it.
High efficiency phosphorescent OLEDs

Highly efficient phosphorescent organic devices are demonstrated. Direct charge trapping on the dopant and exciton confinement with adjacent charge transport layers are discussed as important mechanisms.
Yangian superalgebras in conformal field theory

Abstract Quantum Yangian symmetry in several sigma models with supergroup or supercoset as target is established. Starting with a two-dimensional conformal field theory that has current symmetry of a Lie superalgebra with vanishing Killing form we construct non-local charges and compute their properties. Yangian axioms are satisfied, except that the Serre relations only hold for a subsector of the space of fields. Yangian symmetry implies that correlation functions of fields in this sector satisfy Ward identities. We then show that this symmetry is preserved by certain perturbations of the conformal field theory. The main examples are sigma models of the supergroups PSL ( N | N ) , OSP ( 2 N + 2 | 2 N ) and D ( 2 , 1 ; α ) away from the WZW point. Further there are the OSP ( 2 N + 2 | 2 N ) Gross–Neveu models and current–current perturbations of ghost systems, both for the disc as world-sheet. The latter we show to be equivalent to C P N − 1 | N sigma models, while the former are conjecturally dual to supersphere sigma models.