cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive analysis of laserscanner validity used for measurement of wear

OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to test the hypotheses that (a) a laserscanner used for measuring maximum depth and volume loss will yield the same results as a surface profilometer; (b) the surface roughness will affect the maximum depth and volume loss measured with the laserscanner; (c) analytical results using the laserscanner from multiple operators have no more than 10% inter-rater difference and; (d) replicating samples using either stone or impression material is an accurate method for measuring wear using the laserscanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS The volume and maximum depth of indentations from fine, medium and rough burs on glass-ceramic disks were measured using two devices, a surface profilometer (Dektak II, Veeco) and a 3D Laserscanner (LAS-20, SD Mechatronik). Replicates of the indentations made from polyvinysiloxane impression material and gypsum were also measured. RESULTS Comparison of profilometer and laserscanner readings using ceramic disks demonstrated a mean error of 13.61% for depth and 25.32% for volume. Replication errors were minimal (2.6% for impression, 2.5% for stone). Surface profilometer data for volume measurements revealed a difference of 6.1% for impression and 6.5% for stone compared with ceramics. However, when measurements for replicates were compared between laserscanner and surface profilometer, depth had a mean error of 74% for impression and 51% for stone. Volume differences of 78% for impression and 44% for stone were recorded. CONCLUSION This work demonstrated that the laserscanner was a convenient device for measuring wear but there is a need to validate the accuracy of the measurements.
P78 Lifestyle Medicine Intervention: Curbing Depression by Creating Food Pleasure

Background Lifestyle Medicine encompasses the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors that affect health and quality of life through diet and physical activity. Lack of motivation to eat healthier and be active is an issue commonly seen in our contemporary society. Objective This was a secondary data analysis of an interdisciplinary and evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine program to promote the adoption and sustainability of positive attitudes and behaviors towards nutrition. Study Design, Settings, and Participants Previously collected, de-identified data was obtained from a western Colorado hospital. This was an 18-week in-person program delivered by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers (MD, RDN, PT) that integrated nutrition education, cooking classes, and physical activity sessions to stimulate attitude and behavior change. The initiative aimed to improve employees' (n = 113) mental health and physical well-being by means of nutrition education. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Validated Patient Heath Questionnaires (PHQ-9) were taken pre- and post-program to determine changes in health mindset. Questionnaires were analyzed using paired t-tests and descriptive statistics. Results Scores from the PHQ-9 showed a significant decrease in mean scores (-3.32, P Conclusion Implementation of a comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine program by an interdisciplinary team may assist in reducing the severity and prevalence of a negative health mindset. Future research needs to be conducted to establish the impact of Lifestyle Medicine interventions in reducing an unhealthy way of thinking and stimulating food pleasure. Funding None.
Examining threshold effects of built environment elements on travel-related carbon-dioxide emissions

Abstract Understanding how built environment features are associated with travel-related carbon-dioxide (CO2) emissions is essential for planners to encourage environmentally sustainable travel through transportation and land use policies. Applying gradient boosting decision trees to the data from the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, this study addresses two gaps in the literature by identifying critical built environment determinants of CO2 emissions, and more importantly, illustrating threshold effects of built environment elements. The results show that three neighborhood-level built environment factors have the strongest influences on CO2 emissions: distance to the nearest transit stop, job density, and land use diversity. The distance to downtowns also has a substantial impact. This study further confirms that built environment variables are effective only within a certain range. These threshold effects offer valuable implications for planners to achieve desirable environmental benefits efficiently.
An Open Trial of Behavioral Activation in Veterans With Major Depressive Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Primary Care.

Objective Integrated behavioral health programs provide brief evaluations and interventions to patients with psychiatric symptoms in primary care. These programs seek to decrease stigma and improve access to mental health services. Several psychotherapeutic interventions are available to providers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. One treatment with particular promise is behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD) due to its potential clinical efficacy, transdiagnostic potential, and ease of dissemination and implementation in primary care settings. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of BATD across 2 DSM-5 diagnoses: major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods Participants were recruited from October 2014 to December 2017. Thirty-one participants were referred from primary care and consented to receive a 12-session trial of BATD. Participants endorsed criteria consistent with a principal diagnosis of either MDD (n = 20) or PTSD (n = 11). Self-report measures were completed at baseline and immediately posttreatment to monitor treatment progress in symptoms of PTSD and MDD. Results Twelve of the 31 participants completed all 12 sessions of BATD, although over 70% completed at least 4 sessions. Participants demonstrated significant symptom improvement across symptoms of MDD and PTSD (all P < .004). No disorder group differences were evidenced for symptom reduction, treatment completion, or treatment satisfaction. Conclusions The present study provides support for the efficacy of BATD for patients with MDD and PTSD. These findings may have implications for the dissemination and implementation efforts for psychotherapies in integrated primary care settings. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01947647.
A combined atomistic-continuum study on the temperature effects on interfacial fracture in SiC/SiO2 composites

