cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implicit Decision-Making in Family Caregiving

Thirty-six independent, community-dwelling mothers (aged 54-87 years) and their adult daughters (aged 26-58 years) were interviewed regarding how they would go about making caregiving decisions in the future. The mothers indicated that they would involve their daughters in the decision-making process. However, the vast majority (78.99%) indicated that they had not had, nor did they feel a need to have, explicit discussions regarding caregiving preferences. Two mechanisms were identified that help explain this feeling that further explicit discussions are not needed. One mechanism involved the daughter `knowing' the mother's preferences because the daughter knew the mother so well or had observed the mother providing care to an earlier generation. This building up of knowledge over the course of many years reflects an implicit decision-making style. The second mechanism involved denial. These mothers and daughters simply did not want to talk, or even think, about the mother declining, physically or mentall...
Multiple competitive mechanisms underlie the effects of a strong invader on early‐ to late‐seral tree seedlings

Summary 1. Certain non-native invaders reduce the species diversity and alter the structure of natural communities by displacing native species with differing life histories, successional roles or resource requirements. Few studies have tested the potential for these ‘strong invaders’ to exert multiple mechanisms of control on natives that differ in these traits. 2. We assessed the mechanisms by which bohemian knotweed (Polygonum × bohemicum) regulates seedling growth and survival among early-, mid- and late-seral tree species in a riparian forest ecosystem in western North America. We used general linear mixed models to compare seedling performance (survival, height and diameter growth, biomass allocation and ectomycorrhizal colonization of root systems) over two growing seasons in paired experimental plots from which knotweed was either removed or retained (controls). Seedling performance was assessed relative to the effects of knotweed on light and soil resources and the traits of the native species. 3. Results from paired t-tests suggest that knotweed had a significant effect on light availability (>85% reduction), but small, mostly non-significant effects on measured soil properties. Knotweed imposed strong controls on growth and survival of all three tree species. The apparent mechanisms of interaction varied in a manner consistent with species’ ecophysiologies. Reduced survival of early- and mid-seral species was correlated with light limitation beneath knotweed (≤ 7% of ambient levels): light transmittance was significantly higher (79%) above surviving seedlings. Knotweed also exerted strong controls on the late-seral species, reducing survival by 24% and height and diameter growth by 91–122% and 37–55%. These effects were not correlated with reductions in light. Instead, in the presence of knotweed, ectomycorrhizal colonization was significantly reduced (64%) and root/shoot ratio was significantly increased, suggesting a disruption of soil mutualisms. 4. Synthesis. We demonstrate that strong invaders can displace co-occurring native species through multiple mechanisms that are consistent with the functional traits of native species. To our knowledge, this is the first study to relate community-level impacts of an invader to the combined effects of resource exploitation and interference of below-ground mutualisms. Where invaders have the ability to displace early- to late-seral dominants, the consequences for community structure and ecosystem functioning can be profound.
Boston Keratoprosthesis: Outcomes and Complications: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Objective To review the published literature on safety and outcomes of the Boston type I keratoprosthesis (BI-KPro) for the surgical treatment of corneal opacification not amenable to human cadaveric corneal transplantation. Methods Searches of peer-reviewed literature were conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Library in December 2012, July 2013, and January 2014 without date restrictions. The searches were limited to studies published in English and yielded 587 citations. The abstracts of these articles were reviewed, 48 articles were selected for possible clinical relevance, and 22 were determined to be relevant for the assessment objectives. Nine studies were rated as level II evidence and 13 studies were rated as level III evidence. Excluded were level III evidence, case reports, review articles, letters, editorials, and case series with fewer than 25 eyes. Results In 9 articles, a best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCSVA) of 20/200 or better occurred in 45% to 89% of eyes. Five articles described a BCSVA of 20/50 or better in 43% to 69% of eyes, and 4 articles found a BCSVA of 20/40 or better in 11% to 39% of eyes. Retention rates of the BI-KPro ranged from 65% to 100%. Reasons for loss of vision after BI-KPro implantation most commonly included corneal melts resulting from exposure keratopathy, endophthalmitis, and infectious keratitis or corneal ulceration. The 2 most common complications after surgery were retroprosthetic membrane formation (range, 1.0%–65.0%; mean ± standard deviation [SD], 30.0±19.0%) and elevated intraocular pressure (range, 2.4%–64.0%; mean ± SD, 27.5±18.1%). The 2 most common posterior segment complications were endophthalmitis (range, 0%–12.5%; mean ± SD, 4.6±4.6%) and vitritis (range, 0%–14.5%; mean ± SD, 5.6±4.7%). Conclusions The reviewed articles on BI-KPro use suggest that the device improves vision in cases of severe corneal opacification that were not amenable to corneal transplantation using human cadaveric keratoplasty techniques. A number of severe anterior and posterior segment complications can develop as follow-up continues, making ongoing close observation paramount for patients undergoing this surgery. These complications include infection, device extrusion, and permanent vision loss.
Visual attention to repeated internet images: testing the scanpath theory on the world wide web

