cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subcutaneous adipose tissue characteristics and the risk of biochemical recurrence in men with high-risk prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose/objective(s) To assess subcutaneous adipose tissue characteristics by computed tomography (CT) as potential imaging biomarkers predictive of biochemical recurrence in men with high-risk prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy (RT). Materials and methods This retrospective study included men with high-risk prostate cancer (PSA>20 ng/ml, Gleason score ≥8, or clinical extraprostatic extension) treated between 2001 and 2012. All patients received definitive, dose-escalated external beam RT along with a course of neoadjuvant, concurrent, and adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Each patient also had a treatment planning CT that included the L4-L5 vertebral interface and prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurements for at least 2 years following RT. The subcutaneous adipose tissue was contoured on a single axial CT slice at the level of L4-L5. The average CT attenuation, in Hounsfield units (HU), of the structure was calculated and defined as SAT HU . SAT AREA was defined as the cross-sectional area of the structure (in cm 2 ) that was then normalized by the square of patient height. Biochemical failure (BF) was defined as a PSA rise of 2 ng/ml from the nadir. Freedom from BF (FFBF) was calculated from start time of ADT using the Kaplan-Meier method. Estimates of FFBF were stratified by SAT HU and SAT AREA quartiles. Results A total of 171 men met the inclusion criteria with a median follow-up of 5.6 years. The mean SAT HU (±standard deviation) was −99.2 HU (±6.1 HU), and the mean SAT AREA was 93.2 cm 2 /m 2 (±39.4 cm 2 /m 2 ). The 5- and 8-year rates of FFBF across all patients were 81.5% and 73.5%, respectively. Patients in the lowest quartile of SAT HU experienced significantly higher FFBF compared to the other quartiles (Q4 vs. Q1, P = 0.017; Q4 vs. Q2, P = 0.045; Q4 vs. Q3, P = 0.044). No other differences in FFBF were observed between quartiles of SAT AREA or other quartiles of SAT HU . Conclusion Lower subcutaneous adipose tissue density was associated with a lower rate of BF following RT with ADT for men with high-risk prostate cancer. Further research is needed to elucidate the biological underpinnings of this clinical finding and the role adipose tissue plays in modulating oncologic behavior and outcomes.
Cancer-Related Gene Therapy Clinical Trials

Gene therapy represents a strategy using transfer of genetic information to modify a population of target cells for therapeutic purposes. The transferred genetic material has typically included double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), but occasionally single-stranded DNA and even ribonucleic acid (RNA). Gene therapy represents one of the many novel “targeted” antineoplastic treatment approaches with the goal to inhibit the growth of tumor cells and spare normal cells. The use of gene therapy relevant to cancer treatment includes the in vivo genetic modification of tumors or the tumor-bearing host, as well as the ex vivo genetic manipulation of cell populations, which are then administered to the tumor-bearing host.
Race and ethnicity I: Property, race, and the carceral state

In this report, I focus on property, particularly housing, as an essential race-making institution and consider its connections to the carceral state. I examine renewed attention to property within...
Acute stent thrombosis associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and abciximab-induced profound thrombocytopenia

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a wellknown complication after exposure to heparin products. Profound thrombocytopenia has also been reported with the use of abciximab, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, which is used during percutaneous coronary intervention. Acute stent thrombosis is a rare but serious complication of HIT. We report an unusual case of acute stent thrombosis with concomitant heparin- and abciximab-induced profound thrombocytopenia and discuss the subsequent treatment strategies. Prompt identification and management of this disorder is critically important to avoid devastating complications.
Energy Dissipation and the Xanthophyll Cycle in CAM Plants

The response of photosynthetic organisms to high or excessive photon flux densities (PPFD) is a topic which interested several investigators in photosynthesis research during the first half of the twentieth century (e.g. Emerson 1936; Myers and Burr 1940; Kok 1956). Until recently, the phenomenon of photoinhibition, the inhibition of photosynthesis by excessive light, was equated with damage to the photosynthetic apparatus (Powles 1984; see also Demmig-Adams and Adams 1992a). In the majority of studies on photoinhibition, it is, in fact, likely that some form of damage was responsible for the majority of the decrease in photosynthetic competence observed, as most studies have involved the exposure of leaves, organisms, or even isolated chloroplasts or thylakoids to PPFD which was many times greater than that experienced during development.
A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study of the Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index's Ability to Predict post-LVAD Implant Right Ventricular Failure and 1-Year Mortality

