cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational modeling of intraocular drug delivery supplied by porous implants

New and efficient drug delivery to the posterior part of the eye is a growing health necessity worldwide. Current treatment of eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), relies on repeated intravitreal injections of drug-containing solutions. Such a drug delivery has major drawbacks including short drug life, significant medical service, and high medical cost. In this study, we explored a new approach to controlled drug delivery by introducing unique porous implants. Our computational modeling contained key physiological and anatomical traits. Incompressible flow in a porous media field, including the sclera, choroid, and retina layers, is governed by Darcy law and the time evolution of the drug concentration was solved via three convection-diffusion equations in the three layers, respectively. The computational model was validated by established results from independent studies and experimental data. Simulations of the IgG1 Fab drug delivery to the posterior eye were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the porous implants for controlled delivery. Overall, our results indicate that drug therapeutic levels in the posterior eye sustain for eight weeks similarly to those using intravitreal injection. We first evaluated the effects of the porous implants on the drug delivery in the posterior layers. Subsequent simulations were carried out with varying porosity values in a porous episcleral implant. We found that the time evolution of drug concentration is distinctively correlated to drug source location and pore size. A correlation between porosity and fluid properties for selected porous implants was revealed for the first time in this study.
Cancer diagnoses and survival rise as 65-year-olds become Medicare-eligible.

BACKGROUND A Medicare effect has been described to account for increased health care utilization occurring at the age of 65 years. The existence of such an effect in cancer care, where it would be most likely to reduce mortality, has been unclear. METHODS Patients aged 61 to 69 years who were diagnosed with lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer from 2004 to 2016 were identified with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and were dichotomized on the basis of eligibility for Medicare (61-64 vs 65-69 years). With age-over-age (AoA) percent change calculations, trends in cancer diagnoses and staging were characterized. After matching, uninsured patients who were 61 to 64 years old (pre-Medicare group) were compared with insured patients who were 65 to 69 years old (post-Medicare group) with respect to cancer-specific mortality. RESULTS In all, 134,991 patients were identified with lung cancer, 175,558 were identified with breast cancer, 62,721 were identified with colon cancer, and 238,823 were identified with prostate cancer. The AoA growth in the number of cancer diagnoses was highest at the age of 65 years in comparison with all other ages within the decade for all 4 cancers (P < .01, P < .001, P < .01, and P < .001, respectively). In a comparison of diagnoses at the age of 65 years with those in the 61- to 64-year-old cohort, the greatest difference for all 4 cancers was seen in stage I. In matched analyses, the 5-year cancer-specific mortality was worse for lung (86.3% vs 78.5%; P < .001), breast (32.7% vs 11.0%; P < .001), colon (57.1% vs 35.6%; P < .001), and prostate cancer (16.9% vs 4.8%; P < .001) in the uninsured pre-Medicare group than the insured post-Medicare group. CONCLUSIONS The age threshold of 65 years for Medicare eligibility is associated with more cancer diagnoses (particularly stage I), and this results in lower long-term cancer-specific mortality for all cancers studied. LAY SUMMARY Contributing to the current debate regarding Medicare for all, this study shows that the expansion of Medicare would improve cancer outcomes for the near elderly.
Animal reactions to oncoming vehicles: a conceptual review.

Animal-vehicle collisions (AVCs) are a substantial problem in a human-dominated world, but little is known about what goes wrong, from the animal's perspective, when a collision occurs with an automobile, boat, or aircraft. Our goal is to provide insight into reactions of animals to oncoming vehicles when collisions might be imminent. Avoiding a collision requires successful vehicle detection, threat assessment, and evasive behaviour; failures can occur at any of these stages. Vehicle detection seems fairly straightforward in many cases, but depends critically on the sensory capabilities of a given species. Sensory mechanisms for detection of collisions (looming detectors) may be overwhelmed by vehicle speed. Distractions are a likely problem in vehicle detection, but have not been clearly demonstrated in any system beyond human pedestrians. Many animals likely perceive moving vehicles as non-threatening, and may generally be habituated to their presence. Slow or minimal threat assessment is thus a likely failure point in many AVCs, but this is not uniformly evident. Animals generally initiate evasive behaviour when a collision appears imminent, usually employing some aspect of native antipredator behaviour. Across taxa, animals exhibit a variety of behaviours when confronted with oncoming vehicles. Among marine mammals, right whales Eubalaena spp., manatees Trichechus spp., and dugongs Dugong dugon are fairly unresponsive to approaching vehicles, suggesting a problem in threat assessment. Others, such as dolphins Delphinidae, assess vehicle approach at distance. Little work has been conducted on the behavioural aspects of AVCs involving large mammals and automobiles, despite their prevalence. Available observations suggest that birds do not usually treat flying aircraft as a major threat, often allowing close approach before taking evasive action, as they might in response to natural predators. Inappropriate antipredator behaviour (often involving immobility) is a major source of AVCs in amphibians and terrestrial reptiles. Much behavioural work on AVCs remains to be done across a wide variety of taxa. Such work should provide broad phylogenetic generalizations regarding AVCs and insights into managing AVCs.
Metabolism of proteinoid microspheres

