cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Journal response time: A case for multiple submission

The reliability of peer review of scientific documents and the evaluative criteria scientists use to judge the work of their peers are critically reexamined with special attention to the consistently low levels of reliability that have been reported. Referees of grant proposals agree much more about what is unworthy of support than about what does have scientific value, In the case of manuscript submissions this seems to depend on whether a discipline (or subfield) is general and diffuse (e.g., cross-disciplinary physics, general fields of medicine, cultural anthropology, social psychology) or specific and focused (e.g., nuclear physics, medical specialty areas, physical anthropology, and behavioral neuroscience). In the former there is also much more agreement on rejection than acceptance, but in the latter both the wide differential in manuscript rejection rates and the high correlation between referee recommendations and editorial decisions suggests that reviewers and editors agree more on acceptance than on rejection. Several suggestions are made for improving the reliability and quality of peer review. Further research is needed, especially in the physical sciences.
Age-of-onset heterogeneity in hereditary breast cancer: minimal clues for diagnosis

Knowledge of the family history of cancer may significantly influence diagnosis and surgical management. Hereditary breast cancer (HBC) is common and accounts for approximately 9% of the total breast cancer burden. The pattern of HBC's natural history, including age of onset, increased incidence of bilaterality, integral tumor combinations in certain kindreds, and vertical transmission consonant with an autosomal dominantly inherited factor, when observed in context with the family history, enables pattern recognition so that the diagnosis might be facilitated. We describe seven families from our Hereditary Cancer Consultation Center (HCCC) and the Creighton Oncology Clinic which are noteworthy for extraordinarily early age of onset. This appears to be an additional example of heterogeneity in HBC and may represent the first account of this remarkable subset. The manner in which age of onset can be incorporated with other aspects of natural history for expediting diagnosis is discussed.
Identification and expression of the Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin gene.

Abstract The leukotoxin produced by the oral bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated in the pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis. In order to elucidate the structure of the leukotoxin, molecular cloning of the leukotoxin gene was carried out. A DNA library of A. actinomycetemcomitans, strain JP2, was constructed by partial digestion of genomic DNA with Sau3AI and ligation of 0.5 to 5.0 kilobase pair fragments into the Bam HI site of the plasmid vector pENN-vrf. After transformation into E. coli RR1(λcI857), the clones were screened for the production of A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin with polyclonal antibody. Six immunoreactive clones were identified. The clones expressed proteins which ranged from 21–80 kilodaltons, and the clone designated pII-2, producing the largest protein was selected for further study. Antibodies eluted from immobilized pII-2 protein also recognized the native A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin molecule indicating that both molecules shared at least one epitope. DNA sequence analysis demonstrated that there are regions of significant amino acid sequence homology between the cloned A. actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin and two other cytolysins, Escherichia coli α-hemolysin and Pasteurella haemolytica leukotoxin, suggesting that a family of cytolysins may exist which share a common mechanism of killing but vary in their target cell specificity.
Integrated IVUS-OCT catheter for in vivo intravascular imaging

For the diagnosis of atherosclerosis, biomedical imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been developed. The combined use of IVUS and OCT is hypothesized to remarkably increase diagnostic accuracy. We report our progress on the probe design and imaging system for achieving a miniature catheter that is capable for in vivo animal study. The integrated IVUS-OCT catheter is featured by a sequential arrangement of an ultrasound transducer and an OCT probe. The capability of the integrated IVUS-OCT imaging catheter and system is demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo imaging experiments of rabbit abdominal aorta.
Twenty-Two-Year Follow-Up in the VA Cooperative Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Stable Angina

We evaluated the 22-year results of initial coronary artery bypass surgery with saphenous vein grafts compared with initial medical therapy on survival, incidence of myocardial infarction, reoperation, and symptomatic status in 686 patients (average age 51) with stable angina in the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Between 1972 and 1974, 354 patients were assigned to medical treatment and 332 to surgical revascularization. In the surgical cohort, 312 patients underwent operation (operative mortality 5.8%) and 25% subsequently underwent repeat operation (operative mortality 10.3%). In the medical cohort, 160 patients crossed over to surgery (operative mortality 4.4%) and 21% of these patients had reoperation (operative mortality 9.1%). Neither crossover nor reoperation was predictable by angiographic or clinical risk factors measured at baseline. The overall 22-year cumulative survival rates were 25% and 20% in the medical and surgical cohorts (p = 0.24). Corresponding rates in low-risk patients who had 1 or 2 vessels diseased, or 3 vessels diseased with normal left ventricular function were 31% and 24% (p = 0.024). Although significant at 10 years, there was also no long-term survival benefit for high-risk patients assigned to bypass surgery. The probabilities of remaining free of myocardial infarction and of being alive without infarction were significantly higher with initial medical therapy, 57% versus 41% (p = 0.02) and 18% versus 11% (p = 0.0031), respectively. This trial provides strong evidence that initial bypass surgery did not improve survival for low-risk patients, and that it did not reduce the overall risk of myocardial infarction. Although there was an early survival benefit with surgery in high-risk patients (up to a decade), long-term survival rates became comparable in both treatment groups. In total, there were twice as many bypass procedures performed in the group assigned to surgery without any long-term survival or symptomatic benefit.
Standards for image annotation using Semantic Web

