cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recursive partitioning for prognostic grouping of patients with clinically localized prostate carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Patients treated with radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate carcinoma present considerable heterogeneity in terms of disease free survival outcome. Multiple studies have attempted to create prognostic groupings of these patients in the perioperative phase, using information available regarding several clinicopathologic variables. Such groupings allow physicians to make early yet prudent decisions regarding adjuvant combination therapies. The current study presents results from a statistical analysis that enables the natural identification of such prognostic groups. METHODS Examination of consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens was performed between January 1991 and December 1995 at Wayne State University, Harper Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Disease free survival in a cohort of 485 of these men was analyzed using recursive partitioning and amalgamation technique. Clinicopathologic parameters evaluated included age, race, preoperative prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, clinical and pathologic stage, and Gleason grade of the fine-needle biopsy as well as the radical prostatectomy specimen. RESULTS A binary decision tree representation was generated for classifying patients based on the clinicopathologic variables mentioned earlier. The worst prognosis was for patients with either advanced stage and a PSA level > 24.1 ng/mL or advanced stage, a PSA level ≤ 24.1 ng/mL, and age ≤ 65 years. This group had an estimated median disease free survival of only 10.3 months. Patients with lower pathologic stage, prostatectomy Gleason scores of ≤ 7, and a preoperative PSA level ≤ 22.7 ng/mL had the best prognosis. CONCLUSIONS The recursive partitioning analyses allows easy characterization of a patient for prognosis shortly after radical prostatectomy. This will enable a physician to make more prudent decisions regarding whether to employ watchful waiting, proceed with accepted adjuvant therapy (radiotherapy or hormonal therapy), or refer patients to a research center that is able to administer experimental adjuvant therapy. [See editorial counterpoint on pages 232-3 and reply to counterpoint on pages 234-5, this issue.] Cancer 2000;89:404–11. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
Genes and Mutations Causing Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has a prevalence of approximately one in 4000; 25%-30% of these cases are autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP). Like other forms of inherited retinal disease, adRP is exceptionally heterogeneous. Mutations in more than 25 genes are known to cause adRP, more than 1000 mutations have been reported in these genes, clinical findings are highly variable, and there is considerable overlap with other types of inherited disease. Currently, it is possible to detect disease-causing mutations in 50%-75% of adRP families in select populations. Genetic diagnosis of adRP has advantages over other forms of RP because segregation of disease in families is a useful tool for identifying and confirming potentially pathogenic variants, but there are disadvantages too. In addition to identifying the cause of disease in the remaining 25% of adRP families, a central challenge is reconciling clinical diagnosis, family history, and molecular findings in patients and families.
ROY G. BIV and the OCEAN A Heuristic Metaphor for Understanding the Role of the Five-Factor Model in Personality Research

The five-factor model has ascended to a dominant position within the field of personality research over the last two decades. In this paper, I present a framework for understanding the `truth value...
Natural killer-like cells produce the cell-directed inhibitor of monocyte leukotaxis, CDI-MLx, in vitro.

Abstract The leukotactic responsiveness of human peripheral blood monocytes is regulated by the cell-directed inhibitor of monocyte leukotaxis, CDI-MLx. Normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells elaborated CDI-MLx in vitro in response to soluble and cell-associated antigens; concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen induced production of the inhibitor while phytohemagglutinin and staphylococcal protein A were without effect. By erythrocyte rosetting and immunoadherence, the CDI-producing cell had the phenotype, E-rosette+, OKM1+, and Leu 7+, and thus appeared related to natural killer cells. PBMC and plasma CDI-MLx had similar molecular weights (230,000) and showed similar heterogeneity on chromatofocusing with peaks of activity at pH 5.8 and 5.25. CDI-MLx was immunologically distinct from immunoglobulins, did not inactivate preformed leukotaxins, and was distinct from other lymphokines known to modulate monocyte locomotion.
Tumorigenesis: Modeling Kras in cells and mice

Activating Kras mutations are among the most common oncogenic alterations in human cancers. Kras signaling is required for the sustained malignant growth of numerous cancer types hence this pathway is a strong candidate for drug development. Because the oncogenic circuitry of Kras is context-specific, effective drug development requires model systems that recapitulate human cancer genetics and biology. Here we review such models and their use validating known Kras signaling components as drug targets and in identifying additional points of therapeutic intervention.
Growth factors in bladder cancer.

