cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Referral Patterns and Recognition of Depression Among African-American and Caucasian Patients

A retrospective review of psychiatric consultations was conducted for African-American and Caucasian patients for a 2-year period. Reasons for referral, assigned diagnoses, accuracy rates, and discordance and concordance rates were assessed. Referrals for depression comprised 24.6% of all consults for Caucasian and African-American inpatients. Only 40.3% of patients referred for depression were diagnosed with a depressive disorder; 54.4% of patients diagnosed with depressive disorders were referred for other reasons. African-American patients were referred for evaluation of depression and diagnosed with depressive disorders significantly less often than Caucasian patients. No significant differences were obtained between African-Americans and Caucasians in the accuracy rates of patients referred for depression. Discordance and concordance rates for the two groups were comparable. Diagnoses assigned to African-Americans and Caucasians incorrectly referred for depression did not differ significantly. For depressed African-Americans and Caucasians referred for reasons other than depression, the only difference noted was in the referral rates for adjustment of psychotropics. The nonpsychiatric staff fails to recognize depression and often refer depressed patients inappropriately. Depressed patients are primarily referred for suicide assessment and disruptive behaviors. Referrals for depression may be a secondary concern to nonpsychiatric staff. In addition, cultural variables and racial differences between hospital staff and patients may account for the differences in referral patterns. Awareness of the needs of African-American patients is required.
Strengthening Gynecologic Cancer Prevention Studies

This article describes the elements in the design of cancer-prevention trials and the skills needed to evaluate the study outcomes in this field. Efforts to prevent gynecologic malignancies face some methodological challenges common to other cancer-prevention studies, such as choice of study design, population to be studied, and agent to be administered (or intervention to be made). Flaws in making these choices or in analyzing results can lead to misattribution of effects or cause important findings to be overlooked. In addition, some investigators must address issues that have arisen in response to prevention-trial results from the past decade. Cancer prevention efforts have recently suffered some well-publicized and not-so-well publicized setbacks. The prominence of some of these findings should not overshadow well-established achievements and recent successes.
Lack of protease inhibitor resistance following treatment failure--too good to be true?

A 29-year-old man with recently diagnosed HIV infection and a CD4 cell count of 225/mm3 began treatment with atazanavir (300 mg), ritonavir (100 mg), emtricitabine (200 mg), and tenofovir (300 mg) daily. For 18 months, he was treatment adherent and his plasma HIV RNA level was below the limit of detection. He then began a relationship with a new partner, who introduced him to methamphetamines. His medication adherence became erratic, and he missed appointments in clinic. Eventually. he was hospitalized for rehabilitation, and he resumed taking his medications on schedule. Following his discharge, he was found to have a plasma HIV RNA level of 11,400 copies/ml. Genotypic resistance testing revealed only an M184V mutation associated with emtricitabine resistance. A decision regarding his next treatment regimen needs to be made.
Natural frequencies of a pre-twisted blade in a centrifugal force field

Abstract In this paper, starting with the thin shell theory, the governing partial differential equation of motion for the transverse deflection of a rotating pre-twisted plate is derived. Strain–displacement relationships include the effect of warping of the cross-section due to twist–bend coupling effect introduced as a result of pre-twist in the plate of non-circular (rectangular) cross-section. Then the equation of motion, thus derived, is used to formulate the free vibration of a typical turbo-machinery cantilevered airfoil blade by considering it as a plate of an equivalent rectangular cross-section subjected to a quasi-static load due to centrifugal force field. The analytical derivation considers both the stress-stiffening as well as stress-softening effects of the centrifugal forces on the spinning airfoil. The partial differential equation governing the flexural motion of the plate is transformed into a matrix-eigenvalue form using a Rayleigh–Ritz technique. The plate deformations are represented by a set of ‘admissible’ sinusoidal trial functions, which fully satisfy all the clamped-end constrains as well as the free-edge boundary conditions. The results of the analytical model exhibit an excellent agreement with the previously published test data both for thin and thick plate geometries and even in highly twisted configurations. The results of the eigenvalue solution are presented in a non-dimensional form for plates of varying aspect ratios and different amounts of pre-twist in the plate. The numerical results are directly applicable in determining the static and running frequencies of typical blades used in turbo-machinery.
Phase I Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Study of the Oral MAPK/ERK Kinase Inhibitor PD-0325901 in Patients with Advanced Cancers