Introduction The pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is an emerging hemodynamic marker correlated with severe post-LVAD RVF in single-center cohort studies. We set out to examine if this is generalizable in a multi-institutional analysis. Hypothesis The preoperative PAPi correlates with RVF as defined by new INTERMACS criteria (INTERMACS-RVF), severe RVF, and death at 1-year. Methods We performed a dual-center retrospective study of 404 patients from Ohio and New York who received a continuous-flow durable LVAD and had a pre-operative PAPi measurement. The PAPi was defined as: [(PA systolic - PA diastolic) ÷ RA pressure]. Severe RVF was defined as meeting criteria for clinical RVF and having inotropes > 14 days after implant, inotropes re-started 14 days after implant, RVAD placement during implant admission, and death from RVF during implant admission. A multivariate analysis of predictors of post-LVAD severe RVF was conducted. A survival analysis was performed to examine pre-operative PAPi as a predictor of 1-year mortality. Results In our cohort of 404 patients, 84 (21%) had severe RVF. Multivariable logistic regression for severe RVF (controlling for age, INTERMACS level, creatinine, and gender) showed that creatinine > 1.5 (OR 2.24, p=0.002, 95% CI [1.43-4.42]) and total bilirubin > 2.5 (OR 2.87, p=0.004, 95% CI [1.39-5.93]) significantly increased the odds of severe RVF, and a PAPi Figure 1 ) and INTERMACS-RVF (c-statistic=0.63) were similar. With respect to survival, the final multivariable model (controlling for age, gender, and ethnicity) showed a PAPi Conclusion PAPi
Editorial: Young Children and Suicidal Ideations: Developmentally Specific Symptoms Call for Developmentally Specific Interventions.

The field of psychopathology in young children has made substantial strides in the past 3 decades, moving from discussions of whether disorders can be reliably diagnosed to sophisticated analyses of specific symptoms. In this issue, Hennefield et al.1 explore the presentation of suicidal ideations (SIs) in children younger than 7 years. The validity of criteria for major depression in this age group is well established, but suicidality is a newer focus of research that, like the disorder itself, requires careful study to identify developmental similarities with and differences from the presentation in older children and adults.2 Prior reports have suggested that young children with psychiatric disorders talk about suicide at rates of 4% to 13% and that these early SIs predict school-age SI.2-4 Publications about suicidality in children younger than 7 have predictably elicited discussions about the challenges in interpreting the statements and behaviors in a developmentally specific manner.4.
The Specific Vocabulary Needs of Academic Disciplines.

(1981). Specific Vocabulary Needs of Academic Disciplines. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Western College Reading Association: Vol. 14, Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Conference of the WCRA. Theme: Challenge Reassessment Affirmation, pp. 124-128.
Wideband Dielectric Characterization of 3-D Printable Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate Ester Plastic

The plastic materials form an important constituent of connectors and printed circuit board substrates. At high data transmission rates in interconnect devices, knowledge of the plastic’s performance, such as its dielectric properties is an imperative and challenging research task for signal integrity engineers. In this paper, wideband dielectric characterization of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate ester (TrEGDMA) organic plastic material is presented using the transmission line technique with a coaxial airline in the frequency range of 1–18 GHz. The Debye models are used to analytically describe the frequency dependence of the extracted TrEGDMA dielectric properties obtained from the measured S-parameter data. A three-pole Debye model was fitted to the extracted permittivity data, where the parameters of the Debye model were obtained from a genetic algorithm. Dielectric property results coupled with its mechanical properties show that this organic plastic, which is widely used in 3-D printing, can be used as a substrate for short traces and in connector housing.
Examining Intermediate Data Reduction Algorithms for use with t-SNE

t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) is a data visualization tool that was developed to provide a flexible, nonparametric method for mapping high dimensional data onto a two or three dimensional subspace for data visualization. This paper observes the effects of using different intermediate data reduction algorithms (e.g., Principal Component Analysis, Independent Component Analysis, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Sammon Mapping, and Local Linear Embedding) to first reduce the data to an intermediate subspace prior to applying t-SNE for visualization. Our research shows that no intermediate step in the visualization process is trivial, and application dependent knowledge should be utilized to ensure the best possible visualization in lower dimensional spaces. Experimental results are presented for several common data sets where we illustrate that, for clustering applications and visualization of class separation of multi-class data, each algorithm tested results in significantly different mappings.
The Impacts of Socioeconomic Development and Climate Change on Severe Weather Catastrophe Losses: Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) and the U.S.

One strand of research relates the magnitude of severe weather disasters to climatic and human development factors; another highlights dramatic growth in catastrophe losses. However, there have been few attempts to put the two strands together. Here we use an explicit modeling framework to determine the contribution of climate variability relative to human factors in reported catastrophe losses. We then examine how future climate change can be expected to affect losses from natural disasters. Simultaneous regression models are constructed from three equations in which the dependent variables are U.S. flood loss, U.S. hurricane loss and U.S. catastrophe loss. Then two kinds of simulation under two climate change scenarios explore how climate change would affect losses. The climate change scenarios respectively project 13.5% and 21.5% increases in annual precipitation. The first simulation increases only the mean value of annual precipitation; the second simulation assumes that the mean and standard deviation of annual precipitation change in the same proportion. Results show that the growth in reported losses from weather-related natural disasters is due mainly to three socioeconomic factors: inflation, population growth and growth in per capita real wealth. However, weather variables such as precipitation and the number of hurricanes per period also clearly affect losses. The three stage least squares (3SLS) simultaneous equation model shows that a 1% increase in annual precipitation would enlarge catastrophe loss by as much as 2.8%. These findings are suggestive as planning signals to decision makers.
Neoadjuvant Talazoparib for Patients With Operable Breast Cancer With a Germline BRCA Pathogenic Variant.