Abstract In this paper, for the first time, we combine reactive molecular dynamics and continuum fracture mechanics to investigate the effect of temperature on fracture behavior of a crack existing at the strong interface of SiC/SiO2 ceramic composite. At strong interfaces, existing cracks tend to propagate out of interface under mixed mode (i.e., combined opening/sliding) loading conditions. As temperature varies, the material properties change thereby affecting the interfacial crack propagation behavior. First, the temperature-dependent material properties of silicon carbide (SiC) and amorphous silica (SiO2) derived from ReaxFF reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Next, using a multi-scale modeling approach these temperature-dependent properties are used as inputs to the continuum-based model for investigating the fracture behavior as a function of temperature. By employing maximum tangential stress (MTS) criterion at the continuum scale, the effect of ambient temperature on the interfacial fracture toughness and crack kinking angle are studied. It was found that the ambient temperature significantly influences the mixed mode I/II kinking behavior for cracks existing at the SiC/SiO2 strong interface. The overall approach shows that reactive molecular dynamics combined with continuum model provide a more comprehensive modeling approach for examining fracture in ceramic composites with strong interface.
Abstract 2449: A novel function of FTO in ovarian cancer stem cells through m6A RNA demethylation

Introduction: N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in mammalian messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Although previous studies have showed that RNA methylation is reversible and plays important roles in various cellular processes, such as metabolism, stem cell development, and self-renewal, its functions in cancer remain elusive. The fat mass- and obesity-associated protein (FTO) is an m6A demethylase and was described as an oncogenic factor in leukemia and brain tumors. We hypothesized that RNA demethylation could be involved in the process of ovarian cancer initiation or progression.Methods: Here we measured FTO expression in ovarian tumors compared to fallopian tube epithelium (FTE) and in ovarian cancer stem cells (CSCs) compared to non-CSCs. To investigate its functions we used overexpression and siRNA-mediated knockdown. Colony, sphere formation and tumor initiation assays were carried out. RNA-Seq and MeRIP-Seq were used to investigate the mechanism by which FTO-mediated m6A modifications altered stemness in OC cells. Results: FTO was expressed at lower levels in ovarian tumors compared to FTE and in ovarian CSCs compared to non-CSCs (P Citation Format: Hao Huang, Yinu Wang, Manoj Kandpal, Guangyuan Zhao, Horacio Cardenas, Yanrong Ji, Edward Tanner, Jianjun Chen, Ramana Davuluri, Daniela Matei. A novel function of FTO in ovarian cancer stem cells through m6A RNA demethylation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 2449.
Effect of 6-Methoxy-2-Benzoxazolinone (MBOA) on Pythium Species and Corn Seedling Growth and Disease.

Corn yield reduction following a cereal rye cover crop has been attributed to, among other factors, allelochemicals released from decomposing cereal rye residue. The allelopathic effect of 6-methox...
Global Health Law: Aspirational, Paradoxical, or Oxymoronic?

The Chapter studies whether the notion of Global Health Law is aspirational, paradoxical or oxymoronic. The conclusion drawn is that while there is no specific right to health, measured steps have been taken by the United Nations, through various Assembly instruments, to provide a type of global constitutionalism which recognizes various health related rights as components of what is thought necessary to meet the highest attainable standard of health in each state If ever complete ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights is achieved, a bold step will have been taken toward validating various component actions which promote good health. Yet, so long as the principle of progressivity remains in this Covenant, in Article 2(1), and only requires signatories to move progressively — to the extent of political will and levels of economic resources in each state in order to attain the good health goals set forth in Article 12 of the Covenant — all efforts to achieve acceptance of global health as a human right remain very tenuous if not illusory.
Flying on borrowed feathers: identity formation among gender-variant anime fans in the U.S

Androgyny and gender ambiguity are common tropes in Japanese comics and animation, which may be taken for granted by a Japanese audience but are subject to reinterpretation by American fans, especi...
Female Genital Surgeries and Multicultural Feminism: The Ties that Bind; The Differences That Distance

Several years ago I wrote an article on female genital surgeries.' Although in part, my purpose was to inform about the surgeries, my main objective was to propose a three-part approach to multicultural feminist dialogue that attempts to elucidate both the ties and the distances between women of varying backgrounds. I located myself as an African-American feminist, but also and most important, as a Western feminist,2 and asked other Western feminists to work through the three steps in approaching "culturally challenging" practices like female genital surgeries (FGS).3 The approach involves: 1)understanding one's own historical context; 2) appreciating how the "other" might perceive you especially as regards the colonial/imperial heritage that Western feminists have been bequeathed; and, 3) recognizing the complexities of the life and circumstances of the "other" women in her particular context.
Biological Individuality: The Identity and Persistence of Living Entities

