cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Disparities in Gastric Cancer Incidence and Survival in the USA: An Updated Analysis of 1992–2009 SEER Data

Gastric cancer (GC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with overall 5-year survival less than 20 %. However, limited data exist investigating ethnic disparities in stage-specific GC incidence and survival in the USA. To evaluate ethnicity-specific differences in GC incidence and survival in the USA. Using data from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results 1992–2009 population-based cancer registry, we evaluated ethnic disparities in GC incidence stratified by year of diagnosis, cancer stage at presentation, and geographical distribution of disease. Ethnic disparities in survival were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Among men and women combined and among all cancer stages, Asians had the highest incidence of GC, more than double that among Whites (15.6 vs. 7.4 per 100,000/year, p < 0.005). In addition, Asians had the highest survival of all race groups (3-year survival: 26.6 %, p < 0.001). Compared with Whites, Blacks (12.8 vs. 7.4 per 100,000/year, p < 0.005) and Hispanics (12.9 vs. 7.4 per 100,000/year, p < 0.005) also had significantly higher incidence of GC. Multivariate Cox models (adjusted for age, year of diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, stage of disease, and treatment received) demonstrated significantly higher survival in Asians compared with Whites (HR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.80–0.85, p < 0.04). Racial/ethnic disparities in GC incidence and survival exist in the USA Asians have the highest incidence of GC and the highest overall survival. Outlining high-risk groups may inform potential screening practices and physician awareness for GC.
An autonomous robot for searching and navigating shooting locations with subjective expression

Finding a good subject or scenery is a key to take a good picture. Usually a photographer walks around to look for them, but sometimes he/she doesn't want to do and instead he/she wants to do something more interesting. In such a case, it would be good to have an assistant system which autonomously looks for shooting locations and takes you there at your request.
Mesenchymal cell polarity and morphogenesis of chick cartilage.

Abstract Mesenchymal cell polarity was studied in the developing cartilages of chick vertebral bodies and limbs using a silver impregnation technique for the Golgi apparatus. Distinct patterns of cell orientation are apparent in the cells at a number of different stages of morphogenesis. The data support the hypothesis that individual cells are inherently polarized, and that morphogenesis of multicellular patterns results from the coordinated three-dimensional orientation of anisotropic cells.
Use of the yeast one-hybrid system to screen for mutations in the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor

This report describes a novel yeast one-hybrid system which easily allows for the detection of mutations in the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor. This screen is based on the observation that a fusion protein consisting of the GAL4 DNA-binding domain and the estrogen receptor can interact with a GAL4 upstream activating sequence and induce the expression of an integrated GAL1-lacZ gene only in the presence of estradiol. Various deletion mutants of the estrogen receptor were tested in this assay and activating function 1 which is present in the N-terminus of the estrogen receptor was found to be responsible for the transactivation produced in the assay. To test if the screen could be used to detect random mutants in the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor the region of the human receptor between amino acids 381 to 403 was mutated by oligonucleotide saturation mutagenesis. Two of the mutants generated by this mutagenesis were characterized to demonstrate that the results obtained from the screen in the yeast screen are relevant to mammalian systems. One of the mutants which has a valine at position number 388 instead of a glycine was able to transactivate in both the yeast and a mammalian system. This mutant was a more potent activator of transcription and also appeared to have a higher affinity for [3H]estradiol in vivo than the wild type receptor. The other mutant which was characterized has five amino acid changes from amino acids 390 through 400. This mutant was nonfunctional in the yeast and mammalian transcription assays and did not bind [3H]estradiol in vivo or in vitro.
The continuous performance test: a window on the neural substrates for attention?

Attention is a complex process whose disturbance is considered a core deficit in a number of disorders [e.g., Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), schizophrenia]. In 1956, Rosvold and colleagues [J. Consult. Psychol. 20 (1956) 343.] demonstrated that the continuous performance test (CPT) as a measure of sustained attention was highly sensitive to brain damage or dysfunction. These findings have been replicated with various populations and with various versions of the CPT. The CPT is now cited as the most frequently used measure of attention in both practice and research. Across studies, results are consistent with models of sustained attention that involve the interaction of cortical (frontal, temporal, parietal), subcortical (limbic, basal ganglia), and functional systems including the pathways between the basal ganglia, thalamus, and frontal lobes. Right hemisphere involvement (asymmetric response) is also evident across multiple studies. As such, the CPT demonstrates sensitivity to dysfunction of the attentional system whether this is due to diffuse or more focal damage/dysfunction or in conjunction with any specific disorder. CPT performance can be viewed as symptom specific (attentional disturbance), but it is not disorder specific (e.g., ADHD). Implications for neuropsychological interpretation of CPT results are presented.
Large—scale rapid access holographic memory

