cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histopathologic variables predict Oncotype DX recurrence score.

Oncotype DX™ is a commercially available reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction based assay that provides a Recurrence Score (RS) and has been shown to provide prognostic and predictive information in estrogen receptor-positive lymph node-negative breast cancers. Independent studies of its utility in routine practice are lacking. Slides and surgical pathology reports from 42 cases of breast carcinomas evaluated by Oncotype DX™ were retrospectively reviewed to determine patient age, tumor size, histologic grade, estrogen and progesterone receptor (ER and PR) and ERBB2 (HER-2/neu) data, with ER and PR reported as a semi-quantitative score reflecting both intensity of staining and proportion of positive cells. We show here that Recurrence Score is significantly correlated with tubule formation, nuclear grade, mitotic count, ER immunohistochemical score, PR immunohistochemical score, and HER-2/neu status, and that the equation RS=13.424+5.420 (nuclear grade) +5.538 (mitotic count) −0.045 (ER immunohistochemical score) −0.030 (PR immunohistochemical score) +9.486 (HER-2/neu) predicts the Recurrence Score with an R2 of 0.66, indicating that the full model accounts for 66% of the data variability. Although the Oncotype DX™ Recurrence Score holds potential, further validation of its independent value beyond that of histopathologic analysis is necessary before it can be implemented in clinical decision making.
Oriented Matroids and Associated Valuations

It is possible to associate a valuation on the “orthant lattice” with each oriented matroid. In the case of uniform oriented matroids, it is not difficult to provide a characterization of the corresponding valuations. This is done here, thereby establishing a new characterization of the uniform oriented matroids themselves. Additionally, the connection between the valuations and the total polynomials associated with uniform oriented matroids is noted.
COMBINING ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION. I: ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, MEASUREMENT AND ASSESSMENT

An increasing concern in environmental science is the need to combine information from diverse sources that relate to a common effect. We examine problems in combining environmental information in three areas — environmental monitoring, measurement, and assessment — review statistical methods and discuss opportunities for statistical research. Piegorsch and Cox (Environmetrics7, 309–324, 1996) examine similar questions in environmental epidemiology and toxicology.
SU-FF-T-329: Enhancing Magnetically Collimated Electron Beams for Breast Cancer Treatments

Purpose: To develop magnetically collimated electron beams and to study their feasibilities for breast tumor bed irradiations.Method and Materials: We constructed an enhanced magnetic collimator with a beam aperture of 5.5 cm from permanent magnets using high‐density Neodymium‐Fe compounds. The collimator is cylindrical in shape and can be mounted at the end of an electron cone. The magnetic field is symmetrically aligned with the beam axis. The central axis of the magnetic field was calculated via finite element analyses and validated with Hall probe measurements. To implement magnetically collimated electrons for breast tumor bed irradiations, we measured and modeled the central axis depth doses and dose profiles of magnetically collimated electron beams on a flat water phantom. An empirical pencil‐beam model was developed to calculate three‐dimension dose distributions of magnetically collimated electron beams in CT studies. We implemented the dose model for breast tumor bed treatment cases. Results: Based on the dose distributions of the fixed and the arc beams of magnetically collimated electrons on the flat water phantom, the entrance dose is significantly lower than the conventional electrons (< 30% of the maximum dose). When treating the breast tumor bed, conformal dose distributions to the tumor volume are achieved with magnetically collimated electrons in contrast to single enface beam dose distributions. Isodose surface such as 90% of the maximum dose can be used to fully cover a target volume at depth. Conclusion: It is feasible to produce magnetically collimated electron beams with appropriate beam apertures. Conformal dose distributions from magnetically collimated electrons potentially create new regimens for breast tumor bed treatments.
Interaction between enkephalin and GABA in the chicken retina : further analyses of coexisting relationships

Abstract Previous studies have indicated an interactive relationship between enkephalin and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the vertebrate retina. Among these studies are those that have demonstrated the colocalization of enkephalin and GABA in retinal amacrine cells. In the present study, enkephalin immunocytochemistry was combined with either autoradiography of tritiated GABA high-affinity uptake or GABA immunocytochemistry to further investigate the coexistence of GABA in enkephalin-amacrine cells of the chicken retina. A regional analysis revealed that the percentage colocalization of GABA high-affinity uptake in enkephalin-amacrine cells did not vary appreciably throughout the retina. Overall, 15.2% of enkephalin-amacrine cells exhibited high-affinity GABA uptake. Double-label immunofluorescence histochemistry revealed that 15.1% of enkephalin-amacrine cells express endogenous GABA-like immunoreactivity. These double-labelled cells were observed throughout central and peripheral regions of the retina. In each of the double-label analyses, only less intensely labelled enkephalin-amacrine cells expressed markers of GABA activity. The two double-label analyses reveal almost identical percentages of coexistence of GABA markers in chicken enkephalin-amacrine cells and therefore, provide supportive evidence for the GABAergic nature of these cells. These results suggest a functional diversity in the population of chicken enkephalin-amacrine cells and imply the possibility of multiple signalling through amacrine cells which contain enkephalin and GABA.
Endotracheal Intubation in Mice via Direct Laryngoscopy Using an Otoscope