The literature of metabolism in proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres is reviewed and criticized from a biochemical and experimental point of view. Closely related literature is also reviewed in order to understand the function of proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres. Proteinoids or proteinoid microspheres have many activities. Esterolysis, decarboxylation, amination, deamination, and oxidoreduction are catabolic enzyme activities. The formation of ATP, peptides or oligonucleotides is synthetic enzyme activities. Additional activities are hormonal and inhibitory. Selective formation of peptides is an activity of nucleoproteinoid microspheres; these are a model for ribosomes. Mechanisms of peptide and oligonucleotide syntheses from amino acids and nucleotide triphosphate by proteinoid microspheres are tentatively proposed as an integrative consequence of reviewing the literature.
Towards Usage of Avatar Interviewers in Web Surveys

Imagine one morning in the near future a fellow named Dave arrives at his office and begins reading his email to prioritize tasks for the work day ahead. One message contains an embedded video. He clicks on the play button and sees an animated human head speaking with a human voice that asks him to click on a link to a survey. Normally, he would move on to other messages and return to do the survey later, but today he decides to complete the survey immediately because he is curious about the animated character (SitePal). After Dave clicks on the link, he notices the same character he saw in the email is now visible from the waist up and is in a seated position. Text, appearing as a text bubble in a comic strip, states that her name is Pat, and she asks the employee to turn on his webcam and speakers if he has them. His computer is equipped with a webcam, microphone, and speakers, so he switches them on. Pat asks Dave to say or click a button labeled “begin the survey.” Usually, Dave does not speak to his computer, but no one else is in the office yet so he decides to continue by saying “begin the survey.”
Sonographic evaluation of isolated abnormal axillary lymph nodes identified on mammograms.

Objective. To evaluate the role of sonography in evaluation of abnormal axillary lymph nodes identified in patients with otherwise negative or benign findings on mammography. Methods. For 3 years 2 months, we retrospectively reviewed 30 consecutive cases that had undergone sonographic evaluation for abnormal axillary lymph nodes identified in patients whose mammograms had an American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System final assessment of 1 or 2. Mammographic and sonographic features of the lymph nodes were analyzed and correlated with the histologic diagnosis in patients undergoing biopsy. Patients who did not undergo biopsy had clinical or imaging follow-up. Results. Twenty of the 30 patients studied had an abnormal sonographic appearance. Biopsy was recommended in 17 of the 20 patients on the basis of an abnormal sonographic appearance. In the remaining 3 patients, there was an underlying cause for lymphadenopathy, and these patients underwent clinical and sonographic follow-up. Eighteen patients underwent biopsy, including 1 patient with normal findings on sonography. Ten of these patients had malignant histologic findings: 6 were metastatic adenocarcinoma; 1, poorly differentiated sarcoma, and 3, lymphoma. The remaining 8 patients had benign histologic findings. The nonbiopsy group had clinical and or imaging follow-up (mean, 17.6 months; range, 6‐25 months). The sensitivity (true-positive/truepositive + false-negative) of sonography for assessment of suspected abnormal lymph nodes in the patients studied was 100% (10 of 10); specificity (true-negative/true-negative + false-positive), 50% (10 of 20); positive predictive value (true-positive/true-positive + false-positive) for malignancy based on the presence of 2 or more abnormal sonographic features, 50% (10 of 20); and negative predictive value, 100%. Conclusions. Sonography is useful in further characterization of isolated abnormal
Lysosomal enzyme release in the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque) exposed to cadmium.

Lysosomal membrane lability and enzyme activities were measured in gill and liver tissues of the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Exposure to sublethal cadmium concentrations for 10 or 21 days resulted in significant increases in the lability of liver lysosomal membranes, as measured by release of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and acid phosphatase (ACP). Acid phosphatase and NAG activities in liver were decreased by 10 day exposure to cadmium. However, after 21 days of exposure, liver NAG activity was elevated. Cadmium exposure did not affect the lysosomal lability index or the total enzyme activity of lysosomes isolated from gill tissue.In vitro exposure of isolated liver lysosomes to cadmium demonstrated that the increase in membrane lability was not a direct effect of cadmium on the lysosome. Stress induced by crowding the fish had no effect on liver lysosomal membrane lability. Starved bluegill sunfish had significantly destabilized lysosomes, as measured by both NAG and ACP. However, starvation did not affect the total activity of either enzyme. Neither size nor sex had any effect on lysosomal membrane lability, which indicates that field experiments will not be confounded by these factors. The problem of metal bioconcentration in fish has created the need for diagnostic tests which can be utilized to understand the biological effects of these contaminants on fish. The lysosomal membrane lability assay currently holds promise for use as a health monitoring tool.
A comparison of estrogen receptor SP1 and 1D5 monoclonal antibodies in routine clinical use reveals similar staining results.