The somewhat controversial and often-discussed theory of visual perception, that of scanpaths, was tested using Web pages as visual stimuli. In 1971, Noton and Stark defined "scanpaths" as repetitive sequences of fixations and saccades that occur upon re-exposure to a visual stimulus, facilitating recognition of that stimulus. Since Internet users are repeatedly exposed to certain visual displays of information, the Web is an ideal stimulus to test this theory. Eye-movement measures were recorded while subjects repeatedly viewed three different kinds of Internet pages -- a portal page, an advertising page and a news story page -- over the course of a week. Scanpaths were compared by using the string-edit methodology that measures resemblance between sequences. Findings show that on the World Wide Web, with somewhat complex visual digital images, some viewers' eye movements may follow a habitually preferred path -- a scanpath -- across the visual display. In addition, strong similarity among eye-path sequences of different viewers may indicate that other forces such as features of the Web site or memory are important.
Impaired Natural Killer Cell Lysis in Breast Cancer Patients with High Levels of Psychological Stress is Associated with Altered Expression of Killer Immunoglobin-Like Receptors

Background We previously reported that cancer-related psychological stress is associated with reduced natural killer (NK) cell lysis. We hypothesized that reduced NK cell cytotoxicity in patients with increased levels of stress would correlate with alterations in the expression of inhibitory NK cell receptors (killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, or KIRs). The specific aim of this study was to examine KIR expression in patients with high or low levels of psychologic stress and correlate alterations in KIR expression with NK cell function. Materials and Methods Two hundred twenty-seven patients underwent baseline evaluation of cancer-related psychological stress and were randomized to psychosocial intervention versus observation. From this population, two groups were defined based on pretreatment measurements of NK lytic activity, stress levels, and the availability of cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Group I (n = 9) had low stress by the Impact of Events Scale (IES), and high NK cell lysis at the 50:1 effector: target ratio (NK50 = 52–89%). Group II (n = 8) had high stress and low NK50 (27–52%). Lymphokine activated killer (LAK) activity, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and expression of cytokine receptors, adhesion molecules, and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) were assessed in PBMC. Results Incubation of PBMC with NK-stimulatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, or IL-15) led to significant increases in cytotoxic activity regardless of IES/NK50 scores. There were no significant group differences in NK cell surface expression of the IL-2 receptor components CD25 and CD122, antibody-dependent lysis of HER2/neu-positive SKBr3 cells treated with an anti-HER2/neu monoclonal antibody, expression of adhesion molecules (CD2, CD11a, CD18) and markers of activation (CD69), or expression of the KIRs CD158a, NKG2a, NKB1, and CD161. However, levels of CD158b were significantly higher in Group I after incubation in media alone or with IL-2, and CD94 expression was significantly lower in Group I after incubation with IL-2. Conclusions In this study of a small subset of breast cancer patients chosen from a previous clinical trial of psychosocial intervention for breast cancer, impaired NK lysis in breast cancer patients with high levels of psychological stress was associated with alterations in surface expression of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors. However, immune effectors retained the ability to lyse antibody-coated targets and to initiate lymphokine-activated killer activity, irrespective of stress levels or baseline NK50.
The Impact of Changes in HCFA Documentation Requirements on Academic Emergency Medicine Results of a Physician Survey

Background: The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has dramatically increased documentation and procedural supervision required by faculty in academic emergency departments (EDs). Objectives: To determine academic emergency medicine (EM) physicians' perceptions of the impact of HCFA documentation requirements (HDR) on teaching time, clinical efficiency, and job satisfaction. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was done using a survey of New England academic EM faculty from September to December 1999. E-mail surveys were followed by hard copy to nonresponders. Teaching time, clinical efficiency, and job satisfaction were rated on a five-point Likert scale. Yes/no questions about other possible benefits of HCFA regulations were asked. Frequency (95% CI) and chi-square analyses were performed. Results: One hundred seventy-four of 233 (75%) responded. Eighty-nine percent (95% CI ? 84% to 93%) of the respondents thought teaching time was somewhat or markedly decreased by changes in HDR (somewhat 46%, markedly 43%). Seventy-nine percent (95% CI ? 73% to 85%) believed clinical efficiency was somewhat or markedly decreased by changes in HDR (somewhat 49%, markedly 30%). Eighty percent (95% CI ? 73% to 86%) reported somewhat or markedly decreased job satisfaction due to changes in HDR (somewhat 56%, markedly 24%). Twenty-one percent (95% CI ? 15% to 27%) believed changes in HDR had improved patient care by requiring increased patient supervision. Forty-eight percent (95% CI ? 40% to 56%) thought that changes in documentation requirements had decreased medicolegal risk by improving patient documentation. Conclusions: Most academic EM physicians in New England perceive that HDR have decreased clinical efficiency, teaching time, and job satisfaction. These findings suggest that changes in HDR may have a substantial impact on many different aspects of emergency care provided in academic settings.
Rapid Geomorphic and Habitat Stream Assessment Techniques Inform Restoration Differently Based on Levels of Stream Disturbance

