cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adding checkpoint inhibitors to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting EGFR/ALK in non-small cell lung cancer: a new therapeutic strategy

After the massive approval of checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of numerous malignancies and settings, checkpoint inhibitors-based combination therapies are emerging as a new therapeutic modality. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab (anti-PD1 agents) were recently approved as second-line treatment in NSCLC after progression on platinum-doublets. In parallel, targeting EGFR/ALK in NSCLC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) demonstrated remarkable outcomes and was approved as standard treatment, in patients with EGFR mutation or ALK rearrangement. Combining TKI targeting EGFR/ALK with checkpoint inhibitors seems a promising therapeutic option and is being evaluated in different trials. We aimed in this paper to elucidate the rationale behind this combination, to report the premilinary results of ongoing trials evaluating this association and finally, to discuss briefly the possible future indication of this treatment modality.
Extended abstract: Fans as creative mass for user localization and open innovation

In this participatory culture, technology innovation is increasingly driven by fan-based participation, catalyzed by the rapid growth of social media platforms and networked communication. This paper applies a user localization perspective to look at cases of fan participation from South Korea and China on social media platforms. Regarding those emerging fan practices as an alternative model for innovation, the paper hopes to start a conversation on how to nurture fan bases as a creative mass for open innovation.
Complex Vector Fields, Holomorphic Extension of CR Functions and Related Problems

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results on microlocal hypo-analyticity of functions annihilated by complex vector fields and the applications to holomorphic extension of CR functions. The complement of the set where h is hypo-analytic is called the hypo-analytic singular support of h. If the first integrals are analytic, then hypo-analyticity coincides with analyticity. The microlocal hypo-analyticity could also be defined using boundary values of holomorphic functions in certain conoids.
Realizing the Ultimate Amplification in Conducting Polymer Sensors: Isolated Nanoscopic Pathways

The ability of electronic polymers (molecular wires) to amplify sensory signals has been well documented in both optical and electrical transduction schemes. For optical (fluorescent) sensors a continous filmwith facile three-dimensional transport is optimal. In resistivity-based sensors the ultimate gain is realized when the carriers are constrained to nanoscopic pathways. In this architecture the carriers are forced to traverse barriers that are erected as a result ofmolecular recognition events. Without restricted nanoscopic pathways the carriers can simply go around the barrier, and although the resistivity will be increased, the full potential of the gain is not realized. In this chapter, I briefly describe systems that fulfill the desired restrictions in carrier transport and present analysis that supports the assertion that chemoresitive materials with isolated pathways offer great potential for the creation of ultrasensitive sensors.
Lie Detection, Mind Reading, and Brain Reading

This chapter briefly looks at the ways that those in the mid-to-late twentieth-century developed lie-detection techniques without neuroimaging – and how various neuroimaging techniques promise more sophisticated types of lie detection. It also very briefly explains how different neuroimaging technologies – such as EEF, fMRI, and fNIR – work, and how they might evolve into more sophisticated – and invasive – techniques in the future, and how law enforcement use of them may thus raise privacy concerns (and do so, even in cases that at first seem free of substantial privacy harms).
A microfluidic device for electronic cell surface expression profiling using magnetophoresis

Membrane antigen expression analysis of a cell population is routinely needed in clinical applications and basic biology research. In this work, we introduce a microfluidic device that aims to electronically profile the surface antigen density in a given cell population as a low-cost alternative to fluorescent-activated cell sorter. By coupling magnetophoretic cell sorting with an array of code-multiplexed resistive pulse sensors, our device can electrically quantify magnetic deflection of cells in the sorting process. Experiments using human breast cancer cell line demonstrate the utility of this device in the analysis of heterogeneous cell populations.
Smooth Second Order Sliding Mode Control of a Class of Underactuated Mechanical Systems

This paper investigates a framework for the application of robust and smooth second order sliding mode control to a class of underactuated mechanical systems for the realization of high performance control applications. First, using input and state transformations, the dynamics of the class are transformed into a normal form which consists of a set of reduced order nonlinear subsystems and a set of reduced order linear subsystems. Then we present nonlinear sliding manifold and sliding mode control for the reduced order nonlinear subsystem known as the Lagrangian zero dynamics such that stability of the overall system is guaranteed. The control design procedure is illustrated for the Furuta Pendulum, the Overhead Crane, and the Beam-and-Ball system. Numerical simulations verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Additionally, we design swingup control law for the Furuta Pendulum to overcome the limitation of the sliding mode control law and achieve global stabilization in the presence of external disturbance.
Child maltreatment risk as a function of poverty and race/ethnicity in the USA

