cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Feeding Tube Placement in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy With Machine Learning.

Purpose/Objective(s) During radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck malignancies, patients often experience weight loss secondary to odynophagia, dysphagia, and dysgeusia, which may necessitate enteral nutrition. Prophylactic feeding tube (FT) placement in every patient is not cost effective, and the procedure is not without complications. Additionally, FT placement has been associated with significant delay in a return to a normal diet. Machine learning models may help facilitate early identification of patients requiring early FT placement, augmenting outcomes and quality of life in these patients. Materials/Methods A retrospective cohort of 283 patients from a single institution were included that received definitive or adjuvant RT for head and neck cancer from 2016-2020, and that did not receive > 3 Gy/fraction or FT 10% weight loss after start of RT if a patient declined FT recommendation. The majority of patients were ECOG 0-1 (51.5%), former/current smokers (67.5%), white (65.7%) and had oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal disease (60.4%). Definitive chemoRT or RT was received by 91.5% of patients. One hundred twenty-seven patients either had a FT placed (majority) or had > 10% weight loss following the start of RT. Sixty percent of patients were used as training; 20% and 20% were used for validation and testing. Over 50 clinical features were obtained for each patient. Recursive feature analysis was performed to select top performing features in the validation dataset. Hyperparameters were selected for logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and explainable boosting machine (EBM) models using Optuna. Separate models were created that used five, six, seven, and eight selected clinical features. Results The top performing 5-8 feature models for LR, SVM, and EBM are reported using test data as follows. The LR models obtained areas under the receiver operating curve (AUCs) of 0.653-0.685 with the following clinical variables: chemotherapy regimen, ECOG status, RT laterality (unilateral vs bilateral), ethnicity, T stage, smoking status, and pre-RT weight. The SVM models obtained AUCs of 0.530-0.669 with T/N stage, ethnicity, RT laterality, pre-RT pain medications, RT regimen, chemotherapy regimen, primary site, ECOG status, pre-RT weight. The EBM models obtained AUCs of 0.630-0.723 with chemotherapy regimen, T/N stage, RT laterality, RT regimen, gender, age, and ethnicity. Conclusion The explainable EBM models outperformed LR and SVM models on the test set with consistent use of similar features within the 5-8 feature models. Clinical features most commonly utilized in the models were chemotherapy regimen, RT laterality, and ethnicity.
Spintronics: semiconductors, molecules and quantum information

We present a series of recent developments leading to the implementation of spin-based information processing in solid state devices. These include the on-chip electrical generation and manipulation of coherent spin states, and the molecular wiring of semiconductor nanostructures for shuttling quantum information in hybrid electronic systems. The experiments suggest that quantum states can be controlled with high speed electrical circuits using spin-based electronics and/or photonics.
Erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase, Na+, K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase activities in patients with classical galactosaemia.

Background: Classical galactosaemia is commonly presented by high blood galactose (Gal) and galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) levels followed by mental retardation, seizures, etc. dependent on the mutation of the patients. Aim: To evaluate Gal and Gal-1-P in the blood of patients and to correlate their levels with their erythrocyte membrane acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Na + ,K + -ATPase and Mg 2+ -ATPase activities. Methods: Blood was obtained from nine patients on poor diet (group B) followed by a 30-d strict diet (group A) and controls (group C) in order to evaluate Gal and Gal-1-P in Guthrie cards and to correlate their concentrations with the above enzyme activities, which were measured spectrophotometrically. Results: With the patients on a loose diet, AChE, Na + ,K + -ATPase and Mg 2+ -ATPase activities were found to be decreased, as compared with those on strict diet and controls. Significantly (p<0.01) inverse correlation coefficients of the enzyme activities were found with Gal-1-P levels. Conclusion: (a) AChE, Na + ,K + -ATPase and Mg 2+ -ATPase activities were determined to be decreased in poorly controlled patients with classical galactosaemia. (b) The enzyme activities were inversely correlated with the Gal-1-P blood levels. (c) Since Na + ,K + -ATPase in the erythrocyte membranes is the isomer of Na + ,K + -ATPase distributed in many tissues and in the brain, evaluation of the enzyme activity in the erythrocytes could be a useful peripheral marker of Gal-1-P toxicity.
Evaluation of sodium nitroprusside for controlled hypotension in children during surgery