Clinical therapies for breast cancer are guided by estrogen receptor (ER) status determined by immunohistochemical analysis. A previous retrospective study comparing the recently generated rabbit SP1 monoclonal antibody (MAb) with the conventionally used mouse 1D5 MAb reported that 8% of breast carcinomas were SP1+/1D5− (correlating with good outcomes), and 2% were SP1−/1D5+ (correlating with poorer outcomes). This study on mostly previously frozen tissue implied that 1D5 fails to identify some women who may benefit from endocrine therapy. The current prospective study compared SP1 and 1D5 immunostaining on routinely processed consecutive cases of breast carcinoma. ER was classified using the same positive threshold used in the prior study (<1% negative; ≥1% positive). Of 508 carcinomas, 2 were SP1+/1D5–, and none were SP1–/1D5+. Although SP1 is our preferred antibody, with more intense nuclear staining, both MAbs give similar results in tissue from routine clinical samples with discrepant results in fewer than 0.5% of cases.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION AND SPECIFIC SURFACE AREA OF URBAN ROADWAY STORMWATER SOLIDS

Surface area is a primary factor in determining many physical and chemical properties of solids, especially particles. In urban and highway runoff, solids can mediate the partitioning between the dissolved and particulate-bound phases of metal elements and organic compounds. Solids are also capable of adversely affecting roadway drainage appurtenances through sedimentation and clogging. Solids characteristics of primary importance for both solute adsorption and clogging and sedimentation are particle size distributions (PSDs), specific surface areas (SSAs), and mass loadings. PSD and SSA results are presented for rainfall and snowmelt solids from a heavily traveled urban roadway in Cincinnati. Integration of the PSD and SSA results indicates that particle surface area is greatest for the midrange ( 2000 μm) of the gradation. SSA results determined using the assumption of smooth spherical particles are indicated to grossly underestimate actual SSA values.
Fracture characteristics of Al-4 pct Mg mechanically alloyed with SiC

Subcritical crack growth and rapid fracture of the mechanically alloyed aluminum alloy IN-9052* reinforced with SiC particles have been investigated. Fatigue crack growth rates for the composite exceed those of the unreinforced alloy, except that the threshold stress intensity for growth is higher for the composite. Fracture toughness of the composite is about 9 MPa√m compared to a (reported) value of 29 MPa√m for the unreinforced alloy. The contributions to fracture toughness from work done within the plastic zone and in formation of the void sheet have been computed using analytical models. Fracture toughness is shown to result almost entirely from work done within the plastic zone of the growing crack. The matrix microstructure and the particulate characteristics are found to account for the elastic and fracture properties of this composite.
Cytoprotection by the modulation of mitochondrial electron transport chain: The emerging role of mitochondrial STAT3

The down regulation of mitochondrial electron transport is an emerging mechanism of cytoprotective intervention that is effective in pathologic settings such as myocardial ischemia and reperfusion when the continuation of mitochondrial respiration produces reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial calcium overload, and the release of cytochrome c to activate cell death programs. The initial target of deranged electron transport is the mitochondria themselves. In the first part of this review, we describe this concept and summarize different approaches used to regulate mitochondrial respiration by targeting complex I as a proximal site in the electron transport chain (ETC) in order to favor the cytoprotection. The second part of the review highlights the emerging role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the direct, non-transcriptional regulation of ETC, as an example of a genetic approach to modulate respiration. Recent studies indicate that a pool of STAT3 resides in the mitochondria where it is necessary for the maximal activity of complexes I and II of the electron transport chain (ETC). The overexpression of mitochondrial-targeted STAT3 results in a partial blockade of electron transport at complexes I and II that does not impair mitochondrial membrane potential nor enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The targeting of transcriptionally-inactive STAT3 to mitochondria attenuates damage to mitochondria during cell stress, resulting in decreased production of ROS and retention of cytochrome c by mitochondria. The overexpression of STAT3 targeted to mitochondria unveils a novel protective approach mediated by modulation of mitochondrial respiration that is independent of STAT3 transcriptional activity. The limitation of mitochondrial respiration under pathologic circumstances can be approached by activation and overexpression of endogenous signaling mechanisms in addition to pharmacologic means. The regulation of mitochondrial respiration comprises a cardioprotective paradigm to decrease cellular injury during ischemia and reperfusion.
MBE growth of highly reproducible VCSELs