Purpose: To determine tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PD-0325901, a highly potent, selective, oral mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase 1/2 inhibitor in advanced cancer patients. Experimental Design: Sixty-six patients received PD-0325901 at doses from 1 mg once daily to 30 mg twice daily (BID). Cycles were 28 days; three administration schedules were evaluated. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed and tumor biopsies were done to evaluate pharmacodynamics. Results: Common adverse events were rash, diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and visual disturbances including retinal vein occlusion (RVO; n = 3). Neurotoxicity was frequent in patients receiving ≥15 mg BID. The maximum tolerated dose, 15 mg BID continuously, was associated with late-onset RVO outside the dose-limiting toxicity window. An alternative dose and schedule, 10 mg BID 5 days on/2 days off, was therefore expanded; one RVO event occurred. Three of 48 evaluable patients with melanoma achieved confirmed partial responses; 10 had stable disease ≥4 months. PD-0325901 exposure was generally dose proportional. Doses ≥2 mg BID consistently caused ≥60% suppression of phosphorylated ERK in melanoma. Fifteen patients showed significant decreases (≥50%) in Ki-67. Conclusions: PD-0325901 showed preliminary clinical activity. The maximum tolerated dose, based on first cycle dose-limiting toxicities, was 15 mg BID continuously. However, 10 and 15 mg BID continuous dosing and 10 mg BID 5 days on/2 days off schedules were associated with delayed development of RVO; thus, further enrollment to this trial was stopped. Intermittent dose scheduling between 2 and 10 mg BID should be explored to identify a recommended dose with long-term PD-0325901 use. Clin Cancer Res; 16(6); 1924–37
Bevacizumab-Based Therapies in the First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

Since its approval for the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), bevacizumab has become a standard treatment option in combination with chemotherapy for patients with mCRC. Bevacizumab has demonstrated efficacy in combination with a number of different backbone chemotherapy regimens, and its widespread use has introduced several important questions regarding the selection and optimization of bevacizumab-based treatment regimens, its use in various patient populations, and the identification of associated adverse events. This review discusses the results of several phase II and phase III clinical trials, as well as large observational studies, to address the use of bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with mCRC in the first-line setting.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Site-Directed Spin Labeling: Experimental Validation in Muscle Fibers

We have developed a computational molecular dynamics technique to simulate the motions of spin labels bound to the regulatory domain of scallop myosin. These calculations were then directly compared with site-directed spin labeling experimental results obtained by preparing seven single-cysteine mutants of the smooth muscle (chicken gizzard) myosin regulatory light chain and performing electron paramagnetic resonance experiments on these spin-labeled regulatory light chains in functional scallop muscle fibers. We determined molecular dynamics simulation conditions necessary for obtaining a convergent orientational trajectory of the spin label, and from these trajectories we then calculated correlation times, orientational distributions, and order parameters. Simulated order parameters closely match those determined experimentally, validating our molecular dynamics modeling technique, and demonstrating our ability to predict preferred sites for labeling by computer simulation. In several cases, more than one rotational mode was observed within the 14-ns trajectory, suggesting that the spin label samples several local energy minima. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations of an experimental system to explore and enhance the site-directed spin labeling technique.
Crystal structure of ferrioxamine B: a comparative analysis and implications for molecular recognition.

Ferrioxamine B was successfully co-crystallized with ethanolpentaaquomagnesium(II) and perchlorate ions as counter ions, C27H62Cl3FeMgN6O26, and the crystal structure has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P21/n, four molecules per unit cell with dimensions a=21.1945(7) A, b=10.0034(3) A, c=106.560(1) A, and β=106.560(1)°. The crystal structure contains a racemic mixture of Λ-N-cis,cis and Δ-N-cis,cis coordination isomers. The structural parameters and the conformational features of ferrioxamine B compare very well with those of ferrioxamines D1 and E, with an exception of the orientation of the pendant protonated amine, which is pointing away from the connecting amide chains and towards the carbonyl face of the inner coordination shell distorted octahedron. This pendant protonated amine, in conjunction with the carbonyl face of the Fe(III) coordination shell, is proposed to play an important role in the recognition and membrane transport processes.
The relationship between organ weights and body weights, facial dimensions, and dental dimensions in a population of olive baboons (Papio cynocephalus anubis).

Questions concerned with the relationship between organ weights and body weight on an intraspecific level are best answered by using a sample of animals collected in the wild from a single locale during a single season. The organ weights and body weights for this study were obtained from the necropsy reports prepared in the field (Athi Plain, Kenya) by H. C. McGill, Jr. on 36 adult animals (18 males and 18 females). Dental and facial measurements were taken by M.I. Siegel. In order to avoid erroneous results produced by statistical treatment of combined sex samples of sexually dimorphic species, data on the sexes were analyzed separately. Means and standard deviations are reported for selected organ weights and body dimensions (heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, adrenal, brain, and pancreas weights, crown–rump length, crown–heel length, head circumference, chest circumference, and body weight). All of the above measures were significantly (p<0.05) different between the sexes. Logarithms of these measures were significantly correlated with the logarithm of body weight in males for heart, lung, liver, spleen, kidney, and adrenal weights, crown–heel length, and head and chest circumference, and in females for crown–heel length, heart, liver, and kidney weights. Partial correlational analysis, removing the effects of body size (weight), showed mostly negative correlational relationships between dental and visceral dimensions. Most of the correlations between facial and visceral dimensions were negative. Allometric equations were calculated for the dental, facial, and visceral dimensions versus body weight, and are compared with prior published results.
Supporting online faculty: Developing a supporting website resource