Purpose. (1) To define the onset and offset of the blood-pressure-lowering effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) for use in developing instructions for dose titration in children undergoing a surgical or medical procedure, and (2) to assess the safety of SNP administration in pediatric patients requiring controlled reduction of blood pressure. Methods. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, dose-ranging, effect-controlled, multicenter study of intravenous (IV) infusions of SNP in pediatric patients <17 years, who required controlled hypotension for at least 2 hours while undergoing a surgical or medical procedure. A blinded SNP dose of 0.3, 1, 2, or 3 µg/kg/min was infused for 30 min, followed by open-label administration for at least 90 min. Both infusions were titrated to effect. Results. The final intent-to-treat group comprised 203 patients. Significant reductions in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline were observed for all four doses at 20 and 25 minutes after the start of infusion (p≤0.009 and p≤0.010 for each time, respectively). Overall, 98.5% of the patients achieved the target MAP; 72.9% first achieved the target MAP during the blinded infusion. The mean infusion rate at target MAP was 1.07 µg/kg/min. Conclusion. We determined that 0.3 µg/kg/m is a reasonable starting dose for SNP in pediatric patients requiring controlled hypotension. The infusion rate can then be increased to achieve the desired reduction in blood pressure. On the basis of our results, we found an average infusion rate of 1 µg/kg/min might be appropriate. Of note, no cyanide toxicity was reported, and no measureable cyanide levels were detected in any blood samples obtained during the study. http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00135668
Dynamic Analysis and Distributed Control of the Tetrobot Modular Reconfigurable Robotic System

Reconfigurable robotic systems can be adapted to different tasks or environments by reorganizing their mechanical configurations. Such systems have many redundant degrees of freedom in order to meet the combined demands of strength, rigidity, workspace kinematics, reconfigurability, and fault tolerance. In order to implement these new generations of robotic system, new approaches must be considered for design, analysis, and control. This paper presents an efficient distributed computational scheme which computes the kinematics, dynamics, redundancy resolution, and control inputs for real-time application to the control of the Tetrobot modular reconfigurable robots. The entire system is decomposed into subsystems based on a modular approach and Newton's equations of motion are derived and implemented using a recursive propagation algorithm. Two different dynamic resolution of redundancy schemes, the centralized Jacobian method and the distributed virtual force method, are proposed to optimize the actuating forces. Finally, distributed dynamic control algorithms provide an efficient modular implementation of the control architecture for a large family of configurations.
The binding of fucose-containing glycoproteins by hepatic lectins. Re-examination of the clearance from blood and the binding to membrane receptors and pure lectins

The nature of the hepatic receptors that bind glycoproteins through fucose at the non-reducing termini of oligosaccharides in glycoproteins has been examined by three different approaches. First, the clearance from blood of intravenously injected glycoproteins was examined in mice with the aid of neoglycoproteins of bovine serum albumin (BSA). The clearance of fucosyl-BSA was rapid and was not strongly inhibited by glycoproteins that inhibit clearance mediated by the galactose or the mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptors of liver. The clearance of Fuc alpha 1,3(Gal beta 1,4)GlcNAc-BSA (where Fuc is fucose) was inhibited weakly by either Fuc-BSA or Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc-BSA but strongly by a mixture of the two neoglycoproteins, suggesting that its clearance was mediated by hepatic galactose receptors as well as by a fucose-binding receptor. Second, the binding of neoglycoproteins to a membrane fraction of mouse liver was examined. Fuc-BSA binding to membranes was Ca2+ dependent but was not inhibited by glycoproteins that would inhibit the galactose or the mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptors. In addition, the binding of Fuc-BSA and Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc-BSA differed as a function of pH, in accord with binding of Fuc-BSA through fucose-specific hepatic receptors. Finally, the binding of neoglycoproteins to the pure galactose lectin from rat liver was examined. Neither Fuc-BSA nor Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc-BSA bound the galactose lectin, although Fuc alpha 1,3(Gal beta-1,4) GlcNAc-BSA bound avidly. Taken together, these studies suggest that a fucose-binding receptor that differs from the galactose and the mannose/N-acetylglucosamine receptors may exist in rat and mouse liver.
Dissection of the Factors Affecting Formation of a CH∙∙∙O H-Bond. A Case Study

Quantum calculations are used to examine how various constituent components of a large molecule contribute to the formation of an internal CH∙∙∙O H-bond. Such a bond is present in the interaction between two amide units, connected together by a series of functional groups. Each group is removed one at a time, so as to monitor the effect of each upon the H-bond, and thereby learn the bare essentials that are necessary for its formation, as well as how its presence affects the overall molecular structure. Also studied is the perturbation caused by change in the length of the aliphatic chain connecting the two amide groups. The energy of the CH∙∙∙O H-bond is calculated directly, as is the rigidity of the entire molecular framework.
Flow-induced alignment of (100) fcc thin film colloidal crystals.