PURPOSETalazoparib has demonstrated efficacy in patients with BRCA-positive metastatic breast cancer. This study evaluated the pathologic response of talazoparib alone for 6 months in patients with...
The Hispanic-serving institution: communicating a future with or without a past

The U.S. Department of Education invites a university to be recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) if it is an institution of higher education that (a) is an eligible institution; and (...
PhD Thesis: Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Mobile Financial Services

The thesis deals with the emergence of bank and non-bank entities that provide a range of unique transaction-based payment services broadly called Mobile Financial Services (MFS) to unbanked, underserved and underbanked persons via mobile phones. Models of MFS from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), banks, combinations of MNOs and banks, and independent Mobile Financial Services Providers are covered. Provision by non-banks of ‘bank-type’ services via mobile phones has been termed ‘transformational banking’ versus the ‘additive banking’ services from banks. All involve the concept of ‘branchless banking’ whereby ‘cash-in/cash out’ services are provided through ‘agents.’ Funds for MFS payments may available through a Stored Value Product (SVP), particularly through a Stored Value Account SVP variant offered by MNOs where value is stored as a redeemable fiat- or mobile ‘airtime’-based Store of Value. The competitive, legal, technical and regulatory nature of non-bank versus bank MFS models is discussed, in particular the impact of banking, payments, money laundering, telecommunications, e-commerce and consumer protection laws. Whether funding mechanisms for SVPs may amount to deposit-taking such that entities could be engaged in the ‘business of banking’ is discussed. The continued use of ‘deposit’ as the traditional trigger for the ‘business of banking’ is investigated, alongside whether transaction and paymentcentric MFS rises to the ‘business of banking.’ An extensive evaluation of ‘money’ based on the Orthodox and Claim School economic theories is undertaken in relation to SVPs used in MFS, their legal associations and import, and whether they may be deemed ‘money’ in law. Consumer protection for MFS and payments generally through current statute, contract, and payment law and common law condictiones are found to be wanting. Possible regulatory arbitrage in relation to MFS in South African law is discussed. The legal and regulatory regimes in the European Union, Kenya and the United States of America are compared with South Africa. The need for a coordinated payments-specific law that has consumer protections, enables proportional risk-based licensing of new non-bank providers of MFS, and allows for a regulator for retail payments is recommended. The use of trust companies and trust accounts is recommended for protection of user funds.
Searching Systematically and Comprehensively

The reviewer transforms the integrative review question into a search strategy to comprehensively locate relevant literature, documenting each step of the search process so that it is transparent and replicable. To organize the search process, the reviewer makes use of tools such as citation management software and reporting frameworks. The reviewer is then able to report in detail how the search was conducted, so that those reading the review will find a clearly defined process. This chapter provides detail about steps and methods to consider during the search process when conducting a review.
Relative Validity of an Online Herb and Spice Consumption Questionnaire

Culinary herbs and spices contribute bioactives to the diet, which act to reduce systemic inflammation and associated disease. Investigating the health effects of herb/spice consumption is hampered, however, by a scarcity of dietary assessment tools designed to collect herb/spice data. The objective of this study was to determine the relative validity of an online 28-item herb/spices intake questionnaire (HSQ). In randomized order, 62 volunteers residing in Idaho, USA, completed the online Diet History Questionnaire III + the HSQ followed one week later by one of two comparative methods: 7-day food records or three telephone-administered 24-h dietary recalls. Relative validity of the HSQ was tested two ways: (1) by comparing herb/spice intakes between the HSQ and comparator, and (2) by determining the correlation between herb/spice data and Healthy Eating Index 2015 score. The HSQ and both comparators identified black pepper, cinnamon and garlic powder as the three most commonly used herbs/spices. The HSQ captured significantly higher measures of the number and amount of herbs/spices consumed than the comparators. The number of herbs/spices consumed was significantly directly correlated with diet quality for the HSQ. These results support the ability of the HSQ to record general herb/spice use, yet suggest that further validation testing is needed.
Chapter 17 – Wilson's disease

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of Wilson's disease. Wilson's disease is an inborn error of metabolism characterized by defective biliary copper excretion and the effects of accumulation of toxic amounts of copper in liver, brain, kidney, and cornea. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. The healthy liver plays a major role in copper homeostasis. Ingested copper on absorption in the small intestine may be retained in enterocytes, bound to metallothionein. Some passes into the portal system and is carried to the liver bound to albumin or to a copper-binding protein called transcuprein. In the liver, it is incorporated into essential metalloenzymes or ceruloplasmin, stored or excreted in bile in a form which is not reabsorbable. The biliary excretion matches absorption. Two major abnormalities in copper metabolism occur in Wilson's disease—diminished biliary excretion of copper and impaired incorporation of copper into ceruloplasmin. Untreated Wilson's disease is invariably fatal. The two main therapies are oral chelating agents or liver transplantation.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Motor Recovery Following Brain Injury

