cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive program for resident training in operative laparoscopy

A comprehensive program for resident training in operative laparoscopy is presented in outline as an educational template. We understand that placing such concepts into action can be formidable. Strategies for implementation critically depend on identifying available methodologies that can help actualize each educational component. Both conceptual and visual-motor objectives can be satisfied by collectively matching with explanatory text, instruction manuals, inanimate exercises and practice, animate porcine correlates, and companion videotapes (both in vitro and in vivo) as necessary. Methods for validating the effectiveness of this program are in the process of development. Standardized neuropsychologic tools will be used to establish and monitor behavioral and psychometric benchmarks. Visiospatial benchmarks will be ascertained for motor processing using conventional in vitro exercises assessed by rate and efficiency. Ultimately, a properly oriented preceptor will assess benefits translated as improved surgical skills. After this training cascade, most technical achievements are realized after performing enough cases through level III, which contains types of laparoscopic surgeries that are realistically available and can be accomplished in most training institutions. Although some programs may provide the opportunity to experience the skill sets and procedures of levels IV and V, these levels are delineated for experienced and highly skilled laparoscopic surgeons and as content for fellowship programs for advanced laparoscopic surgery.
The enterprise service bus: making service-oriented architecture real

The Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) is the infrastructure which underpins a fully integrated and flexible end-to-end service-oriented architecture (SOA). This paper details the essential meta-data and capabilities of the ESB. It presents a summary of the key concepts of the ESB and defines the integration model for it, including key user roles. These roles are fulfilled using meta-data that describes the service endpoints, such as the service interface and policy requirements and capabilities. The ESB manages this meta-data through a registry, which supports configuration, connection, matchmaking, and discovery of service endpoints. Some typical mediation patterns that are used to satisfy endpoint policies are explored, and usage patterns are described in which the ESB is used to implement real SOAs.
Sonographic Evaluation and Sonographic-Guided Therapeutic Options of Lateral Ankle Pain: Peroneal Tendon Pathology Associated with the Presence of an Os Peroneum

Clinical implications of acute injuries of the os peroneum have been described, with the recommendation in some cases being the excision of the bone fragments. We describe the spectrum of sonographic appearances associated with pain in the region of the os peroneum, document associated peroneal tendon pathology, and describe the use of sonography to direct and guide therapeutic and/or diagnostic injections. All sonographic examinations in our ultrasound database from Jan 1, 2001–Jan 30, 2007 with the words “os peroneum” were reviewed. Patients were cross-referenced in our radiology database to find relevant foot or ankle radiographs for correlation. There were 47 patients (18 men and 29 women, age range 16 to 83) referred for sonographic evaluation of lateral foot and/or ankle pain who had an os peroneum identified during the sonographic evaluation. Eighteen patients were referred specifically for targeted injection of the lateral ankle, including peroneal tendon sheath injections (N = 10), calcaneocuboid joint injections (N = 1), and injections around symptomatic os peroneum (N = 7). All 47 patients had tendinosis of the peroneus longus, in varying degrees of severity. Radiographs were available for correlation in 28 patients. The causes of lateral ankle pain with a co-existent os peroneum are multifactorial and may not directly relate to the presence of an os peroneum. Ultrasound can be of value in separating out the specific etiology for pain, as well as provide a method for problem solving by the performance of targeted diagnostic or therapeutic injections in the lateral ankle.
Rotational imaging of complex acetabular fractures: The dynamic judet view

The use of rotational digital subtraction angiography for imaging complex pelvic and acetabular fractures is described, and its advantages are presented.
Archimedes: a new model for simulating health care systems-the mathematical formulation

This paper designs an object-oriented, continuous-time, full simulation model for addressing a wide range of clinical, procedural, administrative, and financial decisions in health care at a high level of biological, clinical, and administrative detail. The full model has two main parts, which with some simplification can be designated "physiology models" and "models of care processes." The models of care processes, although highly detailed, are mathematically straightforward. However, the mathematics that describes human biology, diseases, and the effects of interventions are more difficult. This paper describes the mathematical formulation and methods for deriving equations, for a variety of different sources of data. Although Archimedes was originally designed for health care applications, the formulation, and equations are general and can be applied to many natural systems.
An Automatic Superconducting Flux Pump

Abstract The design and operation of a simple self-switching and self-rectifying flux pump is discussed. The concept has been tested using a low temperature transformer and a 10 kOe, 30 A, Nb-Zr coil paralleled by a 45 A switching coil made from Pb-Sn solder.
Early colleges: A new model of schooling focusing on college readiness

This chapter provides an overview of recent literature on college readiness and the emergence of the early college model. Using quantitative and qualitative data from an experimental study of early colleges in North Carolina, researchers describe the positive effects found on various indicators of college readiness.
Cognitive predictors of not-guilty verdicts in a simulated acquaintance rape trial.

