cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstructing historical outbreaks of mountain pine beetle in lodgepole pine forests in the Colorado Front Range

Abstract Regional-scale mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in the first decade of the 2000s affected millions of hectares of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) in western North American forests. In Colorado, 1.4 million ha exhibited high mortality. These events prompted questions about whether historical outbreaks reached the scale of this most recent event. We aimed to reconstruct past mortality events in lodgepole pine forests in the northern Colorado Front Range and to determine whether these were of similar extent to the 2000s outbreak. We identified logs of mountain pine beetle-killed trees based on visually identifiable signs of beetle infestation including lower bole breakage, egg galleries, exit holes, and the presence of blue stain. We collected cross-sections, developed tree ring chronologies and determined death dates through tree ring analysis. We detected five mortality events since the 1860s, including widely distributed mortality in the 1910s that was geographically as extensive as the 2000s outbreak in our study area. Trees killed were on average 232 years of age and 36 cm in diameter. In our study area, it takes about 200 years for a lodgepole pine to reach the size suitable for mountain pine beetle attack. We conclude that mountain pine beetle infestation signs remain useful for identifying mountain pine beetle-caused tree mortality for over a century and that well-distributed mountain pine beetle-caused mortality has occurred in the past in the northern Colorado Front Range. Future reconstructions of bark beetle-caused mortality may benefit from integrating the use of beetle symptomatology with growth releases. The inclusion of stand demography and fire history will present a holistic picture of how disturbance interactions create the mosaic of forest landscapes. Awareness of the disturbance histories in forests and the legacies of past events advances understanding of their ecology and will inform researchers and managers in developing management strategies to foster sustainable delivery of ecosystem services and maintain resiliency as climate change manifests.
Spatial and Temporal Heterogeneity of PD-L1 Expression and Tumor Mutational Burden in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma at Baseline Diagnosis and after Chemotherapy

Purpose: Intrapatient heterogeneity of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) could influence their roles as predictive biomarkers for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and prognostic relevance of PD-L1 expression and TMB in GEA. Experimental Design: A cohort of 211 patients with stage II–IV GEA was retrospectively reviewed for a total of 407 tumor samples with PD-L1 expression data and 319 tumor samples with TMB data. PD-L1 status was defined as positive if combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 using the 22C3 pharmDx assay. TMB levels were categorized as low, intermediate, or high (≤5, 5–15, or >15 mutations/Mb), or using a single threshold ( Results: Of 407 tumors, 56% were PD-L1 negative and 44% PD-L1 positive. Of 319 tumors, 50% were TMB-low, 45% TMB-intermediate, and 5% TMB-high; 86% had Conclusions: PD-L1 expression and TMB exhibit marked spatial and temporal heterogeneity in GEA. This heterogeneity should be considered when obtaining tumor samples for molecular testing and when deciding whether ICI therapy is appropriate. See related commentary by Klempner et al., p. 6401
Emotion Dysregulation Predicts Dropout from Prolonged Exposure Treatment among Women Veterans with Military Sexual Trauma-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract Background Military sexual trauma (MST) is notably prevalent among military personnel and can result in mental and physical health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although there are several evidence-based treatments for MST-related PTSD, including prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, it is unclear what factors are associated with premature termination (i.e., dropout) from this treatment. Given the popularity of PE as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD, the examination of variables that influence dropout from PE among women veterans with MST is warranted. Identification of these specific factors may assist clinicians in addressing the unique symptom profiles and potential barriers to treatment access for individual MST survivors. Methods The current study presents secondary data analyses from an ongoing randomized clinical trial that compared the effectiveness of PE delivered in person to delivery via telemedicine for women veterans with MST-related PTSD (n = 136). Results A total of 50% of participants dropped out from the study (n = 68). Difficulties with emotion regulation at baseline were associated with treatment dropout (odds ratio, 1.03; p Conclusions Findings from the current study indicate that emotion regulation skills deficits contribute to PE dropout and may be an appropriate target to address in future clinical trials for PTSD treatment.
Found in translation.

Abstract In this essay, the author, a medical student, details his experience interpreting for a physician and his Chinese-speaking depression-afflicted patient. The author describes and reflects on the difficulties presented in cross-cultural interactions, especially when it involves culturally sensitive medical issues, and through this case ultimately examines lessons on how healthcare providers can more compassionately approach all patients.
Use of Radiofrequency Technology in Endonasal Skull Base and Transcranial Procedures