Mice, both wildtype and transgenic, are the principal mammalian model in biomedical research currently. Intubation and mechanical ventilation are necessary for whole animal experiments that require surgery under deep anesthesia or measurements of lung function. Tracheostomy has been the standard for intubating the airway in these mice to allow mechanical ventilation. Orotracheal intubation has been reported but has not been successfully used in many studies because of the substantial technical difficulty or a requirement for highly specialized and expensive equipment. Here we report a technique of direct laryngoscopy using an otoscope fitted with a 2.0 mm speculum and using a 20 G intravenous catheter as an endotracheal tube. We have used this technique extensively and reliably to intubate and conduct accurate assessments of lung function in mice. This technique has proven safe, with essentially no animal loss in experienced hands. Moreover, this technique can be used for repeated studies of mice in chronic models.
Distribution Coefficients and in Vitro Human Serum Protein Binding of Spironolactone and its 7α-carboxymethyl Analog

The distribution coefficients of spironolactone (I) and its 7α-carboxymethyl analog (II) were determined at 22–25° in systems of n-octanol or chloroform and 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. The respective values for I in the two systems were 153.9 and 15.1, and those for II were 15.9 and 3.1. Protein binding studies of I and II were conducted with human serum albumin and human γ-globulin via equilibrium dialysis at 37°. The I fractions bound to 4% (w/v) albumin and to 1.16% (w/v) γ-globulin were 66 and 18%, respectively. The corresponding II fractions bound to the two proteins were 46 and 12%. The greater protein binding of I agrees with its superior lipophilicity to that of II. The binding of both I and II to albumin increased with increasing albumin concentration, whereas the binding of I and II to albumin did not change significantly as the concentrations of I or II were varied from 50 to 1300 ng/ml. Cooperativity and/or multiple classes of binding sites appear to be associated with the binding of I and II to albumin.
Pornography in small places and other spaces

This article investigates pornographic web-based media at a time when commercial pornography has flooded the Internet and pockets of sex activism are budding alongside the porn boom. Pornography moving freely across borders is foremost a capitalist vision, but the web’s sexual potency is equally defined by web users and artists who visit and maintain peer-to-peer networks for producing and sharing sexually explicit materials. Revisiting Foucault’s notion of space as ‘heterotopia’, networked sexual communication and pornography are shown to permeate physical places and other spaces. Web users cultivate attachments to everyday places and spaces other than the ones they routinely inhabit. Networked sexual agency materializes desire far beyond the confines of community rituals and commodity industries. Besides the fact that porn industries expand their markets and diversify products, sex communities emerge alongside these markets and play a vital role in negotiating sexuality. The article shows how the Intern...
Lung water measurements with iodo-antipyrine.

131I labeled iodo-antipyrine and 99mTc labeled erythrocytes were used to measure water content in lungs. These radioactive tracers were injected into 10 rabbits with normal lungs and 11 rabbits with injured lungs. Blood samples were drawn and the subjects were killed. The lungs were removed, weighed and homogenized. Samples of blood and lung homogenate were assayed for 131I and 99mTc. Samples were also weighed before and after drying to a constant weight at 70–75°C. Extravascular lung water was determined by the dual isotope technique and again by gravimetric analysis. The average ratio of the results from the 2 different methods is 1.03±0.15. The 2 methods were compared by regression analysis and the correlation coefficient was 0.92±0.09. Our investigation suggests the possibility of measurement of lung water with equilibrium distribution of iodo-antipyrine.
Visual field loss in primary gaze and reading gaze due to acquired blepharoptosis and visual field improvement following ptosis surgery.

• Acquired blepharoptosis has been associated with loss of the superior visual field (SVF) in primary gaze. Because many patients with acquired blepharoptosis complained of difficulty reading or performing other visual functions in reading gaze, a prospective study was undertaken to determine if acquired blepharoptosis was the cause of these visual dysfunctions. Preoperative and postoperative SVFs were tested in primary gaze and reading gaze in 19 patients with unilateral or bilateral acquired blepharoptosis totaling 30 eyes. Preoperative testing revealed a marked loss of the SVF in both primary gaze and reading gaze. All patients underwent levator aponeurosis defect repair. Postoperative results showed a significant improvement in both primary and reading gaze SVFs. Therefore, patients with good visual acuity complaining of difficulty reading or carrying out other visual functions in reading gaze should be examined for the presence of acquired blepharoptosis. Blepharoptosis repair can be expected to improve the SVF in both primary gaze and reading gaze.
Sex differences in birth defects: a study of opposite-sex twins.