ABSTRACT We describe a page—formatted random—access holographic memory capable of storing up to 160,000 holograms.A segmented mirror array allows a 2—dimensional angle scanner to provide access to any of the stored holograms.High—speed random access can be achieved with a non—mechanical angle scanner. We demonstrate holographicstorage and high—speed retrieval using an acousto—optic deflector (AOD). 1 INTRODUCTION In volume holographic memories data is stored in the interference patterns formed by coherent beams of light. The information is imprinted on one of these beams (object beam). Multiple pages of data can be superimposedwithin the same volume of a storage medium. These pages, stored as separate holograms, can be independently accessed by changing either the angle,' wavelength2'3 or phase code4'5 of the reference (non—information—bearing) beam. The storage capacity C achievable with each of these methods can be written as C = NM, where N is thenumber of bits in each stored page, and M is the number of pages superimposed in the same volume. Assumingone bit per pixel, current spatial light modulator (SLM) technology can provide 105_106 bits per stored page.Because these pixels are recalled in parallel by a single reference beam, very high data rates can be achieved.We describe a holographic data storage system in which the data rate is limited only by the material dynamicrange. By using the 90° interaction geometry, we have enough distinct reference angles for storage of 10,000holograms at a single location. A segmented mirror array enables non—mechanical scanners to provide high—
Beneficial effects of intraluminal nitroglycerin in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

Abstract Background We examined the effects of intraluminal nitroglycerin (NTG) on various physiologic functions and intestinal pathology in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. Materials and methods Intraluminal NTG (0.15–3.75 mg/kg) was administered at different doses and stages during the experimental disease, and intestinal permeability and histology, bile flow, and systemic hemodynamics were measured. Results Prophylactic intraluminal NTG treatment at 0.75 mg/kg, but not at 0.15 mg/kg, significantly attenuated the deleterious changes in intestinal barrier function and mucosal injury caused by IR. However, administration of NTG after ischemia was not effective, even up to 3.75 mg/kg. In vitro intestinal NTG metabolism was significantly decreased following intestinal ischemia. Intraluminal NTG at 0.75 mg/kg significantly attenuated the reduction in bile flow that accompanied IR. Reperfusion induced a precipitous and sustained decrease in mean arterial pressure, which was blunted by intraluminal NTG. Conclusions Intraluminal NTG produced several beneficial local and systemic effects in a rat model of intestinal IR. In this disease model, 0.75 mg/kg intraluminal NTG did not exacerbate, but rather reduced, the hypotensive effects induced by IR.
Brick Temples of Bengal: From the Archives of David McCutchion . Edited by George Michell. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1983. xvii, 254 pp. 803 Illustrations, Maps, Bibliographies. List of Principal Temples and Index. $85.

The Description for this book, Brick Temples of Bengal: From the Archives of David McCutchion, will be forthcoming.
Test of Memory Malingering: Cutoff Scores for Psychometrically Defined Malingering Groups in a Military Sample

This research examined cutoffs for the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) in a military sample composed primarily of mTBI patients. The results are consistent with previous research and provide additional evidence that cutoffs higher than those originally recommended for the TOMM can produce excellent classification and diagnostic statistics when a psychometrically defined non-malingering group is compared with three psychometrically defined malingering groups: Probable, Probable to Definite, and Definite Malingering. The groups were formed based on the number of symptom and performance validity tests passed or failed. Cutoffs that were 4-5 points higher for Trial 2 and the Retention Trial than originally recommended produced very low false positive rates (.0 to .06) and excellent positive predictive values (.75 to 1.00) for a base rate of malingering commonly found in TBI patients. Positive likelihood ratios were all above 10 for these two trials indicating excellent ability to rule in malingering. A range of cutoffs for Trial 1 were also examined, and classification and diagnostic statistics are presented for cutoffs ranging from 40 to 44 with results similar to the other TOMM trials.
New knowledges about the Family: A review of Family research in Europe and America:

Apres avoir expose un type de classement susceptible d'ordonner l'entierete des travaux en sociologie de la famille, l'auteur fait le point des recherches sur les facteurs en jeu dans les reactions des familles devant les crises, et leurs processus de reajustement. Les facteurs releves sont: (A) l'evenement, (B) la cohesion et la faculte d'adaptation de la famille et (C) la definition subjective de l'evene ment par la famille, par rapport aux definitions objectives ou cultu relles du meme fait.Une liste de facteurs favorables a un bon ajustement de la famille, est etablie en consequence.L'auteur precise ensuite les tendances actuelles en sociologie de la famille, les elements controverses, et formule des vues pour les recherches futures II insiste en particulier sur les avantages qu'il y aurait a retirer d'etudes plus complementaires et mieux ajustees de la part des chercheurs vivant de chaque cote de l'Atlantique.
Kevin Kelly’s Complexity Theory: The Politics and Ideology of Self-Organizing Systems

