cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A guide to clinical epidemiology for radiologists: Part II statistical analysis.

Biostatistics together with research methodology and study design (outlined in [1]) form the foundation of clinical epidemiology [2-7]. The terms °biostatistics' or 'biometrics' in medicine refers to the applications of statistics to medical specialties including radiology [8-101. The scope of statistics includes all aspects of an investigation including choice of study design [11], calculation of sample size and power calculations [1213], summarizing data and analysis of outcomes in group comparison studies. The poor understanding by physicians of the principles o f statistical analysis weakens many investigations [14-17]. This results in the misinterpretation of the data leading to either the incorrect detection of significance between two outcomes which is not real (Type I error) or the failure to demonstrate statistical significance in outcomes which are clinically different (Type II error); (see [1]). There are many comprehensive biostatistics textbooks but they are seldom able to convey an understanding of statistical principles to the average physician. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different methods of statistical analysis and the basic concepts used to select the appropriate technique and to interpret the results. Few formulas are provided as they can either be obtained from statistical texts or are available in computer software packages [18-20]. For readers who want to extend their knowledge further, there are many excellent books on statistics [21-37] as well as noteworthy articles which are referenced in this paper. The different statistical approaches reviewed in this paper are: (1) summarizing and displaying data, (2) tests for assessing the outcomes of diagnostic procedures and (3) hypothesis testing.
Compressive light field photography

Light field cameras, e.g. [Lytro 2012; Veeraraghavan et al. 2007], have ushered a new direction in photography allowing consumers to synthesize photographs with novel viewpoints or varying focus after the actual recording. Unfortunately, current light field camera designs impose a fixed trade-off between spatial and angular resolution --- spatial resolution is reduced to capture angular light variation on the sensor. We introduce a principled computational framework and a new camera design to acquire and reconstruct light fields at full spatial and angular resolution from a single exposure. Our framework introduces a high-dimensional sparse basis for light fields learned from millions of light fields patches. The same optimization procedure also allows for the synthesis of optimal mask patterns that are mounted at a slight offset in front of the sensor and optically attenuate the light field before it is recorded by the sensor. Finally, a weighted compressive sensing-style reconstruction is performed to recover the light field. We demonstrate, in theory and with simulations, how our compressive approach to light field photography outperforms state-of-art techniques.
THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX AND THE ANTERIOR LOBE OF THE HYPOPHYSIS

The Adrenals in Hypophysectomized Animals and in Hypopituiturism. That a very intimate relationship exists between the adrenal cortex and the anterior lobe of the hypophysis has been suspected from both clinical and experimental observations. It has been very definitely established that a rapid and extensive atrophy of the adrenal cortex follows total hypophysectomy in the tadpole (1, 2), rat (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), rabbit (10, 11), and dog (12, 13, 14). The histological changes in the adrenals of rats have been carefully studied by Smith (5). The medulla appears normal. The cortex, which is probably solely responsible for the diminution in the size of the gland, is altered in a pronounced way. The cells of all three zones show diminution in cytoplasm, but are not decreased in number. Fat deposits are limited to a central zone. In our hypophysectomized rats we have found the same changes. To determine the site of the initial alterations of the adrenal glands, eighteen totally hypophysectomized rats were ex...
Neurotoxicity of endogenous cysteinylcatechols.

Abstract Progression of Parkinson's disease has been associated with several biochemical changes in the substantia nigra including increased oxidative challenge, catechol oxidation, and inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity. Cysteinylcatechols, formed by nucleophilic addition of cysteine to oxidized catechols, have been identified as markers of catechol oxidation in brain tissue. We have examined the neurotoxicity of a series of cysteinylcatechols. Of the compounds examined, only 5-S-cysteinyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate (cysdopac) was specifically cytotoxic to differentiated P19 neuroglial cultures. Cysdopac also was neurotoxic to pyramidal neurons in organotypic cultures of hippocampus, and this effect was ablated by selectiveN-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists.In vitro,cysdopac was a potent inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I activity. However, electrophysiologic experiments failed to demonstrate NMDA receptor agonist activity for cysdopac, nor did cysdopac inhibit glutamate uptake. These results showed that cysdopac was the most potent neurotoxin of this series of cysteinylcatechols and suggest that cysdopac may function as an indirect excitotoxin, potentially via inhibition of mitochondrial respiration.
U-Th-Pb systematics in three Apollo 14 basalts and the problem of initial Pb in lunar rocks

The isotopic composition of Pb and the elemental concentration of U, Th and Pb were measured on 'total' rock samples 14053, 14073 and 14310 and on mineral separates of 14310 and 14053. These are the first Pb-U isochrons obtained for lunar basalts and indicate a reasonable solution to the previous discrepancy between the different methods of 'absolute' age determination. The resulting U-Pb isochron ages are compatible with the Rb-Sr and K-Ar ages on the same rocks. However, it is not possible to establish a precise time of 'crystallization' from the Pb-U data because of the small angle of intersection between the linear arrays and the concordia curve. These data show that total rock model ages do not in general yield crystallization ages. The data on 14310 and 14053 show that these rocks were formed containing a highly radiogenic initial lead which accounts for the excessively high total rock model ages by the U-Th-Pb method. The data prove that at the time of extrusion of some basalts, unsupported lead with extremely high Pb-207/Pb-206 ratios was added to the lunar surface.
Algorithm 736: Hyperelliptic integrals and the surface measure of ellipsoids

