cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Historical perspectives of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery: Thomas H. Burford (1907-1977).

Thomas Hannahan Burford, 51st president of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), was a native of New Franklin in central Missouri, born on December 23, 1907. Burford’s nickname ‘‘Black Tom’’ originally referred to his jet-black hair but persisted throughout his career because of his strict discipline and polarizing military temperament. Black Tom spent much of his youth hunting and fishing the tributaries of the Missouri River, experiences that instilled in him a rugged, self-sufficient character and pioneering innovativeness that eventually propelled his career in the relatively underdeveloped specialty of thoracic surgery during the mid-twentieth century. He also inherited a thorough admiration and fascination with trains and railroads from his father, who was a conductor on the Katy (Missouri–Texas) Line. Burford received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia and completed medical school at Yale University in 1936. Burford received his general and thoracic surgery training at Barnes Hospital, Washington University. Burford and Lawrence Shefts were the first residents in the newly created, formal 2-year thoracic residency organized by Dr Evarts Graham (10th AATS president) and the program director Dr Brian Blades (37th AATS president) in 1940. The Washington University thoracic residency was the second such program in the country; John Alexander (17th AATS president) had established the first at the University of Michigan. Not long after finishing his training, Burford entered the Army and was assigned to the Second Auxiliary Surgical Group, which comprised 27 general surgeons and 5 thoracic surgeons, including Burford and Shefts, Paul Samson (48th AATS president), Lyman Brewer (54th AATS president), and Reeve Betts, considered by many to be the father of cardiothoracic surgery in India. The ‘‘Second Aux’’ was under the ultimate control of Colonel Edwin Churchill (28th AATS president), who left his post as Chief of Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital to serve as Chief Consultant in Surgery for the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations. Initially, there was a strong belief among the regular
Alcohol use from ages 9 to 16: A cohort-sequential latent growth model

This study examined alcohol use from pre-adolescence to mid-adolescence and determined the influence of hypothesized covariates on changes in alcohol use rates during this developmental period. The sample comprised 405 randomly recruited youth from three age cohorts (9, 11, and 13 years), assessed annually for 4 years. Youth were 48.4% female, 50.4% African-American, and 49.6% White. A cohort-sequential latent growth model was employed which modeled alcohol use (use versus non-use) from ages 9 to 16 years, accounting for demographic variables of gender, race, parent marital status, and family economic status. Covariates of alcohol use included parent alcohol use, family alcohol problems, family cohesion, parent supervision, peer deviance, peer alcohol use, and peer encouragement of alcohol use. Results showed that proportions of alcohol users increased steadily from ages 9 to 16 years. Significant covariates were found on the intercept and slope. Being female and higher levels of parent alcohol use were associated with higher initial rates of alcohol use, whereas greater friends' encouragement of alcohol use was related to lower initial rates of alcohol use (intercept). Alternatively, more peer deviance and friends' encouragement of alcohol use was related to an increase in alcohol use rates from ages 9 to 16 years (slope), as was being White and from a single-parent family.
Afrocentric Perspectives on Political Participation and Leadership in Louisiana Prior to 1965

This study suggests an “Afrocentric” perspective for analyzing African American political behavior and applies the concept to data from Louisiana elections prior to 1965. The analysis indicates that use of individual characteristics of voters neglects contextual factors determining voter support for African American candidates. Voter registration and participation turn out to be largely a function of discrimination consistent with the “social threat” hypothesis.
Field-effect transistors made by functionalized pentacene with logic gate applications

Funtionalized pentancene, 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene), field-effect transistors (FET) were made by thermal evaporation or solution deposition methods and the temperature dependent mobility was measured. The field-effect mobility (μFET) activation energy is gate voltage dependent. At low gate voltage, activated conduction is dominant with Ea ∼ 0.27 eV, slightly smaller than the bulk value, and the activation energy decreases with increasing gate voltage. This is ascribed to traps in the film. A non-monotonic temperature dependence is observed at high gate voltage (VG<−30 V) with Ea ∼ 60 – 170 meV at lower temperatures below the mobility maximum. Realization of simple logic gate circuits such as NOT (inverter), NOR, and NAND is demonstrated.
Orthogonal solid-phase synthesis of N-glycopeptides using backbone protection to eliminate aspartimide formation

The side reaction of aspartimide formation during the activation of aspartic acid-containing peptides was eliminated by using backbone protection. The methodology was applied in the orthogonal solid-phase synthesis of N-glycopeptides.
Selectivity for nitrogen formation in NH3 oxidation in wet and dry systems over mixed molybdenum oxides