The impetus behind Semantic Web research remains the vision of supplementing availability with utility; that is, the World Wide Web provides availability of digital media, but the Semantic Web will allow presently available digital media to be used in unseen ways. An example of such an application is multimedia retrieval. At present, there are vast amounts of digital media available on the web. Once this media gets associated with machine-understandable metadata, the web can serve as a potentially unlimited supplier for multimedia web services, which could populate themselves by searching for keywords and subsequently retrieving images or articles, which is precisely the type of system that is proposed in this paper. Such a system requires solid interoperability, a central ontology, semantic agent search capabilities, and standards. Specifically, this paper explores this cross-section of image annotation and Semantic Web services, models the web service components that constitute such a system, discusses the sequential, cooperative execution of these Semantic Web services, and introduces intelligent storage of image semantics as part of a semantic link space.
Advanced Heart Failure Therapies for Patients With Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Continual advances in antineoplastic therapies have produced better cancer outcomes with 13.7 million cancer survivors in the United States in 20131. However, a significant number of survivors may develop cardiac disease as a result of cancer treatment, whether chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of both.2 Although radiation can cause significant heart disease3 both alone and with chemotherapy, this review will only address cardiomyopathy induced by chemotherapy agents, especially anthracyclines, commonly used to treat pediatric and adult cancers. Whereas anthracyclines remain the most common cause of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy (CCMP), recently developed targeted therapies can also cause cardiac dysfunction.4–6 Newer drugs that target survival pathways in cancer cells, such as the HER-2 (human epidermal growth factor 2) and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, have been directly implicated in left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction7,8 through off-target effects. Because cancer and heart cells share many of the same survival pathways, it is likely that newer targeted therapies will continue to cause off-target impairment of cardiomyocyte survival and heart failure (HF).9 However, whereas LV dysfunction associated with targeted therapies seems reversible,10 anthracyclines remain the only agents that seem capable to cause end-stage HF.11 In this review, we critically appraise the data available to support the use of advanced HF therapies in this patients with CCMP and end-stage HF. Specifically, we review treatments indicated for American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association stages C-D HF, including implantable cardiac defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), mechanical circulatory support devices, and orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). Herein defined as cardiomyopathy caused by anthracycline damage with or without exposure to other cardiotoxic agents,12 CCMP has been described in 1% to 5% of cancer survivors13,14 and arguably portends the worst survival among cardiomyopathies.15 Unlike any …
Theoretical studies of equilibrium geometries of AHn molecules

Abstract The changes in single-determinant molecular orbital equilibrium geometries of AH n (A = C, N, O or F) molecules which result from taking account of correlation between electrons of opposite spin are presented. Such correlation corrections to single-determinant ground state wavefunctions and energies are calculated using Moller-Plesset perturbation theory terminated at second order. Equilibrium geometries calculated using a split valence shell basis set argumented by polarization functions on the A atom are compared with experimental values.
Postnatal evaluation of infants with an abnormal antenatal renal sonogram.

Purpose of review Antenatally detected renal abnormalities are frequently encountered. Recommended postnatal evaluation of these infants has evolved to minimize invasive testing while maximizing detection of significant abnormalities.
Direct Observation of Resonance Effects in Laser Cluster Interactions