This article is an overview of peptide growth factors, their receptors, and signal-transduction pathways that play a role in bladder cancer. Included in this overview are epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands, erbB2, fibroblast growth factors, insulin-like growth factor, the transferrin receptor, and transforming growth factor-β. The use of growth factors or growth factor receptors for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is also discussed.
Probing Repulsive Interactions on the Si(100)-2 × 1 Surface by Local Tip-Induced Excitation

The chemisorption of a series of diatomic molecules on the Si(100) surface was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy, STM. For the molecules studied, dissociative chemisorption occurs an...
Case Study: Mapping Tsunami Hazards Associated with Debris Flow into a Reservoir

Debris-flow generated impulse waves (tsunamis) pose hazards in lakes, especially those used for hydropower or recreation. We describe a method for assessing tsunami-related hazards for the case in which inundation by coherent water waves, rather than chaotic splashing, is of primary concern. The method involves an experimentally based initial condition (tsunami source) and a Boussinesq model for tsunami propagation and inundation. Model results are used to create hazard maps that offer guidance for emergency planners and responders. An example application explores tsunami hazards associated with potential debris flows entering Baker Lake, a reservoir on the flanks of the Mount Baker volcano in the northwestern United States.
Youth Sexting: Prevalence Rates, Driving Motivations, and the Deterrent Effect of Legal Consequences

This study investigated the prevalence of and motivations behind the exchange of sexually explicit text messages (“sexting”)—including those with and without photographic images—among youth. Secondary aims included gauging youth awareness of potential legal and other negative consequences of sexting, and assessing the possible deterrent effect of anti-sexting legislation. Undergraduate students (N = 175) recruited from a large Northeastern university completed an anonymous online survey concerning their engagement in sexting as minors. Consistent with hypotheses, more than half of respondents reported sexting as minors, although only 28 % sent photographic sexts. Respondents demonstrated a general lack of awareness regarding legal consequences of underage sexting, with knowledge of legal consequences having a modest deterrent effect. Respondents who, as minors, were aware of legal consequences of youth sexting were significantly less likely than their peers to engage in underage sexting. Survey respondents were divided on the issue of whether minors should be prosecuted for sexting, and generally advocated for rehabilitative over punitive sanctions. Policy implications and future directions are discussed.
The effects of 9-ene-tetrahydrocannabinol on hormone release and immune function.

We investigated effects of 9-ene-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on endocrine and immunological function. Seventeen male volunteers entered into a double blind, randomized study to receive oral THC (10 mg t.i.d. for 3 days and on the morning of the fourth day) or placebo, after at least 2 weeks of abstinence. Plasma prolactin, ACTH, cortisol, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were not altered during or after THC, compared with baseline concentrations. Tests of lymphocyte function showed no differences compared to baseline between THC and placebo groups. As the relatively low dosing regimen of THC (10 mg t.i.d.) resulted in no alterations, another group of 6 men were administered higher doses of THC by inhalation (18 mg/marijuana cigarette) following the same dosing regimen. No endocrine or immunological alterations were observed. When the subjects were grouped according to their history of THC use prior to admission, heavy THC users had lower prolactin concentrations than light users. No differences were observed in concentrations of other hormones or in tests of immune function.
4f-5d hybridization in a high k dielectric

Abstract While intra-atomic f–d hybridization is expected, experimental confirmation of f–d hybridization in the photoemission final state leading to 4f band structure has been limited to 5f systems and compound systems with very shallow 4f levels. We demonstrate that core 4f states can contribute to the valence band structure in a wide band gap dielectric, in this case HfO 2 in the photoemission final state. In spite of the complications of sample charging, we find evidence of symmetry in the shallow 4f levels and wave vector dependent band dispersion, the latter consistent with the crystal structure of HfO 2 .
The Family Outreach Model: Tools for Engaging and Working With Families in Distress

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to present a family intervention model to family service providers that builds on previous research in areas of social support and family problem solving. The Family Outreach Model provides a set of strategies for engaging and working with families in five phases of family coping at different points in time in the family's life. The strategies reflect intentional choices by family service providers about both collaborative and directive styles of therapeutic alliance and highlights ways to determine which style best fits with what specific families want and need, depending on the manner of family coping that it is using. Implications for programs and public policy are presented.
Germanium growth on Br-terminated Si(1 0 0)

Abstract The consequences of Ge deposition on Br-terminated Si(1 0 0) were studied with scanning tunneling microscopy at ambient temperature after annealing at 650 K. One monolayer of Br was sufficient to prevent the formation of Ge huts beyond the critical thickness of 3 ML. This is possible because Br acts as a surfactant whose presence lowered the diffusivity of Ge adatoms. Hindered mobility was manifest at low coverage through the formation of short Ge chains. Further deposition resulted in the extension and connection of the Ge chains and gave rise to the buildup of incomplete layers. The deposition of 7 ML of Ge resulted in a rough surface characterized by irregularly shaped clusters. A short 800 K anneal desorbed the Br and allowed Ge atoms to reorganize into the more energetically favorable “hut” structures produced by conventional Ge overlayer growth on Si(1 0 0).
RAmy2A; a novel α-amylase-encoding gene in rice