To discuss the potential use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve motor behavior after brain injury. Despite evidence that tDCS can improve motor function following brain injury, meta-analysis studies have largely failed to find conclusive support for tDCS as a viable treatment. In part, these inconsistencies arise from widespread variability in individuals’ responsiveness to tDCS because of biological and experimental factors. Properly designed smart clinical studies are still needed to determine the optimal stimulation parameters and combinations of tDCS. However, some patterns of “best practice” have begun to emerge: (1) pairing tDCS concurrently with high-intensity motor training as opposed to before, after, or in the absence of physical practice, (2) repeating sessions of stimulation in close succession over a single administration, (3) administering stimulation during more acute periods of recovery over chronic states, and (4) utilizing modeling techniques based on individual anatomy to tailor electrode placement and optimize current flow.
Enlivening Psychodynamic Brief Therapy with Emotion-Focused Interventions: An Integrative Therapist’s Approach

Focusing on affect and the expression of emotion has long been a key feature of psychodynamic psychotherapies. While psychodynamically-oriented therapists have always paid attention to the emotional life of their clients, they usually do not focus on accessing and processing emotions in the manner and to the degree that emotion-focused therapists do. By recognizing the power of emotion as a fundamental change mechanism, an increasing number of therapists who previously defined themselves a classically psychodynamic (e.g., fostering insight through interpretation) are now placing themselves in the “experiential camp.” Developed in the 1980′s, Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) has undergone several changes. One of these is to emphasize experiential learning as a main therapeutic change agent. In this updated version of TLDP, there is a focus on accessing feelings in the here–and-now that are seen as altering and even transforming old dysfunctional patterns of relating to self and others. To provide examples of what such interventions might look like in an integrative psychodynamically-oriented therapy, excerpts from transcripts of actual TLDP sessions will be provided. In particular, vignettes will illustrate accessing and processing emotion relevant for understanding and shifting a client’s cyclical maladaptive pattern and “working through.”
Prenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis on ultrasonography

Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect resulting from ischemia to blood vessels that supply the abdominal wall during the first trimester of pregnancy. The injury results in an opening in the abdominal wall that allows the abdominal contents, most often intestines and stomach, to develop outside the abdominal cavity. Early antenatal diagnosis of gastroschisis allows parental counseling regarding prognosis and optimizes management through a multidisciplinary approach.
M. Gabriela Sava Finalist of the 2020 MCDM Junior Researcher Best Paper Award

In April 2020, M. Gabriela Sava received the great news that her paper “An analysis of the sensitivity and stability of patients’ preferences can lead to more appropriate medical decisions,” published in Annals of Operations Research was selected as a finalist for the 2020 MCDM Junior Researcher Best Paper Award. The paper was in collaboration with Dr. Luis G. Vargas and Dr. Jerrold H. May from University of Pittsburgh and Dr. James G. Dolan from University of Rochester Medical Center. The award honors junior academic researchers and practitioners who work in the area of multi-criteria decision-making for their excellence, creativity and innovation. Gabriela was nominated for this prestigious award by the Associate Editor of the IJAHP, Dr. Birsen Karpak from Youngstown State University.
Intelligent Detection of Vegetation Encroachment of Power Lines with Advanced Stereovision

Vegetation encroaching on overhead power lines can cause short circuit faults and pose a major threat to the security and stability of power grids. Therefore, establishing an effective visual detection algorithm to oversee potential circuit failures of the power lines is critical to the ongoing inspection of vegetation encroachment. This paper establishes a deep-learning-based detection framework that utilizes the images obtained from vision sensors mounted on power transmission towers. The proposed detection framework includes three cascaded modules: (1) detection of vegetation regions based on Faster Region Convolution Neural Network (Faster R-CNN), (2) detection of power lines based on Hough transform, and (3) detection of vegetation encroachment based on an advanced stereovision (SV) algorithm. In particular, the proposed SV algorithm converts the detected two-dimensional (2D) image data of vegetation and power lines to three-dimensional (3D) height and location results in order to obtain precise geographical location. Case studies using field captured images provided by a Transmission System Operator (TSO) demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework in detecting vegetation failures, thus improving overall reliability and reducing economic loss.
Hierarchical Robust Model-based Predictive Control in Supply Chain Management under Demand Uncertainty and Time-delay