Time resolved dynamics of high intensity laser interactions with atomic clusters have been studied with both theoretical analysis and experiment. A short-pulse Ti:sapphire laser system, which could produce 50 mJ of energy in a 50 fs pulse, was built to perform these experiments. The laser used a novel single grating stretcher and was pumped, in part, by a custom Nd:YLF laser system, including 19 mm Nd:YLF amplifiers. It was found that there is an optimal pulse width to maximize absorption for a given cluster size. This optimal pulse width ranged from 400 fs for 85 A radius xenon clusters to 1.2 ps for 205 {angstrom} radius xenon clusters. Using a pump-probe configuration, the absorption of the probe radiation was observed to reach a maximum for a particular time delay between pump and probe, dependent on the cluster size. The delay for peak absorption was 800, 1400, and 2100 fs for 85 {angstrom}, 130 {angstrom}, and 170 {angstrom} radius xenon clusters respectively. Model calculations suggest that these effects are due to resonant heating of the spherical plasma in agreement with the hydrodynamic interpretation of cluster interactions. While this simple hydrodynamic code produces reasonable agreement with data, it does not include bulkmore » plasma or non-linear propagation effects and is limited to the regime where resonant behavior dominates. We also measured the scattered laser light from the laser-cluster interaction. Similar to the absorption measurements, there is an optimal pulse width which maximizes the scattered signal. This pulse width is larger than the optimal pulse width for absorption. This disagrees with model calculations which show both pulse widths being similar. Further experiments measuring the scattered light in a pump-probe configuration should help to resolve this disagreement.« less
Analysis of rvacs tests for commix validation constantine

Abstract Two RVACS tests, A and B, were analyzed to support the validation of COMMIX and the design of Advanced Liquid Metal Reactors (ALMRs). The RVACS test facility provides a scaled simulation of the decay heat removal paths of a pool ALMR during the operation of the passive decay heat removal systems with the reactor simulated with electrically heated rods. Test A was characterized by a power input of 50 kW, natural convection in the sodium pool, forced RVACS air circulation, sodium pool overflow, and a heat up period of 8 h. In test B the power was 64 kW and the sodium pool heatup led to overflow at ∼ h from the beginning of the transient. In test A, after 7.5 h, the system reached near steady state with a temperature difference between the bottom and top of the pool of 96°C. In both tests the vertical temperature gradient in the hot pool remained small throughout the transient while the cold pool exhibited a significant stratification. The sodium temperature variations in the radial and azimuthal directions were insignificant. The COMMIX predictions for the sodium pool temperatures and the air outlet temperatures were in good agreement with measurements.
High-dynamic range interferometric astronomical imaging in the presence of direction dependent effects

Modern high sensitivity radio interferometric telescopes use ultra wide-band receivers on a large number of antenna elements to achieve the capability of imaging dynamic ranges in excess of 1:1,000,000. In practice, the imaging performance is limited by instrumental and ionospheric/atmospheric effects that corrupt the recorded data. Many of these effects are directionally dependent and vary with time and frequency. Correcting for them is therefore fundamentally more difficult and these effects have been ignored in classical image reconstruction algorithms. Few attempts in the past to correct for these effects in the image-domain did not deliver the required accuracy. Recent developments in new algorithms that can account for such direction dependent effects show promising results. In this paper I give a general mathematical description of these techniques, show that the resulting algorithms are more optimal in terms of imaging performance and computing requirements and show some results.
XenomiRs and miRNA homeostasis in health and disease: Evidence that diet and dietary miRNAs directly and indirectly influence circulating miRNA profiles

Contributions of dietary miRNAs to circulating small RNA profiles would have profound implications for interpretation of miRNA biomarker studies: presumptive disease-specific markers might instead indicate responses to disease-associated quantitative or qualitative dietary alteration. This examination weighs the evidence for a 2-fold hypothesis: first, that ingested biological matter contributes directly to the miRNA complement of body compartments; and second, that these diet-derived exogenous miRNAs (or “xenomiRs”) affect total miRNA profiles as part of a circulating miRNA homeostasis that is altered in many diseases. Homeostasis of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), a known miRNA carrier—provides a model as a proposed component of broader miRNA homeostasis. Further research into the dietary xenomiR hypothesis is needed to ensure rigor in the search for truly disease-specific miRNA biomarkers.
Retrieval cues and the accessibility of higher-order memory units in multitrial free recall

All S s were presented 54 words for three (Experiments II and III) or five (Experiment I) alternating study and test free-recall learning trials. One half of the S s were given 18 words from the list as retrieval cues during the second stage of the last test trial. The major finding was that such cueing facilitated recall only when related words were presented consecutively during the learning trials. The failure to obtain a cueing effect when unrelated words were presented consecutively during the learning trials may be interpreted as negative evidence for the view that S s form discrete higher order memory units during free recall learning. Or, if S s from discrete higher-order memory units when unrelated words are presented consecutively, it seems they are unable or unwilling to form more discrete memory units than they can retrieve.
Comparisons of four types of lexical indicators of content