Objective Radiofrequency ablation is widely utilized in otorhinolaryngology. It is used for ablation, coagulation and resection, and hemostasis. It causes tissue destruction through a chemical interaction of ions. The potential benefit is to cause less thermal injury to surrounding tissues compared with other coagulative tools. In this article, we present novel uses of radiofrequency ablation in endoscopic endonasal, and transcranial surgery. This is the first study to describe its use in transcranial cases. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a retrospective study of patients between 2016 and 2018 who underwent either endoscopic endonasal or transcranial surgery where radiofrequency ablation was used. Main Outcome Measures We looked at indication for usage, blood loss, postoperative imaging to identify any stroke or edema, and clinical outcomes of these patients. Results The radiofrequency device was used in eight endoscopic endonasal cases and four craniotomies. Four cases were for encephalocele repair and eight were for various intracranial pathologies. In endonasal encephalocele repair, the radiofrequency ablation helped in shrinking the herniated brain while minimizing thermal injury to the surrounding tissue. In tumors resection, the combination of ablation and coagulation effect was particularly effective for highly vascularized tumors. There were no vascular or major neurologic injuries. Postoperative periencephalocele edema was noted in one case. Conclusion Initial experience with radiofrequency ablation showed that it was a safe technique to use in both endonasal skull-base and transcranial procedures. It seemed particularly useful for highly vascularized tumors but a greater experience is needed to further clarify its role in these procedures.
Whole-Exome Sequencing in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) enables evaluation of protein-coding regions of the genome enriched for disease-associated gene variants. Although WES is emerging as a useful tool in the evaluation of...
Meeting the Needs of Vulnerable and At-Risk School-Age Children

In March 2020, in response to concerns about the rapidly spreading coronavirus, schools across the nation closed to in-person instruction. Despite having laws and policies addressing education in a public health emergency, school districts lacked comprehensive plans addressing specific issues raised by COVID-19. The outbreak has exposed a lack of preparation for providing education and services, and inability to adapt instruction in an extended emergency, which has further exacerbated existing education and health inequities. Many students, particularly minorities and students from low-income families, did not have access to the internet or the technology required to participate in online instruction. English-language learners and students with special needs for whom in-person school is critical also struggled in this new learning environment. Education is a significant social determinant of health, linked to long-term health outcomes of infant mortality, health behaviors, and even life span. Schools also play an important role in short-term health of students, including nutrition, physical health and activity, and mental health and well-being. Federal, state, and local governments and school districts must work together to devise and implement trauma-informed, equity-centered education strategies. This paper was prepared as part of the COVID-19 Policy Playbook: Legal Recommendations for a Safer, More Equitable Future, a comprehensive report published by Public Health Law Watch in partnership with the de Beaumont Foundation and the American Public Health Association.
Response Bias Reflects Individual Differences in Sensory Encoding

Humans exhibit substantial biases in their decision making even in simple two-choice tasks, but the origin of these biases remains unclear. I hypothesized that one source of bias could be individua...
The sexual life of English: languages of caste and desire in Colonial India, by Shefali Chandra

While there is no dearth of scholarship on English-language educational initiatives in various colonies ruled by the British empire of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Shefali Chandra's mono...
The effect of leptin on Lep expression is tissue-specific and nutritionally regulated

Leptin, the product of the Obese (Lep) gene, orchestrates behavioral and metabolic responses to nutrient intake. Here, we demonstrate tissue-specific autoregulation of Lep. Moderate increases in circulating leptin considerably decreased Lep expression in adipose tissue and induced lep expression in skeletal muscle, a tissue that normally does not express this gene. Changes in nutrient availability resulted in rapid alterations in Lep autoregulation. These findings demonstrate negative feedback regulation of Lep in fat, and indicate that leptin secretion can function as a vehicle of 'cross-talk' between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, leading to tissue-specific modulation of the 'leptin signal'.
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management: The Barriers of Implementing Social Media in Public Policy

Given society’s interconnectedness through technology and maturing social media platforms, it is becoming increasingly critical for government agencies to begin shifting from traditional forms of public outreach to modern forms that can reach a larger portion of the public. The integration of the digital native generation into the decision-making processes of public policy is critical for a sound democratic system. This paper describes research performed in the largest government land agency, exploring how the public’s opinion, thoughts, and perceptions are weighed in the decision making process for the people’s land. In this exploratory case study, I theorized that social media has hardly been utilized by the Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office (BLM UTSO) in oil and gas lease sales because the Bureau is not technologically advanced and lacks the proper staff to take on this transformation. This hinders policy from being reflective of public opinion, costing the Bureau more time and money in administrative and legal fees. Using original survey data, I found that several obstacles, such as technological short falls, weak technological skills of BLM staffers, and vague federal regulations, play a part in limiting the ability of the Bureau itself to reach out and evolve.
SNA: Recent Advances and Additional Requirements

SNA has evolved continuously since its introduction in 1974. It now provides rich levels of function in all of its layers. Numerous SNA networks are installed. From these networks we gain valuable information on the actual operation of SNA networks in a wide variety of environments and receive a continuous stream of additional requirements.
Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Human Sex Differences