Acknowledgements Part I. Beyond Horses and Oak Trees: A New Theory of Individuation for Living Entities: 1. Introduction 2. The meaning of 'a life' 3. The poverty of examples 4. Imaginary examples and conceptual analysis 5. What is it? Part II. The Biological and Philosophical Roots of Individuality: 6. Why biologists (should) care about individuality 7. Philosophers on living entities 8. Natural kinds and substantial kinds 9. Patterns and natural kinds Part III. Individuality and Equivocation: 10. Paradigm individuals: the higher animals 11. Other possible solutions 12. The proposed solution Part IV. The Necessity of Biological Origin and Substantial Kinds: 13. A valid argument for sortal essentialism 14. The necessity of biological origin 15. Sex 16. Species membership and the necessity of genealogy Part V. Generation and Corruption: 17. Genetic individuals 18. Functional individuals 19. Developmental individuals 20. Raising the dead Part VI. Personal Identity Naturalized: Our Bodies, Our Selves: 21. Human beings as biological entities 22. Is a person a human being? 23. Conclusions Appendix. Identity and sortals: why relative identity is self-contradictory Notes References Index.
You did this to yourself! Stigma and blame in lung cancer

Respondents(N = 224)read1of 4scenarios:aheavysmoker,amoderatesmoker,an occasionalsmoker,oranonsmokerdiagnosedwithlungcancer.Resultsshowedthat smokers with lung cancer received more blame than did nonsmokers. Nonsmokers assigned more blame to tobacco companies and cigarette advertising and made more negative attributions about lung cancer victims. Respondents high in smoking-cessation efficacy assigned more blame and negative attributions to lung cancer victims. This study suggests that lung cancer is stigmatized because of the widelyheldbelief thatitispreventable.Interventionsmustencouragesmokerstobe vigilant about their lung health, to know the symptoms of lung cancer, and to see their doctor immediately if they experience lung problems.
Program strategies for standards development for hazardous-waste incineration

The principal goal of the EPA Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL) in assessing the quality of measurements is the development of accurate standards that may be used by agency personnel (federal, state, and local) to audit and assess the quality of measurements. EMSL's development of ppb cylinder gas standards, containing hazardous organic compounds, was initiated to meet the need for audit materials to assess the quality of trial-burn-test measurements during hazardous-waste incineration. The logic used in selecting organics for this standards development and the procedure used to ensure the highest possible accuracy in these standards are described. Also discussed is the apparent need for high-quality gas standards for ambient-air hazardous organic measurements and the extent to which the current inventory of 29 organic standards fulfills this need.
Analysis of canonical low-profile radiators on isoimpedance metamaterial substrates

[1] We analyze some canonical low-profile electromagnetic radiators in the presence of “isoimpedance” substrates configured as anisotropic metamaterials having constitutive tensors that are impedance-matched to free space for all incidence angles. The metamaterials considered here are devised to increase the electrical thickness of the substrate without producing surface waves. We study the effect of such metamaterial substrates on basic properties such as input impedance, return loss, and radiation pattern.
Abstract 1748: Usp9x as a novel therapeutic target in human pancreatic cancer

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Usp9x regulates tumor cell survival and responsiveness to targeted-, chemo- and radio-therapy in a broad number of tumors through effects on multiple proteins. The role of Usp9x in human pancreatic cancer is largely unknown, although a recent study demonstrated that Usp9x co-operated in promoting KrasG12D tumorigenesis in mice. To examine Usp9x tumorigenicity and therapeutic potential of Usp9x inhibition in human pancreatic cancer vs. mouse pancreatic tumor models we developed 3D cultures of cell lines established from constitutive (8041) and doxycycline-inducible (4668) KrasG12D/Tp53R172H mouse pancreatic tumors, established human cell lines (BxPC3, PANC1 and MIAPACA2) and spontaneously immortalized human pancreatic patient tumor derived cell lines (UM2, UM6, UM16 and UM76). The effect of Usp9x knockdown (KD), overexpression (OE) or Usp9x activity inhibition by our small molecule deubiquitinase inhibitor EOAI3402143 (G9) were assessed by growth in 2D and 3D culture and anti-tumor efficacy studies in mouse (8041) and human (MIAPACA2) xenograft models. Usp9x KD in constitutive KrasG12D/Tp53R172H 8041 cells led to a 3-fold increase in the number of colonies formed in 3D and Usp9x KD sustained 3D colony growth even after withdrawal of mutant Kras support in KrasG12D/Tp53R172H inducible 4668 cells. Usp9x-OE in 8041 cells decreased 3D colony growth by 2.5-fold. These results contrast with outcomes in human pancreatic tumors where Usp9x KD induced either rapid apoptosis (in MIAPACA2) or reduced 3D colony formation by >50% (in PANC1). Usp9x-OE in PANC1 cells enhanced 3D colony growth (2-fold) and increased invasion activity in Boyden chambers (3.5-fold). Mechanistically, we found differential effects of Usp9x on mutant Kras protein expression levels in mouse vs human cells. In vivo G9 treatment (15 mg/kg, every other day) of mouse 8041 xenografts showed a statistically insignificant trend towards tumor growth inhibition but effectively inhibited MIAPACA2 tumor growth in mice. Usp9x KD in human pancreatic patient tumor cell lines inhibited 3D colony growth by >75% and this activity was phenocopied by G9 with nM efficacy. We conclude that Usp9x acts as a tumor promoter in established human pancreatic cancer and a tumor suppressor in murine cells from genetically engineered pancreatic tumors, possibly through differential regulation of mutant Kras. Overall, these results suggest that Usp9x may be a novel therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Anupama Pal, Marina Pasca Di Magliano, Diane Simeone, Luke Peterson, Harish Potu, Moshe Talpaz, Nicholas Donato. Usp9x as a novel therapeutic target in human pancreatic cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1748. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1748
Employment and residential characteristics in relation to automated external defibrillator locations