The algorithm for computing a class of hyperelliptic integrals and for determining the surface measure of ellipsoids is described in detail by Dunkl and Ramirez [1994]. An efficient implementation of their algorithm is presented here.
Optimal stopping problems for differential equations perturbed by a poisson process

We investigate a class of optimal stopping problems for dynamical systems described by one-dimensional differential equations with an additive Poisson disturbance. The rate of the disturbance may depend upon the current state of the system. A dynamic programming equation for the optimal stopping cost is derived along with conditions which must be met at the boundary of the optimal stopping set. These boundary conditions depend upon whether or not the stopping set may be entered by smooth motion.
Electron spectral properties of the InAs/GaAs quantum ring

A 3D model of semiconductor quantum ring (QR) based on the single sub-band approach with an energy-dependent electron effective mass is considered. The non-linear energy confinement problem is numerically solved iteratively by using the finite elements method. We calculate the energy spectrum of the electron states for the InAs/GaAs QR using the geometrical parameters obtained in the fabrication of such rings by A. Lorke, et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett. 84 (2000) 2223). The calculated energies are compared with the experimental data.
Excretion of urate salts by reptiles.

Abstract 1. 1. Several lizards and snakes and the desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) excrete urinary pellets containing electrolytes (Na, K, NH4). The low solubility of these cations, together with the high urate content, low chloride content and high urine pH, suggests that most cations are bound as urate salts. 2. 2. The K content of the pellets of herbivorous lizards and Gopherus (3·8 ± 0·12 equiv/kg) is much higher than that of carnivorous lizards (0·88 ± 0·09 equiv/kg) and snakes (1·1 ± 0·13 equiv/kg). Urine pH is also significantly higher in herbivorous reptiles. 3. 3. When maintained on a diet of lettuce, lizards excrete urine of higher pH and pellets of higher K content than when maintained on a diet of mealworms. 4. 4. Fasting significantly decreases urine pH and K content of the urinary pellets of several lizards. 5. 5. The NH4 content is much higher in the pellets of most snakes (4·1 ± 0·26 equiv/kg) and monitor lizards (4·5 ±0 ·16 equiv/kg) than in most lizards (0·54 ± 0·04 equiv/kg) and boid snakes (0·79 ± 0·03 equiv/kg).
Testing an assistive fetch robot with spatial language from older and younger adults

Methods and experimental results are presented for interpreting 3D spatial language descriptions used for human to robot communication in a fetch task. The work is based on human subject experiments in which spatial language descriptions were logged from younger and older adult participants. A spatial language model is proposed, and methods are presented for translating natural spatial language descriptions into robot commands that allow the robot to find the requested object. Robot command representation and robot behavior are also discussed. Experimental results compare path metrics of the robot system and human subjects in a common simulation environment. The overall success rate of the robot trials is 85%.
Serial arrays and change-over designs

Abstract Consider change-over designs for the comparison of v treatments. Each application has a direct effect and up to n −1 residual and/or interaction effects. An array is defined to be a serial array if: (1) all treatments occur equally often in each row and (2) reading down columns, all possible permutations of n consecutive treatments occur equally often in the array. A method of constructing ( λv + n −1) X v n −1 , λ integral, serial arrays is given. Use of these arrays as change-over designs is discussed with emphasis on the inclusion of interaction effects.
In and Out: Re-forming English Literary History

The humanities are always in the midst of reformation. Internally, we are continually critiquing the limitations of our basic organization by national boundaries and historical period. Looking outward, we are always asking (and being asked) what our research does: what role our methodologies and objects of study play in the university and in society in general. Over the past several months, these questions have been taken up with increasing urgency. Not a month goes by without the appearance of an article interrogating the value of the humanities, often wondering whether it can last and nearly always assuming that it will have to change. This year’s MLA conference theme, ‘‘Vulnerable Times,’’ centered on thinking through ‘‘the precarious place of education—particularly in languages, the humanities, and the arts,’’ provoked heated debate about these internally and externally-directed concerns. From large-scale questions about our responsibilities in the sphere of global politics down to reflections on our varied reading practices—close, distance, surface, or otherwise—the issues currently driving us
Photonic integrated circuit optical buffer for packet-switched networks