Visual-based rapid assessment techniques provide an efficient method for characterizing the restoration potential of streams, with many focusing on channel stability and instream habitat features. Few studies, however, have compared these techniques to see if they result in differing restoration priorities. Three rapid assessment techniques were contrasted at three wild trout streams in western New York with different amounts of channel disturbance. Two methods focused only on geomorphic stability, whereas the third addressed physical habitat condition. Habitat assessment scores were not correlated with scores for either geomorphic assessment method and they varied more between channels with different degrees of disturbance. A model based on dynamic equilibrium concepts best explains the variation among the streams and techniques because it accounts for a stream's capacity to maintain ecological integrity despite some inherent instability. Geomorphic indices can serve as effective proxies for biological indices in highly disturbed systems. Yet, this may not be the case in less disturbed systems, where geomorphic indices cannot differentiate channel adjustments that impact biota from those that do not. Dynamically stable streams can include both stable and unstable reaches locally as characterized by geomorphic methods and translating these results into restoration priorities may not be appropriate if interpretations are limited to the reach scale.
Dual modality photothermal OCT and magnetic resonance imaging with carbon nanotubes

Preclinical molecular imaging of cancer has the potential to increase the understanding of fundamental cancer biology, elucidate mechanisms of cancer treatment resistance, and increase effectiveness of drug candidates. Optical and magnetic resonance imaging contain complementary strengths, suitable for gaining a wealth of knowledge when combined. Here, we demonstrate the inherent contrast sensitivity of single walled carbon nanotubes to absorption based photothermal optical coherence tomography (PT-OCT), and magnetic resonance imaging spin dephasing contrast ( T 2 ). A spectral-domain OCT system was interfaced with an amplitude-modulated (100 Hz) titanium sapphire pump beam for PT-OCT imaging. MRI was performed with a commercial 4.7 T animal scanner. With both imaging tools, contrast agent signal linearity (r 2 > 0.95) and nM sensitivity over background (p < 0.05) was experimentally determined with serially dilute solutions of carbon nanotubes coated in amine-terminated polyethylene glycol. The surface functionalization chemistry for carbon nanotubes is well understood, and molecular targeting has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo , making carbon nanotubes an attractive agent for molecular imaging in preclinical models. We have demonstrated the initial characterization steps for using carbon nanotubes for multi-modality imaging with PT-OCT and MRI.
High-resolution computed tomography in multiple sclerosis.

Eighty-five patients were classified as having definite (n = 34), probable (n = 18), or possible (n = 33) multiple sclerosis using the criterial of Poser. Each Patient had an enhanced computed tomographic examination, and most had cerebrospinal fluid and evoked response studies at the same time. Abnormalities including focal decreased brain density, abnormal enhancement, and cerebrospinal fluid space enlargement were found in 62% of patients (85% of those with definite, 39% of those with probable, and 52% of those with possible multiple sclerosis), and abnormal enhancing areas were demonstrated in 29% (44% of those with definite, 17% of those with probable, and 21% of those with possible disease). In the subgroup of patients with definite multiple sclerosis and recent clinical exacerbation (within the prior 8 weeks), abnormal enhancement was present in 89%. There was a strong correlation between clinical exacerbation and abnormal contrast enchancement. Cerebrospinal fluid studies (IgG, white blood cell count, total protein) had no correlation with exacerbation or abnormal enhancement. Maps of low-density and enhancing areas were similar to those previously described in postmortem studies. Computed tomography thus provides an in vivo, objective, and anatomically specific map of the brain parenchyma and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier that is useful in research studies evaluating the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It is also useful in patients in whom the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is suspected but not certain on the basis of clinical and laboratory evaluation.
Recent Advances in Trusted Grids and Peer-to-Peer Computing Systems

