cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term efficacy and compliance of MUSE for erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy: SHIM (IIEF-5) analysis

Baseline and follow-up data of 54 patients from a single surgical series (1998-2001), who used medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) for the erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with radical prostatectomy (RP), were obtained. Patients were surveyed using the abridged five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, commonly referred to as the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM), to determine presence and severity of ED and efficacy of ED treatment modalities. The mean patient age was 63.7+/-5.6 y and the mean follow-up period was 2.3+/-1.2 y. All patients experienced ED for at least 6 months after their surgery before starting MUSE therapy. Overall, 55% of the patients achieved and maintained erections sufficient for sexual intercourse while on MUSE and 48% continued long-term therapy with a mean use of 2.32+/-1.2 y. The mean presurgery SHIM score in these patients was 19.2+/-1.3, which decreased to 5.2+/-0.5 after surgery and increased to 16.3+/-1.3 after MUSE treatment. A total of 28 patients (52%) discontinued treatment after a mean use of 8+/-1.4 months. The reasons for discontinuation were insufficient erections (n = 16, mean SHIM score of 10.5+/-4.4), switch to other ED therapies (n = 4), natural return of erections (n = 4) and urethral pain and burning (n = 4). Excluding the patients (n = 8) who preferred other therapies and return of natural erections, the compliance to MUSE was 63%. There were no significant differences in the IIEF-5 responses between the patients who had a nerve-sparing technique (n=34) and those who did not (n = 20) or among patients who used different doses (250, 500 or 1000 microg) of MUSE. The results of the current trial indicate that MUSE is a successful treatment option in RP patients with established ED. It appears that a post-treatment SHIM score of > or = 16 defines a successful outcome with MUSE therapy.
New methods for the analysis of repeated utterances.

This paper proposes three novel and effective procedures for jointly analyzing repeated utterances. First, we propose repetition-driven system switching, where repetition triggers the use of an independent backup system for decoding. Second, we propose a cache language model for use with the second utterance. Finally, we propose a method with which the acoustics from multiple utterances not necessarily exact repetitions of each other can be combined to into a composite that increases accuracy. The combination of all methods produces a relative increase in sentence accuracy of 65.7% for repeated voice-search queries.
Effects of mountaintop mining on fish distributions in central Appalachia

Mountaintop mining with valley fills (MTM/VF) is the main source of landscape change in central Appalachia. While our knowledge of the local-scale effects of MTM/VF on stream chemistry and biotic assemblages has recently improved, the effects at the landscape scale are less well known. In this study, we explore the effects of MTM/VF on the distributions of six fish species with contrasting ecologies in the upper Kentucky River basin, an area heavily affected by MTM/VF. Using a museum-based data set of 239 occurrence records, land use/land cover data and boosted regression tree modelling, we were able to create robust predictive models for the focal species (AUCs = 0.82–0.93). Models explained from 41.2 to 71.9% of the variation in species distributions. We detected a marked negative influence of MTM/VF in four of the six species distribution models – with relative influences ranging from 5.9–12.7%. Species typically inhabiting faster-flowing riffle and run mesohabitats appeared to respond more strongly to MTM/VF. Interestingly, the mean patch size of MTM/VF was more influential than the overall proportion of the watershed affected by MTM/VF in our models. Thus, our data suggest the spatial pattern of mining disturbance is very important in determining the cumulative impact of MTM/VF. Considering the central Appalachian region is a continental hot spot for freshwater biodiversity, establishing a firm understanding of the effects of MTM/VF at the landscape scale is essential if we wish to protect these natural resources.
AutoGrow 3.0: An improved algorithm for chemically tractable, semi-automated protein inhibitor design

Abstract We here present an improved version of AutoGrow (version 3.0), an evolutionary algorithm that works in conjunction with existing open-source software to automatically optimize candidate ligands for predicted binding affinity and other druglike properties. Though no substitute for the medicinal chemist, AutoGrow 3.0, unlike its predecessors, attempts to introduce some chemical intuition into the automated optimization process. AutoGrow 3.0 uses the rules of click chemistry to guide optimization, greatly enhancing synthesizability. Additionally, the program discards any growing ligand whose physical and chemical properties are not druglike. By carefully crafting chemically feasible druglike molecules, we hope that AutoGrow 3.0 will help supplement the chemist's efforts. To demonstrate the utility of the program, we use AutoGrow 3.0 to generate predicted inhibitors of three important drug targets: Trypanosoma brucei RNA editing ligase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and dihydrofolate reductase. In all cases, AutoGrow generates druglike molecules with high predicted binding affinities. AutoGrow 3.0 is available free of charge ( http://autogrow.ucsd.edu ) under the terms of the GNU General Public License and has been tested on Linux and Mac OS X.
The relationship between coronal place and vowel backness

