cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current controversies in obstetric anesthesia

Since 1847 the debates and discussions concerning obstetric anesthesia have never ended.Currently,the major con- troversies are focused on the following four areas:①the effects of initiation of regional analgesia on the rate of cervical dilation;②the risks of instrumental vaginal delivery and cesarean section during the use of regional analgesia;③the selection of anesthetics for cesare- an section;and④the risks to parturients undergoing nonobstetric surgeries.This review article will attempt to clarify these controver- sies with evideneebased anesthesiology.This article will also present the current consensuses in the practice of obstetric anesthesia in the US.
Fatigue behavior of IN718 microtrusses produced via additive manufacturing

Abstract Advances in additive manufacturing are enabling the design and production of part geometries that have previously been unrealistic and/or economically infeasible. Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), in particular, is an additive manufacturing method that is capable of producing highly complex parts. In this study, IN718 cellular microlattices or microtrusses are fabricated by DMLS. The microtrusses were tested under fatigue loading and with a range of stress amplitudes and compared to IN718 dogbone specimens produced under the same conditions. The failure of the microtrusses was observed to occur at the intersection between the nodes and ligaments of the microtruss, which is in concurrence with the highest stress concentration by finite element analysis. Initial ligament failure occurred in the interior of the microtruss structure, where a direct path for shot blasting could not be established, resulting in rougher surfaces. Grain analysis, through electron backscatter diffraction, displayed variability in the grain size distribution within the ligaments; many large grains were present in the interior of the nodes and ligaments, while small grains, comprised of partially sintered powder, were present at the perimeter.
Epithelial permeability factor: a serum protein that condenses actin and opens tight junctions

An epithelial permeability factor (EPF) in human serum lowered, within 1 h, the transepithelial electrical resistance and opened the tight junctions of a cultured kidney epithelium (Madin-Darby canine kidney) when it came in contact with the basolateral surface of the kidney epithelium. Size-exclusion chromatography of serum or heat-inactivated serum resolved seven peaks of EPF activity (approximately 15, approximately 30, approximately 45, approximately 60, approximately 120, and approximately 240 kDa and greater than 240 kDa) with 65% of the activity at approximately 45, approximately 60, and approximately 120 kDa. Heat inactivation, which had no effect on total activity, caused a significant decrease in the activity at 120 kDa and an equivalent rise in activity at 45 kDa. Although acid charcoal extraction or lectin affinity chromatography did not remove activity, EPF activity was eliminated by pepsin. Heat-inactivated serum or fractions containing EPF had no effect on ZO-1 localization but did cause a dose-dependent focal condensation of the perijunctional actin ring at sites where three or more cells were in contact. These data suggest that EPF is a protein that appears to form multimers that interact with the basolateral surface of the epithelium and cause constriction of the cytoskeleton and an increase in permeability at specific sites along the tight junction.
Are we detouring from a direct route to development of HIV vaccines?: Patricia Fultz evaluates current development strategies

Experiments in animal model systems have demonstrated that it is possible for vaccination to elicit immune responses that can prevent or significantly delay lentiviral infection and perhaps disease. To facilitate the development of effective HIV vaccines, current research and development efforts must utilize the appropriate HIV strains. International scientific communities and vaccine manufacturers, with the support of governments, should now unite to ensure that the most direct route possible will be taken.
Acute Simian Varicella Virus Infection Causes Robust and Sustained Changes in Gene Expression in the Sensory Ganglia

ABSTRACT Primary infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus, results in varicella. VZV establishes latency in the sensory ganglia and can reactivate later in life to cause herpes zoster. The relationship between VZV and its host during acute infection in the sensory ganglia is not well understood due to limited access to clinical specimens. Intrabronchial inoculation of rhesus macaques with simian varicella virus (SVV) recapitulates the hallmarks of VZV infection in humans. We leveraged this animal model to characterize the host-pathogen interactions in the ganglia during both acute and latent infection by measuring both viral and host transcriptomes on days postinfection (dpi) 3, 7, 10, 14, and 100. SVV DNA and transcripts were detected in sensory ganglia 3 dpi, before the appearance of rash. CD4 and CD8 T cells were also detected in the sensory ganglia 3 dpi. Moreover, lung-resident T cells isolated from the same animals 3 dpi also harbored SVV DNA and transcripts, suggesting that T cells may be responsible for trafficking SVV to the ganglia. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis showed that cessation of viral transcription 7 dpi coincides with a robust antiviral innate immune response in the ganglia. Interestingly, a significant number of genes that play a critical role in nervous system development and function remained downregulated into latency. These studies provide novel insights into host-pathogen interactions in the sensory ganglia during acute varicella and demonstrate that SVV infection results in profound and sustained changes in neuronal gene expression. IMPORTANCE Many aspects of VZV infection of sensory ganglia remain poorly understood, due to limited access to human specimens and the fact that VZV is strictly a human virus. Infection of rhesus macaques with simian varicella virus (SVV), a homolog of VZV, provides a robust model of the human disease. Using this model, we show that SVV reaches the ganglia early after infection, most likely by T cells, and that the induction of a robust innate immune response correlates with cessation of virus transcription. We also report significant changes in the expression of genes that play an important role in neuronal function. Importantly, these changes persist long after viral replication ceases. Given the homology between SVV and VZV, and the genetic and physiological similarities between rhesus macaques and humans, our results provide novel insight into the interactions between VZV and its human host and explain some of the neurological consequences of VZV infection.
Encoding and detection in mmWave massive MIMO