Cognitive predictors, such as relatively accepting attitudes toward forcible date rape, helped identify self-reported sexually coercive college students and were expected to help identify students voting not guilty in a simulated acquaintance rape trial. To test this hypothesis college students self-administered in random order (1) an anonymous sex survey measuring attitudes toward forcible date rape, attitudes toward women, sexual experience, including victimization, sexual permissiveness, and sexual knowledge and (2) a trial survey based on a simulated acquaintance rape trial. Only gender and cognitive variables from the trial (e.g., being male, tending to blame the victim, and uncertainty about one's verdict) identified not guilty verdicts above chance expectancy. Thus, the hypothesis that the cognitive predictors measured here would help identify students voting not guilty in a simulated acquaintance rape trial was not supported.
Total quality management meets whole language reform: A site for investigating administrators’ learning

In this study, we investigate two principals’ learning in a progressive district in the southern United States. Both principals talked about ‘ownership’ and ‘continuous progress'as key to education reform, yet their words carried different meanings for learning. Principals’ use of reform terminology was embedded within two distinctly different communities of principal's practice ‐‐ Total Quality Management and ‘whole language’. We conclude by discussing ways to bridge such gaps in understanding among principals and communities by creating opportunities for learning and discourse. Educational administrators might thereby talk about and explore the different nuances of meaning they bring to their practice. 1. Work on this paper was supported by the Education Policy and Practice Study (EPPS), which is funded in part by Michigan State University, and by grants from the Pew Charitable Trust (Grant No. 91‐04343‐000); Carnegie Corporation of New York (Grant No. B 5638); the National Science Foundation (Grant No....
Comparison of posterior fossa exploration and stereotactic radiosurgery in patients with previously nonsurgically treated idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is commonly performed in patients with trigeminal neuralgia, and numerous investigators have found that facial pain outcomes after this procedure are better for patients in whom prior surgery did not fail. Researchers in some centers claim that the results of SRS are equivalent to posterior fossa exploration (PFE). The goal in this study was to verify that claim. Methods Information was retrieved from a prospectively maintained database of patients less than 70 years old with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia who underwent PFE (55 patients) or SRS (28 patients) as their initial surgery between 1999 and 2004. Of the two groups, patients who underwent radiosurgery were older (60.5 compared with 50.7 years, p < 0.001). Microvascular decompression was performed in 49 patients (89%) and partial nerve section was performed in six (11%) in the PFE group. The mean maximum dose for SRS was 89.1 Gy. At a mean follow-up duration of 25.5 months, patients who had undergone PFE were...
Three-dimensional image registration of MR proximal femur images for the analysis of trabecular bone parameters.

This study investigated the feasibility of automatic image registration of MR high-spatial resolution proximal femur trabecular bone images as well as the effects of gray-level interpolation and volume of interest (VOI) misalignment on MR-derived trabecular bone structure parameters. For six subjects in a short-term study, a baseline scan and a follow-up scan of the proximal femur were acquired on the same day. For ten subjects in a long-term study, a follow-up scan of the proximal femur was acquired 1 year after the baseline. An automatic image registration technique, based on mutual information, utilized a baseline and a follow-up scan to compute transform parameters that aligned the two images. In the short-term study, these parameters were subsequently used to transform the follow-up image with three different gray-level interpolators. Nearest-neighbor interpolation and B -spline approximation did not significantly alter bone parameters, while linear interpolation significantly modified bone parameters ( p 0.01 ) . Improvement in image alignment due to the automatic registration for the long-term and short-term study was determined by inspecting difference images and 3D renderings. This work demonstrates the first application of automatic registration, without prior segmentation, of high-spatial resolution trabecular bone MR images of the proximal femur. Additionally, inherent heterogeneity in trabecular bone structure and imprecise positioning of the VOI along the slice (anterior–posterior) direction resulted in significant changes in bone parameters ( p 0.01 ) . Results suggest that automatic mutual information registration using B -spline approximation or nearest neighbor gray-level interpolation to transform the final image ensures VOI alignment between baseline and follow-up images and does not compromise the integrity of MR-derived trabecular bone parameters used in this study.
Applications of CE/LIF in environmental analysis using a frequency-doubled laser operating in the deep UV

Capillary zone electrophoresis/laser-induced fluorescence has been used to study extracts from environmental sites. We have used deep UV (244, 257 nm) laser light, obtaining good sensitivity. We have studied PNA-contaminated soil samples and creosote extract. Confirming analysis has been performed using mass-peak-profiling mass spectrometry. The results may be relevant to site assessment and source apportionment.
Developmental differences in detection and disclosure of sexual abuse