Regarded as a contemporary prophet of the new technology and economy, Kevin Kelly argues that the realms of nature and human construction are becoming one. Human-made things are becoming more lifelike, and life is becoming more engineered. In this future world, control is dispersed in highly pluralistic, open, and decentralized systems. Natural, technological, economic, and social elements of the system coevolve toward a superior, neobiological civilization that will foster bottom-up control, coordinated change, and cooperation among all elements. The authors contest Kelly’s metaphysics of the new economy and technologies, arguing that he illicitly collapses technology and the economy into nature, using nature metaphors to legitimate the new forms of economy and organization. The authors argue that Kelly fails to factor in the logic of capital into his scenario and fails to explore the consequences of the new organization of economy and new technology for the environment and society.
Quantifying hydrogen‐deuterium exchange of meteoritic dicarboxylic acids during aqueous extraction

Hydrogen isotope ratios of organic compounds in carbonaceous chondrites provide critical information about their origins and evolutionary history. However, because many of these compounds are obtained by aqueous extraction, the degree of hydrogen-deuterium (H/D) exchange that occurs during the process needs to be quantitatively evaluated. This study uses compound- specific hydrogen isotopic analysis to quantify the H/D exchange during aqueous extraction. Three common meteoritic dicarboxylic acids (succinic, glutaric, and 2-methyl glutaric acids) were refluxed under conditions simulating the extraction process. Changes in δD values of the dicarboxylic acids were measured following the reflux experiments. A pseudo-first order rate law was used to model the H/D exchange rates which were then used to calculate the isotope exchange resulting from aqueous extraction. The degree of H/D exchange varies as a result of differences in molecular structure, the alkalinity of the extraction solution and presence/absence of meteorite powder. However, our model indicates that succinic, glutaric, and 2-methyl glutaric acids with a δD of 1800 would experience isotope changes of 38, 10, and 6, respectively during the extraction process. Therefore, the overall change in D values of the dicarboxylic acids during the aqueous extraction process is negligible. We also demonstrate that H/D exchange occurs on the chiral -carbon in 2-methyl glutaric acid. The results suggest that the racemic mixture of 2-methyl glutaric acid in the Tagish Lake meteorite could result from post-synthesis aqueous alteration. The approach employed in this study can also be used to quantify H/D exchange for other important meteoritic compounds such as amino acids.
Lentiviral Short Hairpin Ribonucleic Acid-Mediated Knockdown of GLUT4 in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Adipose tissue is an important insulin target organ, and 3T3-L1 cells are a model cell line for adipocytes. In this study, we have used lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for functional gene knockdown in 3T3-L1 adipocytes to assess the molecular mechanisms of insulin signaling. We chose to target GLUT4 to validate this approach. We showed that lentiviruses efficiently delivered transgenes and small interfering RNA (siRNA) into fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We established a strategy for identifying efficient siRNA sequences for gene knockdown by transfecting 293 cells with the target gene fluorescent fusion protein plasmid along with a plasmid that expresses shRNA. Using these methods, we identified highly efficient siGLUT4 sequences. We demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated shRNA against GLUT4 reduced endogenous GLUT4 expression to almost undetectable levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Interestingly, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was only reduced by 50-60%, suggesting that another glucose transporter mediates part of this effect. When siGLUT1 was introduced into GLUT4-deficient adipocytes, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was essentially abolished, indicating that both GLUT4 and GLUT1 contribute to insulin-stimulated glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We also found that GLUT4 knockdown led to impaired insulin-responsive aminopeptidase protein expression that was dependent on whether GLUT4 was knocked down in the differentiating or differentiated stage. We further found that GLUT4 expression was not required for adipogenic differentiation but was necessary for full lipogenic capacity of differentiated adipocytes. These studies indicate that lentiviral shRNA constructs provide an excellent approach to deliver functional siRNAs into 3T3-L1 adipocytes for studying insulin signaling and adipocyte biology.
Improved annealing technique for optical fiber

We demonstrate that twisting a fiber a few turns per meter before it is annealed largely eliminates the residual linear birefringence. This dramatically improves the yield of annealed coils used for current sensing and makes it possible to use fibers that previously could not be successfully annealed. It is believed that twisting is effective because the residual birefringence is associated with core ellipticity and this contribution is averaged to near zero by twisting. We also show the temperature stability of sensors made with this new technique.
Variational methods for approximating solutions of $\nabla ^2 u(x) = f(x) + k(x)u(x)$ and generalizations