Background Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is generally poor and varies by geography. Variability in automated external defibrillator (AED) locations may be a contributing factor. To inform optimal placement of AEDs, we investigated AED access in a major US city relative to demographic and employment characteristics. Methods and Results This was a retrospective analysis of a Philadelphia AED registry (2,559 total AEDs). The 2010 US Census and the Local Employment Dynamics database by ZIP code was used. Automated external defibrillator access was calculated as the weighted areal percentage of each ZIP code covered by a 400-m radius around each AED. Of 47 ZIP codes, only 9% (4) were high-AED-service areas. In 26% (12) of ZIP codes, less than 35% of the area was covered by AED service areas. Higher-AED-access ZIP codes were more likely to have a moderately populated residential area ( P = .032), higher median household income ( P = .006), and higher paying jobs ( P =. 008). Conclusions The locations of AEDs vary across specific ZIP codes; select residential and employment characteristics explain some variation. Further work on evaluating OHCA locations, AED use and availability, and OHCA outcomes could inform AED placement policies. Optimizing the placement of AEDs through this work may help to increase survival.
Novice Superintendent Perceptions of Preparation Adequacy and Problems of Practice.

This article reports the results of a survey of novice superintendents in California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. The research provides a profile of novice superintendents and their opinions regarding the adequacy of academic preparation and the problems they encountered after entering this challenging position. Findings indicate that the novices were typical demographically of all superintendents, and generally, they were satisfied with their academic preparation. However, they were highly focused on managerial problems, an outcome likely explained by nature of their employing districts. The typical novice was employed in a district that (a) was rural (b) enrolled less than 1,000 students, and (c) was below average in taxable wealth. Findings and conclusions provide insights for improving academic preparation and for considering changes to state policy that could affect qualifications for this challenging position.
High efficiency coherent beam combining of semiconductor optical amplifiers

We demonstrate 40 W coherently combined output power in a single diffraction-limited beam from a one-dimensional 47-element array of angled-facet slab-coupled optical waveguide amplifiers at 1064 nm. The output from each emitter was collimated and overlapped onto a diffractive optical element combiner using a common transform lens. Phase locking was achieved via active feedback on each amplifier’s drive current to maximize the power in the combined beam. The combining efficiency at all current levels was nearly constant at 87%.
The WD40-repeat proteins WDR-20 and WDR-48 bind and activate the deubiquitinating enzyme USP-46 to promote the abundance of the glutamate receptor GLR-1 in the ventral nerve cord of Caenorhabditis elegans

Ubiquitin-mediated endocytosis and degradation of glutamate receptors controls their synaptic abundance and is implicated in modulating synaptic strength. The deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) that function in the nervous system are beginning to be defined, but the mechanisms that control DUB activity in vivo are understood poorly. We found previously that the DUB USP-46 deubiquitinates the Caenorhabditis elegans glutamate receptor GLR-1 and prevents its degradation in the lysosome. The WD40-repeat (WDR) proteins WDR20 and WDR48/UAF1 have been shown to bind to USP46 and stimulate its catalytic activity in other systems. Here we identify the C. elegans homologs of these WDR proteins and show that C. elegans WDR-20 and WDR-48 can bind and stimulate USP-46 catalytic activity in vitro. Overexpression of these activator proteins in vivo increases the abundance of GLR-1 in the ventral nerve cord, and this effect is further enhanced by coexpression of USP-46. Biochemical characterization indicates that this increase in GLR-1 abundance correlates with decreased levels of ubiquitin-GLR-1 conjugates, suggesting that WDR-20, WDR-48, and USP-46 function together to deubiquitinate and stabilize GLR-1 in neurons. Overexpression of WDR-20 and WDR-48 results in alterations in locomotion behavior consistent with increased glutamatergic signaling, and this effect is blocked in usp-46 loss-of-function mutants. Conversely, wdr-20 and wdr-48 loss-of-function mutants exhibit changes in locomotion behavior that are consistent with decreased glutamatergic signaling. We propose that WDR-20 and WDR-48 form a complex with USP-46 and stimulate the DUB to deubiquitinate and stabilize GLR-1 in vivo.
Relationship of Mechanical and Movement Factors to Prenatal Musculoskeletal Development