A chip-scale optical buffer performs autonomous contention resolution for 40-byte packets with 99% packet recovery. The buffer consists of a fast, InP-based 2 x 2 optical switch and a silica-on-silicon low loss delay loop. The buffer is demonstrated in recirculating operation, but may be reconfigured in feed-forward operation for longer packet lengths. The recirculating buffer provides packet storage in integer multiples of the delay length of 12.86 ns up to 64.3 ns with 98% packet recovery. The buffer is used to resolve contention between two 40 Gb/s packet streams using multiple photonic chip optical buffers.
Optimal detection of burst events in gravitational wave interferometric observatories

We consider the problem of detecting a burst signal of unknown shape. We introduce a statistic which generalizes the excess power statistic proposed by Flanagan and Hughes and extended by Anderson et al. The statistic we propose is shown to be optimal for arbitrary noise spectral characteristic, under the two hypotheses that the noise is Gaussian, and that the prior for the signal is uniform. The statistic derivation is based on the assumption that a signal affects only affects N samples in the data stream, but that no other information is a priori available, and that the value of the signal at each sample can be arbitrary. We show that the proposed statistic can be implemented combining standard time-series analysis tools which can be efficiently implemented, and the resulting computational cost is still compatible with an on-line analysis of interferometric data. We generalize this version of an excess power statistic to the multiple detector case, also including the effect of correlated noise. We give full details about the implementation of the algorithm, both for the single and the multiple detector case, and we discuss exact and approximate forms, depending on the specific characteristics of the noise and on the assumed length of the burst event. As a example, we show what would be the sensitivity of the network of interferometers to a delta-function burst.
Effect of microstructural changes on thermally activated flux-creep behavior in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system.

We measured magnetic relaxation for the zero-field-cooled magnetization of liquid-quenched Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O samples with various microstructures at an applied field of 1 kOe. We found that a large amount of crystal defects observed in the sample matrix greatly increase the pinning strength and, in turn, enhance the flux-creep behavior. The relaxation rate peaks at 14 K and drops to zero near 60 K. The increased activation energy in our crystallized samples is attributed to strong pinning caused by a high density of precipitates and lattice stacking faults.
A continuum model for flow strength of metal-matrix composites

A simplified analytical model for examining the flow strength of composite materials has been established. It consists of a finite unit cell containing a single inclusion. The analytical approach is based on an upper bound solution in which a kinematically admissible velocity field is assumed, and the total potential of the system is minimized. It is shown that this model predicts results that compare very well with data found in the literature, which is based on extensive finite element analyses. Furthermore, an explicit expression for the dependence of the overall flow strength of the composite on the matrix parameters (m, [sigma][sub 0]) and the volume fraction parameter f has been obtained. The method is being extended to composites with elliptical inclusions.
Promoting the Utilization of Performance Measures in Public Organizations: An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting Adoption and Implementation

Despite its appeal for improving government, many state and local governments have not developed performance-measurement systems, and even fewer use these systems to improve decision making. This study examines the factors that affect the utilization of performance measurement, based on the results of a national survey of state and local government officials. The goals of the study were to provide better information on the patterns of usage of performance measurement and to use this information to develop an elaborated model of the factors presumed to affect utilization. Using distinctions from the policy and evaluation literature, hypotheses were tested and confirmed: Policy adoption is driven more heavily by factors from rational and technocratic theory, whereas actual implementation is influenced by factors addressed by political and cultural considerations.
Pressure-adaptive differences in proteolytic inactivation of M4-lactate dehydrogenase homologues from marine fishes.

The inactivation by hydrostatic pressure of muscle-type lactate dehydrogenase (M4-LDH, EC 1.1.1.27; L-lactate: NAD+ oxidoreductase) homologues from five shallow-living and six deep-living marine teleost fishes was compared. The pressures which inactivate these enzymes are much higher than the pressures experienced by any of the species. To determine whether hydrostatic pressure effects on protein aggregation state and conformation might influence proteolysis, the inactivation of LDH by the proteases, trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) and subtilisin (EC 3.4.4.16) was determined at atmospheric pressure and 1,000 atm pressure. At 10°C and atmospheric pressure, the enzymes of the shallow-living fishes are inactivated four times faster by trypsin and three times faster by subtilisin than are the homologues of the deep-living species. At 1,000 atm pressure, the homologues of shallow-occurring fishes were inactivated 28 to 64% more than predicted from the summed effects of denaturation by 1,000 atm pressure and tryptic inactivation at atmospheric pressure. In contrast, the homologues of the deep-sea species were inactivated by trypsin 0 to 21% more than expected. At 1,000 atm, inactivation by subtilisin increased to a similar degree for enzymes from both deep- and shallow-living species. However, at 1,000 atm, the M4-LDH homologues of the deep-sea species lost less activity (55.3%) than did the homologues of the shallow species (86.4%). In comparisons made at 200 atm, a pressure typical of the habitat of the deep-occurring species, tryptic inactivation of the LDH of the shallow-living Sebastes melanops was increased 14%. No pressure inactivation of the enzyme is evident at 200 atm. Two hundred atm pressure does not increase the tryptic inactivation of the enzymes of the two deep-living macrourids. Increased structural stability of the enzymes of deep-sea species may be an adaptation which prevents too rapid protein turnover, which would be energetically costly in the food-poor deep sea.
Efficacy of limb cooling on the salvage of peripheral nerve from ischemic fiber degeneration.