Abstract To overcome the problem of NH3 formation and reoxidation to NO in automotive dual catalytic systems, it has been suggested to use mixed base metal oxides for the conversion of NH3 to N2. The present work reexamines this suggestion and the effect of the prevailing high H 2 O NH 3 ratio in the exhaust stream on its applicability. It has been found that, at high H 2 O NH 3 ratio in the treated gas, the range of conditions under which the formation of NN bonds prevails is drastically narrowed. The behavior of copper, cobalt and iron molybdates in this surface reaction was examined and that of the copper molybdate was compared with the activity and selectivity of the pure oxides-CuO and MoO3.
Identification of disease gene variants based on gene–gene interactions

New methods are needed for the identification of pathogenic alleles of candidate genes that may increase cancer susceptibility. Such risk alleles are expected to be of low penetrance and may act alone or modify the effects of other genes. We have developed a method that enriches for pathogenetic disease variants contingent on gene−gene interactions. Candidate gene pairs are chosen based on previous evidence demonstrating genetic or biochemical interaction. Utilizing a cohort of sibling pairs affected with breast cancer, we tested this paradigm by identifying risk variants of cell cycle control gene CDKN1A by means of interactions with TP53 and BRCA1. This approach, which we call disease association by locus stratification, first stratified affected pairs based on sharing of both alleles at a microsatellite marker linked to CDKN1A. The second stratification was based on microsatellite marker sharing at TP53 or BRCA1. We identified subsets of affected pairs sharing both alleles at both loci as screening targets. Utilizing this approach, we were able to enrich for two noncoding disease haplotypes of CDKN1A by virtue of BRCA1 interactions. We defined each haplotype by single-nucleotide polymorphisms at two positions potentially important in CDKN1A transcriptional activation by both p53 and BRCA1p. Our results indicated that an approach based on allele sharing and gene−gene interactions will be valuable not only in identifying risk alleles but also in elucidating their mechanism of action.
Isolated atrial septal defect with pulmonary vascular obstructive disease--long-term follow-up and prediction of outcome after surgical correction.

We examined the cases of 702 patients found to have isolated atrial septal defect of the secundum or sinus venosus type at catheterization from 1953 to 1978. Forty patients (6%), 34 women and six men, had pulmonary vascular obstructive disease, with a total pulmonary resistance greater than 7 U/m2; of these patients 26 (mean age 47 years) underwent surgical closure and 14 (mean age 44 years) received medical treatment. All patients were followed for at least 4 years, with a median follow-up of 12 years. At the most recent follow-up, 17 of the 40 patients were dead. Of the 22 surgically treated patients with total pulmonary resistance less than 15 U/m2, 19 were alive with significant regression of symptoms. All four surgically treated patients with total pulmonary resistance greater than or equal to 15 U/m2 were dead. Of the five medically treated patients with total pulmonary resistance less than 15 U/m2, four had died, and one was alive with significant progression of symptoms. Of the nine medically trea...
Information gathering in adversarial systems: lines and cycles

In this paper we consider the problem of routing packets to a single destination in a dynamically changing network, where both the network and the packet injections are under adversarial control. Routing packets to a single destination is also known as information gathering. Information gathering is an important communication primitive for sensor networks. Since sensor networks have a wide range of civilian and military applications, they have recently attracted a great deal of research attention. Several communication protocols have already been suggested for sensor networks, but not much theoretical work has been done so far in this area. Information gathering is an important primitive to allow an observer to collect information from the sensors. Because sensors usually do not move, they form a static topology of possible communication links, but since sensors may frequently be in sleep mode or their communication may be disrupted by interference or obstacles, communication links may be up and down in an unpredictable way. In this paper, we consider sensor networks forming lines or cycles of unreliable edges. Already these seemingly simple topologies are difficult to handle by online algorithms, and the best previously known algorithms require by a factor of θ(n) more buffer size to achieve the same throughput as optimal routing algorithms, where n is the size of the network. We improve this factor to O(log n) and prove a matching lower bound that holds for all online algorithms.
Chip-level LMMSE equalization for downlink MIMO CDMA in fast fading environments

In this paper, we consider linear MMSE equalization for wireless downlink transmission with multiple transmit and receive antennas in fast fading environments. We propose a new algorithm based on the conjugate-gradient algorithm with enhanced channel estimation. In order to be robust to the channel variations, the channel coefficients are estimated by using a weighted sliding window. Two methods to determine optimal weights with respect to the Doppler frequency are proposed. The algorithm has been simulated in a fast fading environment (vehicular A with a velocity for the mobile station of 120 km/h). We show by simulations that good performance is obtained in a correlated fast fading environment with reasonable complexity. Moreover, this approach outperforms methods based on basic sliding window or forgetting factor and the LMS algorithm.
A simple method to study the effectiveness of bioremediation aided, pump-and-treat technology for aquifers contaminated by non-aqueous phase liquids. II. Multi-component systems