Current trends in post-secondary education enrollment indicate that colleges and universities are likely to experience an increase in the number of online students. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the type of resources and support features online faculty need, desire, and expect in a support website. The method used to collect research findings was an online survey. The participants for this study consisted of the online faculty population at an institution of higher learning in the southwestern United States. Participants were invited by email to participate in a 13 question survey which asked participants to rate the importance of the questions listed. Of the 2,522 survey invitations e-mailed to potential participants, 380 responded with completed surveys, providing a response rate of 15.06%. Although this was a relativity low response rate, researchers felt the demographics of the respondents provided an accurate representation of the population studied. Findings from the survey indicated participants agree there is a need to implement a support website. Participants indicated the support website should provide support resources, communication forums, and resources to increase connectivity to the institution. The authors note providing online faculty with support websites could be a differentiation strategy to recruit and retain quality online faculty. DOI: 10.18870/hlrc.v4i1.158
Design and construction of an electrical muscle stimulation system to decrease Forearm Muscle Atrophy post-fracture

The incidence of forearm injuries in the United States is high, with approximately 645,000 people sustaining radius and ulna fractures annually. For forearm fractures where bone alignment remains unaffected, cast immobilization is traditionally prescribed for an average period of 6 weeks to allow fracture union to occur. However, complications such as disuse muscle atrophy and bone demineralization are commonly observed during the fracture healing process, and these side effects may require the individual to undergo several months of physical therapy after cast removal to restore normal strength and motor function to the affected forearm. To address these complications, the proposed Forearm Muscle Atrophy Reduction System integrates surface electrodes into a modular polymer cast design to allow electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to be performed on the major forearm muscle groups without the need for complete cast removal. It is proposed that if carefully designed EMS protocols are performed several times per week during the late stages of fracture healing, the individual will experience a lesser degree of disuse atrophy and bone demineralization, reducing the post-recovery time necessary to restore normal strength and motor function. Further enhancements to the cast design may include the integration of biofeedback mechanisms via surface electromyography (SEMG).
Exposure tool for immersion lithography

The 193 nm immersion lithography is becoming the most likely candidate to succeed 193 nm dry lithography, and may extend down to the 45 nm ITRS technology node or beyond. A 0.85 numerical aperture (NA) full field immersion exposure tool was constructed as engineering evaluation tool. With this tool, the imaging of 65 nm half pitch with the depth of focus of 750 nm was demonstrated with scanning exposures, which means imaging capability is as high as expected. Two higher NA immersion tools are planned for production use, one is 1.07 NA tool with all-refractive projection optics at the timing of the 4th quarter of 2005, and the other is 1.30 NA tool with catadioptric projection optics in 2006. For high NA imaging of immersion or dry, polarized illumination is effective. Resist imaging data with 0.92 NA dry tool with polarized illumination are obtained
Visualizing graphs with Krylov subspaces

Visualizing large graphs is a difficult problem, and requires balancing of the need to express global structure and the need to preserve local detail. The commute-time embedding is an attractive choice for providing a geometric embedding for graph vertices, but is high-dimensional. Dimension reduction of the commute-time embedding may be accomplished with Krylov subspace methods, which can preserve local detail and have intuitive geometric interpretations. These reduced-dimension approximations are computationally inexpensive, and may be contrasted against the much more expensive application of principal components analysis dimension reduction.
Effects of thermal osmosis near a buried isolated heat sphere

Abstract The effects of thermal osmosis in a homogeneous porous medium are analytically investigated near a heated spherical container. It was demonstrated that accurate estimations of the effects of thermal osmosis must account for physical constraints such as continuity of mass. This work has application in predicting release from a radioactive waste site.
Single-heartbeat electromechanical wave imaging with optimal strain estimation using temporally unequispaced acquisition sequences

Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based imaging method capable of mapping the electromechanical wave (EW) in vivo, i.e. the transient deformations occurring in response to the electrical activation of the heart. Optimal imaging frame rates, in terms of the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio, to capture the EW cannot be achieved due to the limitations of conventional imaging sequences, in which the frame rate is low and tied to the imaging parameters. To achieve higher frame rates, EWI is typically performed by combining sectors acquired during separate heartbeats, which are then combined into a single view. However, the frame rates achieved remain potentially sub-optimal and this approach precludes the study of non-periodic arrhythmias. This paper describes a temporally unequispaced acquisition sequence (TUAS) for which a wide range of frame rates are achievable independently of the imaging parameters, while maintaining a full view of the heart at high beam density. TUAS is first used to determine the optimal frame rate for EWI in a paced canine heart in vivo and then to image during ventricular fibrillation. These results indicate how EWI can be optimally performed within a single heartbeat, during free breathing and in real time, for both periodic and non-periodic cardiac events.
Discovery of a significant, nontopological preference for antiparallel alignment of helices with parallel regions in sheets.