The realization of structural diversity in colloidal crystals obtained by self-assembly techniques remains constrained by thermodynamic considerations and current limits on our ability to alter structure over large scales using imposed fields and confinement. In this work, a convective-based procedure to fabricate multi-layer colloidal crystal films with extensive square-like symmetry is enabled by periodic substrate motion imposed during the continuous assembly. The formation of film-spanning domains of (100) fcc symmetry as a result of added vibration is robust across a range of micron-scale monosized spherical colloidal suspensions (e.g., polystyrene, silica) as well as substrate surface chemistries (e.g., hydrophobic, hydrophilic). The generation of extensive single crystalline (100) fcc domains as large as 15 mm2 and covering nearly 40% of the colloidal crystalline film is possible by simply tuning coating conditions and multi-layer film thickness. Preferential orientation of the square-packed domains with respect to the direction of deposition is attributed to domain generation based upon a shear-related mechanism. Visualization during assembly gives clues toward the mechanism of this flow-driven self-assembly method.
The Rôle of Surface-Active Constituents Involved in the Foaming of Milk and Certain Milk Products. II. Whey, Skimmed Milk, and Their Counterparts

Summary Synthetic solutions of milk proteins and fat have been prepared which duplicate the essential foaming characteristics of whey and skim milk. Lactalbumin and milk fat were found to be the constituents that influence the foaming of whey. The constituents in milk or skim milk that determine its foaming properties are shown to be calcium caseinate, milk fat and lactalbumin. It is considered that calcium caseinate is preferentially adsorbed at the air/liquid interface at temperatures below the melting point of milk fat, lactalbumin being adsorbed at higher temperatures. The presence of milk fat globules is shown to be responsible for the minimum foaming of separated milk at certain temperatures. The addition of milk fat emulsion to blood serum brings about a minimum foaming at room temperatures. Previous work which is not in agreement with the present conclusion is analyzed in the light of the present studies.
Peritoneal T lymphocyte regulation by macrophages

Abstract The T cell composition of the peritoneal cavity (PerC) in naive BALB/c, C57BL/6, DBA/2J, and B-1 B cell-defective BALB.xid mice was investigated. The BALB.xid PerC T cell pool had a high CD4:CD8 T cell ratio relative to the other strains whose ratios were similar to those found in their lymph node and spleen. All mice had significant representation of T cells with an activated (CD25+, GITRhi, CD44hi, CD45RBlo, CD62Llo) phenotype and low numbers of Foxp3+ Treg cells in their PerC. Despite a phenotype indicative of activation, peritoneal T cell responses to CD3 ligation were very low for C57BL/6 and BALB.xid, but not BALB/c, mice. Enzyme inhibition and cytokine neutralization studies revealed active suppression of the T cell response mediated by the macrophages that represent a significant portion of PerC leucocytes. Driven by IFNγ to express iNOS, macrophages suppressed T cell activation in vitro by arginine catabolism. Although BALB/c T cells were also in a macrophage-dense environment their limited IFNγ production failed to trigger suppression. This difference between BALB/c and BALB.xid PerC T cells suggests a role for xid in shaping macrophage-mediated immune regulation.
Relaxation in spin-echo and spin-lock experiments

Abstract A classification is presented of the various forms of relaxation rate expressions applicable to thermal relaxation decay in a large range of spin-lock and spin-echo experiments. These include T1, T1ϱ magic-angle spinning, field-gradient Carr-Purcell echoes, quadrupolar echoes, WAHUHA, etc. The parametric rate expressions are displayed in a diagram that shows the various conditions of validity in terms of three basic parameters: the magnitude of the fluctuating interaction, the correlation time, and the characteristic period of the experimental scheme. As an example, the echo amplitudes of deuterium quadrupolar echoes are analyzed and compared with the results of an exact calculation. This comparison justifies the application of relaxation time expressions to calculations of echo-distorted lineshapes.
In-Vitro Study of Host Range of Three Isolates of Encephalitozoon (Nosema)

Replication of three Encephalitozoon isolates obtained from mice, hamsters, and a rabbit were compared in primary and established cell cultures prepared from rabbits, mice, and hamsters, and from canine embryos. Fifty- to 100-fold replication of each isolate occurred in rabbit choroid plexus and canine embryo cells and two- to fivefold replication occurred in primary mouse-kidney cells. Statistically significant replication of the rabbit isolate in rabbit kidney cells and the mouse isolate in hamster glial cells was also noted. A small number of infected cells was observed in all cultures, including those in which no significant replication was demonstrated. Lightly infected cultures were characterized by fewer infected cells with approximately the same number of organisms per cell as heavily infected cultures. Encephalitozoonosis (nosematosis) is frequently a latent disease of many laboratory animals [1], especially rabbits [2, 3], mice [4, 5], and rats [6]. The disease has also been reported in man [7], goats [8], hamsters [9], guinea pigs [10], dogs [11, 12], and other carnivores [13]. The lesions of latent encephalitozoonosis have been misinterpreted and erroneously attributed to other diseases or experimental procedures [1]. In addition, laboratory animals with latent encephalitozoonosis have significantly altered responses to a variety of experimental regimens when compared with uninfected controls [1, 14, 15]. The impact of this disease on data generated from certain laboratory animals may be appreciated when it is noted that the prevalence of encephalitozoonosis has been
Quantitative Volume Backscatter Imaging