Abstract Environmental contaminants are frequently encountered as mixtures of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs). The dissolution of organic mixtures from the aquifer has been examined with and without biodegradation. Various physical processes involved have been quantified based on the assumptions that liquid-liquid and sorption equilibria are established at the beginning of each flushing; oxygen required for biochemical oxidation is completely consumed by the end of each flushing; and the rate of biochemical oxidation obeys the Monod kinetics for a multi-substrate system, characterized by an oxygen utilization factor. The mass fraction of any component remaining in the aquifer, its aqueous concentration, and the composition of the NAPL have been obtained as functions of the number of flushings (volume of the flushing solution/volume of the aqueous-phase voids). The results of the simulation with the model demonstrate that highly soluble components of the NAPL are mainly removed by the pump-and-treat mechanism while the components of extremely low solubility are unavailable to the microbes as substrates in a multi-component scenario. Bioremediation, however, transforms a significant proportion of the low solubility compounds after the more soluble components have been removed from the aquifer. The results also demonstrate that the rate of removal of compounds is retarded by the inclusion of a non-soluble component in the mixture.
The modulation of transthyretin tetramer stability by cysteine 10 adducts and the drug diflunisal. Direct analysis by fluorescence-detected analytical ultracentrifugation

Transthyretin (TTR) is normally a stable plasma protein. However, in cases of familial TTR-related amyloidosis and senile systemic amyloidosis (SSA), TTR is deposited as amyloid fibrils, leading to organ dysfunction and possibly death. The mechanism by which TTR undergoes the transition from stable, soluble precursor to insoluble amyloid fibril and the factors that promote this process are largely undetermined. Most models involve the dissociation of the native TTR tetramer as the initial step. It is largely accepted that the TTR gene mutations associated with TTR-related amyloidosis lead to the expression of variant proteins that are intrinsically unstable and prone to aggregation. It has been suggested that amyloidogenicity may be conferred to wild-type TTR (the form deposited in SSA) by chemical modification of the lone cysteine residue (Cys10) through mixed disulfide bonds. S-Sulfonation and S-cysteinylation are prevalent TTR modifications physiologically, and studies have suggested their ability to modulate the structure of TTR under denaturing conditions. In the present study, we have used fluorescence-detected sedimentation velocity to determine the effect of S-sulfonate and S-cysteine on the quaternary structural stability of fluorophore-conjugated recombinant TTR under nondenaturing conditions. We determined that S-sulfonation stabilized TTR tetramer stability by a factor of 7, whereas S-cysteinylation enhanced dissociation by 2-fold with respect to the unmodified form. In addition, we report the direct observation of tetramer stabilization by the potential therapeutic compound diflunisal. Finally, as proof of concept, we report the sedimentation of TTR in serum and the qualitative assessment of the resulting data.
Duration of Antigen Availability Influences the Expansion and Memory Differentiation of T Cells

The initial engagement of the TCR through interaction with cognate peptide-MHC is a requisite for T cell activation and confers Ag specificity. Although this is a key event in T cell activation, the duration of these interactions may affect the proliferative capacity and differentiation of the activated cells. In this study, we developed a system to evaluate the temporal requirements for antigenic stimulation during an immune response in vivo. Using Abs that target specific Ags in the context of MHC, we were able to manipulate the duration of Ag availability to both CD4 and CD8 T cells during an active infection. During the primary immune response, the magnitude of the CD4 and CD8 T cell response was dependent on the duration of Ag availability. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells required sustained antigenic stimulation for maximal expansion. Memory cell differentiation was also dependent on the duration of Ag exposure, albeit to a lesser extent. However, memory development did not correlate with the magnitude of the primary response, suggesting that the requirements for continued expansion of T cells and memory differentiation are distinct. Finally, a shortened period of Ag exposure was sufficient to achieve optimal expansion of both CD4 and CD8 T cells during a recall response. It was also revealed that limiting exposure to Ag late during the response may enhance the CD4 T cell memory pool. Collectively, these data indicated that Ag remains a critical component of the T cell response after the initial APC-T cell interaction.
RUGGED: routing on fingerprint gradients in sensor networks

Every physical event produces a fingerprint in the environment which results a natural information gradient in the proximity of the phenomenon. Moreover, many physical phenomena follow diffusion laws. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme to effectively exploit the natural information gradient to route a query in a sensor network. Our scheme uses multiple path exploration, and controls the instantiation of paths by simulated annealing. Unlike other information-driven protocols, our scheme eliminates the overhead of preparing and maintaining the gradient information repository. We apply our scheme to study three different problems: (1) single-value query, (2) global maxima search, and (3) multiple events detection. Simulation results have demonstrated that the routing protocol, based on our proposed scheme, is highly energy efficient and achieves over 98% success rate to route around sensor holes, even in the presence of environmental noise and malfunctioning sensor nodes. We also illustrate that our scheme is well suited for a broad-range of applications; e.g., time gradient based target tracking.
Isolates of Fusarium graminearum collected 40–320 meters above ground level cause Fusarium head blight in wheat and produce trichothecene mycotoxins