Summary form only given. Computational grids and peer-to-peer (P2P) are emerging as two of the most promising distributed computing technologies that may change the world in the next decade. In this talk, Dr. Hwang presents recent advances in network security technologies, cyber trust systems, and integrated solutions for trusted computing over the Internet. The talk covers the integration of Web services with P2P grid computing, new cybertrust models, Internet worm containment, P2P reputation systems, and hybrid defense systems to protect distributed resources from network worms, DDoS attacks or peer intrusions or collusions. Research findings and benchmark results from the USC GridSec project might be reported for automated trust management to facilitate security binding and defense against worms and DDoS attacks in grids, P2P systems, and Web services. The author assesses frontier research topics on fast reputation aggregation for trusted P2P file sharing, security-aware grid job scheduling, game-theoretic modeling of non-cooperative grids, new performance metrics, and DETER experiments for cybertrust development. The fortified grids, P2P systems, and Internet resources can benefit many security-sensitive applications in digital government, e-commerce, distance learning, distributed supercomputing, etc.
Posttranslocation Chaperone PrsA2 Regulates the Maturation and Secretion of Listeria monocytogenes Proprotein Virulence Factors

PrsA2 is a conserved posttranslocation chaperone and a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) that contributes to the virulence of the Gram-positive intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. One of the phenotypes associated with a prsA2 mutant is decreased activity of the broad-range phospholipase C (PC-PLC). PC-PLC is made as a proenzyme whose maturation is mediated by a metalloprotease (Mpl). The proforms of PC-PLC and Mpl accumulate at the membrane-cell wall interface until a decrease in pH triggers their maturation and rapid secretion into the host cell. In this study, we examined the mechanism by which PrsA2 regulates the activity of PC-PLC. We observed that in the absence of PrsA2, the proenzymes are secreted at physiological pH and do not mature upon a decrease in pH. The sensitivity of the prsA2 mutant to cell wall hydrolases was modified. However, no apparent changes in cell wall porosity were detected. Interestingly, synthesis of PC-PLC in the absence of its propeptide lead to the secretion of a fully active enzyme in the cytosol of host cells independent of PrsA2, indicating that neither the propeptide of PC-PLC nor PrsA2 is required for native folding of the catalytic domain, although both influence secretion of the enzyme. Taken together, these results suggest that PrsA2 regulates compartmentalization of Mpl and PC-PLC, possibly by influencing cell wall properties and interacting with the PC-PLC propeptide. Moreover, the ability of these proproteins to respond to a decrease in pH during intracellular growth depends on their localization at the membrane-cell wall interface.
A Unitary Space-Time Coding Scheme for UWB Systems and Its Application in Wireless Secure Communications

Recent research reveals that information security and information-hiding capabilities can be enhanced by proper exploitation of space-time techniques. Meanwhile, intrinsic properties of ultra wideband (UWB) signals make it an outstanding candidate for secure applications. In this paper, we propose a unitary space-time coding scheme for impulse radio UWB systems. Its transmission secrecy, including low probability of intercept (LPI), low probability of detection (LPD) and anti-jamming performance, is analyzed. Theoretical and simulation results show its superiority in wireless secure communications over other concurrent schemes.
Predictors of alcohol use prior to deployment in National Guard Soldiers

Frequent and heavy alcohol use is associated with negative mental and physical health consequences. Previous research has suggested that alcohol misuse is associated with demographic, personality, and mental health variables. This study examined the relative contribution of these factors in predicting drinking among National Guard soldiers prior to deployment to a combat zone. Members of a National Guard Brigade Combat Team (N=515) completed questionnaires assessing drinking behaviors in the past year (frequency, quantity, binge, and total drinking), as well as demographic, personality, and mental health variables. As a group, demographic and personality variables significantly predicted all drinking outcomes. Negative emotionality and disconstraint were independent predictors of all drinking variables. Younger age predicted higher quantity of drinking, while being unmarried predicted greater total drinking and higher frequency of binge drinking. Once the influence of personality variables were accounted for, mental health was not associated with any drinking variable. The results of this study illustrate the role of factors associated with problematic drinking in a sample of high-risk individuals.
Dynamics of mitochondrial heteroplasmy in three families investigated via a repeatable re-sequencing study

Originally believed to be a rare phenomenon, heteroplasmy - the presence of more than one mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variant within a cell, tissue, or individual - is emerging as an important component of eukaryotic genetic diversity. Heteroplasmies can be used as genetic markers in applications ranging from forensics to cancer diagnostics. Yet the frequency of heteroplasmic alleles may vary from generation to generation due to the bottleneck occurring during oogenesis. Therefore, to understand the alterations in allele frequencies at heteroplasmic sites, it is of critical importance to investigate the dynamics of maternal mtDNA transmission. Here we sequenced, at high coverage, mtDNA from blood and buccal tissues of nine individuals from three families with a total of six maternal transmission events. Using simulations and re-sequencing of clonal DNA, we devised a set of criteria for detecting polymorphic sites in heterogeneous genetic samples that is resistant to the noise originating from massively parallel sequencing technologies. Application of these criteria to nine human mtDNA samples revealed four heteroplasmic sites. Our results suggest that the incidence of heteroplasmy may be lower than estimated in some other recent re-sequencing studies, and that mtDNA allelic frequencies differ significantly both between tissues of the same individual and between a mother and her offspring. We designed our study in such a way that the complete analysis described here can be repeated by anyone either at our site or directly on the Amazon Cloud. Our computational pipeline can be easily modified to accommodate other applications, such as viral re-sequencing.
The Strypi VII R launch vehicle

