cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimally Invasive Approaches to Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

The concept and proof of concept of minimally invasive surgical techniques began with the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 1987. Since then, laparoscopy has improved patient outcomes and transitioned through all surgical specialties, including general surgery thoracic, vascular, gynecology, and urology. Minimally invasive surgery has evolved since its creation due to improvements in instruments, visualization, hemostatsis, robotics, the ability to combine laparoscopy with intraoperative endoscopy, and the wide availability of these technologies to maximize favorable outcomes. The application of minimally invasive surgical techniques to the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has been extensively studied, and the general conclusion is that laparoscopic removal of GIST in most patients is associated with a shorter hospital stay and comparable long-term oncologic outcomes compared to open resection [1–8]. However, as with any operation for GIST, the adherence to oncologic surgical practices, including prevention of tumor spillage and appropriate resection, must be considered before deciding on a minimally invasive resection [1].
Interactive Chromatin Modeling with Genome Browser

Nucleosomes are the fundamental structural unit of chromatin, therefore all genomic functions are influenced by nucleosome structure and dynamics. The standard nucleosome is an octasome and consists of 147 base pairs of double stranded DNA wrapped 1.7 times around eight histones. Sub-octasome (tetrasome, hexasome, hemisome) and super-octasome (chromatosome) states also exist. We have integrated our Interactive Chromatin Modeling(ICM) tools with the Dalliance genome browser (DGB) as a means of integrating physical modeling with bioinformatics. ICM is an interactive web based tool that allows users to rapidly fold any sequence of DNA into atomic or coarse grained models of chromatin. ICM-DGB is designed to unite ICM's physical modeling with informatics data obtained from public databases, e.g. experimentally or theoretically determined nucleosome positions. ICM-DGB currently allows users to manipulate nucleosome positions (add, delete and move), assign different conformational states to each nucleosome (e.g. tetrasome, octasome, chromatosome), display structural data from a model as track data in DGB (e.g. Roll, Slide or Twist) and map informatics data onto a molecular structure (e.g. nucleosome positions, DNA damage sites). Our web based implementation of ICM-DGB utilizes a coarse grained model of chromatin implemented in LAMMPS for structure relaxation and displays the model with JMol. Here we utilize experimentally determined reference maps of nucleosome positions for the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome to assess chromatin folding for the CHA1, HIS3 and PHO5 promoters. The models demonstrate that experimentally determined nucleosome positions are insufficient to achieve tight packing of chromatin. As a tool, ICM-DGB supports cross-validation of physical modeling and informatics approaches and the ability to investigate structure-function relationships for regions of the genome ranging from kilobases to megabases.
Sensing of Bacterial Cyclic Dinucleotides by the Oxidoreductase RECON Promotes NF-κB Activation and Shapes a Proinflammatory Antibacterial State

Bacterial and host cyclic dinucleotides (cdNs) mediate cytosolic immune responses through the STING signaling pathway, although evidence suggests that alternative pathways exist. We used cdN-conjugated beads to biochemically isolate host receptors for bacterial cdNs, and we identified the oxidoreductase RECON. High-affinity cdN binding inhibited RECON enzyme activity by simultaneously blocking the substrate and cosubstrate sites, as revealed by structural analyses. During bacterial infection of macrophages, RECON antagonized STING activation by acting as a molecular sink for cdNs. Bacterial infection of hepatocytes, which do not express STING, revealed that RECON negatively regulates NF-κB activation. Loss of RECON activity, via genetic ablation or inhibition by cdNs, increased NF-κB activation and reduced bacterial survival, suggesting that cdN inhibition of RECON promotes a proinflammatory, antibacterial state that is distinct from the antiviral state associated with STING activation. Thus, RECON functions as a cytosolic sensor for bacterial cdNs, shaping inflammatory gene activation via its effects on STING and NF-κB.
Comparative behavior of Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith) and Eurypanopeus dissimilis (Benedict and Rathbun) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Xanthidae)

A series of experiments and observations were made on two nominate species of mud crabs. Differences were found in desiccation resistance, salinity tolerance, temperature tolerance, dominance and coexistence, aggressiveness, feeding, and response to a new habitat. Data support the scheme of previous classification, which regards them as separate species. It is concluded that Eurypanopeus depressus and Eurypanopeus dissimilis are two closely related sympatric species isolated by behavioral factors.
Psychosocial factors impacting STEM career selection

Attention on P-20 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education has increased tremendously in recent years. Many efforts are underway to promote STEM major and career selection...
Singular moduli and the distribution of partition ranks modulo 2

In this paper, we prove an asymptotic formula with a power saving error term for traces of weight zero weakly holomorphic modular forms of level N along Galois orbits of Heegner points on the modular curve X 0 ( N ). We use this result to study the distribution of partition ranks modulo 2. In particular, we give an asymptotic formula with a power saving error term for the number of partitions of a positive integer n with even (respectively, odd) rank. We use these results to deduce a strong quantitative form of equidistribution of partition ranks modulo 2.
Lipoproteins from the Bacterial Outer Membranes