Abstract The structure and expression of the α-amylase-encoding gene, RAmy2A, are described. This only representative of the Amy2 subfamily in rice differs from other cereal α-amylase-encoding genes in several respects. It contains the largest introns of all the cereal α-amylase-encoding genes examined to date. Moreover, the second of three introns in this gene contains a long inverted repeat sequence that can potentially form a large and stable stem-loop structure in the unspliced RNA transcript. Finally, RAmy2A is constitutively expressed at very low levels in germinated seeds, root, etiolated leaves, immature seeds and callus. This is in marked contrast to the Amy2 genes of wheat and barley which are highly expressed in the aleurone layer of the germinated seeds.
The impact of the macroeconomic environment on merger activity: evidence from US time-series data

This article investigates the dynamic impact of the macroeconomic environment on aggregate merger activity in the US economy obtained from firm–level data during the period from January 1980 to December 2004. Applying time–series econometric tools to US Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) data, we find: First, there is a long–run equilibrium relationship between the set of macroeconomic variables and four alternative measures of merger activity, implying that the macroeconomic factors plays an important role in determining the trend of aggregate merger activity in the US economy. Second, the most important macroeconomic variables in determining M&A volume include real income for the frequency-based measure of US merger activity, and stock market conditions and monetary policy for transaction value based measures of aggregate mergers. The ascending phase of business cycle provides the most favourable environment for more mergers for all four measures of merger activity. Our subsample period study provides evide...
Effect of SiC content and orientation on the properties of Si/SiC ceramic composite

Silicon/silicon carbide ceramic composites are made by infiltrating carbonaceous material with liquid silicon to form SiC crystallites dispersed in a silicon matrix. The present study was conducted to determine the effects on the room temperature properties of density, elastic modulus, strength, and fracture toughness by varying the amount and distribution of the SiC crystallites. Most of the work involved uniaxially aligned SiC crystals of varying volume fraction tested both longitudinally and transversely to the converted fibre axis.
SOME RESULTS CONCERNING THE IDENTIFIABILITY OF PARALLEL AND SERIAL PROCESSES

A mathematical characterization of serial, parallel and hybrid processes is given, and this characterization is related to several current experimental paradigms. Non-identifiability (mimicking) between two systems (i.e. models of systems) is defined as equivalence of probability distributions on element completion times for the two systems, where n elements are available for processing by each. Results are then presented for a class of systems with exponential processing times, and it is seen that several interesting cases of parallel and serial systems are equivalent to systems of the opposite type. Evidence that will allow accurate discrimination between parallel and serial processing for this and other classes of systems either requires more complete and precise information about the actual probability distributions of the systems or more specialized sets of converging operations than is usually obtained in psychological experimentation. For example, it is noted that at the level of first moments (means), even a parallel independent system can predict results usually associated with a serial system (an overall increasing linear mean reaction time curve as a function of the number of elements to be processed). Next, a functional equation is developed that must hold in order for mimicking to occur between parallel and serial systems within the same general family of probability distributions, and three special cases are examined. A parallel system with gamma-distributed processing times for element completion is then investigated, and it is shown that a strictly serial system cannot mimic it, but an interesting hybrid system can. This is followed by discussion of two kinds of partial identifiability, mimicking at the level of means and possible predicted differences at higher levels, and mimicking by approximation. Some qualitative considerations that may enter into conclusions as to parallelity or seriality of processing are then introduced. Last, it is suggested that in a broad sense questions related to parallel and serial systems concern fundamental aspects of information-processing structure and distribution of processing energy and hence merit further mathematical investigation.
Resonant Tunneling and the Substituent Effect on Negative Differential Resistance in a Molecular Junction

Recently there has been an explosion of interest in the potential use of individual molecules as electronic device elements. The electrical characteristics of molecular junctions, individual molecules spanning the gap between two metal electrodes, have been reported and certain molecular species have been found to exhibit highly nonlinear current versus applied-voltage (I/V) properties. Intriguingly, these nonlinearities (pronounced peaks) in the I/V behavior are extremely sensitive to the functionalization of the molecule forming the junction. The substitution of a single functional group can completely eliminate the nonlinear behavior. Many have suggested that resonant tunneling could lead to the observed nonlinearities. Resonant tunneling requires a double potential barrier along the electron transfer coordinate. We propose a possible physical origin for such a double potential barrier and support the model with first principles electronics structure calculations. Next we discuss a quantum mechanical tunneling model for electron transport through the double potential barrier. The model gives insight into the origin of nonlinear I/V behavior in molecular junctions and the effect of substituent functional groups on the junction molecule.
The hydrogenolysis of alkanes on Mo(0)Al2O3 catalysts