The Strypi VII R is a three-stage solid propellant launch vehicle designed to boost payloads ranging from 50 to 300 pounds to reentry environment conditions. The first stage, a fin-stabilized ballistic rocket boosts the final two stages into an exoatmospheric trajectory where an attitude control system (ACS) precesses the spinning stages into the re-entry attitude. The ACS section is then jettisoned, and ignition of the spin-stabilized upper stages is initiated at a time determined to provide a zero angleof-attack at beginning of re-entry. Four vehicles have been flown carrying three different re-entry test vehicles. Originally designed for use with a Castor I1 motor, the highly aluminized propellant in the first stage spinning environment contributed to a case rupture resulting in failure of the second flight. The last two flights were flown successfully using Castor I motors. Typically, the Strypi VII
Genistein inhibits radiation-induced activation of NF-κB in prostate cancer cells promoting apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest

Background New cancer therapeutic strategies must be investigated that enhance prostate cancer treatment while minimizing associated toxicities. We have previously shown that genistein, the major isoflavone found in soy, enhanced prostate cancer radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular interaction between genistein and radiation using PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.
Circumventing Discrimination Gender and Ethnic Strategies in Silicon Valley

This article compares the experiences of U.S.-born white women, Asian men, and Asian women immigrant engineers in Silicon Valley. It focuses on two particular characteristics of the region’s economic structure: the norm of job-hopping and the centrality of networks to high-skilled workers’ career livelihoods. While these characteristics might be assumed to exacerbate ethnic and gender inequality, the specific history of these groups’ entrance into Silicon Valley’s hi-tech industry enabled them to use these characteristics to their advantage in circumventing bias. The comparison of white women’s strategies to Asian immigrant men’s and women’s strategies highlights the interaction between the structure of opportunities, group histories, and network resources.
Stability of Systems with Random Parameters

This paper addresses the problem of stability of a system with uncertainty modelled as a random matrix. The mean of the matrix is assumed to be stable while the variations around the mean model the effect of uncertainty in the parameters. Using some recent advances in random matrix theory, we provide sufficient conditions under which stability is assured with probability one as the dimension of the system increases. This is called limit stability. Our results are stated in terms of a stability margin which corresponds to the size of the variance of the uncertain parameters which can be tolerated.
The similarity of gene expression between human and mouse tissues

Meta-analysis of human and mouse microarray data reveals conservation of patterns of gene expression that will help to better characterize the evolution of gene expression.
An object-based video coding framework for video sequences obtained from static cameras

This paper presents a novel object-based video coding framework for videos obtained from a static camera. As opposed to most existing methods, the proposed method does not require explicit 2D or 3D models of objects and hence is general enough to cater for varying types of objects in the scene. The proposed system detects and tracks objects in the scene and learns the appearance model of each object online using incremental principal component analysis (IPCA). Each object is then coded using the coefficients of the most significant principal components of its learned appearance space. Due to smooth transitions between limited number of poses of an object, usually a limited number of significant principal components contribute to most of the variance in the object's appearance space and therefore only a small number of coefficients are required to code the object. The rigid component of the object's motion is coded in terms of its affine parameters. The framework is applied to compressing videos in surveillance and video phone domains. The proposed method is evaluated on videos containing a variety of scenarios such as multiple objects undergoing occlusion, splitting, merging, entering and exiting, as well as a changing background. Results on standard MPEG-7 videos are also presented. For all the videos, the proposed method displays higher Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) compared to MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 methods, and provides comparable or better compression.
The Old Stoic Theory of Emotions

The theory of the emotions in the Old Stoa is the subject of unusual agreement among scholars. While some points of detail remain to be cleared up, the general outlines of the theory are fairly well settled. Given this state of affairs in the literature, the present chapter will fall into two parts.
Freezing tolerance of apple flower buds