Background Child maltreatment is a pressing social problem in the USA and internationally. There are increasing calls for the use of a public health approach to child maltreatment, but the effective adoption of such an approach requires a sound foundation of epidemiological data. This study estimates for the first time, using national data, total and type-specific official maltreatment risks while simultaneously considering environmental poverty and race/ethnicity. Methods National official maltreatment data (2009-13) were linked to census data. We used additive mixed models to estimate race/ethnicity-specific rates of official maltreatment (total and subtypes) as a function of county-level child poverty rates. The additive model coupled with the multilevel design provided empirically sound estimates while handling both curvilinearity and the nested data structure. Results With increasing county child poverty rates, total and type-specific official maltreatment rates increased in all race/ethnicity groups. At similar poverty levels, White maltreatment rates trended higher than Blacks and Hispanics showed lower rates, especially where the data were most sufficient. For example, at the 25% poverty level, total maltreatment report rates were 6.91% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.43%-7.40%] for Whites, 6.30% (5.50%-7.11%) for Blacks and 3.32% (2.88%-3.76%) for Hispanics. Conclusions We find strong positive associations between official child maltreatment and environmental poverty in all race/ethnicity groups. Our data suggest that Black/White disproportionality in official maltreatment is largely driven by Black/White differences in poverty. Our findings also support the presence of a 'Hispanic paradox' in official maltreatment, where Hispanics have lower risks compared with similarly economically situated Whites and Blacks.
Cocoa Polyphenols and Cardiovascular Health

Cocoa is derived from the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree and has a complex chemical composition. A number of compounds found in cocoa have documented physiological effects. In particular, a significant body of literature supports the role of cocoa polyphenols in maintaining cardiovascular health. Future studies on cocoa should be aimed at elucidating the mechanisms whereby cocoa polyphenols modulate cardiovascular function and at identifying individual polyphenolic compounds within cocoa that are efficacious.
Firearms and Toolmarks

This chapter covers the entire scope of firearm and toolmark examination, from the scientific basis for identification and the general protocol used, to the related duties that are involved in the daily routine of the examiner. Specific case examples are utilized to illustrate the various topics discussed.
Impact of retransmission mechanisms on the performance of SCTP and TCP

The Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP) has been developed as a reliable transport layer protocol for carrying PSTN signalling messages over IP networks. However, its advanced congestion control and fault tolerant features make it a strong competitor to the widely used TCP protocol. In this paper, we investigate the performance of SCTP in an error-prone network, and compared it with that of TCP. We have found that the performance of SCTP is higher than that of TCP for a range of wireless error probabilities. We have shown that differences in the retransmission mechanisms of the two protocols leads to the better performance of SCTP.
Murine coronavirus gene 1 polyprotein contains an autoproteolytic activity.

The 5′ most gene of the murine Coronavirus genome, gene 1, is presumed to encode the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. cDNA clones representing this gene encompass more than 22 kilobases, suggesting that this region may encode multifunctional polyprotein(s). It has previously been shown that the N-terminal portion of this gene product is cleaved into a protein of 28 kilodaltons (p28). To identify possible functional domains of gene 1 and further understand the mechanism of synthesis of the p28 protein, cDNA clones representing the 5′-most 5.3 kilobases of the murine Coronavirus mouse hepatitis virus strain JHM were subcloned into pT7 vectors from which RNAs were transcribed and translated in vitro. Although p28 is encoded from the first 1 kilobase at the 5′-end of the genome, translation of in vitro transcribed RNAs indicated that this protein was not detected unless the product of the entire 5.3 kilobase region was synthesized. This result suggests that the region close to 5.3 kilobases from the 5′-end of the genomic RNA is essential for the proteolytic cleavage and may contain an autoproteolytic activity. Addition of the protease inhibitor ZnCl2 blocked cleavage of the p28 protein. Site-directed mutagenesis of Cys residue 1137 significantly reduced the cleavage of the p28 protein, indicating that this residue, probably in conjuction with a downstream domain, plays an essential role in the cleavage of p28. This Cys residue may be part of a papain-like autoprotease encoded by gene 1.
Disruption of dorsal hippocampal - prefrontal interactions using chemogenetic inactivation impairs spatial learning.

Abstract The hippocampus (HPC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are both necessary for learning and memory-guided behavior. Multiple direct and indirect anatomical projections connect the two regions, and HPC – PFC functional interactions are mediated by diverse physiological network patterns, thought to sub serve various memory processes. Disconnection experiments using contralateral inactivation approaches have established the role of direct, ipsilateral projections from ventral and intermediate HPC (vHPC and iHPC) to PFC in spatial memory. However, numerous studies have also prominently implicated physiological interactions between dorsal HPC (dHPC) and PFC regions in spatial memory tasks, and recent reports have identified direct dHPC – PFC connections. Whether dHPC – PFC interactions are necessary for spatial learning and memory has yet to be tested. Here, we used a chemogenetic inactivation approach using virally-expressed DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) in rats to investigate the role of dHPC – PFC interactions in learning a hippocampal – dependent spatial alternation task. We implemented a rapid learning paradigm for a continuous W-track spatial alternation task comprising two components: an outbound, working memory component, and an inbound, spatial reference memory component. We investigated the effect of contralateral inactivation of dHPC and PFC on learning this task as compared with naive and vehicle injection controls, as well as ipsilateral inactivation of the same regions. Contralateral dHPC – PFC inactivation selectively led to a significant impairment in learning the spatial working memory task compared to control groups, but did not impair learning of the spatial reference memory task. Ipsilateral inactivation animals showed similar learning rates as animals in the control groups. In a separate experiment, we confirmed that bilateral inactivation of PFC also leads to an impairment in learning the spatial working memory task. Our results thus demonstrate that dHPC – PFC interactions are necessary for spatial alternation learning in novel tasks. In addition, they provide crucial evidence to support the view that physiological interactions between dHPC and PFC play a key role in spatial learning and memory.
Phenylketonuria: Current Treatments and Future Developments.