The envelope of gram-negative bacteria consists of two distinct membranes, the cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane. In contrast to the cytoplasmic membrane, the outer membrane contains a small number of major proteins, accounting for more than 90% of the total outer-membrane protein (see reviews by Inouye, 1979a; DiRienzo et al., 1978). As these major outer-membrane proteins (lipoprotein, OmpA protein, and matrix proteins) are the most abundant of all cellular proteins, they are readily purified and characterized.
Temporary Circulatory Support in U.S. Children Awaiting Heart Transplantation.

Abstract Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has long served as the standard of care for short-term mechanical circulatory support in pediatrics. It is unknown whether newer-generation temporary circulatory support (TCS) devices afford children a meaningful survival advantage over ECMO. Objectives This study sought to determine whether bridge-to-heart transplant survival with a TCS device is superior to ECMO after adjusting for patient differences. Methods All children ≤21 years of age listed for heart transplant from 2011 to 2015 who received a TCS device or ECMO as a bridge to transplant were identified using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network data. Children supported with a TCS device were compared with a propensity score (PS)–matched cohort of children supported with ECMO as a bridge to transplant. The primary endpoint was Kaplan-Meier survival to transplant. Results The number of TCS devices implanted in children increased from ≤3 per year before 2011 to 50 in 2015. Overall, 93 patients implanted with TCS devices were included for analysis (59% left ventricular assist devices, 23% right ventricular assist devices, 18% biventricular assist devices). The most commonly used device was the CentriMag-PediMag system (65%), followed by TandemHeart (18%), Rotaflow (6%), and Impella (5%). Among 164 PS-matched patients, support duration was longer for the TCS cohort (median 19 days vs. 6 days; p 60 days. Compared with the ECMO cohort, the PS-matched TCS cohort had longer survival to transplant (hazard ratio: 0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.30 to 0.79) and longer overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.39 to 0.96), with 90-day mortality before transplant that was modestly reduced (from 45% with ECMO to 39% with TCS). Conclusions The use of TCS devices in children as a bridge to transplant has risen rapidly in recent years, led by the growth of magnetically levitated centrifugal flow pumps. Compared with conventional ECMO, TCS durations are longer, and more importantly, patient survival is superior.
On the Development of a Robust Optical Fiber-Based Level Sensor

A novel optical fiber-based probe was used to determine the fluid level in a nitrate salt up to 400 °C. The probe consisted of a single mode optical fiber and heating element running coaxially, both encapsulated in a protective stainless steel sheath. The temperature was determined continuously along the length of the optical fiber with the use of Rayleigh backscatter based optical frequency domain reflectometry. With the heater activated, the convection coefficient of the surrounding medium defined the axial temperature profile of the probe. The gas-fluid interface was determined by fitting a numerically calculated temperature profile with actual optical fiber data by minimizing the sum of square residuals. The probe was successfully tested over a range of 18 cm, revealing an accuracy of ±1.7 mm and a response time as low as 5.3 s.
Cross-Sectoral Partnerships By Area Agencies On Aging: Associations With Health Care Use And Spending

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)—which coordinate social services for older adults in communities across the US—regularly address social determinants of health, sometimes in partnership with other social services and health care organizations. Using data from a 2013 national survey of these agencies, we examined whether their partnership activities were associated with 2014 levels of avoidable health care use and spending for older adults in counties served by each AAA. Multivariate regression models adjusted for agency characteristics, county demographic characteristics, and health care supply factors. We found that counties whose AAAs maintained informal partnerships with a broad range of organizations in health care and other sectors had significantly lower hospital readmission rates, compared to counties whose AAAs had informal partnerships with fewer types of organizations. Counties whose AAAs had programs to divert older adults from nursing home placement had significantly lower avoidable nursing home ...
Aspects of Relative Network Continuity and Physical Crosslinks Via an Analysis of Polystyrene/Polystyrene Homo-Interpenetrating Polymer Network Literature

Sequential interpenetrating polymer networks, IPN’s, are synthesized by swelling a crosslinked polymer I with monomer II, plus crosslinking and activating agents, and polymerizing II in situ. The materials are called homo-IPN’s if polymers I and II are chemically identical.
Pronunciation’s role in English speaking-proficiency ratings