BACKGROUND: Sex differences in structural birth defects are often confounded by environmental risk factors. Opposite-sex twins provide a unique model for detecting sex differences in birth defects while maximally controlling environmental risk factors in a natural setting. METHODS: Population data from the Florida Birth Defects Registry were analyzed. A total of 4768 pairs of twins who were discordant for sex and born between 1996 and 2001 were analyzed. The McNemar test was used to compare the differences between a male twin and his twin sister for the risk of developing specific defects and organ-system defects. RESULTS: Of 4768 twin pairs, 225 males (4.72%) and 175 females (3.67%) had birth defects. Among opposite-sex twin pairs, males had a 29% higher risk for birth defects than their twin sisters. Compared to their twin sisters, males had a 5.4 times higher risk for pyloric stenosis and a 2.4 times higher risk for obstructive genitourinary defect, but only one-tenth the risk for congenital hip dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences in birth defects exist between opposite-sex twins. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 73:876 – 880, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Complete edentulism and denture use for elders in New England

The purpose of this study was to collect information about the oral health of a representative group of elders in the New England states. This study provides the most current descriptive analysis of completely edentulous noninstitutionalized elders to date. In-home examinations and interviews were conducted for a representative sample of elders over 70 years of age. The oral examinations and interviews were conducted by calibrated dentists and trained interviewers, respectively. Of 1156 study participants, 424 (36.7%) were edentulous. Edentulous rates were similar for men and women and were negatively related to levels of education and income. Of the completely edentulous individuals, 89.9% had maxillary and mandibular complete dentures. Most of these dentures (83.2%) were worn during the day. More than one third of the respondents reported wearing one or both of their dentures while sleeping at night. For 77 of the completely edentulous individuals, examination revealed denture irritations, most of which were on the hard palate.
Disequilibrium Adjustment Processes in the Local Tax-Expenditure System

Various studies have examined the equilibrium relationship between the local public sector and residential location. However, little is known about the disequilibrium adjustment processes in the provision of local public services. The present paper analyzes the dynamic process of disequilibrium adjustments in the local public sector in a realistic context. After deriving conditions for optimal provision of local services, factors displacing the initial equilibrium are analyzed, and the processes of adjustment are discussed.
Maximizing signal-to-noise-ratio in extended depth-of-field bio-imaging

The rigorous maximum limit of spectral signal-to-noise-ratio for a task-specific and in particular a bio-imaging system using arbitrary phase and/or amplitude pupil function with extended depth-of-field is presented.
Meconium-induced umbilical vascular necrosis in abortuses and fetuses: a histopathologic study for cytokines.

Abstract Objective: To show that meconium causes fetal morbidity and death at earlier gestations than reported previously. Methods: We searched for specimens from 1997 and 1998 with pathologic diagnosis of meconium-induced umbilical vascular necrosis in placentas of nonmalformed fetuses and newborns. Because intra-amniotic infection is known to activate cytokines, and blood pigment is often microscopically indistinguishable from meconium, we removed those confounding considerations by excluding placentas with chorioamnionitis and signs of intra-amniotic bleeding. Light microscopic identification of vacuolar amniotic epithelial degeneration was used to select specimens with meconium because blood does not cause that histopathologic abnormality. We used histochemical procedures to show absence of hemosiderin and presence of bilirubin, and immunocyto-chemical labeling with interleukin-1β to show cytokine. Results: Four cases had meconium-induced umbilical vascular necrosis. The gestational ages were 16, 19, 29, and 38 weeks. Two cases were abortuses, the third was stillborn, and the fourth was a small-for-gestational-age liveborn, delivered by cesarean because of repetitive variable decelerations. Luna-Ishak staining showed bilirubin in macrophages between umbilical vascular myocytes and in the Wharton's jelly. Immunocytochemical methods showed interleukin-1β in those same macrophages. Conclusion: Cytokines and other meconium-associated factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of fetal death. Survivors may suffer intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and other morbidity.
Modulation of glucokinase by glucose, small-molecule activator and glucokinase regulatory protein: steady-state kinetic and cell-based analysis.

GK (glucokinase) is an enzyme central to glucose metabolism that displays positive co-operativity to substrate glucose. Small-molecule GKAs (GK activators) modulate GK catalytic activity and glucose affinity and are currently being pursued as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. GK progress curves monitoring product formation are linear up to 1 mM glucose, but biphasic at 5 mM, with the transition from the lower initial velocity to the higher steady-state velocity being described by the rate constant k act . In the presence of a liver-specific GKA (compound A), progress curves at 1 mM glucose are similar to those at 5 mM, reflecting activation of GK by compound A. We show that GKRP (GK regulatory protein) is a slow tight-binding inhibitor of GK. Analysis of progress curves indicate that this inhibition is time dependent, with apparent initial and final K i values being 113 and 12.8 nM respectively. When GK is pre-incubated with glucose and compound A, the inhibition observed by GKRP is time dependent, but independent of GKRP concentration, reflecting the GKA-controlled transition between closed and open GK conformations. These data are supported by cell-based imaging data from primary rat hepatocytes. This work characterizes the modulation of GK by a novel GKA that may enable the design of new and improved GKAs.
Alcohol consumption and 5-year change in left atrial volume among patients with coronary heart disease: results from the Heart and Soul study.