Advances in the design of heterojunction devices have placed stringent demands on the epitaxial material technologies required to fabricate these structures. The increased demand for more stringent tolerance and complex device structures have resulted in a situation where acceptable growth yields will be realized only if epitaxial growth is directly monitored and controlled in real time. We report the growth of 980- and 850-nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL's) by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE), in which the pyrometric interferometry technique is used for in situ monitoring and feedback control of layer thickness to obtain the highly reproducible distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR) for VCSEL structures. This technique uses an optical pyrometer to measure emissivity oscillations of the growing epi-layer surface. The growing layer thickness can then be related to the emissivity oscillation signals. When the layer reaches the desired thickness, the growth of the subsequent layer is initiated. By making layer thickness measurements and control in real-time throughout the entire growth cycle of the structure, the Fabry-Perot resonance at the desired wavelength is reproducibly obtained. The run-to-run variation of the Fabry-Perot wavelength of VCSEL structures is < ± 0.4%. Using this technique, the group III fluxes can also be calibrated and corrected for flux drifts, thus we are able to control the gain peak of the active region with a run-to-run variation of less than 0.3%. Surface emitting laser diodes were fabricated and operated CW at room temperature. CW threshold currents of 3 and 5 mA are measured at room temperature for 980- and 850-nm lasers, respectively. Output powers higher than 25 mW for 980-nm and 12 mW for 850-nm devices are obtained.
A New Bulk Microphysical Scheme That Includes Riming Intensity and Temperature-Dependent Ice Characteristics

Abstract A new bulk microphysical parameterization (BMP) scheme is presented that includes a diagnosed riming intensity and its impact on ice characteristics. As a result, the new scheme represents a continuous spectrum from pristine ice particles to heavily rimed particles and graupel using one prognostic variable [precipitating ice (PI)] rather than two separate variables (snow and graupel). In contrast to most existing parameterization schemes that use fixed empirical relationships to describe ice particles, general formulations are proposed to consider the influences of riming intensity and temperature on the projected area, mass, and fall velocity of PI particles. The proposed formulations are able to cover the variations of empirical coefficients found in previous observational studies. The new scheme also reduces the number of parameterized microphysical processes by ∼50% as compared to conventional six-category BMPs and thus it is more computationally efficient. The new scheme (called SBU-YLIN) ha...
GLUCOCORTICOID STIMULATION OF NA+-DEPENDENT ASCORBIC ACID TRANSPORT IN OSTEOBLAST-LIKE CELLS

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential cofactor for osteoblast differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. Before it can function, this vitamin must be transported into cells via a specific Na / -dependent AA transporter. In this study, we examine the regulation of this transport activity by glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones known to stimulate in vitro osteoblast differentiation. Dexamethasone stimulated Na / -dependent AA transport activity approximately twofold in primary rat calvarial osteoblasts. Effects of hormone on ascorbic acid transport were rapid (detected within 24 h) and were maximally stimulated by 25‐50 nM dexamethasone. Similar effects of dexamethasone on transport activity were also observed in murine MC3T3-E1 cells. This preosteoblast cell line was used for a more detailed characterization of the glucocorticoid response. Transport activity was stimulated selectively by glucocorticoids (dexamethasoneu corticosterone) relative to other steroid hormones (progesterone and 17-b-estradiol) and was blocked when cells were cultured in the presence of cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor. Kinetic analysis of AA transporter activity in control and dexamethasone-treated cells indicated a Km of approximately 17mM for both groups. In contrast, dexamethasone increased Vmax by approximately 2.5-fold. Cells also contained an Na / -independent glucose transport activity that has been reported in other systems to transport vitamin C as oxidized dehydroascorbic acid. In marked contrast to Na / -dependent AA transport, this activity was inhibited by dexamethasone. Thus, glucocorticoids increase Na / -dependent AA transport in osteoblasts, possibly via up-regulation of transporter synthesis, and this response can be resolved from actions of glucocorticoids on glucose transport. J. Cell. Physiol. 176:85‐91, 1998. q 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Mechanical Signaling on the Single Protein Level Studied Using Steered Molecular Dynamics

Efficient communication between the cell and its external environment is of the utmost importance to the function of multicellular organisms. While signaling events can be generally characterized as information exchange by means of controlled energy conversion, research efforts have hitherto mainly been concerned with mechanisms involving chemical and electrical energy transfer. Here, we review recent computational efforts addressing the function of mechanical force in signal transduction. Specifically, we focus on the role of steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulations in providing details at the atomic level on a group of protein domains, which play a fundamental role in signal exchange by responding properly to mechanical strain. We start by giving a brief introduction to the SMD technique and general properties of mechanically stable protein folds, followed by specific examples illustrating three general regimes of signal transfer utilizing mechanical energy: purely mechanical, mechanical to chemical, and chemical to mechanical. Whenever possible the physiological importance of the example at hand is stressed to highlight the diversity of the processes in which mechanical signaling plays a key role. We also provide an overview of future challenges and perspectives for this rapidly developing field.
The magnitude of the hydrogen isotope effect in the metalation of thiophene

Abstract A determination of the isotope effect (k H /k T ) for the metalation of 2-t-thiophene with n-butyllithium gives a value of 16 ± 4 compared with the earlier value of at least 5·9 obtained by Gronowitz and Halvarson. The k H /k D value for the same reaction was determined to be 6·6 ± 0·3 and this value leads to a calculated value, using the method of Swain, of 16 for k H /k T . These values accord with the complete loss of the carbon to hydrogen stretching vibration at the transition state of a “protophilic” metalation process.
Communication processes in school consultation.

