cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic financial index models: Modeling conditional dependencies via graphs

We discuss the development and application of dynamic graphical mod- els for multivariate flnancial time series in the context of Financial Index Models. The use of graphs generalizes the independence residual variation assumption of index models with a more complex yet still parsimonious alternative. Working with the dynamic matrix-variate graphical model framework, we develop general time-varying index models that are analytically tractable. In terms of methodol- ogy, we carefully explore strategies to deal with graph uncertainty and discuss the implementation of a novel computational tool to sequentially learn about the con- ditional independence relationships deflning the model. Additionally, motivated by our applied context, we extend the DGM framework to accommodate random regressors. Finally, in a case study involving 100 stocks, we show that our pro- posed methodology is able to generate improvements in covariance forecasting and portfolio optimization problems.
EFFECTS OF TIRE ROLLING RESISTANCE ON VEHICLE FUEL CONSUMPTION

Abstract Variation in the effects of tire rolling resistance on passenger car fuel consumption seldom exceeds ten percent. The definition of these effects is therefore a problem in experimental design and control, measurement precision, and careful accounting for uncontrolled variables. A rolling resistance test conducted on a road surface with a fully instrumented tire test trailer is described and the test results presented. Fuel “economy” test techniques are discussed with emphasis on precautions and recommendations for reliable testing and test results presented. When aerodynamic drag is taken into account with wind tunnel measurements, the results are suggestive of engine characteristic curves.
Computed tomography slice-by-slice target-volume delineation for stereotactic proton irradiation of large intracranial arteriovenous malformations: an iterative approach using angiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Purpose: Target-volume delineation for stereotactic irradiation is problematic for large and irregularly shaped arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The purpose of this report is to quantify modifications in the target volume hat result from iterative treatment planning that incorporates multimodality imaging data. Methods and Materials: Stereotactic neuroimaging procedures were performed for 20 consecutive patients with AVM volumes > 10 cm 3 . Angiographically defined extrema were transformed into computed tomography (CT) space. The resulting target contours were then modified by a multidisciplinary treatment planning team after iterative review of angiographic, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. Volumes of interest and dose-volume histograms for proton irradiation were calculated before and after iterative target delineation. Results: Initial (angiographically defined) target volumes ranged from 15.3 to 96.1 cm 3 (mean, 43.6 cm 3 ). Final (iteratively defined) target volumes ranged from 10.7 to 114.0 cm 3 (mean, 38.4 cm 3 ). The volume of presumed normal tissue excluded by iterative planning ranged from 2.6 to 47.0 cm 3 (mean, 15.5 cm 3 ). Initially untargeted AVM, most commonly obscured by embolization material, was identified in all cases (range, 0.3 to 57.8 cm 3 ; mean, 10.3 cm 3 ). Corresponding dose-volume histograms demonstrated marked differences regarding lesion coverage and sparing of normal tissue structures. Conclusions: Iterative target-volume delineation resulted in significant modifications from initial, angiographically defined target volumes. Substantial amounts of apparently normal tissue were excluded from the final target, and additional abnormal vascular structures were identified for incorporation. We conclude that an iterative multimodality approach to target-volume delineation may improve the overall results for stereostatic irradiation of large and complex AVMs.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate prevents platelet-activating factor-induced increase in hydraulic conductivity in rat mesenteric venules: pertussis toxin sensitive

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a biologically active lipid. In vitro, S1P tightens the endothelial barrier, as assessed by a rapid increase in electrical resistance and a decrease in solute perme...
Constitutively Active FOXO1 Diminishes Activin Induction of Fshb Transcription in Immortalized Gonadotropes

In the present study, we investigate whether the FOXO1 transcription factor modulates activin signaling in pituitary gonadotropes. Our studies show that overexpression of constitutively active FOXO1 decreases activin induction of murine Fshb gene expression in immortalized LβT2 cells. We demonstrate that FOXO1 suppression of activin induction maps to the −304/−95 region of the Fshb promoter containing multiple activin response elements and that the suppression requires the FOXO1 DNA-binding domain (DBD). FOXO1 binds weakly to the −125/−91 region of the Fshb promoter in a gel-shift assay. Since this region of the promoter contains a composite SMAD/FOXL2 binding element necessary for activin induction of Fshb transcription, it is possible that FOXO1 DNA binding interferes with SMAD and/or FOXL2 function. In addition, our studies demonstrate that FOXO1 directly interacts with SMAD3/4 but not SMAD2 in a FOXO1 DBD-dependent manner. Moreover, we show that SMAD3/4 induction of Fshb-luc and activin induction of a multimerized SMAD-binding element-luc are suppressed by FOXO1 in a DBD-dependent manner. These results suggest that FOXO1 binding to the proximal Fshb promoter as well as FOXO1 interaction with SMAD3/4 proteins may result in decreased activin induction of Fshb in gonadotropes.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosed After Repeat Biopsies Have a Favorable Pathological Outcome but Similar Recurrence Rate