Physical and occupational therapists analyze mechanical forces and movements to understand human musculoskeletal dysfunction. Based on this analysis, therapists impose maechanical forces and movements on patients during intervention in order to normalize musculoskeletal tisses. The direct imposition of these forces on the fetus is limited, but the identification and analysis of them is an exiciting area of exploration and reserach that may ultimately enhance interventiaon. The effects of these external and internal forces on the fetus are reveiwed, and the areas of ongoing reserach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are discussed.
Effects of energy transfer among Er 3+ ions on the fluorescence decay and lasing properties of heavily doped Er:Y 3 Al 5 O 12

Nonexponential fluorescence decay has been observed from both 4I11/2 and 4I13/2 states of Er3+ ions in heavily doped Er: YAG at room temperature. Processes of cross relaxation that originate in these states are shown to be responsible. Rate equations that include cross-relaxation processes are written and numerically solved, to result in the determination of the cross-relaxation coefficients. It is found that these coefficients do not change with Er3+ concentration. The effects of the cross-relaxation processes of Er3+ ions on fluorescence decay and lasing properties are discussed.
Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis–Autoimmune Hepatitis Overlap Syndrome

Background & Aims The prevalence of and the most appropriate way to diagnose the primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)–chronic autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap syndrome are uncertain. We investigated the prevalence of PBC and AIH and their level of overlap at a tertiary referral center, along with clinical, biochemical, and serologic characteristics. Methods We reviewed data from all patients with PBC (n = 609) and/or AIH (n = 15) examined at the Tufts Medical Center (Boston, MA) from January 1, 2000, to June 20, 2006. PBC was diagnosed based on 2 of the following 3 results: 6 months of positive results in tests for cholestatic liver enzymes, a positive result in a test for antimitochondrial antibodies, or a liver biopsy that indicated PBC. AIH was defined as an alanine aminotransferase level of 200 U/L or greater (≥5-fold above normal), a liver biopsy that indicated severe interface hepatitis, and levels of immunoglobulin G 2-fold or greater than that of normal. Results Only 6 patients with PBC (1%) met the Paris criteria for the overlap syndrome. If we included 9 patients with PBC who did not meet the Paris criteria, but had results from liver enzyme tests and liver biopsy analyses that indicated improvement after treatment with prednisone, the prevalence was 15 (2.8%). This is at the low end of previously reported prevalence values for overlap of PBC and AIH (2%–20%). Conclusions The prevalence of the PBC–AIH overlap syndrome varies among medical centers. We propose that if the definition of PBC–AIH overlap syndrome be modified to include patients with unequivocal responses to prednisone despite not meeting the Paris criteria, this would improve treatment of patients.
Dying on the way: The influence of migrational mortality on neutral models of spatial variation

Migrational mortality is introduced into the classical Malecot model for migration, mutation, and random genetic drift. To assess the influence of mortality, its effect on the backward migration rates and on the probabilities of identity in allelic state are studied. Perhaps surprisingly, some of the former may increase, but as is intuitive, their sum always decreases. As expected, in the island model, mortality does not change the migration pattern, but it decreases the migration rate. Furthermore, it decreases the expected heterozygosity, but increases the genetic diversity and differentiation. The circular habitat and the unbounded, linear stepping-stone model also illustrate the general results. Arbitrary migration is also analyzed. If migration is sufficiently weak, then mortality diminishes every migration rate; it decreases the expected heterozygosity and the genetic similarity between demes. In the strong-migration limit, mortality may raise or lower the probability of identity in state. Perhaps unexpectedly, under mild and reasonable biological assumptions, mortality does not alter the diffusion limit of the probabilities of identity.
Computer modelling for ion-beam system design

Abstract The design of ion-beam transport systems based on computer modelling is discussed and some typical examples are presented. Integrated modelling work involves beam envelope programs to design overall systems, Poisson or Laplace solutions to calculate electric and magnetic fields in the system, ray-trace programs to see the collective movement of charged particles, plasma solutions for the consideration of the target environment and plasma-simulation programs to predict possible microscopic interactions between charged species and the fields. Experimental checks to assure the performance of the beam-line components are also given and explained. These are used as a means of making more accurate predictions in the future.
Modulation of bleomycin‐induced pulmonary toxicity in the hamster by the antioxidant amifostine