Abstract In this chapter, a pilot reuse scheme has been considered for the uplink of a massive multiple input multiple output system. Subsequently, a lower bound on the throughput of the system has been derived, which is applicable for any number of antennas. In the supposed scenario, each user first transmits a training or pilot sequence to the base station, where a maximal ratio combining receiver decodes this message to determine the channel response, which can then be used to improve average throughput. A hexagonal geometry of the system is considered wherein each cell contains uniformly distributed users and a fixed pilot sequence reuse pattern. The derived lower bound is shown to be limited by three types of interferences: intercell interference, intracell interference, and pilot contamination. These metrics have been further used to differentiate between the performance of ultra high frequency and millimeter wave networks. Furthermore, a set of conditions including the number of users, antennas, pilot reuse factor, and coherence period is analyzed for which the lower bound of throughput is achieved. The results indicate that the reuse factor plays a critical role in the least achievable throughput. A minimum reuse factor is quantified for a given user density and coherence period.
Intimate Partner Violence Screening in the Veterans Health Administration: Demographic and Military Service Characteristics.

Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) includes psychological, physical, or sexual aggression by a current or former intimate partner and is associated with a wide range of health and social impacts, especially for women. Women veterans may be at increased risk for experiencing IPV, and some Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities have initiated routine screening of female patients for past-year IPV. This study presents the first examination of clinical IPV screening responses recorded from female VHA patients across 13 facilities nationwide, and identifies associations with patient demographic and military service characteristics. Methods Electronic medical record data were extracted for a cohort of 8,885 female VHA patients who completed screening for experience of past-year IPV during a clinic visit between April 2014 and April 2016. Analyses, conducted in 2016, examined the overall proportion of patients screening positive for IPV, as well as associations by demographic and military service characteristics. Results Overall, 8.7% of patients screened positive for past-year IPV. Odds of screening positive for IPV were higher among women who were younger (aged Conclusions Study findings indicate a significant proportion of female VHA patients disclosing past-year IPV during clinical screening, and identify characteristics associated with increased vulnerability. Implications for future research and program implementation include addressing high-risk subpopulations and further investigating the impact of screening and follow-up care.
Understanding the source of dielectric loss in Titania/polypropylene nanocomposites up to 220 GHz

Nanocomposites are a promising new dielectric material for on-chip and chip-to-chip waveguides that operate at millimeter (mm)-wave frequencies because of their higher relative permittivity compared to neat polymers and their compatibility with printed circuit board processing. For dielectric waveguides, extremely low loss is critical; thus, understanding the origins of loss is an important step for these applications. In this paper, we investigate the sources of loss in TiO2/polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites, in which polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) is added as a compatibilizer. Compared to nanocomposites made without PP-g-MA, we find that PP-g-MA improves the distribution of nanoparticles in the PP matrix and significantly lowers loss. We also examine the contribution to dielectric loss from PP-g-MA by measuring samples that contain no TiO2 nanoparticles, and find that while increasing the amount of PP-g- MA in PP results in a higher loss, it is small compared to the loss that comes from the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles.
DISPERSAL HAZARDS OF PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS BY BATS AND HUMAN ACTIVITY AT HIBERNACULA IN SUMMER

Abstract Bats occupying hibernacula during summer are exposed to Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd), the causative agent of white-nose syndrome (WNS), and may contribute to its dispersal. Furthermore, equipment and clothing exposed to cave environments are a potential source for human-assisted spread of Pd. To explore dispersal hazards for Pd during the nonhibernal season, we tested samples that were collected from bats, the environment, and equipment at hibernacula in the eastern US between 18 July–22 August 2012. Study sites included six hibernacula known to harbor bats with Pd with varying winter-count impacts from WNS and two hibernacula (control sites) without prior history of WNS. Nucleic acid from Pd was detected from wing-skin swabs or guano from 40 of 617 bats (7% prevalence), including males and females of five species at five sites where WNS had previously been confirmed as well as from one control site. Analysis of guano collected during summer demonstrated a higher apparent prevalence of Pd am...
Medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and behavior concerning diet and heart disease.