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the role of developmental differences in the detection and disclosure of child sexual abuse. METHOD: A random medical record review was conducted of 72 children and adolescents seen over a consecutive 3-year period for suspected sexual abuse in the emergency room of a pediatric hospital. The following data were gathered: (1) demographic information, (2) presenting symptomatology that initiated caregiver decision to seek evaluation, (3) type of disclosure (purposeful or accidental), and (4) precipitants to disclosure. RESULTS: Preschool age children were significantly more likely than school age children and adolescents to exhibit behavioral or physical symptoms that prompted caregivers' suspicion of sexual abuse. Preschool age children made disclosures accidentally and typically with an immediate precipitating event unrelated to the abuse itself. In contrast, sexual abuse disclosures from school age children were purposeful and not associated with a precipitating event. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners need to be aware of the developmental differences in the detection of sexual abuse, including the forces that inhibit disclosure in older children. Language: en
Whale blow detection in infrared video using fractal analysis as tool for representing dynamic shape variation

In this paper we propose a new method to detect characteristic shape variations in infrared video using the concept of fractals. The proof of the concept is presented in terms of an application to detect whale blows in infrared video. This application will be of immense use to researchers who study whale behavior like its migration patterns. Whale blows appear as characteristic patterns with relatively higher intensity when compared to its surroundings. The pattern of whale blow formation is detected using fractal analysis. We have been able to experimentally prove that the fractal dimension can be used as an efficient tool to detect the presence of whale blows subject to some thresholding constraints. The development of thresholding constraints based on the variation of the coefficient of variation is also explained in the paper. We have been able to detect whale blows in infrared video with a very high degree of accuracy irrespective of the size of the whale blow and its distance from the camera.
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate, Metabolites, and Phosphorylase in Neural Tissue: A Comparison of Methods of Fixation

Fixation of rat brain tissue by freeze-blowing, microwave irradiation, immersion of whole rats in liquid nitrogen, and decapitation into liquid nitrogen indicates that postmortem changes in metabolites and enzyme forms are minimal in freeze-blown brains. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels are lowest in microwave-irradiated brains, which has been interpreted by some investigators to indicate rapid fixation and minimal anoxia. However, the changes in phosphocreatine, adenosine triphosphate, lactate, and phosphorylase clearly demonstrate that fixation by freeze-blowing or immersion in liquid nitrogen more closely approximate the state in vivo.
The Antidepressant Effects of Anticholinergic Drugs

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for communication between neurons and muscle, is involved in direct neurotransmission in the autonomic parasympathetic nervous system, and has been implicated in cognitive processing, arousal, and attention in the brain. The cholinergic-adrenergic hypothesis of mood disorders states that a given affective state might represent a balance between central cholinergic and adrenergic neurotransmitter activity in those areas of the brain regulating moods. According to this hypothesis, depression would be the clinical manifestation of a state of cholinergic dominance, whereas mania would reflect adrenergic dominance. On the basis of this hypothesis, anticholinergic drugs have been investigated as potential treatments for depression, but study results have not shown consistent antidepressant effects. However, the dosage dependency of scopolamine's effect across different studies and the lack of antidepressant effects with other anticholinergic drugs suggest that a specific muscarinic receptor subtype might be most relevant to the potential antidepressant mechanism of action of anticholinergic drugs.
Analysis of titanium dioxide agglomerate dispersion in linear low density polyethylene and resulting properties of compounds

The dispersion of titanium dioxide agglomerates within linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) melts has been investigated by using a cone-and-plate device installed within a temperature controlled oven. Observation of fragment evolution indicates that erosion is the predominant mechanism of dispersion. The erosion rate of titanium dioxide agglomerates in LLDPE was consistenty with the results obtained in previous dispersion studies of titanium dioxide in polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The effect of agglomerate dispersion on the optical, tensile, and dynamic mechanical properties of compounds incorporating titanium dioxide was also investigated. Changes in compound properties were correlated with observed morphology changes of agglomerates in order to clarify the effect of dispersion.
Lasing in tilted-waveguide semiconductor laser amplifiers

We have observed the transition from single-pass amplification of the fundamental mode to oscillation in the higher-order modes in tilted semiconductor-based amplifiers using numerical experiments based on a novel finite-difference time-domain treatment of the optical field that includes gain. These results correlate well with laboratory observations of gain-induced oscillation in such amplifiers.
Fast Real-Time Computation of Na Channel Kinetic Models for Dynamic Clamp

