cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reexamining the Classification of Older Adults With Diabetes by Comorbidities and Exploring Relationships With Frailty, Disability, and 5-year Mortality.

Background Limited research has been conducted to risk stratify older adults with diabetes. Our objective was to re-examine the 2005-06 classification systems in participants who are now five years older. Methods We examined a subsample of 884 community-residing older adults with the diagnosis of diabetes from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). The primary objective was to utilize a latent class analysis (LCA) to fit a model to 11 comorbidities, comparing the 2010-11 LCA model to that of 2005-6. The secondary objective was to evaluate the association of the identified classes with frailty, disability, and five-year mortality. Results Both 2005-6 LCA and the 2010-11 LCA model fit three similar comorbidity profiles: Class 1 with the lowest rates of nearly all comorbidities, Class 2 had highest rates of obesity, hypertension, arthritis, and incontinence, and Class 3 had the higher rates of myocardial infarctions, congestive heart failure, and stroke. When compared to the healthier Class 1 (class probability=0.67), participants with a comorbidity profile with more prevalent cardiovascular conditions (Class 3; 0.09) were at higher risk of frailty and mortality, but not disability; whereas participants with a comorbidity profile with more prevalent geriatric syndrome conditions (Class 2; 0.24) were at higher risk of frailty and disability, but not mortality. Conclusions We reconfirmed three latent-classes with distinct comorbidity profiles among older adults with diabetes. However, the complex relationships between comorbidity classes with frailty, disability, and mortality will likely require revision of the current rationale for stratified goal setting and treatment selection.
Multi-omics integration of methyltransferase-like protein family reveals clinical outcomes and functional signatures in human cancer

Human methyltransferase-like (METTL) proteins transfer methyl groups to nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other small molecules, subsequently playing important roles in various cellular processes. In this study, we performed integrated genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and clinicopathological analyses of 34 METTLs in a large cohort of primary tumor and cell line data. We identified a subset of METTL genes, notably METTL1, METTL7B, and NTMT1, with high frequencies of genomic amplification and/or up-regulation at both the mRNA and protein levels in a spectrum of human cancers. Higher METTL1 expression was associated with high-grade tumors and poor disease prognosis. Loss-of-function analysis in tumor cell lines indicated the biological importance of METTL1, an m7G methyltransferase, in cancer cell growth and survival. Furthermore, functional annotation and pathway analysis of METTL1-associated proteins revealed that, in addition to the METTL1 cofactor WDR4, RNA regulators and DNA packaging complexes may be functionally interconnected with METTL1 in human cancer. Finally, we generated a crystal structure model of the METTL1-WDR4 heterodimeric complex that might aid in understanding the key functional residues. Our results provide new information for further functional study of some METTL alterations in human cancer and might lead to the development of small inhibitors that target cancer-promoting METTLs.
Fingolimod related cryptococcal meningitis and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in two patients with multiple sclerosis (P4.2-011)

Objective: We report two cases of fingolimod associated cryptococcal meningitis while on fingolimod and subsequent central nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CNS IRIS) after drug discontinuation. Background: Fingolimod is an immune suppressing medication for multiple sclerosis (MS) that sequesters lymphocytes in lymph nodes, and thereby reduces peripheral blood lymphocytes. Fingolimod associated lymphopenia occurs in 7% of patients. Fingolimod is associated with opportunistic infections, including an increasing number of cryptococcal meningitis cases. Few of these cases of been published, and risk factors have not been identified. Design/Methods: We reviewed records for multiple sclerosis patients managed on fingolimod at a university clinic who later developed cryptococcal meningitis. Results: Two women with fingolimod associated cryptococcal meningitis were identified, ages 40 and 48, with a mean duration of fingolimod treatment of 4.5 years. Both patients were lymphopenic at presentation (mean nadir of 207/μL). They presented with headache, fever, and altered mental status. Their MRIs had leptomeningeal enhancement. Spinal fluid analysis was notable for marked neutrophilic pleocytosis and elevated protein. Cryptococcus neoformans was identified on culture. Fingolimod was discontinued after the diagnosis. Both patients required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for persistent elevation of intracranial pressure. They had clinical and radiological deterioration at mean 101 +/− 25 days after discontinuation of fingolimod despite continuing on antifungal therapy. They were diagnosed with CNS IRIS and had some improvement with steroids. Conclusions: Cryptococcal meningitis with fingolimod is rare but underreported. Risk may be higher with longer durations of therapy or lymphopenia. Prognosis is poor, and clinical deterioration should be closely monitored for hydrocephalus, relapsing infection, or CNS IRIS. The risk for recurrence with other immunotherapies is unknown. Prompt lumbar punctures for atypical symptoms, serum cryptococcal antigen screening, and CD4 monitoring may be needed for earlier identification. Disclosure: Dr. Cuascut Lassus has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dunham has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Biogen and Genzyme. Dr. Dunham has received research support from Biogen. Dr. Hutton has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Biogen, Genzyme. Dr. Hutton has received research support from Biogen Idec, Hoffman LaRoche, Genzyme, MedImmune, Malinckrodt, Novastis, Adamas.
Emergency pediatric radiology imaging trends for non-COVID-19-related illnesses through different stages of the pandemic.

To evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the imaging utilization patterns for non-COVID-19-related illness in a pediatric emergency department (ED). We retrospectively reviewed radiology reports for ultrasound, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy studies performed at a pediatric ED in April from 2017 to 2021, excluding studies for respiratory symptoms and trauma. Radiology reports and medical records were reviewed to determine if patients had a positive radiology diagnosis, the type of diagnosis, and whether it required hospital admission. Results from during the pandemic were compared to predicted rates based on pre-pandemic years. A total of 2198 imaging studies were included. During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer ED imaging studies were performed compared to predicted. The decrease was greater in April 2020 (RR = 0.56, p < 0.001) than in April 2021 (RR = 0.80, p = 0.038). The odds of positive diagnosis was higher during the pandemic than before, and higher in 2020 (OR 2.53, p < 0.001) than in 2021 (OR 1.38, p = 0.008). The expected numbers of positive diagnoses and hospital admittances remained within the predicted range during the pandemic (p = 0.505–0.873). Although imaging volumes decreased during the studied months of the pandemic, the number of positive findings was unchanged compared to prior years. No differences were demonstrated in the percentage of patients admitted to the hospital with positive imaging findings. This suggests that, at our institution, the pandemic did not lead to a substantial number of missed diagnoses or severely delay the diagnosis of non-COVID-related conditions. While still lower than expected, imaging volumes increased in April 2021 suggesting a return towards baseline patient behavior as the pandemic conditions improved.
Stomas Via Percutaneous Endoscopy

In humans, parenteral nutrition leads to a decrease in mucosal thickness, a decrease in villus height, and a decrease in mucosal proliferation rate. If it is possible to provide nutrition enterally this is the method of choice. The introduction of enteral feeding tubes that can be placed endoscopically has revolutionized human nutrition in many clinical scenarios. Patients who are unable to take in their daily nutritional needs by mouth – whether because of trauma, burns, or surgical resection of the small bowel – can now receive their daily nutrition in a formula made for their individual requirements. This can be done for shorter or longer periods of time without some of the complications such as line sepsis seen in patients who must utilize central lines for nutrition. Tubes can be placed endoscopically into the stomach, the jejunum, the esophagus, and the cecum or appendix. This chapter discusses the development, as well as the uses, of these different types of feeding tubes.
Imaging Cardiovascular Manifestations of Genetic Syndromes

Congenital structural cardiovascular defects are commonly associated and found concurrently with many different types of genetic diseases and syndromes. Understanding these cardiovascular manifestations is essential for diagnosing these genetic syndromes without delay and provides prompt attention and repair of life-threatening defects without complications. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are increasingly used in the evaluation of cardiovascular abnormalities, and it is imperative for radiologists to be cognizant of the syndromes associated with these abnormalities. In this article, we review the cardiovascular manifestations of the common genetic syndromes and illustrate the role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of these abnormalities.
Traveling salesman problem of segments

In this paper, we present a polynomial time approximation scheme (PTAS) for a variant of the traveling salesman problem (called segment TSP) in which a traveling salesman tour is sought to traverse a set of n Ɛ-separated segments in two dimensional space. Our results are based on a number of geometric observations and an interesting generalization of Arora's technique [5] for Euclidean TSP (of a set of points). The randomized version of our algorithm takes O(n2(log n)O(1/Ɛ4)) time to compute a (1 + Ɛ)-approximation with probability ≥ 1/2, and can be derandomized with an additional factor of O(n2). Our technique is likely applicable to TSP problems of certain Jordan arcs and related problems.
QUALITY BY DESIGN: AN OVERVIEW OF THE BASIC CONCEPTS

ThepremiseofQualitybyDesign(QbD)isthatthequalityofthepharmaceuticalproductshould be based upon the understanding of the biology or the mechanism of action(MOA) and the safety of the molecule [1]. The manufacturing process should then bedeveloped to meet the desired quality attributes of the molecule, hence the concept of“design”oftheproductqualityversus“testing”theproductquality.Althoughtestingtheproduct quality after manufacturing is an essential element of quality control, testingshouldbeconductedtoconfirmthepredesiredproductattributesandnottosimplyrevealtheoutcomeofamanufacturingprocess.TheICHQ8guidelineprovidesanoverviewofsomeoftheaspectsofQbD[2].Theguidelineclearlystatesthatqualitycannotbetestedinto products; that is, quality should be built in by design.Althoughthetaskofdesigningacomplexbiologicalmoleculesuchasamonoclonalantibody may seem daunting, the experience gained in the past roughly 30 years of thebiotechnology industry history has laid the foundation for the QbD initiative [3,4]. Theindustry has come a long way in identifying and selecting viable drug candidates, indevelopinghigh-productivitycell culture processes,in designing purification processesthat yield a high-purity product, and in analyzing the heterogeneity of complex
Initiation of human parturition. XII. Biosynthesis and metabolism of prostaglandins in human fetal membranes and uterine decidua