To help elucidate the role of secondary structure packing preferences in protein folding, here we present an analysis of the packing geometry observed between α-helices and between α-helices and β-sheets in 1316 diverse, nonredundant protein structures. Finite-length vectors were fit to the α-carbon atoms in each of the helices and strands, and the packing angle between the vectors, Ω, was determined at the closest point of approach within each helix–helix or helix–sheet pair. Helix–sheet interactions were found in 391 of the proteins, and the distributions of Ω values were calculated for all the helix–sheet and helix–helix interactions. The packing angle preferences for helix–helix interactions are similar to those previously observed. However, analysis of helix–strand packing preferences uncovered a remarkable tendency for helices to align antiparallel to parallel regions of β-sheets, independent of the topological constraints or prevalence of β-α-β motifs in the proteins. This packing angle preference is significantly diminished in helix interactions involving mixed and antiparallel β-sheets, suggesting a role for helix–sheet dipole alignment in guiding supersecondary structure formation in protein folding. This knowledge of preferred packing angles can be used to guide the engineering of stable protein modules.
Does sucrose or aspartame cause hyperactivity in children

Anecdotal evidence has led to the hypothesis that there is a relationship between sugar intake and hyperactive behavior. To assess this hypothesis, a recent study using a range of behavioral and cognitive measures evaluated the effects of diets high in sucrose, aspartame, and saccharin on the performance of school-aged children believed to be sensitive to sugar, and preschool children. Although intakes exceeded average dietary levels, neither sucrose nor aspartame negatively affected behavior. Taken together with previous work, these results indicate that sugar is not a major cause of hyperactivity.
Tetrahedral boron in naturally occurring tourmaline

Evidence for boron in both trigonal and tetrahedral coordination has been found in 11 B magicangle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of natural, inclusion-free specimens of aluminum-rich lithian tourmaline from granitic pegmatites.
Trans-splicing and operons.

About 70% of C. elegans mRNAs are trans-spliced to one of two 22 nucleotide spliced leaders. SL1 is used to trim off the 5' ends of pre-mRNAs and replace them with the SL1 sequence. This processing event is very closely related to cis-splicing, or intron removal. The SL1 sequence is donated by a 100 nt small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP). This snRNP is structurally and functionally related to the U snRNAs (U1, U2, U4, U5 and U6) that play key roles in intron removal and trans-splicing, except that it is consumed in the process of splicing. More than half of C. elegans pre-mRNAs are subject to SL1 trans-splicing. About 30% are not trans-spliced at all. The remaining genes are trans-spliced by SL2. These genes are all downstream genes in closely spaced gene clusters similar to bacterial operons. They are transcribed from a promoter at the 5' end of the cluster of between 2 and 8 genes. This transcription makes a polycistronic pre-mRNA that is co-transcriptionally processed by cleavage and polyadenylation at the 3' end of each gene, and this event is closely coupled to the SL2 trans-splicing event that occurs only ~100 nt further downstream. Recent studies on the mechanism of SL2 trans-splicing have revealed that one of the 3' end formation proteins, CstF, interacts with the only protein known to be specific to the SL2 snRNP. The operons contain
Near-field collimation tower technique for time-delay studies of a large ground station communications antenna

A need for an accurate but inexpensive method for measuring time delays of large ground antennas for very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) applications motivated the development of the collimation-tower technique described. Supporting analytical work that was performed primarily to verify time-delay measurement results obtained for a large antenna when the transmitter was at a collimation distance of 1/25 of the usual 2D^{2}/\lambda far-field criterion is discussed. Comparisons of theoretical and experimental results are given.
EVOLUTION OF THE INDIAN NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM

▪ Abstract Presently, India occupies a leading place among Asian nations in the indigenous design, development, construction, and operation of nuclear power reactors. Nuclear power generation in India is based on a three-stage plan to eventually make use of the abundant national resources of thorium, through the use of fast breeder reactors. To achieve this long-range goal, India had to necessarily start with setting up heavy water–moderated, natural uranium–fueled power reactors to produce the plutonium required for the subsequent stages. But, as a result of India's nuclear weapon test in 1974, the developed nations imposed a comprehensive ban on the export of nuclear materials and technology to India, and these sanctions are still in force. This article outlines the steps followed by India to successfully counter these sanctions over the last 25 years and presents a critical evaluation of the potential problems and prospects of nuclear power in India.
Oxygen isotope evidence for high-altitude snow in the Laramide Rocky Mountains of North America during the Late Cretaceous and Paleogene