Model-based Predictive Control (MPC) is known as one of the dominant control methodologies in supply chains. A common challenge that makes these controllers impractical is uncertainty in models. Also, tuning MPCs in the presence of long time-delays sometimes prerequisite an overlong trial-and-error. In this paper, we will propose a control scheme to address these weaknesses. The supply chain model is split into subsystems restrained by distributed controllers. The controllers proposed for subsystems with polynomial model uncertainties are Robust Model Predictive Controllers (RMPCs) based on LMI and convex optimization. In favor of making the supply chain robust toward high fluctuations in customer demand and time-delay, the corresponding subsystem models are modified so that input/output variations are castigated in cost functions using Laguerre orthonormal functions.
Topics in toroidal interconnection networks

A multicomputer is a machine having multiple processing elements that communicate with each other by sending messages. The messages are transmitted through an interconnection network, which can be classified as a direct or an indirect network depending on the style of connection among the processing elements. The pattern of interconnection is called the topology of the network, and a popular topology for a direct interconnection network is the torus. The torus can be characterized as a graph that is the cross product of cycles. The graphs of the k-ary n-cube ($Q\sbsp{n}{k})$ and the hypercube ($Q\sb{n})$ are special cases of a torus graph ($T\sb{\bf K}),$ and a network based on one of these topologies is referred to a toroidal interconnection network. This thesis considers various topological characteristics of a toroidal inter-connection network using Lee distance, a metric from the field of Error-Correcting codes. Using Lee distance, the torus is defined, and the number and length of edge disjoint paths between two nodes is given. In addition, five Lee distance Gray codes are given; and these Gray codes are applied to finding both a Hamiltonian cycle and a cycle of any even length in a torus of certain dimensions. For the k-ary n-cube, formulae for the volume and surface area of a sphere of radius d are derived, and methods of decomposing a $Q\sbsp{n}{k}$ into n disjoint Hamiltonian cycles are considered. In addition to topological characteristics, communication algorithms are considered. A one-to-all, an all-to-all, and a redundant fault tolerant (up to n $-$ 1 faults) one-to-all broadcasting algorithm for the general torus are presented, and a non-redundant fault tolerant (up to n $-$ 1 faults) one-to-all broadcasting algorithm for the k-ary n-cube are given.
BER performance comparisons of pulse design methods on TR-MAS UWB systems

In ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems, the time hopped (TH) transmitted reference scheme with multiple autocorrelation sampling detection (TR-MAS) enables the receiver to obtain and capture the received signals autocorrelation side lobe energy while increasing multi-user capacity. The bit error rate (BER) performance of several pulse design methods that meet the federal communications commission (FCC) requirements on the TR-MAS receiver is compared in this paper. The odd or even pulses based system significantly outperforms the prolate spheroidal (PS) pulses when the same pulse duration (or effective bandwidth) is employed in the TR-MAS system for multiple users. Moreover, the tradeoff between pulse width (i.e. spectral efficiency) and BER of both even and odd pulses is presented.
Emerging properties of knowledge sharing referral networks: considerations of effectiveness and fairness

Referral-based peer-to-peer networks have a wide range of applications. They provide a natural framework in which agents can help each other. This paper studies the trade-off between social welfare and fairness in referral networks. The traditional, naive mechanism yields high social welfare but at the cost of some agents--in particular, the "best" ones--being exploited. Autonomous agents would obviously not participate in such networks. An obvious mechanism such as reciprocity improves fairness but substantially lowers welfare. A more general incentive mechanism yields high fairness with only a small loss in welfare. This paper considers substructures of the network that emerge and cause the above outcomes.
Spatial transformation in cities of the developing world

Abstract Bogota has undergone a significant spatial transformation in recent years. Subcenters of employment and commerce have formed at peripheral locations, and these have become surrounded by high-density residential activity. This paper uses several large data sets to describe and analyze these changes. We estimate multicentric density and land value gradients for the years 1973 and 1985, and then explore how housing producers respond to changes in land prices, by calculating a land-capital substitution elasticity. The results slow clearly the declining relevance of the monocentric model over time, and also provide an explanation for the densification of the city.
Regional Disparities in the Transmission of Monetary Policy

Using a monetary VAR, we show how the depths and lengths of recessions generated by contractionary monetary policy differ a great deal across U.S. regions. Our results indicate that the Great Lakes and the Far West experience the largest output losses during a monetary-policy-induced recession, while the losses are smallest in the Mideast, New England, and the Plains. Regions with large manufacturing shares tend to have deep, but brief, recessions, whereas regions with many small firms tend to have long recessions.
Evaluation of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Johne's disease.