Demand for physician-based dietary treatment of hypercholesterolemia is increasing, but medical care providers feel that they lack the skills and confidence necessary to provide these services. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we studied the relationships among dietary knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors to identify the educational needs of entering medical students. On average, dietary behavior and background knowledge of the diet-coronary heart disease association compared favorably to national dietary recommendations and knowledge of the U.S. public. However, practical knowledge necessary for diet counseling was weak, and attitudes about the "prudent" diet were poor. More favorable attitude scores were associated with healthier eating habits, while greater knowledge was not. Our results suggest that entering medical students already have a basic understanding of the diet-heart disease link, which is covered in the curricula of most medical schools. Medical education should include more emphasis on practical dietary knowledge and improving attitudes about the prudent diet.
Dialysate Potassium, Dialysate Magnesium, and Hemodialysis Risk

One of the fundamental goals of the hemodialysis prescription is to maintain serum potassium levels within a narrow normal range during both the intradialytic and interdialytic intervals. Considering the extraordinarily high rate of cardiovascular mortality in the hemodialysis population, clinicians are obligated to explore whether factors related to dialytic potassium removal can be modified to improve clinical outcomes. Observational studies and circumstantial evidence suggest that extreme concentrations of serum and dialysate potassium can trigger cardiac arrest. In this review, we provide an overview of factors affecting overall potassium balance and factors modulating potassium dialysate fluxes in dialysis, and we review data linking serum and dialysate potassium concentrations with arrhythmias, cardiovascular events, and mortality. We explore potential interactions between serum and dialysate magnesium levels and risks associated with dialysate potassium levels. Finally, we conclude with proposed dialytic and novel nondialytic approaches to optimize outcomes related to potassium homeostasis in patients on hemodialysis. Dialysis clinicians need to consider changes in the overall clinical scenario when choosing dialysate potassium concentrations, and an effective change in practice will require more frequent serum potassium monitoring and responsive dialysis care teams.
Widespread recent increases in county-level heart disease mortality across age groups

Abstract Purpose Recent national trends show decelerating declines in heart disease mortality, especially among younger adults. National trends may mask variation by geography and age. We examined recent county-level trends in heart disease mortality by age group. Methods Using a Bayesian statistical model and National Vital Statistics Systems data, we estimated overall rates and percent change in heart disease mortality from 2010 through 2015 for four age groups (35–44, 45–54, 55–64, and 65–74 years) in 3098 US counties. Results Nationally, heart disease mortality declined in every age group except ages 55–64 years. County-level trends by age group showed geographically widespread increases, with 52.3%, 58.5%, 69.1%, and 42.0% of counties experiencing increases with median percent changes of 0.6%, 2.2%, 4.6%, and −1.5% for ages 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, and 65–74 years, respectively. Increases were more likely in counties with initially high heart disease mortality and outside large metropolitan areas. Conclusions Recent national trends have masked local increases in heart disease mortality. These increases, especially among adults younger than age 65 years, represent challenges to communities across the country. Reversing these trends may require intensification of primary and secondary prevention—focusing policies, strategies, and interventions on younger populations, especially those living in less urban counties.
Abstract 19655: Elevated Oxidative Stress Induces Smooth Muscle Cell Death via Superoxide Anion in Bicuspid Aortic Valve-associated Aortopathy

Introduction: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with an aortopathy that manifests as a dilatation of the proximal ascending aorta. The mechanisms of aneurysm formation in BAV patients are not completely understood. Our group established that medial smooth muscle cells (SMC) from aneurysmal BAV patients exhibit a weakened oxidative stress defense. Hypothesis: The weakened oxidative stress defense of medial SMCs in BAV patients leads to elevated oxidative stress in the proximal ascending aorta and decreases SMC viability. Methods: Aortic specimens were harvested from patients undergoing aortic valve and/or ascending aortic replacement due to aneurysm, or heart transplant, with IRB approval and informed patient consent. Levels of the superoxide anion-specific oxidation product 2-OH-E + was detected via HPLC in hydroethidine-exposed fresh human aortic specimens. Lipid peroxidation was quantified by ELISA-based detection of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α. Superoxide anion (O 2 •- ) production and cell viability in primary SMC were detected using the cytochrome c reduction assay, and the MTT assay respectively. Results: Levels of O 2 •- and lipid peroxidation were elevated in BAV specimens when compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) specimens (8.7 ± 0.90 vs 6.1 ± 0.90 pmol/mg, and 610±32 vs 458±45 pg/mg, Fig A and B respectively). Elevated O 2 •- production was detected in primary SMC in vitro when compared with SMC from TAV patients (13.2 ± 2.9 vs 6.7 ± 1.7 pmol/min/mg, Fig C). Addition of peroxide to primary SMC resulted in intracellular O 2 •- -mediated cell death (Fig D). Conclusions: Our results indicate that accumulation of O 2 •- in SMC is associated with increased oxidative stress and with increased cell death in the setting of BAV. Ongoing studies are focused on defining mechanisms of O 2 •- generation and the impact on aortic wall biomechanics. Importantly, this could help to develop novel interventions for BAV patients who are at risk for aortic catastrophe.
Organotemplate-free synthesis of hierarchical beta zeolites