It has been proposed that coronal consonants and front vowels are both specified [coronal] (e.g. Hume 1992). This leads to the prediction that all coronals can condition fronting of adjacent vowels. While fronting of vowels by coronals is attested (e.g. in Cantonese), not all kinds of coronals can condition fronting retroflexes condition retraction of vowels. We propose an account of the effects of coronals on vowels according to which they involve simple assimilation to the tongue body position of the coronal ‐ i.e. coronals that condition fronting are produced with a fronted tongue body, while coronals which condition backing of vowels are produced with a more retracted tongue body. Tongue body position is affected by the position of the tongue tip and blade because these articulators are physically connected, so for each type of coronal there are preferred tongue body positions that minimize the effort of producing the coronal constriction. This analysis also accounts for the fact that vowel backness can affect coronal place.
The Minimal Replicator of Epstein-Barr Virus oriP

oriP is a 1.7-kb region of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) chromosome that supports the replication and stable maintenance of plasmids in human cells. oriP contains two essential components, called the DS and the FR, both of which contain multiple binding sites for the EBV-encoded protein, EBNA-1. The DS appears to function as the replicator of oriP, while the FR acts in conjunction with EBNA-1 to prevent the loss of plasmids from proliferating cells. Because of EBNA-1's role in stabilizing plasmids through the FR, it has not been entirely clear to what extent EBNA-1 might be required for replication from oriP per se, and a recent study has questioned whether EBNA-1 has any direct role in replication. In the present study we found that plasmids carrying oriP required EBNA-1 to replicate efficiently even when assayed only 2 days after plasmids were introduced into the cell lines 143B and 293. Significantly, using 293 cells it was demonstrated that the plasmid-retention function of EBNA-1 and the FR did not contribute significantly to the accumulation of replicated plasmids, and the DS supported efficient EBNA-1-dependent replication in the absence of the FR. The DS contains two pairs of closely spaced EBNA-1 binding sites, and a previous study had shown that both sites within either pair are required for activity. However, it was unclear from previous work what additional sequences within the DS might be required. We found that each "half" of the DS, including a pair of closely spaced EBNA-1 binding sites, had significant replicator activity when the other half had been deleted. The only significant DNA sequences that the two halves of the DS share in common, other than EBNA-1 binding sites, is a 9-bp sequence that is present twice in the "left half" and once in the "right half." These nonamer repeats, while not essential for activity, contributed significantly to the activity of each half of the DS. Two thymines occur at unique positions within EBNA-1 binding sites 1 and 4 at the DS and become sensitive to oxidation by permanganate when EBNA-1 binds, but mutation of each to the consensus base, adenine, actually improved the activity of each half of the DS slightly. In conclusion, the DS of oriP is an EBNA-1-dependent replicator, and its minimal active core appears to be simply two properly spaced EBNA-1 binding sites.
Real Space Numerical Renormalization Groups for Hubbard Models

We discuss developments in real-space numerical renormalization groups. In particular, we discuss a treatment of boundary conditions on blocks for one-dimensional single-particle systems which makes the renormalization group exact. For the many-particle, interacting case we discuss a technique for producing basis states for a block from wavefunctions on larger systems of which the block is a subset.
Nitrogen Source-Dependent Capsule Induction in Human-Pathogenic Cryptococcus Species

Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii cause meningoencephalitis and are an increasing human health threat. These pathogenic Cryptococcus species are neurotropic and persist in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of the mammalian host during infection. In order to survive in the host, pathogenic fungi must procure nutrients, such as carbon and nitrogen, from the CSF. To enhance our understanding of nutrient acquisition during central nervous system infection by Cryptococcus species, we examined the utilization of nitrogen sources available in CSF. We screened for the growth and capsule production of 817 global environmental and clinical isolates on various sources of nitrogen. Both environmental and clinical strains grew robustly on uric acid, Casamino Acids, creatinine, and asparagine as sole nitrogen sources. Urea induced the greatest magnitude of capsule induction. This induction was greater in Cryptococcus gattii than in C. neoformans. We confirmed the ability of nonpreferred nitrogen sources to increase capsule production in pathogenic species of Cryptococcus. Since urea is metabolized to ammonia and CO(2) (a known signal for capsule induction), we examined urea metabolism mutants for their transcriptional response to urea regarding capsule production. The transcriptional profile of C. neoformans under urea-supplemented conditions revealed both similar and unique responses to other capsule-inducing conditions, including both intra- and extracellular urea utilization. As one of the most abundant nitrogen sources in the CSF, the ability of Cryptococcus to import urea and induce capsule production may substantially aid this yeast's survival and propagation in the host.
Dietary Vitamin Levels and the Response of Blood Citric Acid Concentrations to Stressors

