cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Risk Factors Based Cancer Prediction Model Utilizing Public and Personal Health Records

Cancer has become one of the major public health problems worldwide while the etiology of cancer remains largely unknown. Even with advanced cancer research, prediction of it has not been as practical as those of other chronic diseases such as diabetes. However, behavioral risk factors (BRF) may be used to monitor and predict cancer diseases. Such factors can be used to demonstrate and educate the general public on potential cancer pathways and possible outcomes. For that purpose, we have analyzed public health data and personal health records and discovered some histological features related to behavioral risk factors in the cancer diseases. Such characteristics are then used to assess each individual’s BRFs for classification and prognosis of the diseases. It plays a key role in many health-related realms, including increasing patient awareness on BRFs, developing related medical procedures, the way of handling patients’ records and the treatment of chronic diseases. In this paper, we presented predictive analysis based on some BRFs that might contribute to increase the chances of developing cancer disease.
Abstract A121: Effect of state Medicaid expansion status on insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis in head and neck cancer patients

Objective: Access to care is an important issue for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients as HNC is one of the most expensive cancers, particularly for late stage disease. While some data show increased insurance coverage with Medicaid expansion, evidence is limited for impacts on socioeconomic disparities in insurance or on stage at diagnoses. This study aimed to quantify the impact of state Medicaid expansion status on insurance status and stage at diagnosis in HNC patients. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the 2011-2015 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database was queried for adults with HNC in the United States. Changes in insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis after 2014 in states that expanded Medicaid (EXP) were compared to changes in states that did not expand Medicaid (NEXP). Difference-in-differences analyses were used to assess changes in the percentage of Medicaid coverage, uninsured, and early stage diagnoses in EXP relative to NEXP states. Results: A total of 26,330 HNC cases were identified. In difference-in-difference analyses, we observed an increase in Medicaid insurance in expansion relative to non-expansion states (3.36 percentage points (PP), 95% CI = 1.32, 5.41, p=.001), especially for residents of low income and education counties. We also observed a reduction in uninsured status among HNC patients in low income counties (-4.17 PP, 95% CI = -6.84, -1.51; p=.002). Additionally, we found significant increases among young adults age 18-34 years (17.2 PP, 95% CI – 1.34, 33.10, p=0.034), females (7.54 PP, 95% CI = 2.00, 13.10, p=0.008), unmarried patients (3.83 PP, 95% CI = 0.30, 7.35, p=0.033), and patients with cancer of the lip (13.5 PP, 95% CI = 2.67, 24.30, p=0.015). There was some evidence for greater expansion-associated increases in early stage diagnoses for non-Hispanic blacks (8.53 PP) and other races (20.4 PP) relative to white HNC patients (p=.025). Conclusions: Medicaid expansion is associated with improved insurance coverage for HNC patients, particularly those with low income, and increased early stage diagnoses for young adults and for racial/ethnic minorities. Thus, Medicaid expansion may improve access to care for patients with HNC. Our findings are particularly relevant at a time when there is debate in the United States about healthcare financing, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Citation Format: Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Justin M Barnes, Eric Adjei Boakye, Matthew E Gaubatz, Kenton J Johnston, Neelima Panth, Rosh KV Sethi, Uchechukwu Megwalu, Mark A Varvares. Effect of state Medicaid expansion status on insurance coverage and stage at diagnosis in head and neck cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A121.
The Role of Socioeconomic Status in Latino Health Disparities Among Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: a Systematic Review.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence is growing faster among Latino than non-Latino White youth, but ethnic disparities in self-management behaviors and HbA1c are unclear. Socioeconomic status (SES) is a key factor in T1D, which may confound or contribute to disparities in Latino pediatric T1D management. A systematic review examined whether ethnic differences in pediatric T1D outcomes occur and are independent of socioeconomic status (SES). Latino youth displayed lower self-management and higher HbA1c in approximately half of the identified studies prior to including SES in analyses. Ethnic differences in self-management were found for objective (i.e., frequency of blood glucose checks), but not subjective measures. Ethnic differences were often eliminated when SES was statistically controlled. SES moderated some differences, suggesting complex sociocultural processes. Articles varied widely in SES measures and the analytic methods used to evaluate ethnic disparities. Pediatric Latino T1D disparities are inconsistent and at least partially dependent on the SES context. Recommendations for future research to systematically evaluate SES and Latino T1D disparities are made.
Traditional Principals’ Reaction to a Charter School Opening

Using multiple case studies, I examined how three traditional principals reacted and responded over time to the opening of a charter school in their attendance boundaries. Findings suggest principa...
The Gut Microbiome, Metformin, and Aging.