Prostaglandin synthetase activity was assayed in homogenates prepared from human fetal membranes and uterine decidua tissues with [14C] arachidonic acid used as substrate. In amnion, chorion laeve, and decidua vera tissues obtained after the spontaneous onset of labor and vaginal delivery the mean specific activities of prostaglandin synthetase were respectively 1.47, 0.53, and 0.39 nmoles x hr-1 x gm-1 tissue; in these same tissues obtained at elective cesarean section before the onset of labor the mean specific activities of prostaglandin synthetase were respectively 0.61, 0.33, and 0.28. The specific activity of prostaglandin synthetase of amnion (but not chorion laeve or decidua vera) was significantly greater in samples obtained after labor than in those obtained before labor (p less than 0.02). Prostaglandin synthesis in amnion, chorion laeve, and decidua vera was inhibited by acetylsalicylic acid and by indomethacin. Prostaglandin E2 was formed in amnion and chorion laeve, whereas prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha were formed in decidua vera. The activity of NAD+ -dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase was also assayed and the specific activities of this enzyme in chorion laeve and decidua vera tissues obtained before and after labor were high, whereas 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase activity in amnion was low.
Molecular mechanism of Rac1 regulation of endothelial permeability (1095.4)

The RhoGTPase Rac1 plays a critical role in regulating endothelial junctional permeability; however, the causal relationship between Rac1 activity at adherens junctions (AJs) and stability of Vascu...
Direct‐Coupled Amplifier

This article has no abstract. Keywords: direct-coupled amplifier; base-emitter voltage drop
Analysis of inductor-converter bridge by means of state-space averaging technique (superconducting magnet energy storage)

The time-averaged behavior of an inductor-converter bridge (ICB) circuit has been analyzed using a state-space averaging technique. The application of the state-space averaging technique to the ICB circuit analysis is somewhat different from the well known DC-to-DC converter cases such as buck, boost, and flyback of Cuk converter analysis in that the first-order approximation of the state transition matrix will give trivial results. The results, which were previously obtained in infinite Fourier series form, are in closed form. A comparison is also made with the Fourier result. The ICB is a two-quadrant power supply for superconductive energy storage magnets. Closed-form expressions are found for the average current, voltage, and power behavior of the ICB. This application is somewhat different from the analysis of other DC choppers such as buck, boost, flyback, and Cuk converters in that the first-order terms are identically zero and the second-order terms have to be used. >
Asymptotic stability of systems with partial state saturation nonlinearities

Several sufficient conditions for the global asymptotic stability of the equilibrium x/sub e/=0 of discrete-time dynamical systems which have saturation nonlinearities on part states are established. We utilize a class of positive definite and radially unbounded Lyapunov functions in establishing our results. When using quadratic form Lyapunov functions, our results are very general since they involve necessary and sufficient conditions under which positive definite matrices can be used to generate Lyapunov functions for the systems considered herein. >
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration after coronary artery bypass surgery: utilization persists despite the boxed warning.

Purpose In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a boxed warning against the administration of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery because of cardiovascular safety concerns. We assessed utilization rates before and after the advisory and evaluated predictors of NSAID administration following CABG. Methods We assembled a cohort of 277576 patients who underwent CABG from 2004 to 2010. Temporal trends in NSAID exposure were evaluated, and predictors of postoperative NSAID use were identified using generalized estimating equations. Results Over the study period, 92938 CABG patients (33.5%) received NSAIDs following surgery. The frequency of NSAID administration declined steadily over time, from a peak of 38.9% in 2004 to a low of 29.0% in 2010 (p<0.0007). Ketorolac was the most frequent NSAID prescribed, commonly on the first postoperative day. Surgery performed after the boxed warning was independently associated with a 20% lower odds of NSAID administration [odds ratio (OR): 0.80; p=0.0003]. Other factors that predicted a lower odds of NSAID use following surgery included a history of renal disease (OR: 0.33; p<0.0001) and liver disease (OR: 0.66; p<0.0001), and the need for concurrent valve surgery (OR: 0.78; p<0.0001). A mammary graft at the time of surgery increased the odds of NSAID administration (OR: 1.23; p<0.0001). Conclusions The frequency of NSAID administration after CABG has declined since the FDA advisory, yet many patients continue to receive them in recent years. Our data highlight the need for future research initiatives to further define the risks associated with NSAID use in this population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—analgesia; postoperative care; pain; coronary artery bypass graft (CABG); pharmacoepidemiology
Reducing air traffic delay in a space-time network