Abstract THE citric acid concentration of tissues has been found to increase in response to such stressors as Salmonella infections (Berry et al., 1954; Gilfillan et al., 1956), starvation, (Hill et al., 1960), cold and heat, (Hill et al., 1961). This phenomenon is evidently under hormonal control since the administration of ACTH also results in an increase in the blood concentration of this metabolite (Hill et al., 1961). Factors which influence the response of tissue citric acid concentration to stressors are of interest since it has been shown that the administration of citric acid or of compounds which block the tricarboxylic acid cycle and thus cause an increase in the tissue concentration of citric acid, render chicks and mice more susceptible to Salmonella infections (Berry and Mitchell, 1953; Gilfillan et al., 1956). The protein concentration of the diet has been shown to influence the response of blood citric acid concentration of…
The origin and reduction of acoustic noise in doubly salient variable-reluctance motors

An experimental study of the acoustic noise emitted from an inverter-driven doubly salient variable-reluctance motor (VRM) is presented. A list of possible noise sources is given. Through a series of experiments, all but one source is eliminated as being important, and the remaining source is shown to be dominant. The dominant noise source is the ovalizing deformation of the stator due to its radial magnetic attraction to the rotor. The emitted noise is particularly strong when the frequency of deformation coincides with that of a natural mechanical resonance of the stator. Several methods of reducing acoustic noise emission are studied. One successful method is the introduction of dither into the control of the motor in order to spread the spectrum of noise excitation and reduce its coupling to the mechanical resonance of the stator. >
Effect of Oral Metoclopramide on Gastroesophageal Reflux in the Post-Cibal State

The effect of oral metoclopramide (15 mg), AlMgOH (30 ml), and placebo on the cumulative duration of gastroesophageal reflux induced by a protein-rich meal was compared in 15 patients with reflux esophagitis. Oral metoclopramide was found to be more effective than AlMgOH in reducing the cumulative duration of reflux after placebo over a 3-hr period. The same dose of oral metoclopramide increased resting lower esophageal sphincter pressures in all 15 patients for at least 1 hr and prevented gastroesophageal reflux after an intragastric acid load (300 ml of 0.1 N HCl) in 8 of 10 of these patients. Oral metoclopramide, however, failed to increase the amplitude of esophageal contractions and acid clearing of the distal esophagus. These findings suggest that oral metoclopramide in the dose of 15 mg may be potentially valuable in the management of reflux esophagitis.
Convergence and stabilization of stress‐point integration in mesh‐free and particle methods

Stress-point integration provides significant reductions in the computational effort of mesh-free Galerkin methods by using fewer integration points, and thus facilitates the use of mesh-free methods in applications where full integration would be prohibitively expensive. The influence of stress-point integration on the convergence and stability properties of mesh-free methods is studied. It is shown by numerical examples that for regular nodal arrangements, good rates of convergence can be achieved. For non-uniform nodal arrangements, stress-point integration is associated with a mild instability which is manifested by small oscillations. Addition of stabilization improves the rates of convergence significantly. The stability properties are investigated by an eigenvalue study of the Laplace operator. It is found that the eigenvalues of the stress-point quadrature models are between those of full integration and nodal integration. Stabilized stress-point integration is proposed in order to improve convergence and stability properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Algorithms for File System Cooperative Caching

We present two new cooperative caching algorithms that allow a cluster of file system clients to cache chunks of files instead of directly accessing them from origin file servers. The first algorithm, called C-LRU (Cooperative-LRU), is based on the simple D-LRU (Distributed-LRU) algorithm, but moves a chunk's position closer to the tail of its local LRU list when the number of copies of the chunk increases. The second algorithm, called RobinHood, is based on the N-Chance algorithm, but targets chunks cached at many clients for replacement when forwarding a singlet to a peer. We evaluate these algorithms on a variety of workloads, including several publicly available traces, and find that the new algorithms significantly outperform their predecessors.
The crystal structure of the asymmetric GroEL–GroES–(ADP) 7 chaperonin complex

Chaperonins assist protein folding with the consumption of ATP. They exist as multi-subunit protein assemblies comprising rings of subunits stacked back to back. In Escherichia coli, asymmetric intermediates of GroEL are formed with the co-chaperonin GroES and nucleotides bound only to one of the seven-subunit rings (the cis ring) and not to the opposing ring (the trans ring). The structure of the GroEL-GroES-(ADP)7 complex reveals how large en bloc movements of the cis ring's intermediate and apical domains enable bound GroES to stabilize a folding chamber with ADP confined to the cis ring. Elevation and twist of the apical domains double the volume of the central cavity and bury hydrophobic peptide-binding residues in the interface with GroES, as well as between GroEL subunits, leaving a hydrophilic cavity lining that is conducive to protein folding. An inward tilt of the cis equatorial domain causes an outward tilt in the trans ring that opposes the binding of a second GroES. When combined with new functional results, this negative allosteric mechanism suggests a model for an ATP-driven folding cycle that requires a double toroid.
Severe hypercapnia caused by acute heroin overdose.