An experiment was conducted to determine which of four types of lexical indicators of content could be utilized best by subjects to determine relevant from irrelevant documents and to answer a set of 100 questions. The results indicate that there were no major differences between the groups using complete text and abstracts to select relevant documents, but the group utilizing the complete text obtained a significantly higher score on the examination.
All-Cause Mortality Among Hispanics in the United States : Exploring Heterogeneity by Nativity Status, Country of Origin, and Race in the National Health Interview Survey-Linked Mortality Files

Purpose To investigate the association of nativity status, country of origin, and race with all-cause mortality in Hispanic adults relative to non-Hispanic adults in the United States, we used 565,352 records of participants 25 years and older from years 1990 to 2000 of the National Health Interview Survey linked to the National Death Index. Methods All-cause mortality was coded for underlying cause of death according to the Ninth and Tenth Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, Injuries, and Causes of Deaths. Time to death was considered from each survey year through December 31, 2002. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate all-cause mortality death rates for Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks relative to non-Hispanic whites. Results In the adjusted analysis, we found that Hispanics ages 25–44 had greater death rates than non-Hispanic-white adults regardless of sex and nativity. However, it appears that this finding is driven by island/foreign-born men and women. Compared with non-Hispanic white adults, younger Puerto Rican women and Mexican American men and women had a 61% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–2.24), 44% (95% CI, 1.22–1.26), and 36% (95% CI, 1.17–1.59) greater all-cause death rate, respectively. Hispanics who identify as white, regardless of sex, had greater death rates than non-Hispanic white adults. Conclusions These findings highlight important differences in Hispanics by nativity status, country of origin and race. Studies assessing disparities in health among Hispanics should closely examine the heterogeneity of this population usually lost under a homogeneous classification. This examination would lead to a better understanding of health outcomes within Hispanics.
Another look at root canal instrumentation

Several aspects of root canal instrumentation need additional research. Various factors must be considered in an analysis of instrumentation of the root canal system: the dentin that is cut; the technique used to cut it; the design of the instruments; the material and manufacturing process used to make the instruments; the irrigant used during the procedure; and the anatomic configuration of the root canal system. An analysis of these factors clearly indicates that existing root canal instruments and techniques are less than ideal and, in fact, do not accomplish what is expected of them. Root canals must be properly, but, at the same time, destructive and unnecessary removal of dentin should be kept to a minimum. The Flex-R and Canal Master instruments were developed to address some of the shortcomings of existing instruments and techniques. More scientifically based research is needed to fully evaluate these new instruments and techniques and to develop future instruments.
Statistical procedures for evaluating group and phase velocities of scalar quantities measured in an array

Abstract Any scalar quantity measured in a two- or three-dimensional array may be visualized as a map of isopleths drifting and changing shape. Appropriate correlation functions may be used to represent the mean slope and orientation of closed isopleths as an ellipsoid in space and time coordinates. The group velocity is evaluated for the velocity of the center of ellipsoidal contours. This is equivalent to determining the displacement vector for two sensors in order to obtain a maximum correlation for a fixed time lag. It is shown that this procedure is preferable to the frequently used method involving the ratio of a fixed sensor separation to the time required for maximum correlation. Also, phase velocities are evaluated from the velocity of the center of ellipsoidal correlation contours obtained from co-spectra and quadrature spectra from selected frequency bands. The power spectra can be partitioned as the sum of spectral estimates arising from a drifting pattern of isopleths and random changes in that pattern. Data obtained from single-component Gill propellor anemometers positioned 2 m above the ground in a jack-pine forest are used to illustrate the procedures. Such information provides a basis for gaining further insight into the mechanisms of transport phenomena within a forest.
Systems-oriented survey of noncontact temperature measurement techniques for rapid thermal processing

Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) is becoming a popular approach for future ULSI manufacturing due to its unique low thermal budget and process flexibility. Furthermore when RTP is combined with Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) the so-called RTP-CVD technology it can be used to deposit ultrathin films with extremely sharp interfaces and excellent material qualities. One major consequence of this type of processing however is the need for extremely tight control of wafer temperature both to obtain reproducible results for process control and to minimize slip and warpage arising from nonuniformities in temperature. Specifically temperature measurement systems suitable for RiP must have both high precision--within 1-2 degrees--and a short response time--to output an accurate reading on the order of milliseconds for closedloop control. Any such in-situ measurement technique must be non-contact since thermocouples cannot meet the response time requirements and have problems with conductive heat flow in the wafer. To date optical pyrometry has been the most widely used technique for RiP systems although a number of other techniques are being considered and researched. This article examines several such techniques from a systems perspective: optical pyrometry both conventional and a new approach using ellipsometric techniques for concurrent emissivity measurement Raman scattering infrared laser thermometry optical diffraction thermometry and photoacoustic thermometry. Each approach is evaluated in terms of its actual or estimated manufacturing cost remote sensing capability precision repeatability dependence on processing history range
Rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent tests for detecting antibodies to Edwardsiella ictaluri in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, using exoantigen

A rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to evaluate sera from channel catfish with and without Edwardsiella ictaluri infection. Anti-E. ictaluri antibodies were detected in the sera from 94 of 100 infected catfish. Specific antibodies were not detected in the sera from 100 non-infected fish. The ELISA was based on the Falcon Assay Screening Test (FAST) and was performed in 30 min. An E. ictaluri exoantigen was used in the FAST-ELISA. The immunodominance of the exoantigen was shown by reactivity with monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the predominant epitope of E. ictaluri. The FAST-ELISA was found to be ideal for serodiagnosis and seroepidemiological purposes of detecting and monitoring E. ictaluri antibody responses.
Ab-Initio Theory of Defect Structure in a-Si iH

It has recently become feasible that theory Will be able to predict the structure of solids “ab-initio”, using only the atomic number of the constituent atoms as input. This is based on recent advances in density-functional theory and pseudopotential theory. A simple physical introduction of the concepts underlying these theories is presented. Special emphasis is given to examining the structure and effective correlation energies of defects in amorphous Si.
Factors influencing photosynthetic enhancement in isolated chloroplasts.

Abstract Photosynthetic enhancement of oxygen evolution (linked to CO 2 assimilation) in isolated chloroplasts was found to be governed by the supply of ATP. The addition of ATP (but not AMP) abolished enhancement that consistently occurred without added ATP. Enhancement in the H 2 O → NADP reaction by chloroplasts was investigated in the light of one recent report that the phenomenon occurs when pure ferredoxin is replaced by a crude preparation (PPNR) and another report that the phenomenon is governed by Mg ++ concentration. Fractionation of PPNR led to the isolation of a protein factor which when added to pure ferredoxin induced enhancement. However, the rate of NADP reduction with pure ferredoxin and without enhancement was greater than the maximum rate of NADP reduction with enhancement induced by either the protein factor of PPNR. The report that Mg ++ concentration governs enhancement was not confirmed.
Colonial and post-colonial memorial parks in Lucknow, India: shifting ideologies and changing aesthetics

A critical review of public parks in Lucknow, India shows that they are predominantly memorials to historic events and settings for historic monuments. They celebrate the cultural identity of the city and commemorate the emerging political ideologies of the state. The memorial parks are based upon colonial precedents and in their profuse use of statuary they also draw upon the indigenous Indic tradition of iconic imagery. The article argues that memorialisation of political figures, only one among the many civic functions of a public place, should go beyond its person-centric subject to celebrate multiple forms of cultural heritage. Parks built in the last two decades in Lucknow are large, gated and designed around memorial structures and statuary. An alternative park model is outlined that draws upon pre-colonial vernacular and Nawabi precedents, is inviting to all socio-economic groups in society and accommodates diverse local uses.
Contemporary Islamic Activism: The Shades of Praxis

Contemporary Islamic activism is manifested in heterogeneous and overlapping forms. This paper aims at furthering the understanding of Islamic activism by developing a two-dimensional typology that accounts for the nature of Islamic activism discourse and the outlook of its programmatic action. Specifically, the terrain of Islamic activism is mapped out by intersecting two orientations: the approach toward understanding sharia (Islam's socio-religious teachings) and the form of activism. As for sharia approaches, three modes of thinking occupy Islamic activism: a didactic mode, a literalist mode, and an eclectic mode. On the other hand, three forms of activism divide the field of action: a local social movement of a limited scope of concerns, a global social movement of expansive social and political themes, and an individualistic type of activism. The interaction of these types of activism with the modes of sharia understanding produces the ecology of contemporary Islamic activism.
The temperature distribution around a spherical particle on a planar surface

The solutions for three related boundary value problems in tangent sphere coordinates are presented; two of these problems involve a conducting and a nonconducting sphere on a conducting flat surface when the field at infinity is linear. The third problem describes the potential field around a conducting sphere on an insulating surface where the field at infinity vanishes. Depending on the nature of the problem, either the Laplace equation or the Stokes stream function formalism is used. The integral solutions are rewritten as series expansions, which are numerically easier to evaluate.
The Longitudinal Effects of Project Head Start on Students' Overall Academic Success: A Review of the Literature.