The iterative procedure of Guy, Sales, Brami-Depaux, and Joly-Cabaret (GSBJ) for approximately solving equations of the form $\nabla ^2 u = f + ku$ is analyzed and generalized from the viewpoint of the calculus of variations. The GSBJ method involves a functional of the solution and either one or two auxiliary functions which are chosen empirically so as to make the iterations converge sufficiently fast, even for problems for which the corresponding Neumann series diverges or converges too slowly. In the case in which one of the auxiliary functions is identically unity, this functional is seen to be the scale-invariant form of the afline functional studied by Kahan, Rideau, Roussopoulos, and Pomraning (KRRP), and a systematic way of seeking appropriate auxiliary functions is developed by demanding that the functional be stationary about the true solution of the equation in question. The variational approach is tested on three simple example problems, and the numerical results are seen to compare favorably...
Electrocardiographic Screening Should Not Be Implemented for Children and Adolescents Between Ages 1 and 19 in the United States

“A billion here, a billion there and pretty soon you’re talking real money” is a quote attributed to the late Senator Everett Dirksen. Whether or not he actually spoke those words, it is believed that, if he did not, he would have heartily approved having been quoted as such. At this time in American history, this quote as it relates to medical spending is appropriate to the debate. No doubt, this is a complex issue at face value. We have philosophical, ethical, and moral issues surrounding this debate and the 2 types of EBM—evidence-based medicine and emotional-based medicine—as well. Biases and heuristics flavor the decision making and cloud the public policy issues that are central to how we decide what to do and for whom. The role of this column is to present the reader with the information that would allow a prudent practitioner to make an informed decision about whether to advocate for universal screening of children and adolescents with an ECG to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD). Response by Vetter p 702 Two opposing schools of thought—utilitarianism and deontology—are central to this debate. Utilitarianism was favored by Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) who were consequentialists who believed that whether or not an act is morally right depends on its consequences with respect to utility, thus the term utilitarianism. The essence of their belief system was the Greatest Happiness Principle or, more plainly speaking, the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Deontology, on the other hand, is based on the Greek word todeon meaning duty. This line of thinking was promulgated by Immanuel Kant (1724–1804). The central theme here is explained by 2 imperatives—hypothetical and categorical. The hypothetical imperative belies the concept of finding a means to an end, and the categorical says imperative …
Calculating Discharge from Culverts under Inlet Control Using Stage at the Inlet

Discharge through circular culverts under inlet control can be calculated using several empirical and theoretical methods; however, most methods require knowledge of site-specific characteristics, and some may even require that a rating curve be developed for each individual culvert. This process is onerous and often too time-consuming for land managers. The objective of this study was to identify a simple and accurate method to determine discharge at culverts. In this study, discharge at culverts was measured in forested watersheds using trapezoidal flumes and salt tracer tests and compared to discharge estimated using theoretical and empirically derived equations. The equation that best estimated culvert discharge was determined. This equation requires two variables: the diameter of the culvert and the height of the water at the culvert inlet. While this study used capacitance devices to measure and record stage at the culvert inlet, simple staff gauges or crest gauges could be used to measure water height adequately and subsequently calculate discharge from culverts.
Philosophy of Science and Analysis

Robert Oppenheimer tells the story about a group of Bible scholars who practised exegesis with grim determination. A visitor, admiring so much earnest learning, inquired whether they did not find certain texts supremely difficult. Answered one Bible student: “Indeed—but what we do not understand we explain to one another.”
AGE AND MASS FOR 920 LARGE MAGELLANIC CLOUD CLUSTERS DERIVED FROM 100 MILLION MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS

We present new age and mass estimates for 920 stellar clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) based on previously published broadband photometry and the stellar cluster analysis package, MASSCLEANage. Expressed in the generic fitting formula, d 2 N/dMdtM α t β, the distribution of observed clusters is described by α = –1.5 to –1.6 and β = –2.1 to –2.2. For 288 of these clusters, ages have recently been determined based on stellar photometric color-magnitude diagrams, allowing us to gauge the confidence of our ages. The results look very promising, opening up the possibility that this sample of 920 clusters, with reliable and consistent age, mass, and photometric measures, might be used to constrain important characteristics about the stellar cluster population in the LMC. We also investigate a traditional age determination method that uses a χ2 minimization routine to fit observed cluster colors to standard infinite-mass limit simple stellar population models. This reveals serious defects in the derived cluster age distribution using this method. The traditional χ2 minimization method, due to the variation of U, B, V, R colors, will always produce an overdensity of younger and older clusters, with an underdensity of clusters in the log (age/yr) = [7.0, 7.5] range. Finally, we present a unique simulation aimed at illustrating and constraining the fading limit in observed cluster distributions that includes the complex effects of stochastic variations in the observed properties of stellar clusters.
A damage mechanics model of crack-weakened, chopped fiber composites under impact loading