The hydrogenolyses in a pulse reactor of propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, isopentane, cyclopentane, and neohexane occur at roughly equal rates on Mo(0)Al2O3, but those of ethane and neopentane are slower and that of cyclopropane is several times faster. With large enough alkanes, single hydrogenolysis was accompanied by double and triple hydrogenolysis as initial reactions, but the C2(ads) fragment underwent further cleavage rather slowly. Cleavage of both terminal and medial bonds was observed, but that of terminal bonds predominated. The activity of Mo(0)Al2O3 is roughly equal to that of IrAl2O3, but divergence among the rates of hydrogenolysis of various alkanes is smaller on Mo(0)Al2O3. Since butenes gave rates of hydrogenolysis at 300 °C about equal to that of butane, a 1,2-diadsorbed alkane is not likely to be an intermediate in hydrogenolysis. The rate of hydrogenolysis of propane and butane and the degree of multiple hydrogenolysis of cyclopropane increased rapidly as the average ON (oxidation number) of the molybdenum decreased in the series, ON ≅ +4, ON ≅ +2, and ON = 0, but the rate of hydrogenolysis of cyclopropane changed little. The hydrogenolysis of alkanes is likely to involve two or more simultaneous mechanisms occurring at significant rates.
Periodic-Catastrophic Transport of an Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate Amantadine Conjugate Through a Model Liquid Membrane

Abstract Adenosine 5′-phosphor(adamantyl)amidate (S), an analog derived by linking the antiviral drug amantadine to 5′-AMP is transported through a model membrane system in a discontinuous periodic-catastrophic fashion. The system was composed of a glass cell containing two aqueous buffer phases separated by a chloroform layer. A more lipophilic, but structurally related derivative, adenosine 5′-phosphor(n-decy1)amidate (3) showed linear transport in the same system. Less lipophilic substances, including 5′-AMP and adenosine 5′-phosphor(morpholidyl)amidate (2) did not show transport. It is hypothesized that the periodic-catastrophic transport is a result of the collecthe activity of amidate 5 at the interface between the first aqueous interface and the chloroform layer. The time between catastrophic events is thought to be a reflection of the time necessary for molecular organization at the interface. The phenomenon is a new example of molecular organization in a system far from equilibrium leading to a r...
Neighborhood socioeconomic status and the incidence of hypertension in the black women's health study

Purpose The incidence of hypertension in black women is two to three times that in white women. This discrepancy is largely unexplained by known risk factors such as family history, physical inactivity, smoking, and obesity. It has been proposed that chronic social and environmental stress, related to neighborhood of residence, may be associated with increased rates of hypertension in African Americans. Methods We examined the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and the incidence of hypertension using data from the Black Women's Health Study, a follow-up of 59,000 black women 21 to 69 years of age at entry in 1995. Block groups from the 2000 U.S. Census were used as proxies for neighborhood. A summary score for neighborhood SES was constructed from block group variables on education and wealth. Incident cases of hypertension were identified through follow-up postal questionnaires in 1997, 1999, and 2001. Clustered survival regression models were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR). Results There were 3633 cases of self-reported hypertension among 183,207 person-years of observation from 1995 to 2001. The IRR for women living in low-SES neighborhoods relative to high-SES neighborhoods was 1.30 (95% confidence interval CI = 1.17–1.45) after adjusting for individual risk factors. The association was even stronger among younger women (IRR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.18–1.97), women with low body mass index (IRR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.41–2.29), the most educated women (IRR = 1.32; 95% CI = 1.12–1.54), and those who exercised regularly (IRR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.09–2.23). Conclusion Our findings indicate that neighborhood SES is strongly associated with the risk of hypertension, and that this is the case even among well-educated black women, thin black women, and black women who exercise regularly.
Influence of acute aortic insufficiency on the hemodynamic importance of a coronary artery narrowing. II. Various magnitudes of aortic insufficiency

Coronary hemodynamic effects of controlled acute aortic insufficiency were studied in 40 open chest dogs with and without graded coronary diameter narrowing. An adjustable basket device was used to regulate aortic insufficiency, creating three groups: group 1, mild to moderate aortic insufficiency (regurgitant fraction less than 50%); group 2, moderately severe aortic insufficiency (regurgitant fraction greater than 50%); and group 3, aortic insufficiency with mean aortic pressure restored to control levels. Mean coronary blood flow was similar to control values in group 1, but was higher in groups 2 and 3. The endocardial/epicardial flow ratio was similar with and without aortic insufficiency. With graded coronary narrowing greater than 80%, coronary flow and endocardial/epicardial flow ratio decreased with or without aortic insufficiency. However, endocardial/epicardial flow ratio usually decreased more during aortic insufficiency. Peak reactive hyperemic flow after release of a 10 second coronary occlusion also decreased during aortic insufficiency. The amount of decrease compared with control values was related to the magnitude of aortic insufficiency. This value with no coronary narrowing in group 1 was similar to peak reactive hyperemic flow with a 60% coronary narrowing during the control period. In group 2, peak reactive hyperemic flow was similar to that with an 80% coronary narrowing during the control period. Restoring mean aortic pressure to control values in group 3 did not restore peak reactive hyperemic flow to control values. These data suggest that coronary flow reserve assessed with coronary narrowings or during reactive hyperemia is decreased during aortic insufficiency. The decrease in coronary flow reserve was more pronounced as the magnitude of aortic insufficiency increased.
On the nature of tetravalent terbium in carbonate-hydroxide solutions