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism that results in elevated phenylalanine levels in blood. The classical form of the disease with phenylalanine level > 1200 µmol/L in blood is called phenylketonuria (PKU) and is associated with severe intellectual disability when untreated. In addition, phenylalanine levels above the therapeutic range in pregnant female patients lead to adverse fetal effects. Lowering the plasma phenylalanine level prevents intellectual disability, maintaining the level in the therapeutic range of 120–360 µmol/L is associated with good outcome for patients as well as their pregnancies. Patient phenotypes are on a continuous spectrum from mild hyperphenylalaninemia to mild PKU, moderate PKU, and severe classic PKU. There is a good correlation between the biochemical phenotype and the patient’s genotype. For over four decades the only available treatment was a very restrictive low phenylalanine diet. This changed in 2007 with the approval of cofactor therapy which is effective in up to 55% of patients depending on the population. Cofactor therapy typically is more effective in patients with milder forms of the disease and less effective in classical PKU. A new therapy has just been approved that can be effective in all patients with PAH deficiency regardless of their degree of enzyme deficiency or the severity of their phenotype. This article reviews the mainstay therapy, adjunct enzyme cofactor therapy, and the newly available enzyme substitution therapy for hyperphenylalaninemia. It also provides an outlook on emerging approaches for hyperphenylalaninemia treatment such as recruiting the microbiome into the therapeutic endeavor as well as therapies under development such as gene therapy.
Telesuit: an immersive user-centric telepresence control suit

Telepresence takes place when a user is afforded with the experience of being in a remote environment or virtual world, through the use of immersive technologies. A humanoid robot and a control apparatus that correlates the operator's movements whilst providing sufficient sensory feedback, encompass such immersive technologies. This paper considers the control mechanisms that afford telepresence, the requirements for continuous or extended telepresence control, and the health implications of engaging in complex time-constrained tasks. We present Telesuit - a full-body telepresence control system for operating a humanoid telepresence robot. The suit is part of a broader system that considers the constraints of controlling a dexterous bimanual robotic torso, and the need for modular hardware and software that allows for high-fidelity immersiveness. It incorporates a health-monitoring system that collects information such as respiratory effort, galvanic skin response, and heart rate. This information is consequently leveraged by the platform to adjust the telepresence experience and apply control modalities for autonomy. Furthermore, the design of the Telesuit garment considers both functionality and aesthetics.
Cholinergic Modulation of Exposure Disrupts Hippocampal Processes and Augments Extinction: Proof-of-Concept Study With Social Anxiety Disorder.

Abstract Background In rodents, context specificity of Pavlovian extinction is attenuated by manipulations that impair hippocampal function, including systemic administration of scopolamine, a muscarinic-cholinergic receptor antagonist. Context renewal translates into return of fear following exposure therapy to feared situations. We evaluated the effectiveness of scopolamine for attenuating context renewal of phobic fear in humans. Methods A total of 60 participants (35 female, 22 male, 1 transgender, 2 undeclared) with social anxiety disorder and fear of public speaking were randomized to placebo, 0.5 mg scopolamine, or 0.6 mg scopolamine. They completed seven exposure sessions in an exposure context and subsequently tested in the exposure context (extinction retest) versus a different context (context renewal test), which were counterbalanced. Testing 1 month later occurred in the exposure context (long-term extinction retest). Fear measures included skin conductance and self-reported distress during speeches. Hippocampus-dependent cognitive tasks were completed as well. Results Scopolamine augmented extinction across exposure sessions on skin conductance response and skin conductance level. Lower skin conductance response at context renewal in scopolamine groups relative to the placebo group was constrained to simple effects and complicated by unexpected outcomes within placebo and on self-reported fear. Scopolamine led to lower skin conductance response at long-term extinction retest. Scopolamine impaired performance on a cognitive task of hippocampal function. Conclusions Noninvasive and well-tolerated scopolamine impaired hippocampal processes and augmented extinction during exposure. Drug-free effects persisted 1 month later. Findings at context renewal were limited and suggestive only. Further investigation is warranted with varying scopolamine dosages.
Demo: verisig - verifying safety properties of hybrid systems with neural network controllers

This abstract presents Verisig, a scalable tool for verifying safety properties of closed-loop systems with neural network (NN) controllers. Verisig transforms the NN into an equivalent hybrid system and composes this hybrid system with the plant's. This abstract describes this transformation and outlines the tool's building blocks.
Electronic Cigarette Use During a Randomized Trial of Interventions for Smoking Cessation Among Medicaid Beneficiaries with Mental Illness.