Metformin has been extensively used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and it may also promote healthy aging. Despite its widespread use and versatility, metformin's mechanisms of action remain elusive. The gut typically harbors thousands of bacterial species, and as the concentration of metformin is much higher in the gut as compared to plasma, it is plausible that microbiome-drug-host interactions may influence the functions of metformin. Detrimental perturbations in the aging gut microbiome lead to the activation of the innate immune response concomitant with chronic low-grade inflammation. With the effectiveness of metformin in diabetes and antiaging varying among individuals, there is reason to believe that the gut microbiome plays a role in the efficacy of metformin. Metformin has been implicated in the promotion and maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome and reduces many age-related degenerative pathologies. Mechanistic understanding of metformin in the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome and aging will require a systems-level approach. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Volume 62 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Implementation of A Flat-Bottom Luneburg Lens Based on Conformal Transformation Optics

Using transformation optics based on numerical conformal mapping, a 2D flat-bottom Luneburg lens is designed and realized using isotropic materials. The gradient-index material profile is discretized and realized through unit cells. Full wave simulation is conducted to verify the performance. Maximum 2D directivity of 14.9 dBi is achieved for a line source when the 2D lens has a free-space electrical size of 10λ. A wide field of view (~ 120 degree) is obtained for a set of planar offset feed points spanning 3.3λ.
JASPER Early Intervention in TSC (JETS): Methods to enhance study participation and scalability in rare disorders (P1.6-036)

Objective: To describe the design of a remote behavioral intervention clinical trial in infants with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Background: Up to 80% of children with TSC suffer from cognitive impairment, and rates of autism approach 60% (Curatolo, 2010; Franz, 2010; Bolton, 2015; Jeste, 2014; Jeste, 2016). In a longitudinal study of development in TSC, we found that infants demonstrate delays in nonverbal cognition and social communication skills as early as 9 months of age, and these delays predict an autism diagnosis (Jeste, 2014; McDonald, 2017). These early delays necessitate the implementation of early intervention that targets social communication skills in TSC. However, implementing studies of behavioral intervention in a rare disorder, with families dispersed geographically, limits the feasibility of clinical trials. Design/Methods: In 2017, we began the first randomized, double blind controlled trial of JASPER, a well validated and rigorously studied social communication intervention for autism, in infants with TSC ages 12–36 months (JETS: NICHD RO1 HD090138-01A1). By the end of year one, despite investing considerable resources into recruitment, we enrolled only three participants. Parent interviews revealed that the greatest obstacle to participation was the weekly travel to the sites (UCLA and Boston Children’s Hospital) for the intervention. In response, we substantially revised the study design, with intervention delivery, assessments and parent communication all delivered remotely. Results: Since this modification was made 7 months ago, enrollment has increased from 3 to 27 participants. The average distance from the testing sites of participants enrolled is 320 miles, with states represented including Massachusetts, California, Maine, New York, Maryland, Arkansas, North Carolina. Conclusions: The tremendous success in enrolling participants through these modifications reinforces the need for innovative research delivery methods in rare populations. In this presentation, we will describe not only the methods, but also lessons learned that can help guide future clinical trials across neurodevelopmental disorders. Disclosure: Dr. Jeste has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Hoffmann-La Roche Pharmaceuticals. Dr. McDonald has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nelson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kasari has nothing to disclose.
Indications for the Use of Atypical Antipsychotics in the Elderly

There has been an expanding role for the new generation atypical antipsychotic agents (clozapine, risperidone, olanzapine, and quetiapine) in elderly patients. Their efficacy in the treatment of psychoses associated with schizophrenia is now well established. But psychoses occur in other conditions. This paper will review the current research examining the use of the atypical agents in the treatment of psychoses in the elderly in three somewhat overlapping conditions: schizophrenia, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, as well as in the amelioration of a variety of movement disorders. In the elderly, any of the atypicals can be used to treat schizophrenia, although clozapine may be a second line agent because of its side effect profile. Risperidone may be the drug of choice for the treatment of psychoses and behavioral disturbances in dementia. Clozapine is a primary choice and quetiapine an alternative for the treatment of psychoses in Parkinson's disease; while clozapine and possibly risperidone may be preferred for the initial treatment of some movement disorders. The differential effectiveness of these agents across treatment indications may, in part, be related to their differing affinities at several neurotransmitter receptors. Examination of these relationships in large scale longitudinal studies may help in the development of effective tailored treatments for the elderly.
In Engineering Classes, How to Assign Partial Credit: From Current Subjective Practice to Exact Formulas (Based on Computational Intelligence Ideas)