Darwin’s (1871) theory of sexual selection and the associated mechanisms of intrasexual competition (e.g., male-male competition) and intersexual choice (e.g., female choice of mates) have guided the scientific study of sex differences in hundreds of non-human species. These mechanisms and several recent advances in our understanding of the evolution and expression of sex differences in non-human species are described. The usefulness of this theory for approaching the study human sex differences is illustrated with discussion of patterns of women’s mate preferences and choices and with discussion of men’s one-on-one and coalitional competition. A comparison of these aspects of intersexual choice and intrasexual competition in humans and non-human species is provided, as is discussion of cultural variation in the expression of these behaviors.
Anomalous 3-jet and Heavy Quark Fragmentation

Heavy hadron production in $e^+e^-$ annihilation is studied in the framework of heavy-quark recombination mechanism. This mechanism predicts a new type of 3-jet event such as $b\bar{b}q$ or $b\bar{b}\bar{q}$, which is power-suppressed relative to the standard $b\bar{b}g$ event. Furthermore, heavy quark fragmentation function also receives a contribution from this mechanism, which is {\it calculable} in perturbative QCD as long as the momentum fraction $z$ is not too close to unity. We conjecture that the height of the peak of fragmentation function for S-wave heavy hadron scales as $\alpha_s^2(m) m/\lambdaqcd$.
Topological Ramsey spaces from Fraïssé classes, Ramsey-classification theorems, and initial structures in the Tukey types of p-points

A general method for constructing a new class of topological Ramsey spaces is presented. Members of such spaces are infinite sequences of products of Fraisse classes of finite relational structures satisfying the Ramsey property. The Product Ramsey Theorem of Sokic is extended to equivalence relations for finite products of structures from Fraisse classes of finite relational structures satisfying the Ramsey property and the Order-Prescribed Free Amalgamation Property. This is essential to proving Ramsey-classification theorems for equivalence relations on fronts, generalizing the Pudlak–Rodl Theorem to this class of topological Ramsey spaces. To each topological Ramsey space in this framework corresponds an associated ultrafilter satisfying some weak partition property. By using the correct Fraisse classes, we construct topological Ramsey spaces which are dense in the partial orders of Baumgartner and Taylor (Trans Am Math Soc 241:283–309, 1978) generating p-points which are k-arrow but not $$k+1$$ -arrow, and in a partial order of Blass (Trans Am Math Soc 179:145–166, 1973) producing a diamond shape in the Rudin-Keisler structure of p-points. Any space in our framework in which blocks are products of n many structures produces ultrafilters with initial Tukey structure exactly the Boolean algebra $$\mathcal {P}(n)$$ . If the number of Fraisse classes on each block grows without bound, then the Tukey types of the p-points below the space’s associated ultrafilter have the structure exactly $$[\omega ]^{<\omega }$$ . In contrast, the set of isomorphism types of any product of finitely many Fraisse classes of finite relational structures satisfying the Ramsey property and the OPFAP, partially ordered by embedding, is realized as the initial Rudin-Keisler structure of some p-point generated by a space constructed from our template.
Stimulation of Transport into Escherichia coli Membrane Vesicles by Internally Generated Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide

Membrane vesicles containing internal alcohol dehydrogenase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) were prepared from Escherichia coli ML308-225. Upon the addition of ethanol, these vesicles respired and transported several amino acids. Transport rates driven by internally generated reduced NAD (NADH) were about 60 to 80% of that stimulated by d-lactate. This transport was inhibited by cyanide and anaerobiosis. Ferricyanide, a nonpermeable electron acceptor, inhibited transport stimulated by external NADH, but not that stimulated by internally generated NADH.
K → ππ decays with domain wall fermions: towards physical results

Abstract We are using domain wall fermions to study K → ππ matrix elements by measuring K → π and K → 0 matrix elements on the lattice and employing chiral perturbation theory to relate these to the desired physical result. The residual chiral symmetry breaking of domain wall fermions with a finite extent in the fifth dimension impacts these measurements. Using the Ward-Takahashi identities, we investigate residual chiral symmetry breaking effects for divergent quantities and study pathologies of the quenched approximation for small quark mass. We then discuss the ΔS = 1 operator O2, where chiral symmetry is vital for the subtraction of unphysical effects.
Analyzing the dose-dependence of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae global transcriptional response to methyl methanesulfonate and ionizing radiation

One of the most crucial tasks for a cell to ensure its long term survival is preserving the integrity of its genetic heritage via maintenance of DNA structure and sequence. While the DNA damage response in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model eukaryotic organism, has been extensively studied, much remains to be elucidated about how the organism senses and responds to different types and doses of DNA damage. We have measured the global transcriptional response of S. cerevisiae to multiple doses of two representative DNA damaging agents, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and gamma radiation. Hierarchical clustering of genes with a statistically significant change in transcription illustrated the differences in the cellular responses to MMS and gamma radiation. Overall, MMS produced a larger transcriptional response than gamma radiation, and many of the genes modulated in response to MMS are involved in protein and translational regulation. Several clusters of coregulated genes whose responses varied with DNA damaging agent dose were identified. Perhaps the most interesting cluster contained four genes exhibiting biphasic induction in response to MMS dose. All of the genes (DUN1, RNR2, RNR4, and HUG1) are involved in the Mec1p kinase pathway known to respond to MMS, presumably due to stalled DNA replication forks. The biphasic responses of these genes suggest that the pathway is induced at lower levels as MMS dose increases. The genes in this cluster with a threefold or greater transcriptional response to gamma radiation all showed an increased induction with increasing gamma radiation dosage. Analyzing genome-wide transcriptional changes to multiple doses of external stresses enabled the identification of cellular responses that are modulated by magnitude of the stress, providing insights into how a cell deals with genotoxicity.
Hyperactivity following intradentate injection of colchicine: a role for dopamine systems in the nucleus accumbens.