A conventional ultrasonic B-scan image is converted into a volume backscatter image by accounting for four propagation effects: dispersion of transmitted energy, beam width and beam intensity variations, inhomogeneous attenuation of ultrasonic energy, and signals resulting from specular reflections at interfaces. These images are a two-dimensional map of backscatter efficiency, are independent of details of the measurement system, and are quantitative images of an intrinsic property of tissue and other materials.
Single precursor synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals using aerosol spray pyrolysis

We have investigated the feasibility of aerosol spray pyrolysis for the synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals, which are promising candidates for the development of low-cost, printable photovoltaic devices. A solution of copper diethyldithiocarbamate in toluene is aerosolized and aerodynamically dragged through a tube furnace, where the droplets are dried and nanocrystals are formed. Particles smaller than 20 nm are produced. The particles are preferentially formed as digenite (Cu1.8S), although we show that with low furnace temperature it is possible to produce chalcocite (Cu2S) nanocrystals.
Clonidine potentiates the neuropathic pain-relieving action of MK-801 while preventing its neurotoxic and hyperactivity side effects.

Antagonists of NMDA glutamate receptors have been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain in rats and humans. However, NMDA antagonists can cause significant side effects ranging from behavioral disturbances to injury of neurons in the posterior cingulate/retrosplenial (PC/RS) cortex. We have found that alpha-2 adrenergic agonists prevent the PC/RS neurotoxic side effects of NMDA antagonists. In the present study of adult female rats subjected to sciatic nerve ligation (Bennett neuropathic pain model) and tested for paw withdrawal latency (PWL) following a thermal stimulus, we evaluated the ability of the NMDA antagonist, MK-801, to alleviate neuropathic pain either by itself or when administered together with the alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, clonidine. We found that MK-801, at a dose (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) that is known to cause mild hyperactivity but is subthreshold for producing PC/RS neurotoxic changes, relieved the neuropathic pain state associated with sciatic nerve ligation. However, the relief at this dose was very transient, and no neuropathic pain-relieving effect was observed at a lower dose (0.025 mg/kg s.c.) of MK-801. Clonidine, at a dose (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) that prevents the cerebrocortical neurotoxic effects of MK-801, decreased sensitivity to the thermal stimulus equally under all conditions (ligated, sham ligated, unoperated), but did not specifically relieve neuropathic pain in the ligated limb. Combining this dose of clonidine with an ineffective dose (0.025 mg/kg s.c.) of MK-801 provided specific, complete and long lasting (up to 4 h) relief from neuropathic pain. Rats receiving this drug combination did not display hyperactivity or any other behavioral disturbance typically associated with MK-801 treatment, nor show neurotoxic changes in cerebrocortical neurons. In separate experiments on normal unoperated rats, we found that clonidine (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) counteracted the hyperactivity induced by MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) and returned activity levels to a normal range. These findings signify that clonidine, which does not specifically relieve neuropathic pain, can potentiate the neuropathic pain-relieving action of MK-801, while also protecting against neurotoxicity and hyperactivity side effects of MK-801. The potentiation is of a sufficient magnitude that it permits cutting the MK-801 dose requirement in half, thereby achieving prolonged neuropathic pain relief while doubling the margin of safety against any type of side effect that might be mediated by blockade of NMDA receptors.
Electron-transfer properties of pyrolytic graphite optically transparent electrodes

The electron-transfer characteristics of metal mesh optically transparent electrodes, which were modified by chemical vapor deposition of pyrolytic graphite, are investigated. The pyrolytic graphite optically transparent electrodes are found to exhibit sluggish electron-transfer toward several transition metal probes. Subsequent activation of the electrode surface is accomplished by RF plasma etching of the carbon layer to expose a higher density of edge plane carbon. A limiting current response is achieved after 2.5 min of RF exposure. As a result of the activation process, sharper voltammograms and reduced peak separations are observed in cyclic voltammetric measurements, while reduced equilibration times are found for thin-layer spectroelectrochemical measurements. [Fe(CN)6],3-, ferrocene monocarboxylic acid, cobalt(III)sepulchrate {[Co(sep)] 3+} and tris(1, l0-phenanthroline)cobalt(III){[Co(phen)3]3+} are used to characterize the response of the pyrolytic graphite optically transparent electrodes for electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements.
Running for health: how much running for how much health?

Increasing physical activity has been shown to reduce physiological markers of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, vascular endothelial cell reactivity and arterial stiffness. In this issue of Clinical Science, Hagg and colleagues have chosen the spontaneously hypertensive rat model to investigate the effect of exercise on vascular function. They found that spontaneous running increased aortic compliance and antioxidant capacity with decreased oxidative stress in mesenteric arteries, presenting support for the cardiovascular protective effects of physical activity. Two important aspects of their study include the magnitude of the running stimulus and the choice of artery to evaluate.
A comparison of role-played and natural responses to identical circumstances *