The attempt by pharmaceutical firms to influence physicians’ prescribing habits persists. Recently, I received a letter from a certain pharmaceutical firm asking me to “participate in an ED Advisory Board Meeting” at a pricey resort at a highly popular vacation site. The letter stated that “the objectives of the meeting are as follows: 1. Discuss the pathophysiology of (the disease in question), as well as current treatment patterns. 2. Describe the value of emergency department based treatment guidelines for (the disease in question). 3. Elicit information on the patient population that would benefit the most from (the drug in question).” The letter continued: “As part of your participation in the meeting the following are paid for: two nights at the resort [cheapest room $238 per the Internet], one coach class airline ticket [assume $300 for most people flying]. In consideration of professional time and effort, you will receive an honorarium of $1,000.” The most intriguing statement is that “During the program, you will be asked to sign a standard (the pharmaceutical firm in question) Consultant Agreement.” This, of course, implies that participating physicians agree to sign an agreement without any knowledge of what it says. This very expensive drug might be cheaper if offers such as this were not made.
Mitochondrial β‐oxidation in Aspergillus nidulans

Summary b -Oxidation ( b -ox) occurs exclusively in the peroxisomes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeasts, leading to the supposition that fungi lack mitochondrial b -ox. Here we present unequivocal evidence that the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans houses both peroxisomal and mitochondrial b ox. While growth of a peroxisomal b -ox disruption mutant ( D foxA ) was eliminated on a very long-chain fatty acid (C 22:1 ), growth was only partially impeded on a long-chain fatty acid (C 18:1 ) and was not affected at all on short chain (C 4 ‐C 6 ) fatty acids. In contrast, growth of a putative enoyl-CoA hydratase mutant ( D echA ) was abolished on short-chain and severely restricted on long- and very long-chain fatty acids. Furthermore fatty acids inhibited growth of the D echA mutant but not the D foxA mutant in the presence of an alternate carbon source (lactose). Disruption of echA led to a 28-fold reduction in 2-butenoyl-CoA hydratase activity in a preparation of organelles. EchA was also required for growth on isoleucine and valine. The subcellular localization of the FoxA and EchA proteins was confirmed through the use of red and green fluorescent protein fusions.
Landscape and memory in peasant–state relations in Eritrea

This paper examines the significance of landscape and memory in peasant–state relations in Eritrea since independence in the early 1990s. During this period, people were being resettled around cultivable land in the western lowlands as a means of recuperating land and society after prolonged warfare. Projects of statemaking in Eritrea, involving both refugee resettlement and agrarian development, have drawn from a national narrative of lost fertility and deforestation caused by generations of colonial extraction and violence. This paper explores how shared memories of environmental change, an ecological nostalgia, become a means through which people from diverse ethno-linguistic, religious, and regional backgrounds come together to imagine a collective future based in creating livelihood from farm land. However, as people reclaim remembered landscapes and face the challenges of rebuilding communities and livelihoods during a time of tense political and economic change, their ideas of a shared future diver...
Molecular basis for activation of G protein‐coupled receptor kinases

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) selectively recognize and are allosterically regulated by activated GPCRs, but the molecular basis for this interaction is not understood. Herein, we report crystal structures of GRK6 in which regions known to be critical for receptor phosphorylation have coalesced to stabilize the kinase domain in a closed state and to form a likely receptor docking site. The crux of this docking site is an extended N-terminal helix that bridges the large and small lobes of the kinase domain and lies adjacent to a basic surface of the protein proposed to bind anionic phospholipids. Mutation of exposed, hydrophobic residues in the N-terminal helix selectively inhibits receptor, but not peptide phosphorylation, suggesting that these residues interact directly with GPCRs. Our structural and biochemical results thus provide an explanation for how receptor recognition, phospholipid binding, and kinase activation are intimately coupled in GRKs.
The Libraries They Are A-Changin’: How Libraries Reorganize

This article will report on the results of a study of library reorganizations in the literature. The authors identified five steps common to all library reorganizations, and this article describes those steps as well as two management change theories most mentioned in the literature—the eight-step process of change by John Kotter and Reframing Organizations by Lee G. Bolman and Terrence E. Deal. The article will draw conclusions formed by a comparison of these theoretical models to the practice and real-life experience of reorganizations as described by libraries in the literature.
Not dead yet: the seasonal water relations of two perennial ferns during California's exceptional drought