BACKGROUND Bleomycin produces lung fibrosis in a wide variety of species. In humans, it can cause significant morbidity and mortality when used to treat malignancies such as lymphoma and testicular carcinoma. In rodents, it has been extensively used to study key mechanisms of lung injury and repair. Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity is mediated, at least in part, by the generation of active oxygen species. Amifostine, an aminothiol compound, is a cytoprotectant that is used with many antitumor agents and can act as a potent scavenger of free radicals. The authors hypothesized that amifostine could ameliorate bleomycin lung injury. METHODS Hamsters weighing 120 g were given an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of amifostine (200 mg/kg, 1180 mg/m2) or saline with intratracheal (IT) bleomycin (1 unit) or saline, followed by daily IP amifostine or saline for 6 days. Lungs were assessed on Day 2 for acute lung injury, which was determined by wet-to-dry lung weight ratios. On Day 21, histologic assessment of fibrosis and biochemical analysis of lung hydroxyproline content were performed. RESULTS No significant differences in morbidity or mortality were observed among the groups. Animals who received IT bleomycin, when compared with controls, had increased lung water measurements on Day 2 that were consistent with acute inflammation; on Day 21, they had pulmonary fibrosis, as measured by morphometric analysis, as well as increased hydroxyproline content. For animals treated with amifostine and bleomycin, significant decreases in wet-to-dry lung weight ratios were observed (mean ± standard deviation, 4.5 ± 1.2 vs. 10.2 ± 2.7), as well as significant decreases in the percentage of fibrosis per lung (15.03% ± 3.27 vs. 37.26% ± 5.76) and hydroxyproline content (1.132 ± 0.30 vs. 1.831 ± 0.243). CONCLUSIONS Amifostine significantly decreased the amount of acute lung injury and subsequent fibrosis in the hamster model of bleomycin-induced lung injury. Cancer 1998;83:2008-2014. © 1998 American Cancer Society.
Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines: synthetic approaches to a novel class of antiherpetics

Synthesis of a novel class of 7-amino-3-pyrimidinyl-pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine antiherpetic compounds is described. The synthetic methodology is designed to allow for rapid analog synthesis around the C-3 and C-7 positions of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine. The 7-chloropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine D, produced through an azirine rearrangement, served as a key building block. Two complementary methodologies for construction of the C-3 pyrimidine are described. These methods include the development of a novel cyclization utilizing alkynyl ketones or enones to give highly substituted pyrimidines. The outlined strategies facilitated late stage manipulation of either the C-3 or C-7 positions providing flexibility for rapid analog synthesis.
Employing the periphery: the window as interface

This paper describes work which employs a room's window as a location for a peripheral interface. Windows have several properties which make them well-suited to unobtrusive display including their transparency, their positive associations for people and natural peripheral use by them, and their nature as a clean and pleasing interface between spaces. We have initially explored the display of graphical weather forecasts, of activity in the space outside the window, and of historical images of the space outside the window, to augment users' sense of spatial and temporal context in their daily lives.
Leptin responses to weight loss in postmenopausal women: relationship to sex-hormone binding globulin and visceral obesity.

Objective: Leptin concentrations increase with obesity and tend to decrease with weight loss. However, there is large variation in the response of serum leptin levels to decreases in body weight. This study examines which endocrine and body composition factors are related to changes in leptin concentrations following weight loss in obese, postmenopausal women. Research Methods and Procedures: Body composition (DXA), visceral obesity (computed tomography), leptin, cortisol, insulin, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations were measured in 54 obese (body mass index [BMI] = 32.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2; mean ± SD), women (60 ± 6 years) before and after a 6-month hypocaloric diet (250 to 350 kcal/day deficit). Results: Body weight decreased by 5.8 ± 3.4 kg (7.1%) and leptin levels decreased by 6.6 ± 11.9 ng/mL (14.5%) after the 6-month treatment. Insulin levels decreased 10% (p < 0.05), but mean SHBG and cortisol levels did not change significantly. Relative changes in leptin with weight loss correlated positively with relative changes in body weight (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001), fat mass (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), subcutaneous fat area (r = 0.52, p < 0.0001), and with baseline values of SHBG (r = 0.38, p < 0.01) and baseline intra-abdominal fat area (r = −0.27, p < 0.06). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that baseline SHBG levels (r2 = 0.24, p < 0.01), relative changes in body weight (cumulative r2 = 0.40, p < 0.05), and baseline intra-abdominal fat area (cumulative r2 = 0.48, p < 0.05) were the only independent predictors of the relative change in leptin, accounting for 48% of the variance. Discussion: These results suggest that obese, postmenopausal women with a lower initial SHBG and more visceral obesity have a greater decrease in leptin with weight loss, independent of the amount of weight lost.
VORTEX-FREE LANDAU STATE IN ROTATING SUPERFLUID HELIUM.