The aerobiology of fungi in the genus Fusarium is poorly understood. Many species of Fusarium are important pathogens of plants and animals and some produce dangerous secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins. In 2006 and 2007, autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to collect Fusarium 40–320 m above the ground at the Kentland Farm in Blacksburg, Virginia. Eleven single-spored isolates of Fusarium graminearum (sexual stage Gibberella zeae) collected with autonomous UAVs during fall, winter, spring, and summer months caused Fusarium head blight on a susceptible cultivar of spring wheat. Trichothecene genotypes were determined for all 11 of the isolates; nine isolates were DON/15ADON, one isolate was DON/3ADON, and one isolate was NIV. All of the isolates produced trichothecene mycotoxins in planta consistent with their trichothecene genotypes. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a NIV isolate of F. graminearum in Virginia, and DON/3ADON genotypes are rare in populations of the fungus recovered from infected wheat plants in the eastern United States. Our data are considered in the context of a new aerobiological framework based on atmospheric transport barriers, which are Lagrangian coherent structures present in the mesoscale atmospheric flow. This framework aims to improve our understanding of population shifts of F. graminearum and develop new paradigms that may link field and atmospheric populations of toxigenic Fusarium spp. in the future.
Variations in the Teleconnection of ENSO and Summer Rainfall in Northern China: A Role of the Indian Summer Monsoon*

Abstract Observational studies have created a dilemma on how El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) may have affected interannual variations of summer rainfall in northern China; some suggested a consistent effect while others showed a complete lack of effect. This dilemma is resolved in this study, which shows that ENSO has affected the summer rainfall in northern China and the effect has varied at multidecadal scales. The question of how the ENSO teleconnection with northern China rainfall variation was established is addressed, and an answer pointing to the Indian summer monsoon as a “facilitator” connecting ENSO and northern China rainfall variation is examined. The Indian monsoon circulation interacted with the regional circulations in northern China in some epochs and such interaction was interrupted in other epochs. When the interaction was active, the Indian monsoon variations originating from ENSO, during El Nino or La Nina, was extended to affect the rainfall variation in northern China, creating a...
Treating Bugs with Bugs: The Role of Probiotics as Adjunctive Therapy for Helicobacter pylori

Objective:To review the literature on the role of probiotics as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections.Data Sources:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-March 2011) using the terms H. pylori, probiotic, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Saccharomyces, Bacillus clausii, and Propionibacterium. Article references were hand-searched for additional relevant articles and abstracts.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language articles published in full were evaluated. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials assessing the use of probiotics combined with standard eradication therapy of H. pylori infection in adults were included in the review.Data Synthesis:Various probiotics, including Lactobacillus spp., Saccharomyces spp., Bifidobacterium spp., and B. clausii, reduce adverse effects such as nausea, taste disturbance, diarrhea, and epigastric pain, and increase tolerability of H. pylori eradication therapy. Based on the studies reviewed, probiotics do...
President's Letter to the ACM Membership

Computer programming deals with an enormous variety of activities and is carried on by people with a great variety of backgrounds. It seems clear that part but not all of this activity is evolving toward a distinct professional field, but that the scope of this emerging profession, and some of its economic, social, and educational characteristics are as yet by no means well defined. In this paper, these issues are examined and some opinions about them are expressed.
Self-Service Technologies: Understanding Customer Satisfaction with Technology-Based Service Encounters

Abstract Self-service technologies (SSTs) are increasingly changing the way customers interact with firms to create service outcomes. Given that the emphasis in the academic literature has focused almost exclusively on the interpersonal dynamics of service encounters, there is much to be learned about customer interactions with technology-based self-service delivery options. In this research, the authors describe the results of a critical incident study based on more than 800 incidents involving SSTs solicited from customers through a Web-based survey. The authors categorize these incidents to discern the sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with SSTs. The authors present a discussion of the resulting critical incident categories and their relationship to customer attributions, complaining behavior, word of mouth, and repeat purchase intentions, which is followed by implications for managers and researchers.
Unified losses for multi-modal pose coding and regression