Although pronunciation is an integral part of speaking, the role pronunciation plays in determining speaking-proficiency levels is unclear ( Higgs & Clifford, 1982 ; Kang, 2013 ). To contribute to our understanding of this area, the research reported here investigated the relationship between English as a Second Language (ESL) learners’ pronunciation ability and their speaking-proficiency ratings. At an intensive English program (IEP) in the United States, a speaking test was administered to 223 ESL students. Their speaking proficiency was rated using an oral proficiency assessment based on standardized guidelines. In addition, their pronunciation was rated in six categories (vowels, consonants, word stress, sentence stress, intonation, and rhythm) by 11 raters using a rubric specifically developed and validated for this study. Many-Facet Rasch Measurement (MFRM) was used to estimate the students’ pronunciation ability, which was then compared to their speaking ability. The study found that sentence stress, rhythm, and intonation accounted for 41% of the variance in the speaking-proficiency test scores with sentence stress being the most powerful factor.
Management of complications of acute pancreatitis

Purpose of reviewAcute pancreatitis can result in a number of localized complications such as pancreatic pseudocysts, walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS). The management of these conditions has evolved over the past three decades such that minimally
Revision spine surgery in patients without clinical signs of infection: How often are there occult infections in removed hardware?

To examine the incidence of occult infection in revision spine surgeries and its correlation with preoperative inflammatory markers. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent revision spine surgery and hardware removal between 2010 and 2016. Patients who had preoperative clinical signs of infection were excluded. The hardware and surrounding tissue culture results were obtained. The patients’ diagnosis and preoperative inflammatory marker (ESR, CRP, and procalcitonin) levels were recorded. A total of 162 consecutive patients were included in this study. The patients’ mean age was 61 years (range 14–88). One hundred and three patients (63.6%) were female. Seventy-two patients (44.4%) had loose hardware and 88 patients (54.3%) had pseudarthrosis. Postoperatively, the hardware and/or surrounding tissue culture was positive in 15 patients (9.3%). The most commonly identified organisms were Propionibacterium acnes (7/15, 46.7%) and Staphylococcus (6/15, 40.0%). The other identified organisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1/15, 6.7%) and Serratia marcescens (1/15, 6.7%). Only four patients with positive cultures had elevated preoperative ESR and CRP levels. Only two patients with positive cultures had elevated preoperative procalcitonin levels. There is no correlation between the patients’ preoperative ESR, CRP, procalcitonin levels, and positive culture results (p > 0.05). Our study shows that occult infections are present in 9.3% of patients who underwent revision spine surgery and hardware removal although they did not have clinical signs of infection. Those commonly used preoperative inflammatory markers such as ESR, CRP, and procalcitonin may not be sensitive enough to detect occult infections in these patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
The effect of an artist in residence program on self-reported loneliness in senior citizens

ABSTRACTThe study, funded by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, measured the effect that an artist in residence program (conducted by state-vetted profes...
Evaluating the use of prophylactic cranial irradiation in small cell lung cancer.

e18838Background: Intracranial metastases occur in more than 50% of patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Cranial irradiation (PCI) is effective in decreasing the incidence of cerebral metas...
COMPARISON OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND STREPTOCOCCUS FAECALIS AS A TEST ORGANISM TO DETERMINE THE SANITARY QUALITY OF FOOD1 PART I

Since the discovery of the role that bacteria play in disease, a search has been made for a suitable organism that would be indicative of dangerous bacterial contamination in food. Early work with pathogenic bacteria indicated that they would not be suitoble to serve this purpose since they were hard to isolate, were too fastidious, and died off quickly under conditions favorable for keeping food. For these and other reasons the search turned to other bacteria associated with pathogenic bacteria but which were hardier and easier to work with and identify. Fullfilling these requirements were two organisms, E. coli and Strept. faecalis, normal inhabitants of the intestinal tract and associated with many pathogenic bacteria especiallv the enteric bacteria which ore responsible for many food outbreaks. Today the presence of moderate numbers of these organisms is not considered a sure sign of dangerous contamination but rather of possible contamination. Their presence indicates that a search for the cause of t...
Thermoelectric Performance of 2D Tellurium with Accumulation Contacts.

Tellurium (Te) is an intrinsically p-type-doped narrow-band gap semiconductor with an excellent electrical conductivity and low thermal conductivity. Bulk trigonal Te has been theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated to be an outstanding thermoelectric material with a high value of thermoelectric figure-of-merit ZT. In view of the recent progress in developing the synthesis route of 2D tellurium thin films as well as the growing trend of exploiting nanostructures as thermoelectric devices, here for the first time, we report the excellent thermoelectric performance of tellurium nanofilms, with a room-temperature power factor of 31.7 μW/cm K2 and ZT value of 0.63. To further enhance the efficiency of harvesting thermoelectric power in nanofilm devices, thermoelectrical current mapping was performed with a laser as a heating source, and we found that high work function metals such as palladium can form rare accumulation-type metal-to-semiconductor contacts to Te, which allows thermoelectricall...
Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Adults Aged ≥60 Years According to Recommendations by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians.