Abstract A micromechanical approach recently proposed by Lee and Simunovic [Compos. Part B: Engng. 31 (2000) 77] is introduced to develop analytical and numerical models that efficiently predict the behavior of chopped fiber based composites containing microcracks under impact loading. Based on the ensemble-volume averaging process and the first-order effects of eigenstrains due to the existence of chopped fibers and microcracks, an effective yield criterion of the composites is derived. Microcracks in the matrix are considered by employing the Eshelby's equivalence principle and their influence on the stress–strain relations of the composites is investigated. Further, the Weibull's probabilistic function is used to model the varying probability of progressive partial fiber debonding. The developed micromechanical constitutive model is then implemented into the finite element code DYNA3D to perform impact simulation of the composites. Finally, numerical simulations for cantilever beam test and composite contact test are carried out to validate the finite element implementation and predict the impact behavior of composite structures.
Accumulation and toxicity assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls in black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) from Midway Atoll, North Pacific Ocean

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are ubiquitous chemicals that were used as additives in capacitors and transformers; and heavy contamination in the past of Midway Atoll, a national wildlife refuge, puts the wildlife, including the black-footed albatross (BFAL), at risk. In this study, we assess the profiles and toxicity of the individual PCB congeners at a natural equilibrium state in various tissues of 1-month old and 4–5-month old BFAL chicks and black-footed and Laysan albatross eggs found on the atoll. In the 1-month old chicks from Midway Atoll, the major seven congeners PCBs 99, 118, 138, 153, 170, 180 and 183 accounted for 36–78% of the total PCBs in the various body parts, and the total PCB concentrations in the bird samples are inversely related to the total body weights. In the 4–5-month old chicks, these same congeners accounted for much lower percentages (7–26%) than in the 1-month-old chicks, with higher amounts of the less chlorinated congeners. The total toxic equivalents (TEQs) for all of the tissues in the 1-month old chicks ranged from 130 to 11,000 pg g −1 (lipid weight, lw), and the total TEQs for the 4–5-month old chicks ranged from 18,000 to 100,000 pg g −1 . The average total concentration was 7.9 and 4.6 μg g −1 lw in the BFAL eggs and Laysan albatross eggs, respectively. The high concentrations could be accounted for by the age and PCB accumulation of the female producing the egg. The average TEQs were 70 and 90 pg g −1 in the Laysan albatross eggs and BFAL eggs, respectively. This PCB concentration and toxicity information can be used to determine the toxicological risk of the BFAL chicks while nesting at Midway Atoll, and the analysis of the albatross eggs is an indication of the contamination of the female albatross at the time of egg formation, with the levels acting as an indicator of the total PCB body burdens that the females are experiencing. The information from this study is indicative of the toxicological risk to the seabirds that nest and feed near Midway and of the overall PCB contamination in the North Pacific Ocean.
Suppression of Antiphase Disorder in GaAs Grown on Relaxed GeSi Buffers by Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition

Due to the prohibitively high 4.1% lattice mismatch, direct growth of GaAs on Si invariably leads to very high dislocation densities (> 108/cm2) which have precluded its use in device applications despite numerous attempts. However, the growth of low threading dislocation density (∼2 × 106/cm2) relaxed graded Ge/GexSi1−x/Si heterostructures can bridge the gap between lattice constants by replacing the high mismatch GaAs/Si interface with a low mismatch ( 600°C and another at temperatures <500°C. Incomplete phase transitions during pre-growth thermal cycling account for the appearance of localized bands of anti-phase disorder where the polarity of the GaAs film switches. We suspect that background arsenic levels in the MOCVD system are largely responsible for inducing the observed phase transitions. The complete suppression of antiphase disorder under optimized growth conditions is demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Enhancement of hydrocortisone permeation of human and hairless mouse skin by 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one

Abstract The influence of 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (Azone) on the in vitro permeation of hairless mouse skin and human epidermis by hydrocortisone was studied as a function of the amount of Azone solubilized and/or emulsified into aqueous media applied to the membranes using the infinite-dose technique. The permeability-enhancing effect of Azone increases with increasing Azone total concentrations until 0.1% is reached with mouse skin and 0.01% is reached for human epidermis. Thereafter, permeabilities for both tissues drop systematically. The maximally enhanced permeability in mouse skin approached that for mouse skin stripped of its stratum corneum. The peak permeability in human epidermis is an order of magnitude smaller than for mouse skin with the duration of Azone treatment required to achieve the full effect in human epidermis being twice that for mouse skin (≈ 20 h vs ≈ 12 h). Thus, there is a profound difference in Azone's action on these two tissue types. It was also established that the affinity of an enhancer for a permeant drug can significantly offset its ability to enhance permeability. Specifically, hydrocortisone was found to partition significantly into the Azone-rich phase of the emulsion, lowering its concentration (and its thermodynamic activity) in the continuous aqueous phase and thereby reducing its flux through the skin. This physiochemical effect was profound enough to nullify the intrinsic permeability-enhancing effect of Azone as the total Azone concentration was raised to 10%.
A randomized trial comparing compression, Perclose Proglide and Angio-Seal VIP for arterial closure following percutaneous coronary intervention: the CAP trial.