Abstract The role of dopamine systems in the nucleus accumbens (NA) in mediating the hyperactivity following colchine-induced granule cell damage was investigated. In the first experiment adult Sprague-Dawley rats were bilaterally injected with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA; 8 μg/2 μl) or 0.5% ascorbate into the NA. Eight days later, rats received intradentate COLCH or CSF and were tested for locomotor activity 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days later. Intradentate COLCH produced a significant hyperactivity which was prevented by prior injection of 6-OHDA into the NA. Neurochemical analysis revealed that 6-OHDA decreased dopamine (80%) but not norepinephrine in the NA without altering either catecholamine in the striatum. In the second experiment animals were injected with COLCH or CSF in the dentate gyrus and immediately implanted with bilateral cannulae in the NA. Animals received intraaccumbens injections of CSF or d-amphetamine (20 μg/1 μl) and were tested for locomotor activity. Amphetamine produced a significant increase in locomotor activity in both CSF- and COLCH-treated animals. However, COLCH produced an exaggerated response to the motor stimulating effects of amphetamine. These results suggest that the destruction of dentate granule cells following colchicine results in a “functional” hyperactivity of the mesolimbic dopamine input to the NA which might disinhibit locomotor activity.
Transport of monosaccharides by intestinal segments of the painted turtle, Chrysemys picta.

Abstract 1. 1. Active transport of some monosaccharides by intestinal segmments of the turtle Chrysemys picta measured in vitro. 2. 2. Uptake of D -glucose was directly related to the initial concentration in the surrounding fluid. 3. 3. Rate of transport was least at 2°C and greatest (0·46 μM/h/g tissue) at 20–30°C. 4. 4. Segments taken from the upper portion of the tract transported D -glucose at a faster rate than segments from the lowerr part. 5. 5. D -galactose was transported against a concentration gradient. 6. 6. Mucosal uptake of D -fructose took place, but its translocation to the serosal side was not observed. 7. 7. D -xylose was not transported against a gradient by these preparations.
Sources of Personal Income and HIV Risk Among Sexually Active Women

We examined the relationship between sources of income and sex behaviors among a sample of low-income, sexually active women in Baltimore, MD (n=517). Data were collected through interviews administered by a trained interviewer and Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interviewing (ACASI). The study assessed 4 categories of income including government payments, money from other people, selling items and irregular jobs (i.e. odds jobs). Having multiple sex partners was associated with receiving income from other people [AOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.66–4.09], selling items [AOR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.64–4.36], and irregular jobs [AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.29]. Women who exchanged sex were more likely to acquire income through these sources but less likely to receive government assistance [AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.39–0.97]. Sexual behaviors are associated with multiple sources of personal income. HIV prevention interventions should address the role that economic factors play in risk behaviors.
Stimulants of prostaglandin biosynthesis in human fetal membranes, uterine decidua vera and placenta

Modulation of prostaglandin (PG) biosynthesis by cytosolic fractions derived from homogenates of human amnion, chorion laeve, decidua vera and placenta was examined. PGF2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha synthesis by bovine seminal vesicle (BSV) PG synthase was stimulated by the cytosolic fractions of each tissue in a dose-dependent manner. The cytosols from decidua vera and placenta were the most effective in stimulating synthesis and also stimulated PGE2 biosynthesis. Reduced glutathione (GSH) acted to increase the biosynthesis of PGE2 at the expense of other PGs both in the presence and absence of various cytosols. These data are indicative that the mode of action of cytosolic fractions on the stimulation of PG biosynthesis is unlike that of GSH. Indomethacin and aspirin, inhibitors of fatty acid cyclo-oxygenase activity, strongly inhibited the cytosol-induced stimulation of BSV PG synthase. The cytosolic factors that stimulated PG biosynthesis exhibited differential behavior towards boiling and dialysis. The stimulatory effect of all cytosolic fractions was sensitive to boiling except in the the chorion laeve effects toward 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha production. In dialysis studies we found that the cytosolic components that stimulated the production of PGF2 alpha were not removed by dialysis except in the case of cytosol of placenta whereas the stimulatory effects of various cytosols toward the biosynthesis of PGE2 and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha were removed by dialysis. These results are indicative of the presence of endogenous factors in human intrauterine tissues that preferentially stimulate the biosynthesis of PGF2 alpha and 6-oxo-PGF1 alpha and are further suggestive that PG biosynthesis in intrauterine tissues is, at least in part, regulated by cytosolic factors.
Quantitative EEG Neurofeedback for the Treatment of Pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disorders, and Epilepsy