A new commercial kit for diagnosis of bovine paratuberculosis (Johne9s disease), called the Johne9s Absorbed EIA (enzyme immunoassay; Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, Parkville, Victoria, Australia), was evaluated by using serum specimens from the National Repository for Paratuberculosis Specimens. The evaluation was specifically designed to measure test sensitivity and specificity for detection of dairy cattle with subclinical paratuberculosis. The case definition of subclinical bovine paratuberculosis was isolation of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis from fecal samples or internal organs of cattle without diarrhea or chronic weight loss. Animals designed as free of the disease originated exclusively from four herds in Wisconsin that were certified to be free of disease. The kit had a sensitivity of 47.3% for serum specimens from 150 infected cattle. The test detected 59.7% of animals that shed M. paratuberculosis in their feces, as defined by conventional fecal culture, at the time of serum collection. Testing of 196 serum specimens from cattle without paratuberculosis yielded two false-positive results; the test specificity was thus 99.0%. Decision analysis procedures on the economics of using the kit in a test-and-cull disease control program indicated it would be cost-effective in any herd with a true paratuberculosis prevalence of greater than or equal to 3%. Comparison of the sensitivity and specificity of the Johne9s Absorbed EIA with those of other tests for detection of subclinical paratuberculosis indicated that it may be the most accurate commercially available test at present and better than standard complement fixation test used in the United States.
A Longitudinal Study of Medical Practices' Treatment of Patients Who Use Tobacco

Introduction Many patients who use tobacco have never been encouraged by their healthcare providers to quit. In recent years, incentives have been provided for medical practices to incorporate tobacco-cessation processes into routine care. This study examined growth in use of these processes as well as organizational and policy factors associated with their implementation. Methods Data from three National Study of Physician Organizations surveys fielded in 2006–2013 were analyzed in 2014. The analyses estimated multivariate longitudinal and cross-sectional linear regression models to assess the relationship between implementation of cessation processes and change in practices' characteristics and external incentives, including state mandates for tobacco-cessation coverage. Results Systematic identification of patients who use tobacco increased in large (26% to 91%, p p p p p p p =0.02); and practice size ( p p p =0.004); public reporting ( p =0.03); and primary care practice ( p =0.04). Conclusions The findings suggest that state-mandated coverage for tobacco-cessation treatment and increased use of external incentives such as pay for performance and public reporting programs may improve care for patients who use tobacco.
Filling in the Blanks on Reducing Tobacco Product Addictiveness in the FCTC Partial Guidelines for Articles 9 & 10

The existing Partial Guidelines for Implementation of Articles 9 & 10 of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control includes a strategy for regulating tobacco products to reduce their attractiveness, but does not yet provide any guidance for reducing either the toxicity or the addictiveness of tobacco products. Section 1.2.1.2, “Addictiveness (dependence liability),” states only that: “This section has been left blank intentionally to indicate that guidance will be proposed at a later stage.” A related footnote says that the blanks will be filled “as new country experience, and scientific, medical and other evidence become available...[and] will also depend on the validation of the analytical chemical methods for testing and measuring cigarette contents and emissions.”This article details that sufficient evidence and accurate testing methods are now available to begin providing useful guidance to countries that have the capacity to implement new measures to reduce the addictiveness of tobacco products and enforce compliance. Using the format of the existing partial guidelines, this working paper suggests possible draft text for the blank “Addictiveness” section, followed by a concise summary of supporting research and analysis.
Listening to placebo in clinical trials for female sexual dysfunction.

ABSTRACT Introduction Placebo responses are substantial in many clinical trials of treatments for female sexual dysfunctions (FSDs). Recent studies from other fields suggest a need to reconceptualize placebo response and to design future trials accordingly. Aim The aims of this review are to (i) summarize current conceptualizations of placebo response in the literature; (ii) identify potential mechanisms of placebo response that are relevant to the study of FSD; and (iii) provide recommendations for incorporating this knowledge into design of future trials. Methods Narrative review of literature relevant to the topic of placebo response and FSD. Main Outcome Measures Possible predictors and mechanisms of placebo response in women with FSD are described based on the synthesis of empirical findings in studies of placebo. Results Placebo response is a complex phenomenon that represents cognitive, behavioral, motivational, and possibly relational mediating factors. Instructions given to trial participants, behavioral changes required to participate in a trial, changes in partner behavior, and interactions with study staff may influence participants' expectations of benefit and therefore their responses to placebo treatment. Side effects may enhance placebo response within active treatment arms. At present, it is unclear to what extent to which specific factors affect outcomes of clinical trials in FSD. Conclusions Procedural and methodological factors are likely to contribute to placebo response in trials for FSD, though additional research is needed to clarify these effects. Study designs should be reevaluated to avoid unnecessary creation or exaggeration of placebo responses and to draw appropriate conclusions from trial results. Bradford A. Listening to placebo in clinical trials for female sexual dysfunction. J Sex Med **;**:**–**.
Immunological mechanisms of severe respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis resulting in respiratory insufficiency is frequently encountered during the winter season in paediatric intensive care units. This review evaluates potential determinants described in severe RSV bronchiolitis with special attention to the role of immaturity of immune responses during infancy. Pre-existent cardiac or pulmonary compromises have been documented as clinical risk factors for severe RSV bronchiolitis. In addition to this group of infants with pre-morbidity, a large proportion of mechanically ventilated RSV bronchiolitis patients are previously healthy full-term infants or premature neonates without predisposing risk factors. In general, infants at this early age have maturation-related deficient cellular immunity. Several studies show an association between decreased cellular immunity and severe RSV bronchiolitis, indeed suggesting that a maturation-related defect of the cellular immune system facilitates severe RSV. In addition, low virus-specific antibody titres prior to RSV bronchiolitis have been shown to be a risk factor for severe RSV bronchiolitis. A low level of cellular and humoral immunity would explain that higher viral titres are found in infants with most severe illness. In conclusion, immaturity of the physiological functions in healthy pre-term infants and neonates, in particular the immune system, appears to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of RSV bronchiolitis resulting in mechanical ventilation.
Clades Are Reproducers