The δ 18 O values of river waters in Late Cretaceous and Paleogene basins of Alberta, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado are calculated from the isotopic composition of unaltered aragonite mollusk fossils. The isotopic composition of these river waters has significant implications for the uplift and climate history of the mountains surrounding the basins. Our data show that the δ 18 O values of river water varied dramatically, ranging from −23‰ to −5‰ relative to Vienna standard mean ocean water, with an uncertainty of ±2‰. Close stratigraphic association of river deposits with very different isotopic values indicates two different water sources: rainfall in the warm, low-elevation basins and snowfall in surrounding mountains. The δ 18 O difference between basinal and highland precipitation suggests that local relief was similar to today9s, on the order of 2.5–3 km. Seasonal variation in shell δ 18 O values also indicates that there are times when large snow fields in the Maastrichtian and Paleocene mountains of Montana and Wyoming survived summer melting and were multiannual features.
Residual thermal birefringence in freely quenched plates of amorphous polymers: Simulation and experiment

Free quenching experiments were performed on thin plates of polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC). The thermal birefringence distribution along the thickness direction of the plates was measured. The birefringence data were compared with the results of a numerical simulation based on the linear viscoelastic and photoviscoelastic constitutive equations for the mechanical and optical properties, respectively, and the first-order rate equation for volume relaxation. The effects of the initial temperature, quenching temperature, and quenching media on the development of residual thermal stresses and birefringence were evaluated. At higher initial temperatures (>105 °C), the thermal birefringence in quenched PS plates was negative at the center and positive at the surface, whereas at lower temperatures (close to the glass-transition temperature), the birefringence became positive at the core and negative at the surface or positive through the entire cross section of the plate. The birefringence in freely quenching PC plates was positive at the center and negative at the surface at any initial temperature. These observations were in fair agreement with predicted data. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1850–1867, 2003
Copper-induced expression, cloning, and regulatory studies of the plastocyanin gene from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Plastocyanin can be detected in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 when 3/~M copper is added to the growth medium, BG- 11. The plastocyanin gene (petE) was cloned from a genomic 2 EMBL 3 library by screening with thepetE gene from Anabaena sp. PCC 7937. The Synechocystis 6803 pete gene is present as a single copy and, as deduced from the DNA sequence, encodes a precursor protein of 126 amino acids. The predicted 29 amino acid transit peptide shows substantial homology to the Anabaena 7937 transit peptide, thought to direct the plastocyanin precursor to the thylakoid lumen. Putative promoter sites - 16 and - 38 base pairs from the start of the petE gene have been identified. The deduced amino acid sequence has the greatest homology (61 ~) to the green alga Scenedemus obliquus plastocyanin. Despite the lower homology, the copper binding residues and certain aromatic residues remain highly conserved. Northern hybridization analysis indicates that the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 petE gene is not transcriptionally regulated since the accumulation of petE mRNA appears to be independent of the copper concentration in the growth media. The possibility of an additional polypeptide needed to facilitate the electron transfer from plastocyanin to P700 + is also discussed.
Over-expression of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor on INS-1 cells confers autocrine stimulation of insulin gene promoter activity: a strategy for production of pancreatic β-cell lines for use in transplantation

To develop transplantable β-cell lines for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, we have taken advantage of the property of INS-1 cells to synthesize and secrete not only insulin, but also small quantities of the insulinotropic hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In INS-1 cells over-expressing the β-cell GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1-R), we have shown, by radioimmune assay and bioassay of conditioned medium, that an autocrine signaling mechanism of hormone action exists whereby self-secreted GLP-1 acts as a competence factor in support of insulin gene transcription. INS-1 cells also exhibit insulin gene promoter activity, as assayed in cells transfected with a rat insulin gene I promoter-luciferase construct (RIP1-Luc). The GLP-1-R agonist exendin-4 stimulates RIP1-Luc activity in a glucose-dependent manner, an effect mediated by endogenous GLP-1-Rs, and is blocked by the serine/threonine protein kinase inhibitor Ro 31-8220. Over-expression of GLP-1-R in transfected INS-1 cells reduces the threshold for exendin-4 agonist action, whereas basal RIP1-Luc activity increases 2.5-fold in the absence of added agonist. The increase of basal RIP1-Luc activity is a consequence of autocrine stimulation by self-secreted GLP-1 and is blocked by introduction of (1) an inactivating W39A mutation in the N-terminus ligand-binding domain of GLP-1-R or (2) mutations in the third cytoplasmic loop that prevent G protein coupling. No evidence for constitutive ligand-independent signaling properties of the GLP-1-R has been obtained. Over-expression of GLP-1-R increases the potency and efficacy of D-glucose as a stimulator of RIP1-Luc. Thus, INS-1 cells over-expressing the GLP-1-R recapitulate the incretin hormone effect of circulating GLP-1, thereby providing a possible strategy by which β-cell lines may be engineered for efficient glucose-dependent insulin biosynthesis and secretion.
HIGH ANTERIOR RELEASE OF THE LEVATOR FASCIA IMPROVES SEXUAL FUNCTION FOLLOWING OPEN RADICAL RETROPUBIC PROSTATECTOMY