The author describes a formulation of National Airspace System (NAS) traffic management problem as a multicommodity minimum cost flow problem over a network in space-time. It is a formulation of the multidestination delay minimization problem of managing traffic in the NAS. The model's potential for improving over present practice is described in terms of six assumptions of present practice. The space-time network model can address uncertainty in capacity values, restrictive airways capacities, and hubbing. The minimum cost flow formulation further assumes that attempted entries into the system are deterministic, not Poisson, and that actual entries are controllable. The formulation specifically allows dynamic capacities and possesses good potential for short execution time. >
Abundance: Population Size and Density Estimation

Estimates of population size (total number of individuals) or density (number of individuals per unit area) are some of the most basic requirements for wildlife research and management. This article provides a brief overview of approaches for wildlife population estimation. These include habitat-based approaches such as quadrat, line intercept, distance, and repeated count methods, as well as animal-based approaches such as capture–recapture and harvest methods. In contrast to methods that only index changes in these parameters, estimates of size or density must account for the probability that an individual will be included in the sample used for estimation. The essential differences in the approaches are in how the samples are obtained and how the sampling probabilities are estimated. Keywords: capture–recapture; catch-effort; change-in-ratio; detection; distance sampling; hierarchical models; index-removal; probability sampling; quadrats; repeated counts
Privacy-preserving SVM using nonlinear kernels on horizontally partitioned data

Traditional Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery algorithms assume free access to data, either at a centralized location or in federated form. Increasingly, privacy and security concerns restrict this access, thus derailing data mining projects. What we need is distributed knowledge discovery that is sensitive to this problem. The key is to obtain valid results, while providing guarantees on the non-disclosure of data. Support vector machine classification is one of the most widely used classification methodologies in data mining and machine learning. It is based on solid theoretical foundations and has wide practical application. This paper proposes a privacy-preserving solution for support vector machine (SVM) classification, PP-SVM for short. Our solution constructs the global SVM classification model from the data distributed at multiple parties, without disclosing the data of each party to others. We assume that data is horizontally partitioned -- each party collects the same features of information for different data objects. We quantify the security and efficiency of the proposed method, and highlight future challenges.
Gene regulation: Long RNAs wire up cancer growth.

The discovery of long non-coding RNAs that control the liaisons between a transcription factor with a key role in prostate cancer and its target genes sheds light on how RNAs dictate information flow in the cell nucleus. See Letter p.598 Several long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to be overexpressed in prostate cancer. Michael Rosenfeld and colleagues have investigated the mechanistic and biological roles of two of these, known as PRNCR1 and PCGEM1. Both are found to interact with the androgen receptor (AR) dependent on specific post-translational modifications, and to enhance the looping of AR-bound enhancers to target gene promoters, leading to enhanced gene expression. They also enhance AR-mediated proliferation in prostate cancer cells and are required for tumour growth in a prostate cancer xenograft mouse model. PRNCR1 and PCGEM1 are upregulated in castration-resistant prostate cancer cell lines. The regulatory roles of lncRNAs in prostate cancer uncovered in this manuscript may open the way to new therapeutic approaches.
Active Ground Optical Remote Sensing for Improved Monitoring of Seedling Stress in Nurseries

Active ground optical remote sensing (AGORS) devices mounted on overhead irrigation booms could help to improve seedling quality by autonomously monitoring seedling stress. In contrast to traditionally used passive optical sensors, AGORS devices operate independently of ambient light conditions and do not require spectral reference readings. Besides measuring red (590–670 nm) and near-infrared (>760 nm) reflectance AGORS devices have recently become available that also measure red-edge (730 nm) reflectance. We tested the hypothesis that the additional availability of red-edge reflectance information would improve AGORS of plant stress induced chlorophyll breakdown in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Our results showed that the availability of red-edge reflectance information improved AGORS estimates of stress induced variation in chlorophyll concentration (r2 > 0.73, RMSE < 1.69) when compared to those without (r2 = 0.57, RMSE = 2.11).
Endoscopic Gold Fiducial Marker Placement into the Bladder Wall to Optimize Radiotherapy Targeting for Bladder-Preserving Management of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Feasibility and Initial Outcomes

Background and Purpose Bladder radiotherapy is a management option for carefully selected patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, the inability to visualize the tumor site during treatment and normal bladder movement limits targeting accuracy and increases collateral radiation. A means to accurately and reliably target the bladder during radiotherapy is needed.
Increased flavor acceptance and preference conditioned by the postingestive actions of glucose