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and the American College of Physicians/American Academy of Family Physicians (ACP/AAFP) published blood pressure gui...
Climate Change — A Health Emergency

Climate Change — A Health Emergency The effects of climate disruption are fundamentally health issues. As physicians, we have a special responsibility to safeguard health and alleviate suffering, and individual actions are far from enough to address the challenge we collectively face.
Backscatter model for low-frequency magnetoquasistatic fields in indoor environments

We provide a mathematical model to predict signal backscatter loss for low-frequency magnetoquasistatic fields in indoor environments. Experimental and deterministic theoretical data are shown to model magnetic field path loss and take into account induced eddy-currents from large nearby walls in the indoor environments.
Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: A meta-analysis and supporting evidence.

Abstract Glyphosate is the most widely used broad-spectrum systemic herbicide in the world. Recent evaluations of the carcinogenic potential of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) by various regional, national, and international agencies have engendered controversy. We investigated whether there was an association between high cumulative exposures to GBHs and increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in humans. We conducted a new meta-analysis that includes the most recent update of the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort published in 2018 along with five case-control studies. Using the highest exposure groups when available in each study, we report the overall meta-relative risk (meta-RR) of NHL in GBH-exposed individuals was increased by 41% (meta-RR = 1.41, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.13–1.75). For comparison, we also performed a secondary meta-analysis using high-exposure groups with the earlier AHS (2005), and we calculated a meta-RR for NHL of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.11–1.91), which was higher than the meta-RRs reported previously. Multiple sensitivity tests conducted to assess the validity of our findings did not reveal meaningful differences from our primary estimated meta-RR. To contextualize our findings of an increased NHL risk in individuals with high GBH exposure, we reviewed publicly available animal and mechanistic studies related to lymphoma. We documented further support from studies of malignant lymphoma incidence in mice treated with pure glyphosate, as well as potential links between glyphosate / GBH exposure and immunosuppression, endocrine disruption, and genetic alterations that are commonly associated with NHL or lymphomagenesis. Overall, in accordance with findings from experimental animal and mechanistic studies, our current meta-analysis of human epidemiological studies suggests a compelling link between exposures to GBHs and increased risk for NHL.
Childhood Maltreatment Disrupts Brain-Mediated Pathways Between Adolescent Maternal Relationship Quality and Positive Adult Outcomes:

The quality of early caregiving may partially shape brain structure and circuits involved in regulating emotions, including the frontal cortex, affecting vulnerability to the development of psychopathology and maladaptation. Given the profound impact of child maltreatment (CM) on psychological and neural development, we tested whether CM alters the pathways linking mother-adolescent relationship, frontal cortex, and adult outcomes. We used structural equation modeling to investigate whether CM history affected the association between mother-child relationship quality during early adolescence, frontal lobe volume in adulthood, and adult internalizing and externalizing symptomatology and competence. Participants from a longitudinal high-risk, low-income sample included 48 adults with a history of CM and 40 adults without such history (M = 30.0 years). Results showed that greater frontal lobe volume predicted higher levels of adult adaptive functioning and fewer adult internalizing symptoms but showed no relation to adult externalizing symptoms. Frontal lobe volume significantly mediated the effect of adolescent maternal relationship quality on both adult internalizing symptoms and adult adaptive functioning, but only for individuals with no maltreatment history. Given the observed relationship between frontal lobe volume and healthy adult functioning across the full sample, it will be important to identify protective factors in maltreated individuals that foster frontal lobe development.
Using Learning Logs in Mathematics: Writing To Learn.

Students reflect on what they are learning and learn while they are reflecting on what they are learning he practice of writing across the curriculum has become widely accepted in the nation's elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. In almost every school, students use their writing skills in language arts, science, and social studies classes. However, although the NCTM has encouraged com munication in mathematics since before Curricu lum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathe matics was published in 1989, an observer is less likely to see students writing in mathematics class (Quinn and Wilson 1997). Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 2000, p. 60) prescribes the following:
Integrated nanophotonic waveguide cavity with coupled micromechanical resonant reflectors

A nanophotonic waveguide cavity with integrated Bragg reflectors containing micromechanical beam resonators is presented. This cavity provides a path towards coupling micromechanical resonators for mechanical state transfer and synchronization.
Coacting enhancers can have complementary functions within gene regulatory networks and promote canalization.