Exploring whether clades can reproduce leads to new perspectives on general accounts of biological development and individuation. Here we apply James Griesemer’s general account of reproduction to clades. Griesemer’s account of reproduction includes a requirement for development, raising the question of whether clades may be meaningfully said to develop. We offer two illustrative examples of what clade development might look like, though evaluating these examples proves difficult due to the paucity of general accounts of development. This difficulty, however, is instructive about what a general account of development should look like and how it may usefully be applied to research problems (further suggesting a means for evaluating general accounts of development). Reproduction also requires individuation of parent and offspring. We argue that there is no special problem of individuating older and younger clades. The vagaries involved with determining when clades begin, mature, and end are precisely the same as those that arise when the same questions are asked of cells, organisms, or species. Though the question of clade reproduction and selection may still be open, the process of discovery presents new insights into old problems.
A Cyber Security Self-Assessment Method for Critical Infrastructure Protection

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is working with federal-and private-sector representatives to develop a cyber security self-assessment method (the Method) for use in the electric power industry. The Method will assist facility owners in identifying and characterizing cyber vulnerabilities, potential adverse consequences, cyber security risk levels, and cost-effective protection and mitigation measures. The Method supports a comprehensive, expeditious assessment that can be integrated efficiently into normal business practices. Personnel in information systems, plant operations, and security all would contribute to the assessment. The risk assessment stage of the Method evaluates both external and internal threats. In the risk management stage, potential protection and mitigation measures are evaluated based on risk reduction; the costs of purchasing, installing, operating, and maintaining new protection and mitigation measures; and changes in the cost of doing business that may be associated with the implementation of new measures.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
A germline hMSH2 alteration is unrelated to colonic microsatellite instability in patients with ulcerative colitis

Recently, a polymorphism in the hMSH2 DNA mismatch repair gene has been associated with the development of dysplasia in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. This polymorphism is of interest because DNA mismatch repair defects result in alterations in microsatellite stability. The current study was designed to determine whether this hMSH2 polymorphism associates with the development of microsatellite instability and dysplasia in UC patients. The hMSH2 genotype of 96 UC patients was determined by direct DNA sequencing. In addition, we examined 363 samples of colonic mucosa from 93 of these UC patients for microsatellite mutation by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at eight loci. Three cases had insufficient DNA for microsatellite instability studies. The hMSH2 polymorphism was identified in 13 of the 96 patients examined (13.5%). The polymorphism was observed in 7 of 46 patients with dysplasia (15.2%), and in 6 of 50 patients without dysplasia (12.0%). Microsatellite instability was identified in 35 tissue samples (25 regenerative, one indefinite for dysplasia, eight dysplasias, and one invasive carcinoma) from 26 patients. Two patients with microsatellite instability had the hMSH2 alteration. The 11 remaining patients had the hMSH2 polymorphism, but no evidence of microsatellite mutations with any of the markers tested. We were unable to confirm the previously reported findings that the specific germline hMSH2 alteration represents a marker for increased risk of dysplasia in patients with UC, nor is it responsible for the development of microsatellite instability in these patients.
Synthesis of the complexes [N(PPH3)2][M(CO)2(η3-C3H5)-(η6-7, 9-C2B10H10Me2)](M = Mo or W): crystal structure of [N(PPH3)2][WBr(CO) 3(η6-7,9-C2B10H10Me2)]

Abstract Treatment of the compounds [MBr(CO)2(NCMe)2(η3-C3H5)] (M = Mo or W) with Na2[7,9-C2B10H10Me2] in tetrahydrofuran, followed by addition of [N(PPh3) 2]Cl, affords the salts [N(PPh3)2][M(CO)2(η3-C3H5)(η6-7,9-C2 B10H10Me2)]. Reactions of [N(PPh3)2]2[M(CO)3(η6-7,9-C2B10H 10Me2)] with an excess of allyl bromide generate the complexes [N(PPh3)2][MBr(CO)3 (η6-7,9-C2B10H10Me2)] via an allyl-coupling process. The structure of the latter (M = W) has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The preparation of the molybdenum salt [N(PPh3)2] [MoBr(CO)3(η6-7,9-C2B10H10Me2)] by this route was accompanied by the formation of small amounts of the complex [N(PPh3)2][MoBr(CO)3(η5-7,9-C2B9H9Me2)] resulting from ejection of a BH vertex from the cage. Indeed, it was observed that in CH2Cl2 solutions, the former species was slowly converted into the latter at ambient temperatures. Protonation (aqueous HBr) of the salts [N(PPh3)2][M(CO)2(η3-C3H5)(η6-7,9-C2B10H10Me2)] in the presence of an atmosphere of CO also yields the compounds [N(PPh3)2][MBr(CO)3(η6-7,9-C 2B10H10Me2)], but if the molybdenum compound is protonated in the absence of CO the complex [N(PPh3)2][MoBr(CO)3(η5-7,9-C2B9H9Me2)] is formed directly. The NMR data for the new compounds are reported and discussed, as are the possible pathways of their formation.
On plasma volume measurement and the effect of experimental stress in the themale tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, maintained in fresh water.