Since peripheral nerve has a large ischemic safety factor, hypothermia, by reducing metabolic demands, it is potentially an efficacious technique to rescue nerve from ischemic fiber degeneration (IFD). We therefore evaluated the influence of temperature on the severity of IFD resulting from a standard ischemic stress. Ischemia to the left sciatic nerve in the rat was produced by embolization of 2 × 106 microspheres (14 μm) into its supplying arteries. The limb was embolized at three temperatures, 37°C, 32°C, and 28°C and was maintained at each temperature for an additional 4 h. End points, evaluated 7 days after embolization, for the embolized limb were: (1) behavioral scores, 0–11 in increasing limb function; (2) compound nerve action potential of sciatic-tibial nerve; (3) sciatic nerve blood flow (NBF, in mL/100 g/min); and (4) histologic grade, expressed as percentage of fibers undergoing IFD (0 = 75%). NBF was reduced in all groups, varying with temperature, and all indices of nerve structure and function were significantly improved with hypothermia. We conclude that hypothermia, easily achievable in a limb nerve, is highly efficacious in the rescue of nerve from IFD. These findings are of clinical relevance. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Are turns required for the folding of ribonuclease T1

Ribonuclease T1 (RNase T1) is a small, globular protein of 104 amino acids for which extensive thermodynamic and structural information is known. To assess the specific influence of variations in amino acid sequence on the mechanism for protein folding, circularly permuted variants of RNase T1 were constructed and characterized in terms of catalytic activity and thermodynamic stability. The disulfide bond connecting Cys-2 and Cys-10 was removed by mutation of these residues to alanine (C2, 10A) to avoid potential steric problems imposed by the circular permutations. The original amino-terminus and carboxyl-terminus of the mutant (C2, 10A) were subsequently joined with a tripeptide linker to accommodate a reverse turn and new termini were introduced throughout the primary sequence in regions of solvent-exposed loops at Ser-35 (cp35S1), Asp-49 (cp49D1), Gly-70 (cp70G1), and Ser-96 (cp96S1). These circularly permuted RNase T1 mutants retained 35-100% of the original catalytic activity for the hydrolysis of guanylyl(3'-->5')cytidine, suggesting that the overall tertiary fold of these mutants is very similar to that of wild-type protein. Chemical denaturation curves indicated thermodynamic stabilities at pH 5.0 of 5.7, 2.9, 2.6, and 4.6 kcal/mol for cp35S1, cp49D1, cp70G1, and cp96S1, respectively, compared to a value of 10.1 kcal/mol for wild-type RNase T1 and 6.4 kcal/mol for (C2, 10A) T1. A fifth set of circularly permuted variants was attempted with new termini positioned in a tight beta-turn between Glu-82 and Gln-85. New termini were inserted at Asn-83 (cp83N1), Asn-84 (cp84N1), and Gln-85 (cp85Q1). No detectable amount of protein was ever produced for any of the mutations in this region, suggesting that this turn may be critical for the proper folding and/or thermodynamic stability of RNase T1.
Locomotor behavior changes induced by E-17 striatal transplants in normal rats

Abstract It is well established that embryonic tissue transplantation into an abnormal or lesioned brain can ameliorate some of the accompanying symptomotology. Specifically, transplants placed into kainic acid (KA) or ibotenic acid lesioned striatal rats promote behavioral recovery in various ambulatory measures. In the KA animal model, when the transplant encroached on normal host tissue, the behavioral recovery was diminished. However, little has been done to reveal what effect tissue transplants have on normal host brain. The present study placed E-17 striatal tissue into a normal adult striatum. Digiscan locomotor testing revealed that ten weeks after surgery, the implanted animals demonstrated pervasive nocturnal hyperactivity. Ambulatory, vertical and stereotypic measures were significantly increased when compared to controls. Rats with ten week implants showed lower increases in body gain yet increased food consumption when compared to controls. The transplants survived and contained normal looking AChE positively stained neurons. Evidence for fiber passage through the host-graft interface was also seen. When comparing three and ten week implants, there was a decrease in transplant size in the latter group accompanied by enlarged ventricles giving the brain a lesioned-like appearance. From these results, it is suggested that the placement of E-17 striatal tissue into adult striatum results in lesion-like behavior which may be attributed to the physical disruption of striatal systems.
Conditional Dose‐Response Relationships for Microorganisms: Development and Application

1. Only one viable microorganism is required to initiate the infection process in vivo. 2. Individuals ingest a number of microorganisms representing a random sample from a Poisson distribution (with a mean of d). 3. The survival of any microorganism within a single host is independent of the survival of any other microorganism within that host. 4. In the case of the exponential model, the probability of survival of each of the microorganisms in any host is equal to ‘‘r.’’ 5. In the case of the beta-Poisson model, the distribution of microorganism-host survival probabilities is given by a beta distribution with parameters of a and b.
Peer Judgment: An Ideal Typification