Evidence is presented that below a rather large angular velocity, ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c1}$, there is a vortex-free state in rotating locked helium, which we call the Landau state. This is similar to the Meissner state in superconductors. We further show that all the properties of the rotating helium have counterparts in irreversible type-II superconductors and find that ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{c2}$ (analogous to ${H}_{c2}$) greatly exceeds our high speeds of rotation.
The relationship of temperament and adjustment in Japanese schools.

ABSTRACT We hypothesized that children whose temperaments match the features, demands, and values of their environment will demonstrate a better fit or adjustment to that environment. Culture is one factor that influences the environment. This study examined the temperament ideal held by Japanese teachers (N = 18) as well as the relationship between judged temperament and the adjustment of children (N = 108) in kindergarten, first-, and second-grade Japanese classrooms. A questionnaire assessed a range of temperament for both ideal and actual judgments. Temperament ideals were consistent with previous sociological research. Good adjustment was significantly related to high task orientation, persistence, and flexibility, as well as to an approaching (as opposed to a withdrawing) style and a positive mood. The child who fit the cultural ideal of a “good child” was also perceived as better adjusted to the programs, and to the adults and peers in Japanese schools.
The effects of a monetary incentive and the ethnicity of the sponsor's signature on the rate and quality of response to A mail survey

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a monetary incentive and the ethnicity of the sponsor's signature on the rate and quality of response to a mail survey. Six hundred subjects were randomly assigned to four groups. One group received a mail survey from “Leroy Jefferson,” apparently a Black individual, with a 25% monetary incentive included. Group two also received a questionnaire from “Leroy Jefferson,” but without the monetary incentive. Groups three (25 ϕ included) and four (no monetary incentive) were sent questionnaires from “John Richardson,” an ethnically unidentifiable sponsor. The questionnaire was a 16-item attitudes towards Black scale. The results of the study demonstrated the value of a monetary incentive in increasing the rate of response. The name of the sponsor, however, did not affect either the rate of response or the quality of response (i. e. the scores on the attitude scale).
Bias Correction in Generalized Linear Mixed Models with Multiple Components of Dispersion

Abstract General formulas are derived for the asymptotic bias in regression coefficients and variance components estimated by penalized quasi-likelihood (PQL) in generalized linear mixed models with canonical link function and multiple sets of independent random effects. Easily computed correction matrices result in variance component estimates that have satisfactory asymptotic behavior for small values of the variance components and significantly reduce bias for larger values. Both first-order and second-order correction procedures are developed for regression coefficients estimated by PQL. The methods are illustrated through an analysis of an experiment on salamander matings involving crossed male and female random effects, and their properties are evaluated in a simulation study.
The nebulous art of using wind tunnel aerofoil data for predicting rotor performance

The objective of this study was threefold: to evaluate different two-dimensional S809 aerofoil data sets in the prediction of rotor performance; to compare blade element momentum rotor predicted results with lifting surface, prescribed wake results; and to compare the NASA Ames combined experiment rotor measured data with the two different performance prediction methods. The S809 aerofoil data sets evaluated included those from Delft University of Technology, Ohio State University and Colorado State University. Substantial differences in prediction performance resulted from the different two-dimensional aerofoil data sets. Predicted performance comparison with NASA Ames data documents shortcomings of these methods and recommends the use of the lifting surface, prescribed wake method over blade element momentum theory for future analytical improvements. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrative genomic approaches to understanding cancer

Further advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer require a more complete knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that program the malignant state. Until recently, identifying and validating genetic alterations in tumors that contribute to cancer involved painstaking efforts focused primarily on single mutations. However, the application of whole genome approaches to the study of cancer now makes it possible to contemplate performing systematic characterizations of the structural basis of cancer by identifying mutations associated with each cancer type. In parallel, recent technological advances also make it possible to methodically characterize the function of putative oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. The integration of these approaches now provides the means to not only derive a complete molecular description of cancer but will also provide well-validated targets for the development of therapeutic agents.
Managing Treatment Resistant Violent Adolescents: A Step Forward by Substituting Seclusion for Mechanical Restraint?

Despite a growing consensus that seclusion or restraint should never be used with children or adolescents, there are a few patients who are resistant to treatment, and are persistently violent. The purpose of this study was to measure the efficacy of installing a padded seclusion room to decrease the use of mechanical restraints, a potentially more emotionally traumatic and dangerous intervention than seclusion. After padded room installation, the number of monthly mechanical restraint events per 1000 patient days decreased by 93.7%, from 21.2 to 1.3. A padded seclusion room may offer a safer, albeit a less than desirable alternative to mechanical restraint.
Erythrocyte membrane fluidity in chicken muscular dystrophy.