Abstract This paper reports a straightforward approach to synthesizing hierarchical beta zeolites by exposing microporous zeolites to hydrothermal conditions amenable for beta crystallization, which simultaneously creates hierarchical pore structure while maintaining crystallinity and framework integrity without the use of organic structure-directing agents, pore-directing agents, or mesoporous templates. The obtained hierarchical beta zeolites possess enlarged mesopores and exhibit improved catalytic performance for the conversion of bulky molecules in the liquid-phase conversion of benzyl alcohol with mesitylene. A sequential hierarchical structure formation and recrystallization mechanism is proposed to elucidate the creation of mesopores in beta zeolites with excellent preservation of acidity and microporosity.
Standard and alternative adjunctive treatments in cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiovascular rehabilitation is the process of restoring functional abilities degraded by a serious cardiovascular event or by a surgical procedure to preempt such an event. Cardiovascular rehabilitation also includes attempts to reverse risk factors that have contributed initially to the disease process. Rehabilitation programs generally comprise disease-related educational components, supervised prescriptive physical exercise, diet counseling and modification, cessation of tobacco use, psychoeducational interventions aimed at adjustment and coping, and relaxation and stress management to lower nonexertion-related sympathetic drive. The presence of so-called coronary-prone behavior patterns can be detected, and special behavioral modifications may be indicated to mitigate these putative risk factors. This paper reviews the roles of these behavioral adjuncts in treating cardiovascular disease and its aftermath, and notes new and unusual approaches to these components of treatment, such as alternative exercises, biofeedback, yoga, and other relaxation methods. Barriers to compliance are acknowledged, and enhancement of compliance is discussed briefly.
Destructive and nondestructive geochemical analysis of vesicular basalt from bedrock outcrops in the Salt-Gila Basin, Arizona: Evaluating the potential of nondestructive portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for archaeological provenance analyses

Abstract Researchers have long been interested in tracing the movement of vesicular basalt from natural source areas to archaeological contexts in the Salt-Gila Basin of southern Arizona. However, this effort has been hampered by the lack of a reliable and practical analytical technique for characterizing the composition of individual artifacts and specimens from geological sources. This paper summarizes an assessment of the efficacy of nondestructive portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) for vesicular basalt provenance analyses. Specifically, the nondestructive technique was evaluated by comparing its performance in the analysis of 100 geological samples to an independent study that utilized destructive XRF and Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). Additionally, nondestructive pXRF was used to analyze 900 vesicular basalt samples from 18 different volcanic outcrops in the study region. The results of these analyses indicated that nondestructive pXRF is capable of generating sufficiently reliable data for select elements and also that there is considerable geochemical variability among the material source areas. Therefore, pXRF may be both a reliable and practical analytical technique for vesicular basalt provenance studies in the Salt-Gila Basin.
Probabilistic inference of reaction rate parameters from summary statistics

This investigation tackles the probabilistic parameter estimation problem involving the Arrhenius parameters for the rate coefficient of the chain branching reaction H + O2 → OH + O. This is achiev...
Research Techniques for Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring

The technique of ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring allows the behavioral scientist to directly assess the physiological impact of normal psychological functioning rather than relying on inferences based upon laboratory studies or self-reports. Just as any other technique, it requires knowledge, patience, practice, and attention to detail. In this chapter we try to provide the user with insights we have gained through our experience over the last eight years. We also try to provide the novice user with a background in ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate monitoring and suggest ways in which the use of the technique can be expanded.
Integrated Spectrum Sensing and Energy Harvesting

This paper proposes an integrated spectrum sensing (SS) and energy harvesting (EH) scheme, where all of the incoming radio frequency (RF) power are used for EH. Then, SS is performed based on the harvested energy. This approach does not require a separate energy detector which needs power- hungry RF front ends. As a result, the energy consumption for spectrum sensing can be reduced significantly. Additionally, it can increase the harvested energy over the conventional separated SS-EH scheme which allows only a fraction of RF power to be used for EH. The probability of false alarm and missed detection are derived in Rayleigh fading channels and are compared with the conventional separated SS-EH scheme.
A 26-Year-Old Man With a Pleural Effusion and Headache.

Case Presentation A 26-year-old man presented to the ED with dizziness and gait imbalance. He noted dizziness for 3 months, but symptoms progressed more rapidly over the last 3 weeks when he began experiencing nausea, vomiting, and “wobbly legs.” These symptoms would worsen with physical exertion, especially when lifting heavy objects. On review of systems, he also reported subjective fevers and chills. He had no appreciable dyspnea, cough, chest pain, or increased sputum production. The patient recalled a history of “brain surgery” approximately 4 years prior to his presentation, but no further details could be provided at the time.
Descending threshold for ascending aortic aneurysmectomy: Is it time for a “left-shift” in guidelines?