Voltage-gated Na channels play a critical role in action potential generation and control of the spiking pattern in mammalian neurons. Understanding how Na channels regulate the firing pattern of a particular type of neuron requires not only a good understanding of the sodium channel gating kinetics, but also of the complex interactions between Na currents and all other currents, some of which may be unknown or incompletely characterized. A powerful tool for studying the function of voltage gated ion channels in their cellular context is dynamic clamp, by which individual conductances can be functionally replaced with computational models on a background of otherwise native conductances. We present new computational techniques for both deterministic and stochastic integration by which Markov models with as many as 20-30 states can be solved at rates as high as 150 kHz, while allowing complex data visualization, recording and stimulation in a standard Windows environment. Furthermore, ensembles of as many as 5000 channels can be integrated stochastically at the same rates. The speed relies on efficient use of all available processors, deterministic integration using pre-computed transition matrices, and parallelized, optimized stochastic integration using Gillespie's algorithm. We illustrate the power of the technique with applications of realistic Markov models for sodium channels in central neurons.
Dissolved hydrocarbons in the eastern Gulf of Mexico Loop Current and the Caribbean Sea

Concentrations of dissolved non-polar hydrocarbons extracted from waters taken at several stations and depths in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea ranged from traces to 75 μg1−1, with the highest occurring in the Florida Strait. In all cases except in the Florida Strait, this fraction was characterized by relatively large amounts of n-alkanes having between 15 and 20 carbon atoms and relatively small amounts of n-alkanes with more than 20 carbon atoms. In the Florida Strait there were much larger concentrations of n-alkanes above C20. There was an unresolved envelope in the gas chromatograms of all the samples that extended approximately from the C15 to the C30 position, with the maximum between the C20 and C23 positions.
Topicalization and left-dislocation: a functional opposition revisited☆

Abstract In this case study, we use conversational data from the Switchboard corpus to investigate the functional opposition between two pragmatically specialized constructions of English: Topicalization and Left-Dislocation. Specifically, we use distribution trends in the Switchboard corpus to revise several conclusions reached by Prince (1981a,b, 1997) concerning the function of Left-Dislocation. While Prince holds that Left-Dislocation has no unitary functionn, we argue that the distinct uses of the construction identified by Prince can be subsumed under the general function of topic promotion. While Prince holds that Topicalization is a more pragmatically specialized construction than Left-Dislocation, we argue that Left-Dislocation has equally restrictive and distinct use conditions, which reflect its status as a topic-promoting device. We conclude that computational corpus methods provide an important check on the validity of claims concerning pragmatic markedness.
Short pulse laser propagation through tissues for biomedical imaging

An experimental and numerical study is performed to analyse short pulse laser propagation through tissue phantoms with and without inhomogeneities embedded in it. Short pulse laser probing techniques have distinct advantages over conventional very large pulse width or cw lasers primarily due to the additional information conveyed about the tissue interior by the temporal variation of the observed signal. Both the scattered temporal transmitted and reflected optical signals are measured experimentally using a streak camera for samples irradiated with a short pulse laser source. Parametric study involving different scattering and absorption coefficients of tissue phantoms and inhomogeneities as well as the detector position and orientation is performed. The temporal and spatial profiles of the scattered optical signals are compared with the numerical modelling results obtained by solving the transient radiative transport equation using the discrete ordinates technique.
Covering and packing in {\mathbb Z^n} and {\mathbb R^n}. (II)

In the present part (II) we will deal with the group \({\mathbb G = \mathbb Z^n}\) , and we will study the effect of linear transformations on minimal covering and maximal packing densities of finite sets \({\mathcal A \subset {\mathbb Z}^n}\) . As a consequence, we will be able to show that the set of all densities for sets \({\mathcal A}\) of given cardinality is closed, and to characterize four-element sets \({\mathcal A \subset {\mathbb Z}^n}\) which are “tiles”. The present work will be largely independent of the first part (I) presented in [4].
Identification of Salmonella SPI-2 secretion system components required for SpvB-mediated cytotoxicity in macrophages and virulence in mice

The Salmonella SpvB protein possesses ADP-ribosyl transferase activity. SpvB, acting as an intracellular toxin, covalently modifies monomeric actin, leading to loss of F-actin filaments in Salmonella-infected human macrophages. Using defined Salmonella mutants, different functional components of the SPI-2 type three secretion system (TTSS), ssaV, spiC, sseB, sseC, and sseD, were found to be required for SpvB-mediated actin depolymerization in human macrophages. Expression of SpvB protein in Salmonella was not affected by any of the SPI-2 mutants and the effects of these loci were not due to reduced numbers of intracellular bacteria. Interestingly, the major SPI-2 virulence effector, SifA, is not required for SpvB action. Further, caspase-3 activation is an additional marker of cytotoxicity in Salmonella-infected human macrophages. Caspase-3 activity depended on SpvB and SPI-2 TTSS function, but not on SifA. These human macrophage cell culture results were corroborated by virulence studies in mice. Using competitive infection of mice with mixed inocula of single and double mutants, spvBmut1 mutation did not have an effect independent of ssaJ mutation, essential for SPI-2 TTSS function. In contrast, competitive infection studies in mice confirmed that SpvB and SifA have independent virulence effects, as predicted by the macrophage studies.
Promoting inter/multidisciplinary education and research in bioinformatics, systems biology and intelligent computing