Objective: People with mental illness have high rates of cigarette smoking, but many wish to quit. Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become increasingly common, especially among smokers wh...
Political Engagement among Undergraduate Women of Color.

Drawing from an intersectionality framework, we studied political engagement among undergraduate women of Color. Using multi-institutional data, we examined how women students’ race/ethnicity and c...
DIMA Prototype Integrated Circuits

This chapter describes the design, fabrication and laboratory test results of two DIMA prototype ICs in a 65 nm CMOS process technology. The first IC is a multi-functional DIMA that implements four different machine learning algorithms—the support vector machine (SVM), template matching (TM), k-nearest neighbor (k-NN), and matched filter (MF), thereby demonstrating DIMA’s versatility. The second IC implements the random forest (RF) algorithm which is known be particularly difficult to realize due to its irregular memory accesses. By employing regularized trees and deterministic sub-sampling methods, this IC realizes the RF algorithm via ensemble of decision trees for classification. For both prototypes, design details, including the chip architecture, circuit techniques, and measured results, are provided.
Bioactive ingredients in Korean cosmeceuticals: Trends and research evidence

Background Cosmeceuticals are commonly used in skincare regimens to maintain healthy skin and improve visible signs of aging. In recent years, South Korean skincare has gained prominence in the global beauty industry by introducing innovative cosmeceutical products and aesthetic trends. Objectives To describe the global impact of Korean skincare and to review the current research evidence for bioactive ingredients commonly found in Korean cosmeceuticals. Methods A review of the biomedical literature was conducted using PubMed to identify laboratory, animal, and clinical studies that evaluated the biological properties and potential dermatologic uses of ingredients found in Korean cosmeceuticals. Results Bioactive ingredients in Korean cosmeceutical products are increasingly undergoing scientific validation and are derived from various sources including animals (eg, bee venom and snail mucin), plants (eg, dragon's blood and tiger grass extract), and biotechnology (eg, synthetic snake venom). Their bioactive components and pharmacologic activities have been shown to provide dermatologic benefits with potential applications for skin rejuvenation, photoprotection, wound healing, and more. Conclusion Further research studies are warranted to elucidate any biological or therapeutic mechanisms of action of these ingredients, which may translate into clinical practice. With the rising public awareness and interest in Korean cosmeceuticals, patients may seek advice from dermatologists about how to incorporate these bioactive ingredients into their skincare regimens to improve skin health and aesthetics.
Learning Experience Design in Health Professions Education: A Conceptual Review of Evidence for Educators.

Objectives The increasing use of online resources in emergency medicine (EM) education has driven demand for higher quality resources. Learning experience design (LED) is the study of how electronic user interfaces impact learner outcomes. We sought to summarize the evidence for LED principles to inform creation of EM educational resources. Methods We performed scripted searches of MeSH terms, PubMed keywords, and hand tracings. Inclusion criteria were controlled studies using light-emitting diode or liquid crystal display monitors with Latin-based languages. Cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors were excluded because of the user experience confounders. Results Thirty-two articles met inclusion criteria. Overall, 14-point size significantly improved legibility compared to smaller font sizes. Similarly, Verdana and Arial typefaces significantly improved legibility compared to Times New Roman typeface. Verdana also significantly decreased subjective mental workload and visibility difficulty ratings and required the least eye movement of any typefaces tested. Positive polarity (dark text on light background) significantly improved reading outcomes across many measurements over negative polarity. There was higher character identification accuracy with higher luminance. Text effects (e.g., italics), interword and interletter spacing, and page presentation are among variables with mixed or minimal evidence. Conclusion Learning experience design principles significantly impacted reading and learning outcomes in laboratory settings. No studies evaluated classroom outcomes. Recommendations for electronic learning environments are 14-point font with Verdana or Arial typeface with positive polarity (dark letters on light background). We recommend increasing screen brightness slightly. EM educators may significantly improve the speed and accuracy of learning written material by espousing evidence-based LED principles.
God’s Pneumatic Word and Faith, Hope and Love in a Fallible World

In conversation with Karl Barth and Scripture, Paul Louis Metzger outlines a fallibilist approach to theology and Christian life characterized by humble faith, earnest hope, and resilient love. These dispositions are, in turn, founded on the Reformed conviction that God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ is sufficient, albeit not exhaustive, and therefore should lead not “to arrogance or ambivalence, but to awe and wonder.” Taking Barth’s view that Christ himself is the unity of the churches, Metzger offers some positive ecumenical connections for our time.
Evaluation of the effect of 3D porous Chitosan-alginate scaffold stiffness on breast cancer proliferation and migration

Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the most common cancers for women and metastatic BCa causes the majority of deaths. The extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffens during cancer progression and provides biophysical signals to modulate proliferation, morphology, and metastasis. Cells utilize mechanotransduction and integrins to sense and respond to ECM stiffness. Chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffolds have been used for 3D culture, but lack integrin binding ligands, resulting in round cell morphology and limited cell-material interaction. In this study, 2, 4, and 6 wt% CA scaffolds were produced to mimic the stages of BCa progression and evaluate the BCa response to CA scaffold stiffness. All three CA scaffold compositions highly porous with interconnected pores and scaffold stiffness increased with increasing polymer concentration. MDA-MB-231 (231) cells were cultured in CA scaffolds and 2D cultures for 7 d. All CA scaffold cultures had similar cell numbers at 7 d and the 231 cells formed clusters that increased in size during the culture. The 2 wt% CA had the largest clusters throughout the 7 d culture compared with the 4 and 6 wt% CA. The 231 cell migration was evaluated on 2D surfaces after 7 d culture. The 6 wt% CA cultured cells had the greatest migration speed, followed by 4 wt% CA, 2D cultures, and 2 wt% CA. These results suggest that 231 cells sensed the stiffness of CA scaffolds without the presence of focal adhesions. This indicates that a non-integrin-based mechanism may explain the observed mechanotransduction response.
Effects of Hurricanes on Rare Plant Demography in Fire-Controlled Ecosystems

Hurricanes have dramatic effects on forest vegetation, but their effects on shrublands have rarely been studied. We analyzed the effects of three 2004 hurricanes—among the strongest on record in Florida—on vital rates of 12 rare plant species of pyrogenic interior Florida scrub and sandhill. Tree damage varied by vegetation type (being highest in areas with Pinus clausa) and was associated with debris deposition. Most rare species were minimally impacted by hurricanes. The two most frequently damaged species were the shrubs Prunus geniculata (11% of individuals) and Asimina obovata (7%); both were resilient to damage. Prunus geniculata had little mortality during the hurricane year but damaged plants had a temporary (1-yr) reduction in relative growth rate. Prunus geniculata flowering was unaffected by hurricane damage. Hurricane damage had no effects on vital rates of A. obovata, Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium, or Chrysopsis highlandsensis. Other species suffered little or no observable hurricane damage. Of 12 species analyzed, nine had similar annual survival in hurricane and nonhurricane years. Relatively low survival in the hurricane year (compared with other years) was linked to prehurricane drought or prescribed fire in two of three species. Thus, the 2004 hurricanes did not have important effects on populations of interior Florida scrub and sandhill plants, especially herbaceous species. This is in marked contrast to dramatic demographic responses to fire in central Florida and strong effects of hurricanes in coastal Florida, highlighting that these different disturbances may have divergent effects on vegetation and populations over short distances.
Gas evolution detection techniques: I. Pressure—temperature

Abstract A simple pressure—temperature apparatus is described which can be used for thermal analysis investigations. The apparatus contains a recording mercury manometer, the output of which is directly proportional to the pressure change of the system. Use of the system is illustrated by the P—T curves of KHCO 3 , cobalt(III) ammine complexes, CaC 2 O 4 ·H 2 0, and magnesium, nickel and cobalt(II) carbonates.
Acquisition and maintenance of lever pressing with prolonged exposure to delayed reinforcement

The present study investigated acquisition and extinction of free-operant responding when rats' lever presses produced sucrose pellets after resetting delays of 10 or 20 s. Presses on a second lever cancelled any scheduled food deliveries. Although previous research using 60-s delays failed to demonstrate maintenance of responding across repeated sessions, current findings show that lever pressing can be acquired and maintained with resetting delays. This was demonstrated by both (a) an increase in lever pressing across sessions, and (b) an increase across sessions in the proportion of responding emitted on the lever that produced reinforcement. In addition, responding decreased quickly and substantially when extinction was implemented. This investigation extends previous research showing rats can acquire lever pressing under the resetting/cancellation conditions, and provides evidence that the ability of delayed reinforcers to strengthen responding is a robust phenomenon.
The power forward initiative

As the electronics industry continues its move towards advanced process geometries, significant challenges have emerged that cannot be met by the existing design infrastructure. Across the design and manufacturing chain, a need has emerged for a power-aware infrastructure that will benefit design teams; ASIC, library, IP, and tool vendors; equipment providers; and manufacturing facilities alike.
A Random Walk: The Federal Circuit’s 2010 Government Contracts Decisions

This Article discusses the Federal Circuit's 2010 government contracts cases. It begins with some perspective on, and empirical quantification of, the Federal Circuit’s level of specialization and evolving jurisprudence in the field of government contracts. It eventually turns to analysis of a hodge-podge of unrelated cases: three award controversies (or bid protests), a handful of post award performance disputes, a few selections from the ongoing behemoths of litigation in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims - Winstar and Spent Nuclear Fuel, and a potentially analogous implied warranty case. Overall, the article suggests that the Federal Circuit's 2010 government contracts cases appear to lack significant volume, thematic coherence, or dramatic impact. It also reinforces the perception that the court does not, and does not desire to, embrace the unique nature of the federal government contract regime as an analytical premise or predicate. Rather, the court increasingly appears to prefer a more consistent, streamlined, simplified, or even formalistic approach to its highly varied docket.
Outcome of carotid endarterectomy in African Americans: is race a factor?