Abstract Background Heavy alcohol consumption is a risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation, but whether chronic alcohol use affects left atrial volume is unknown. We evaluated the association of self-reported alcohol consumption with 5-year change in left atrial volume among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods We studied 601 participants with stable CHD who underwent 2-dimensional echocardiography at baseline (2000–2002) and after 5 years of follow-up (2005–2007). Alcohol consumption was determined at baseline with the use of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test consumption questions (AUDIT-C), with a standard cutoff point of ≥3 used to define at-risk drinking. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of baseline alcohol use with 5-year increase in left atrial end-systolic volume index (defined as being in the highest tertile of percent change). Results After adjustment for covariates, each standard deviation (2.4-point) increase in AUDIT-C score was associated with a 24% greater odds of experiencing a 5-year increase in left atrial volume index (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.48; P = .02). Compared with the 369 participants who had AUDIT-C scores of 5 a 98% greater odds (OR 1.98, 95% CI, 1.10–3.56) of experiencing a 5-year increase in left atrial volume index. Conclusions In patients with CHD, heavier alcohol consumption is associated with a 5-year increase in left atrial volume. Whether greater left atrial volume contributes to the increased risk of atrial fibrillation associated with alcohol use deserves further study.
Delirium: An important (but often unrecognized) clinical syndrome

Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by the acute onset of a disturbance in consciousness accompanied by a reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention [1]. It may foreshadow impending death in as many as 25% of hospitalized inpatients [2–5] and may be a source of significant morbidity in those who present with this syndrome [6]. The disorder may go unrecognized by hospital staff as well as those close to an affected individual, and this oversight may lead to poorer outcomes including longer lengths of stay in acute care hospitals, the need for nursing home placement, prolonged cognitive disturbances, and protracted disability [7–13]. This paper will address this complex condition, focusing on its history, definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, recognition, risk factors, and clinical quantification. Its prevention and treatment will be covered elsewhere in this journal.
Many Tongues, Many Senses: Pentecost, the Body Politic, and the Redemption of Dis/Ability

Disability studies and Pentecostal studies have not interacted much in the young history of both fields of inquiry. This essay identifies some of the reasons for this missed interface, explores how disability perspectives might bring to the fore resources for rethinking Pentecostal understandings of disability, explicates (with the help of a disability hermeneutic) the Pentecostal theology of "many tongues" bearing witness to the gospel with the correlative motif of "many senses" capable of receiving and giving witness to the works of God, and reassesses the possibility of Pentecostal contributions to theology of disability and disability studies in light of the "many senses" motif. My thesis is that the dialogue between disability studies and Pentecostal studies will be challenging but also helpful for both sides, even as our joint efforts might also testify to the wonders of God in and through the diversity of embodied human experiences.
Comparison of hypocretin/orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone neurons and axonal projections in the embryonic and postnatal rat brain

Abstract Hypocretin/orexin (H/O) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are peptide neuromodulators found in separate populations of neurons located within the lateral and perifornical hypothalamic regions. H/O has been linked to sleep-wakefulness regulation and to the sleep disorder narcolepsy, and both systems have been implicated in energy homeostasis, including the regulation of food intake. In the present study we compared the development of H/O and MCH-expressing neuronal populations with in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry on adjacent sections in the embryonic and postnatal rat brain. We found that MCH mRNA and protein were present in developing neurons of the hypothalamus by embryonic day 16 (E16), whereas H/O mRNA and protein were not detected until E18. We also identified previously undescribed populations of MCH-immunoreactive cells in the lateral septum, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral zona incerta, and ventral lateral geniculate nucleus that may play a specific role in the development of these regions. MCH immunoreactive axonal processes were also evident earlier than H/O stained fibers and at the time H/O immunoreactive processes were first identified in the hypothalamus at E20, extensive MCH axonal fiber systems were already present in many brain regions. Interestingly, however, the density of axonal fibers immunoreactive for H/O in the locus coeruleus reached peak levels at the same developmental age (P21) as MCH immunoreactive axons in the diagonal band of Broca (DBB). The peak of axon density coincided with the developmental stage at which adult patterns of feeding and sleep–waking activity become established. The present results demonstrate developmental differences and similarities between the MCH and H/O systems that may relate to their respective roles in feeding and sleep regulation.
Cirrhosis of the liver, alcoholism and heavy smoking associated with cancer of the mouth and pharynx.