Developmental genes are often regulated by multiple enhancers exhibiting similar spatiotemporal outputs, which are generally considered redundantly acting though few have been studied functionally. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we created deletions of two enhancers, brk5’ and brk3’, that drive similar but not identical expression of the gene brinker (brk) in early Drosophila embryos. Utilizing both in situ hybridization and quantitative mRNA analysis, we investigated the changes in the gene network state caused by the removal of one or both of the early acting enhancers. brk5’ deletion generally phenocopied the gene mutant, including expansion of the BMP ligand decapentaplegic (dpp) as well as inducing variability in amnioserosa tissue cell number suggesting a loss of canalization. In contrast, brk3’ deletion presented unique phenotypes including dorsal expansion of several ventrally expressed genes and a decrease in amnioserosa cell number. Similarly, deletions were made for two enhancers associated with the gene short-gastrulation (sog), sog.int and sog.dist, demonstrating that they also exhibit distinct patterning phenotypes and affect canalization. In summary, this study shows that similar gene expression driven by coacting enhancers can support distinct, and sometimes complementary, functions within gene regulatory networks and, moreover, that phenotypes associated with individual enhancer deletion mutants can provide insight into new gene functions.
Molecular Diagnostics for the Hepatitis C Virus

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the molecular diagnostics for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The HCV molecular diagnostics testing arena continues to rapidly evolve. The latest versions of the real-time RT-PCR assays provide several dramatic steps forward. With sample processing and reaction setup occurring in a closed environment, contamination and cross-contamination are becoming rare events. Automation of the manual extraction, purification, and reaction setup processes has greatly reduced variation in sample results as it removes potential sources of random error. In addition, the inclusion of manufacturer-qualified internal process controls greatly enhances the ability to quickly troubleshoot a questionable result. Moreover, the large dynamic range and exceedingly good LoDs make it easier for laboratories to now standardize on a single assay rather than maintain both a highly sensitive qualitative assay and a wide-dynamic-range quantitative assay. Many aspects of these changes are augmented by the WHO standardization of HCV, allowing labs to rigorously test their processes. It is also noteworthy that the new-generation real-time assays are quite adept at detecting similar levels of all relevant genotypes. Genotyping, subtyping, and drug-resistance determination are slowly working toward a new era. Although most assays target the 5' UTR for detection and genotyping, subtyping and drug-resistance information still require additional, and sometimes tedious, follow-up testing.
Macrophage-Derived IGF-1 Is a Potent Coordinator of Myogenesis and Inflammation in Regenerating Muscle.

In this issue of Molecular Therapy, Tonkin and colleagues provide convincing evidence that insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) generated by macrophages plays a significant role in coordinating muscle regeneration and inflammation following injury.1 Although IGF-1 is well known for its anabolic effects on skeletal muscle2,3 and its capacity to improve muscle repair following injury,4 the work by Tonkin et al. shows an important function for a relatively brief interval of IGF-1 production by macrophages in promoting muscle regeneration and regulating the inflammatory response.
Interference alignment via Feasible Point Pursuit

Designing iterative algorithms for interference alignment (IA) is very useful for both practical and theoretical purposes. However, the existing works on iterative IA algorithms have not reported significant gains in terms of the DoF (Degrees of Freedom) over simple orthogonalization schemes. In this paper, we aim to design an iterative IA algorithm that can achieve high DoF. We recast the problem of designing linear transceivers for interference alignment as a non-convex quadratic feasibility problem, and apply an extension of the recently proposed Feasible Point Pursuit Successive Convex Approximation (FPP-SCA) algorithm [8] to solve it. Simulations suggest that the proposed algorithm can attain DoF very close to the known theoretical upper bound in certain cases, significantly outperforming existing approaches.
MOSFETs and high-speed photodetectors on Ge-on-insulator substrates fabricated using rapid melt growth

We have developed a novel rapid melt growth technique to produce Ge-on-insulator (GeOI) substrates with very high quality. P-channel MOSFETs, tri-gate MOS transistors and p-i-n photodetectors were fabricated with these GeOI structures. The entire process flow for these devices is fully compatible with base-line Si CMOS fabrication. The high E/sub Eff/ hole mobility of the pMOSFETs was estimated to be 120cm/sup 2//Vs, comparable to the reported results with bulk Ge wafers. The fabricated photodetectors showed high responsivity and very fast impulse response.
Depressed mood and suicidality in individuals exposed to tetrabenazine in a large Huntington disease observational study.

Background Tetrabenazine, a treatment for chorea in Huntington disease, carries a boxed warning due to safety, especially related to suicidality. Objective To compare the frequency of depressed mood and suicidality among a closely monitored cohort of individuals with Huntington disease who were exposed and not exposed to tetrabenazine. Methods A longitudinal prospective study involving 1360 individuals with HD evaluated at 48 research centers in Australia, Canada, and the United States was examined for frequency of depressed mood that triggered a risk assessment, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and completed suicide among individuals with prior, new, and no exposure to tetrabenazine.. Seventy-seven individuals were on tetrabenazine at study enrollment (prior exposure), 64 individuals were exposed to tetrabenazine during the study's course (new exposure), and 1219 individuals had no exposure to tetrabenazine. Results The hazard ratio for depressed mood among those with prior exposure to tetrabenazine compared to no exposure was 0.9 (95% CI, 0.5-1.6) and for those with new exposure compared to no exposure was 1.2 (95% CI, 0.8-1.9). One individual (1.3%) with prior exposure, one individual (1.6%) with new exposure, and 35 individuals (2.9%) with no exposure to tetrabenazine reported suicidal thoughts. The hazard ratio for suicidal ideation among those with prior exposure to tetrabenazine compared to no exposure was 0.5 (95% CI, 0.1-3.8) and for those with new exposure to tetrabenazine compared to no exposure was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.1-4.4). Among individuals with prior or new exposure to tetrabenazine, no suicide attempts or suicides occurred. Among those with no exposure to tetrabenazine 17 suicide attempts (1.4%) and four suicides (0.3%) occurred. Conclusions In a large observational study with close clinical supervision, tetrabenazine treatment was not associated with an increased risk of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, or suicide.
An Innovative Short‐term, Intensive, Family‐based Treatment for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa: Case Series