The understory of the redwood forests of California's coast harbors perennial ferns, including Polystichum munitum and Dryopteris arguta. Unusual for ferns, these species are adapted to the characteristic Mediterranean-type dry season, but the mechanisms of tolerance have not been studied. The water relations of P. munitum and D. arguta were surveyed for over a year, including measures of water potential (Ψ), stomatal conductance (gs) and frond stipe hydraulic conductivity (K). A dehydration and re-watering experiment on potted P. munitum plants corroborated the field data. The seasonal Ψ varied from 0 to below -3 MPa in both species, with gs and K generally tracking Ψ; the loss of K rarely exceeded 80%. Quantile regression analysis showed that, at the 0.1 quantile, 50% of K was lost at -2.58 and -3.84 MPa in P. munitum and D. arguta, respectively. The hydraulic recovery of re-watered plants was attributed to capillarity. The seasonal water relations of P. munitum and D. arguta are variable, but consistent with laboratory-based estimates of drought tolerance. Hydraulic and Ψ recovery following rain allows perennial ferns to survive severe drought, but prolonged water deficit, coupled with insect damage, may hamper frond survival. The legacy effects of drought on reproductive capacity and community dynamics are unknown.
A pendant proton shuttle on [Fe4N(CO)12]- alters product selectivity in formate vs. H2 production via the hydride [H-Fe4N(CO)12].

Proton relays are known to increase reaction rates for H2 evolution and lower overpotentials in electrocatalytic reactions. In this report we describe two electrocatalysts, [Fe4N(CO)11(PPh3)]− (1−) which has no proton relay, and hydroxyl-containing [Fe4N(CO)11(Ph2P(CH2)2OH)]− (2−). Solid state structures indicate that these phosphine-substituted clusters are direct analogs of [Fe4N(CO)12]− where one CO ligand has been replaced by a phosphine. We show that the proton relay changes the selectivity of reactions: CO2 is reduced selectively to formate by 1− in the absence of a relay, and protons are reduced to H2 under a CO2 atmosphere by 2−. These results implicate a hydride intermediate in the mechanism of the reactions and demonstrate the importance of controlling proton delivery to control product selectivity. Thermochemical measurements performed using infrared spectroelectrochemistry provided pKa and hydricity values for [HFe4N(CO)11(PPh3)]−, which are 23.7, and 45.5 kcal mol−1, respectively. The pKa of the hydroxyl group in 2− was determined to fall between 29 and 41, and this suggests that the proximity of the proton relay to the active catalytic site plays a significant role in the product selectivity observed, since the acidity alone does not account for the observed results. More generally, this work emphasizes the importance of substrate delivery kinetics in determining the selectivity of CO2 reduction reactions that proceed through metal–hydride intermediates.
Epidermal growth factor inhibits Na-Pi cotransport in weaned and suckling rats.

In the present study, we determined the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF; 10 μg/100 g body wt) on sodium gradient-dependent phosphate transport (Na-Pi cotransport) regulation in suckling (12-...
Investigating Stress in Hybrid Electronic Packages Using White Light Surface Profilometry

Hybrid electronic packages are often used in space applications because of their rigidity, hermeticity, and good thermal dissipation properties. These properties make them highly reliable in the harsh space environment. However, a recent space application of hybrid electronic packages failed during testing. The failure was traced to cracks in the high temperature co-fired alumina ceramic substrates that resulted in the loss of electrical continuity in some packages. To investigate stress states and crack growth in the packages, a novel technique for stress determination using optical surface profilometry was developed. The technique employs a scanning white light surface profilometer to obtain topographical contour maps of the hybrid electronic packages. Surface curvature reveals the stress state of a component, which can affect its functionality and reliability. By comparing the topography during thermal cycling and de-processing of a fully assembled package, hypotheses regarding the build-up of stress c...
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Antisocial Traits and Behaviors: A Gendered Examination of the Factors Associated With Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence

The current study addressed the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and perpetration of physical intimate partner violence, examining the possible mediating effect of antisocial traits and behaviors, as well as the differences in these relationships between men and women. Data came from the International Dating Violence Study. Hypotheses were tested on a sample of 13,659 university students from 68 sites and 32 countries using hierarchical linear modeling. Results indicated that CSA was significantly associated with perpetration of physical intimate partner violence for both men and women. The slope of the relationships, however, varied across sites for women. Antisocial traits and behaviors fully mediated the relationship between CSA and perpetration of physical intimate partner violence for women but only partially mediated this relationship for men. Increased focus needs to be paid to gender differences on the effect of CSA on the development of antisocial traits and behaviors, the relationship between these factors and perpetration of intimate partner violence, and the variation of these relationships across nations.
Response and Adaptation of Insects to External Stimuli