Fifty-eight female college students participated in a study that compared the similarity of role-played and naturalistic behaviors in the context of a standard lab-based situation involving conversational interaction and requests to borrow class notes. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: informed role-play, uninformed role-play, and actual (in vivo) behavior. Both role-play groups, but not actual behavior subjects, understood that the interaction was contrived, that their male protagonist was an experimental confederate, and that they should respond as they would if the situation were “real.” Informed role-play subjects also understood that the focus of the interaction was their assertiveness. Both role-play groups responded more assertively to the requests than did actual behavior subjects, with the difference being greater for informed role-play subjects.
Preparation and characteristics of polymer-based large adsorbent particles

Using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinked with glutaric dialdehyde (c-PVA) as matrix and activated carbon (AC) or crosslinked polyacrylic acid (PAA) as the adsorptive constituent, large beads of c-PVA-AC and c-PVA-PAA composites were prepared via the sedimentation polymerization method. In this method, an aqueous solution of PVA, glutaric dialdehyde, and a catalyst for crosslinking (hydrochloric acid), containing activated carbon or the precursors of the crosslinked polyacrylic acid was injected dropwise with a syringe into hot mineral oil (about 80–90°C) located in a cylindrical reactor fit with a stirrer near its bottom. Partial gelation took place during the sedimentation process. This ensured that the particles arrived at the bottom of the column, where they were kept about 30–60 min to complete their polymerization, maintained their individuality without aggregation. The particle size was as large as about 3 mm. The adsorption characteristics of the two types of adsorbents were dependent on their AC or PAA content. Their adsorption capacity for four dyes was investigated. The c-PVA-AC and c-PVA-PAA had, at room temperature, saturation adsorption capacities as large as 84 and 104 mg/g for the basic Chrysoidin dye, and 70 and 72 mg/g for the basic Bismarck brown Y dye. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Effect of Maternal Depressive Symptomatology on Maternal Behaviors Associated With Child Health

National prevalence rates for depression among women are twofold compared with those of men, with women of childbearing age at greatest risk. Maternal depression not only negatively affects the health of the mother but may also influence the health and development of her offspring. This study examined the relationship between maternal depression and its influence on certain maternal behaviors associated with child health. A nationally representative, longitudinal data set with information on demographic, behavioral, and health care variables obtained from women in 1988 and 1991 was used. The results from logistic regression modeling indicate that maternal depression is associated with maternal behaviors (i.e., an increased likelihood of engagement in smoking, in not administering vitamins to a child, and not restraining children in appropriate car seats). Moreover, race differentials were found among these relationships. The implications of these results suggest the need to screen for depression among mothers of young children.
CALCULATION OF NATURAL RESONANCES FOR PERPENDICULAR CROSSED WIRES PARALLEL TO AN IMPERFECT GROUND

ABSTRACT The singularity expansion method is applied to determine the natural resonances of a perpendicular crossed wire structure oriented parallel to an imperfect ground plane. To account for the finite conductivity of the ground, three formulations are utilized. First, the rigorous Sommerfeld formulation is used; then for structures some distance from the ground an approximate Fresnel reflection coefficient approach is employed. For structures in proximity to the ground a lossy transmission line formulation is presented. Sample results from all three formulations are presented.
SBML Level 3 Brief Update

SBML is a machine-readable model representation language for software tools in computational systems biology. By supporting SBML as an input/output format, different tools can all operate on an identical representation of a model, removing opportunities for translation errors and assuring a common starting point for analyses and simulations.The evolution of SBML continues. The latest iteration is SBML Level 3, a modular language consisting of a Core and optional "packages" that add topic-specific features to the Core to support more specialized models and application areas. In this presentation, I provide a very brief overview of SBML Level 3 activity areas.
Webs, Lenard schemes, and the local geometry of bi-Hamiltonian Toda and Lax structures

We introduce a criterion that a given bi-Hamiltonian structure admits a local coordinate system where both brackets have constant coefficients. This criterion is applied to the bi-Hamiltonian open Toda lattice in a generic point, which is shown to be locally isomorphic to a Kronecker odd-dimensional pair of brackets with constant coefficients. This shows that the open Toda lattice cannot be locally represented as a product of two bi-Hamiltonian structures. Near, a generic point, the bi-Hamiltonian periodic Toda lattice is shown to be isomorphic to a product of two open Toda lattices (one of which is a (trivial) structure of dimension 1). While the above results might be obtained by more traditional methods, we use an approach based on general results on geometry of webs. This demonstrates the possibility of applying a geometric language to problems on bi-Hamiltonian integrable systems; such a possibility may be no less important than the particular results proved in this paper. Based on these geometric approaches, we conjecture that decompositions similar to the decomposition of the periodic Toda lattice exist in local geometry of the Volterra system, the complete Toda lattice, the multidimensional Euler top, and a regular bi-Hamiltonian Lie coalgebra. We also state general conjectures about the geometry of more general "homogeneous" finite-dimensional bi-Hamiltonian structures. The class of homogeneous structures is shown to coincide with the class of systems integrable by Lenard scheme. The bi-Hamiltonian structures which admit a non-degenerate Lax structure are shown to be locally isomorphic to the open Toda lattice.
MISLEADING NUTRITION CLAIMS ON CRACKER PACKAGES PRIOR TO AND FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NUTRITION LABELING AND EDUCATION ACT OF 1990