Purpose: We investigated whether repeat prostate biopsies are associated with more favorable prognoses, less extensive disease or higher rates of IC in patients who are ultimately diagnosed with prostate cancer and treated with RRP.Materials and Methods: We examined standard clinical and pathological data on 1,357 patients treated with RRP from 1983 to 2001. In addition, we noted the rate of IC in a subgroup of 847 patients in whom tumor volume was measured.Results: Cancer was found in 1,042 patients (77%) at the first biopsy, in 227 (17%) at the second biopsy, in 59 (4%) at the third biopsy and in 29 (2%) at the fourth or later biopsy. Patients with 2 or greater biopsies had a higher rate of clinical T1c stage cancer and larger prostates than patients with only 1 biopsy (each p <0.0001). After RRP patients with 1 biopsy had a lower rate of organ confined tumors (61% vs 75%, p <0.0001), and a higher rate of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, lymph node metastases and Gleason sum 7 or great...
The Comparative Value of Urea and Linseed Meal for Milk Production

Summary 1. Twenty-four Holstein cows were involved in a study of the possibility of substituting urea nitrogen for linseed oil meal nitrogen in milk production. Fifteen of the cows completed a lactation on each of the basal, urea, and the linseed meal rations. Six of the cows were involved in a study of the effect of corn molasses on urea utilization. Each completed a lactation on a urea, a urea-molasses, and a urea ration. 2. On the basal ration the protein level in the concentrate mixture was about 10 per cent. With the added urea or linseed meal it was 18 per cent protein equivalent. Timothy hay and corn silage constituted the roughage. 3. In milk production some cows led on the linseed meal ration while others led on urea with average differences favoring linseed meal in too small a degree to be statistically significant. On the basal ration, with its lower protein content, less milk was generally produced than on either of the other two rations and the cows failed to keep up their live weight as well as on either the linseed meal or urea rations. It appears that with this species and a suitable ration in respect to carbohydrate content, urea can function as a source of nitrogen as effectively as can oil meal. 4. In respect to weight of calves and breeding history, one ration appeared as efficient as the other. 5. The composition of the milk, the flavor of the milk, and the composition of the blood were not different on the two rations. 6. There was no sustained and positive evidence that molasses feeding on a grain ration improved the utilization of urea. With the starches of the grains available, sugar is rapidly produced in the rumen and serves as a suitable substrate for the organisms. 7. Urea (46 per cent nitrogen) should not be fed at a rate greater than about 1 per cent of the dry matter of the ration or 3 per cent of the concentrate mixture. In dairy sections where hay, silage, and home grown grains are available, a suitable nitrogen level in the concentrate mixture can be secured by the addition of 3 pounds of urea to 97 pounds of the grain mixture.
Interaction of the recombinant human methylpurine-DNA glycosylase (MPG protein) with oligodeoxyribonucleotides containing either hypoxanthine or abasic sites

Methylpurine-DNA glycosylases (MPG proteins, 3-methyladenine-DNA glycosylases) excise numerous damaged bases from DNA during the first step of base excision repair. The damaged bases removed by these proteins include those induced by both alkylating agents and/or oxidizing agents. The intrinsic kinetic parameters (k(cat) and K(m)) for the excision of hypoxanthine by the recombinant human MPG protein from a 39 bp oligodeoxyribonucleotide harboring a unique hypoxanthine were determined. Comparison with other reactions catalyzed by the human MPG protein suggests that the differences in specificity are primarily in product release and not binding. Analysis of MPG protein binding to the 39 bp oligodeoxyribonucleotide revealed that the apparent dissociation constant is of the same order of magnitude as the K(m) and that a 1:1 complex is formed. The MPG protein also forms a strong complex with the product of excision, an abasic site, as well as with a reduced abasic site. DNase I footprinting experiments with the MPG protein on an oligodeoxyribonucleotide with a unique hypoxanthine at a defined position indicate that the protein protects 11 bases on the strand with the hypoxanthine and 12 bases on the complementary strand. Competition experiments with different length, double-stranded, hypoxanthine-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotides show that the footprinted region is relatively small. Despite the small footprint, however, oligodeoxyribonucleotides comprising 20 bp in length. These results provide a basis for other structural studies of the MPG protein with its targets.
Gene therapy progress and prospects: therapeutic angiogenesis for limb and myocardial ischemia

After extensive investigation in preclinical studies and recent clinical trials, gene therapy has been established as a potential method to induce therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic myocardial and limb disease. Advancements in viral and nonviral vector technology including cell-based gene transfer will continue to improve transgene transmission and expression efficiency. An alternative strategy to the use of transgenes encoding angiogenic growth factors is therapy based on transcription factors such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) that regulate the expression of multiple angiogenic genes. Further understanding of the underlying biology of neovascularization is needed to determine the ability of growth factors to induce functionally significant angiogenesis in patients with atherosclerotic disease and associated comorbid conditions including endothelial dysfunction, which may inhibit blood vessel growth. The safety and tolerability of therapeutic angiogenesis by gene transfer has been demonstrated in phase I clinical trials. However, limited evidence of efficacy resulted from early phase II studies of angiogenic gene therapy for ischemic myocardial and limb disease. The utility of therapeutic angiogenesis by gene transfer as a treatment option for ischemic cardiovascular disease will be determined by adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled phase II and III clinical trials.
Hemangioendothelioma with a Prominent Lymphoid Infiltrate Mimicking Follicular Dendritic Cell Tumor: Report of a Case