The primary purpose of this review of Project Head Start literature is to evaluate the long term effects of Project Head Start on students’ overall academic success. Project Head Start was initiated in 1965 as an experimental six week summer program to provide child developmental services to low income families of preschoolers in the United States of America. It has since been expanded to a full-year program with many current programs only nine months in length. Research bears out the idea that Project Head Start has strong immediate effects on the cognitive and socioemotional development of young children. The studies available suggest that Project Head Start children may develop the desired social competence to adapt more readily to their school environment and achieve more real life academic successes than their non-Head Start peers.
Long-term outcome of perianal Paget's disease.

PURPOSE: Extramammary Paget’s disease of the perianal region is a rare finding that often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Although the natural history of the disease is not well characterized, it historically has been associated with other cancers. This study summarizes the history and treatment of all patients diagnosed with perianal Paget’s disease at a single institution. METHODS: Charts of all patients with a diagnosis of extramammary Paget’s disease of the perianal region confirmed or treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1950 and 2000 were reviewed. Patients with vulvar Paget’s disease or Bowen’s disease were excluded except when Paget’s disease of the perianal region was diagnosed first. Whenever possible, follow-up information was updated. Estimates of overall and disease-free survival were made by the method of Kaplan and Meier. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with a median age of 63 years were diagnosed with perianal Paget’s disease. Most patients (74 percent) were treated with wide excision. Local recurrence occurred in 37 percent of all patients treated and in 30 percent of patients (6/20) undergoing a wide excision as part of their treatment. An invasive component was identified in 44 percent of patients (12/27) with perianal Paget’s disease. Six patients (22 percent) required a colostomy as part of the treatment for their disease. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was used in 22 percent of patients (6/27) who had more aggressive disease. At a median follow-up of 67 months, 56 percent (15/27) had no evidence of disease, and two patients had died of metastatic disease. The overall and disease-free survival at five years was 59 and 64 percent, respectively, which decreased to 33 and 39 percent, respectively, by ten years. CONCLUSIONS: Perianal Paget’s disease is a rare finding even at a large referral center. The disease process is generally a prolonged one marked by frequent recurrences, and the treatment of first choice is wide excision. Patients with invasive malignancies require more extensive surgery. The role of chemoradiotherapy remains undefined in this disease.
Video analyses of chromatophore activity in the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis ☆

Abstract There is a paucity of quantitative methods to measure chromatophore activity in cephalopods, without which, important questions regarding chromatophore function cannot be addressed. These questions include the mechanisms underlying graduated responses by chromatophores and the variations in responses by chromatophore color type. We have developed an efficient and accurate method to record and analyze the activity of individual chromatophores using a combination of video capture and computer analysis techniques. High performance video recordings were obtained from 20 to 40 chromatophores isolated from the fin of the European cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis. Captured frames were imported into MATLAB for image segmentation analyses using polygon masking to identify individual chromatophores. RGB thresholds were determined for each chromatophore analyzed and were used to follow the activity of individual chromatophores and to discriminate yellow and red-black chromatophores. Data from tests using colored paper squares and live chromatophores confirmed the utility of this novel procedure.
Large sample properties of estimates of a discrete grade of membership model

Increasingly, fuzzy partitions are being used in multivariate clas- sification problems as an alternative to the crisp classification procedures com- monly used. One such fuzzy partition, the grade of membership model, parti- tions individuals into fuzzy sets using multivariate categorical data. Although the statistical methods used to estimate fuzzy membership for this model are based on maximum likelihood methods, large sample properties of the estima- tion procedure are problematic for two reasons. First, the number of incidental parameters increases with the size of the sample. Second, estimated param- eters fall on the boundary of the parameter space with non-zero probability. This paper examines the consistency of the likelihood approach when estimat- ing the components of a particular probability model that gives rise to a fuzzy partition. The results of the consistency proof are used to determine the large sample distribution of the estimates. Common methods of classifying individ- uals based on multivariate observations attempt to place each individual into crisply defined sets. The fuzzy partition allows for individual to individual heterogeneity, beyond simply errors in measurement, by defining a set of pure type characteristics and determining each individual's distance from these pure types. Both the profiles of the pure types and the heterogeneity of the indi- viduals must be estimated from data. These estimates empirically define the fuzzy partition. In the current paper, this data is assumed to be categorical data. Because of the large number of parameters to be estimated and the limitations of categorical data, one may be concerned about whether or not the fuzzy partition can be estimated consistently. This paper shows that if heterogeneity is measured with respect to a fixed number of moments of the grade of membership scores of each individual, the estimated fuzzy partition is consistent.
Generation of self-preserving particle size distributions during shear coagulation