Abstract Current guidelines on the management of thoracic aortic disease recommend that the ascending aorta be replaced when it reaches the size of 5.5 cm. Recently emerging data suggest that this criterion may need to be shifted to the left, signifying a recommendation to operate on patients with smaller aortic sizes. The data that support the need for a leftward shift in the guidelines include (1) novel and more granular data on the natural history of ascending aortic aneurysm between 5 and 6 cm showing that 2 hinge risk points exist—one at 5.25 cm, and the other at 5.75 cm; (2) aortic diameter before the moment of aortic dissection is at least 7 mm smaller than postdissection aortic size; (3) the advent of a semiautomated centerline method of imaging assessment seems to underestimate true ascending aortic size; (4) aortic surgery in the present era is very safe and its benefits outweigh the associated risks; (5) genetic testing via high-throughput next-generation sequencing identifies genetic defects responsible for aortic catastrophes at smaller aortic sizes; and (6) familial aortic dissection occurrence suggests that family members of an aortic dissection victim who harbor a sizable aneurysm should be operated on regardless of aortic size.
Antibody Determinants of Influenza Immunity

Understanding antigenic variation in influenza virus strains and how the human immune system recognizes strains are central challenges for vaccinologists. Antibodies directed to the 2 major viral surface membrane proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), mediate protection against reinfection following natural infection or vaccination, but HA and NA protein sequences in field strains are highly variable. The central questions are how to achieve protective antibody responses in a higher proportion of individuals and how to induce responses with more breadth and durability. Studies using isolation of human monoclonal antibodies followed by structural and functional characterization revealed conserved antigenic sites recognized by broadly cross-reactive antibodies. The antigenic landscape on HA and NA proteins is coming into focus to inform studies of the correlates and mechanisms of immunity. Understanding the antibody determinants of influenza immunity points the way toward development and testing of next-generation vaccines with potential to confer broadly protective immunity.
Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Summary Although prenatal alcohol exposure causes craniofacial anomalies, growth retardation, neurological abnormalities, cognitive impairment, and birth defects, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is underdiagnosed. Global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is 0·77%, with a higher prevalence of 2–5% in Europe and North America, highlighting the need for increased diagnosis and treatment. However, diagnosis remains challenging because of the poor reliability of self-reported maternal drinking histories, an absence of sensitive biomarkers, and the infrequency of diagnostic dysmorphic facial features among individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Different diagnostic systems and disagreements over criteria have slowed progress in the diagnosis and management of the disorder. Neuroimaging shows abnormalities in brain structure, cortical development, white matter microstructure, and functional connectivity in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. These abnormalities modify developmental trajectories and are associated with deficits in cognition, executive function, memory, vision, hearing, motor skills, behaviour, and social adaptation. Promising trials of nutritional interventions and cognitive rehabilitation therapies are underway, with the aim of treating cognitive deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Are Red Roses Red? Evaluating Consistency of Question-Answering Models

Although current evaluation of question-answering systems treats predictions in isolation, we need to consider the relationship between predictions to measure true understanding. A model should be penalized for answering “no” to “Is the rose red?” if it answers “red” to “What color is the rose?”. We propose a method to automatically extract such implications for instances from two QA datasets, VQA and SQuAD, which we then use to evaluate the consistency of models. Human evaluation shows these generated implications are well formed and valid. Consistency evaluation provides crucial insights into gaps in existing models, while retraining with implication-augmented data improves consistency on both synthetic and human-generated implications.
Worker rights as human rights: regenerative reconception or rhetorical refuge?

An effort has been mounted to recast the legal analysis of labor problems in the discourse of human rights. The United States has been at a remove from this effort; the discourse of human rights has scant purchase. This essay surveys the vernacular of labor law argumentation in the United States from the Guilded Age to the present. Using the example of "captive audience" speech, the essay argues that there may be some room for the parsimonious adoption of human rights thought so long as the analysis is at pains to define the right narrowly and restrict itself to the core meaning of the right invoked.
Household Purchasing Productivity: Concept and Consequences:

To provide a logically coherent explanation for the high correlations found between a nation’s economic affluence and overall subjective wellbeing, this research takes a micro-macro systems approac...
Acculturation and familiarity, attitudes and beliefs about genetic testing for cancer risk within Latinas in East Harlem, New York City