Abstract PEREZ, C., F. LUCAS AND A. SCLAFANI. Increased flavor acceptance and preference conditioned by the postingestive actions of glucose. PHYSIOL BEHAV 64(4) 483–492, 1998.—In Experiment 1, rats were given daily 2-h access to chow and water and 20-h access to flavored solutions (cherry or grape). On alternate days, one flavor (CS+) was paired with intragastric infusions of 16% glucose and another flavor (CS−) with IG water. In subsequent choice tests, the rats strongly preferred (95%) the CS+ to the CS−. CS+ intake also greatly exceeded CS− intake during one-bottle training sessions (71 vs. 18 g/20 h). This increased acceptance was due to both increased bout size and number. When CS+ was paired with IG water (extinction test), CS+ bout size declined to CS− levels, while CS+ bout number and total intake remained elevated. In Experiment 2, rats trained with sucrose octa acetate and citric acid solutions also showed increased CS+ acceptance and preference in one- and two-bottle tests, respectively. The rats also consumed more CS+ than CS− during short-term (30 min/day) one-bottle tests and intraoral intake tests under both deprived and ad lib. feeding conditions. These results demonstrate that the postingestive actions of glucose can condition substantial increases in flavor acceptance as well as flavor preference.
Severity of injury is underestimated in the absence of autopsy verification.

Background Trauma disproportionately affects young, productive citizens. To decrease the preventable death rate and morbidity, and to save society some of the estimated 230 million dollars per day revenue loss attributable to these injuries, trauma systems were developed. New York State instituted a population-based regional trauma registry to enter all patients meeting appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic codes. Methods We evaluated the registry records deaths in a single New York State trauma region. We compared the medical records used for registry entry to the autopsy records from the County Medical Examiner's Office to determine accuracy of diagnostic coding. On the basis of autopsy data, the records were then recoded and the extent of the trauma rescored. Results One hundred thirty-four deaths from 1993 to 1998 were recorded. Twelve records (9%) were accurately entered. One hundred twenty-two records had 452 errors. The mean Injury Severity Score (ISS), based on the medical record face sheet, was 29.93. The revised ISS, based on autopsy review, was 34.44 (p = 0.0108, two-tailed t test). The 95% confidence interval of the difference was 1.05 to 7.96. Z scores were -14.36 before autopsy review and -13.21 after autopsy review (p = 0.4395, not significant). We demonstrated a significantly higher ISS in the patients who died when the autopsy findings were included for coding. This information was not available from the medical record. Conclusion To accurately compare trauma center performance and injury severity, the inclusion of autopsy data is critically important. Present state law does not permit sharing of this information with the trauma centers. When comparing mortality rates of New York State trauma centers, data must be carefully interpreted.
The Meanings of a Star: Interpreting Music Fans' Reviews

Original published version available electronically via Caliber: Journals of the University of California Press http://caliber.ucpress.net/.
Structural changes in ScCeSZ–NiO ceramics in a high-temperature hydrogen environment

It is shown that, in a solid oxide cell with ceramic Ni-containing anodes, in the first working cycle, the anode material is reduced in hydrogen, which causes changes in its microstructure and properties. We analyze structural changes in the anode material with different contents of NiO from the nonreduced (ScCeSZ–NiO) to the reduced (ScCeSZ–Ni) state, which are connected with its electric conductance.
Integrating Strategic and Tactical Rolling Stock Models with Cyclical Demand

In the transportation industry, companies position rolling stock where it is likely to be needed in the face of a pronounced weekly cyclical demand pattern in orders. Strategic policies based on assumptions of repetition of cyclical weekly patterns set rolling stock targets; during tactical execution, a myriad dynamic influences cause deviations from strategically set targets. We find that optimal strategic plans do not agree with results of tactical modeling; strategic results are in fact suboptimal in many tactical situations. We discuss managerial implications of this finding and how the two modeling paradigms can be reconciled.
Optimizing computations for effective block-processing

Block-processing can decrease the time and power required to perform any given computation by simultaneously processing multiple samples of input data. The effectiveness of block-processing can be severely limited, however, if the delays in the dataflow graph of the computation are placed suboptimally. In this paper we investigate the application of retiming for improving the effectiveness of block-processing in computations. In particular, we consider the k-delay problem: Given a computation dataflow graph and a positive integer k, we wish to compute a retimed computation graph in which the original delays have been relocated so that k data samples can be processed simultaneously and fully regularly. We give an exact integer linear programming formulation for the k-delay problem. We also describe an algorithm that solves the k-delay problem fast in practice by relying on a set of necessary conditions to prune the search space. Experimental results with synthetic and random benchmarks demonstrate the performance improvements achievable by block-processing and the efficiency of our algorithm.
A Comparison of the Levels of Lutein and Zeaxanthin in Corn Germ Oil, Corn Fiber Oil and Corn Kernel Oil

All commercial corn oil is obtained by pressing corn germ and/or extracting the germ with hexane. In the current study, six types of corn oil were prepared by extracting corn germ, corn fiber and ground corn, each with hexane or with ethanol. The levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and other carotenoids were quantitatively analyzed in the six corn oils. The levels of lutein + zeaxanthin in the oil ranged from 2.3 μg/g for hexane-extracted corn germ oil to 220.9 μg/g for ethanol-extracted ground corn oil. These results indicate that a diet that includes 30 g (~2 tbsp) per day of the unrefined corn oil obtained by extracting ground corn with ethanol would provide ~6 mg of lutein + zeaxanthin, the daily dosage that is currently considered to be necessary to slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.
Relation Between Tumor Size and Range of Motion in IMRT Treatment Planning for Thoracic Lesions