Abstract Objective: African American patients have been underrepresented in large-scale trials of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Thus the role of CEA in the treatment of extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease in black patients remains unclear. We undertook this study to determine the effect of black race on early and late outcome of CEA. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of records for patients who underwent CEA from 1990 to 1999. Data on demographics, operative indications, hospital course, and long-term follow-up were obtained for each patient. Patients were stratified by race for comparison of perioperative course and late outcome. Risk factors were compared using χ 2 methods, and life table analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier survival plots. Results: One thousand forty-five CEA procedures were performed during the study period, 133 (13%) in black patients and 912 (87%) in white patients. Demographic risk factors were similar in both groups, except for hypertension ( P = .003), diabetes ( P P = .03), which were more prevalent in blacks. Just over half of patients had symptoms at presentation, with equal racial distribution. The perioperative stroke and death rate was 3.3% (blacks, 5.3%; whites, 3.1%; P = .19). The 8-year actuarial ipsilateral stroke rate was 7% in patients without symptoms and 8% in patients with symptoms, with no racial variation. There was, however, a racial difference in the long-term "all strokes" rate ( P = .002), regardless of vascular territory. This difference was largely due to the high late stroke rate in black patients with symptoms at presentation. A Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that only black race was a significant predictor of any stroke. Conclusions: CEA can be accomplished with acceptable morbidity and mortality in black patients with an expectation of similar protection from ipsilateral ischemic stroke as in white patients. Black patients, however, have a higher incidence of all strokes at long-term follow-up due to the higher risk of stroke in patients with symptoms of carotid bifurcation disease.
A PROLOG environment for developing and reasoning about data types

PROLOG is a programming language based on first order logic. The feature that distinguishes PROLOG from most other programming languages is that the execution of PROLOG programs is based on subgoal reduction and unification. Unfortunately, the reliance on unification for execution has also inhibited PROLOG from utilizing some recently developed concepts in programming languages such as abstract data types. In this paper we introduce a discipline for incorporating abstract data types into PROLOG, and study the use of PROLOG as a uniform programming environment for the specification, implementation, and verification of PROLOG programs. We illustrate the application of the environment to the development of abstract data types in PROLOG.
Observation of the Omega 0(c) charmed baryon at CLEO

The CLEO experiment at the CESR collider has used 13.7 fb-1 of data to search for the production of the (css-ground state) in e+e- collisions at . The modes used to study the are Ω-π+, Ω-π+π0, Ξ-K-π+π+, Ξ0 K-π+, and Ω-π+π+π-. We observe a signal of 40.4±9.0(stat) events at a mass of 2694.6±2.6(stat})±1.9(syst) MeV/c2, for all modes combined.
Electronic Circuits on Diamond Substrates

Abstract General Dynamics/Electronics Division (GDE) and the Norton Company have formed a joint venture to, among other things, fabricate electronic circuits on free standing diamond substrates. Norton makes the substrates and GDE does the circuit fabrication. Norton has made and delivered to GDE several pieces of diamond substrate that are 1 × 1 × .016 inches and finished on both sides. GDE has plated conductors and bonded active devices on the diamond substrate surface. The same microwave circuit has been put on an alumina substrate and a diamond substrate for side by side comparison. Thermograms of the two circuits were take with the active device dissipating the same power. The contrast between the active device temperatures on the two circuits is dramatic, which demonstrates the excellent heat conducting properties of diamond. In addition, the microwave characteristics are being measured to derive the design parameters needed to build circuits on diamond substrates. The diamond substrates have been shown to have outstanding physical and electrical properties to allow very high density packaging of electronic circuits.
Identification of p53 Mutations in Endometrial Adenocarcinoma by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism

We determined whether mutations in p53 exons 5–6–7–8, as detected in the polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) test, might be correlated with stage or grade in endomttrial adenocarcinoma. We amplified sequences containing exons 5, 6, 7, or 8 in DNA from tumors and controls. Mttation within the amplified sequences was indicated by changes in electrophoretic mobility (band shifts) in the SSCP test. The results were analyzed statistically and compared with the results of other, similar studies. We identified 15 band shifts among 47 endomttrial tumors studied (band shifts in two different exons in two cases) and none among 42 controls. Band shifts in exons 5 and 8 were associated uniformly with grade 2 or grade 3 histology. In other studies p53 mutations were correlated with advanced-stage malignancy. Further evaluation of particular p53 mutations and their relation to disease course in endomttrial adenocarcinoma seems warranted. The PCR-SSCP test seems well-suited to this purpose.
Calcium metabolism in the young adult male as affected by level and form of phosphorus intake and level of calcium intake.