Typically, editors' decisions regarding the publishability of research and scholarly knowledge are based on reviews by persons who make professional judgments about the quality of work before them....
Cooperation for innovation: A solidaristic approach to economic reform

Cathie Jo Martin examines the Scandinavian model of strong democratic institutions and cooperative policymaking built on a bedrock of social solidarity. This model, she argues, just might provide the basis for the Nordic nations' recovery from crisis.
Differential effectiveness of muscular and cognitive relaxation as a function of locus of control

Abstract This study examined the differential effectiveness of muscular and cognitive relaxation as a function of locus of control. Eighteen internally oriented and 18 externally oriented females were randomly assigned to one or another of the relaxation conditions. As hypothesized, the cognitive relaxation procedure resulted in a greater decrement in heart rate and subjective distress for the internals, while muscular relaxation produced the greater decrement for the externals. Results underscored the utility of the client-treatment interactive model.
A clinical and histopathologic analysis of the results of conservation surgery and radiation therapy in stage I and II breast carcinoma

One hundred eighty women with clinical Stage I or II operable breast carcinoma were treated by radiotherapy following local tumor excision at Yale-New Haven Hospital through 1980. With a median follow-up time of 6.9 years, the actuarial 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 82% and 78%, respectively. The 5-year actuarial breast-recurrence-free survival rate was 92%. Several clinical-histopathologic features and treatment parameters were assessed for their significance as predictors of local breast failure or distant relapse. Cox lifetable regression analysis showed that patients with clinical Stage II carcinomas had significantly worse overall and relapse-free survival rates, but clinical stage alone had no effect on the rate of breast recurrence. Furthermore, a decrease in overall and disease-free survival was evident when necrosis was present in the tumor or when patients had an infiltrating lobular carcinoma. Breast recurrence-free survival was also influenced adversely by the presence of these two tumor features, especially when either tumor necrosis or infiltrating lobular carcinoma was found in conjunction with clinical Stage II lesions. Other histologic features such as grade, vascular invasion, perineural invasion, or the presence of an intraductal component of carcinoma did not affect outcome, nor did the treatment techniques employed appear to have a differential effect.
Comparison of Nonpulsatile and Pulsatile Extracorporeal Circulation on Renal Tissue Perfusion

This study was designed to compare the physiologic effects of nonpulsatile (NP) and pulsatile (P) perfusion on the kidney. Serial specimens for blood gases and serum lactic acid (L) were taken from the renal artery and vein in three groups of dogs; one group served as control. The aortic arch was crossclamped and NP and P left atrial to left subclavian artery bypass was performed for two hours on two groups of dogs. Renal blood flow (RBF) and arterial (AP) and the venous pressures (VP) were continuously monitored. Vascular resistance (VR) was calculated by the formula VR = (AP—VP)/RBF. In order to maintain nearly equal arterial pressures above and below the crossclamped aorta, a higher flow rate was required with NP (80 ml/kg/min) than with P (60 ml/Kg/min). Marked reduction in pH (7.255) along with elevated L (50 mg/100 ml) were consistent with NP. There was less reduction in pH (7.37) and less elevation of L (35 mg/100 ml) with P, whereas control pH was 7.37 and L was 17 mg/ml. Pulsatile pumping provides better tissue perfusion during extracorporeal bypass.
The relation of age and other factors to cardiac subendothelial hemorrhage in dogs.

Abstract 1. 1. Observations on the state of the endocardium, particularly of the heart valves, have been made in one hundred seventy-eight dogs in relation to age, injection of pitressin and epinephrine, and in connection with attempts to prevent the occurrence of lesions following the use of such agents. 2. 2. The incidence of subendothelial heart valve hemorrhages in routine autopsies on laboratory experimental animals was found to be more than three times as great in dogs over 5 years of age as in animals under 3 years. 3. 3. In twelve dogs under 1 year of age the incidence of valve hemorrhage was zero after control injections of isotonic saline and death by intravenous potassium cyanide solution. 4. 4. In sixteen dogs under 1 year of age given pitressin and killed within twenty-four hours the incidence of valve hemorrhage was 88 per cent. The same incidence was seen in twenty-four such animals given epinephrine. 5. 5. Neither ascorbic acid, vitamin P, nor papaverine counteracted the hemorrhagic effects of pitressin or epinephrine, under the conditions employed. 6. 6. These observations may provide a basis for an experimental approach to clinical problems related to age and cardiovascular diseases.
Stent induced gastric wall erosion and endoscopic retrieval of nonadjustable gastric band: a new technique