When a student performed only some of the steps needed to solve a problem, this student gets partial credit. This partial credit is usually proportional to the number of stages that the student performed. This may sound reasonable, but in engineering education, this leads to undesired consequences: for example, a student who did not solve any of the 10 problems on the test, but who successfully performed 9 out of 10 stages needed to solve each problem will still get the grade of A ("excellent"). This may be a good evaluation of the student's intellectual ability, but for a engineering company that hires this A-level student, this will be an unexpected disaster. In this paper, we analyze this problem from the viewpoint of potential loss to a company, and we show how to assign partial credit based on such loss estimates. Our conclusion is that this loss (and thus, the resulting grade) depend on the size of the engineering company. Thus, to better understand the student's strengths, it is desirable, instead of a single overall grade, to describe several grades corresponding to different company sizes.
Barriers to access and succeeding in college : Perceptions of a group of midwestern urban Latino youth

Abstract This paper explores the perceptions of a group of Latino youth in regards to their chances of gaining access to and succeeding in college. The study was conducted in a major Midwestern city to understand why Latino enrollment and degree completion in area colleges were low. In order to assess Latino student perceptions, community forums and structured questions were used. Respondents had a shared perception that Latino students were not welcome at area colleges. Latino youth and their families identified a series of logistic, cultural specific, and self-efficacy barriers that impeded them from fully benefitting from a college education. Young women and men who had not yet experienced college life were very positive about pursuing a post-secondary education. However, students who were already enrolled in college had a rather negative view of their experience and of their chances of succeeding. Recommendations for improvement provided by the respondents ranged from language and culturally specific ...
RF photonics for simultaneous multiple TTD beamforming for 2-D antenna arrays

An all-optical implementation for broadband 2-D array multi-beam steering is presented. A key component of these beamformers is a novel multistage technique for non-mechanical image rotation that is used to turn 2-D beam-steering into a 1-D true time delay problem.
Hoarding severity predicts functional disability in late-life hoarding disorder patients.

Objective Late-life hoarding is a serious psychiatric condition with significant implications in health and functioning. Geriatric hoarding patients show greater impairment in activities of daily living and have a greater number of medical conditions compared with same-aged nonhoarders. This study examined the relationship between geriatric hoarding severity and functional disability severity. Methods Sixty-five subjects age 60 or older with hoarding disorder (HD) participated in the current study. Participants were assessed with measures of hoarding severity, psychiatric symptoms, and general disability. Hierarchical regression was used to test the unique association of hoarding symptoms with functional disability beyond the effects of demographic factors, anxiety, and depression. Results When controlling for demographics (age and gender) and psychiatric symptoms (anxiety and depression), hoarding severity predicts functional disability severity. Analyses also show that clinician-administered measures of hoarding are stronger predictors of disability than patient self-report measures. Conclusions When treating older adults with HD, clinicians must consider symptom impact on daily life. A multidisciplinary team must be utilized to address the wide-ranging consequences of hoarding symptoms. Future work should examine how psychiatric treatment of HD affects functional disability. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Giant-cell tumor of the distal forearm

Abstract Purpose Many authorities express concern that giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm are more frequently recurrent and difficult to treat chiefly because of the proximity to the carpus and the resultant diminished range of motion in the hand and forearm. We have studied the results from our institution for 49 patients with giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm treated from 2 to 28 years (mean, 14 ± 7 years) and compared the results for different methods of treatment. Methods Through the computer database 49 patients with giant-cell tumors of the distal forearm (46 of the radius, 3 of the ulna) were identified. By using material from patient visits, chart review, and when necessary telephone interviews it was possible to gather demographic and outcome data for the 49 patients. For the radial lesions, 15 of the patients had a marginal resection of the distal radius along with the periosteum and ligamentous structures and implantation of cadaveric allografts. Twenty-six patients had intralesional curettage and insertion of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and 5 had curettage and autograft insertion. The 3 patients with ulnar lesions were treated with Darrach resections. Results There were no deaths, infections, metastases, or amputations. In addition to the 49 original surgeries, the patients required 41 additional surgical procedures, 17 of which were for recurrent disease. The greatest numbers of recurrences were in the patients who underwent curettage with autograft or PMMA implantation. Only 2 recurrences were in patients who had a marginal resection and implantation of cadaveric allografts. The overall results for the patients showed that many had mostly minor complaints referable to function or pain and that only 18 of the 49 patients were asymptomatic. Conclusions Although the patients with distal forearm giant-cell tumors have had a difficult course in terms of local recurrence and subsequent surgeries required for treatment failures, the ultimate outcomes for both allograft transplantation and curettage and insertion of PMMA are satisfactory. The patients with complete distal radial allografts had a better record for prevention of recurrence than the patients treated with curettage and PMMA insertion but the percentages of currently asymptomatic patients are approximately the same for both series (40% [6/15], 35% [9/26]). These data support the concept that marginal resection and complete distal radial allograft implantation should be used for patients with tumors that have destroyed much of the bone and have extensive soft tissue components and that curettage and PMMA insertion should be reserved for patients where the structural alteration of the bone is minimal.
Human Papillomavirus Infection.