Sparsity and redundancy reduction have been shown to be useful in machine learning, but empirical evaluation has been performed primarily on classification tasks using datasets of natural images and sounds. Similarly, the performance of unsupervised feature learning followed by supervised fine-tuning has primarily focused on classification tasks. In comparison, relatively little work has investigated the use of sparse codes for representing human movements and poses, or for using these codes in regression tasks with movement data. This paper defines a basic coding and regression architecture for evaluating the impact of sparsity when coding human pose information, and tests the performance of several coding methods within this framework for the task of mapping from a kinematic (joint angle) modality to a dynamic (joint torque) one. In addition, we evaluate the performance of unified loss functions defined on the same class of models. We show that, while sparse codes are useful for effective mappings between modalities, their primary benefit for this task seems to be in admitting overcomplete codebooks. We make use of the proposed architecture to examine in detail the sources of error for each stage in the model under various coding strategies. Furthermore, we show that using a unified loss function that passes gradient information between stages of the coding and regression architecture provides substantial reductions in overall error.
Technique for harmonic power reduction and efficiency enhancement in octave bandwidth TWT's

Efficiency degradation and excessive second harmonic power content frequently beset the performance of TWT's operating over an octave bandwidth. These difficulties can be surmounted upon application of a velocity-shift technique. Introduction of a circuit phase velocity-shift at intermediate levels of beam modulation provides effective means for substantial reduction (10 to 15 dB) in harmonic power content at tube saturation. More importantly, a considerable efficiency enhancement (by nearly a factor of two) is experienced over the entire band with the added benefit of notable improvement in BWO stability.
Targeting of chemical mutagens to differentiating B-lymphocytes in vivo: detection by direct DNA labeling and sister chromatid exchange induction.

In vivo systems for analyzing mutagen interactions with a specific differentiating cell population are rare. Taking advantage of the unique anatomical features of the bursa of Fabricius in the chicken, the authors explored the possibility of targeting chemical mutagens to a defined differentiating cell population in the animal, namely, the B-lymphocytes series. Such cells are known to be the targets for the oncogene-activating avian leukosis virus. Targeting of chemicals to cells of the bursa was demonstrated by application of the DNA-specific fluorochrome 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) to the anal lips of neonatal chicks. Bright nuclear fluorescence of cells in the bursa demonstrated to occur within minutes after the application of 500..mu..l of DAPI. DAPI labeling of nuclei was detected up to several days after a single application. No nuclear labeling was exhibited in cells of neighboring tissues. Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)(10..mu..l) was applied to the anal lips of day-old chicks to study dose-response kinetics for mutagen targeting to DNA of dividing B-lymphocytes in the bursa. Since the mitotic index was found to be quite high (25-30%) in the bursa, chromosome analysis was used to assay for genome damage. Sister chromatid exchange frequencies of 3.9, 7.3, and 9.0 (baseline 2.5) per cell were obtainedmore » at MMS dosages per animal of 50 ..mu..g, 100..mu..g, and 200..mu..g, respectively. These results indicate the rapid and quantitative localization of DNA-binding chemicals to cells of the bursa, particularly the resident B-lymphocytes. The bursa should be a useful system for studying mutagen-DNA interactions in the differentiating B-lymphocyte and subsequent influences on the development of immunity and lymphoproliferative disease.« less
Downwelling in Basins Subject to Buoyancy Loss

AbstractRecent observational, theoretical, and modeling studies all suggest that the upper part of the downwelling limb of the thermohaline circulation is concentrated in strong currents subject to buoyancy loss near lateral boundaries. This is fundamentally different from the traditional view that downwelling takes place in regions of deep convection. Even when resolving the buoyant boundary currents, coarse-resolution global circulation and climate models rely on parameterizations of poorly known turbulent mixing processes. In this study, the first direct measurements of downwelling occurring within a basin subject to buoyancy loss are obtained. Downwelling is observed near the basin’s vertical wall within the buoyant boundary current flowing cyclonically around the basin. Although the entire basin is cooled, large-scale mean downwelling is absent in the basin interior. Laboratory rotating experiments are conducted to explicitly resolve the turbulent mixing due to convective plumes and the baroclinic ed...
Structural and Functional Studies of the Potent Anti-HIV Chemokine Variant P2-Rantes.

The N-terminal region of the chemokine RANTES is critical for its function. A synthesized N-terminally modified analog of RANTES, P2-RANTES, was discovered using a phage display selection against living CCR5-expressing cells, and has been reported to inhibit HIV-1 env-mediated cell-cell fusion at subnanomolar levels (Hartley et al. J Virol 2003;77:6637-6644). In the present study we produced this protein using E. coli overexpression and extensively studied its structure and function. The x-ray crystal structure of P2-RANTES was solved and refined at 1.7 A resolution. This protein was found to be predominantly a monomer in solution by analytical ultracentrifugation, but a tetramer in the crystal. In studies of glycosaminoglycan binding, P2-RANTES was found to be significantly less able to bind heparin than wild type RANTES. We also tested this protein for receptor internalization where it was shown to be functional, in cell-cell fusion assays where recombinant P2-RANTES was a potent fusion inhibitor (IC(50) = 2.4 +/- 0.8 nM), and in single round infection assays where P2-RANTES inhibited at subnanomolar levels. Further, in a modified fusion assay designed to test specificity of inhibition, P2-RANTES was also highly effective, with a 65-fold improvement over the fusion inhibitor C37, which is closely related to the clinically approved inhibitor T-20. These studies provide detailed structural and functional information for this novel N-terminally modified chemokine mutant. This information will be very useful in the development of more potent anti-HIV agents. PDB Accession Number: 2vxw.
Overview of nanoelectronic devices