Purpose: To evaluate the relation between tumor size/volume, tumor range of motion, and healthy lung volume in light of radiotherapy motion management paradigm. Materials and Methods: Four patient data sets were considered in this investigation. Each patient underwent time resolved (4D) CT data scan. Mid-ventilation CT data sets, with nominal lung volumes ranging from ~3000 cm3 to ~6000 cm3, were considered for treatment planning. Spheres with pre-specified radii were auto-contoured in the left lower lobes as simulated planning target volumes (PTVs) for each patient. Motion in superior-inferior direction was superimposed on the simulated spherical PTVs, such that motion-inclusive ITVs were generated. Nine-field IMRT treatment plans were created for all lung volumes, different combinations of simulated PTV spherical size and ranges of motion. Three dose levels of 60 Gy, 70 Gy, and 80 Gy were utilized. The doses were prescribed to 95% of the ITV. Simulated PTV sizes and ranges of motion were varied until prescriptions were met, given that organs at risk (OARs) were spared. The OAR constraints were: 40 Gy to 1% of the cord and 30% of the heart, as well as 20 Gy and 30 Gy to 30% and 20% of benign lung, respectively. These constraints, representative for 2 Gy per fraction fractionation schemes, are commonly used clinically. The treatment plans were deemed clinically acceptable when standard deviation of the dose across the ITV was less than 3% of the prescription dose in addition to fulfillment of the OAR constraints. Results: For each nominal lung volume three look-up curves, corresponding to the prescription dose levels were generated. The plots related the PTV sphere sizes with its range of motion. In addition, correlation between the absolute tumor volume and its range of motion was also established and presented in graphical format. Conclusions: The motion management threshold of 0.5 cm found in the literature is reasonable. However, in some cases, depending on the tumor size, tumor range of motion, and nominal lung volumes, it might be too restrictive. In the determination of the most appropriate individualized treatment planning approach all factors such as tumor and lung volumes, tumor range of motion and patient tolerance toward the treatment technique need to be assessed.
Performing analysis of thermoformable glass fiber mats—deformation modes and reinforcement characterization

This work is and anyalysis of the performing process of a thermoformable glass fiber mat. Important processing variables associated with the preforming operations were extracted from stamping experiments. From the study of deformation modes, we may conclude that the defects found in fiber mat preforming are closely related to these deformation modes. Stretching causes finer thinning and re-orientation. Bending results in mat springback and thickness reduction, while in-plane compression induces wrinkles through buckling. Each defect may be reduced by specific adjustments. These adjustments, however, tend to interact with each other, and make the preforming control a challenging task.
The Influence of Glucocorticoids on the Fine Structure of the Rat Median Eminence1

Five male rats were adrenalectomized. Thirty days later 3 were treated with dexamethasone (dex) (100 µg⁄100 g body wt ip and 1 µg⁄ml in the drinking water) for 24 hr. The basal hypothalami were removed and examined after preparation for standard transmission electron microscopy. Attention was directed to the contact zone of the midcentral medianeminence where the ependymal, glial, and tuberoinfundibular elements abut on the portal capillaryperivascular space. The dex treated-adrenalectomized rats showed more than twice as many dense core vesicles (dcv) per axonterminal cross section as the untreated controls. Ether inhalation, dextreatment alone, or adrenalectomy alone had little effect on the dcv counts. (Endocrinology 94: 303, 1974)
Integrating Counseling Research and Practice

The current research-practice gap in the counseling profession poses a number of significant challenges to practitioners, researchers, and the profession as a whole. This introduction to the special feature, “Counseling Outcome Research: Implications for Practice,” identifies the important issues regarding the systematic integration of counseling research into practice.
CFSv2 prediction skill of stratospheric temperature anomalies