Objective: This prospective randomized trial compared the Angio-Seal VIP™ with Perclose Proglide™ and to manual compression with respect to time to hemostasis and ambulation, patient satisfaction, and vascular complications following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: The use of arterial closure devices for the reduction of vascular complications following PCI remains controversial. There have been no head to head trials comparing these most commonly used arterial closure devices following PCI. Methods: Two hundred patients undergoing PCI were randomized to manual compression, Perclose Proglide™ or Angio-Seal VIP™. Ambulation was allowed 3 hr after Perclose Proglide™ or Angio-Seal VIP™ and 6 hr after compression. Results: There were 10 failures to deploy Perclose Proglide™ and none for Angio-Seal™ (P < 0.01). Time to hemostasis was significantly shorter with Angio-Seal VIP™ compared with Perclose Proglide™ (5.3 vs. 46.8 min, P < 0.01). Time to ambulation was shorter with Angio-Seal VIP™ than with Perclose Proglide™ (261 vs. 334 min, P < 0.05) and the time to ambulation, as expected, was longest with compression (943 min, P < 0.01 vs. Angio-Seal VIP™ and Perclose Proglide™). Delay in ambulation was higher with Perclose Proglide™ than with Angio-Seal VIP™ (18 vs. 9, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in major vascular complications between groups. Compared with compression, patient discomfort was significantly improved with Angio-Seal™ (1.5 vs. 2.0, P < 0.01), but not with Perclose Proglide™. Conclusion: The Angio-Seal VIP™ device has a high rate of deployment success, which is significantly better than that of Perclose Proglide™. Angio-Seal VIP™ allows for earlier hemostasis and ambulation compared with both compression and Perclose Proglide™ and is associated with greater patient satisfaction compared with compression. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Abstract 754: Development of death receptor agonists for breast cancer therapy

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 18-22, 2009; Denver, CO TRAIL and death receptor (TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2) agonistic antibodies have been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells and their clinical trials have produced positive results. However, there are no small organic molecular weight compounds that bind to TRAIL-death receptors and induce apoptosis specifically in cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize death receptor agonists (DRAs)/ small molecular weight organic compounds that induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The pharmacokinetics of the DRA with a single oral dose was characterized in nude mice. Blood was collected over 72 hour period after drug administration, and analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS for plasma drug concentration. The Cmax, tmax, and AUC of DRA was measured. DRAs inhibited cell viability and colony formation, and induced apoptosis in estrogen-dependent (MCF-7) and independent (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) human breast cancer cell lines, but had no effect on human normal mammary epithelial cells and hepatocytes. The ability of DRAs to induce apoptosis was further enhanced in the presence of TRAIL. DRAs formed active TRAIL-DISC (death-inducing signaling complex) similar to that of TRAIL. DRAs inhibited the growth of orthotopically implanted MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 tumors in nude mice. Histological examination of tumor tissues derived from DRAs-treated nude mice revealed massive caspase-3 activation and apoptosis. Pharmacokinetic data demonstrate that DRA possesses a long terminal half-life, which is acceptable for further clinical development. In conclusion, we have identified, for the first time, DRAs that can be used in the clinic for the treatment of human breast cancer. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 5119.
Dynamic populations with uniform natural increase across states

Multistate populations with changing rates of interstate transfer are an example of compartment models and depict the experience of persons in distinct but intercommunicating states. Such models can be used in analyses of many demographic phenomena, including migration, labor force participation, and health status. This paper extends present knowledge of the relationships prevailing in such dynamic models by developing procedures that yield closed form expressions relating transfer rates to the state-specific population trajectories that they generate. The focus is on a subset of multistate models that do not recognize age and that have restricted variability in rates of transfer and natural increase. Dynamics in the two state, no-growth case, where the two time-varying transfer rates always sum to a constant value, are analyzed in depth. In specified models with any number of intercommunicating states, sine and cosine fluctuations in the transfer rates are shown to yield sine and cosine fluctuations in t...
Mechanism of the o -Phenylenediamine Cleavage of Ketones

THE thermal reactions of o-phenylenediamine with carbonyl compounds have been investigated for a number of years1–3. Recently, Elderfield4–6 has extensively investigated the cleavage of ketones with this reagent, and has found that the reaction affords 2-alkylbenzimidazoles and alkanes in high yields. Investigations of the scope of the degradation have indicated that the more substituted group is eliminated as the alkane7–9. The mechanism of this elimination is not, however, known at the present time.
Characterization of Fatigue Behavior in Cross-Ply Laminate of SCS-6/Ti-15-3 Metal Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature

A study was conducted to investigate the fatigue behavior of a cross-ply, [0/90]2s , laminate of silicon fiber reinforced titanium matrix composite, SCS-6/Ti-15-3 at an elevated temperature of 427°C. Two sets of tests, at frequencies 0.02 and 2 Hz, were run at different stress levels. Fatigue damage initiation and growth patterns were dependent on the specific test conditions of frequency and stress level. Microscopic analysis of the fatigued specimens revealed matrix failure mechanisms ranging from ductile failure to cleavage fracture. The results of this study showed that temperature and frequency, as well as stress levels, are important design considerations for this composite in fatigue loading applications.
Improved osteoblast viability in the presence of smaller nanometre dimensioned carbon fibres

Carbon nanofibres have been proposed as a possible new orthopaedic/dental implant material due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and cytocompatibility properties. Specifically, these fibres have dimensions (diameters ranging between 60 and 200?nm and aspect ratios of about 500) similar to hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen fibres found in bone. More importantly, previous in vitro studies have provided evidence that nanophase (?nm diameter) carbon fibres enhance osteoblast (the bone-producing cell) function over conventional (>100?nm diameter) carbon fibres and current orthopaedic implant materials such as titanium, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo. However, articulating components of orthopaedic implant materials may generate harmful wear debris. To determine, for the first time, the influence of carbon nanofibre wear debris on osteoblast viability, direct contact toxicity studies were performed in the present in vitro study. Not surprisingly, the results from direct-contact toxicity studies over a 24?h time period provided evidence of time-?and concentration-dependent cell viability decreases when exposed to carbon nanofibres. Most importantly, the results from this study provided the first evidence that nanophase carbon fibres were less detrimental to osteoblast viability compared to larger diameter conventional carbon fibres. For this reason, this in vitro study provided continuing evidence of the promise of nanophase materials (particularly, carbon nanofibres) in improving orthopaedic implant efficiency.
Temporal dynamics of a homeostatic pathway controlling neural network activity

Neurons use a variety of mechanisms to homeostatically regulate neural network activity in order to maintain firing in a bounded range. One such process involves the bi-directional modulation of excitatory synaptic drive in response to chronic changes in network activity. Down-scaling of excitatory synapses in response to high activity requires Arc-dependent endocytosis of glutamate receptors. However, the temporal dynamics and signaling pathways regulating Arc during homeostatic plasticity are not well understood. Here we determine the relative contribution of transcriptional and translational control in the regulation of Arc, the signaling pathways responsible for the activity-dependent production of Arc, and the time course of these signaling events as they relate to the homeostatic adjustment of network activity in hippocampal neurons. We find that an ERK1/2-dependent transcriptional pathway active within 1-2 hours of up-regulated network activity induces Arc leading to a restoration of network spiking rates within twelve hours. Under basal and low activity conditions, specialized mechanisms are in place to rapidly degrade Arc mRNA and protein such that they have half-lives of less than one hour. In addition, we find that while mTOR signaling is regulated by network activity on a similar time scale, mTOR-dependent translational control is not a major regulator of Arc production or degradation suggesting that the signaling pathways underlying homeostatic plasticity are distinct from those mediating synapse-specific plasticity.
Preferential Solvation of Bovine Serum Albumin in Aqueous Guanidine Hydrochloride

Abstract Bovine serum albumin, in aqueous guanidine hydrochloride, interacts preferentially with the solvent components, as was shown by techniques in which refractometry and light scattering and equilibrium dialysis were used. If constant salt molality after dialysis is taken as the reference state for zero binding, then 0.08 ± 0.03 and 0.18 ± 0.05 g of salt per g of protein is bound at 3 m and 6 m salt, respectively, with similar values at 4 and 5 m salt. These results indicate ren that (v2)t,µt,µ1,µ,µ2 (obtained by measuring the difference in density between a protein solution and its dialysate) is 2 to 3% less than the value obtained at constant molality of salt.
Generic Feasibility of Perfect Reconstruction With Short FIR Filters in Multichannel Systems

We study the feasibility of short finite impulse response (FIR) synthesis for perfect reconstruction (PR) in generic FIR filter banks. Among all PR synthesis banks, we focus on the one with the minimum filter length. For filter banks with oversampling factors of at least two, we provide prescriptions for the shortest filter length of the synthesis bank that would guarantee PR almost surely. The prescribed length is as short or shorter than the analysis filters and has an approximate inverse relationship with the oversampling factor. Our results are in form of necessary and sufficient statements for PR feasibility that hold generically, hence only fail for elaborately designed nongeneric examples. We provide extensive numerical verification of the theoretical results and demonstrate that the gap between the derived filter length prescriptions and the true minimum is small. Finally, we demonstrate that when our PR conditions are not satisfied, the unavoidable distortion in the reconstruction is substantial. The results have potential applications in synthesis FB design problems, where the analysis bank is given, and for analysis of fundamental limitations in blind signals reconstruction from data collected by unknown subsampled multichannel systems.
GIS-based riparian buffer analysis: injecting geographic information into landscape planning