Condyloma acuminata, or genital warts, is the anogenital expression of human papillomavirus infection (HPV), and is the most common viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. If subclinical infection is considered, it is many times more frequent than any other STD. Its rapidly increasing frequency, with an estimated increase in incidence of 459% from 1966 to 1981, 5 has engaged the interest of epidemiologists; its role in the pathogenesis of cancer of the cervix has unleashed a great deal of research by basic scientists studying the mechanisms of this relationship. Primary care physicians are seeing more of these patients and are being encouraged to identify and treat HPV-infected males vigorously to reduce the rapidly rising rate of cervical cancer. 10 HPV infection in the male produces common and plantar warts. condyloma acuminata, and subclinical condyloma (also called flat condyloma) and is strongly associated with penile and anal carcinoma. It produces in women the same kinds of warts and condylomata, but also a cervical condition called squamous intraepithelial lesion (previously called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia), believed to be a precursor of carcinoma of the cervix. HISTORY
A study of stress-rupture and ductility properties of thin laminae composites

It is shown that, by rolling, tungsten-tantalum laminar composites can be reduced in thickness as much as 90 to 1, with a resulting improvement in strength of nearly 66%. Further reductions in laminar thickness are believed to be possible with further increases in the strength of the composite material. The rolled tungsten-tantalum laminar material shows also a remarkable low-temperature ductility, sustaining a 3-T bend at room temperature without incurring macrodamage.
Inter array multi-tracks association

In a multitarget underwater passive sonar context, it is useful to associate bearing tracks that have issued from different arrays. This permits target motion analysis (TMA) to be performed using bearing measurements on two arrays. The TMA algorithms used are briefly discussed, and their performance is given. A track-to-track association test is presented, and its performance is given. Ambiguities in association problems are also considered. >
Inhibition of K+-stimulated [3H]dopamine and [14C]acetylcholine release by the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, B-HT 920.

The inhibition of K1-stimulated [3H]dopamine and [14C]acetylcholine release from preloaded rat striatal slices was used to examine the presynaptic selectivity of the putative dopamine autoreceptor agonist, B-HT 920. In the micromolar range, B-HT 920 caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the release of both labeled neurotransmitters as evoked by 20 mM K+. The effect of B-HT 920 on both [3H]dopamine and [14C]acetylcholine release was completely blocked by (+) butaclamol but not by (−) butaclamol. Sulpiride, a selective D2 antagonist, similarly blocked the inhibitory effect of B-HT 920 on the release of both labeled neurotransmitters indicating both responses were mediated by D2 receptors. (+) Butaclamol alone elevated stimulated [3H]dopamine release suggesting a significant amount of autoreceptor occupancy by endogenously released dopamine. Experiments with tolazoline and the alpha2 agonist, B-HT 933, did not suggest any involvement of alpha-adrenoceptor activity in the inhibitory effects of B-HT 920 on the release of either transmitter. Inhibition of release was a selective effect of B-HT 920 as the drug was without effect on the K+-stimulated release of [3H]serotonin. The results indicate that in vitro B-HT 920 is active of both pre-and postsynaptic dopamine receptors in contrast to the pattern of effects observed after its in vivo administration.
The vanishing argument from queerness1

The ‘argument from queerness’, made famous by J. L. Mackie, remains one of the most influential arguments in metaethics. However, many philosophers focus on just one or two of its strands, while others assume a particular but by no means universal reading of it. This essay attempts to disentangle and evaluate all strands of the argument. Surprisingly, when this is done, not much is left as a distinct argument from queerness. Much of the argument collapses into other types of argument, and what is left, though intuitively appealing, is not viable as philosophical argument.
The need for personalized therapy and companion diagnostics in prostate cancer

It has become widely accepted that further progress in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer, are requisite of a personalized approach to healthcare (i.e., personalized medicine). Worldwide, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with approximately 899,000 new cases and 258,000 deaths in 2008 [1]. An increasing number of members of the biomedical community have finally come to the realization that effective clinical management of PCa has been hampered on the one hand by significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity on the genomic and pathological levels, and on the other hand, by the limited understanding of the genetic elements governing the progression of disease. This is perhaps best exemplified by the rather substantial recurrence of disease following traditional treatments such as radical prostatectomy and radiation, not only with their associated morbidities, but also the subsequent development in many patients of advanced hormone-refractivity and metastatic disease. Indeed, not withstanding improvements that have recently been made (e.g., with cabazitaxel), most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents have had little or, at best, a transient effect. The foregoing considerations ref lect the impact of individual phenotypic variations in PCa detection and treatment. Not only do we need to develop new methods and/or agents for the treatment of PCa, but also individualized treatments – personalized medicine. One treatment does not fit everyone. This individualized approach to PCa detection and treatment must include companion diagnostics (i.e., a biomarker/target) and bioanalytical methodology to provide biological and/or clinical
Contingency table analysis: Proportions and flow graphs