Abstract Colloidal dispersions have been reported to develop self-preserving particle size distributions during both Brownian and shear coagulation. During this investigation the evolution of the particle size distribution during the shear coagulation of polystyrene latices, which exhibited excellent Brownian stability, was examined. The resulting distributions were found to be self-preserving in all cases including those systems where the coagulation apparently occurred through the formation of hydrophobic associations. Recent claims that the shear coagulation of dispersions with good Brownian stability does not yield self-preserving distributions are apparently in error due to a misinterpretation of the characteristics of a self-preserving distribution.
Secondary cytokine production by lymphoid cells used in cellular immunotherapy.

Abstract Interleukin-2 (IL-2) has been used extensively in cellular immunotherapy trials as a systemic activator of the immune system as well as an ex vivo stimulant for lymphoid cell function. Despite the measurement of several in vitro and in vivo immunologic parameters related to cellular immunotherapy, determinants of successful cellular immunotherapy remain unknown. To further delineate the consequences of exposing peripheral blood lymphocytes to high concentrations of IL-2, we assessed the supernatants of IL-2-activated peripheral blood lymphocytes for production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Exposure of normal monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to IL-2 caused a dose-dependent increase in secretion of TNF and IFN-γ which increased linearly after 48 h in culture. Analysis of positively selected, highly purified PBMC subpopulations exposed to IL-2 revealed that TNF-α and TNF-β were produced by both CD3+ and CD16+ subpopulations but not by CD22+ cells. These studies were extended to supernatants obtained from PBMC cultures used in the adoptive cellular immunotherapy of patients with advanced cancer. Patients treated with lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell immunotherapy were classified as responders (N = 14) or non-responders (N= 17) to therapy. We found no significant difference in the production of TNF between responders and nonresponders (22 ± 9 U ml−1 vs. 20 ± 6 U ml−1), P > 0.05. However, LAK cell supernatants harvested from non-responders contained a significantly higher level of IFN-γ (232 ± 94 U ml−1) compared with responders (42 ± 14), P
Life History, Development, and Rearing of Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Quarantine

Eucryptorrhynchus brandti (Harold) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was identified in China and studied in quarantine in the United States as a potential biological control agent for the invasive weed, tree of heaven, Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae). Studies on its general biology and development, and the most efficacious rearing method were conducted. E. brandti is univoltine. The metathoracic sternite and first abdominal segment are convex in females and concave or flat in males. Females are larger than males. Female and male sagittal measurements averaged 11.50 ± 0.14 (± SEM) and 10.35 ± 0.09 mm, respectively. Transversal measurements averaged 4.22 ± 0.06 and 3.73 ± 0.05 mm for females and males, respectively. Mean weight of females and males were 0.10 ± 0.003 and 0.07 ± 0.002 g, respectively. Females lived longer than males, averaging 66.3 ± 6.8 d and 46.5 ± 7.3 d, respectively. The egg stage averaged 5.0 ± 0.9 d, and the larval stage had six stadia and developed in 110 ± 15.0 d; the pupal stage was 16 ± 7.0 d at 25°C. A method for rearing E. brandti on cut A. altissima billets under quarantine conditions was developed. The most efficient egg-to-adult rearing method involved caging 12 males and 12 females or 24 males and 24 females for 7 d on 23-92-cm-long billets. Duration up to 3 wk after cutting did not affect adult emergence. This information will facilitate laboratory rearing and conducting host specificity tests to determine agent impact on nontarget species.
The Myth of Chinese Exceptionalism: The Case of Welfare Transition in a Globalized Economy

China’s social welfare system in the past three decades has undergone a fundamental transformation. This process is part of a general movement occurring in the developing world in the new context of globalization. Globalization has produced a structural change of preferences among major social actors with regards to social protection, which in turn induces the governments to adopt a balanced and inclusive approach of social protection that is compatible to market competition and continuous development. What distinguishes China in achieving this objective is the combination of the government’s commitment to openness and its strategic policy adjustment that, working together, induce the vested interests from the public sector to accept the new institutions in a timely manner so that the welfare programs assist the economy in exploring the opportunities offered by the international market.
Rapid determination of volatile N-nitrosamines in nonfat dry milk.