This paper provides an overview of research developments toward nanometer-scale electronic switching devices for use in building ultra-densely integrated electronic computers. Specifically, two classes of alternatives to the field-effect transistor are considered: (1) quantum-effect and single-electron solid-state devices and (2) molecular electronic devices. A taxonomy of devices in each class is provided, operational principles are described and compared for the various types of devices, and the literature about each is surveyed. This information is presented in nonmathematical terms intended for a general, technically interested readership.
Metastatic adult granulosa cell tumor mimicking a benign pancreatic cyst

We report an unusual case of metastatic adult granulosa cell tumor in the head of pancreas mimicking a benign pancreatic cyst in a 43-year-old female. Clinically, it was considered a benign cyst of the pancreas based on its appearance by imaging and that repeated fine-needle aspiration and cytologic examination of cystic fluid failed to identify malignant cells. The cyst in her pancreas grew slowly during the 15 months of close follow-up. Subsequent drainage and open biopsy of the cyst wall established the diagnosis of metastatic adult granulosa cell tumor that was confirmed in pancreaticoduodenectomy specimen. Immunohistochemical study and clinical history were critical to make the correct diagnosis and to differentiate this tumor from other more commonly encountered cystic neoplasms of the pancreas.
The Complex Household

This chapter explores the complex family household in Latin America in some detail, because (a) such households are common there, and (b) whether or not a household is complex is often the major concern of many theorists and family scholars.1 Among our six countries in the mid-1970s, one-fourth to one-third of all households were complex; the proportion of people in such households, of course, was somewhat higher. Can we explain this level of complexity in terms of culture? The prevailing family system? History? What about economics? Unfortunately, many household forms can be called complex, from the ideal “stem” family household with three contiguous generations to one in which the members are all in the same generation but do not form a nuclear household. And the determinants of each kind need not be the same. The label complex means only that a family household is neither simple nor nuclear, not that it has anything else in common with other complex family households. Thus, this is a complicated chapter, examining the complex family household from a number of different perspectives with the data available.
Involvement of prostaglandin E receptor subtype EP4 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

5890 Increased levels of PGE 2 have been detected in a variety of malignancies including HNSCC. Several lines of evidence, beyond the finding of elevated levels of PGE 2 in tumors, suggest that PGE 2 plays a role in tumor growth. For example, PGE 2 can stimulate cell proliferation, cell motility and angiogenesis while inhibiting apoptosis and immune surveillance. Treatment with anti-PGE 2 monoclonal antibody has been reported to suppress the growth of transplantable HNSCC in experimental animals. PGE 2 elicits cellular responses via interaction with four cell surface receptors, EP 1-4 . In this study, we first investigated the expression of EP 1-4 in human HNSCC and then attempted to identify which EP receptor was responsible for mediating the growth of experimental HNSCC. Real-time PCR indicated that each of the four EP receptors was commonly expressed in human HNSCC and in 1483 cell xenografts, a transplantable model of HNSCC. Treatment with ONO-8713, an EP 1 receptor antagonist (RA), did not suppress the growth of 1483 cell xenografts. In contrast, ONO-AE3-208, an EP 4 receptor antagonist (EP 4 RA), caused dose-dependent inhibition of xenograft growth. At a dose of 500 ppm, ONO-AE3-208 caused more than a 50% reduction in tumor growth. Because EP 4 receptor signaling is mediated by the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, levels of cAMP and PKA activity were measured. Treatment with the EP 4 RA caused a reduction in both amounts of cAMP and PKA activity in 1483 xenografts. Immunohistochemistry was performed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the anti-tumor activity of the EP 4 RA. Treatment with ONO-AE3-208 led to more than a 50% reduction in cell proliferation (Ki-67) and microvessel density (CD-34). These findings provided the rationale for complementary in vitro studies to further characterize the growth inhibitory effects of ONO-AE3-208. Neither treatment with exogenous PGE 2 nor the EP 4 RA altered the growth of 1483 cells in culture. Human endothelial cells were employed to begin to define the anti-angiogenic properties of the EP 4 RA. Treatment with 0-100 nM ONO-AE3-208 caused dose-dependent suppression of endothelial capillary tube formation. Taken together, these results suggest that the EP 4 receptor plays a significant role in mediating the growth promoting effects of PGE 2 in experimental HNSCC. Decreased tumor cell proliferation in xenografts may be a consequence of the anti-angiogenic effects of the EP 4 RA. Therapies that target PGE 2 synthesis or EP receptor antagonists may be useful in the treatment of malignancies including HNSCC.
Dynamics of Grains in Driven Granular Media