Two tabular analyses, 30 years apart, illustrate changes in contingency table research. The originalAmerican Soldier discussion of a cross-tabulation of race, home region, region of military station and preference for military station is unsystematic, though subtle and insightful. In print, at least, it appears to consist of selectively citing percentages (proportions) and percentage differences that seem to support the analysts' argument. The approaches of 20-plus years later are, by contrast, relentlessly systematic, more concerned with sampling error, and harder to explain (which is why I was asked to write this essay).
Paraplegia due to adrenomyeloneuropathy

Only nine cases of adrenomyeloneuropathy have been reported in the literature. It manifested as adrenal insufficiency, spastic paraparesis, loss of bowel, bladder and sexual functions, and peripheral neuropathy. Our paper describes a patient with the diagnosis of adrenomyeloneuropathy who was admitted to our hospital for rehabilitation. Family and neurological history, physical examination and special laboratory studies such as ACTH stimulation test, electro-diagnostic findings, cystometrogram and sexual function evaluation were essential to establish the diagnosis of this disease. His rehabilitation consisted of bowel and bladder training, ambulation with long-leg braces and crutches, wheelchair mobilization and transfers, and independence of all activities of daily living.
Fundamental Nonlinear Optics Issues In Organic And Polymer Systems

Large, ultrafast second and third order nonlinear optical properties are widely observed in a large number of organic and polymer structures. These systems can be formed as organizable designed structures possessing a number of special primary properties due to their nonlinear electronic polarization whose microscopic origin resides in highly charge correlated virtual excitations. These ultrafast excitations occur on individual molecular, or polymer chain, sites in condensed assemblies that are described by their orientational distribution functions. These and related issues are addressed based on recently completed studies.© (1987) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The role of solutes in the secondary recrystallization of silicon iron

Secondary recrystallization of silicon iron is widely understood to be a consequence of certain impurities present in small amounts which affect the mobility of grain boundaries. Whether it is a solute fraction of the impurity content which influences mobility by segregating to grain boundaries, or a precipitated fraction which stabilizes boundaries by inclusion pinning at a large number of sites, is not wholly resolved. Neither mechanism necessarily excludes the other. In this paper, evidence will be presented that boundary mobility is affected by very small changes in bulk solute content, and presumably therefore, by small changes in the solute content of the boundaries. Sulfur, nitrogen, and boron in combination when present in the small quantities that can be retained in solid solution bring about complete secondary recrystallization. For strip cold rolled in two stages with an 80% reduction in the final stage, values of μ at 10 Oe in excess of 1900 are obtained.
Mesenchymal stem cell death in three-dimensional agarose culture for cartilage tissue engineering applications: Progression, factors, and prevention

Engineered cartilage based on adult derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would be an ideal treatment for cartilage damage and osteoarthritis. However, insufficient mechanical properties in constructs formed using this cell source limits in vivo application. Here we identify a rapid and then progressive decline in MSC viability in 3D agarose tissue engineered constructs. We show that this decline in viability is linked to metabolic activity and waste production by these cells, and that they are poorly equipped to handle this demanding environment compared to cells derived from the native tissue. Blockade of early cell death may be controlled through small molecule inhibitors of apoptosis.
Single-Cysteine Substitution Mutants at Amino Acid Positions 55−75, the Sequence Connecting the Cytoplasmic Ends of Helices I and II in Rhodopsin: Reactivity of the Sulfhydryl Groups and Their Derivatives Identifies a Tertiary Structure that Changes upon Light-Activation†,‡

Cysteines were introduced, one at a time, at amino acid positions 55-75 in the cytoplasmic region connecting helices I and II in rhodopsin. In each of the 21 cysteine mutants, the reactive native cysteine residues (C140 and C316) were replaced by serine. Except for N55C, all mutants formed rhodopsin-like chromophores and had normal photobleaching characteristics. The efficiency of GT activation was reduced only for K66C, K67C, L68C, and P71C. The reactivity of the substituted cysteine in each mutant toward 4, 4'-dithiodipyridine (4-PDS) was investigated in the dark. The mutants F56C to L59C and I75C were unreactive to 4-PDS under the conditions used, suggesting that they are embedded in the micelle or protein interior. The mutants V63C, H65C-T70C, and N73C reacted rapidly, while the remainder of the mutants reacted more slowly, and varied in reactivity with sequence position. For the mutants derivatized with 4-PDS, the rate of release of thiopyridone from the resulting thiopyridinyl-cysteine disulfide bond by dithiothreitol was investigated in the dark and in the light. Marked changes in the rates of thiopyridone release in the light were found at specific sites. Collectively, the data reveal tertiary interactions of the residues in the sequence investigated and demonstrate structural changes due to photoactivation.
Shared decision-making in the primary care treatment of late-life major depression: a needed new intervention?