Abstract The oxidation of Tb(III) in K 2 CO 3 -KOH solution was studied. The concentrations of terbium, carbonate and hydroxide ions are critical for generation and stabilization of Tb(IV). Redox titrations of Tb(IV) with the Fe(CN) 6 4− ion and the analysis of Tb(IV) precipitates indicate that the Tb(IV) complex in solution has a clustered nature.
Low Threshold Electrically-Pumped Hybrid Silicon Microring Lasers

We report on significantly improved performance of a compact hybrid silicon microring lasers obtained by selectively reducing the volume of active region. This is done by appropriately undercutting the multiple quantum well (MQW) region to force carriers to flow toward the outer edge of the microring for better gain/optical mode overlap. We observe a reduction of the threshold of over 20% and up to 80% output power enhancement. These are primarily due to the improved injection efficiency. We developed a diode laser model that includes nonradiative recombination. The model and the experimental results highlight the benefits, as well as the negative effects from excessive undercutting, including lower MQW confinement, higher modal loss, and higher thermal impedance. A design rule for MQW undercutting is, therefore, provided.
An evaluation of the uranium-helium method of dating of fossil bones

Abstract From our study of 6 bones of Oligocene age from different sites of one locality (the Fayum beds of Egypt) and 3 bones of Pleistocene or Pliocene age we conclude that the general applicability of uranium-helium method of dating is not possible for fossil bones or other apatite deposits. The major problem appears to be continuous helium loss rather than recent uranium gain.
Variations in reflectance with seasonality and viewing geometry: implications for semi-arid vegetation mapping with MISR data

The purpose of this article is to understand the effect of multi-temporal multi-angle data on vegetation community type mapping in desert regions. Based on data from the multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer MISR, a set of 46 multi-temporal classification experiments were carried out in the Jornada Experimental Range in New Mexico, USA. Besides multi-angle observations, bidirectional reflectance distribution function BRDF model parameters were also used as input data for the classifications. The experiments used two widely accepted BRDF models, the Rahman–Pinty–Verstraete RPV model and the Ross-thin Li-sparse reciprocal RTnLS model. The experiments show that multi-temporal multi-angle classifications can yield a more accurate mapping than multi-temporal nadir classifications, and multi-temporal BRDF model parameters combined with a single nadir image can provide an accuracy roughly the same as all multi-temporal multi-angle observations for the vegetation mapping. These findings opened not only a path of reducing data dimensionality for multi-temporal multi-angle classifications, but also a way of merging products of both MISR and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer MODIS to improve semi-arid vegetation mapping.
Relationship Between Dry Matter Digestion and Metabolizable Energy

The relationship between dry matter digestion (DMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) adjusted for nitrogen balance (n) and endogenous energy losses (e) was investigated in two experiments using immature broiler chicks (i). Ingredients tested were corn, wheat, oats, and soybean meal (SBM). A bioassay utilizing 21-day-old broiler chicks was carried out for determination of MEn,e,i. These values were compared with those obtained by multiplying gross energy of the feed by dry matter digestion adjusted for excreta losses from fasted birds (DMD) using regression analysis. There was a significant (P less than .0001) correlation (4 = .96) between estimated and determined MEn,e,i values for all grains and SBM. This was improved by removal of SBM from regression analysis with a decrease in the residual standard deviation from +/- .093 to +/- .036 kcal/g.
The van der Waerden Number $W(2,6)$ Is 1132

We have verified that the van der Waerden number W(2, 6) is 1132, that is, 1132 is the smallest integer n = W(2, 6) such that whenever the set of integers {1, 2, . . . , n} is 2-colored, there exists a monochromatic arithmetic progression of length 6. This was accomplished by applying special preprocessing techniques that drastically reduced the required search space. The exhaustive search showing that W(2, 6) = 1132 was carried out by formulating the problem as a satisfiability (SAT) question for a Boolean formula in conjunctive normal form (CNF), and then using a SAT solver specifically designed for the problem. The parallel backtracking computation was run over multiple Beowulf clusters, and in the last phase, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) were used to speed up the search. The fact that W(2, 6) > 1131 was shown previously by the first author.
A simple technique for measuring the stopping power of heavy ions in the few MeV range

Abstract A method is described for measuring the stopping power of solid media for penetrating heavy ions without using heavy ion beams. The method is applicable to any absorber which can be fabricated into a thin foil. Heavy recoil ions are produced by elastic scattering of accelerated beams of relatively light particles.
New algorithm for topographical measurements of the corneal curvature