Abstract A rapid gas chromatographic-thermal energy analysis method was developed for determination of volatile nitrosamines in nonfat dry milk. The average recovery of nitrosodimethylamine added to nonfat dry milk at 3 ppb was 96%. In a nationwide survey of nonfat dry milk, nitrosodimethylamine was found in 48 of 57 samples from .1 to 3.7 ppb, and at an average .6 ppb. Apparent nitrosopyrrolidine and nitrosopiperidine averaged approximately .1 ppb, the detection limit of the method.
An evaluation of bone surgery in patients with immediate dentures.

Abstract The literature concerning the treatment of the bone tissue in immediate-denture patients has been analyzed. The volume of the residual alveolar ridge is reduced 20 to 30 per cent during the first 12 months after healing, without surgical bone removal. Since most patients have to wear dentures for 25 to 30 years, it is proposed that bone surgery not be used in immediate denture service in order to preserve as much of the volume of the alveolar ridge as is possible.
Spectrum-sharing capacity enhancement with distributed relaying

We consider a spectrum-sharing network where n secondary relays are used to increase the secondary rate. We propose a distributed amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying scheme combined with relay selection and clustering. For the proposed method we obtain a closed-form expression for the secondary rate, which shows that the rate grows proportionally to log n. Remarkably, this growth rate is on the same order as that achieved in the absence of a primary system and its imposed constraints. We find the optimal power strategy for the relays subject to primary constraints: to maximize the secondary rate, each of the selected relays need to transmit with power proportional to n−1 (thus the sum of relay powers is bounded).
Metabolic conversion of toluene and ethylbenzene by pacific salmon microsomal preparations

Abstract The aromatic fraction from crude oil has a substantial solubility in water and as a result makes up the major hydrocarbon components of processed ballast water.1,2 The purpose of this study was to investigate the metabolism of several of the major components of this processed water by Chinook salmon, Oncorynchus tschawytscha, liver microsomes. The metabolic products of toluene and ethylbenzene in this microsomal system, as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were benzyl alcohol and 1-phenylethanol, respectively. The conditions for the microsomal incubations were 20°C, pH 7·5, and an ionic strength of 0·126. A linear rate of benzyl alcohol and 1-phenylethanol formation is observed during the first 30 to 60 min followed by a decrease in the rate between 60 and 90 min.
Genome-brain-behavior interdependencies as a framework to understand hormone effects on learned behavior.

Abstract Hormones have profound effects on the maturation and function of the zebra finch song system. Hormones often signal through receptors that directly or indirectly regulate transcription. In this way, hormones and the genome are functionally connected. Genome–brain–behavior interdependencies are often studied on evolutionary timescales but we can now apply and test these relationships on short timescales, relevant to an individual. Here, we begin to place patterns of hormone-related gene expression into the timeframe of an individual’s lifespan to consider how hormones contribute to organization of neural systems necessary for learned behavior, and how they might signal during experience in ways that affect future behavior. This framework illustrates both how much investigations into genome and hormone function are intertwined, and how much we still need to learn.
An Investigation of the Contingent Relationships between Learning Community Participation and Student Engagement.

This study examined the contingent relationships between learning community participation and student engagement in educational activities inside and outside the classroom using data from the 2004 administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Results indicated that learning community participation was positively and significantly related to student engagement, both for first-year students and seniors. For some types of engagement, relationships were significantly stronger for seniors than for first-year students. Analyses also revealed there was substantial variability across institutions in the magnitude of the relationships between learning community participation and first-year students’ levels of engagement. Although institutional characteristics accounted for some of the variability across institutions, a substantial amount of the variability in engagement–learning community relationships remained unexplained.
Is Social Work the Best Educational Degree for Child Welfare Practitioners

ABSTRACT The purpose of this three-year research project was to identify the educational and training needs of public child welfare case managers and recommend baccalaureate programs that would best meet those needs. Surveys, focus groups, and content analyses were used to identify the learning needs. The social work curricula were found to contain the most comprehensive match of skill development and theoretical and values content with the learning needs of case managers.
Energy conservation strategies among American college students

This research compares both attitudes and recycling behaviors in a sample of college males and females (N = 302), a demographic group whose behaviors and willingness to adopt environmentally sound policies will become the dominant force for environmental reform in the USA in approaching decades. Consistent with prior research, women were significantly more likely to support strategies for energy conservation and were much more apt to always recycle. Among males (but not females), frequent recyclers of plastic were more supportive of energy conservation strategies, while for women, the link between attitudes and behavior is weaker, perhaps due to women’s purported community-welfare orientation. In addition, because the strategies that received the most support from both sexes, walking to work or school, and purchasing and cooking with local produce, may reflect the resulting health benefits as much as concern for environmental sustainability, we should consider marketing the link between environmental altruism and personal wellbeing among young populations.