This paper describes communication processes between the Community Mental Health Service of the Massachusetts Mental Health Center and the Boston public schools with regard to establishing a school consultation program, along with the difficulties encountered in obtaining sanctions for the program. Communication was hampered by stereotypes that teachers and mental health workers had of one another and by widely varying concepts of what was being requested or offered under the name of “consultation.” Gerald Caplan's definition of mental health consultation was the model adopted for use by the consultants in our program. The key issue in communication with school personnel appears to be the consultant's ability to establish and maintain a coordinate relationship with his consultees. Communications must be kept open with all significant authority figures in the school system in order to maintain sanction for the program. All consultants working in the same school system must communicate with one another regularly in order to keep abreast of significant system-wide issues and to learn of one another's successes and failures which may influence the progress of the program.
DART: A particle-based method for generating easy-to-follow directions

Despite evidence that human wayfinders consider directions involving landmarks or topological descriptions easier to follow, the majority of commerical direction-planning services and GPS navigation units plan routes based on metrically or temporally shortest paths, ignoring this potentially valuable information. We propose a method for generating directions that maximizes the probability of a human arriving at the correct destination, taking into account a model of their ability to follow topological, metrical, and landmark-based directions. We discuss optimization techniques for employing these models and present a method, DART, for extracting model-improved sets of directions in a tractable amount of time. DART employs particle simulation techniques to maximize the probability that the modeled wayfinder will successfully reach their destination. Our synthetic evaluation shows that DART produces improvements in arrival rates over existing methods and illustrates how DART's directions reflect properties of the wayfinder model.
The synthesis of several tert-butyloxycarbonyl derivatives of insulin

Abstract The use of the reagent, tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-azide, for the synthesis of a reversible blocking group for the amino groups in insulin has been further investigated. In addition to the tri-substituted Boc derivative, three mono- and one di-Boc-insulin derivatives have been synthesized, which were purified by DEAE-Sephadex chromatography and subsequently characterized by amino acid analysis, deamination and trypsin digestion. All of the derivatives were treated with trifluoroacetic acid to regenerate native crystalline insulin. The Boc derivatives and regenerated insulin were shown to possess high biological activity as assayed by their effects on glucose oxidation in isolated fat cells.
Treatment of female sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women—What is the evidence?

Abstract Postmenopausal women often seek medical advice because they suffer from one or more subtypes of sexual dysfunction. A variety of nonprescription, prescription and investigational products to treat female sexual dysfunction is available, but the evidence regarding the effects of these products on female sexual function is inconclusive. Individualized care is vital as each woman has specific needs that require personalized treatments. Prior to recommending existing pharmacological treatment in women with sexual dysfunction, behavioral therapy should be sought. This therapy may help women overcome psychological barriers towards sexual activity, modify sexual behavior and subsequently improve sexual function. A secondary option is pharmacological therapy to treat underlying medical conditions. Hormone replacement therapy with estrogens improves vasomotor symptoms, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia and general well-being, yet in most women has little effect on libido. Testosterone replacement enhances sexual motivation and improves libido. Tibolone has estrogenic, progestagenic and androgenic properties and is effective in several subtypes of female sexual function. The results from clinical trials using sildenafil citrate (Viagra), dopamine agonists, peripheral nonselective alpha-blockers, phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors, as well as oxytocine, ginkgo biloba, caffeine and psychostimulants are inconclusive. Future randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with appropriate target population, validated outcomes measures, bigger sample sizes and of longer duration are needed to assess treatment options in women with sexual dysfunction.
Plastic Surgery Update

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/16-1-12442 Based on a presentation at the Annual Spring Meeting of the Islamic Medical Association in Kissimmee, Florida. March, 1984.
Toward Understanding Homosexuality: An Agenda for Adult Christian Education's Contribution to Human Wholeness.