We use diffusing-wave spectroscopy (DWS) to study microscopic dynamics in the interior of 3-dimensional granular systems. We study two granular systems where particle motions are excited by different driving mechanisms — gravity-driven channel flow and a gas-fluidized bed. In both instances we obtain detailed information about short-time collisional dynamics such as rms velocity fluctuations, mean free paths, and collision frequencies. We also observe a slow crossover from short-time ballistic motions to long-time, grain-scale diffusive motions.
Assembling light PET wall installation

While the trajectories of minimalist light art and assemblage art have been historically distinct, these movements seek to produce similarly charged atmospheres that transcend common material assoc...
COMPARING POLLEN DISPERSAL AND GENE FLOW IN A NATURAL POPULATION.

While restricted gene flow allows populations to diversify in response to local natural selection or genetic drift, gene flow over long distances fosters genetic homogeneity (Slatkin, 1985). In flowering plants, gene flow occurs through movement of pollen grains and seeds, with pollen flow often contributing the major component (Levin and Kerster, 1974; Waser, 1991). Realized gene flow via pollen itself can depend both on movement of pollen to receptive stigmas (potential gene flow) and post-pollination events that affect fertilization as a function of the distance between mates (Levin and Kerster, 1974). It is well understood that movement of pollen depends not only on movements of animal pollinators but also on the extent of pollen carryover to successively visited flowers (Levin and Kerster, 1969; Waser and Price, 1983; Campbell, 1985). As a result, flight distances can underestimate gene flow (Schaal, 1980; Handel, 1983). How patterns of pollen movement themselves compare with realized gene flow has not been explored. Here I find that estimates of pollen movement can also underestimate gene flow. This discrepancy suggests strong post-pollination selection or biparental inbreeding depression, as well as occasional long distance movements undetected when dispersal is followed from a point source. I compare estimates of realized gene flow and pollen dispersal to stigmas in the same natural populations of Ipomopsis aggregata subsp. aggregata (Polemoniaceae). Earlier studies of the major pollinators, broadtailed and rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus and S. rufus), showed that average movement of pollen could be estimated with accuracy by tracking individual particles of fluorescent powdered dyes applied to anthers (Waser and Price, 1982; Waser, 1988). Use of this technique has repeatedly demonstrated restricted pollen dispersal: the most extensive study of 16 sites estimated a genetic neighborhood area (Wright, 1943; Crawford, 1984) of only 18 m2 containing 8 to 29 flowering plants (Campbell and Waser, 1989). I now use paternity analysis to ask whether realized gene flow through pollen is similarly restricted.
Investigations of Excimer Laser Effects on CVD Diamond Growth

We investigated UV laser irradiation as a method to modify the surface and gas phase chemistry in a diamond growth apparatus. In particular, attempts were made to reproduce reported laser-enhanced deposition. The variables included the laser wavelength and intensity, the precursor gas (and hence the gas-phase absorption), the flow rate, and the gas inlet orientation with respect to the filament. The samples were analyzed using optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, the Scanning Auger Microprobe, and micro-Raman scattering. In all cases, the laser radiation suppressed or had no effect on diamond deposition in comparison to the adjacent unirradiated regions. The crystals that did grow in the irradiated regions were similar in size and morphology to those from the unirradiated areas, suggesting ablation or nucleation site blockage as possible deposition suppression mechanisms. The results suggest a novel method for diamond film patterning.
Dynamic Raman Scattering Studies of Coated Gold Nanoparticles: 4-Mercaptopyridine, 4-Mercaptophenol, and Benzenethiol

We have demonstrated several benefits of dynamic Raman scattering (DRS) measurements on coated gold nanoparticles. DRS examines particles moving in and out of a focused laser beam and uses statistical methods to determine unusual particles signals from the average particle response. In order to illustrate chemical enhancements within inaccessible particle gaps, we examined the pH dependence of 4-mercaptophenol, 4-mercaptopyridine, and benzenethiol. This study develops the methods of correlograms to visually display large data sets in a meaningful way to show trends in distributions and correlation between Raman features within a set of particles. Our correlograms demonstrate the correlations between Raman peaks within large data sets and illustrate which peaks may be involved in local chemical environments within a hotspot. The correlograms also provide clear proof of rare but stronger enhancing outlier particles. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to extract the unusual particle signals from the...
Large Area Nondestructive Evaluation of a Fatigue Loaded Composite Structure