Objective We suggest that clinicians consider models of shared decision-making (SDM) for their potential ability to improve the treatment of major depression in the primary care setting and overcome limitations of collaborative care and other interventions. Methods We explore the characteristics and techniques of patient–clinician SDM, with particular emphasis on this model's relevance to the unique treatment concerns of depressed older adults. Results We describe a SDM intervention to engage older adults in depression treatment in the primary care sector. Conclusions It is timely to examine SDM models for elderly depressed primary care patients given their potential ability to improve treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opposite actions of CCK-8 on amphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion and stereotypy following intracerebroventricular and intra-accumbens injections in rats.

Abstract Cholecystokinin-octapeptide (CCK-8) has recently been found to coexist with dopamine (DA) in a subpopulation of midbrain DA neurons. The present study investigated the functional nature of this coexistence by testing the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) and intra-nucleus accumbens (NAS) applications of CCK-8 in two behavioral assays of DA function (i.e., stimulant-induced hyperlocomotion and stereotypy). Rats were injected with 1 or 3 mg/kg of d-amphetamine sulfate (AMP) 15 minutes prior to ICV (2 μg) or intra-NAS (20 ng, 200 ng, or 2 μg) injections of CCK-8 or haloperidol (HAL; 5 μg). ICV administered CCK-8 was found to antagonize the locomotor stimulatory effects of the low AMP dose, while the same peptide treatment markedly potentiated the stereotypy produced by the high dose of AMP. Similar results were obtained when CCK-8 was microinjected directly into the NAS, with the strongest effects observed following the smallest (i.e., 20 μg) dose. These results suggest that both locomotor-antagonizing and stereotypy-potentiating effects of central CCK application depend on CCK-DA interactions in the nucleus accumbens.
Kinetics of staphylococcal opsonization, attachment, ingestion and killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: A quantitative assay using [3H] thymidine labeled bacteria☆

Abstract A method has been developed for studying quantitatively the separate processes of bacterial opsonization, phagocytosis, and killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes using [ 3 H]thymidine labeled Staphylococcus aureus . Phagocytosis is determined by assaying for leukocytes-associated radioactivity after differential centrifugation and washing the leukocytes. Opsonization is studied by incubating bacteria with an opsonic source for varying durations and then adding leukocytes. By treatment of samples with the muralytic enzyme, lysostaphin, the attachment and ingestion phases of phagocytosis can be separated. Sampling for colony forming units after disruption of the leukocytes permits the measurement of bacterial killing. Using this method, differences in the kinetics of staphylococcal opsonization by normal and C2 deficient sera were defined, opsonic influences on the attachment and ingestion phases of phagocytosis were delineated, and the influences of different opsonins and leukocyte populations on killing were determined.
Metridia pacifica in Dabob Bay, Washington: The diatom effect and the discrepancy between high abundance and low egg production rates

Abstract Information on life cycle strategies and reproductive parameters of Metridia pacifica is scarce, despite its importance in the zooplankton of the subarctic Pacific. In many regions it occurs in high abundance, but reproductive rates, when reported, are usually low. This discrepancy was studied in Dabob Bay, Washington, USA, in the context of an investigation of the effect of diatom blooms on the reproductive success of copepod grazers. In situ egg production rates of M. pacifica were measured in spring and mid-summer with standard methods (multi-wells) and a new incubation chamber (spawning towers) that separates the spawning female from its eggs and allows the eggs to develop undisturbed. Many females did not produce eggs, possibly due to a high fraction of immature individuals. Egg production rates were variable, but clutch sizes were higher in spawning towers, and estimates of female egg cannibalism revealed that females consume many eggs shortly after their release. Thus, a separation of females and eggs is mandatory for accurate measurements of M. pacifica egg production rates. The maximum clutch sizes recorded in our study were comparable to measurements for other calanoids. However, unviable eggs were a large fraction of those spawned, independent of incubation method, especially in late winter and early spring. In order to assess whether the diatom effect may be responsible for low viability of embryos and nauplii, we also measured in situ grazing. Adult females were omnivorous, but they ingested some diatoms that rank among the strongest anti-mitotic toxin producers known so far. Although M. pacifica’s vertical migration behavior suggests opportunistic feeding on abundant food during their short stay in the phytoplankton-rich surface, they often ignored the food items that contributed most to microplankton carbon concentrations. Thus, their feeding strategy remains ambiguous. Due to severe reproductive failure early in the season, recruitment was impaired in spring, while the population increased, reaching high abundance in mid-summer when reproductive output was low. While advection and interannual variability in bloom conditions might compensate for the losses described here, the paradox of high Metridia abundance versus low reproductive success still requires further investigation, and methodological constraints need to be ruled out in future studies.
Multichannel Effective-Range Theory from the N D Formalism