Abstract One task facing adult religious education is to become more intentional in understanding homosexuality and homosexual persons, to the end that these persons might find religious groups to be more open and accepting and that religious persons of good will might become more articulate allies of homosexual persons in the larger society. The paper proposes a curricular design built upon Maria Harris's model for “fashioning a people.” The proposal is intended to be a framework by which professional religious educators are enabled to evaluate existing resources and to plan curricular strategies in light of their own theological understandings. 1 This paper was presented at the Association of Professors and Researchers in Religious Education Conference in Fort Worth, November 1993.
THE CIVIL COMMITMENT OF SEX OFFENDERS

The U.S. Supreme Court recently found the Kansas "sexual predator" statute constitutional. This statute permits the confinement, in mental hospitals, of sex offenders after the completion of their criminal sentences if they have a mental abnormality that might lead to future dangerous behavior. The broad definition of mental abnormality, includes both serious disorders and personality disorders that may reflect only antisocial traits, coupled with the fact that past behavior which occurred years before, is an adequate predicate for confinement. This represents a significant expansion of traditional civil commitment and a blurring of the boundaries of mental illness and deviance. The costs for this confinement are three to four times the cost of customary civil commitment and compete with costs for treatment of the seriously mentally ill.
Polarization in Proton-Proton Scattering at 10 MeV

The polarization in proton-proton scattering at an incident energy of 10.0±0.05 MeV has been measured at seven angles with an accuracy of ±0.02%. A gaseous hydrogen target (1–2 atm) was bombarded with polarized protons. The sign of the beam polarization was reversed with a spin-precession solenoid between the ion source and the accelerator. The beam polarization (75–80%) was monitored continuously with a p-α polarimeter which was calibrated in terms of a precision p-α measurement of Ohlsen, et.al.1).
Biomarker Endpoints for Early-Phase Cancer-Prevention Studies

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women in the US, and prevention of this disease is therefore a major public health concern. Chemoprevention with anti-estrogens, including tamoxifen, raloxifene, and exemestane, has been shown to reduce the incidence of hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. However, breast cancer chemoprevention uptake has been poor and effective chemopreventive agents for HR-negative tumors are yet to be identified. A priority for breast cancer prevention research is improving the efficiency of chemoprevention trials by use of intermediate biomarkers correlated with breast cancer risk. This review provides an overview of the literature on breast-imaging-based, tissue-based, and circulating biomarkers which have been associated with breast cancer risk by observational studies and are being investigated as intermediate endpoints for early-phase chemoprevention trials.
Physiological response of mouse retinal ganglion cells to electrical stimulation: Effect of soma size

An epiretinal prosthesis aims to restore functional vision by stimulating electrically the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in patients affected by photoreceptor degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). During retinal degeneration, photoreceptor death is followed by pronounced remodeling and rewiring of inner retinal cells. Despite these changes, a considerable population of RGCs remain receptive to prosthetic stimulation. To target selectively a localized subset of RGCs, an improved understanding of the anatomical and physiological properties of these cells is required. Additionally, potential alterations in electrical excitability produced by the retinal degeneration needs to be assessed. This study investigates the effect of RGC soma size on the threshold for action potential (spike) generation and its implications for the rescue of visual function.
Abstract LB-225: Phase 2 Trial of nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin for advanced NSCLC in patients at risk of bleeding from VEGF directed therapies

Background: The addition of bevacizumab (Bev) to platinum based chemotherapy results in higher response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, Bev is not indicated in patients (pts) with squamous histology or with hemoptysis due to bleeding risk. Nab-paclitaxel is a novel formulation of paclitaxel with higher dose tolerance and potentially improved efficacy. A previous study of nab-paclitaxel/Carboplatin (using an alternative schedule) showed a higher response rate in patients with squamous histology (Socinski, et al, ASCO 2010, LBA7511). We hypothesized that in pts with NSCLC ineligible for Bev therapy the combination of nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin (Cb) would be superior to alternative doublets. Methods: We conducted a single-arm, single-institution phase 2 trial (NCT00729612) to evaluate RR (primary endpoint), safety/toxicity, and survival (OS, PFS - secondary endpoints) in patients treated with nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin (Cb). Eligible pts included: squamous histology, history of hemoptysis, requirement for anticoagulation. Correlative studies included blood microRNA profiles pre-treatment. Treatment was administered every 21 days, initially at 300 mg/m 2 /AUC=6, but then adjusted to 260 mg/m 2 /AUC6 due to excess neuropathy. Results: 63 pts (21 female, 42 male) with median age 63 yrs (range 36-82) were enrolled. Pts had an average 50 pk-yrs tobacco use. The most common histology was squamous cell carcinoma (48 pts/76%), followed by adenocarcinoma (9 pts/14%), NSCLC NOS (4 pts/6%) and adenosquamous (2 pts/3%). In non-squamous pts, eligibility criteria included hemoptysis (11 pts), thrombosis (2 pts), and therapeutic anticoagulation (1 pt). Grade 3-4 toxicities seen in more than 10% of pts included hematologic toxicity (36 pts/57%), febrile neutropenia (9/14%), infection (15/24%), sensory neuropathy (17/27%), dyspnea (10/16%) and dehydration (8/13%). Four deaths_including 1 sudden death and 1 death due to respiratory failure_were reported on study as grade 5 toxicity. ORR was 41% (22 PR/0 CR) in the 53 pts evaluable to date with 39% (21 pts) stable disease and 19% (10 pts) progressive disease. PFS/OS data is not yet available. Conclusions: The combination of Cb and nab-paclitaxel demonstrates promising efficacy with tolerable toxicity in NSCLC pts ineligible for Bev therapy. Further study in the squamous cell population is warranted. Correlative studies of microRNA profiles and survival data (OS and PFS) is maturing and will be available in the near future. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-225. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-LB-225
From KidCHI to BabyCHI