Abstract Objectives: This study compared patterns in selected health claims on snack cracker packaging and fat content prior to and following enforcement of the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 (NLEA). Methods: Through observations at supermarkets in 1991 and 1995, the prevalence on packages of health claims that consumers associate with heart disease prevention was evaluated. The fat content of each product also was recorded. Criteria for potentially misleading claims were developed. Results: Analysis of both cross-sectional data and products that were available in both years showed that fat content, as well as the number of products containing target claims, had significantly decreased by 1995. The prevalence of potentially misleading claims also declined significantly, from 77% in 1991 to 49% in 1995. Conclusions: Although the data regarding the changes from 1991 to 1995 are encouraging, the prevalence of potentially misleading health claims for this food category continues to be high.
Properties and applied use of the mosquitocidal bacterium, Bacillus sphaericus

Strains of Bacillus sphaericus exhibit varying levels of virulence against mosquito larvae. The most potent strain, B. sphaericus 2362, which is the active ingredient in the commercial product VectoLex®, together with another well-known larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis, are used to control vector and nuisance mosquito larvae in many regions of the world. Although not all strains of B. sphaericus are mosquitocidal, lethal strains produce one or two combinations of three different types of toxins. These are (1) the binary toxin (Bin) composed of two proteins of 42 kDa (BinA) and 51 kDa (BinB), which are synthesized during sporulation and co-crystallize, (2) the soluble mosquitocidal toxins (Mtx1, Mtx2 and Mtx3) produced during vegetative growth, and (3) the two-component crystal toxin (Cry48Aa1/Cry49Aa1). Non-mosquitocidal toxins are also produced by certain strains of B. sphaericus, for examples sphaericolysin, a novel insecticidal protein toxic to cockroaches. Larvicides based on B. sphaericus-based have the advantage of longer persistence in treated habitats compared to B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. However, resistance is a much greater threat, and has already emerged at significant levels in field populations in China and Thailand treated with B. sphaericus. This likely occurred because toxicity depends principally on Bin rather than various combinations of crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) toxins present in B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis. Here we review both the general characteristics of B. sphaericus, particularly as they relate to larvicidal isolates, and strategies or considerations for engineering more potent strains of this bacterium that contain built-in mechanisms that delay or overcome resistance to Bin in natural mosquito populations.
Monetary versus nonmonetary incentives for TB skin test reading among drug users.

Abstract Background: In a prior study, we reported that monetary incentives were effective in increasing return for tuberculosis (TB) skin test reading. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of monetary versus nonmonetary incentives and a theory-based educational intervention on return for TB skin test reading in a sample of newly recruited active injection and crack cocaine users, and to determine the prevalence of TB infection in this sample. Methods: Active injection drug and/or crack cocaine users ( n = 1,078), recruited using street outreach techniques, were skin tested for TB. They were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 experimental treatment conditions: $10 cash, grocery store coupons, bus tokens/fast-food coupons, motivational education, or usual encouragement to return. Nonmonetary incentives had a $10 value, and all incentives were provided at return for skin test reading. Results: Ninety-five percent of those who received $10 returned for skin test reading compared to 86% of those who received grocery store coupons and 83% of those who received either bus tokens or fast-food coupons. In contrast, only 47% of those who received the educational session and only 49% of those who received usual encouragement returned for skin test reading. The prevalence of a positive tuberculin test was 21%, and was similar for crack cocaine and injection drug users. Conclusions: Nonmonetary and monetary incentives dramatically increased the return rate for TB skin test reading among drug users who are at high risk of TB infection. Nonmonetary incentives were somewhat less effective than monetary incentives.
Help the Patient, But Be Complicit With Homophobic Social Norms? Four Issues

Under what conditions, if any, would it be morally permissible to provide high-tech gay conversion therapy to patients who are in the grips of homophobic social norms? For example, might it be mora...
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: A better submucosal fluid cushion for endoscopic mucosal resection.