This study evaluates the prediction skill of stratospheric temperature anomalies by the Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) reforecasts for the 12-year period from January 1, 1999 to December 2010. The goal is to explore if the CFSv2 forecasts for the stratosphere would remain skillful beyond the inherent tropospheric predictability time scale of at most 2 weeks. The anomaly correlation between observations and forecasts for temperature field at 50 hPa (T50) in winter seasons remains above 0.3 over the polar stratosphere out to a lead time of 28 days whereas its counterpart in the troposphere at 500 hPa drops more quickly and falls below the 0.3 level after 12 days. We further show that the CFSv2 has a high prediction skill in the stratosphere both in an absolute sense and in terms of gain over persistence except in the equatorial region where the skill would mainly come from persistence of the quasi-biennial oscillation signal. We present evidence showing that the CFSv2 forecasts can capture both timing and amplitude of wave activities in the extratropical stratosphere at a lead time longer than 30 days. Based on the mass circulation theory, we conjecture that as long as the westward tilting of planetary waves in the stratosphere and their overall amplitude can be captured, the CFSv2 forecasts is still very skillful in predicting zonal mean anomalies even though it cannot predict the exact locations of planetary waves and their spatial scales. This explains why the CFSv2 has a high skill for the first EOF mode of T50, the intraseasonal variability of the annular mode while its skill degrades rapidly for higher EOF modes associated with stationary waves. This also explains why the CFSv2’s skill closely follows the seasonality and its interannual variability of the meridional mass circulation and stratosphere polar vortex. In particular, the CFSv2 is capable of predicting mid-winter polar stratosphere warming events in the Northern Hemisphere and the timing of the final polar stratosphere warming in spring in both hemispheres 3–4 weeks in advance.
The logic of authoritative revelations

Despite the tendency to think that the justification of revealed truths depends on a verifiable contact with divine reality, this essay argues that the authoritative status of revelations is due to their role in defining a distinctively religious order of judgment. Rather than being immediately apparent to everyone, this kind of authority is local to particular forms of judgment that depend on the principles that frame these ways of thinking. Revelatory claims are logically exempted from the normal demands of justification because of this role they have as definitive judgments, and they share their immunity from ordinary forms of justification with other axiomatic principles. Yet their authority can in certain cases be challenged, and it is a secondary purpose of this essay to bring the various ways of challenging their truth to light.
The Photo-Conductance of Evaporated Bismuth Films

The electrical conductance of Bi films evaporated on Pyrex in high vacuum was measured when the films were "dark" and when illuminated with 2537A radiation. A photo-conductance effect was observed for all films less than about 292 atom layers thick whether the Bi was deposited at room temperature or at liquid-air temperature. The photo-conductance effect disappears with increasing film thickness much more rapidly for films kept at liquid-air temperature than for those at room temperature. For films deposited discontinuously (that is, successive layers are allowed to age), the effect disappears at about 11 atom layers thickness for liquid air-temperature-deposited films and at about 172 atom layers thickness for room-temperature-deposited films. The experiments definitely point to the conclusion that true photo-conductance is not present in these films, that the films which exhibit photo-conductance are patch-like in structure; therefore, the observed photo-conductance is assigned to photo-electric emission between film patches.
Patterns of osteocalcin and bone specific alkaline phosphatase by age, gender, and race or ethnicity.

A variety of biochemical markers of bone turnover that assess bone formation or resorption are now available for research and clinical application. However, our understanding of the usual pattern of these measures over age in the general population is limited. Therefore, values of two bone formation markers, serum osteocalcin (Oc) and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), were compared by age, gender, and race or ethnicity using serum obtained from a subsample of blacks, whites, and Mexican Americans from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In all racial and ethnic groups, mean values of both serum Oc and bone ALP were lower in women than in men or =50 years of age, Oc was significantly higher in women than in men. When analyzed in these two broad age groups, Oc was lower in older black men than in white or Mexican American men, but bone ALP was not different among the groups. In women, Oc levels tended to be lower in the black women than in white or Mexican American women. In contrast, bone ALP tended to be lower in white women than in black or Mexican American women. On the other hand, when analyzed by decade, patterns differed between the two markers in both men and women. In women, both Oc and bone ALP rose postmenopausally. However, bone ALP plateaued in the sixth through eighth decades, whereas Oc levels tended to increase further. In men, Oc was highest in the 20-29 year age group, declined and stabilized, then increased again in the seventh decade. In contrast, mean bone ALP did not differ by decade in men. Our data document differences in levels of circulating Oc and bone ALP by age, gender, and race/ethnicity. The age patterns reflected by the two markers are not concordant and distinctions are most evident in the latter decades. Our findings suggest that the specific osteoblast activity reflected by these markers responds differently to the physiologic changes that occur later in life.
The Use of Image Exchange in Examining Relationship Role Perceptions

This article explores partnership role discrepancies as perceived by couples. Image exchange highlights the benefits of mutually shared role perceptions and normative expectations of marital partners. Relevant theory and practice recommendations are offered.
Concurrent determination of narcotic drugs in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography

Summary A method has been developed for the concurrent determination by gas-liquid chromatography of 9 CNS drugs in human plasma. Whereas cocaine, codeine, cyclazocine, levallorphan, levorphanol, methadone and pentazocine, alone or in combinations of 2 or more of the drugs, were directly determined after a single extraction, nalorphine and naloxone were converted into their silyl derivatives prior to gas-liquid chromatography. The recovery of the drugs, present at concentrations of 0.25 – 4 μg/ml, was 80% to 100%. The lower limit of sensitivity ranged from 3 ng to 6 ng, corresponding to concentrations in plasma of 0.05 μg/ml and 0.13 μg/ml, respectively. The procedure offers reliability and simplicity required for routine applications.
Shearing instabilities accompanying high-pressure phase transformations and the mechanics of deep earthquakes.