What do children want/need from human-computer interaction and communication (HCIC)? What are the long-term effects on them of mobile/computing devices? How early can and should we expose them to the latest technology?
Antenna design for graph inference: Striking a balance between quality and quantity

This research initiative seeks to develop a framework for better understanding the role of antenna design in inference-based tasks about interactions among device owners. In the envisioned setting, a collection of monitoring radios gather information about the geographical locations of devices over time using packet sniffing. The monitoring stations are passive, listening to ongoing Wi-Fi communications in promiscuous mode. These radios only record and disseminate meta data, thereby preserving the anonymity of the owners. More specifically, the monitoring system stores time-stamped, media access control (MAC) addresses as unique identifiers. The collected information, which is stored in a centralized database, is then analyzed to assess basic graphical properties, such as friendship or other forms of social connectivity.
1726 PROGRESSION OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS LUNG DISEASE IS DECREASED BY PREDNISONE IN A 4 YEAR CONTROLLED TRIAL

A randomized double-blinded study was initiated to examine the effects of the anti-inflammatory agent, prednisone, on the progression of lung disease in CF. A total of 43 patients with CF were given either 2 mg/kg prednisone every other day, or placebo. At the onset of the study, patients were between one and 12 years of age and were minimally affected as judged by pulmonary function studies, chest x-ray scores, and serological parameters. The two groups did not statistically differ (Mann-Whitney analysis) according to all values measured. After 4 years, the group receiving prednisone demonstrated a statistically significant advantage over the group receiving placebo, in height (p=<0.005), weight (p=<0.01), %vital capacity (p=<0.025), %forced expiratory volume in one second (p=<0.005), peak flow rate (p=<0.005), and IgG (p=<0,025). Moreover, the prednisone-treated group required a total of ten admissions to hospital for CF related pulmonary disease vs. twenty-eight admissions for the placebo group. No patients receiving prednisone developed cataracts, elevations of HbA1C, or other steriod-induced side effects. Despite the relatively small number of patients involved and the limited period of time of this study, these data indicate a significant effect of prednisone on progression of CF pulmonary disease and provide the basis for a study of the long-term effects of anti-inflammatory agents in CF and the frequency of steriod side effects.
Unmyelinated Nerve Fiber Estimation by Immunocytochemistry. Correlation with Electron Microscopy

Electron microscopy (EM) is currently required for quantitation of unmyelinated nerve fiber (UMNF) densities. Electron microscopy is time-consuming, costly, and generally only considers a fraction of an entire nerve. Anti-PGP 9.5, which recognizes a neuron-associated antigen, may be used in glutaraldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded human sural nerve biopsies to identify unmyelinated axons. In nerves counterstained with Luxol fast blue, the correlation between EM-obtained UMNF densities and paraffin-obtained UMNF densities was excellent (p < 0.0001). In addition, myelinated nerve fiber (MNF) densities estimated by the same method from paraffin-embedded nerve gave excellent correlation with traditional morphometric estimates (p = 0.0026). PGP 9.5 immunocytochemistry enables the detection of minute axons (< 0.5 microns) and multiple axons per Schwann cell subunit, but does not allow for the preparation of accurate fiber size histograms or the analysis of UMNF pathology. Whether used for UMNF quantitation or as a qualitative review of the UMNF population of a nerve, this method is quicker and less expensive than traditional EM methodologies.
Hot Corrosion of Ni-Base Turbine Alloys in Atmospheres in Coal-Conversion Systems

Alkali-metal contaminants in coal may form low-melting sulfate salts during coal gasification or subsequent combustion which can have very deleterious effects on turbine components. The mechanisms for the hot-corrosion phenomena are not completely understood.
Electrical stimulation of the anterior ethmoidal nerve produces the diving response

Abstract Stimulation of the upper respiratory tract usually produces apnea, but it can also produce a vagally mediated bradycardia and a sympathetically mediated increase in peripheral vascular resistance. This cardiorespiratory response, often called the diving response, is usually initiated by nasal stimulation. The purpose of this research was to investigate the anterior ethmoidal nerve (AEN) that innervates the nasal mucosa of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus). Electrical stimulation of the AEN (typically 50 Hz, 100 μs and 500 μA) produced immediate and sustained bradycardia and cessation of respiration similar to that of the diving response. Heart rate (HR) significantly decreased from 264±18 to 121±8 bpm, with a concurrent 4.2±0.9 s apnea, during the 5 s stimulation period. BP decreased from 97.9±4.8 to 91.2±6.4 mmHg. Using estimations from (1) cross-sectional areas of AEN trigeminal ganglion cells labeled with WGA-HRP, and (2) electron microscopic analysis of the AEN, we found that approximately 65% of the AEN is composed of unmyelinated C-fibers. In addition, 72.4% of myelinated fibers from the nerves that innervate the nasal passages were of small diameter (
Gastrointestinal inoculation of Sporothrix schenckii in mice.