Objective In order to improve the dissemination of new expert-based treatments for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, we have developed an innovative 1-week intensive family-based evaluation and treatment programme. Ages of the adolescents in the programme ranged from 10 to 18 years (mean = 15.0, SD = 2.1). We report the outcomes of the first 19 cases. Method Data were obtained from a retrospective chart review and a follow-up of cases at 52 to 738 days (mean = 278.4, SD = 193.8) post-treatment. The primary outcome measure was ideal body weight (IBW) percentage. Results At admission, the duration of illness ranged from less than 1 to 8 years (mean 2.1, SD = 1.7). Admission IBW ranged from 69.3 to 99.1% (mean = 84.3%, SD = 8.7). Follow-up IBW ranged from 84.4 to 134.6% (mean = 99.3%, SD = 11.8). All but one patient reported a sustained gain in weight post-treatment (mean = 15.0, SD = 14.5). Discussion These data provide further support for the notion that short-term family-based therapy may be useful for weight restoration and maintenance in some adolescents with anorexia nervosa. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Infectious rous sarcoma virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus DNAs.

An efficient and quantitative assay for infectious Rous sarcoma virus and reticuloendotheliosis virus DNAs is described. The specific infectivities of viral DNA corresponded to one infectious unit per 10 5 to 10 6 viral DNA molecules. Infection with viral DNA followed one-hit kinetics. The minimal size of infectious Rous sarcoma virus DNA was approximately 6 million daltons, whereas the minimal size of infectious reticuloendotheliosis virus DNA was larger, 10 to 20 million daltons.
Metal Armor from St. Lawrence Island

According to oral history and archaeological evidence armor was an important innovation associated with warfare among Eskimo-speaking groups around Bering Strait and along the west coast of Alaska. The use of lamellar armor in this region—made of bone, antler, or ivory plates—is generally believed to be derived from the use of similar armor in Asia made of bone or metal. This paper describes metal armor at the University of Alaska Museum of the North from three sites on St. Lawrence Island and offers an explanation for when and how this armor was made. In addition, this paper provides an overview of the use of armor in Bering Strait and Western Alaska.
Hepatitis C virus in blood samples from volunteer donors.

The specificities of four assays for hepatitis C virus (HCV) were compared by using units from volunteer blood donors. Upon Food and Drug Administration licensure of the first immunoassay for anti-HCV, EIA-1, units previously deemed acceptable for transfusion and all subsequent blood donations were screened. EIA-1 repeat-reactive (RR) units were tested for HCV by a second-generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA-2) and by a four-antigen recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA II) and for HCV RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. All HCV RNA-positive samples were reactive by both RIBA II and EIA-2. All RIBA II-reactive sera were EIA-2 RR. In EIA-1, 0.45% of the prescreened units and 0.59% of the prospectively screened donors were RR. Of these, 52.5 and 54%, respectively, were EIA-2 RR, 71.4 and 69% of the EIA-2 RR units were reactive on RIBA II, and 93 and 88% of the RIBA II-reactive samples were HCV RNA positive. When the sample/cutoff ratio for EIA-2 was greater than 5, 91% of the samples were RIBA II reactive and 82% of the samples were HCV RNA positive. None of EIA-2 RR units with a sample/cutoff ratio of 5 in EIA-2 is a good discriminator for the likelihood of a true HCV infection on the basis of RT PCR and RIBA II assays.
Analysis of the role of bleomycin hydrolase in antigen presentation and the generation of CD8 T cell responses.