Abstract The establishment and maintenance of riparian buffer zones along shorelines or streams is a common best management practice (BMP) in the United States. These vegetated areas function as sinker, filter, and transformer to delay, absorb, or purify contaminated runoff before it enters surface waters. Their effectiveness for nonpoint source pollution control has been widely appreciated. Presented in this paper is a case study in which a GIS-based (geographic information system based) buffer analysis was conducted on a North Carolina watershed in support of landscape planners' planning activities. By implementing scientifically tested models on generally available data sets in a GIS framework, the study accomplished a series of tasks that would have been extremely difficult if done in conventional ways. These tasks include (1) calculating and mapping variable riparian buffer zones; (2) identifying inadequately regulated areas (i.e. areas outside the currently regulated buffer zones but within the calculated buffer zones); (3) estimating land acquisition costs associated with these inadequately regulated areas. The analytical results were well received by the decision makers and advanced their knowledge about landscape planning issues that they were facing.
A Field Study of Rating Conditions and Leniency in Performance Appraisal

Summary.-Performance appraisal ratings of 89 secretarial and clerical employees of a large university were studied. Most recent administrative ratings, used to make personnel decisions, were obtained for all employees. In addition, research ratings were collected under one of two conditions. For approximately half of the employees, confidential ratings were obtained from the employees' supemison whereby the supervisors were told that only the researchers would see their ratings. For the other half of the employees, ratings were obtained under sharing conditions whereby supervisors were told that copies of their ratings would be sent to their respective employees. As expected, administrative ratings showed relatively more leniency than corresponding confidential research ratings but did not show more leniency than corresponding sharing research ratings. Findings were discussed in terms oi the cognitive dynamics which may cause more lenient ratings to occur. The importance of performance appraisal necessitates an understanding of conditions which can affect the rating process. As noted by Saal, Downey, and Lahey (1780) performance appraisal is often characterized by sysrematic rating error. Perhaps the most troublesome of these errors is leniency, which can lead to such problems as having misinformed employees whose performance is not as good as their ratings indicate, and merit pay costs for which a company may not be getting its money's worth. Traditional attempts at remedying leniency focused on improving rating forms and formats, training raters to minimize leniency, and increasing the observation skds of raters. More recent approaches have emphasized analyzing the cognitive processes underlying performance ratings (DeNisi, Cafferty, & Meglino, 1784; Feldman, 1781). Research on ratings has been based on the principle that raters observe and attend to employees' stimulus behavior; they store, possibly evaluate, and integrate this behavior in existing knowledge structures or schemas, and at some later point in time recall ths information for judgment. Moreover, this cognitive approach recognizes that the context of the rating process, including the purpose of the rating, may influence raters' cognitions and subsequent judgments. Landy and Farr's (1980) process model of performance rating stressed
Validation of a Postresection Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Nomogram for Disease-Specific Survival

Purpose Nomograms are statistically based tools that provide the overall probability of a specific outcome. They have shown better individual discrimination than the current TNM staging system in numerous patient tumor models. The pancreatic nomogram combines individual clinicopathologic and operative data to predict disease-specific survival at 1, 2, and 3 years from initial resection. A single US institution database was used to test the validity of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma nomogram established at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Patients and Methods The nomogram was created from a prospective pancreatic adenocarcinoma database that included 555 consecutive patients between October 1983 and April 2000. The nomogram was validated by an external patient cohort from a retrospective pancreatic adenocarcinoma database at Massachusetts General Hospital that included 424 consecutive patients between January 1985 and December 2003. Results Of the 424 patients, 375 had all variables documented. At la...
Family Involvement in Practice: Issues and Attitudes

The family occupies an important role in the lives of persons with a physical, developmental, or mental disability; however, the extent and manner in which occupational therapists work with families is not known. A questionnaire concerning family-therapist involvement was sent to occupational therapists. Responses of 340 occupational therapists with a primary practice area of physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, or mental health were compared. Results indicated that the amount of contact with families of clients, reasons for family-therapist interactions, and attitudes about the family's abilities and involvement were affected by the respondent's area of practice. Respondents in all three practice areas identified scheduling difficulties as the biggest issue affecting their involvement with families of their clients. Implications discussed include the need to obtain an understanding of families' desired level of involvement and the importance of continuing education opportunities for occupational therapists in changing attitudes about working with families. This study also suggests that the role of occupational therapists with families in mental health settings needs to be better articulated and shared with professional peers.