In gastrointestinal surgery, specifically in bariatric surgery, there are many types of fixed bands used for restriction and there are a multitude reasons that might eventually be an impetus for the removal of those bands. Bands consisting of Marlex or non silastic materials can be extremely difficult to remove. Intraoperative complications removing fixed bands include the difficulty in locating the band, inability to remove all of the band, and damage to surrounding structures including gastrotomies. Removal of eroded bands endoscopically may pose less risk. Potentially, forced erosion may be an easier modality than surgery, allowing revision without having to deal with the actual band at the time of definitive revision surgery. A retrospective case series developed from a university single institution bariatric practice setting was utilized. Endpoints for the study include success of band removal, complications, length of time the stent was present, and the type of stent. A total of 15 consecutive cases utilizing endoscopic stenting to actively induce fixed gastric band erosion for subsequent endoscopic removal were reviewed. There was an 87 % success rate in complete band removal with partial removal of the remaining bands that resolved the patient’s symptoms. A complication rate of 27 % was recorded among the 15 patients, consisting of pain and/or nausea and vomiting. The mean time period of the placement of the stent prior to removal or attempted removal was 16.3 days. Endoscopic forced erosion of fixed gastric bands is feasible, safe, and may offer an advantage over laparoscopic removal. This technique is especially applicable for gastric obstruction from fixed bands, prior to large and definitive revision surgeries, or anticipated hostile anatomy that might preclude an abdominal operation altogether.
A Reply to Stack

The problems inherent in doing cross-national analyses given the current quantity and quality of data are well illustrated by Stack's comments on my analysis (Krohn, 1976) of the relationship between unemployment and inequality and the crime rates for 38 nations. While Stack endorses the findings on the other variables included in my analysis, he calls into question the reported relationships between unemployment and the crime rates because the unemployment data are based on "unsound measurements" which threaten the comparability of such data. I readily concur with Stack's statement that these results should be interpreted with caution and am grateful for his explication of the different measures of unemployment reported in the Yearbook of Labour Statistics (ILO, 1967). However, I cannot agree with his assertion that the findings on unemployment "should be disregarded." Since Stack does not provide any data which indicate the use of the unemployment estimates provided by the Yearbook have systematically biased the correlation coefficients, I would suggest a strategy of tentatively accepting the results until analyses using better measures find significantly divergent findings which would warrant disregarding those results based on the less comparable measures. In the absence of such analyses there are two ways in which Stack's assertion can be investigated. First, we can examine the correlations between unemployment and rates of crime only for those nations which have the most comparable form of unemployment statistics, the labor force sample survey data. This reduces the sample to only 11 highly industrialized nations, thus introducing a significant bias into the coefficients. In spite of this bias, the correlations found between unemployment and homicide, property and total crime rates (.40, -.43, and -.41, respectively) are consistent in direction with those reported in my original 24 nation analysis (.26, -.21, and -.003). Obviously there is a significant discrepancy in the magnitude of the correlations. However, this may be due to the fact that including only nations reporting labor force sample survey data limits the variability in the sample to industrialized nations. Research reporting time series analyses on the relationship between unemployment and homicide within 16 separate nations indicates that "heavily industrialized, capitalist" societies exhibit a strong positive correlation whereas other nations have low or inverse correlations (Archer et al., 1976). Thus, the attrition of countries when including only those nations with labor force sample survey data may have served to increase the magnitude of the correlations.
Superconductivity at 22 K in Co-doped BaFe2As2 crystals.

Here we report bulk superconductivity in ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{1.8}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ single crystals below ${T}_{c}=22\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{K}$, as demonstrated by resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and specific heat data. Hall data indicate that the dominant carriers are electrons, as expected from simple chemical reasoning. This is the first example of superconductivity induced by electron doping in this family of materials. In contrast with cuprates, the ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ system appears to tolerate considerable disorder in the FeAs planes. First principles calculations for ${\mathrm{BaFe}}_{1.8}{\mathrm{Co}}_{0.2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$ indicate the interband scattering due to Co is weak.
Work in progress - a fully online bachelor of electrical engineering degree

With the support of the Sloan Foundation and the State University of New York Learning Environments, faculty from three public electrical engineering programs have developed and offered undergraduate courses in electrical engineering with a goal of a fully online undergraduate degree program. This will be the first such program in the nation. To date, nine required or ldquocorerdquo courses and seven elective courses have been developed out of a total of 20 upper division courses. Prospective students will be expected to have completed associates degrees through community colleges or equivalent programs before they can enroll. The online program includes both lecture and laboratory courses, and accreditation by ABET will be sought. Discussions are underway on articulation with community colleges who already offer a variety of online courses at the lower division level. Courses are offered through the Blackboard course management system and consist of lectures in several formats. A unique electronics laboratory course requires students to design and test circuits using their computers to acquire and analyze data. The initial enrollments have been promising, and student performances compare well with those of traditional full-time students. The demographics of student inquiries suggest a national demand for the program.
HER2 Drives Luminal Breast Cancer Stem Cells in the Absence of HER2 Amplification: Implications for Efficacy of Adjuvant Trastuzumab