Bioinformatics and systems biology are two booming research areas studying live organisms. Though having different focuses, bioinformatics and systems biology often share same or similar engineering and computer science methods to elucidate the mechanisms of multi-level biological systems. Regulatory mechanisms underlying biological processes involve interactions at cellular, sub-cellular, genomic and genetic levels. Accordingly, we need to bridge the gaps of biomedical researches at different levels of studies and foster the interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research between both bioinformatics and systems biology domains. The synergic research on integrating bioinformatics and systems biology facilitates the advances in biology and medicine.
Classical and neoclassical conceptions of rationality—Findings of an exploratory survey

Abstract This article overviews and illustrates the idea of rationality within traditional economic theory. It provides selected examples of a number of pertinent ideas of rationality from classical political economy and early and late neoclassical economics. Based on an exploratory historical analysis, the finding is that theoretical holism or socio-economic pluralism has declined in favor of (economic) reductionism in analyzing rationality. The article finds that the traditional (Enlightenment) conceptualization of rationality by the category of ‘reason’ (reasonable behavior) has weakened in relation to a utilitarian-economic definition by ‘utility’ or ‘profit’ maximization. Rationality has become a narrower, more reductive concept as economics has evolved. It began as a rich, holistic and complex socio-economic concept, then condensed into utilitarianism, shrank into instrumentalism and any pertinent psychological content had disappeared by WW II. Notably, the Benthamite reductive concept of rationalism as utilitarianism and in part hedonism has prevailed in early and late neoclassical economics. The paper also infers a sort of serendipitous detection of the operation of the non-rational ‘residual’ in socio-economic life as well as a paradox in the form of the irrationality of extreme rationality within traditional economics.
Texas City refinery accident: Case study in breakdown of defense-in-depth and violation of the safety–diagnosability principle in design

Abstract In 2005 an explosion rocked the BP Texas City refinery, killing 15 people and injuring 180. The company incurred direct and indirect financial losses on the order of billions of dollars for victims’ compensation as well as significant property damage and loss of production. The internal BP accident investigation and the Chemical Safety Board investigation identified a number of factors that contributed to the accident. In this work, we first examine the accident pathogens or lurking adverse conditions at the refinery prior to the accident. We then analyze the sequence of events that led to the explosion, and we highlight some of the provisions for the implementation of defense-in-depth and their failures. Next we identify a fundamental failure mechanism in this accident, namely the absence of observability or ability to diagnose hazardous states in the operation of the refinery, in particular within the raffinate splitter tower and the blowdown drum of the isomerization unit. We propose a general safety–diagnosability principle for supporting accident prevention, which requires that all safety-degrading events or states that defense-in-depth is meant to protect against be diagnosable, and that breaches of safety barriers be unambiguously monitored and reported. The safety–diagnosability principle supports the development of a “living” or online quantitative risk assessment, which in turn can help re-order risk priorities in real time based on emerging hazards, and re-allocate defensive resources. We argue that the safety–diagnosability principle is an essential ingredient for improving operators’ situation awareness. Violation of the safety–diagnosability principle translates into a shrinking of the time window available for operators to understand an unfolding hazardous situation and intervene to abate it. Compliance with this new safety principle provides one way to improve operators’ sensemaking and situation awareness and decrease the conditional probability that an accident will occur following an adverse initiating event. We suggest that defense-in-depth be augmented with this principle, without which it can degenerate into an ineffective defense-blind safety strategy.
PBK modeling for metals. Examples with lead, uranium, and chromium