The human cornea is not a surface with simple geometric shape especially after refractive surgery. Thus, conventional topographical instruments of the corneal curvature can not measure the correct values on the peripheral cornea. This is because the assumptions made in current topographical instruments are based on that the human cornea is composed of spherical surfaces. The peripheral cornea is not only important for shape formation after refractive surgery, but also important for the high contrast resolution of vision. This paper presents a new algorithm, which do not depend on the assumption of the corneal shape. The mathematical equations are based on polynomial equations and geometric optics of the measurements. By adjusting the coefficients, the polynomial equations can approach the curves of complicated shapes. The equations based on polynomial modeling are nonlinear, thus the Newton method is applied to simplify the equations. To implement experiments for the new algorithm, a setup is built at the Ohio State University. Topographical images are captured from simulated corneal surfaces and the image is processed using C programming. The curvature information is acquired through numerical analysis of polynomial equations. Spherical surfaces and aspherical surfaces are tested on this setup as well as on Topographical Modeling System and EyeSys Corneal Analysis System. The results show that the polynomial modeling can measure the radius of curvature for spherical or aspherical surfaces within 0.05 mm of error. Results also show that the aspherical surfaces measured on Topographical Modeling System and EyeSys Corneal Analysis System have about 0.3 mm of error at the periphery of 3.0 mm from optical axis. However, the polynomial modeling seems to have larger standard deviation. To improve the polynomial modeling, future studies are suggested in the dissertation.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) remains the most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in Caucasians, with perhaps as many as 2 million new cases expected to occur in the United States in 2010. Many treatment options, including surgical interventions and nonsurgical alternatives, have been utilized to treat BCC. In this paper, two non-surgical options, imiquimod therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT), will be discussed. Both modalities have demonstrated acceptable disease control rates, cosmetically superior outcomes, and short-term cost-effectiveness. Further studies evaluating long-term cure rates and long-term cost effectiveness of imiquimod therapy and PDT are needed.
Caregiving: Its Role in Medicine and Society in America and China

In this article, the author examines the undervaluation of caregiving—taken to be the day-to-day provision of material and emotional support necessary to enable life and alleviate suffering—in contemporary biomedical training and practice. Taking a crosscultural approach, the author highlights the institutional structures, practices and values that support an increasingly technocratic and bureaucratic model of care in biomedicine as it is organized in China and the United States. Drawing from personal experience as caregiver to his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, as well as from ethnographic research into local moral experiences of illness, suffering and healing in varied contexts, the author shows that this biomedical model of care fails to attend to the basic, socially grounded conditions, needs and concerns of—that which matters most to—patients and their loved ones as they suffer, endure and confront the genuine existential reality of the human condition. The author concludes that caregiving, or recognizing and addressing those conditions, needs and concerns that shape suffering and illness experience, must be a central component of training and practice if clinicians are to realize a more humane, just, and ethical model of biomedicine. He points to the success of global health leaders who simultaneously address the local biological, socio-structural and cultural facets of suffering among the world’s poorest to illustrate what can be accomplished when biomedical practitioners implement the caregiving model.
Robotic sacrocolpoperineopexy with ventral rectopexy for the combined treatment of rectal and pelvic organ prolapse: initial report and technique.

The objective of our study is to describe the peri-operative and early postoperative surgical outcomes following robotic sacrocolpoperineopexy with ventral rectopexy for the combined treatment of rectal and pelvic organ prolapse. This was a retrospective cohort study of ten women with symptomatic Stage 2 or greater pelvic organ prolapse and concomitant rectal prolapse who desired combined robotic surgery, at a single institution. The mean age of the subjects was 55.3 ± 19.2 years (range 19–86) and the mean body mass index was 25.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2. Preoperatively, the women had Stage 2 or greater pelvic organ prolapse and the average length of rectal prolapse was 2.1 ± 1.9 cm. There were no conversions to conventional laparoscopy or laparotomy. The mean operating room time was 307 ± 45 min with an estimated blood loss of 144 ± 68 ml. The average length of stay was 2.4 ± 0.8 days. Preliminary data suggest that robotic sacrocolpoperineopexy with ventral rectopexy is a feasible procedure with minimal operative morbidity for the combined treatment of rectal and pelvic organ prolapse. Longer follow-up is needed to ensure favorable long-term subjective and objective outcomes.
Measuring the Immeasurable

Abstract Many bacterial pathogens turn on virulence genes at host body temperature. In the September 6, 2002, issue of Cell , Johansson et al. show that the Listeria monocytogenes thermosensor is an RNA structure in the 5′ untranslated region of the mRNA for the virulence-activating transcription factor PrfA. The stem-loop structure blocks translation initiation at 30°C but melts away at 37°C.
Characterization of a CHO cell line resistant to killing by the hypoxic cell cytotoxin SR 4233.