Antibiotic-decontaminated and untreated conventional mice were inoculated intragastrically with 107 viable cells of Sporothrix schenckii to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) colonization. In control mice, S. schenckii was completely eliminated from the GI tract by 12 h post-inoculation. Antibiotictreated mice also failed to become colonized with this fungus, however, higher population levels of Sporothrix cells remained in the GI tract for a longer period of time before being eliminated. The ability of S. schenckii to disseminate from the lumen of the bowel to infect other organs was also tested. Results indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is not a portal of entry into the host for S. schenckii.
Metabolism: ecology shapes bird bioenergetics.

The basal rate of metabolism of birds and mammals is the lowest rate that is compatible with endothermic temperature regulation, balancing the heat generated with the heat lost by the product of thermal conductance and the temperature differential with the environment1. Here I measure the bioenergetics of 13 species and 9 genera of birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) and show that 99% of the variation in their basal rates of metabolism can be accounted for by interspecific variation in body mass, food habits and altitudinal distribution. These findings, which are derived from 31% of the species and 53% of the genera in this family, give the most complete picture of the standard energetics of any diverse family of birds.
Resection of right atrial lymphoma in a patient with AIDS

Although cardiac problems are common in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, there is limited experience with heart surgery in this group of patients. We report a case in which a right atrial lymphoma was resected to alleviate tricuspid valve obstruction in a patient with AIDS. The patient did well for approximately 7 months. At that time, he developed multiple complications of AIDS and deteriorated rapidly; he died 8 months after operation. Cardiac surgery can be successfully performed in AIDS patients. However, the late outcome is compromised by the nature of the underlying viral infection.
Theory of spin-dependent conductivity in GMR materials

This paper presents a critical review of theoretical studies of spin-dependent conductivity in GMR (giant magnetoresistive) materials. Earlier studies used relatively simple models of the electronic states and energy-band structure. Several more recent calculations of electronic transport in layered materials are based on ab initio treatment of the spin-dependent energy bands and Fermi surface. By including realistic energy-band structures, these studies have been able to make quantitative comparisons of alternative mechanisms for enhanced magnetoresistance and to explain the relative importance of spin-dependent scattering at interfaces.
Gastric acid secretion

Advances in the understanding of physiologic control of gastric secretion raise the hope that an effective nonsurgical therapy for peptic ulcer disease will be developed soon. This paper reviews these advances with special emphasis upon those aspects of hormonal control, cyclic nucleotide function, and histamine activity which may have therapeutic applications.
Violence-Related Behaviors Among Dominican Adolescents: Examining the Influence of Alcohol and Marijuana Use

ABSTRACT This study identified the predictors of youth violence and violent victimization among a sample of Dominican adolescents (N = 155) attending high school in a northeastern urban community. As part of a broader community-based needs assessment, students participated in an evaluation of a substance abuse prevention program funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Correlations, principal components, multiple imputation, and stepwise regression analyses were systematically employed to develop a parsimonious model for predicting violence-related behaviors among Dominican youth. Findings suggest that early onset of alcohol and marijuana use was associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in violence-related behaviors or being the victim of a violent act. In addition, students who reported a lowered sense of safety were more likely to be involved in acts of violence. However, adolescents who reported depressive symptoms were less inclined to become involved in viol...
A solderability inspection system

The solderability in leads for electronics components is currently visually inspected only on the basis of the inspector's perception of the percentage of the lead's surface which is covered by solder. The subjectivity of this inspection criteria makes the consistency and reliability of the inspection questionable. The application of computer vision for the evaluation of solderability as an alternative to the current inspection method is presented in this paper. The proposed microcomputer-based vision system along with the computer vision algorithms are described. The testing of the system indicates that computer vision techniques are technically and economically feasible for solderability inspection.
An algorithm for steady infiltration from lines and points

Abstract This paper describes an algorithm for steady infiltration from lines or points in an unsaturated medium. The distinguishing features are that the node spacings (for finite differencing) are selected so as to accommodate easily large or semiinfinite flow regimes but maintain a fine grid near the origin. This allows for a minimal number of required nodes (say a few hundred). A Pascal program SSPL (Steady-State Point and Line) has been developed which will run on a minimally equipped microcomputer. The node system is developed by mapping each real dimension to a 0–1 coordinate system where the solution is completed. The solution technique used is a successive line approximations on the residuals. Five numerical examples are presented.