Neurofeedback (NF) using surface electroencephalographic signals has been used to treat various child psychiatric disorders by providing patients with video/audio information about their brain's electrical activity in real-time. Research data are reviewed and clinical recommendations are made regarding NF treatment of youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, learning disorders, and epilepsy. Most NF studies are limited by methodological issues, such as failure to use or test the validity of a full-blind or sham NF. The safety of NF treatment has not been thoroughly investigated in youth or adults, although clinical experience suggests reasonable safety.
Predictions of Water Floods by Graphs

A method using relative permeability curves is presented to determine in about 30 min by the use of a desk calculator and graphs the oil recovery vs cumulative water injection of linear and 5-spot water floods. For the linear model the determinations are nearly identical to those calculated by the electronic computer used in the Higgins and Leighton technique, and for the 5-spot they are within an average of 2 percent of them. The 5-spot results by the graphical method are also within an average of 5 percent of those for presently available experimental 5-spot water floods. However, the graphical method does not give the time or rate of oil recovery. The study shows that the recovery for the linear vs the 5-spot differs by only a small amount after about one displaceable volume is injected and that relative permeabilities are a more dominant factor in the recovery of viscous oils than pattern efficiency. This further indicates that the concept of ''dead'' areas in patterns is questionable. Part II of this paper contains material and relations that are not as accurate as obtained by computer. Part II presents examples relating to the effect of pressure and free gas saturation onmore » the viscosity of crude oil mixtures before and after the start of a water flood. A method to approximate the effects of initial free gas saturation and the effect of the absolute permeability variation with depth on the recovery of oil from a 5-spot water flood is also presented and illustrated.« less
Pharmacotherapy of dual substance abuse and dependence.

The US FDA has approved a limited number of treatments for alcohol, nicotine and opioid dependence; however, no treatments for other abused drugs such as marijuana, cocaine or methamphetamine are approved. This review focuses on research into drug pharmacotherapies, particularly single-drug therapies, for substance abuse and dependence contributing to the most important dual substance use disorders (SUDs). Given the implications of poly-substance abuse, it is essential that clinicians and researchers be aware of potential pharmacotherapies for the treatment of dual SUDs. A substantial number of patients abuse more than one drug concurrently, complicating the treatment of SUD and leaving clinicians with few FDA-approved drug options for their patients. In this era of evidence-based medicine, such patients are typically treated with therapeutically proven medications, but in ways that are outside the scope of a drug’s original indication by the FDA. Such ‘off-label’ prescribing has become an important therapeutic strategy for practitioners seeking treatments for other diseases in subpopulations such as paediatrics and gerontology or for medical conditions such as oncology or mental illness. Similarly, the information that most clinicians use to make their decisions for treating patients abusing multiple drugs stems from trials treating a single SUD, anecdotal experiences from their own practice or that of their colleagues, or single-case studies reported in the literature. The existing evidence suggests there are few treatments for SUDs that confer significant reductions in substance use across a broad patient population. Moreover, even fewer clinical efficacy trials have been conducted that provide evidence of therapeutic benefit for these drugs. Recognising the difficulty in making the proper drug choice for facilitating maximum treatment success, this review highlights the single drugs or drug combinations that show some potential for treating dual SUDs. This review finds strongest support for the use of disulfiram for treatment of alcohol and cocaine dependence (with or without concomitant methadone maintenance), baclofen for alcohol and cocaine dependence (but not opioid-dependent cocaine users), tiagabine for cocaine dependence in methadone-maintained patients, and topiramate for alcohol, nicotine and cocaine dependence. While ondansetron and olanzapine show some efficacy in treating alcohol and cocaine dependence, more research is needed to better delineate the subpopulation in which these drugs may provide their maximum effect.
The effects of streptozotocin diabetes on salivary-mediated bacterial aggregation and adherence

Diabetic rats are known to have an increased susceptibility to dental caries and major alterations in parotid salivary composition. Salivary proteins play an important part in oral health maintenance; thus specific changes in salivary protein composition in diabetic animals might alter the ecological balance in favour of cariogenic bacteria, and toward the initiation and progression of the disease process. The ability of whole, parotid and submandibular salivas from control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats to mediate the aggregation and adherence to hydroxyapatite of mutans streptococci was examined. Salivary-mediated bacterial aggregating activity was significantly reduced in whole and parotid salivas from diabetic rats, but bacterial adherence to hydroxyapatite was unaffected. The aggregating and adherence activities of rat whole saliva were derived mainly from parotid saliva, which contains predominantly low molecular-weight proteins and glycoproteins (< 200 kDa), but rat parotid saliva was capable of interacting with the bacterial receptor for the high molecular-weight aggregating factor in human saliva. SDS-PAGE of parotid saliva revealed that a number of proteins, including the basic and acid proline-rich proteins, were altered in the salivas of diabetic animals. After incubation with either Streptococcus mutans or hydroxyapatite several protein bands were depleted, and thus a variety of proteins and glycoproteins may be responsible for the adherence and aggregating activity of rat parotid saliva.
Oxaliplatin and Fixed-Rate Infusional Gemcitabine in the Second-Line Treatment of Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer: Final Results of a Phase II Trial Prematurely Closed as a Result of Poor Accrual