Abstract: Hemangioendothelioma is a vascular tumor with several different morphologic patterns that can include a component of ovoid or spindled cells, but generally lacks an inflammatory component. The combined morphologic and immunohistochemical features are generally sufficient to accurately diagnose this tumor and its many variants. We present a challenging lymphocyte-rich soft tissue lesion that was not recognized to be an unusual hemangioendothelioma until after several recurrences in the arm of a 63 year-old male, which was originally diagnosed as a follicular dendritic cell tumor instead. Local recurrence developed 3 and 11 years later with resections. The most recent tumor consisted predominantly of epithelioid spindled cells with moderate amounts of bubbly pale to eosinophilic cytoplasm with rare discrete cytoplasmic vacuoles, admixed with a prominent lymphoid infiltrate and occasional erythrocytes. The tumor cells were positive for keratin and vascular markers (CD31, CD34, and Factor VIII), but negative for follicular dendritic cell markers (CD21, CD23, CD35). Slides from the two previous excisions were re-analyzed, and showed the same morphologic and immunohistochemical features as the latest recurrence. The diagnosis was revised to recurrent lymphocyte-rich hemangioendothelioma. The patient is free of tumor at 7 years follow-up. This represents an unusual and potentially confusing pattern of hemangioendothelioma that is not previously well described in the literature. Vascular tumors should be included in the differential diagnosis of suspected dendritic cell tumors, even if a lymphocyte-rich infiltrate is present. Vascular as well as dendritic cell markers should be included in the immunohistochemical panel employed in their evaluation.
Generation of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells from Mouse Dorsal Spinal Cord Independent of Nkx6 Regulation and Shh Signaling

In the developing spinal cord, early progenitor cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage are induced in the motor neuron progenitor (pMN) domain of the ventral neuroepithelium by the ventral midline signal Sonic hedgehog (Shh). The ventral generation of oligodendrocytes requires Nkx6-regulated expression of the bHLH gene Olig2 in this domain. In the absence of Nkx6 genes or Shh signaling, the initial expression of Olig2 in the pMN domain is completely abolished. In this study, we provide the in vivo evidence for a late phase of Olig gene expression independent of Nkx6 and Shh gene activities and reveal a brief second wave of oligodendrogenesis in the dorsal spinal cord. In addition, we provide genetic evidence that oligodendrogenesis can occur in the absence of hedgehog receptor Smoothened, which is essential for all hedgehog signaling.
An Investigation Of The Cause Of Initial Band Bending Of A Cleaved Clean n-GaAs(llO) Surface

The cause of the initial band bending on a clean n-GaAs(110) surface of so-called “poor quality cleavage” has been controversial. To study this problem, a new type of geometric factor multi-metal evaporator has been designed, which enables us to obtain reproducible metal coverages as low as 10−4 monolayers. By following the early stages of band bending induced by the deposition of noble metals Cu, Ag and Au on n-GaAs (110) surfaces of different cleavage quality, it is found that a certain amount of initial band bending of a clean GaAs(110) surface of poor quality cleavage corresponds to a certain amount of noble metal coverage (usually lower than 0.01 ML). This phenomenon can be explained in the following way. Any initial band bending on a clean n-GaAs(110) surface is due to surface defect states created by the cleaving. These cleavage induced defects may be of the same nature as the interface states created by deposited noble metal atoms. Our experimental results will be discussed in the framework of the unified defect model of the Schottky barrier formation on III-V semiconductors.
Two-phase dynamic FET logic: an extremely low power, high speed logic family for GaAs VLSI

A GaAs logic family that provides extremely low power dissipation, high density, and the full spectrum of logic circuit possibilities is described. It is implemented with a standard e/d MESFET foundry process. Two-phase dynamic FET logic (TDFL) is shown to operate up to 1 GHz with an extremely low power dissipation of approximately 30 nW/MHz-gate. It is self latching, lending itself to highly efficient implementations of pipelined systems. Finally, it is directly compatible with static DCFL (direct coupled FET logic) making its introduction into high speed systems very straightforward. >
γ * γ * → π 0 form factor from anti–de Sitter-space/QCD correspondence

The recently measured $\ensuremath{\gamma}*\ensuremath{\gamma}*\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ anomalous form factor is analyzed using the $D4/D8\overline{D8}$ holographic approach to QCD. The half-on-shell transition form factor is vector meson dominated and is shown to exactly tie to the charged-pion form factor. The holographic result compares well with the data for the lowest vector resonance.
A Review of: “Constructing Measures: An Item Response Modeling Approach”: Mark Wilson, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, ISBN: 978-0-8058-4785-7, Year: 2004, Hardcover: $65.00 Pages: 248.