Deep earthquakes have been a paradox since their discovery in the 1920s. The combined increase of pressure and temperature with depth precludes brittle failure or frictional sliding beyond a few tens of kilometers, yet earthquakes occur continually in subduction zones to ≈700 km. The expected healing effects of pressure and temperature and growing amounts of seismic and experimental data suggest that earthquakes at depth probably represent self-organized failure analogous to, but different from, brittle failure. The only high-pressure shearing instabilities identified by experiment require generation in situ of a small fraction of very weak material differing significantly in density from the parent material. This “fluid” spontaneously forms mode I microcracks or microanticracks that self-organize via the elastic strain fields at their tips, leading to shear failure. Growing evidence suggests that the great majority of subduction zone earthquakes shallower than 400 km are initiated by breakdown of hydrous phases and that deeper ones probably initiate as a shearing instability associated with breakdown of metastable olivine to its higher-pressure polymorphs. In either case, fault propagation could be enhanced by shear heating, just as is sometimes the case with frictional sliding in the crust. Extensive seismological interrogation of the region of the Tonga subduction zone in the southwest Pacific Ocean provides evidence suggesting significant metastable olivine, with implication for its presence in other regions of deep seismicity. If metastable olivine is confirmed, either current thermal models of subducting slabs are too warm or published kinetics of olivine breakdown reactions are too fast.
Effects of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Vitro on Steroidogenesis of Healthy and Atretic Follicles of the Rat: Theca as a Target

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), a pleiotropic cytokine localized within the ovary, alters follicular steroidogenesis. Preovulatory follicles dissected from ovaries of normal cyclic adult rats on the morning of proestrus exhibit steroidogenic and histological signs of atresia after 24 h of culture under the conditions of 5% CO2 and air. Follicles cultured for 24 h in 5% CO2 and 95% O2 appeared histologically and steroidogenically healthy. Under both culture conditions, human recombinant TNF (5 ng/ml) significantly increased the production of pregnenolone, progesterone, 20 alpha-dihydroprogesterone, and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone by the follicles. Follicles cultured in 5% CO2 and air exhibited no change in androstenedione or estradiol production compared to control follicles incubated without TNF. In contrast, follicles cultured in 5% CO2 and 95% O2 responded to TNF with increased androstenedione and estradiol production. Separation of the thecal and granulosa compartments indicated that the increased progestin production observed in the whole follicle in response to TNF originated from the theca. TNF significantly inhibited basal and FSH-stimulated progesterone production from the granulosa of preovulatory follicles. Exogenous substrate added to whole follicles cultured in the presence or absence of TNF indicated that TNF enhanced the conversion of 25-hydroxycholesterol to pregnenolone. These studies reveal that TNF enhanced steroidogenesis in both healthy and atretic follicles and that this action of TNF is on the theca, where TNF increases the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. The data imply that TNF has differential effects on thecal and granulosa steroidogenesis.
Does the Content of Primary Care Visits Differ by the Racial Composition of Physicians’ Practices?

Abstract Purpose The study compared the content of primary care visits between physicians with larger and smaller African American practices. Methods We compared the content of primary care adult visits between physicians with larger and smaller African American practices using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey 1997 to 2002. Larger African American practice (>14% of primary care visits by African Americans) was empirically defined to conform with previous studies. Results Larger African American practices comprised 24% of all practices but accounted for 80% of all visits by African American patients. In adjusted analyses, physicians with larger African American practices were less likely to refer patients to specialists (adjusted odds ratio 0.77; 95% confidence internal 0.61-0.98) and marginally less likely to perform rectal examinations (adjusted odds ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.56-1.00) but were more likely to schedule a return appointment (adjusted odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.52). However, there were no other significant differences in the reported content of the office visits. Results were not altered when different cutoffs for larger African American practices were used or when obstetricians-gynecologists were excluded from the analyses. Conclusion There are few differences in the content of office visits between physicians with larger and smaller African American practices.
Postexposure Prophylaxis for HIV

Health care workers are at risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infectious pathogens through exposure to blood and body fluids. Antiretroviral medications have been prescribed for postexposure prophylaxis following occupational exposure to the HIV since the early 1990s. This practice has since been extended to nonoccupational situations, such as sexual assaults. The efficacy of prophylactic therapy may be highly time-dependent and should be initiated as soon as possible. Wound care management and referral for social, medical, or advocacy services remain important for all cases.
Construction of smooth dielectric profiles by a pseudospectral method

One way to attain the solution of the one-dimensional inverse scattering problem is through the Gel'fand-Levitan integral equation. In this paper we propose a numerical method for solving this integral equation and hence an alternative method for the construction of smooth dielectric profiles. Two examples are given to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method.