Plasma volumes in male tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) of different size were estimated following intracardial injection of radioiodinated human serum albumin (125I-HSA), coupled with short-term, early sampling transient response analysis of 1251-HSA disappearance from the plasma pool. This approach circumvents vascular marker leakage problems associated with constant steady state indicator dilution methods, minimizes some sampling and mixing problems, and simplifies analysis of the data. Changes in hematological parameters due to experimental stress were also studied, because the fish were not chronically cannulated. Results were used in a novel way to correct estimates of plasma volume upward by 15%, thereby providing a potentially useful alternative approach to vascular volume measurement in species where stress-eliminating or reducing techniques, e.g., cannulation, are impractical or infeasible. Hematrocrits increased 38% at the onset, from 24.9% to 34.4%, and remained essentially constant during the 60 minute kinetic study, and plasma osmolalities increased 7%. Corrected plasma volumes Vp (ml) were a linear function of body weight (BW). The group mean Vp was 2.93% of BW and corresponding blood volumes were 3.9% of BW.
Mixed ab initio QM/MM modeling using frozen orbitals and tests with alanine dipeptide and tetrapeptide

Methodology is discussed for mixed ab initio quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics modeling of systems where the quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics (MM) regions are within the same molecule. The ab initio QM calculations are at the restricted Hartree–Fock level using the pseudospectral method of the Jaguar program while the MM part is treated with the OPLS force fields implemented in the IMPACT program. The interface between the QM and MM regions, in particular, is elaborated upon, as it is dealt with by “breaking” bonds at the boundaries and using Boys-localized orbitals found from model molecules in place of the bonds. These orbitals are kept frozen during QM calculations. Results from tests of the method to find relative conformational energies and geometries of alanine dipeptides and alanine tetrapeptides are presented along with comparisons to pure QM and pure MM calculations. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Comput Chem 20: 1468–1494, 1999
Turning Back the Clock: Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle in Middle Age

Abstract Purpose To determine the frequency of adopting a healthy lifestyle (5 or more fruits and vegetables daily, regular exercise, BMI 18.5-29.9 kg/m 2 , no current smoking) in a middle-aged cohort, and determine the subsequent rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality among those who adopt a healthy lifestyle. Methods We conducted a cohort study in a diverse sample of adults age 45-64 in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities survey. Outcomes are all-cause mortality and fatal or non-fatal cardiovascular disease. Results Of 15,708 participants, 1344 (8.5%) had 4 healthy lifestyle habits at the first visit, and 970 (8.4%) of the remainder had newly adopted a healthy lifestyle 6 years later. Men, African Americans, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, or a history of hypertension or diabetes were less likely to newly adopt a healthy lifestyle (all P 2 P 2 P Conclusions People who newly adopt a healthy lifestyle in middle-age experience a prompt benefit of lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Strategies to encourage adopting healthy lifestyles should be implemented, especially among people with hypertension, diabetes, or low socioeconomic status.
GAMMA-RAY RESONANCES IN THE ALPHA-PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT OF BERYLLIUM AND BORON

${\mathrm{Be}}^{9}$ and ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$ have been bombarded with alpha-particles from our electrostatic generator at energies up to 3.0 Mev and the gamma-radiation yield observed with scintillation counters. The data indicate energy levels in ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$ at 11.95 and 12.46 Mev and in ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ at 12.77, 12.87, 12.90, 13.01, and 13.24 Mev. A number of higher energy levels were indicated in ${\mathrm{N}}^{14}$ but were not satisfactorily resolved.
An Efficient Compression Method for Multiplanar Reformulated Biomedical Images

Multiplanar reformatting (MPR) of 3D biomedical images is an important technique in visualizing, editing, and interacting with volumetric data. To obtain near real-time interactions with the data in many applications such as telemedicine and teleconsultation, the MPR slices are produced and transmitted dynamically. The MPR compression is an important technique to improve the transmission and display efficiency. We develop a dedicated MPR compression scheme by exploiting the characteristics of MPR slices, especially for thin MPR. Robust regression techniques are applied to predict the current slice from the previous ones. In the presence of scales, rotations, and translations, we make use of the known knowledge of the operations, or the transform domain representations of the image in the case of unknown parameters. The effectiveness of the scheme is confirmed by experimental results.