Long oligopeptides (>10 residues) are generated during the catabolism of cellular proteins in the cytosol. To be presented to T cells, such peptides must be trimmed by aminopeptidases to the proper size (typically 8–10 residues) to stably bind to MHC class I molecules. Aminopeptidases also destroy epitopes by trimming them to even shorter lengths. Bleomycin hydrolase (BH) is a cytosolic aminopeptidase that has been suggested to play a key role in generating MHC class I-presented peptides. We show that BH-deficient cells from mice are unimpaired in their ability to present epitopes from N-extended precursors or whole Ags and express normal levels of MHC class I molecules. Similarly, BH-deficient mice develop normal CD8+ T cell responses to eight epitopes from three different viruses in vivo. Therefore, BH by itself is not essential for the generation or destruction of MHC class I peptides. In contrast, when BH−/− mice are crossed to mice lacking another cytosolic aminopeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase, the resulting BH−/−leucine aminopeptidase−/− progeny show a selective increase in CD8+ T cell responses to the gp276 epitope from lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, whereas the ability to present and respond to several other epitopes is unchanged. Therefore, BH does influence presentation of some Ags, although its role is largely redundant with other aminopeptidases.
Model for light scalar mesons in QCD

We propose a systematic procedure to study a generalized linear sigma model which can give a physical picture of possible mixing between qq and qqq q low lying spin zero states. In the limit of zero quark masses, we derive the model independent results for the properties of the Nambu-Goldstone pseudoscalar particles. For getting information on the scalars it is necessary to make a specific choice of terms. We impose two plausible physical criteria-the modeling of the axial anomaly and the suppression of effective vertices representing too many fermion lines-for limiting the large number of terms which are allowed on general grounds. We calculate the tree-level spectrum based on the leading terms in our approach and find that it prominently exhibits a very low mass isosinglet scalar state. Finally we point out that the low energy result for scattering of pions continues to hold in the general version of the model.
Patterns of deep seismicity reflect buoyancy stresses due to phase transitions

Thermal perturbation of mantle phase relations in subduction zones gives rise to significant buoyancy anomalies. Finite element modeling of stresses arising from these anomalies reveals transition from principal tension to compression near ∼400 km depth, down-dip compression over ∼400–690 km (peaking at ∼550 km), and transition to rapidly fading tension below ∼690 km. Such features, even when complicated by olivine metastability, are consistent with observed patterns of deep seismicity. That such a simple model, neglecting all effects other than buoyancy anomalies due to temperature and to thermal perturbation of olivine phase relations, successfully generates so many observed features of deep seismicity suggests that these buoyancy anomalies are significant contributors to the stress field in subducting slabs. It also suggests that the depth distribution of deep seismicity may largely reflect the state of stress in the slab rather than simply a particular mechanism of stress release.
Experimental investigation into the settling behaviour of suspensions

Abstract The segregation of slurries is studied for multispecies suspensions. The values of the critical concentrations at which segregation ceases for different systems are experimentally obtained, and a mechanism derived to explain the phenomena. For species of the same density, this occurs by a mechanical interlocking process. In the system studied, it is shown that interlocking occurs at a concentration 4% lower than theory predicts, but this is explained by wall effect. This is confirmed experimentally using a new technique to section and examine the settling multi-species suspension at concentrations above and below the critical concentration. This work is then extended to species of different density when mechanical interlocking is not the only mechanism involved. With suspensions of this type, segregation ceases at a concentration 20% higher than interlocking theory, predicts, and it is shown that severe matrix distortion takes place.
Medium and calcium nitrate influence on shoot regeneration from leaf explants of guayule

Abstract Basal media including Murashige and Skoog (MS), Woody Plant Medium (WPM), and Driver and Kuniyuki (DKW) media were compared for use in guayule regeneration and propagation. Explants grown on MS basal medium showed large size calli with multiple shoots, but the calli produced on DKW medium were of higher quality, and longer true shoots were produced. Adventitious root formation was best in WPM basal medium. A comparison of macro and micro nutrient levels in MS, DKW, and WPM media revealed significant differences in the calcium levels. Under controlled conditions, guayule plants in vitro incorporated calcium into plant tissues in proportion to the amount available. Moreover, the addition of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate at moderate levels into MS medium significantly improved the emergence of single, elongated true shoots, suggesting a requirement for calcium in guayule tissue culture. We have further explored selection agent (antibiotic) concentration for the identification of transgenic plants using a spectinomycin resistance gene (aadA). Based on the results, we have improved tissue culture protocols for guayule including spectinomycin as the selection agent.
Folk psychology as science

There is a long-standing debate in the philosophy of action and the philosophy of science over folk psychological explanations of human action: do the (perhaps implicit) generalizations that underwrite such explanations purport to state contingent, empirically established connections between beliefs, desires, and actions, or do such generalizations serve rather to define, at least in part, what it is to have a belief or desire, or perform an action? This question has proven important because of certain traditional assumptions made about the role of law-statements in scientific explanations. According to this tradition, law-statements take the form of generalizations, and the laws we find in well-established sciences are contingent and empirical; as such, if the kinds of generalizations at work in folk psychological explanations of human action act like definitions, or state conceptual connections, then such generalizations could not play the kind of explanatory role we find in mature sciences. This paper argues that the aforementioned way of framing the debate reflects a still powerful but impoverished conception of the role laws play in scientific explanations, a conception that, moreover, cannot be reconciled with a good deal of actual scientific practice. When we update the philosophy of science, we find the concerns that are raised for folk psychological explanations largely evaporate or are found not to be specific to such explanations.
Correlation of the Product E/Z Framework Geometry and O/O vs O/N Regioselectivity in the Dialkylation of Hyponitrite