Physiologically-based models for metals differ in several key respects from models for organic compounds. Although sequestration by binding to specific metal-binding proteins in liver, kidney, and red cell may be important, neither the magnitude and pattern of metabolism nor potential accumulation in fat is a component of models of metal kinetics. In addition, the long residence times of bone-seeking elements require that bone turnover and metabolism be incorporated into physiologically-based models for these elements. Three mechanisms (rapid exchange at bone/blood interfaces, trapping or incorporation with forming bone and loss with resorbing bone, and slow exchange throughout the total bone volume) are potentially important in the overall interchange of bone-seeking elements between blood and bone. Three examples are given of applications of physiologically-based kinetic models for the bone-seeking elements lead, chromium, and uranium to assist in answering practical questions relating to bioavailability, distribution, and data interpretation.
Abstract A279: Preclinical evaluation of AMG 925, a FLT3/CDK4 dual kinase inhibitor.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains a serious unmet medical need. Despite high remission rates with chemotherapy standard care treatment, the disease eventually relapses. Activating FLT3 mutations are found in approximately 30% of AML patients. Targeting FLT3 receptor tyrosine kinase has shown encouraging results in treating FLT3-mutated AML. Responses, however, are not sustained and acquired resistance has been a clinical challenge. Treatment options to overcome resistance are currently the focus of research. We report here preclinical evaluation of AMG 925, a potent, selective and bioavailable FLT3/CDK4 dual kinase inhibitor. The compound inhibited AML xenograft tumor growth by >99% without detectable body weight loss. AMG 925 was also found to inhibit FLT3 mutants (e.g, D835Y) that are resistant to the current FLT3 inhibitors (e.g., quizartinib/AC220, sorafenib). CDK4 is a cyclinD-dependent kinase that plays an essential central role in regulating cell proliferation in response to external growth signals. A critical role of the CDK4-Rb pathway in cancer development has been well established. CDK4 specific inhibitors are being developed for treating Rb positive cancer. AMG 925, which combines inhibition of two kinases essential for proliferation and survival of FLT3-mutated AML cells, may improve clinical response rates. Citation Information: Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):A279. Citation Format: Kang Dai, Kathleen Keegan, Zhihong Li, Ma Ji, Cong Li, John Eksterowicz, Coberly Suzanne, David Hollenback, Margret Weidner, Justin Huard, Lingming Liang, Grace Alba, Jessica Orf, Mei-Chu Lo, Sharon Zhao, Rachel Ngo, Ada Chen, Lily Liu, Timothy Carlson, Lawrence R. McGee, Julio Medina, Alexander Kamb, Dineli Wickramasinghe. Preclinical evaluation of AMG 925, a FLT3/CDK4 dual kinase inhibitor. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2013 Oct 19-23; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2013;12(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A279.
Shell differentiation and engrailed expression in the Ilyanassa embryo

We have used in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry to study the expression of the engrailed-related gene, Ily-en in embryos of the marine mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta. We find that Ily-en is only expressed in shell gland cells. Only mRNAs localized in the shell gland hybridize to an antisense probe of the Ily-en homeobox. Similarly, only shell gland cells or shell-forming cells are stained by the monoclonal antibody 4D9, which was raised to the engrailed-class protein from Drosophila. Ilyanassa embryos made deficient in vegetal cytoplasm by removing the third polar lobe fail to differentiate an organized external shell. They do however make some randomly oriented internal shell fragments in which Ily-en is expressed. Because Ily-en is expressed in shell gland cells of both normal and lobeless embryos, we conclude that the determinant(s) required for Ily-en expression are not exclusively localized in the polar lobe.
Association between streptococcal infection and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and tic disorder.

Objective. Reports have suggested that streptococcal infection may be etiologically related to pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders (PANDAS), but there are few good epidemiologic studies to support this theory. Using population-based data from a large West-Coast health maintenance organization, we assessed whether streptococcal infection was associated with increased risk for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Tourette9s syndrome (TS), or tic disorder. Methods. This is a case-control study of children 4 to 13 years old receiving their first diagnosis of OCD, TS, or tic disorder between January 1992 and December 1999 at Group Health Cooperative outpatient facilities. Cases were matched to controls by birth date, gender, primary physician, and propensity to seek health care. Results. Patients with OCD, TS, or tic disorder were more likely than controls to have had prior streptococcal infection (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.05, 4.69) in the 3 months before onset date. The risk was higher among children with multiple streptococcal infections within 12 months (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.77, 8.96). Having multiple infections with group A β-hemolytic streptococcus within a 12-month period was associated with an increased risk for TS (OR: 13.6; 95% CI: 1.93, 51.0). These associations did not change appreciably when limited to cases with a clear date of onset of symptoms or with tighter matching on health care behavior. Conclusion. These findings lend epidemiologic evidence that PANDAS may arise as a result of a postinfectious autoimmune phenomenon induced by childhood streptococcal infection.
The effects of simulated increases in body weight for 60 days on robusticity and mineral content of limb bones of hypophysectomized rats.

The purpose of this investigation was to subject separate male and female groups of weanling hypophysectomized rats each to a specific 10% simulated increase in body weight using constant centrifugation, ranging from 1.1G to 2.0G, to study changes in bone robusticity and bone mineral content. (In this paper, "G" is the acceleration due to gravity.) After 60 days of centrifugation at 24 rpm, the rats were killed and the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, and tibia were removed, cleared of soft tissues, weighed, measured, decalcified with EDTA, and reweighed. Bone robusticity was determined using the ponderal index: P.I. = bone length divided by 3 square root bone weight; and bone mineral content (BMC) was determined using the formula: BMC = [(Wu - Wd) divided by Wu] X 100. Tukey's Studentized Multiple Range T Test was used. The data suggest that, for both male and female hypophysectomized rats, bone robusticity is decreased with simulated increases in body weight; also, for males, a bimodal curve describing the relationship between BMC and simulated increases in body weight is suggested.
Contraceptive requirements for clinical research.