A5 The use and underuse of genetics services for cancer prevention is an area of emerging interest in health disparities research, with previous literature documenting the need for increasing utilization of genetic testing for cancer risk in Latinos, specifically. This study examined acculturation and familiarity, attitudes and beliefs about genetic testing for cancer risk within a sample of predominantly foreign-born (71.8%) Latinas who had completed a survey about genetic testing through the East Harlem Partnership for Cancer Awareness in New York City (N=103). Multivariate linear regression models analyzed the relationship of acculturation to: 1) familiarity with genetic testing, 2) advantages of genetic testing 3) disadvantages of genetic testing and 4) concerns about abuses of genetic testing for cancer risk. Results found that with increasing acculturation Latinas were more familiar with genetic testing (β=1.62, SE=0.72, p=0.03), more likely to cite advantages of genetic testing (β=1.67, SE=0.79, p=0.04), and less likely to report disadvantages of genetic testing (β=-2.76, SE=1.64, p=0.10), even after controlling for sociodemographic factors. As one of the first studies to examine this issue, research findings have important implications for addressing cancer disparities across race/ethnicity. Health education interventions/programs targeted to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding about genetic testing for cancer risk amongst Latinas and other immigrant populations should be designed to acknowledge the critical role of acculturation. Specifically, Latinas with lower acculturation may necessitate more individualized, culturally-tailored interventions compared to those with higher acculturation to tackle barriers including lack of familiarity and negative attitudes about genetic testing for cancer risk.
Photonic generation of pulsed microwave signals in the X-, Ku- and K-band

Photonic microwave generation of high-power pulsed signals in the X-, Ku- and K-band using charge-compensated MUTC photodiodes is demonstrated. The impulse photoresponse without modulation showed a maximum peak voltage of 38.3 V and full-width at half-maximum of 30 ps. High power pulsed microwave signals at 10, 17 and 22 GHz with peak power up to 44.2 dBm (26.3 W), 41.6 dBm (14.5 W) and 40.6 dBm (11.5 W) were achieved, respectively.
Deviate-ontogenies in the aphelinid male [Hymenoptera] associated with the ovipositional behavior of the parental female

Intrapezifische Geschlechtsunterschiede in den Beziehungen zum Wirt, die sich in einer abweichenden Mannchen-Entwicklung auspragen, kennzeichnen 45 Arten in 8 Gattungen derAphelinidae. Diese abweichende Mannchen-Entwicklung ist bei den verschiedenen Arten entweder unabhangig oder abhangig von der Lage des haploiden Eies am Wirt.
Diffusion of metabolites across gap junctions mediates metabolic coordination of β-islet cells

Loss of oscillatory insulin secretion is an early marker of type II diabetes. In an individual beta-cell, insulin secretion is triggered by glucose metabolism, which leads to membrane depolarization and calcium influx. Islet β-cells display coordinated secretion; however, it is unclear how the heterogeneous population of insulin-secreting beta cells coordinate their response to glucose. The mechanisms underlying both electrical and calcium synchronicity are well explored. Even so, the mechanism governing metabolic coordination is unclear given key glycolytic enzymes9 heterogeneous expression. To understand how islet cells coordinate their metabolic activity, a microfluidic applicator delivered glucose stimulation to spatially defined areas of isolated mouse islets. We measured metabolic responses using NADH/NADPH (or NAD(P)H) autofluorescence and calcium changes using Fluo-4 fluorescence. Glucose stimulated a rise in NAD(P)H even in islet areas unexposed to the treatment, suggesting metabolic coordination. A gap junction inhibitor blocked the coordinated NAD(P)H rise in the low-glucose areas. Additionally, metabolic communication did not occur in immortalized -cell clusters known to lack gap junctions, demonstrating their importance for metabolic coupling. Metabolic communication also preceded glucose-stimulated rises in intracellular calcium. Further, pharmacological blockade of calcium influx did not disrupt NAD(P)H rises in untreated regions.These data suggest that metabolic coordination between islet beta-cells relies on gap-junctional activity and precedes synchronous electrical and calcium activity.
Viewing Digital Transformation through the Lens of Transformational Leadership

Digital transformation is primarily studied through the lens of information technology and strategic management. There should be an integration of leadership concepts into this topic considering th...
Emittance and energy spread compensation for current and future low emittance synchrotron light sources

This paper presents the results of an analysis focused on the behavior of emittance, energy spread and radiated power, as well as their variations in relation to the complement of active insertion devices in National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) operations. The spectra of radiated power of the installed insertion devices and analytic values of the emittance are compared to that measured by the NSLS-II online diagnostics. A conceptual design of a compensation wiggler that will maintain a constant emittance or energy spread is investigated for NSLS-II and a potential low emittance upgrade scenario.
Patterns of Spread of Gynecologic Disease

Fundamental to understanding the spread of disease within the female pelvis is the knowledge of specific anatomic relationships. It is the normal anatomy of the pelvic portion of the subperitoneal space that provides the avenues for spread of disease and the peritoneal reflections of the abdominal mesenteries that provide direction for intraperitoneal spread.
Final design and test results of a high voltage amplifier for a gyrotron body power supply