An effective-range theory for systems of many coupled two-body channels is given using the $\frac{N}{D}$ formalism. The effective-range expansion is carried out in the amplitudes ${M}_{\mathrm{ij}}$ (where $M$ is essentially the matrix ${T}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ with the right-hand cut removed). Quite in analogy with the single-channel effective-range theory, the diagonal elements ${M}_{\mathrm{ii}}$ are given by an expression quadratic in ${k}_{i}$, the relative momentum in channel $i$. The effective ranges ${R}_{\mathrm{ii}}$ are given by certain principal-value integrals which depend on the position of the left-hand singularities in the corresponding channels and can be taken to be energy-independent to the same extent as in the one-channel theory. The nondiagonal elements ${M}_{\mathrm{ij}}$, in general, have a weak energy dependence and can approximately be treated as constants. A two-channel computer experiment is performed to test these proposals in detail. Three different situations for the left-hand cut are considered: (i) a set of monopoles, (ii) a set of dipoles, and (iii) the left-hand cut produced by the exchange of scalar particles in the "crossed" $t$ reactions. For a large number of situations considered, the simple features proposed for the multichannel effective range theory were found to exist. The above formalism is similar to the multichannel effective-range theory of Ross and Shaw in the potential model.
Presentation of a horse cytochrome c peptide by multiple H-2b class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to C57BL/6- and bm1-derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes: presence of a single MHC anchor residue may confer efficient peptide-specific CTL recognition.

In this study the immunogenic tryptic fragment from a horse cytochrome c (cyt c) digest recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), induced by in vitro peptide stimulation from C57BL/6 (B6) and mutant B6.C-H-2bm1 (bm1) mice is identified. An identical sequence, p40—53, is recognized by CTL from both B6 and bm1 mice. In addition, both B6 and bm1 cloned CTL lines display unusual major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted recognition of this peptide in that they respond to it in the context of H-2Kb, H-2Db, and H-2Kbm1 class I molecules, although the sequence lacks the usual structural Kb and Db peptide-binding motifs. Truncated analogues which resemble the lengths of naturally processed MHC class I-presented peptides, confer reactivity for B6 and bm1 CTL against EL4 (H-2b) targets as well as the L cell transfectants, L + Kb, L + Db, and L + Kbm1. The antigenic peptide with the greatest potency is p41—49, which appears to be generated by angiotensin converting enzyme cleavage of the full-length p40—53 tryptic peptide. The minimum antigenic peptide recognized by both B6 and bm1 CTL, and which targets lysis on each of the transfectants, is the hexamer p43—48 peptide from horse cyt c. Residues Pro44 and Thr47, which occupy polymorphic positions with respect to other species-variant cyt c molecules, influence recognition of these peptides differently for the B6 and bm1 CTL. The ability of H-2Kb, H-2Db, and mutant H-2Kbm1 class I molecules to present the same peptide to a single cloned CTL is discussed in the context of current knowledge of peptide anchor residues and side chain-specific binding pockets in the MHC class I peptide-binding site.
Effects of acute administration of O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate on the respiratory burst and phagocytic activity of splenic and peritoneal leukocytes

An impurity in malathion, O,O,S-trimethyl phosphorothioate (OOS-TMP), was previously shown to be immunosuppressive. The immune cell type which induced immune suppression caused by OOS-TMP at 24 hrs after administration was found to be splenic macrophages. Further characterization of macrophages from OOS-TMP treated mice indicated that OOS-TMP led to macrophage differentiation. In this study, these initial studies were continued and extended to examine the effects of OOS-TMP on splenic and peritoneal macrophages at various times following exposure. Administration of OOS-TMP increased the size heterogeneity of cell volume, phagocytic capability and respiratory burst activity of splenic and peritoneal macrophages. However, by day 7 splenic and peritoneal macrophages from similar to control. These data would suggest that macrophages not previously exposed to OOS-TMP migrated to the spleen and peritoneum of treated animals. This migration may allow the restoration of the ability of splenocytes from treated animals to generate an immune response. Alternatively, these data may indicate that 7 days following exposure to OOS-TMP, the differentiative state of the splenic and peritoneal macrophages of treated mice had decayed and hence these cells had regained resident characteristics.
Membranes of mammary gland. VI. Lipid and protein composition of Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum from bovine mammary gland.