Abstract Objective: To survey the type and frequency of use of contraceptive requirements for entry into clinical trials. Methods: We reviewed 410 protocols submitted between January 1994 and January 1997 to one Institutional Review Board. Results: Contraception or sterility for women was required in 171 (41.7%) protocols without explanation and 146 (35.6%) based on study drug. Eight and one half percent had no exclusions. Signature certification of contraceptive use was required in 138 protocols; 230 required certification of understanding requirements; and 101 required two signatures. Signature certification documenting no pregnancy at enrollment was required in 234 protocols. There were no requirements for signatures from male subjects. Celibacy or sexual orientation were not recognized as reasons for waiver from signature requirements. Conclusion: The broad application of contraceptive requirements potentially creates disproportionate burdens and access by gender to participation in clinical research. Careful elucidation of methods, timing, and the consent process in order to avoid potential fetal risk and encourage inclusion of hormonally intact women will improve research and access.
Stone characteristics on noncontrast computed tomography: establishing definitive patterns to discriminate calcium and uric acid compositions.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate if different stone compositions can be distinguished by variations in Hounsfield unit (HU) patterns from stone core to periphery. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our stone registry searching for pure uric acid (UA) and calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones. Inclusion criteria comprised: pure calculi; noncontrast computed tomography before stone analysis; and stone size ≥4 mm. A single urologist reviewed all images (abdominal/bone windows). Absolute HU attenuation was measured in the center (core) and edges (periphery) of each stone. HU density (HU/size) and stone volume were calculated. Categorical variables were compared with Chi-square/Fisher exact test; continuous with analysis of variance/Student t test. Spearman's test was used correlate HU values and stone dimensions. A P <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Included were 47 UA and 36 CaOx stones. CaOx cohort had higher HU values for all parameters (P <.001). HU variation (core-periphery) was more homogeneous in the UA group (-25%) than in the CaOx group (-52%). Stone dimensions had a significant positive correlation with HU values in CaOx cohort. In the UA group, stone volume and periphery HU had significant positive correlation. On bone window, CaOx stones had a heterogeneous pattern with a higher attenuation core with decreasing attenuation toward the periphery; UA calculi had a more homogeneous constant frosted white cloudy appearance. CONCLUSION Stone size does not affect HU for UA stone, but has a positive correlation with CaOx stone. UA stones can be differentiated from CaOx by evaluating variation in HU from core to periphery and by subjective evaluation of homogeneity in bone windows.
Energy Optimization in Net-Zero Energy Building Clusters

Traditionally viewed as mere energy consumers, buildings have in recent years adapted, capitalizing on smart grid technologies and distributed energy resources to not only efficiently use energy, but to also output energy. This has led to the development of net-zero energy buildings, a concept which encapsulates the synergy of energy efficient buildings, smart grids, and renewable energy utilization to reach a balanced energy budget over an annual cycle. This work looks to further expand on this idea, moving beyond just individual buildings and considering net-zero at a community scale. We hypothesize that applying net-zero concepts to building communities, also known as building clusters, instead of individual buildings will result in cost effective building systems which in turn will be resilient to power disruption. To this end, this paper develops an intelligent energy optimization algorithm for demand side energy management, taking into account a multitude of factors affecting cost including comfort, energy price, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, energy storage, weather, and on-site renewable resources. A bi-level operation decision framework is presented to study the energy tradeoffs within the building cluster, with individual building energy optimization on one level and an overall net-zero energy optimization handled on the next level. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of significantly shifting demand, and when viable, reducing the total energy demand within net-zero building clusters. Furthermore, the optimization framework is capable of deriving Pareto solutions for the cluster which provide valuable insight for determining suitable energy strategies.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Blood Platelets Contain Factors Involved in Both Normal and Neoplastic Growth

Human blood platelets are small (2-5 ixm diameter) nonnucleated cells produced by controlled fragmentation of multinucleated megakaryocytes resident in the bone marrow (Weiss, 1975). Their role in hemostasis has been recognized for 100 years (Baumgartner and Muggli, 1976): by aggregating together, with or without fibrin, they can form a barrier which pre? vents the flow of blood out of a damaged vessel. Platelets also participate in activa? tion of the clotting cascade which ultimately results in the formation of fibrin from fibrinogen. In addition to this role in hemostasis, there is increasing evidence that platelets also contain several polypeptide growth factors; that these growth fac? tors are released from the platelet specifically at sites of tissue damage; and that they function there to promote the pro? cesses of cell proliferation and synthesis of structural protein which are needed to repair the damage. The best characterized growth factors in platelets are: plateletderived growth factor (PDGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF). Each of these factors is probably involved in both neoplastic and normal cell proliferation.
Predominant modifier of extreme liver cancer susceptibility in C57BR/cdJ female mice localized to 6 Mb on chromosome 17