The factors which influence response and adjustment in the physiology of insects are too numerous to discuss them all in the time available. It seems better, therefore, to limit this paper to a discussion of one or two factors and to deal with them more fully. One of these, which appears to have a marked effect upon the way an insect will react to external stimuli, is a comparatively new study in insect physiology. It is the presence of countless minute particles called colloids in all of the cells of the body and in the liquids which bathe the cells. So profound and far-reaching appears to be the effect of the activity of these particles and so little has the subject been studied in entomology or even in biology that the writer will limit his paper to this phase of response and adjustment, and will describe some experiments recently conducted in which collo dal activity was found to play an important part.
Robotic Manipulation for Identification of Flexible Objects

This paper provides preliminary insight into stiffness profile identification of a complex flexible object by robotic manipulation. The object is in the shape of the letter ‘Y’, chosen to resemble a living plant. The object is approximately modelled as a spring mass system. The robot manipulates the object with one or two arms grasped at the ends of the ‘Y’, and makes visual measurements which locates the object’s position in space. Identification results from an optimization approach are compared for both one and two arm manipulation and sensing with and without vision. The results are not consistent with the expected physical object’s properties due to a failure to observe the motion dependence between the object’s connected segments. The result provides insight into the problem of assessing the minimal information needed to identify the stiffness of a flexible object, an issue of importance to automated approaches.
An epidemiological study evaluating the relationship of distance from a tertiary care cancer center to early detection of colorectal carcinoma.

Objective: AJCC stage at diagnosis determines the treatment approach and indirectly predicts outcome in patients with colorectal carcinoma. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether there was a delay in diagnosis leading to a more advanced stage at diagnosis (which affects outcome) of patients with colorectal cancers because of distance from a referral center, after positive fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Design: Our retrospective observational study involved all cases of colonic and rectosigmoid cancers that were referred for an endoscopic procedure after an initial positive FOBT done as a part of routine screening in asymptomatic patients. Participants: Roger Maris Cancer Center and University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Results: Between the years 1996 - 2001, 178 subjects with biopsy-proven colon cancer and 80 patients with rectosigmoid cancer were included in our study. Pearson's correlation coefficients were constructed to look at the relationship between distance from a referral center (place where the diagnosis was made) and stage at diagnosis in patients with colonic and rectosigmoid malignancies. For the colon cancer group, the regression coefficient between AJCC stage at diagnosis and distance from the referral center was 0.013 and for rectosigmoid cancers it was 0.12. Even after stratifying distances into tertiles, the correlation coefficients did not show a significant relationship (0. 04 for colon and 0.16 for rectosigmoid cancers). Conclusion: Distance (of residence) from a tertiary care center does not seem to be a barrier to early diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma and primary care providers in rural settings are referring patients appropriately leading to optimal outcomes.
A Multi-Autonomous Underwater Vehicle System for Autonomous Tracking of Marine Life

This paper presents a multi-autonomous underwater vehicle system capable of cooperatively and autonomously tracking and following marine targets (i.e., fish) tagged with an acoustic transmitter. The AUVs have been equipped with stereo-hydrophones that receive signals broadcasted by the acoustic transmitter tags to enable real-time calculation of bearing-to-tag and distance-to-tag measurements. These measurements are shared between AUVs via acoustic modem and fused within each AUV's particle filter for estimating the target's position. The AUVs use a leader/follower multi-AUV control system to enable the AUVs to drive toward the estimated target state by following collision-free paths. Once within the local area of the target, the AUVs circumnavigate the target state until it moves to another area. The system builds on previous work by incorporating a new SmartTag package that can be attached to an individual's dorsal fin. The SmartTag houses a full inertial measurement unit (INU), video logger, acoustic transmitter, and timed release mechanism. After real-time AUV tracking experiments, the SmartTag is recovered. Logged IMU data are fused with logged AUV-obtained acoustic tag measurements within a particle filter to improve state estimation accuracy. This improvement is validated through a series of multi-AUV shark and boat tracking experiments conducted at Santa Catalina Island, California. When compared with previous work that did not use the SmartTag package, results demonstrated a decrease in mean position estimation error of 25–75%, tag orientation estimation errors dropped from 80° to 30° , the sensitivity of mean position error with respect to distance to the tag was less by a factor of 50, and the sensitivity of mean position error with respect to acoustic signal reception frequency to the tag was 25 times less. These statistics demonstrate a large improvement in the system's robustness when the SmartTag package is used.
Who perceives what? A demographic analysis of subjective perception in rural Thailand.