Abstract One approach to understanding the mechanism of selective hypoxic cell killing by the benzotriazine-di- N -oxide, SR 4233, is to characterize cell lines that exhibit increased resistance to killing by this drug. The Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line BL-10 was originally isolated on the basis of its hypersensitivity to killing by bleomycin. It is 2.7-fold more resistant to hypoxic cell killing by SR 4233 than wild-type CHO on comparison of Do's. However, both BL-10 and CHO possess the same sensitivity to killing by SR 4233 under aerobic conditions. We have excluded the explanation that differential metabolism of SR 4233 is responsible for its increased survival as both BL-10 and CHO produce the two-electron product SR 4317 at the same rate (3 nmoles/hr/106 cells). Analysis of free radical production, DNA double-strand break induction, and glutathione (GSH) levels suggested that the resistance of BL-10 to killing by SR 4233 might result from increased intracellular radical scavenger pathways. Using buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to decrease cellular GSH levels, we found a marked increase in the sensitivity of BL-10 cells to SR 4233 killing under hypoxia, but a much smaller increase in the sensitivity of CHO cells. Taken together, these data imply that the high GSH levels in BL-10 cells is responsible for its resistance to SR 4233 cytotoxicity.
Relationships of the dissected elaphoglossoid ferns

The pedately dividedElaphoglossum cardenasii and the two small genera,Peltapteris andMicrostaphyla, are found to have close relatives among the entire-bladed species ofElaphoglossum, supporting the view that all the dissected forms should be considered as species ofElaphoglossum. Necessary nomenclatural changes are made.
Web Site Adaptation: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of U.S. and Mexican Web Sites

In the marketing and advertising literature very few studies have addressed the issue of Web site standardization or localization, and there is a debate as to whether Web sites are culturally neutral or culturally sensitive documents. To address this confusion and deficit in the literature, this research studies how cultural values are reflected in American and Mexican Web sites. A content analysis of American and Mexican Web pages indicates that there are significant differences in the depiction of local cultural values on the Web.
Microdilution Technique for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Anaerobic Bacteria

A microdilution technique using commercially available media and materials was developed and used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of clindamycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, minocycline, ampicillin, carbenicillin, cephalothin, and gentamicin for 101 anaerobic isolates. Representative strains of Bacteroides, Clostridium, Fusobacterium, Peptococcus, and Peptostreptococcus were tested. The use of Schaedler broth at pH 7.2, an inoculum of 105 to 107 colony-forming units per ml, and incubation at 35 C in an anaerobic glove box with an atmosphere of 80% nitrogen, 10% hydrogen, and 10% carbon dioxide resulted in good growth and easily interpretable results. After 48 h of incubation, 97% of strains tested were inhibited by 3.1 μg or less of clindamycin per ml and 98% were inhibited by 12.5 μg or less of chloramphenicol per ml. Tetracycline and minocycline inhibited 81 and 88% of strains tested in concentrations of 1.6 μg or less per ml and 1.6 μg or less per ml, respectively. Ampicillin inhibited all strains other than B. fragilis in concentrations of 3.1 μg or less per ml. Excluding certain strains of Bacteroides and Clostridium, carbenicillin in concentrations of 12.5 μg or less per ml and cephalothin in concentrations of 6.2 μg or less per ml inhibited all strains tested. Gentamicin was inactive although some strains of anaerobic cocci and Bacteroides were inhibited by 3.1 μg or less per ml. After 18 to 24 h of incubation, eight of the 101 strains had not grown sufficiently for MICs to be determined; for the 93 strains which had grown sufficiently, 93% of 744 MICs were the same or one concentration lower than the 48-h MICs.
Electrical Resistivity of Silver Films

The resistivities of epitaxially grown silver films have been measured as a function of temperature from 4.2 to 295\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Both the temperature-independent residual resistivity and the temperature-dependent resistivity were found to increase with a decrease in the specimen thickness. The increase in the temperature-dependent part of the resistivity occurs in the temperature interval of 10 to 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. It may be interpreted as being due to low-angle electron-phonon scattering, which causes a greater increment of resistivity in a film than in a bulk specimen.
Natural language mediation

Abstract “Natural language mediation” refers to the covert process by which an English-speaking S encodes an unfamiliar stimulus into English (that is, into a natural language mediator or NLM) and then decodes the NLM back into its original form. To externalize this normally covert process, Ss were required to write NLMs to CVC stimuli, then reconstruct the original stimuli from their written NLMs. From data gathered in this way, a model of natural language mediation was constructed: to produce an NLM, S was hypothesized to work sequentially through a stack of transformations (T stack) until some one T succeeded in turning the CVC into a familiar word. The T-stack model was able to predict response measures such as latency and probability of free associations. In further tests of validity, the model successfully predicted: ( a ) learning rate as well as the nature of intrusion errors in paired-associate learning, ( b ) CVC memorability in short-term memory tasks, and ( c ) conventional as well as set-manipulated pronounceability ratings. The model's success in explaining and predicting diverse behaviors in a variety of tasks argues for the abandonment of the traditional rote-learning orientation.
Instrumental conditioning of human heart rate during free and controlled respiration.