Although current breast cancer treatment guidelines limit the use of HER2-blocking agents to tumors with HER2 gene amplification, recent retrospective analyses suggest that a wider group of patients may benefit from this therapy. Using breast cancer cell lines, mouse xenograft models and matched human primary and metastatic tissues, we show that HER2 is selectively expressed in and regulates self-renewal of the cancer stem cell (CSC) population in estrogen receptor-positive (ER + ), HER2 − luminal breast cancers. Although trastuzumab had no effects on the growth of established luminal breast cancer mouse xenografts, administration after tumor inoculation blocked subsequent tumor growth. HER2 expression is increased in luminal tumors grown in mouse bone xenografts, as well as in bone metastases from patients with breast cancer as compared with matched primary tumors. Furthermore, this increase in HER2 protein expression was not due to gene amplification but rather was mediated by receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK)-ligand in the bone microenvironment. These studies suggest that the clinical efficacy of adjuvant trastuzumab may relate to the ability of this agent to target the CSC population in a process that does not require HER2 gene amplification. Furthermore, these studies support a CSC model in which maximal clinical benefit is achieved when CSC targeting agents are administered in the adjuvant setting. Cancer Res; 73(5); 1–11. ©2013 AACR .
Chondromyxoid fibroma of the metacarpal

This report describes a chondromyxoid fibroma which developed in the distal part of the second metacarpal of a 12-year-old girl. The tumor is rare, perhaps the rarest of all bone tumors, and the occurrence in a metacarpal of a young female is extraordinarily uncommon.
The kinetics of martensite formation in small particles

The kinetics of martensite nucleation in “atomized” particles of Fe-24.2 Ni-3.6 Mn and Fe-22 Ni-0.49 C have been investigated as a function of particle size (10 to 140 μ) and reaction temperature. The dependence of particle fraction transformed on particle size indicates that martensite nucleates at surface or near-surface sites for the Fe−Ni−C powder and throughout the bulk for the Fe−Ni−Mn powder. It is shown that, in contrast to kinetic measurements on bulk samples where autocatalysis predominates, the present technique measures reaction rate due solely to the sites present initially. The measurements show that there is no detectable incubation time for nucleation and that the nucleation sites have a specific distribution of activation energies. A method for extracting the distribution from experimental measurements is given and the result is used to develop a revised equation for describing isothermal martensite formation. The isothermal kinetics of martensite formation in Fe-22 Ni-0.49 C are investigated despite the fact that such measurements are not possible in bulk samples because the alloy transforms by “bursting”. It is found that the apparent activation entropy for martensite nucleation is significantly higher for this alloy than for Fe-24.2 Ni-3.6 Mn. This suggests that the dislocation-dislocation interactions at the critical nucleation step are longer-range in the Fe−Ni−C alloy than in the Fe−Ni−Mn alloy.
Nonintegrated viral DNA in rat cells doubly transformed by SV40 and polyoma virus.

Abstract Rat F2408 cells transformed by polyoma virus contain, in addition to integrated viral genomes, a small number (an average of 20–50 copies per cell) of nonintegrated viral DNA molecules. On the other hand, SV40-transformed rat cells contain only integrated viral genomes. SV40-transformed rat cells also differ from the polyoma transformants, in that they grow in soft agar medium at a much slower rate. Cells doubly transformed by polyoma and SV40 can be easily isolated following polyoma superinfection of SV40-transformed rat cells, as their rate of growth in agar is enhanced. These doubly transformed cells yield polyoma or SV40, respectively, after fusion with cells permissive for each virus. However, only polyoma-specific DNA sequences can be detected in these cells in a “free” state.
30-MHz Power Inductor Using Nano-Granular Magnetic Material

Nano-granular metal-nonmetal soft magnetic materials offer low losses at frequencies up to 100 MHz, with higher flux density and temperature capability than ferrites. We present the design, fabrication, and testing of a high-Q 30 MHz toroidal inductor using Co-Zr-O nano-granular magnetic materials.
LQR design with prescribed damping and degree of stability

This note addresses the problem of linear quadratic regulator design such that the eigenvalue of the closed loop state matrix lie to the left of a desired constant (-/spl alpha/) and satisfy certain minimum damping to achieve a desirable response. A computational algorithm is outlined and simulation results are provided.
New insights into the mechanisms of acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit

Acute kidney injury is a frequent complication in the intensive care unit that is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Traditional models consider reductions of global renal blood flow as the cause of acute kidney injury. However, a complex interplay between ischemia-reperfusion injury and inflammation may lead to intrarenal hypoperfusion and acute kidney injury. The role of changes of global renal blood flow as a cause for acute kidney injury remains controversial, especially in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.
Phase diagrams for adsorbed layers at crystal surfaces

This paper provides an introduction to the rapidly expanding field of phase equilibria within adsorbed layers on crystal surfaces. The types of diagrams used to represent the stability of surface phases and their coexistence are discussed. Experimental methods employed to determine the structure, ranges of stability, and transitions of surface phases are briefly reviewed, and several examples of surface overlayer phase diagrams are presented. Comments are made on the current status of the theoretical treatment of two-dimensional transitions.
Engineering Secondary Metabolism in Maize Cells by Ectopic Expression of Transcription Factors