A 60-day human metabolic study was conducted to measure polyphosphate hydrolysis and to compare the effects of supplements of phos phorus from ortho- and polyphosphates as well as supplements of both calcium and orthophosphates on calcium metabolism. The experiment was arranged in a 4 x 4 latin square design with eight subjects and four 15-day dietary periods. During its passage through the digestive tract, the polyphosphate supplement was 80.5 Â±5% hydrolyzed to orthophosphate. Calcium absorption was sig nificantly lower when the polyphosphate supplement was given than when the orthophosphate supplement was given. Both forms of phosphate caused a reduc tion in fractional renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, but only the orthophos- phate supplement improved calcium balance. Calcium equlibrium was achieved, however, only when supplements of both calcium and orthophosphate were given. Both phosphorus supplements caused an increase in urinary cyclic AMP, indicating an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, but bone rA© sorption as measured by urinary hydroxyproline was not affected by either phos phate supplement. The combined supplement of calcium and orthophosphate, however, caused decreases in the excretion of both cyclic AMP and hydroxypro line, suggesting a decrease in PTH-mediated bone rA©sorption. J. Nutr. Ill: 315-324, 1981.
Lysophosphatidic acid receptors.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a simple bioactive phospholipid with diverse physiological actions on many cell types. LPA induces proliferative and/or morphological effects and has been proposed to be involved in biologically important processes including neurogenesis, myelination, angiogenesis, wound healing, and cancer progression. LPA acts through specific G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane domain receptors. To date, three mammalian cognate receptor genes,lpA1/vzg-1/Edg2,lpA2/Edg4, andlpA3/Edg7, have been identified that encode high-affinity LPA receptors. Here, we review current knowledge on these LPA receptors, including their isolation, function, expression pattern, gene structure, chromosomal location, and possible physiological or pathological roles.
Assembly and characterization of heterochromatin and euchromatin on human artificial chromosomes.

Human centromere regions are characterized by the presence of alpha-satellite DNA, replication late in S phase and a heterochromatic appearance. Recent models propose that the centromere is organized into conserved chromatin domains in which chromatin containing CenH3 (centromere-specific H3 variant) at the functional centromere (kinetochore) forms within regions of heterochromatin. To address these models, we assayed formation of heterochromatin and euchromatin on de novo human artificial chromosomes containing alpha-satellite DNA. We also examined the relationship between chromatin composition and replication timing of artificial chromosomes. Heterochromatin factors (histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and HP1α) were enriched on artificial chromosomes estimated to be larger than 3 Mb in size but depleted on those smaller than 3 Mb. All artificial chromosomes assembled markers of euchromatin (histone H3 lysine 4 methylation), which may partly reflect marker-gene expression. Replication timing studies revealed that the replication timing of artificial chromosomes was heterogeneous. Heterochromatin-depleted artificial chromosomes replicated in early S phase whereas heterochromatin-enriched artificial chromosomes replicated in mid to late S phase. Centromere regions on human artificial chromosomes and host chromosomes have similar amounts of CenH3 but exhibit highly varying degrees of heterochromatin, suggesting that only a small amount of heterochromatin may be required for centromere function. The formation of euchromatin on all artificial chromosomes demonstrates that they can provide a chromosome context suitable for gene expression. The earlier replication of the heterochromatin-depleted artificial chromosomes suggests that replication late in S phase is not a requirement for centromere function.
Urinary 6βP-hydroxycortisol in humans: Analysis, biological variations, and reference ranges

Abstract Objective : To evaluate methods for analysis, biological variation, and reference ranges for 6β-hydroxycortisol in urine. Methods : The urinary level of 6β-hydroxycortisol (6β-OHF) was measured by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Results : The method was accurate and precise, as indicated by a recovery rate of 92–95% and less than 5.5% and 6.6% of coefficient of variation for within-run and between-run assay, respectively. The reference range of urinary 6β-OHF was 187–1245 nmol/day in adults (20–60 years) and 103–915 nmol/day in the elderly (>61 years). No significant day-to-day intrabiological variation was observed in a 5-day period. Diurnal rhythms of urinary 6β-OHF and urinary free cortisol (UFC) were quite parallel to each other, so that the ratio of 6β-OHF to UFC remained constant through the day. Conclusion : An early morning urine specimen can provide the urinary ratio of 6β-OHF to UFC as adequately as that determined from 24-h specimen.
Social Learning of a Novel Foraging Skill by White‐throated Magpie‐jays (Calocitta formosa, Corvidae): a Field Experiment

The cooperatively breeding white-throated magpie-jay (Calocitta formosa) uses a variety of foraging tactics to find, harvest, and process food. Members of territorial groups forage together and may gain information about how to acquire food by observing each other. A field experiment was performed to determine whether a novel skill, door opening to gain access to food, was more rapidly acquired by members of groups in which a trained individual performed the skill. A higher proportion of jays in groups with behavioural ‘models’ (trained birds that opened doors in the presence of group members) acquired the door-opening skill than those groups without models. Young birds acquired the behaviour more frequently than older individuals. Aggressive behaviour at feeders may have affected the spread of the behaviour by reducing the likelihood that individuals performed the behaviour in the presence of other group members but may also have encouraged subordinate individuals to attempt door opening rather than ‘scrounge’.
From business partner to driving business success: The next step in the evolution of HR management