Abstract Background Second-line therapy of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) after failure of a combination of irinotecan, a fluoropyrimidine, and bevacizumab includes the use of oxaliplatin and a fluoropyrimidine. In animal models, synergistic effects of gemcitabine and platinum agents have been established. Additionally, superior antitumor activity of prolonged administration of gemcitabine compared with bolus administration has been demonstrated in vivo against murine colon tumors. Patients and Methods A 2-stage phase II trial was developed to assess the efficacy (primary endpoint: response rate) and safety of gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 over 100 minutes on days 1 and 15 in combination with oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 over 2 hours on days 2 and 16, every 4 weeks. Patients with metastatic CRC in whom irinotecan and a fluoropyrimidine treatment had failed were enrolled. Calcium and magnesium infusion was routinely given before and after oxaliplatin administration. Results Because of slow accrual as a result of oxaliplatin becoming more commonly used in first-line treatment, the trial was stopped with only 10 patients enrolled. Eight were men and 2 were women. Median age was 58.5 years (range, 47–72 years). Nine patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0/1. A median of 3.5 cycles was administered (range, 1–9; total, 42). Six patients had stable disease and 1 had progressive disease. Two patients had confirmed partial responses, and 1 patient had a partial response but developed necrotizing fasciitis, declined surgical treatment, and died before a confirmatory scan could be perfomed. The regimen was otherwise well tolerated: 1 patient developed grade 3 neutropenia. With a median follow-up of 5.5 months, 4 patients have died. The time to treatment failure was 3.7 months. Conclusion Despite premature study closure because of poor accrual, oxaliplatin in combination with fixed-rate infusional gemcitabine seems to be a safe and potentially effective regimen in the treatment of CRC. Further studies should be considered with the addition of targeted therapy
“I'm too used to it”: A longitudinal qualitative study of third year female medical students' experiences of gendered encounters in medical education

Although the number of women entering medical school has been steadily rising in the U.S.A., female medical students continue to report instances of sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The full spectrum of such experiences and their effect on the professional identity formation of female students over time remains largely unknown. To investigate these experiences, we interviewed 12 third year female medical students at a private New England medical school over several points during the 2006-2007 academic year. Using theoretical frameworks of gender performance and the centrality of student-patient and student-supervisor relationships, we were better able to understand how female medical students interpret the role of 'woman doctor' and the effect of negative and positive gendered interactions on the evolution of their professional identity. We found that participants quickly learned how to confront and respond to inappropriate behavior from male patients and found interactions with female patients and supervisors particularly rewarding. However, they did not feel equipped to respond to the unprofessional behavior of male supervisors, resulting in feelings of guilt and resignation over time that such events would be a part of their professional identity. The rapid acculturation to unprofessional behavior and resignation described by participants has implications for not only professional identity formation of female students but specialty choices and issues of future physician workforce.
Attempted suicide in adolescence: A review and critique of the literature

Abstract Attempted suicide among adolescents is a significant public health concern due to its frequency, coexisting physical and psychiatric problems, and economic toll. Attempters are also a high-risk group for eventual completed suicide. This review covers three major areas pertinent to attempted suicide in adolescence: characteristics of the attempt (lethality, intent, and precipitants), psychological factors associated with suicidal behavior, and follow-up course. Findings suggest there exists a significant degree of individual and family dysfunction among a large proportion of adolescent suicide attempters. However, strong evidence for the specificity of this dysfunction to suicide attempts, rather than to general emotional disturbance, was found only for hopelessness, family conflict, and contagion. In addition, the ability to devise effective interventions for adolescent suicide attempters is significantly compromised by limited knowledge of the natural course following a suicide attempt. Therefore, the need for comprehensive follow-up studies of suicide attempters should be the immediate focus of research efforts with this high-risk group.
Activation of latent collagenase by microbial plaque

Sterile extracts of whole human microbial plaque released substantial latent collagenolytic activity in gingival collagenase preparations, homogenates of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and tissue macrophages. The plaque activation factor was thermolabile, nondialyzable, and had essentially no inherent collagenolytic activity.
Kaurane and trachylobane diterpenes from Xylopia aethiopica