Abstract Background: Formation of a submucosal fluid cushion has become integral to endoscopic mucosal and polyp resection. Solutions available for injection into the submucosa of the GI tract create short-lasting submucosal fluid cushions or are costly. The feasibility, durability, and histologic response to submucosal fluid cushions created by injection of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were studied in the esophagus of pigs. Methods: Thirty-six esophageal submucosal fluid cushions created with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were studied in 12 animals divided in 2 groups of 6 animals each. In Group I, 18 submucosal fluid cushions were created by submucosal injection of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose followed by tattooing. In Group II, 18 submucosal fluid cushions were created by submucosal injection of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with sites marked by an endoscopically placed suture. In all cases, the duration of the submucosal fluid cushion was measured. After 7 days, submucosal fluid cushion sites were assessed by EGD, necropsy, and histologic evaluation. Results: The mean submucosal fluid cushion duration was 36 minutes (3-45 minutes) and 38 minutes (5-45 minutes) for, respectively, Groups I and II. EGD and necropsy after 1 week showed normal-appearing mucosa at the site of all submucosal fluid cushions in both groups. Some Group I animals additionally had nodules at the tattoo sites. Histologic assessment demonstrated minimal alterations in 33 of 36 (92%) submucosal fluid cushion sites and localized mild inflammatory reaction in 3 of 36 (8%). In Group I, 8 of 18 (44%) tattoo sites exhibited a significant inflammatory reaction, including 3 abscesses. Conclusions: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose creates a long-lasting submucosal fluid cushion with minimal tissue reaction and should be considered a low-cost option for creating submucosal fluid cushions. The use of tattooing with carbon black should be carefully considered when histologic study is required to assess potential inflammatory tissue responses to an invasive technique or instillation of foreign material in the GI tract. (Gastrointest Endosc 2003;57:41-7.)
MASCULINITIES AND HOOKING UP: SEXUAL DECISION-MAKING AT COLLEGE

A great deal of empirical research on hooking up has emerged in recent years. While gender is the most common variable examined in hookup behaviors, the overwhelming majority of this research is focused on women. It is often assumed that casual sex practices like hooking up are explicitly masculine, so that enthusiastic male participation is expected. This article examines males’ assumption of agency in collegiate hookups regarding partner choice and sexual behavior. Using in-depth interviews from male undergraduates at a large public research university and focus groups from a small liberal arts college, both on the East coast of the United States, I find that the peer group is instrumental is shaping sexual decision making and reinforcing the double standard. Additionally, awareness of rape culture serves to complicate males’ choices and behaviors regarding sex.
Acyclic Diene Metathesis (ADMET) Polymerization. Synthesis of Perfectly Alternating Copolymers from a Single Monomer

Perfectly alternating unsaturated copolymers can be synthesized from a single monomer by being cognizant of the ADMET structure/reactivity relationships for substituted trienes. The Lewis acid free Schrock catalyst W(CHR‘)(NAr)(OR)2 in which Ar = 2,6-C6H3-i-Pr2, R‘ = CMe2Ph, and R = CMe(CF3)2 is employed in this research where the tungsten catalyst's inability to metathesize a trisubstituted olefin is exploited. The perfectly alternating nature of these polymers is clearly supported by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as by UV spectroscopy for the polymer obtained from 5,6-diphenyl-1,5,9-decatriene.
5 Total abdominal hysterectomy

Total abdominal hysterectomy will be performed on one of every three women in the USA. While few changes have occurred in modern times, operative laparoscopy is being used for hysterectomy, though its true role remains unclear. This chapter reviews the indications, preparation and common complications related to total abdominal hysterectomy. A detailed description of abdominal hysterectomy as it is performed at the Mayo Clinic is presented. Key features are pointed out, and the need for proper surgical technique is stressed; specifically, the proper dissection of ureter, bladder and rectum are reviewed and emphasis placed on the need for every pelvic surgeon to possess the skills required for performing these.
Gravity‐driven deformation of the crust on Venus

Intense horizontal deformation features are observed on the surface of Venus despite the apparent absence of terrestrial-style plate tectonics. High surface temperature, low erosion rate, and regions of elevated terrain suggest that gravity spreading may be responsible for some of these features. Gravity spreading on the Earth is known to cause extensive deformation in certain thin-skinned tectonic regions, where the uppermost layers become detached along a decollement. While the high pore pressures and soft sedimentary rocks frequently observed along decollements on the Earth are not plausible for Venus, temperature induced regions of ductile deformation may exist. Simple viscous models of gravity spreading above a ductile region of the crust are developed to examine the effects of rheology, thermal gradient, surface slope and crustal thickness on deformation. For a reasonable range of parameters, the models show that surface-slope-driven ductile deformation at relatively shallow depths in the crust is possible and may be capable of detaching the uppermost rigid portion of the crust, resulting in horizontal translation.
Fluid-Structure Interaction in Finite Element Modeling of Traumatic Aortic Rupture

Traumatic Aortic Rupture (TAR) during automobile crashes is one of the leading causes of fatality. In this study, the physical parameters and mechanisms of aortic rupture in dynamic pressure loading condition were investigated using different numerical approaches in a finite element model, including Eulerian, Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE), and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) formulations. The TAR models were compared against in vitro experiments and predicted the most probable location of rupture at the isthmus as indicated in the literature.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
1968: THE AMERICAN AND SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCES

This article compares and contrasts 1968 and many of the themes and events the late 1960s in the United States with those in Scandinavia. Along the way it examines similarities and differences in motivations, culture, ideology and politics that resulted in some similar and many different forms of social activism.
Diagnosis, treatment, and burden of illness among adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Europe.