Abstract The design of a high voltage amplifier was being developed that uses series-connected transistors to control the output [Tooker and Huynh, 2013]. Although having many potential applications, this amplifier is designed to meet at a minimum the requirements of a body power supply for depressed collector gyrotrons that are used in electron cyclotron systems on the DIII-D tokamak and other devices worldwide. Therefore, the output voltage needs to be adjustable up to 35 kV DC and be capable of square-wave modulation at frequencies up to 5 kHz. Continuous operating body currents for a gyrotron are on the order of a few tens of milliamps. However, to attain the required speed for modulation with load capacitances as high as 2.5 nF, the ability to both source and sink peak currents as high as 5–10 A is required. The design of a 40 kV, 250 mA high voltage amplifier has now been completed and the amplifier was fabricated. The transistors are configured into modules and the modules are mounted in four card cages within an enclosure that has a size equivalent to a standard electronics rack. The high voltage DC power supply, that provides the input voltage to the amplifier section, and the controls for the amplifier are housed within a separate electronics rack. An 800 kΩ, 2.5 nF dummy load for testing the amplifier was also fabricated, and the amplifier was been tested into this load up to its full output. The description of the recently completed amplifier and the test results will be presented.
Non-gaussian image plane speckle: Measurements from diffusers of known statistics

Abstract The second and higher moments of intensity in non-gaussian image plane speckle patterns have been measured for deep phase screen diffusers. The diffusers were specially fabricated to have a gaussian distribution of phase with a standard deviation in the range 6–9 rad and a gaussian phase autocorrelation function of width ≈80 μm. Measurements of the second moment are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions of Jakeman and McWhirter
Molecular motion in solid H2 at high pressures.

Solid molecular hydrogen has been studied with proton nuclear magnetic resonance in a diamond anvil cell. Pressures from 18 to 68 kbar were used, resulting in melting temperatures from 160 to 350 K and relative densities \ensuremath{\rho}/${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ as high as 3. At temperatures above 0.7${T}_{\mathrm{melt}}$, translational self-diffusion narrows the resonance line. The pressure variation of the activation enthalpy \ensuremath{\Delta}H yields an activation volume of 5.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.6 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{3}$/mol or 63% of the molar volume, a reasonable value for a vacancy diffusion mechanism. The smooth variation of \ensuremath{\Delta}H/${\mathrm{kT}}_{\mathrm{melt}}$ with density also suggests that the diffusion mechanism remains the same for \ensuremath{\rho}/${\ensuremath{\rho}}_{0}$ between 1 and 3. The spin-lattice relaxation is controlled primarily by molecular reorientation. The observed density dependence ${T}_{1}$\ensuremath{\propto}${\ensuremath{\rho}}^{5/3}$ indicates that molecular electric quadrupole-quadrupole interactions cause reorientation, even at the high temperatures and densities of this work.
Interaction with Hyperthermia of Tetrachloroplatinum(II)(Nile Blue)2 and Tetrachloroplatinum(II)(Neutral Red)2 in EMT6 Murine Cells and the Murine FSaIIC Fibrosarcoma

Complexes of the tetrachoroplatinum(II) dianion with positively charged nuclear dyes were prepared in an effort to produce agents which gain ready access into the nucleus and become very cytotoxic at clinically relevant hyperthermia temperatures. Pt(Nile blue)2 and Pt(neutral red)2 are complexes of tetrachloroplatinum(II) with two closely related p-quinonediamine dyes. Pt(Nile blue)2 and Pt(neutral red)2 were only moderately cytotoxic to exponentially growing normally oxygenated or hypoxic EMT6 cells in vitro at pH 7.40 and 37 degrees C. At pH 7.40 and 42 degrees C and especially at 43 degrees C, however, Pt(Nile blue)2 became far more cytotoxic. At pH 6.45 Pt(Nile blue)2 became more toxic toward hypoxic cells (cell kill of 3.5 logs at 500 microM, 42 degrees C for 1 h). Pt(neutral red)2 became much more cytotoxic at pH 6.45 and 42 degrees C or 43 degrees C compared to pH 7.4, and the cell kill observed was similar in both euoxic and hypoxic cells (3 logs at pH 6.45, 43 degrees C with only 100 microM). Tumor cell survival studies in the FSaIIC murine fibrosarcoma demonstrated that both drugs killed in a dose-dependent log-linear manner. Hyperthermia treatment (43 degrees C, 30 min) immediately after either drug resulted in a dose modifying effect. The tumor growth delay produced by Pt(Nile blue)2 (100 mg/kg) was 4.6 days and by Pt(neutral red)2 (100 mg/kg) was 3.8 days. Both drugs were markedly improved by hyperthermia (tumor growth delay 1.4 days for hyperthermia; tumor growth delay 10.9 days for Pt(Nile blue)2 and 8.0 days for Pt(neutral red)2. Intracellular platinum levels were approximately 200 times higher after exposure of EMT6 cells to 25 microM of Pt(Nile blue)2 or Pt(neutral red)2 for 1 h at 37 degrees C than after exposure to the same concentration of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II). Treatment of cells with the drugs at 42 degrees C (1 h) resulted in no change in platinum levels with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), but with Pt(Nile blue)2 and Pt(neutral red)2 an increase of 2- to 3-fold was found. Since previous work has shown that both of these complexes are active radiosensitizing agents, these new drugs seem quite well suited for further development as antitumor agents for use against solid tumors alone and in conjunction with hyperthermia and/or radiation therapy.
Nasogastric tube suction-buster holes release mucosal occlusion despite high suction