Abstract Phytochemical investigation of Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) has resulted in the isolation of two novel diterpenes, 15-oxo-(-)-trachyloban-19-oic acid and (-)-kaur-15-en-17-al-19-oic acid. Also encountered were the known compounds 15-hydroxy-(-)-trachyloban-19-oic acid, 15β-hydroxy-(-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (as an inseperable mixture), 15-oxo-(-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid and sitosterol glucoside. 13C NMR assignments of 15-hydroxy-(-)- trachyloban-19-oic acid and the assignment of the configuration of its hydroxyl group at C-15 have been carried out for the first time.
The glueball resonance and alternative explanations of the reaction π-p → φφn☆

Abstract The observation of three resonances (in the reaction π - p → φφn) which break down the OZI suppression was attributed to the production of these states by glueball(s). Alternate explanations in terms of otherwise explaining the OZI suppression breakdown or finding other kinematic mechanisms to explain the BNL/CCNY data are discussed and found to be incorrect.
Can Chest CT Decrease the Use of Preoperative Bronchoscopy in the Evaluation of Suspected Bronchogenic Carcinoma

Background Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is frequently used to diagnose and stage bronchogenic carcinoma (BC). However, the value of FOB in diagnosis/staging BC presenting as a pulmonary nodule or mass (PNM) is controversial. Since chest CT is usually obtained in these patients, it may be used in patient selection for preoperative FOB. Objective Evaluation of the role of chest CT in determining the predictive value of FOB in diagnosing/staging a PNM, by comparing the results of CT and bronchoscopy. Design Retrospective review of chest CTs and medical records. Patients Consecutive patients with BC between 1992 and 1994 who had diagnostic FOB and CT in our institution, but without radiographic evidence of (1) pulmonary atelectasis, (2) endobronchial tumor or narrowing of the central airways, and (3) the PNM abutting the central airways. Results Sixty-four patients met the selection criteria. The size of the PNM ranged from 1.5 to 10 cm; the size was ≤4 cm in 62 patients. FOB provided a diagnosis in 22 patients. Bronchoscopy detected endobronchial lesions in 11 patients (17%); 3 had lesions in more than one lobe. In three patients, the PNM was Conclusions (1) In this study, CT failed to detect endobronchial tumor in 11 of 64 patients (17%). Because of the implications of a new staging system, more studies are necessary before abandoning staging FOB. (2) The CT bronchus sign has a very high positive and negative predictive value in the use of diagnostic FOB and should be used to guide the method of biopsy of a PNM.
Sickle cell disease caused by Hb S/Québec-CHORI: treatment with hydroxyurea and response.

Sickle hemoglobin (Hb S;betaGlu 6 Val) is due to an A>T transversion in codon 6 of the beta-globin gene. Other variant hemoglobins mimic Hb A, S, or C on newborn screening and clinical laboratory diagnostic tools, thus making their correct identification potentially difficult. Sickling disorders can result in individuals who are compound heterozygous for beta-globin mutations (e.g., Hb SC, HbSO(Arab)). The authors report a second case of HbS/Quebec-CHORI, a severe compound heterozygous sickling disorder and their experience managing this patient with hydroxyurea.
Bubble levels as attitude sensors in satellites.

A fluid level is investigated as a means of sensing the local vertical of an attitude stabilized satellite. Such an instrument acts in a manner very similar to a pendulum with low friction. The time constant of the instrument is calculated, and errors of the local vertical due to dynamic accelerations are analyzed. It is found that the primary errors in an attitude stabilized satellite are caused by angular accelerations. An angular accelerometer is described which can be used in conjunction with the bubble level to calculate the direction of the local vertical instantaneously. Without this angular accelerometer the bubble level can be used to indicate the long-term average attitude of the satellite.
Linkage relationships of genes for leaf morphology, flower color, and root nodulation in chickpea

The allelic and linkage relationships among five chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) morphological markers were investigated. When crossed with purple-flowered line ICC 640 and with each other, white flowered variety ‘UC5’ and mutant line PM974 were shown to carry non-allelic, single recessive genes for white flower color, provisionally designated w1 and w2, respectively. The single recessive gene conferring simple leaves in mutant PM299 was allelic to the previously described slv gene carried by variety ‘Surutato 77’, line ICC 10301, and other simple leaf chickpea mutants. In mutant 756M, a filiform leaf trait was controlled by a single recessive gene, fil, which was non-allelic to slv. The fil and w2 genes were linked, with recombination frequencies of 0.05 and 0.14 estimated from results of coupling and repulsion phase crosses, respectively. fil and w1 segregated independently. Root nodulation gene rn3 was closely linked to slv: recombination frequencies of 0.05 and 0.11 were estimated from results of coupling and repulsion phase crosses, respectively. A loose linkage detected between the w2-fil and the rn3-slv linkage groups will be the subject of further scrutiny.
Case Study of Synchronous Virtual Reference in an Academic Library