A New York City cancer study of the mouth and pharynx on 408 cases and 408 age-matched controls revealed that: (1) Cancer of the mouth and pharynx is associated with liver cirrhosis, heavy alcohol consumption and heavy smoking; (2) few Negroes and even fewer Jews had this cancer; (3) multiple or coexisting cancers of the mouth and pharynx are associated with heavy drinking and heavy smoking, especially in the presence of floor of mouth cancer. These findings provide support to the view that cancer development in the mouth or pharynx might be enhanced by heavy smoking, heavy drinking or, even possibly, cirrhosis of the liver itself.
A network analysis of an inpatient/outpatient department.

In recent years, numerous models have been developed for the analysis of health care systems and facilities. However, for the most part, these models are directed at specific, narrowly defined problem areas or subsystems and do not provide a framework for a comprehensive analysis of a total health care system. Alternatively, Q-GERT, a recently developed network modelling and simulation tool does provide the capability for total health care system analysis. In this paper, the applicability of Q-GERT to health care systems is demonstrated via a description of a network model of a university infirmary. Output from the simulation of the network model provides operating statistics for various system parameters including service times, queue lengths, server utilization, etc. Potential applications of model results are demonstrated and discussed.
The split-brain: rooting consciousness in biology.

From bugs to humans, the rate at which we have accumulated information about nervous systems in the last 100 y has been astonishing. Nonetheless, if one always adopted the intellectual style of first learning all there is to know about a topic before studying its new dimensions, future progress would be slow. Unlike many other disciplines, neuroscience does not currently enjoy the luxury of an agreed on set of next questions to be answered. It has been the Wild West, untamed and reinless, and, in many ways, continues to be.
Error Analysis of Semianalytic Displacement Derivatives for Shape and Sizing Variables

For efficiency, the derivatives used in structural optimization are often calculated using a technique known as the semianalytic method. Here, we investigate the accuracy of this method for calculating static displacement derivatives with respect to both shape and sizing design variables. We show that the errors are entirely due to inaccuracies introduced during the finite-difference approximation of the stiffness matrix derivatives. Two types of errors are discussed. In the first case, the finite-difference error causes uniform scaling of the derivatives relative to their true values and the magnitude of the relative error depends only on the choice of the finite-difference parameter and the finite-difference formula. In the second case, errors in the finite-difference operation may lead to nonuniform errors in the displacement derivatives. The magnitudes of the relative errors depend not only on the finite-difference parameter and formula, but on the location of the element(s) associated with the design variable and the discretization of the structure. We demonstrate our error analysis using several example problems, including a representative automotive frame. We show for these problems that the relative errors can be adequately controlled through the choice of the finite-difference parameter.
PERCENT OF CORES POSITIVE FOR CANCER IS A BETTER PREOPERATIVE PREDICTOR OF CANCER RECURRENCE AFTER RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY THAN PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN

ABSTRACTPurpose: We examined the prognostic significance of clinical and pathological variables on outcome following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in a cohort of patients in the post-prostate specific antigen (PSA) era.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the clinical and pathological data on a cohort of 476 patients who underwent RRP for localized prostate cancer between January 1990 and July 2001 by 1 urologist (WCD). Median age, preoperative PSA and followup were 61 years, 5.8 ng/ml and 49 months, respectively. We used Cox proportional hazard modeling to evaluate the prognostic significance of clinical and pathological variables for cancer recurrence, defined as 2 successive PSA determinations 0.3 ng/ml or greater.Results: Of the 476 patients 53 (11%) had recurrence. Estimated cancer nonprogression probability was 86% (95% CI 83 to 90) and 76% (95% CI 68 to 86) at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Two multivariate analyses were performed. The first analysis, using only preoperative indicators, found...
Sustainable benefits of IT investments: From concept to implementation

Information technology (IT) benefits are often indirect and are not easy to demonstrate. Often the problem associated with IT investments magnifies because IT-enabled benefits tend to dissipate over time. In this paper we develop the concept of sustainable IT-enabled benefits. First we develop the concept of sustainability as it applies to IT. Following that, we base our conceptual framework to sustainability as a response to the process paradox (Keen, 1997) and the improvement paradox (Repenning and Sterman, 2001). We argue that organizational and IT processes change. These changes in processes have a direct impact on the maturity of processes. Changes can be planned (for instance, process improvement activities in the organization) or unplanned and even unobserved (like changes due to organizational and external changes anyway). We argue that organizational and technical flexibility is a critical enabling factor for sustaining IT-enabled benefits. This sustainability is manifested primarily through flexible processes. However, in experiencing such sustained benefits, clarity of objectives has to be defined as the explicit dual of flexibility. Meaningful and unambiguous standards provide the requisite practical complement to the conceptual notion of flexibility. We end this paper by providing implications of this approach for ongoing research for IT effectiveness and for practitioners.
The Role Concept in Legislatures: A Probability Model and a Note on Cognitive Structure