Sex hormones influence the susceptibility of inbred mice to liver cancer. C57BR/cdJ (BR) females are extremely susceptible to spontaneous and chemically induced liver tumors, in part due to a lack of protection against hepatocarcinogenesis normally offered by ovarian hormones. BR males are also moderately susceptible, and the susceptibility of both sexes of BR mice to liver tumors induced with N,N-diethylnitrosamine relative to the resistant C57BL/6J (B6) strain is caused by two loci designated Hcf1 and Hcf2 (hepatocarcinogenesis in females) located on chromosomes 17 and 1, respectively. The Hcf1 locus on chromosome 17 is the predominant modifier of liver cancer in BR mice. To validate the existence of this locus and investigate its potential interaction with Hcf2, congenic mice for each region were generated. Homozygosity for the B6.BR(D17Mit164-D17Mit2) region resulted in a 4-fold increase in liver tumor multiplicity in females and a 4.5-fold increase in males compared with B6 controls. A series of 16 recombinants covering the entire congenic region was developed to further narrow the area containing Hcf1. Susceptible heterozygous recombinants demonstrated a 3- to 7-fold effect in females and a 1.5- to 2-fold effect in males compared with B6 siblings. The effect in susceptible lines completely recapitulated the susceptibility of heterozygous full-length chromosome 17 congenics and furthermore narrowed the location of the Hcf1 locus to a single region of the chromosome from 30.05 to 35.83 Mb.
How common are invasion-induced ecosystem impacts?

It would be an exaggeration to argue that most invasions produce ecosystem impacts, and the term should be reserved for cases in which many species in an ecosystem are affected. However, certain facts suggest that true ecosystem impacts are more common than is normally assumed. First, the term “ecosystem impact” has often been reserved for cases in which the nutrient regime or nutrient cycling is affected, whereas physical structural and other changes in ecosystems ought to be included. Second, as with all ecology, very few systems and species have been studied relative to all those that exist, so it is likely that many ecosystem impacts remain to be detected. Third, there are many types of impacts, many are idiosyncratic, many are subtle, and many are indirect, so it is likely that many impacts have simply not been recognized even in studied systems. Finally, the frequency of the lag phenomenon in invasions implies that at least some existing non-native species that are currently having little or no impact will eventually have much greater ones. These facts suggest that, even if it would be an overstatement to say that most invasions cause ecosystem impacts, it would not be more of an overstatement than the common assertion that very few introduced species have any significant impact.
Development of a practical electro-magnetic interference (EMI) simulation in high speed optical transceivers

The growing bandwidth of optical communication systems has made great improvements to information technology infrastructures. However, electro-magnetic compatibility becomes an issue due to the high frequency of the components. EMI problems occur due to the miniaturization and high density of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) mounted on the system. Generally, electro-magnetic radiation is generated by the circuit elements. For example, switching in the LSI raises the voltage swing between the power source and ground which is known as “ground bounce”. EMI problems related to the ground and power source are linked to the power integrity, and is influenced by the structure of the patch antenna parasitically existing between the power source and ground. That is to say, most of the time this problem can be solved by utilizing the appropriate power source and ground pattern layout at the PCB design stage. However, high speed digital signals measuring at more than 10 Gigabit per second (Gbit/s) typically have high frequency components in excess of 40GHz. There is little feasible knowledge available that illustrates guidelines for the perfect layout method to prevent the emission on the PCB for such a high frequency application. Therefore, we focused on the Finite Element Method used in the 3D electromagnetic field analysis simulator so that we could solve the emission within the frequency domain. We first correlated both qualitatively and quantitatively the actual measurements and the simulation results. Then we investigated the countermeasure for the emission intensity (EMI level) from the 10 Gbit/s optical transceiver by simulation and then verified it.
Measurement and control of information content in electrochemical experiments

One of the most important problems in chemical analysis is the interpretation of analytical data. The difficulty of this task has been further compounded by the data explosion. Chemical information relevant to the particular analysis problem is hidden within excessive amounts of data, This problem could be alleviated through knowledge and control of the information content of the data. Information theory provides a means for the definition, evaluation, and manipulation of quantitative information content measurements. This paper provides a general review of some of the basic concepts in information theory, including history, terminology, entropy, and other information content measures. The application of information theory to chemical problems requires some modifications. The analyst is usually only interested in a subset of the information (data) which has been collected. Also, this relevant chemical information is dependent upon not only the informational goals of the problem, but the completely specified procedure as well. This paper reviews chemical applications of information theory which have been reported in the literature including applications to qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, structural analysis, and analytical techniques. Measures of information and information content and figures of merit for performance evaluations are discussed. The paper concludes with a detailed discussion of the application of information theory to electrochemical experiments and the empirical determination of the information content of electroanalytical data.