Libraries endeavor to provide the same services to distance learners as they do on campus to students but they are challenged by not being able to show students how to maneuver in the virtual environment. Indiana State University used Adobe Connect software for three years to provide synchronous, virtual reference services that included screen-sharing capability to demonstrate search techniques. Assessments included analysis of attendance, types of questions, and student comments. Reminder e-mails sent directly to students positively affected attendance. Feedback was positive but technical problems were sometimes significant.
Chemical and Biochemical Basis of Cell-Bone Matrix Interaction in Health and Disease

Bone, a calcified tissue composed of 60% inorganic component (hydroxyapatite), 10% water and 30% organic component (proteins), has three functions: providing mechanical support for locomotion, protecting vital organs, and regulating mineral homeostasis. A lifelong execution of these functions depends on a healthy skeleton, which is maintained by constant bone remodeling in which old bone is removed by the bone-resorbing cell, osteoclasts, and then replaced by new bone formed by the bone-forming cell, osteoblasts. This remodeling process requires a physical interaction of bone with these bone cells. Moreover, numerous cancers including breast and prostate have a high tendency to metastasize to bone, which is in part attributable to the capacity of the tumor cells to attach to bone. The intensive investigation in the past two decades has led to the notion that the cell-bone interaction involves integrins on cell surface and bone matrix proteins. However, the biochemical composition of bone and emerging evidence are inconsistent with this belief. In this review, I will discuss the current understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the cell-bone interaction. I will also highlight the facts and new findings supporting that the inorganic, rather than the organic, component of bone is likely responsible for cellular attachment.
Is there Dose Effect of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Goodman Lockbox Performance at Age Four? 56

Researchers have suggested that prenatal cocaine exposure may not affect cognitive scores, but may affect cognitive style. To date, two studies have failed to find such a relationship using the Goodman Lockbox test. No prior study has evaluated a cocaine dose effect. We evaluated a potential dose relationship between in utero cocaine exposure and scores on the Goodman Lockbox test, which analyzes cognitive style and organization of attention in children on three parameters.; “competence”;“organization”; and “aimless actions”. At 48 months, masked examiners assessed 170 low-income children (79% African American, 45% not cocaine exposed, 37% lightly exposed, and 18% heavily exposed by maternal report/infant meconium, assay). There were no cocaine dose effects in bivariate analyses. In linear regression models, cocaine dose effects were assessed controlling for ethnicity; prenatal exposure to marijuana, cigarettes, and alcohol; age; and Full-Scale WPPSI-R IQ. We found that prenatal cocaine exposure was not associated with Goodman Lockbox scores, but higher IQ scores were correlated with more optimal performance (greater number of locks unlocked, p=.0001; decrease in number of aimless action, p=.0056; decrease in number of nonadaptive moves, p=.0061). In contrast to the standardization sample, in this demographically high-risk population, the Goodman Lockbox test appears to be related to overall cognitive test scores but not to prenatal substance exposure.
Unrestricted utilization of frequency domain optical coherence tomography in coronary interventions

Frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) has shown promise to evaluate coronary devices in clinical trials, however, little is known about its application in clinical practice. This prospective, single center initiative planned for 100 % FD-OCT utilization in all patients undergoing coronary interventions during a 60-day period. Operators pre-specified the planned intervention based on angiography alone. FD-OCT success was defined as acquisition of good quality images enabling adequate quantification of vessel dimensions and lesion/percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) assessment. Impact on management occurred when angiography-based planning was altered based on FD-OCT data. There were 297 FD-OCT acquisitions performed in 155 vessels from 150 patients. There were no FD-OCT procedural related cardiac adverse events and success was obtained in 85.7 % of all target vessels (pre-PCI = 76.8 % vs. post-PCI = 90.1 %, p = 0.004). Success on the first pullback occurred in 80.3 % overall (61.9 % in the initial operator experience and 85.5 % after the third procedure). FD-OCT impact on management was 81.8 % pre-PCI and 54.8 % post-PCI. Stent malapposition was detected in 39.2 % (89.4 % underwent further intervention) and edge dissection in 32.5 % (21.1 % treated with stent). FD-OCT success and management impact were similar in ACS and non-ACS patients (82.1 vs. 81.1 %, p = 1.000, and 62.5 vs. 65.1 %, p = 0.854, respectively). FD-OCT is safe, can successfully be incorporated into routine practice, and alters procedural strategy in a high proportion of patients undergoing PCI.
Diplomacy and the American democracy

Preface I. A Changing Diplomacy II. What Americans Want in Foreign Policy III. Washington IV. Diplomats and the Congress V. Diplomacy and the Media VI. The Pressure for Information VII. The Third World VIII. The Diplomacy of Human Rights IX. The United States and Political Change X. The Terrorist Threat to Diplomacy XI. The Role Of Intelligence XII. Diplomats and the Military XIII. Diplomacy and Economic Assistance XIV. Telling AmericaOs Story XV. The American Citizen XVI. Diplomacy and American Democracy Index