Abstract Flower buds are the most vulnerable parts of the dormant apple trees to frost injury. Especially during fall and spring when the processes associated with the transitional periods of hardening and de-hardening occur, tissues are more active and thus less cold hardy. The critical temperatures affecting the flower bud and the associated damage are variable and unknown for most of the current apple cultivars. The goal of this study was to identify the critical temperatures of flower buds of apple during different developmental stages from dormant to full bloom. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and a controlled freezing exposure method were used to test the freezing tolerance of flower buds for three cultivars including Fuji, Gala, and Red Delicious during the late winter and early spring season of 2012, and from late fall 2013 until the early spring season of 2014. Differences in hardiness were found for the same cultivar as well as among cultivars and for different stages of flower bud development. The temperature at which the flower buds become injured using the DTA method is commonly related to the initiation of the low temperature exotherm (LTE). However, for flower buds of apples only the high temperature exotherms (HTEs) were observed within the evaluated temperature range of −44 °C to 4 °C. The inability to detect LTEs in apple buds indicates that apple flower bud hardiness cannot be estimated using the DTA method. A traditional freezing exposure method was used to determine the freezing tolerance of apples. The information generated in this study will provide a better understanding of the flower bud cold hardiness that is important for long term tree survival and orchard sustainability.
High-throughput bioluminescence screening for small molecules that overcome chemo- and TRAIL resistance in human esophageal cancer cell lines

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 1446 More than 85% of patients die within 2 years after the diagnosis of advanced esophageal cancer in part due to resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. We used a panel of 13 esophageal squamous cancer cell lines (TE1, TE2, TE3, TE5, TE8, TE9, TE10, TE11, TE12, TE15, TT, HCE4, HCE7) as well as the adenocarcinoma line TE7 to investigate sensitivity to TRAIL, 5FU, carboplatin, and taxol, using a colony formation assay. To delineate factors relevant to sensitivity or resistance to the above treatments, the expression levels of TRAIL receptors DR4, KILLER/DR5, DcR1, DcR2, as well as other modulators of apoptosis, proliferation or cell survival including Bcl2, BclXL, cIAP1, cIAP2, XIAP, cyclin D1 and EGF receptor (EGFR) were examined by immunoblotting. Cell lines TE1, TE2, TE9 and TT were found to be sensitive to TRAIL treatment. TE12 and HCE7 cells were highly resistant to TRAIL as well as to all the chemotherapeutic agents tested. These two cell lines expressed Bcl-XL whereas only one of twelve chemosensitive cell lines expressed Bcl-XL. To overcome the drug resistance in these cell lines, we used non-invasive bioluminescence imaging in a high-throughput cell-based screen using a small-molecule library obtained from the NCI Developmental Therapeutics Program. Among the identified small molecules, 17 were found to kill drug-resistant esophageal cancer cell lines including the two highly effective compounds NSC131547 and NSC259968. Our studies are providing the insights into the molecular mechanisms as well as new tools to overcome TRAIL and chemotherapeutic resistance in esophageal cancer leading to the identification of candidate therapeutic agents.
ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC BALANCE CONTROL IN TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTEES WITH USE OF A POWERED PROSTHETIC FOOT

Powered prosthetic feet (PPF) are designed to provide transtibial amputees (TTA) with active propulsion and range of motion similar to that of the biological limb. Previous studies have demonstrated the PPF’s ability to increase TTA walking speeds while reducing the energetic costs, however, little is known about its effects on dynamic balance control. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess dynamic balance control in TTA subjects during level ground walking and obstacle-crossing tasks. Control subjects (n=6) and TTA subjects (n=4) were instructed to complete a series of functional walking tasks. The TTA subjects completed the walking protocol twice, first in their passive energy-storing prosthetic foot (ESPF) and again in the prescribed PPF after two weeks of acclimation. Motion data were collected via a 10-camera system with a 53-marker and 15-segment body model. Whole body medial-lateral center of mass motion (displacement and peak velocity) was analyzed and used as a functional indicator of dynamic balance control. Findings indicate no difference in the dynamic balance control of TTA wearing the PPF compared to the ESPF. However, there was an observed trend of walking speed and obstacle height affecting balance control within the groups.
Rapid update of discrete Fourier transform for real-time signal processing

In many identification and target recognition applications, the incoming signal will have properties that render it amenable to analysis or processing in the Fourier domain. In such applications, however, it is usually essential that the identification or target recognition be performed in real time. An important constraint upon real-time processing in the Fourier domain is the time taken to perform the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). Ideally, a new Fourier transform should be obtained after the arrival of every new data point. However, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm requires on the order of N log 2 N operations, where N is the length of the transform, and this usually makes calculation of the transform for every new data point computationally prohibitive. In this paper, we develop an algorithm to update the existing DFT to represent the new data series that results when a new signal point is received. Updating the DFT in this way uses less computational order by a factor of log 2 N. The algorithm can be modified to work in the presence of data window functions. This is a considerable advantage, because windowing is often necessary to reduce edge effects that occur because the implicit periodicity of the Fourier transform is not exhibited by the real-world signal. Versions are developed in this paper for use with the boxcar window, the split triangular, Hanning, Hamming, and Blackman windows. Generalization of these results to 2D is also presented.
Are Special Education Labels Accurate for Black Children? Racial Differences in Academic Trajectories of Youth Diagnosed With Specific Learning and Intellectual Disabilities:

The purpose of this study was to understand if special education labels are accurate for Black children. The study examined differences in academic achievement growth trajectories of children diagn...
Trabecular bone scores and lumbar spine bone mineral density of US adults: comparison of relationships with demographic and body size variables.