Manipulation of plant natural product biosynthesis through genetic engineering is an attractive but technically challenging goal. Here, we demonstrate that different secondary metabolites can be produced in cultured maize cells by ectopic expression of the appropriate regulatory genes. Cell lines engineered to express the maize transcriptional activators C1 and R accumulate two cyanidin derivatives, which are similar to the predominant anthocyanin found in differentiated plant tissues. In contrast, cell lines that express P accumulate various 3-deoxy flavonoids. Unexpectedly, P-expressing cells in culture also accumulate phenylpropanoids and green fluorescent compounds that are targeted to different subcellular compartments. Two endogenous biosynthetic genes (c2 and a1, encoding chalcone synthase and flavanone/dihydroflavonol reductase, respectively) are independently activated by ectopic expression of either P or C1/R, and there is a dose-response relationship between the transcript level of P and the degree to which c2 or a1 is expressed. Our results support a simple model showing how the gene encoding P may act as a quantitative trait locus controlling insecticidal C-glycosyl flavone level in maize silks, and they suggest how p1 might confer a selective advantage against insect predation in maize.
Disorders of reproduction in patients with epilepsy: Primary neurological mechanisms

Reproductive disorders are unusually common among women and men with epilepsy. They are generally associated with and may be the consequence of reproductive endocrine disorders. Both epilepsy itself and antiepileptic drug use have been implicated in their pathophysiology. This review focuses on how temporolimbic dysfunction in epilepsy may disrupt normal neuroendocrine regulation and promote the development of reproductive endocrine disorders. The particular nature of the dysregulation may relate to the laterality and focality of the epilepsy and some hormonal changes may develop in close temporal relation to the occurrence of epileptiform discharges. In women, reproductive endocrine disorders include polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea, functional hyperprolactinemia, and premature menopause. In men, hypogonadism may be hypogonadotropic, hypergonadotropic or related to hyperprolactinemia. The significance of these reproductive endocrine disorders is that they may contribute not only to sexual dysfunction and infertility but may also have an adverse impact on seizure control.
Mapping a critical framework for the study of travel journalism

This article provides a programmatic framework for the investigation of travel journalism. We argue that travel journalism is an important site for studying the ideological dimensions of tourism, transcultural encounters and the ongoing dynamics of media globalization. Based on the literature on tourism in sociology, anthropology and cultural studies, we identify three distinct but interrelated theoretical perspectives for the analysis of travel journalism structured by issues of periodization, power and phenomenology.
Kinetics of Homovanillie Acid and Determination of Its Production Rate in Humans

: Homovanillie acid (HVA) labeled with either two or five deuterium atoms (d2-HVA or d5-HVA) was used to label the peripheral body pool of endogenous HVA (d0-HVA) in control humans and in neurological patients. Either d2- or d5-HVA was rapidly injected intravenously and concentrations of d2- or d5- and d0-HVA in sequential samples of blood plasma were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Parameters describing the distribution and elimination of HVA, as well as its pool size, turnover, and synthesis rate were then calculated. Results indicate that the decline of plasma d2- or d5-HVA with time was multiexponential in five out of six subjects. Basal levels of endogenous HVA averaged 14.4 ± 1.3 ng/ml in the control patients and 8.69 ± 2.4 ng/ml in the neurological patients. The biological half-life averaged 71.3 ± 8.0 min in the control subjects and 91.3 ± 15 min in the neurological patients. The apparent volume of distribution of HVA in the body was 31–100 liters. Plasma clearance was 243–679 ml/min. The size of the peripheral body pool, calculated from plasma kinetic parameters, was 392–673 μg. The HVA rate of production, calculated for the whole body, was 166–323 μg/h. This technique can be used to determine accurately the rate of HVA production by the whole body over short time intervals. Since sample size was very limited (n= 3 per group) and effects of variables such as age and sex on these data have not been excluded, more thorough investigations are needed to document any differences between normal controls and neurological patients.
Transformation of polydipsic drinking into operant drinking: A paradigm?

Polydipsia in a rat, induced by spacing of small food portions, spontaneously evolved into an operant drinking response, adventitiously reinforced by food deliveries. As operant control became stronger, the inductive control of food over polydipsic drinking disappeared. The final form of the behavior responded to amphetamine in the same way that other moderate-rate operants do, and unlike the way polydipsia does. The present, unprogrammed result suggests one origin of operant behavior, and suggests that there is a range of behavior between simple reflexes and operants.
Analysis and control of finite time-variation systems

The class of finite time-variation systems is considered. These linear, time-varying systems admit a state space realization and the coefficient matrices of this realization are constant outside a finite interval. Controller synthesis based on a finite time-variation model is a compromise between a finite horizon, time-varying control problem and an infinite horizon, time-invariant control problem. Moreover, system theoretic concepts of poles and frequency response can be defined in a natural and useful manner.