Purpose: Recent anatomical studies have shown that branches of the cavernous nerves running adjacent to the prostate at the apex travel more anteriorly than previously recognized. Outcomes of robot assisted radical prostatectomy suggest improved postoperative sexual outcomes following high anterior release of the levator fascia. We prospectively evaluated the effect of high anterior release on oncological and sexual function outcomes following open radical retropubic prostatectomy.Materials and Methods: A total of 167 patients with clinically localized prostate cancer with a preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of greater than 21 underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with bilateral nerve sparing and selective high anterior release, as performed by a single surgeon. Data on postoperative sexual function were collected by an independent third party. Sexual function outcomes at 12 months were defined as 1) a Sexual Health Inventory for Men score of 16 or greater and/or a satisfaction score...
Suicide and Older Adults: The Strengths Perspective in Practice:

Suicide rates are higher among older adults than any other age group. In many instances, suicide among older adults can be prevented. One approach that can be used for prevention is the strengths p...
Die Attach in Hi-Rel P-Dips: Polyimides or low chloride Epoxies?

Advancements in the speed and input/output (I/O) density of integrated circuits (IC's) used in computers and other high performance systems are creating a need for new designs, materials, and processes capable of providing high density multilayer interconnections with controlled electrical characteristics. To meet these needs, we selected an interconnect materials system consisting of multiple layers of thin film copper conductor patterns separated by polyimide (PI) dielectric layers, fabricated on a ceramic substrate. We developed processes for depositing films and patterning high resolution features in both conductor and dielectric films, and established a process sequence for filling vias and building up multilayer structures. We investigated the stability of the Cu/ PI materials system by determining the effects of cure conditions and humidity aging on the dielectric properties, internal stress, mechanical properties, and adhesion of PI. We then fabricated multilayer test structures, including a functional multichip ring oscillator circuit, to demonstrate process feasibility and the electrical performance of Cu/PI interconnections.
Mutually Responsive Orientation between Mothers and Their Young Children: Implications for Early Socialization

Parent-child mutually responsive, binding, reciprocal orientation, or a system of reciprocity has been implicated as fundamental in socialization, particularly by Maccoby, but it remains poorly understood. In this study, two posited components of such orientation, mother-child shared cooperation with each other and mother-child shared positive affect, were measured in multiple contexts of daily interactions using a combination of micro- and macroscopic behavioral coding systems, and subsequently aggregated. Mothers' self-reports were also used. Two implications of thus conceptualized mutually responsive orientation were examined: mothers' use of power in disciplinary interactions and children's degree of internalization of maternal rules, both assessed using multiple observational and mother-reported measures. Mothers and children were studied twice, when children were 26-41 months (Time 1, N = 103), and when they were 43-56 months (Time 2, N = 99). In the dyads high on the mutually responsive orientation (particularly those who maintained such orientation throughout early childhood), mothers resorted to less power and children were more internalized regarding maternal values and rules, in the contemporaneous and longitudinal sense. Mothers high on empathic perspective taking were more likely to establish a system of reciprocity with their children. The importance of such systems for social development is discussed.
Is this thing on? Determining comfort level with communication skills in a technical discipline

Students with a technology focus often express and demonstrate that they find it difficult to communicate their ideas and designs. Students in the Rochester Institute of Technology's School of Interactive Games and Media are further challenged in that in order to be successful in their pursuit of a career in game design and development, they need to effectively convey their game ideas and design specifications while expressing the passion for the ideas that will convince others to climb on board and work on their projects. In this paper, we discuss the way we help our students develop these skills within a course structure. Through several course offerings, the faculty and students anecdotally noted that the students communication skills improved and their comfort in communication improved as well. In order to more accurately determine if this observed improvement was measurable, a survey of comfort with communication skills was created. The paper will present the results of an exploratory study using the instrument, which involved administering the survey to the students in the course as well as students in another course without a focus in development of these skills. The results from both sets of students were analyzed to determine if there was an increase in comfort with communication skills and to begin a process of validating this new instrument.
An Interval-Radial Algorithm for Hierarchical Clustering Analysis

Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) produces a structure that is more informative than an unstructured set of clusters. However, the advantage comes at the cost of lower efficiency. In analyzing large dataset with HCA, it is important to improve its efficiency. Motivated by the fact that small quantitative differences may not necessarily reflect changes of qualitative property, we report an interval-radial algorithm for HCA. By grouping data points within a neighborhood, the interval-radial algorithm is O(N^2) for both agglomerative and divisive approaches under an easy to satisfy weak condition. The algorithm can adaptively adjust radius during its execution. Furthermore, the algorithm provides flexibility to users for them to select initial radius and step size such that to produce customized output automatically. We report the algorithm, its analysis, and results of computational experiments on several benchmark datasets. Examples and illustrative dendrograms are included.
Quantification of minimal residual disease in T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia with the TAL-1 deletion using a standardized real-time PCR assay.

Hematologic relapse remains the greatest obstacle to the cure of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Recent studies have shown that patients with increased risk of relapse can be identified by measuring residual leukemic cells, called minimal residual disease (MRD), during clinical remission. Current PCR methods, however, for measuring MRD are cumbersome and time-consuming. To improve and simplify MRD assessment, we developed a real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) assay for detection of leukemic cells that harbor the TAL-1 deletion. We studied serial dilutions of leukemic DNA and found the assay had a sensitivity of detection of one leukemic cell among 100 000 normal cells. We then investigated 23 samples from eight children with ALL in clinical remission. We quantified residual leukemic cells by using the TAL-1 RQ-PCR assay and by using limiting dilution analysis. In 17 samples, both methods detected MRD levels ⩾0.001%. The percentages of leukemic cells measured by the two methods correlated well (r2 = 0.926). In the remaining six samples, both methods detected fewer than 0.001% leukemic cells. We conclude the TAL-1 RQ-PCR assay can be used for rapid, sensitive and accurate assessment of MRD in T-lineage ALL with the TAL-1 deletion.
Polysphondylium from forest soils of Tikal, Guatemala

Seven of 35 different taxa of dictyostelid cellular slime molds recovered from forest soils of Tikal, Guatemala, belong to the genus Polysphondylium. Four of these are new species (P. acuminatum, P...
Frequency of tw alleles in a confined population of wild house mice.

Summary1. A sample (R-3) from a confined population of mice, consisting of 70 males and 68 females, was tested for the presence of tw alleles. This population is descended from animals caught in the wild. 2. Of 44 tested males, 50% were ±/tw; while of 55 tested females, 65% contained tw. This population has an overall-frequency of 59% tw containing fertile individuals. The present generation of this population seems to contain only tw2, a viable allele, and ±. Previously tested generations (R- 1 and R- 2) had contained both tw2 and tw1. The latter is a lethal allele. 3. The ±/tw2 males of this population transmitted tw2 gametes to their offspring in excessive numbers, a phenomenon known from other studies and referred to as “segregation ratio abnormality.” 4. Discussed is the overall high frequency of tw-containing individuals found in this population as compared with animals caught in the wild. Also discussed is the disparity between males and females with respect to frequencies of sterility and tw-conta...
THE NOMENCLATURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF GLOIOSPHAERA CLERCIANA

Gloiosphaera clerciana (Boudier) v. Hohnel, a rare Hyphomycete, has been collected in western North America. Its development is described and its nomenclature reviewed.
Comparison between nafarelin and leuprolide acetate for in vitro fertilization: preliminary clinical study * †

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of two different biochemical GnRH agonists (GnRH-a), nafarelin acetate and leuprolide acetate (LA), as adjunct to induction of ovulation in patients for IVF. Design Twenty-four women were assigned randomly to either nafarelin acetate or LA during IVF cycles. Setting University-affiliated clinics. Patients Infertile women undergoing IVF cycles in an academic research environment. Interventions Intranasal nafarelin at a dosage of 200 μ g twice daily or LA at a dose of 1mg/d SC was administered. Blood samples were collected on day 21 of previous cycle, days 2 and 8, and before hCG injection. Main Outcome Measure Patient response as indicated by follicular phase serum levels of E 2 , FSH, and LH. Results Hormone profiles on cycle day 2 showed no statistical difference between both GnRH-a groups in FSH levels and a slight statistical difference for E 2 levels. Patient response as demonstrated by follicular phase of E 2 , FSH, and LH measured on cycle day 8 and the day of hCG injection showed no statistically significant difference in both groups. Furthermore, the mean number of follicles, eggs retrieved, egg quality, fertilization rate, and number of embryos transferred and frozen were similar. The cycle cancellation rate and pregnancy rate per stimulation start were also not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion The study shows the comparable efficacy of these two drugs in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocols. The easy administration of nafarelin with prompt nasal absorption and the readily achieved blood level made nafarelin an option for use in COH in assisted reproductive technology.
Evaluation of respiratory disease in calves: comparison of disease response to different viruses