The products from the alkylation of silver hyponitrite with tert-butyl bromide, tert-amyl bromide, p-tert-butyl benzylbromide, and chlorotriethylsilane have been determined. In the reaction of tert-butyl bromide the formation of three new products, namely, (Z)-N-tert-butyl-N‘-tert-butoxydiazene-N-oxide {(CH3)3CN(O)NOC(CH3)3}, 1D, trans-mono-O-tert-butylhyponitrous acid {(CH3)3CONNOH}, 2A, and (Z)-N-tert-butyl-N‘-hydroxydiazene-N-oxide {(CH3)3CN(O)NNOH}, 2D, is observed together with the formation of the known trans-di-O-tert-butyl hyponitrite {(CH3)3CONNOC(CH3)3}, 1A. The reaction with tert-amyl bromide also yielded the corresponding tert-amyl derivatives. However, from the reactions of p-tert-butylbenzyl bromide and chlorotriethylsilane with silver hyponitrite, the corresponding trans-di-O-tert-alkylhyponitrites were obtained as the only alkylated products. The differential reactivity of the two sets of halides with silver hyponitrite is explained in terms of the higher stability of the cations generated...
Six sigma tools for a patient safety-oriented, quality-checklist driven radiation medicine department

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this work was to develop and implement six sigma practices toward the enhancement of patient safety in an electronic, quality checklist-driven, multicenter, paperless radiation medicine department. Methods and Materials A quality checklist process map (QPM), stratified into consultation through treatment-completion stages was incorporated into an oncology information systems platform. A cross-functional quality management team conducted quality-function-deployment and define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) six sigma exercises with a focus on patient safety. QPM procedures were Pareto-sorted in order of decreasing patient safety risk with failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Quantitative metrics for a grouped set of highest risk procedures were established. These included procedural delays, associated standard deviations and six sigma Z scores. Baseline performance of the QPM was established over the previous year of usage. Data-driven analysis led to simplification, standardization, and refinement of the QPM with standard deviation, slip-day reduction, and Z-score enhancement goals. A no-fly policy (NFP) for patient safety was introduced at the improve-control DMAIC phase, with a process map interlock imposed on treatment initiation in the event of FMEA-identified high-risk tasks being delayed or not completed. The NFP was introduced in a pilot phase with specific stopping rules and the same metrics used for performance assessments. A custom root-cause analysis database was deployed to monitor patient safety events. Results Relative to the baseline period, average slip days and standard deviations for the risk-enhanced QPM procedures improved by over threefold factors in the NFP period. The Z scores improved by approximately 20%. A trend for proactive delays instead of reactive hard stops was observed with no adverse effects of the NFP. The number of computed potential no-fly delays per month dropped from 60 to 20 over a total of 520 cases. The fraction of computed potential no-fly cases that were delayed in NFP compliance rose from 28% to 45%. Proactive delays rose to 80% of all delayed cases. For potential no-fly cases, event reporting rose from 18% to 50%, while for actually delayed cases, event reporting rose from 65% to 100%. Conclusions With complex technologies, resource-compromised staff, and pressures to hasten treatment initiation, the use of the six sigma driven process interlocks may mitigate potential patient safety risks as demonstrated in this study.
RELIGION AND THE MODE OF PRACTICE IN MICHAEL OAKESHOTT

. Michael Oakeshott's religious view of the world stands behind much of his political and philosophical writing. In this essay I first discuss Oakeshott's view of religion and the mode of practice in his own terms. I attempt next to illuminate his idea of religion by describing it in less technical language, drawing upon other thinkers such as Georg Simmel and George Santayana, who share similar views. I then evaluate Oakeshott's view as a whole, considering whether his ideas about religion can stand up to careful scrutiny and whether they have value for present-day reflection on religion.
A project to develop a trustworthy cyber infrastructure for the power grid (TCIPG)

This panel presentation discusses the research and education efforts of a center-scale project to develop a secure environment for the electric power grid of the future. It involves five universities, numerous companies, and collaboration between electrical engineers, computer engineers, computer scientists, and education specialists. In 2005, this team embarked on an ambitious project to investigate the security and resilience of the cyber infrastructure associated with the existing electric power grid and future expansions. The presentation will give a status update of this work and prospects for future work.
Miles' evolution equations for axisymmetric Shells: Simple strange attractors in structural dynamics

Abstract Numerical integration of the equations governing the evolution of amplitudes of a harmonically excited ring and a circular cylindrical shell indicates that in certain ranges of frequencies of the excitation the response of these systems is chaotically modulated.