C LARIFICATION AND definition of the term "role" goes back at least as far as Ralph Linton's 1936 work, The Study of Man.' Linton's early formulations of the concepts "role" and "status" have proved useful analytical tools for a large number of social scientists. Recently John Wahlke has elaborated the appealing qualities of the concept "role" for the study of legislatures. He is impressed by the ease with which "role" can accommodate institutional, functional, and behavioral interests in political science.2 A concept which accommodates a wide variety of interests, however, can also have its deficiencies. George Homans points up the difficulty in applying the concept "role" to actual research when he argues: "We do not directly observe status and role. What we do observe are activities, interactions, evaluations, norms, and controls. Status and role are names we give to a complex of many different kinds of observations."3 How can "role' be meaningful without an understanding of the classes of observations which fall under it? If the classes of observations are fully understood, why should "role" have any greater deductive quality or theoretical import than any other general term (e.g., influence, or the symbol "X") which requires the same classes of observations? The difficulty is amply illustrated in the study of legislatures. In a 1954 article, Ralph Huitt wrote of shifting and conflicting roles played by the same senators. Senators changed their roles in response to the immediate environment. Huitt relied upon his knowledge of actual behavior and his insight into what roles such behavior might indicate. He found consistent role-playing (for example, Senator Robert A. Taft in the role of national party leader)
Predicting treatment success in social skills training for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders: The UCLA Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills:

This study seeks to examine the predictors of positive social skills outcomes from the University of California, Los Angeles Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, an evidence-based parent-assisted social skills program for high-functioning middle school and high school adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The results revealed that adolescents with higher parent-reported baseline social skills and lower self-reported perceived social functioning demonstrated greater improvement in social skills following the intervention.
A sensitive scanning technology for low frequency nuclear point mutations in human genomic DNA

Knowledge of the kinds and numbers of nuclear point mutations in human tissues is essential to the understanding of the mutation mechanisms underlying genetic diseases. However, nuclear point mutant fractions in normal humans are so low that few methods exist to measure them. We have now developed a means to scan for point mutations in 100 bp nuclear single copy sequences at mutant fractions as low as 10(-6). Beginning with about 10(8) human cells we first enrich for the desired nuclear sequence 10,000-fold from the genomic DNA by sequence-specific hybridization coupled with a biotin-streptavidin capture system. We next enrich for rare mutant sequences 100-fold against the wild-type sequence by wide bore constant denaturant capillary electrophoresis (CDCE). The mutant-enriched sample is subsequently amplified by high fidelity PCR using fluorescein-labeled primers. Amplified mutant sequences are further enriched via two rounds of CDCE coupled with high fidelity PCR. Individual mutants, seen as distinct peaks on CDCE, are then isolated and sequenced. We have tested this approach by measuring N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)-induced point mutations in a 121 bp sequence of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) in human lymphoblastoid MT1 cells. Twelve different MNNG-induced GC-->AT transitions were reproducibly observed in MNNG-treated cells at mutant fractions between 2 x 10(-6) and 9 x 10(-6). The sensitivity of this approach was limited by the fidelity of Pfu DNA polymerase, which created 14 different GC-->TA transversions at a mutant fraction equivalent to approximately 10(-6) in the original samples. The approach described herein should be general for all DNA sequences suitable for CDCE analysis. Its sensitivity and capacity would permit detection of stem cell mutations in tissue sectors consisting of approximately 10(8) cells.
Secondary Excitotoxicity Contributes to Dopamine-Induced Apoptosis of Dopaminergic Neuronal Cultures☆

Abstract Dopamine (DA) and related catechols may contribute to selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. To investigate whether DA induces apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons, we characterized the effects of various concentrations of exogenous DA on a substantia nigra/neuroblastoma hybrid cell line (MES 23.5 or MES). The hybrid MES cells were maintained in the presence of 50 μM glutamate in logarithmic growth on poly-D-lysine-precoated T-75 flasks and plated either onto petri dishes with glass coverslips for morphological studies or onto 6-well plates for quantification of apoptosis by flow cytometry. The results showed that DA exposure (0.5-20 μM) induced time- and dose-dependent apoptotic cell death of MES cells. To further analyze the mechanism responsible for DA-mediated apoptosis, we repeated the experiments at 20 μM DA in the presence or absence of 40 μM nomifensine, a DA re-uptake inhibitor, and 25 μM 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP5), an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. The data indicate that both compounds significantly prevented DA-induced apoptosis of MES cells and that combination of AP5 and nomifensine provided greater protection against DA toxicity than AP5 alone. These results suggest for the first time that DA-induced apoptosis in dopaminergic neurons is partially attributable to increased vulnerability of these cells to non-toxic levels of excitatory amino acids, i.e., secondary excitotoxicity.
Specificity of C-type and atrial natriuretic peptides in human blood vessels