Large area nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspections are required for fatigue testing of composite structures to track damage initiation and growth. Of particular interest is the progression of damage leading to ultimate failure to validate damage progression models. In this work, passive thermography and acoustic emission NDE were used to track damage growth up to failure of a composite three-stringer panel. Fourteen acoustic emission sensors were placed on the composite panel. The signals from the array were acquired simultaneously and allowed for acoustic emission location. In addition, real time thermal data of the composite structure were acquired during loading. Details are presented on the mapping of the acoustic emission locations directly onto the thermal imagery to confirm areas of damage growth leading to ultimate failure. This required synchronizing the acoustic emission and thermal data with the applied loading. In addition, processing of the thermal imagery which included contrast enhancement, removal of optical barrel distortion and correction of angular rotation before mapping the acoustic event locations are discussed.
A Class of Matrix-Free Implicit Methods for Compressible Flows on Unstructured Grids

In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing numerical algorithms for the solution of the compressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations on unstructured grids. Early efforts in the development of temporal discretization methods using unstructured grids, focused on the explicit schemes. In general, explicit temporal discretization methods such as multi-stage Runge-Kutta schemes and their boundary conditions are easy to implement, vectorize and parallelize, and require only limited memory storage. However, for large-scale problems and especially for the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations, the rate of convergence slows down dramatically, resulting in inefficient solution techniques. In order to speed up convergence, a multigrid strategy or an implicit temporal discretization is required. In general, implicit methods can outperform their explicit counterparts by a factor of 10 or even more. Unfortunately, this performance is usually achieved at the expense of memory increment, as some efficient implicit methods might need up to an order of magnitude more storage than the explicit methods. This is mainly due to the fact that implicit methods usually require the computation of the left-hand-side Jacobian matrix in addition to construction of the right-hand-side residual. The storage of the Jacobian matrix consumes an enormous amount of memory, which may be prohibitive for large scale problems.
The impact of learning communities on interpersonal relationships among medical students

Background : Medical students at the University of Virginia (UVA) are mentored and learn within the framework of a four college learning community. Uniquely, these learning communities are used to organize the third-year clerkship rotations. Methods : Students were surveyed after their first pre-clinical year and after their clerkship year to determine what the effect of the learning community was on their social and educational interpersonal relationships. Results : Students knew a higher percentage of their college mates after completing their third-year clerkships within the framework of the college system. Students chose peers from within the college system for social and educational interpersonal scenarios statistically more often than what would be expected at random. Small group learning environments that were not formed within the framework of the college system at UVA did not have the same effect on interpersonal relationships, indicating that learning communities are uniquely able to provide a context for relationship building. Students felt more positively about the social and educational effects of the college system after the clerkship year, with a corresponding increase in the strength of their interpersonal bonds with their college peers. Conclusion : This work is the first to investigate the effects of learning communities on interpersonal relationships among medical students and finds that learning communities positively impact both social and educational medical student bonds. Keywords: learning communities; interpersonal relationships; social networks (Published: 1 November 2016) Citation: Med Educ Online 2016, 21: 32958 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v21.32958
Three versus six cycles of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy in early stage clear cell ovarian carcinoma - A multi-institutional cohort.

Abstract Objectives To determine if 6 versus 3cycles of adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy with or without taxane impacts survival in early stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). Methods We retrospectively identified all cases of stage I and II OCCC treated at 5 institutions from January 1994 through December 2011. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received 3 versus 6cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. Our cohort consisted of 210 patients with stage IA-II disease, 116 of whom underwent full surgical staging. Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to evaluate progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups. Results Among 210 eligible patients, the median age was 53years (range 30–88). The majority of patients were Caucasian (83.8%). All patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with 90% receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel. Thirty-eight (18.1%) patients received 3cycles, and 172 (81.9%) patients received 6cycles of adjuvant treatment. Recurrence rate was comparable between groups (18.4% vs. 27.3% for 3 vs. 6cycles, p=0.4). There was no impact of 3 versus 6cycles of chemotherapy on PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–3.12, p=0.4) or OS (HR 1.65; 95% CI 0.59–4.65, p=0.3) on univariate analysis. There was no benefit to more chemotherapy in stratified analysis by stage nor on multivariate analysis adjusting for the impact of stage. Subgroup analysis of surgically staged patients also showed no difference in survival between 3 versus 6cycles of chemotherapy. Conclusions Three cycles of platinum with or without taxane adjuvant chemotherapy were comparable to 6cycles with respect to recurrence and survival in patients diagnosed with early stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma in this retrospective multi-institutional cohort. Condensation Three cycles of platinum with or without taxane adjuvant chemotherapy are comparable to 6 cycles with respect to recurrence and survival in patients diagnosed with early stage ovarian clear cell carcinoma in this retrospective multi-institutional cohort.