In the 1980s, a combination of economic and political factors led to the demand for greater accountability in all functional areas of business, including HR. The massive restructuring of organizations in the 1990s led to the outsourcing of many of HR's basic transactional functions. In order for HR to add value to an organization, it must have several key competencies. “Influence in leadership is all about understanding the business well enough so that what you recommend adds value to the organization,” says one HR vice president. This article shows how this is done through the example of SYSCO Corporation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thymosin alpha-1 and FA-1 monoclonal antibody affect murine preimplantation embryo development by modulating protein phosphorylation.

Abstract The effects of thymosin α1 (Tα1) and FA-1 monoclonal antibody (anti-FA-1 mAb) on murine preimplantation embryonic development were investigated by performing 2-cell embryo bioassay and by studying ova/embryos protein phosphorylation pattern (by 32 P metabolic labeling and by in vitro kinase assay) and protein synthesis (by in vitro [ 35 S]methionine labeling). Tα1 treatment (0.1, 0.5 and 5 ng/100 μl) significantly increased blastulation rates ( P P P P P 32 P incorporation into 4 major protein bands of murine ova ( M r 125, 90, 68 and 31 kDa, respectively), 7 protein bands of 2-cell ( M r 90, 68 and 31; and 145, 52, 38 and 32 kDa, respectively), 10 protein bands of morula ( M r 150, 110, 92, 82, 70, 54, 39, 34, 30 and 29 kDa, respectively), and 15 protein bands of blastocyst (150, 110, 92, 70, 68, 54, 39, 34 and 30; and 131, 105, 52, 44, 43 and 33 kDa, respectively) stage embryos. Tα1 treatment (0.1–0.5 ng/100 μl) resulted in a general increase in 32 P labeling in all proteins of 2-cell, morula and blastocyst stage embryos. Anti-FA-1 mAb completely blocked 32 P labeling of various proteins of murine ova, 2-cell, morula and blastocyst stage embryos, whereas control mouse myeloma IgG did not affect phosphorylation of these proteins. In vitro kinase assay performed directly on various ova/embryos extracts revealed 6 phosphoproteins ( M r 105, 82, 55, 38, 34 and 33 kDa, respectively) that were common to ova and 2-cell embryos, besides a 43 kDa protein detected only in the ova extract. Of these phosphoproteins, Tα1 treatment specifically enhanced whereas anti-FA-1 mAb inhibited autophosphorylation of a 55 kDa protein of 2-cell embryos. Similarly, Tα1 treatment enhanced 6 phosphoproteins of morula ( M r 102, 60, 58, 49, 35 and 32 kDa, respectively) and 4 phosphoproteins of blastocyst ( M r 102, 60, 49 and 35 kDa, respectively) stage embryo extracts in the kinase assay. In [ 35 S]methionine labeling experiments, Tα1 treatment did not affect labeling of any of the 5 proteins ( M r 170, 95, 86, 62 and 42 kDa, respectively) of 2-cell embryos, however, it enhanced labeling of 1 protein band of ova (46 kDa), 7 proteins of morula ( M r 95, 86, 70, 43, 42, 39 and 35 kDa, respectively) and 9 proteins of blastocyst ( M r 95, 86, 70, 43, 42, 39 and 35; and 51 and 33 kDa, respectively) stage embryos. Anti-FA-1 mAb did not affect 35 S labeling of murine ova and 2-cell, morula or blastocyst proteins compared to control myeloma IgG. These results suggest that Tα1 enhance murine preimplantation embryonic development by modulating protein phosphorylation pattern as well as protein synthesis. On the other hand, anti-FA-1 mAb inhibit embryonic development by modulating protein phosphorylation pattern without affecting protein synthesis.
Effect of acute and chronic hypernatremia on myoinositol and sorbitol concentration in rat brain and kidney

In animal models of hypernatremia, increases in brain electrolyte content account for the entire increase in osmolality in acute but not chronic hypernatremia, suggesting that there is generation of additional intracellular solutes ("idiogenic osmoles") in chronic hypernatremic states. In the present study, the concentration of the polyols myoinositol and sorbitol and water content were determined in the brain and kidneys of rats made acutely (2 hours) and chronically (72 hours) hypernatremic by intraperitoneal injection of NaCl and water restriction. Both the brain and the kidney responded to chronic hypernatremia with increased levels of myoinositol. Sorbitol levels increased in the kidney in response to both acute and chronic hypernatremia. Water content dropped in acute hypernatremia, but remained unchanged during chronic hyperosmolar challenge. We conclude that the polyols, myoinositol and sorbitol, may play a significant role in cellular osmoregulation in brain and kidney during chronic hypernatremia in the rat.