We investigated the actions of the two structurally similar but genetically distinct endothelium-derived vasoactive natriuretic peptides, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), upon isolated human internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins. Based upon previous studies in canine arteries and veins, we hypothesized that CNP would selectively cause relaxation of human veins while ANP would be selective for human arteries. Rings with and without endothelium of human internal mammary arteries and saphenous veins from patients under going coronary artery bypass grafting were suspended for measurement of isometric force in an organ chamber. CNP caused significant concentration-dependent relaxations in saphenous veins with and without endothelium contracted with phenylephrine (10−6 M). In marked contrast, ANP caused no relaxation in saphenous veins either with or without endothelium. In rings of internal mammary arteries, ANP caused significant concentration-dependent relaxation...
A longitudinal study of math achievement gains for initially low achieving students

Standardized testing has been implemented in most school districts as part of an effort to improve student achievement in mathematics, reading, science, and English. There have been heated debates as to the effects of these improvement efforts on student achievement. In studying these issues, it is important to examine longitudinal growth patterns for individuals. In most of the studies, however, there is a lack of empirical data at the individual student level or the studies are cross-sectional in nature. The current study attempts to examine growth patterns of student math achievement between 1997 and 2000 and individual differences in growth patterns. MDS exploratory growth modeling was used in the investigation based on data from 716 students in a single school district. Individual differences in growth rates were found. Disadvantaged (limited English proficiency and special education) students had lower initial achievement levels and did not seem to be catching up to other students because their average growth rates were similar to those of other students. These results are discussed in light of recent school reform efforts and the goal of closing achievement gaps.
Applicability of a multiplex PCR to detect O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145, and O157 serogroups of Escherichia coli in cattle feces

Abstract Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly O157, are major food borne pathogens. Non-O157 STEC, particularly O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145, have also been recognized as a major public health concern. Unlike O157, detection procedures for non-O157 have not been fully developed. Our objective was to develop a multiplex PCR to distinguish O157 and the ‘top six’ non-O157 serogroups (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) and evaluate the applicability of the multiplex PCR to detect the seven serogroups of E. coli in cattle feces. Published sequences of O-specific antigen coding genes, rfbE (O157) and wzx and wbqE-F (non-O157), were analyzed to design serogroup-specific primers. The specificity of amplifications was confirmed with 138 known STEC strains and the reaction yielded the expected amplicons for each serogroup. In feces spiked with pooled 7 STEC strains, the sensitivity of the detection was 4.1 × 10 5 CFU/g before enrichment and 2.3 × 10 2 after 6 h enrichment in E. coli broth. Additionally, 216 fecal samples from cattle were collected and tested by multiplex PCR and cultural methods. The multiplex PCR revealed a high prevalence of all seven serogroups (178 [O26], 108 [O45], 149 [O103], 30 [O111], 103 [O121], 5 [O145], and 160 [O157]) of 216 samples in fecal samples. Cultural procedures identified 33.1% (53/160) and 35.5% (11/31) of PCR-positive samples for E. coli O157 and non-O157 serogroups, respectively. Samples that were culture-positive were all positive by the multiplex PCR. The multiplex PCR can be used to identify serogroups of putative STEC isolates.
Characterization of alignment using measurements of the sine condition

An experimental test for violations of the sine condition is presented. This test is particularly useful for identifying the state of alignment of an imaging system because it provides a direct measurement of the linear astigmatism (astigmatism that varies linearly with field) in a system using only on axis measurements. The concept of the test is explained from the perspective of both geometrical optics, using the sine condition, and wave optics. In addition, the results of an experimental proof of concept are presented. This experiment shows good agreement between the measured and predicted results.
Self-Efficacy Mediates Effects of Exposure, Loss of Resources, and Life Stress on Posttraumatic Distress among Trauma Survivors

Trauma exposure, loss of resources, and stressful life events are usually listed among key predictors of posttraumatic adaptation. Our studies investigated if self-efficacy (i.e. beliefs about ability to deal with posttraumatic adversities) mediates the relationships between these peri- and post-traumatic risk factors and mental health. Study 1 investigated these relationships among 50 Hurricane Katrina survivors infected with HIV. Specifically, it was hypothesised that the effects of exposure and loss of resources (measured 1 year after the disaster) on posttraumatic symptoms and general distress (measured 2 years after disaster) would be mediated by self-efficacy (assessed 1 year after trauma). Study 2, enrolling 70 survivors of motor vehicle accidents, tested the mediating effect of self-efficacy in the relationship between stressful life events (reported at approximately 7 days after the trauma) and PTSD symptom severity and number (measured 90 days later). Results of both studies confirmed the mediating effects of beliefs about the ability to deal with posttraumatic adversities, whereas the direct effects of trauma exposure, number of stressors, and losses on mental health were negligible. Our findings indicate that although self-efficacy beliefs are affected by trauma and stressful life events (in particular, balance of negative and positive events), they should facilitate posttraumatic adaptation.
Mechanical Properties and Stresses in Thin Gold Films on a Silicon Substrate