Constructing Measures: An Item Response Modeling Approach presents a modern approach to test and scale development, beginning with construct definition and concluding with data analysis and score r...
The Interactions of a Leukemia Virus with Cells of the RES

The ability of a variety of microorganisms to interact with cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) is well documented. Recent reviews (14,34,42) have evaluated the experimental evidence concerning the ability of microorganisms, including oncogenic and non-oncogenic viruses, to suppress host immune mechanisms. The role of immune mechanisms in the induction and maintenance of the neoplastic state has also been the subject of much discussion and experimentation (6,36,43). The isolation and characterization of several viruses (16,18,27,38) capable of inducing a leukemia-like disease in mice has provided systems in which one can study the effects of well defined oncogenic agents on the cells of the RES. These oncornaviruses also provide an opportunity to study the influence of RES functions on the induction and maintenance of the neoplastic state. We have selected Friend leukemia virus as the oncogenic agent of primary interest in our studies which have been primarily concerned with determining the ability of the leukemia virus-infected host to mount humoral and cell mediated immune responses.
Quantitative and Temporal Studies on Effect of Dexamethasone on Corticosterone Secretion in the Rat.

SummaryThe rat corticosterone secretion rate determined fluorimetrically from 3-minute samples of adrenal effluent (123 ± 5.3 μg/kg/adrenal/hr) agrees well with values reported for more extended collection periods and analyzed by other methods. Dexamethasone-21-phosphate, a non-fluorescing, corticotropin-suppressing, synthetic steroid was found to produce maximal suppression of the corticosterone secretion rate 4 to 8 hours following a single dose. The technic described may be applied to assays of corticotropin itself or assays of corticotropin suppressing activity of other non-fluorescing agents.
Conformational Dynamics Accompanying the Proteolytic Degradation of Trimeric Collagen I by Collagenases

Collagenases are the principal enzymes responsible for the degradation of collagens during embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. However, the mechanism by which these enzymes disrupt the highly chemically and structurally stable collagen triple helix remains incompletely understood. We used a single-molecule magnetic tweezers assay to characterize the cleavage of heterotrimeric collagen I by both the human collagenase matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum. We observe that the application of 16 pN of force causes an 8-fold increase in collagen proteolysis rates by MMP-1 but does not affect cleavage rates by Clostridium collagenase. Quantitative analysis of these data allows us to infer the structural changes in collagen associated with proteolytic cleavage by both enzymes. Our data support a model in which MMP-1 cuts a transient, stretched conformation of its recognition site. In contrast, our findings suggest that Clostridium collagenase is...
Advances in Alzheimer's disease

Learn how the latest trends and research discoveries can help improve your patient's quality of life.
Management of toenail onychomycosis

The treatment of toenail onychomycosis is reviewed. Onychomycosis contributes to 40% of all nail disorders and appears to be increasing in frequency. Mycotic nail infections are usually caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds. Most cases of toenail onychomycosis are caused by dermatophytes. Mycotic nail infections do not always resolve spontaneously and may have a substantial impact on the patient's quality of life. Current treatment modalities for onychomycosis include surgery, topical antifungals, and oral antifungals. Surgery is generally not recommended as first-line therapy. Broad-spectrum topical and oral antifungal agents are the most frequently used treatments. Topical treatment is well tolerated but is usually not effective because of poor patient compliance and inadequate penetration of the nail. Oral antifungals are more successful but carry greater risks. Griseofulvin and ketoconazole have been oral antifungals traditionally used for onychomycosis, but these agents are associated with relatively low cure rates. Itraconazole and terbinafine are both safe and effective first-line agents, with reported overall cure rates of 50-90% for dermatophyte-related onychomycosis. Intermittent oral antifungal therapy may reduce the risk of systemic adverse effects and the cost of therapy; more study of this approach is needed. Oral antifungal agents offer patients with toenail onychomycosis greater likelihood of a cure than topical antifungals, but oral therapy carries greater risks and requires closer monitoring.
Effect of Magnetic Field Strength on Carbide Precipitation Behavior in W6Mo5Cr4V3 High Speed Steel during Medium Temperature Tempering

Effect of magnetic field strength on carbide precipitation behavior in W6Mo5Cr4V3 highspeed steel during medium temperature tempering was investigated. The applied magnetic field promoted the precipitation and refinement of M6C and MC carbides at boundaries and in the grain interior, but maximum spheroidization occurred for those M6C carbides precipitated at boundaries, the stronger the magnetic field strength, the stronger the spheroidization effect. The high magnetic field hinders the precipitation of M2C type carbides, and the M2C type carbides basically disappear when applying the magnetic field.
Targeted delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides to pulmonary circulation.