This study examines demographic patterns and body size relationships in trabecular bone score and lumbar spine BMD of US adults from NHANES 2005–2008. Limited data exist on demographic and body size relationships for trabecular bone score (TBS), a new variable derived from bone texture analysis of lumbar spine dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans. This study compares demographic patterns and correlations with body size (body mass index (BMI), weight, waist circumference, total body fat, trunk fat, trunk lean) between TBS and lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) for adults age ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008 with BMI in the optimal range for TBS (15–37 kg/m2). LSBMD, TBS, body fat, and lean were obtained by DXA. Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. BMI was calculated from height and weight. Sex differences in TBS varied by age and race/ethnicity (p sex X age interaction and p sex X race/ethnicity interaction NHW > MA). All body size variables were negatively related to TBS but positively related to LSBMD. Demographic patterns and body size relationships differed between TBS and LSBMD.
Differences in the in vitro induction of thymidine-3H uptake into leukemic lymphoblasts by phytohemagglutinin and heterologous antithymocyte sera.

Summary“Blast transformation” (increased in vitro uptake of thymidine-3H) of bone marrow lymphoblasts obtained from children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been measured after the addition of either phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or rabbit anti-human thymocyte serum (ATS). Normal lymphocytes, or lymphocytes derived from patients with ALL in remission, show a significant increase in thymidine-3H uptake when cultured with either PHA or ATS. Bone marrow lymphoblasts from patients with ALL in relapse, on the other hand, showed a significant depression in the response to PHA whereas the response to ATS appeared unaffected. This differential response to in vitro stimulation suggests an alteration in the immunocompetence of bone marrow lymphoblasts in ALL.
Light-Emitting Porous Silicon in High Magnetic Fields

Photoluminescence from porous silicon was studied in a helium atmosphere and at high magnetic fields. In a magnetic field, the spectral peak had a negligible shift, amounting to +0.2 ±0.5 meV at B= 18T. If quantum confinement is the major effect, then the conduction electron would be confined to a diameter of less than 3.5 nm.
Source-term analysis for Hanford low-activity tank waste using the reaction-transport code AREST-CT

A general, integrated performance assessment code, AREST-CT, was used to analyze the influence of various factors on the release rates of radionuclides from a proposed facility for disposal of low-activity tank wastes. The code couples various process models together based on the framework of reaction-transport theory. The disposal facility was modeled as a 1-D column surrounded by soil. A borosilicate waste glass, LD6-5412 was the waste form considered in the analysis. Included in the simulations were 38 aqueous species, 14 minerals, 21 equilibrium reactions, and 16 kinetic reactions. Dissolution rate of the glass and the release rates of Tc, Pu, U, Np, I. Se under different conditions were calculated for 50,000 years. The simulations revealed that (1) open exchange between the atmosphere and pore-water within the vault significantly improves the performance; (2) an ion-exchange reaction between the glass and aqueous phase increases the release rates significantly; and (3) at the hydrogeologic conditions under consideration, variation of the pore-water velocity has little effect on the release rate of radionuclides. These results provide a scientific basis for formulation of waste forms and engineering design of the disposal facility. Reaction-transport modeling can provide information on the long-term performance of disposal systems that aremore » not obtainable from laboratory experiments alone or by conventional decoupled process models.« less
Data-driven performance-based topology optimization of uncertain wind-excited tall buildings

Topology optimization is traditionally framed in a static and deterministic setting notwithstanding the uncertain dynamic nature of many problems. This paper presents a new data-driven simulation-based framework for the effective topology optimization of uncertain and dynamic wind-excited tall buildings. The performance of the system is described through probabilistic performance integrals that encapsulate state-of-the-art performance-based design driven by climatological, aerodynamic and fragility data sets for describing the site-specific hazard, aerodynamic response and damage susceptibility of the system. To solve the resulting probabilistic topology optimization problem, a sequential optimization strategy is developed that is based on solving a series of high quality approximate sub-problems. A suite of case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Prognostic Implications and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Bone Marrow Fibrosis in Patients with Myelofibrosis