Thin gold films with a thickness of 2mm were deposited on a silicon substrate by electron-beam evaporation. The material microstructure and internal stresses of the as-deposited gold films were characterized by scanning ion microscopy, orientation imaging microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Microtensile tests of free-standing gold film samples were carried out to establish their intrinsic mechanical properties (in connection with a finite element analysis using crystal plasticity). Nanoindentation tests of the thin gold films attached to the silicon substrate were also carried out. Finite element analyses incorporating the crystal plasticity model were used to evaluate the effects of thin film textures, constraints due to the elastic substrate, and internal stresses on the plastic deformation behavior of the thin gold films under indentation at a direction normal to the film surfaces. Results of the combined experimental and numerical investigation indicate that the internal stresses have a strong effect on the uniaxial compression stress-strain behavior of the gold films and it may contribute to the relatively large hardness numbers obtained from the nanoindentation tests.
The relation between finite element methods and nodal methods in transport theory

This paper examines the relationship between nodal methods and finite-element methods for solving the discrete-ordinates form of the transport equation in X-Y geometry. Specifically, we will examine the relation of three finite-element schemes to the linear-linear 1 (LL) and linear-nodal z'3 (LN) nodal schemes. The three finite-element schemes are the linear-continuous-diamond-difference 4 (DD) scheme, the linear~liscontinuous 5's (LD) scheme, and the quadratic-discontinuous (QD) scheme. A brief derivation of the (LL) and (LN) nodal schemes is given in the third section of this paper. The approximations that cause the LL scheme to reduce to the DD, LD, and QD schemes are then indicated. An extremely simple method of deriving the finite-element schemes is then introduced. Recently, two papers have been published that indicate, in some detail, an interesting form into which the LN equations can be cast. 9'1° It will be shown that the finite-element schemes being considered can be cast into this same 'augmented-weighted-diamond' form, and the same algorithm that has been used to solve the LN equations can be used to solve the finiteelement equations. For more information on the nodal method in transport theory, an excellent review paper on the subject that is being published should be consulted. 11 In the last section of the paper, a well-logging problem is analyzed using all of the schemes under discussion in this paper. The accuracy of the results are in agreement with the observations made in the paper.
Immunoarchitectural patterns in nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: a study of 51 cases.

Nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) represents a rare and heterogeneous group that lacks markers specific for the diagnosis. We evaluated morphologic and immunoarchitectural features of 51 NMZLs, and the following immunostains were performed: CD20, CD21, CD23, CD5, CD3, CD43, CD10, Ki-67, BCL1, BCL2, BCL6, HGAL, and LMO2. Four immunoarchitectural patterns were evident: diffuse (38 [75%]), well-formed nodular/follicular (5 [10%]), interfollicular (7 [14%]), and perifollicular (1 [2%]). Additional features included a monocytoid component (36 [71%]), admixed large cells (20 [39%]), plasma cells (24 [47%]), compartmentalizing stromal sclerosis (13 [25%]), and prominent blood vessel sclerosis (10 [20%]). CD21 highlighted disrupted follicular dendritic cell meshwork in 35 (71%) of 49 cases, and CD43 coexpression was present in 10 (24%) of 42 cases. A panel of germinal center–associated markers was helpful in eliminating cases of diffuse follicle center lymphoma. Our results highlight the histologic and immunoarchitectural spectrum of NMZL and the usefulness of immunohistochemical analysis for CD43, CD23, CD21, BCL6, HGAL, and LMO2 in the diagnosis of NMZL.
Sparse Bayesian learning for basis selection

Sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) and specifically relevance vector machines have received much attention in the machine learning literature as a means of achieving parsimonious representations in the context of regression and classification. The methodology relies on a parameterized prior that encourages models with few nonzero weights. In this paper, we adapt SBL to the signal processing problem of basis selection from overcomplete dictionaries, proving several results about the SBL cost function that elucidate its general behavior and provide solid theoretical justification for this application. Specifically, we have shown that SBL retains a desirable property of the /spl lscr//sub 0/-norm diversity measure (i.e., the global minimum is achieved at the maximally sparse solution) while often possessing a more limited constellation of local minima. We have also demonstrated that the local minima that do exist are achieved at sparse solutions. Later, we provide a novel interpretation of SBL that gives us valuable insight into why it is successful in producing sparse representations. Finally, we include simulation studies comparing sparse Bayesian learning with basis pursuit and the more recent FOCal Underdetermined System Solver (FOCUSS) class of basis selection algorithms. These results indicate that our theoretical insights translate directly into improved performance.
Flavokawain B, a kava chalcone, inhibits growth of human osteosarcoma cells through G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Background Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy with a high propensity for local invasion and distant metastasis. Limited by the severe toxicity of conventional agents, the therapeutic bottleneck of osteosarcoma still remains unconquered. Flavokawain B (FKB), a kava extract, has been reported to have significant anti-tumor effects on several carcinoma cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Its efficacy and low toxicity profile make FKB a promising agent for use as a novel chemotherapeutic agent.