Abstract Functional oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) such as antisense ODN (AS‐ODN) show promise as new therapeutics for the treatment of a number of pulmonary diseases. They also hold potential to serve as a research tool for the study of gene function related to lung physiology. The success of their application is largely dependent on the development of an efficient delivery vehicle. This chapter summarizes work toward the development of lipidic vectors for targeted ODN delivery to pulmonary circulation. Recent advancements in the development of novel ODN are also discussed briefly.
Mcl-1 as a Possible Predictor of Progression-Free Survival in Previously Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Treated with Pentostatin, Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab.

Myeloid cell factor-1 (Mcl-1) is an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family that associates with tumor cell survival and drug resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Increased Mcl-1 expression is associated with failure to achieve remission after chemotherapy with fludarabine and chlorambucil in CLL patients. However, the influence of Mcl-1 expression has not been examined in CLL trials using treatment regimens that contain rituximab, which has shown substantially improved outcomes for a large subset of patients and have become a mainstay in the therapy of newly diagnosed CLL. We previously reported that combination chemoimmunotherapy with pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (PCR) has significant clinical activity with low accompanying toxicity in previously untreated CLL patients, and is especially well tolerated in older patients in whom the use of fludarabine may be associated with prohibitive toxicities. As part of this study, we prospectively investigated association of Mcl-1 protein expression with response and progression-free survival. Eligible patients received a regimen consisting of pentostatin (2 mg/m2), cyclophosphamide (600 mg/ m2), and rituximab (375 mg/m2) given intravenously on day 1 of a 21-day cycle for a maximum of 6 cycles. Responses were assessed according to NCI 1996 criteria and included bone marrow evaluation and two-color flow cytometry two months after completion of therapy. Flow cytometry-negative status was defined as less than or equal to 1% CD5+/CD19+ cells. Of the 64 patients evaluated in this trial, clinical responses were seen in 58 (91%), with 26 (41%) complete responses (CR), 14 (22%) nodular partial responses (nPR), and 18 (28%) partial responses (PR). Lysates from peripheral blood cells obtained pre-treatment were analyzed for Mcl-1 expression by immunoblot. Mcl-1 as a continuous variable was not found to be associated with other commonly described risk factors. However, Recursive Partitioning Analysis (RPA) was devised employing Mcl-1 expression as a continuous variable, which revealed an optimal cut point of 0.85. At this cutoff, flow cytometry-negative status was significantly different between the two groups (p=0.01) and median PFS was significantly higher (p=0.02) in patients with Mcl-1 levels of <0.85 (50.8 vs. 18.7 months). No difference by Mcl-1 expression was noted in other pre-treatment or response parameters. Our data describes the first prospective validation of Mcl-1 over-expression adversely influencing both the likelihood of attaining a flow cytometry-negative complete remission and extended progression free survival. Mcl-1 expression was also independent of other risk factors, indicating additional benefit for this measure in assessing patients. Mcl-1 expression may therefore predict poor response to chemoimmunotherapy, and these findings advocate pursuing therapeutic agents targeting this important anti-apoptotic protein.
Deep-Learning: Investigating feed-forward deep Neural Networks for modeling high throughput chemical bioactivity data

In recent years, research in Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) has resurged, now under the Deep-Learning umbrella, and grown extremely popular due to major breakthroughs in methodological and computing capabilities. Deep-Learning methods are part of representation-learning algorithms that attempt to extract and organize discriminative information from the data. Recently reported success of DL techniques in crowd-sourced QSARs and predictive toxicology competitions has showcased these methods as powerful tools for drug-discovery and toxicology research. Nevertheless, reported applications of Deep Learning techniques for modeling complex bioactivity data for small molecules remain still limited. In this talk I will present our recent work on optimizing feed-forward Deep Neural Nets (DNNs) hyperparameters and performance evaluation of these methods as compared to shallow methods. In our study 48 DNNs, 24 Random Forest, 20 SVM and 6 Naive Bayes arbitrary but reasonably selected configurations were compared employing 7 diverse bioactivity datasets assembled from ChEMBL repository combined with circular fingerprints as molecular descriptors. The non-parametric Wilcoxon paired singed-rank test was employed to compare the performance of DNN to RF, SVM and NB. Overall it was found that DNNs with 2 hidden layers, 2,000 neurons per each hidden layer, ReLU activation function and Dropout regularization technique achieved strong classification performance across all tested datasets. Our results demonstrate that DNNs are powerful modeling techniques for modeling complex bioactivity data.
Probabilistic delamination diagnosis of composite materials using a novel Bayesian Imaging Method

In this paper, a framework for probabilistic delamination location and size detection is proposed. A delamination probability image using Lamb wave-based damage detection is constructed using the Bayesian updating technique. First, the algorithm for the probabilistic delamination detection framework using Bayesian updating (Bayesian Imaging Method - BIM) is presented. Following this, a fatigue testing setup for carbon-carbon composite coupons is introduced and the corresponding lamb wave based diagnostic signal is collected and interpreted. Next, the obtained signal features are incorporated in the Bayesian Imaging Method to detect delamination size and location, as along with corresponding uncertainty bounds. The damage detection results using the proposed methodology are compared with X-ray images for verification and validation. Finally, some conclusions and future works are drawn based on the proposed study.
Randomized phase II trial of sipuleucel-T immunotherapy preceded by sensitizing radiation therapy and sipuleucel-t alone in patients with metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer.