Rural households that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods are expected to face increased vulnerability due to climate variability. A number of empirical papers have assessed the impact of environmental shocks on these households, including demographic research that has investigated the impact of shocks on migration. To date, few studies have explicitly modeled how individual and household characteristics influence a household respondent’s subjective perceptions of environmental or other shocks. My paper uses a unique panel dataset from rural Thailand to predict a respondent’s probability of attributing a reduction in income to an environmental shock based on household composition and income, as well as on community-level effects. Preliminary results suggest that household composition influences respondents’ perceptions of environmental risk, and that policies aimed at vulnerable communities should consider the life courses of the households within a given community.
Lipid-Lowering Therapy in CKD: Should We Use It and in Which Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease is associated with a 15-fold increase in the risk of death and a 30-fold increase in the risk of cardiovascular events even pri
Sentinel lymph node mapping reduces practice pattern variations in surgical staging for endometrial adenocarcinoma: A before and after study.

Abstract Objective To examine the effects of universal sentinel lymph node mapping on the use of nodal staging in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Methods Two approaches to laparoscopic staging for endometrial adenocarcinoma were compared using a before and after study design. The before cohort underwent selective lymphadenectomy from January 1, 2014–October 1, 2015 while the after cohort underwent universal sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping from October 2, 2015–September 29, 2016. Results The before cohort comprised 215 patients and the after cohort 166 patients. In women undergoing SLN mapping, a sentinel node was identified at least unilaterally in 146/153 cases (95.4%), and bilaterally in 114/153 (74.5%) of cases. Pelvic nodes were removed in 35.8% of the before cohort versus 92.2% of the after cohort (p Conclusions Universal sentinel lymph node dissection for laparoscopic endometrial cancer staging reduces heterogeneity in surgeon staging practice, increases nodal detection, and lowers post-operative complications.
Updated review of prevalence of major risk factors and use of screening tests for cancer in the United States

Much of the suffering and death from cancer could be prevented by more systematic efforts to reduce tobacco use and obesity, improve diet, and increase physical activity and use of established vaccines and screening tests. Monitoring the prevalence of cancer risk factors and preventive tests helps guide cancer prevention and early detection efforts. We provide an updated review, using data through 2015, of the prevalence of major risk factors, cancer screening, and vaccination for U.S. adults and youth. Cigarette smoking among adults decreased to 15.3% in 2015 but remains higher among lower socioeconomic persons (GED: 34.1%, graduate degree: 3.7%), with considerable state variation (Utah: 9.1%, Kentucky: 26.0%). The prevalence of obesity among both adults (37.7%) and adolescents (20.6%) remains high, particularly among black women (57.2%), and ranges from 20.2% (Colorado) to 36.2% (Louisiana) among adults. Pap testing remains the most commonly utilized cancer screening test (81.4%). While colorectal cancer screening has increased, only 62.6% are up-to-date with recommendations. Cancer screening is lowest among the uninsured and varies across states. Despite some improvements, systematic efforts to further reduce the suffering and death from cancer should be enhanced. Continued investment in surveillance of cancer prevention and early detection metrics is also needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(8); 1192-208. ©2017 AACR.
Steps in the development of nuclear thermal propulsion fuels

As a result of recent increased interest in Mars exploration and other deep-space missions, the idea of a US Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) system has been rekindled, and the feasibility of such a program will be revisited. Making and qualifying an NTP fuel that meets mission performance requirements is an essential first step. Graphite fuels and ceramic metal (cermet) fuels are of particular interest since these fuels have shown significant advantages over other fuel types. This paper will address the history of NTP fuel fabrication technology as related to the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application, GE 710, and ANL nuclear fuel program, as well as recent efforts in recapturing heritage fuels and developing new NTP fuels. Substantial experimental databases and supporting documentation exists for the graphite composite fuel option. Some irradiation and high temperature test data is available for cermet fuels, but cermet fuels were never tested in prototypic NTP conditions. A first step in the development effort will be a fuel fabrication recapture effort to provide samples to show that the technology works and that the performance of the fuel is acceptable. Advances in fuel fabrication, materials processing, and coating technology are expected to improve and/or enhance future fuel development, maturation, and certification efforts. The current plan is to perform non-nuclear, separate-effects, and integrated tests to provide additional test data and insight into the capabilities of each fuel and to use that data to evaluate potential performance within an NTP engine stage.
Using an Emergency Department Syndromic Surveillance System to Evaluate Reporting of Potential Rabies Exposures, Illinois, 2013-2015.

Objectives:Mandatory reporting of potential rabies exposures and initiation of postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) allow local health authorities to monitor PEP administration for errors. Our objectives...
Physician Experiences With High Value Care in Internal Medicine Residency: Mixed-Methods Study of 2003-2013 Residency Graduates.