Abstract The effect of respiratory constraint on heart rate control was assessed in a biofeedback situation with feedback consisting of changes in both illumination level and intensity of a prerecorded baby's cry. Subjects were reinforced for alternately increasing and decreasing heart rate on each of seven days during which respiration was unconstrained (Phase 1). This phase was followed by eight days when respiration was constrained during training sessions with a control respirator (Phase 2). Seven additional days of training followed in the unconstrained situation (Phase 3). Results indicate that the control of heart rate in biofeedback situations is very closely related to respiratory and other somatic activity. The implication of these findings for the field of visceral control is discussed.
Long-Term Educational Interventions After Traumatic Brain Injury in Children

Objectives: To track educational interventions received by children with traumatic brain injury (TBI),examine factors associated with placement in special education, and explore the concordance ofplacement with children’s needs. Methods: Interventions were monitored in 42 children with severe TBI,42 with moderate TBI, and 50 with orthopedic injuries only (ORTHO group). A baseline assessment wascompleted soon after injury. Follow-up assessments were conducted 6 and 12 months after the baselineand at an extended follow-up about 4 years postinjury.Results: Rates of special education were higherin the severe TBI group than in the ORTHO. Predictors of special education included TBI severity,socioeconomic status, and measures of pre- and postinjury child status. Several children with TBI withresidual deﬁcits who were in regular education prior to injury did not receive special education at theextended follow-up.Conclusion: Although special education is frequently provided for several yearsafter severe TBI, existing programs are of limited scope.
Catecholamine synthesis, storage and release in adrenal medulla and whole brain during acute and chronic methadone administration.

Abstract Methadone was administered daily to rats and the adrenals were analyzed for catecholamines (CA), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) activity. Four hr after 2.5 mg/kg, CA and DBH were depleted significantly but recovered to normal by 24 hr. After 6 days of treatment, adrenal catecholamines were elevated above controls; 24 hr after increasing the dose to 10 mg/kg, CA and DBH again declined, and TH was elevated. Chronic administration of 10 or 25 mg/kg led to restoration or elevation of adrenal CA and marked increases in TH and DBH. While methadone increased the rate of formation of new adrenal storage vesicles, it also inhibited CA uptake into the vesicles, an effect which was also observed with methadone in vitro. Similarly, methadone in vitro inhibited amine uptake into crude whole brain synaptosomes, but the effect was not observed after acute or chronic administration in vivo. These data suggest that methadone, like morphine, stimulates the sympatho-adrenal axis, but that unlike morphine, methadone exerts a direct effect on adrenal storage vesicles.
Cheating in matching of device to device pairs in cellular networks

In device-to-device (D2D) communication, mobile users communicate directly without going through the base station. D2D commutation has the advantage of improving spectrum efficiency. But the interference introduced by resource sharing of D2D has become a significant challenge. In this paper, we try to maximize the system throughput and simultaneously meet the Quality of Service (QoS) requirement for both D2D users and cellular users (CUs). We solve the optimization problem by solving the bipartite two-sided matching problem under preferences between the admitted sets of D2D users and CUs. Second and more importantly, we introduce the idea of cheating in matching to further improve some D2D users' system throughputs. We construct a coalition strategy to implement the cheating idea. Finally, from the simulation results, we demonstrate the effectiveness of cheating in matching for D2D pairs.
Numerical analysis of the noisy Kuramoto-Sivashinsky equation in 2+1 dimensions

The nondeterministic Kuramoto-Sivashinsky ~KS! equation is solved numerically in 2 11 dimensions. The simulations reveal the presence of early and late scaling regimes. The initial-time values for the growth exponent b, the roughness exponent a, and the dynamic exponent z are found to be 0.22‐0.25, 0.75‐0.80, and 3.0‐4.0, respectively. For long times, the scaling exponents are notably less than the exponents of the KardarParisi-Zhang equation. Other properties, such as skewness and kurtosis of the height distributions, are examined. We also compare the numerical analysis with recent experimental results on ion sputtering of surfaces that can be described by the KS equation. @S1063-651X~99!04601-2#
What Is the Truth? An Application of the Extended Parallel Process Model to Televised Truth® Ads

The purpose of this study was to analyze television ads in the truth® campaign using the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) as a framework. Among the ads (n = 86) analyzed, results revealed a heavy reliance on severity messages, modest attention to susceptibility messages, and no inclusion of recommended response messages in the form of self-efficacy and response efficacy. The reliance on emphasizing the health threat, without incorporating recommended response messages, is discussed with respect to the likelihood of galvanizing maladaptive responses such as psychological reactance, denial, and defensive avoidance resulting from exposure to these ads. Additionally, the unintended outcomes for secondary audiences including but not limited to stigma are considered. Implications and suggestions for practitioners and theorists are explored.