Purpose To quantitatively address the burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Europe (Germany, the UK, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands), to describe adult experience leading to diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, and to compare those findings with results from the US. Survey respondents and methods Data were collected from an international web-based survey of adults from Europe and the US. Sociodemographics, comorbidities, work productivity/activity impairments, and health care utilization of adults reporting an ADHD diagnosis (n=431) and a similar number of adults without ADHD (n=449) were compared. Respondents' experiences with the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and the perceived effects of the condition on psychosocial functioning were assessed. In addition, multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare the burden of ADHD between the two regions. Results Adults with ADHD in both regions were generally less likely to be married, employed, or rate their health as good/very good/excellent and were more likely to smoke, have experienced alcoholism, have other mental health conditions, have work productivity/activity impairments, and use health care resources. Although the specialties of health care professionals consulted prior to diagnosis were similar between the two regions, there was a notable difference in the length of time it took to receive a first ADHD diagnosis. Only 55% of European respondents received a diagnosis within 6 months of their first physician consultation regarding their ADHD symptoms, compared to 90% in the US. The results of regression analyses confirmed a greater impact of ADHD on psychosocial functioning, work productivity impairments, and the total number of provider visits in Europe. Conclusion The results revealed a significant impact of ADHD on adults over a range of outcomes, including social, family, and work relationships, health-related work productivity impairment, and health care resource use, with a generally greater burden of illness among European study participants than those from the US.
The role of immune cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common human autoimmune disease with chronic joint inflammation and bone destruction. Macrophages, T lymphocytes and osteoclasts are crucial cells in the development and progression of RA. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) plays a key role in the cellular infiltration and inflammatory events of RA, whereas RANK and RANK ligand (RANKL) are crucial factors in bone destruction. Thus, TNFα and RANK ligand are the important therapeutic targets in RA.
A simple general method to determine the proportion of active ribosomes in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract The resistance of 80S ribosomes derived from active polyribosomes to dissociation in high KCl cone, can conveniently be used to assay the proportion of active ribosomes in eukaryotic cells. The method described has been useful in studies of organisms as diverse as fungi (yeast), protozoa ( Tetrahymena ), higher plants (barley), echinoderms (sea urchin), insects ( Musca ), birds (chick) and mammals (mouse, rat). The technique is relatively insensitive to the use of harsh mechanical treatments for cell disruption or the presence of endogenous ribonuclease activity.
Ezetimibe, and the combination of ezetimibe/simvastatin, and risk of cancer: A post-marketing analysis

Background In the recently reported Simvastatin and Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) trial, the combination of ezetimibe/simvastatin (E/S) was associated with a significantly increased risk of cancer compared to placebo, causing widespread public concern. Objective We examined the rates of cancer adverse event reports filed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of patients on ezetimibe or E/S, and compared these to reports with other potent cholesterol-lowering drugs. Methods We tabulated all adverse event reports listing "cancer" or "malignancy" filed with the FDA (July 2004 to March 2008) of patients taking ezetimibe or E/S, and compared those to reports of patients taking simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin. We calculated rates for such reports per million prescriptions. A secondary analysis examined cancer reports as a proportion of all reported adverse events for each medication. Results Prescriptions for all drugs totaled 559 million (approximately 52 and 55 million prescriptions of ezetimibe and E/S, respectively), and cancer adverse event reports totaled 2334. There were 2.9 and 1.3 cancer-associated adverse event reports per million ezetimibe or E/S prescriptions, respectively, compared to a range of 3.1 to 5.1 per million prescriptions for the other drugs. Findings were similar when only reports listing the drug as "suspect" were considered. The proportions of reports listing cancer relative to all adverse event reports were 2.0% and 1.9% for ezetimibe and E/S, respectively, compared to a range of 1.3% to 3.9% for the other drugs. Conclusions This large-scale post-marketing analysis of reported adverse events does not support that ezetimibe or E/S increase the risk of cancer.
Gestational Risks and Psychiatric Disorders Among Indigenous Adolescents

This study reports on the effects maternal prenatal binge drinking, cigarette smoking, drug use, and pregnancy and birth complications on meeting criteria for psychiatric disorders at ages 10–12 and 13–15 years among 546 Indigenous adolescents from a single culture in the northern Midwest and Canada. Adolescent DSM-IV psychiatric disorders were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Revised (DISC-R). Results indicate that maternal behaviors when pregnant have significant effects on adolescent psychiatric disorders even when controlling for age and gender of adolescent, family per capita income, living in a single mother household, and adolescent reports of mother’s positive parenting.
Some Geometric Properties of Quantum Phases and Calculation of Phase Formulas

An introduction to several geometrical ideas which are of use to quantum mechanics is presented. The Aharonov-Anandan phase is introduced and without reference to any dynamical equation, this phase is formulated by defining an appropriate connection on a specific fiber bundle. The holonomy element gives the phase. By introducing another connection, the Pancharatnam phase formula is derived following a different procedure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 108: 1528-1532, 2008