ABSTRACTPhenomenon: High healthcare costs and relatively poor health outcomes in the United States have led to calls to improve the teaching of high value care (defined as care that balances potential benefits of interventions with their harms including costs) to physicians-in-training. Numerous interventions to increase high value care in graduate medical education were implemented at the national and local levels over the past decade. However, there has been little evaluation of their impact on physician experiences during training and perceived preparedness for practice. We aimed to assess trends in U.S. physician experiences with high value care during residency over the past decade. Approach: This mixed-methods study used a cross-sectional survey mailed July 2014 to January 2015 to 902 internists who completed residency in 2003–2013, randomly selected from the American Medical Association Masterfile. Quantitative analyses of survey responses and content analysis of free-text comments submitted by res...
Immunological Reactivity Using Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies of Autoimmune Thyroid Target Sites with Dietary Proteins.

Many hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroid patients experience reactions with specific foods. Additionally, food interactions may play a role in a subset of individuals who have difficulty finding a suitable thyroid hormone dosage. Our study was designed to investigate the potential role of dietary protein immune reactivity with thyroid hormones and thyroid axis target sites. We identified immune reactivity between dietary proteins and target sites on the thyroid axis that includes thyroid hormones, thyroid receptors, enzymes, and transport proteins. We also measured immune reactivity of either target specific monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor, 5′deiodinase, thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, thyroxine-binding globulin, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine against 204 purified dietary proteins commonly consumed in cooked and raw forms. Dietary protein determinants included unmodified (raw) and modified (cooked and roasted) foods, herbs, spices, food gums, brewed beverages, and additives. There were no dietary protein immune reactions with TSH receptor, thyroid peroxidase, and thyroxine-binding globulin. However, specific antigen-antibody immune reactivity was identified with several purified food proteins with triiodothyronine, thyroxine, thyroglobulin, and 5′deiodinase. Laboratory analysis of immunological cross-reactivity between thyroid target sites and dietary proteins is the initial step necessary in determining whether dietary proteins may play a potential immunoreactive role in autoimmune thyroid disease.
Effects of Human Urine on the Aggregation of Calcium Oxalate Crystals: Normal Persons Versus Stone-Formers

During the last 10 years we have carried out experiments on the continuous crystallization of calcium oxalate (CaOx)1–4. These have shown a surprising lack of difference between normal and stone-forming urine (diluted to 5%) when it is added to our synthetic urine3. In addition, we have had technical problems with our MSMPR system which resulted in a crystal product which represented only 30% of that expected4. Recently this has been increased to 90% or more5. Although there was no significant difference in the nucleation rate between stone-forming and normal urine, there was a trend towards increased nucleation in the presence of stone-forming urine which led us to suspect that aggregation was playing a part in the process of stone-formation5–7. Others have studied CaOx crystal aggregation in one form or another8–11 but they have not applied continuous flow techniques to their studies. We have now used our continuous flow (mixed suspension-mixed product removal) (MSMPR) system in series with a Couette agglomerator to analyze further the effects of addition of human urine to synthetic urine.
Rejected, Reclaimed, Renamed: Mary Daly on Psychology and Religion:

This article reviews Mary Daly's five books published between 1968 and 1987. Mary Daly is a key contributor to the feminist view of religion. The focus of this discussion is her intellectual trajec...
Large colorectal polyps: endoscopic management and rate of malignancy: does size matter?

Background and Study AimsHigh rate of malignancy has been reported in large colorectal polyps. However, studies were limited by including surgically resected polypoid lesions, only polyp ≥3 cm, only sessile polyps or carcinoma in situ. The aim of the study was to define the prevalence of invasive ca
PHYSICAL ADSORPTION AND THE SURFACE AREAS OF CARBON BLACKS

Physical adsorption on microporous adsorbents such as silica gel and various forms of carbon has been described by many different theories, as: (1) capillary condensation, (2) multilayer adsorption, and (3) a combination of multilayer and capillary adsorption. Most of the nitrogen adsorption-desorption investigations at liquid nitrogen temperature of porous systems have found hysteresis in the relative pressure (p/p0) region of 0.5 to 1.0. This hysteresis has been attributed to the action of surface tension at a curved meniscus formed by capillary condensation. For some time it was believed that the effect of capillaries on adsorption was confined to the region of the hysteresis loop, but recent experimental evidence indicates that the presence of capillaries can influence adsorption not only in the high relative pressure region but also in the low relative pressure region. The purpose of this discussion is to present theoretical and experimental evidence of the effects of capillaries below the hysteresis loop for a series of carbon blacks and for a series of oxidized carbon blacks.