A method has been devised for evaluating respiratory disease of calves. Observer bias was removed from the clinical assessment and all observations were scored to allow quantitative analysis of the results. Calves were distributed randomly three animals to a pen. They were isolated before and during the trial to reduce intercurrent infection from outside the group and cross infection within the group. The method was applied to two trials; one in which 15 calves were exposed to parainfluenzavirus type 3 (Pi3) and a second experiment in which 14 calves were inoculated simultaneously with respiratory syncytial (RS) virus and mucosal disease (MD) virus. Nine calves acted as uninfected controls in both trials. All exposed animals became infected. Disease scores in the first trial with Pi3 virus were similar for infected animals (mean 6.8) and control animals (mean 9.6) but in the second trial with RS and MD viruses the mean disease score for infected animals (54.3) was substantially greater than that for control animals (1.6). A statistical analysis carried out on data from the two trials confirmed the significance of these results. Differences between rectal temperatures and between white cell counts for infected and noninfected calves in the second trial were shown to be highly significant (P It is suggested that this method of disease assessment has advantages over previously described methods especially where the clinical response is mild. Under such conditions there was no evidence that Pi3 virus caused disease whereas infection with RS and MD viruses was followed by moderate clinical disease, which included a transient pyrexia and leucopenia.
GAS IN THE BOWEL

This chapter discusses the gas in the bowel. Intestinal gas consists mainly of nitrogen derived from swallowed air. Some persons swallow more air than others do. Distention of the stomach with swallowed air is extremely rare in adults. After operations it helps to remove swallowed air from the stomach. Because much of the air is swallowed during the drinking or eating of fluids, flatulent persons are often helped by sticking to a dry diet. Persons who complain that the stomach is distended with gas are commonly mistaken, and roentgenologic examination will show either that there is no unusual amount of gas in the abdomen, or that most of it is in the splenic flexure of the colon. The gases in the intestine tend to come into equilibrium with those in the blood. Nitrogen diffuses out of the bowel so slowly that most of it must be passed on to the rectum and expelled.
The sociolinguistic situation in Guadeloupe: Diglossia reconsidered

In the literature on Caribbean creoles two descriptive models have dominated to explain the structures of linguistic codes, the relationships between them, and their distribution: diglossia and the creole continuum. Most Anglophone linguists have argued that it is most accurate to describe the linguistic contexts of Martinique and Guadeloupe as stable diglossic situations in which two recognizable linguistic varieties with specific functional assignments are spoken. They contrast the French Antilles with the Caribbean islands where an English-lexifer creole is spoken, described as examples of creole continua. This paper reconsiders the applicability of the diglossia model for describing the linguistic varieties in Guadeloupe and the patterns of their use. I explain why most Antillean scholars describe the French Antilles as examples of diglossia, yet also acknowledge a creole continuum with intermediate varieties of both French and Kreyol. As a further point, I consider whether or not Guadeloupe’s linguistic situation is best described as a stable one. In doing so, I counter the argument of Meyjes (1995) that language shift is occurring in favor of French monolingualism. My goal in this paper is to foster dialogue between Francophone and Anglophone creolists and to clarify some of our basic assumptions about Caribbean creoles.
More Than Rocket Science: A Case for Differentiated Leadership Development

Drawing on the research of Edwin Friedman (2007) in his book, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, we explain the importance of developing differentiated leadership in groups and organizations of all sizes and types. According to Friedman, the leadership process is plagued by the fallacies of self, expertise, and empathy. These fallacies lead to an over reliance on data, low tolerance of ambiguity, anxiety, and a superficial comfort in togetherness, all of which upset the emotional balance in the leadership process. Using examples from rocket science, biology, and social psychology, we suggest that in order to combat these common dysfunctions, leadership development programs should be aimed at developing leaders who represent a nonanxious, self-regulating presence. The goal of the current paper is to expand leadership development concepts and ideas to include practices that make groups and organizations more psychologically safe and enriching for all stakeholders.
Further Encounters and Methods: American and Soviet

While Russia’s fight for the maintenance of her exclusive domination over a large segment of the Danube waterway was taking place, and Washington and Moscow were getting ready for the final showdown at the Belgrade Conference, three other major devices were used by Soviet diplomacy which were essential if Russia intended to make full use of the river: the demand before the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations for the release of hundreds of vessels held by the United States at the end of the war, the interpretation of “German assets,” and the establishment of “joint companies.” Moscow realized from the outset that the control of the Danube without barges, navigation enterprises and shipping facilities was of little value. The Soviet Union, following the wartime devastations, was much in need of goods and services; therefore the success of each of these endeavors was vital to her own economy and to the fullest utilization of the Russian controlled sectors of the Danube River.