222Background: Sipuleucel-T (sip-T) is an autologous cellular vaccine indicated for patients (pts) with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Since radiation therapy (RT) can suppress the bone marrow function and immune response, previous studies evaluating sip-T excluded pts who received RT less than or equal to 28 days prior to sip-T therapy. Recent evidence suggests that RT may act synergistically with immunotherapy to enhance and broaden antitumor immune response. Methods: Pts who met standard criteria for sip-T were randomized to receive sip-T alone (Arm A) or sip-T initiated 1 week after completing sensitizing RT to single metastatic site (Arm B). RT was delivered at 300cGy/day to 3000 cGy total. The primary endpoint was the ability to safely combine sip-T preceded by RT and generate sip-T product with adequate immune activation parameters. Secondary endpoints included the measurement of immune responses to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and...
Synthesis and Characterization of Diol-Based Unsaturated Polyesters: Poly(diol fumarate) and Poly(diol fumarate-co-succinate)

In this work, we describe the synthesis and characterization of variants of poly(diol fumarate) and poly(diol fumarate-co-succinate). Through a Fischer esterification, α,ω-diols and dicarboxylic acids were polymerized to form aliphatic polyester comacromers. Because of the carbon-carbon double bond of fumaric acid, incorporating it into the macromer backbone structure resulted in unsaturated chains. By choosing α,ω-diols of different lengths (1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, and 1,10-decanediol) and controlling the amount of fumaric acid in the dicarboxylic acid monomer feed (33, 50, and 100 mol %), nine diol-based macromer variants were synthesized and characterized for molecular weight, number of unsaturated bonds per chain, and thermal properties. Degradation and in vitro cytotoxicity were also measured in a subset of macromers. As proof-of-principle, macromer networks were photo-cross-linked to demonstrate the ability to perform free radical addition using the unsaturated macromer backbone. Cross-linke...
On the Origin of Religious Values

In this paper I advance and empirically support the indigenous religious values hypothesis, which holds that religions espouse the values indigenous to the countries in which they develop. To identify the indigenous values of a religion’s homeland, I rely on the negative relationship between individualism and rainfall variation. I find strong empirical support for the hypothesis that contemporary individualism depends on rainfall variation in the homelands of religions to which a country’s population adheres. Indeed, this relationship explains over a quarter of the international variation in individualism. This effect is robust to controls for the role of religion in institutional and technological transfers and the confluence of conversion and colonization. In keeping with the explicitly religious nature of the mechanism proposed here, I also find that rainfall variation in religion homelands plays a greater role in explaining the values of countries with greater religious freedom and the values of individuals who are more religious or members of religious minorities.
Data Through Others' Eyes: The Impact of Visualizing Others' Expectations on Visualization Interpretation

In addition to visualizing input data, interactive visualizations have the potential to be social artifacts that reveal other people's perspectives on the data. However, how such social information embedded in a visualization impacts a viewer's interpretation of the data remains unknown. Inspired by recent interactive visualizations that display people's expectations of data against the data, we conducted a controlled experiment to evaluate the effect of showing social information in the form of other people's expectations on people's ability to recall the data, the degree to which they adjust their expectations to align with the data, and their trust in the accuracy of the data. We found that social information that exhibits a high degree of consensus lead participants to recall the data more accurately relative to participants who were exposed to the data alone. Additionally, participants trusted the accuracy of the data less and were more likely to maintain their initial expectations when other people's expectations aligned with their own initial expectations but not with the data. We conclude by characterizing the design space for visualizing others' expectations alongside data.
Cross dehydrogenative coupling of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines (sp3 C–H) with indoles (sp2 C–H) using a heterogeneous mesoporous manganese oxide catalyst

We disclose a novel, heterogeneous catalytic approach for selective coupling of C1 of N-aryltetrahydroisoquinolines with C3 of indoles in the presence of mesoporous manganese oxides. Our work involves a detailed mechanistic investigation of the reaction on the catalyst surface, backed by DFT computational studies, to understand the superior catalytic activity of manganese oxides.
Abstract W MP110: INR reversal of Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: The use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) is associated with poor outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this study we investigated the effect of delayed INR reversal and the factors influencing it in patients with OAC-associated ICH (OAC-ICH). Methods: Data were obtained from the Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study which is a prospective, multi-ethnic multicenter study of ICH. Exclusion criteria included missing initial hematoma volume, INR or ED arrival time and being on heparin. Baseline characteristics, INR at baseline and 12h, hematoma location and volume, treatment received, hematoma expansion at 24h, and mortality at 3 months were recorded. INR reversal was defined as INR Results: A total of 1,746 of 2,276 subjects were included in the analysis. A higher proportion of OAC users (n=185) were white and had hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and lobar ICH than non-users (P 1.4 (p=.0005). Conclusion: In the ERICH study, patients treated with FFP monotherapy were less likely to have a normalized INR at 12h and this was associated with increased case fatality at 3 months. The use of FVII/PCC may shorten time to INR correction and improve outcome in OAC-ICH.
Fluvastatin induces mast cell apoptosis and autophagy: effects on primary and transformed mast cells