Abstract The lipid and protein composition of Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum fractions from bovine mammary gland was determined and compared with plasma membrane and milk fat globule membrane fractions. Golgi apparatus was intermediate between endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane-globule membrane with respect to content of lipid phosphorus, cholesterol, protein bound sialic acid, cerebrosides, phosphatidyl choline and sphingomyelin. Fatty acid composition of total polar lipids and individual phospholipids were similar if not identical among all membrane fractions. Membrane fractions washed by procedures which remove adsorbed and intraluminal (secretory) proteins had similar polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic patterns. Endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and milk fat globule membrane had eight electrophoretically identical protein bands. Molecular weights of membrane proteins ranged from 11,500 to 102,000. Washed endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and milk fat globule membrane fractions had similar amino acid compositions. These results are consistent with the hypothesis of Golgi apparatus-mediated endomembrane differentiation. The interrelation between lipid and protein and lactose secretion is discussed.
Association of behavoural effects of pargyline, a non-hydrazide mao inhibitor with increase in brain norepinephrine

Abstract Pargyline (MO 911) a non-hydrazide MAO inhibitor administered to rabbits in repeated doses causes a rise in brain 5HT and NE and a pronounced increase in reactivity to environmental change. On discontinuance of the drug, effects disappear when the NE decreases, although 5HT is still maximally elevated. Further evidence that central stimulation after MAO blockade is associated with free NE, and not with 5HT or dopamine was shown by giving MO 911 to rabbits which have been depleted of amine stores by reserpine; free 5HT in brain and dopamine in caudate nucleus rise rapidly, become maximal within 1 hr when remain constant for about 7 hr with animals still deeply sedated. Only in about 12 hr when there is a small but definite rise in NE are the effects of reserpine counteracted. The results indicate that MAO plays a different role than O-methyltransferase and has the important role of regulating the NE content of nerve endings. MO 911 acts differently in various species. The drug causes rapid elevation of brain levels of NE and excitation in mice and rats and causes a slow elevation in NE and excitation in rabbits; in contrast it does not elevate brain NE or cause excitation in dogs and cats. In all these species it causes a marked rise in brain 5HT. Possible pitfalls that should be avoided in relating changes in behaviour to brain amines are discussed.
Efficient Lagrangian relaxation algorithms for industry size job-shop scheduling problems

We improve the job specific decomposition Lagrangian relaxation algorithm applied to industry size job shop scheduling problems with more than 10 000 resource constraints. We introduce two new features in the Lagrange multiplier updating procedure. First, the usual solution of all subproblems followed by dual cost estimation and update of multiplier values is replaced by the estimation of a surrogate dual cost function and a more frequent update of multipliers is implemented after each subproblem solution. Second, an adaptive step size in the subgradient based multiplier update is introduced. Asymptotic properties of the surrogate dual cost function are obtained and the proposed algorithmic improvements are evaluated in extensive numerical examples including published data used by other researchers, as well as extensive real industrial scheduling system data.
Nonuniform image motion estimation in reduced coefficient transformed domains

The transformed domain maximum likelihood (TDML) algorithm for image motion estimation is presented. This algorithm finds a solution which maximizes a log-likelihood function using a steepest ascent scheme. Important characteristics of the algorithm are the inclusion of noise in the signal model, the consideration of motion as a nonuniform process, and calculation of convergence parameters by means of a linear analysis. Simulation on real image sequences demonstrate the validity of the motion estimator. The experiments also verify the validity of the equations presented for the calculation of the convergence parameters. Additional experiments performed to determine the noise sensitivity of the TDML show that noise resistance can be obtained using a reduced coefficient transform (RCT) TDML algorithm. An additional benefit of using an RCT with the TDML algorithm is an increase in the speed of the algorithm without significant performance degradation. Two of the common transforms, Haar and Walsh-Hadamard, are shown to have some interesting properties when utilized with the RCT-TDML algorithm. >
Quasi-Real-Time High Precision Interferometric Measurements Of Deforming Surfaces

Using a heterodyne interferometer of unique design, high precision measurements of optical surfaces while undergoing deformation have been obtained. The device is described and results of various investigations are presented.© (1978) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Variations on Ridge Traces in Regression

Ridge regression, perturbing the design moment matrix via a parameter k, persists in the study of ill-conditioned systems. Ridge traces, exhibiting solutions as functions of k, are intended to reflect stability as k evolves, in contrast to transient instabilities in ordinary least squares. This study examines derivative traces as analytic tools regarding stability, and develops rational representations for them. Two further gauges of stability are derivatives of variances of the ridge solutions, and the variances of the derivative traces. In contrast to ridge traces and their derivatives, neither of the latter depends on observed responses, and both support deterministic assessments.
Benchmarks for the Third Industrial Fluid Properties Simulation Challenge

We outline the procedures used to establish benchmark physical property data for the Third Industrial Fluid Properties Simulation Challenge. For both challenge problems, this involved measurement of new data, including bubble-point pressures of ethanol/HFC-227ea mixtures at 343.13 K, and the viscosity of 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and 1,2,4-butanetriol at 373 K and 0.1 and 250 MPa. When possible, measurements were compared with published literature data. Recommended values are provided with corresponding uncertainty estimates.
A new species of Leskeodon (Daltoniaceae) from Ecuador

Leskeodon caducifolius is described from recent collections made at a single site in a cloud forest in southern Ecuador. The species is distinctive in its small, caducous leaves and elongate, porose exothecial cells.