Abstract An increased rigidity of erythrocyte membranes in four-week old dystrophic chickens compared to closely related normal controls has been suggested using electron spin resonance. These findings suggest that similar to the case of human Duchenne muscular dystrophy, chicken muscular dystrophy may be associated with a generalized membrane defect.
Directionally independent failure prediction of end-mill cutting tools: An investigation of noise reduction using higher dimensional real fourier analysis

Accurate on-line forecasting of a tool's condition during end-milling operations is advantageous to the functionality and reliability of automated industrial processes. The ability to disengage the tool prior to catastrophic failure reduces manufacturing costs, excessive machine deterioration, and personnel hazards. Rapid computational feedback describing the system's state is critical for realizing a practical failure forecasting model. To this end, spectral analysis by fast Fourier type algorithms allows a rapid computational response. The research described herein explores the development of nontraditional real FFT (Discrete Cosine Transform) based algorithms performed in unique higher-dimensional states of observed datasets. The developed Fourier algorithm is novel since it quantifies chaotic noise rather than relying on the more traditional observation of system energy. By increasing the vector dimensionality of the DCT, the respective linear transform basis will more effectively cross-correlate the transform data into fewer (more significant) transform coefficients. Thus, a single vector in orthogonally higher-dimensional space is observed instead of multiple orthogonal vectors in single-dimensional space. More specifically, a novel noise reduction technique is utilized to track trends measured from tri-axial force dynamometer signals. This transformation effectively achieves both system noise reduction and directional independence by observing the chaotic noise instead of system energy. Algorithm output trends from six end-milling life-tests are tracked from both linear and pocketing maneuvers in order to demonstrate the technique's capabilities. In all six tests, the algorithm predicts impending tool failure with sufficient time for tool removal.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Institutionalizing social analysis at the world bank

Abstract This paper considers the ways in which social analysis has developed and been institutionalized in the World Bank. It briefly sketches a history of the ways in which social factors have been taken into account in Bank operations and assesses the extent to which conditions have been met for successfully integrating a social perspective within this particular institutional context and culture. The paper concludes that considerable progress has been made in increasing awareness of social issues, introducing policies in certain key areas, operationalizing social assessment procedures, and increasing social science staffing. Current management interest in social development presents a strategic opportunity to consolidate the gains already achieved. However, substantial challenges remain. Most importantly, a clearly articulated and integrated social policy is lacking, and the circumstances in which social analysis should be required have yet to be codified.
Using Procedural Codes to Supplement Risk Adjustment: A Nonparametric Learning Approach

Background The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program collects information related to procedures in the form of the work relative value unit (RVU) and current procedural terminology (CPT) code. We propose and evaluate a fully automated nonparametric learning approach that maps individual CPT codes to perioperative risk. Study Design National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file data for 2005−2006 were used to develop 2 separate support vector machines (SVMs) to learn the relationship between CPT codes and 30-day mortality or morbidity. SVM parameters were determined using cross-validation. SVMs were evaluated on participant use file data for 2007 and 2008. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) were each compared with the respective AUROCs for work RVU and for standard CPT categories. We then compared the AUROCs for multivariable models, including preoperative variables, RVU, and CPT categories, with and without the SVM operation scores. Results SVM operation scores had AUROCs between 0.798 and 0.822 for mortality and between 0.745 and 0.758 for morbidity on the participant use file used for both training (2005−2006) and testing (2007 and 2008). This was consistently higher than the AUROCs for both RVU and standard CPT categories (p Conclusions Nonparametric methods from artificial intelligence can translate CPT codes to aid in the assessment of perioperative risk. This approach is fully automated and can complement the use of work RVU or traditional CPT categories in multivariable risk adjustment models like the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
Transforming protein of simian sarcoma virus stimulates autocrine growth of SSV-transformed cells through PDGF cell-surface receptors

Simian sarcoma virus-transformed NIH 3T3 (SSV-NIH 3T3) and SSV-NRK cells secrete a potent growth-promoting activity identical with the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in mitogenic assays. The secreted activity is blocked by anti-PDGF antisera and competes with 125I-PDGF for receptor binding, suggesting that the secreted protein is the transforming protein of SSV, p28v-sis, or its processed product. Secreted p28v-sis appears to stimulate autocrine cell growth of SSV-transformed cells because anti-PDGF antisera block 3H-thymidine incorporation into growing SSV-NIH 3T3 and SSV-NRK cells. SSV-transformed cells have reduced numbers of high-affinity 125I-PDGF receptors; PDGF/p28v-sis receptor was purified from SSV-NIH 3T3 cells and retained active protein tyrosine kinase activity stimulated by PDGF. The rate of tumor growth in athymic nude mice injected with SSV-transformed cells was compared with levels of secreted growth factor activity. The rate of tumor growth in nude mice correlated directly with levels of p28v-sis secreted by SSV-transformed cells.