Mast cells are best known for their role in inflammatory and allergic disease. Mast cell leukemia is a rare subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia, most of which express the c-Kit mutation, D816V, that yields factor-independent growth. Understanding and treating mast cell hyperplasia and leukemia could be beneficial to both inflammatory and malignant diseases. Recently the family of statin drugs, widely employed as HMG CoA Reductase inhibitors to lower serum cholesterol, have also been found to be immunosuppressive. However, statin effects on mast cell survival are not known. We report that Fluvastatin induces apoptosis in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) and P815 mastocytoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was evidenced by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. Importantly, the mastocytoma line P815, which expresses mutant c-Kit, was readily killed by Fluvastatin, with an IC 50 of 5–10μM and apoptosis peaking at 72 hours. An up-regulation of the mutated c-Kit receptor was seen at 12 hours, followed by mitochondrial membrane instability and Caspase-9 activation within 24–28 hours. Finally, preliminary evidence of autophagy was detected during fluvastatin treatment. Interestingly, autophagy appeared to be cytoprotective in primary mast cells but cytotoxic in P815 mastocytoma cells. These preliminary data support the theory that statin family drugs induce mast cell autophagy and apoptosis, lending new therapeutic approaches for suppressing growth of both normal and transformed mast cells.
Association of dispositional optimism with Life's Simple 7's Cardiovascular Health Index: results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) Sociocultural Ancillary Study (SCAS).

Objectives Mounting evidence links positive psychological functioning to restorative health processes and favourable medical outcomes. However, very little is known about the relationship between optimism, an indicator of psychological functioning and the American Heart Association (AHA)-defined concept of cardiovascular health (CVH), particularly in Hispanics/Latinos of diverse backgrounds. To address limitations of existing literature, this study investigated the association between dispositional optimism and CVH in a heterogeneous sample of Hispanics/Latinos residing in the USA. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants and setting Data were analysed from 4919 adults ages 18–75 of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos parent study and the Sociocultural Ancillary Study. Main outcome measures Optimism was assessed using the 6-item Life Orientation Test-Revised (range from 6 to 30). AHA classification standards were used to derive an additive CVH score with operationalisation of indicators as Ideal, Intermediate and Poor. The overall CVH score included indicators of diet, body mass index, physical activity, cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose and smoking status. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to examine associations of optimism with CVH (Life’s Simple 7), after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and depressive symptoms. Results Each increase in the optimism total score was associated with a greater CVH score (β=0.03 per unit increase, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.05). When modelling tertiles of optimism, participants with moderate (β=0.24 to 95% CI 0.06 to 0.42) and high (β=0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.24) levels of optimism displayed greater CVH scores when compared with their least optimistic peers. Conclusion This study offers preliminary evidence for an association between optimism and CVH in a large heterogeneous group of Hispanic/Latino adults. Our study adds scientific knowledge of psychological assets that may promote CVH and suggests a novel therapeutic target for consideration. Future studies are needed to explore causality and potential mechanism underlying the relationship between positive emotion and heart health.
Vigilant attention to threat, sleep patterns, and anxiety in peripubertal youth.

Author(s): Ricketts, Emily J; Price, Rebecca B; Siegle, Greg J; Silk, Jennifer S; Forbes, Erika E; Ladouceur, Cecile D; Harvey, Allison G; Ryan, Neal D; Dahl, Ronald E; McMakin, Dana L | Abstract: BACKGROUND:Vigilant attention to threat is commonly observed in anxiety, undergoes developmental changes in early adolescence, and has been proposed to interfere with sleep initiation and maintenance. We present one of the first studies to use objective measures to examine associations between vigilant attention to threat and difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep in an early adolescent anxious sample. We also explore the moderating role of development (age, puberty) and sex. METHODS:Participants were 66 peripubertal youth (ages 9-14) with a primary anxiety disorder and 24 healthy control subjects. A dot-probe task was used to assess attentional bias to fearful relative to neutral face stimuli. Eye-tracking indexed selective attentional bias to threat, and reaction time bias indexed action readiness to threat. Sleep was assessed via actigraphy (e.g. sleep onset delay, wake after sleep onset, etc.), parent report (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire), and child report (Sleep Self-Report). The Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale assessed anxiety severity. RESULTS:Eye-tracking initial threat fixation bias (βn=n.33, pn=n.001) and threat dwell time bias (βn=n.22, pn=n.041) were positively associated with sleep onset latency. Reaction time bias was positively associated with wake after sleep onset (βn=n.24, pn=n.026) and parent-reported sleep disturbance (βn=n.25, pn=n.019). Anxiety (severity, diagnosis) was not associated with these outcomes. Sex (βn=n-.32, pn=n.036) moderated the relation between initial threat fixation bias and sleep onset latency, with a positive association for males (pn=n.005), but not for females (pn=n.289). Age and pubertal status did not moderate effects. CONCLUSIONS:Vigilant attention to threat is related to longer sleep onset and reduced sleep maintenance. These associations are not stronger in early adolescents with anxiety. Implications for early intervention or prevention that targets vigilant attention to threat to impact sleep disturbance, and vice versa, are discussed.
A Role for Anthropologists in the Local Food Movement