Abstract 2824 Background: Myelofibrosis (MF) is a heterogeneous, hematopoietic stem cell malignancy characterized by abnormal proliferation of myeloid cells with varying maturity and function. Bone marrow fibrosis (BMF), which results from abnormal deposition of stromal reticulin and collagen fibers, plays a major role in the pathophysiology of MF. Objectives: To investigate the characteristics associated with the extent of BMF and its implications on the clinical manifestation, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and transformation to acute leukemia in patients with primary or secondary myelofibrosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review analysis of 514 patients who were diagnosed with myelofibrosis according to World Health Organization criteria (353 patients with primary myelofibrosis, 82 with post polycythemia vera [Post-PV] MF, and 79 with post essential thrombocythemia [Post-ET] MF) and were referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center between February 2005 and December 2009. Results of the first bone marrow biopsy done at MD Anderson were reviewed. BMF was documented according to the European consensus grading system (MF 0–3), in which MF-3 is the most severe grade of fibrosis. Result: Of 514 patients, 7 (1%) had MF-0, 44 (9%) had MF-1, 171 (33%) had MF-2, and 292 (57%) had MF-3. Table 1 summarizes patient characteristics and outcomes by grade. Conclusion: Severe bone marrow fibrosis was associated with lower Hgb, lower WBC count, larger spleen and abnormal cytogenetics. There was no association between JAK2 mutation and the severity of BMF. The OS, EFS and transformation to leukemia were similar among patients with various degrees of fibrosis. Similar results were achieved in patients with primary, post-PV MF, and post-ET MF. This might explain the heterogeneity of the disease course and its prognosis. Longer follow-up is needed to further investigate the impact of BMF on OS, EFS and PFS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Photonic Integration of nano-electro-mechanical systems

The photonic integration of NEMS allows simultaneous actuation and readout of many resonators and further permits robust fan-in, cascade, and fan-out of nanomechanical devices through a photonic bus system. This photonic wiring features significant advantages over conventional electrical wiring. In addition to its small size and low insertion loss, the photonic wire does not interfere with electronic devices and provides an excellent isolation of the transmitted signal. Therefore large scale integration of NEMS devices can be achieved on a wafer scale level.
Dynamics of Small Mobile Helium Clusters Near a Symmetric Tilt Grain Boundary of Plasma-Exposed Tungsten

We report the results of a systematic atomic-scale analysis of small helium cluster dynamics near a Σ3 {121} symmetric tilt grain boundary (GB) in tungsten based on molecular-dynamics simulations according to a reliable interatomic interaction potential. We find that small, mobile helium clusters (Hen, 1 ≤ n ≤ 7) in the near-GB region are attracted to the GB due to an elastic cluster-GB interaction force. Moreover, as the clusters drift toward the GB, cluster trap mutation (TM) reactions in the near-GB region are activated at rates much higher than those in the bulk of the material's grains. This near-GB cluster dynamics has significant effects on the near-GB defect structures and the amount of helium retained in the material upon plasma exposure. Each TM reaction generates a tungsten vacancy, which traps helium by forming an immobile helium-vacancy complex, and an interstitial tungsten atom in the form of an extended tungsten interstitial complex on the GB. This interstitial configuration is characte...
Exploring the Cultural Dimensions of Instructional Design: Models, Instruments, and Future Studies

Global companies often face cultural issues when they conduct training of employees in other countries. In today’s increasingly global and digitally connected society, it is essential to assure the alignment between the learning needs of individuals from different cultures and the way content is designed and delivered, both online and face-to-face. Many educators and designers often find themselves in the position of developing instruction for learners with backgrounds and cultures very different from their own. Here we present a comprehensive review of theories and models related to instructional design, learning preference, motivation, and culture. We also present research instruments that can be used to study these variables.
Mary Robinson: Fashioning Freedom

This letter links several objects that I want to examine in the context of Mary Robinson’s burgeoning career as an author in the late 1780s and early 1790s. Robinson’s transformation of herself from washed-up actress to one of the most successful and prolific authors of the 1790s—“the English Sappho,” to invoke one of the soubriquets applied to her by the London press—may be said to reach critical mass with the publication of her Poems of 1791. My aim in this chapter is to examine that book along with two of its contents: the frontispiece portrait engraved by Thomas Burke from the1783 “Contemplation” portrait by Reynolds, the picture he refers to in the postscript to his letter; and the penultimate poem in the volume, Ainsi va le monde. In comparison to the other poet-celebrities that I consider in this study, Alexander Pope and Lord Byron, relatively little of Robinson’s correspondence survives, and the 1790 letter from Reynolds thus stands as critical documentary evidence pointing to Robinson’s involvement in the design of her forthcoming collection. The language of his letter suggests that the sixty-seven-year-old Reynolds, his eyesight failing and no longer “much in the habit of going out,” yet retains a vivid sense of the feints and parries required to refashion a public image in London’s commercial venues for art and literature—the necessity of flattering while forbearing to do so, for example, and the utility of the playful bribe composed in the high style.