Aspiration devices can persistently malfunction if moderate (not just high) suction causes mucosal occlusion of every opening. The standard pattern of uniformly large orifices was modified by supplementing half the nasal tubes with smaller (one tenth of the area) openings. Ten pairs of postoperative patients sipped water while suction applied to their nasal tubes varied from 40 to 300 mm Hg. Unmodified tubes consistently functioned only when applied vacuum was below 60 mm Hg. At 60 mm Hg, 20% (2/10) of tubes malfunctioned, with swallows failing to return on three consecutive attempts even at this gentle level. The failure rate rose with increasing applied suction. All 10 devices evidenced persistent occlusion when the vacuum exceeded 90 mm Hg. Each adverse result was confirmed by continued malfunction when suction was increased by another 10 mm Hg. The brisk flow through large esophageal openings dramatically differs from restricted inflow. Supplementing the standard set of uniform, large-bore aspiration orifices with additional small openings results in unimpeded function over the full range of available hospital vacuum. The additional small openings permitted the turbulent evacuation characteristic of large-bore patency. No device with accessory "suction-buster" orifices malfunctioned at even the highest available suction (300 mm Hg).
Hardware implementation of an additive bit-serial algorithm for the discrete logarithm modulo 2/sup k/

We describe the hardware implementation of a novel algorithm for computing the discrete logarithm modulo 2/sup k/. The circuit has a total latency of less than k table-lookup-determined shift-and-add modulo 2/sup k/ operations. We introduce a one-to-one mapping between k-bit binary integers and k-bit encodings of a factorization of the integers employing the discrete logarithm. We compare the physical layout result for the circuit when k = 8, 16, 32, and 64.
Strengths-Based Nursing Care: Health and Healing for Person and Family by Laurie N. Gottlieb and Bruce Gottlieb

An exciting and truly groundbreaking paradigm for nursing, strengths-based nursing is explained and explored in depth in this thoughtful and thought-provoking book. Gottlieb and Gottlieb explain th...
Differences Between Supervision of Beginning and Advanced Therapists

This study was an empirical test of Hogan's developmental hypothesis of supervision. Audio tapes of supervision sessions were analyzed to determine if there were differences in the way supervision is conducted depending upon supervisee level. In additon, in structured interviews, beginning and advanced trainees described helpful areas of supervision inclding supervision focus, supervisor behaviors and types of relationships with their supervisors. The data led to the conclusion that trainee level of development is not a significant variable that actively determines how supervision is conducted nor is it related to trainee perceptions of helpful and/or desired supervisor behaviors. Hogan's hypothesis was not confirmed.
A New Role for PTEN in Regulating Transient Receptor Potential Canonical Channel 6-mediated Ca2+ Entry, Endothelial Permeability, and Angiogenesis

Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is a dual lipid-protein phosphatase that catalyzes the conversion of phosphoinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate to phosphoinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and thereby inhibits PI3K-Akt-dependent cell proliferation, migration, and tumor vascularization. We have uncovered a previously unrecognized role for PTEN in regulating Ca2+ entry through transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) that does not require PTEN phosphatase activity. We show that PTEN tail-domain residues 394–403 permit PTEN to associate with TRPC6. The inflammatory mediator thrombin promotes this association. Deletion of PTEN residues 394–403 prevents TRPC6 cell surface expression and Ca2+ entry. However, PTEN mutant, C124S, which lacks phosphatase activity, did not alter TRPC6 activity. Thrombin failed to increase endothelial monolayer permeability in the endothelial cells, transducing the Δ394–403 PTEN mutant. Paradoxically, we also show that thrombin failed to induce endothelial cell migration and tube formation in cells transducing the Δ394–403 PTEN mutant. Our results demonstrate that PTEN, through residues 394–403, serves as a scaffold for TRPC6, enabling cell surface expression of the channel. Ca2+ entry through TRPC6 induces an increase in endothelial permeability and directly promotes angiogenesis. Thus, PTEN is indicated to play a role beyond suppressing PI3K signaling.
An accurate equation for the V−T characteristic of GaAs diode thermometers in the 4–300 K range

Abstract GaAs diode thermometers have been demonstrated to be reliable and reproducible transducers in both the liquid nitrogen and helium range, but so far no equation has been available for interpolating the voltage-temperature characteristic, at constant current, with an accuracy better than 1 K. An equation is developed: V = A + B log e ( T / T 1 + 1) + C ( log e ( T / T 1 + 1) 2 + …] which determines the V − T characteristic with a voltage accuracy of 0.01%, corresponding to 0.1 K on the whole 4–300 K range.
Nanotechnology in public

What is the smallest thing you can think of? The answer may seem obvious to scientists, but for most the answer is a visible object.