We have a pretty good idea of the range of applications for anthropology in industry, government, the labor movement, the military, the occupy movement and even farming. There is a spectrum of invo...
Automatic recorder manipulator.

IN SMALL LABORATORIES, particularly those doing psychophysiologic studies of long duration, it may be advantageous to have an instrument that turns on chart and other types of recorders automatically for pre-set time duration, at pre-set timing intervals. If the instruments to be turned on have no appreciable warm-up time, it becomes inexpensive to do the switching at the power plug. Such an instrument has been designed and constructed at this laboratory to sample rat EKG, for 30 seconds each hour, turning on an Offner type RS unit for each period. The basic timing elements used are the ATC (Automatic Timing and Controls, Inc., King of Prussia, Pa.) model 305B electromechanical timers. These units have a repeat accuracy of .25 per cent. In order to obtain the flexibility required, a six-minute timer is used, which, each time it cycles, gives a pulse to a stepping relay of up to ten steps. With this arrangement, switching allowed six minutes to one hour intervals (maximum). When the pre-set step on the relay is reached, it trips the duration timer, a 30-second ATC 305B, which tunas the recorder on for the pre-set duration. With initiation of power, timer T1 begins its first cycle. (See Fig. 1. ) When T1 finishes its first cycle, through its contacts 3-4-5, it fires thyratron tube V1 by switching its cathode. A relay (RY 1) in the plate circuit of Vx interrupts the input voltage to contacts 11-1, allowing T1 to reset and begin a new cycle. Another set of contacts on RY 1 fires RY 2 which fires SR 1, the stepping relay, one step. The particular step to fire timer T2 is set by the position of Sz. When T~ has cycled the proper number of times to move SR 1 to the position set by $2 and RY 1 is fired, a starting signal is supplied to the 11-1 contacts of T2. When T2 starts it delivers line voltage through its contact 14 to RY 3, which upon closure gives a marking signal through jacks M-M, and provides power to the AC output receptacle powering the recorder. Closure of jacks M-M~ and power on the output power receptacle lasts for the duration of the time set on T2, then goes off until the next active period. The insta-ument is simple enough to be constructed by nonelectronic personnel and, for an investment of about $120, permits long-term studies without constant supervision of recording.
Young, American Indian or Alaskan Native, and born in the USA: at excess risk of starting extra-medical prescription pain reliever use?

Background Prescription pain reliever (PPR) overdoses differentially affect 'American Indian/Alaskan Natives' in the United States (US). Here, studying onset of extra-medical PPR use in 12-24-year-olds, we examine subgroup variations in rates of starting to use prescription pain relievers extra-medically (i.e., to get 'high' or for other reasons outside boundaries of prescriber's intent). Risk differences (RD) are estimated for US-born versus non-US-born young people, stratified by American Indian/Alaskan Natives versus other ethnic self-identities. Methods Between 2002-2009, nationally representative cross-sectional samples of 12-24-year-old non-institutionalized civilians completed interviews for the US National Surveys of Drug Use and Health. Analysis-weighted annual incidence estimates, RD, and confidence intervals (CI) are from the Restricted-use Data Analysis System, an online software tool for US National Surveys of Drug Use and Health. Results Each year, an estimated 2.5% of 12-24-year-olds in the US start using PPR extra-medically (95% CI [2.1%-3.0%]). Estimates for the US-born (3.8%; 95% CI [3.7%-3.9%]) are larger (non-US-born: 1.8%; 95% CI [1.5%-2.0%]; RD = 2.0; p < 0.05). US-born American Indian/Alaskan Natives youths have the largest incidence rate (4.8%). Robust RD for US-born can be seen for 'non-Hispanic White' subgroups, and for others (e.g., 'Cuban', 'Dominican'). Discussion Each year, one in 20 of US-born American Indian/Alaskan Natives starts using PPR extra-medically. Overdose prevention is important, but is no substitute for primary prevention initiatives for all young people. The observed epidemiological patterns can guide targeted prevention initiatives for the identified higher risk subgroups in complement with more universal prevention efforts intended to reduce incidence of first extra-medical PPR use, a crucial rate-limiting step on the path toward more serious drug involvement (i.e., progressing past initial use).
The “Medicalized Death”: Dying in the Hospital

This article is part of a larger study dedicated to the place of death and dying. The focus of this article is on the “medicalized death” of older people who died in hospitals in Israel and the Uni...