cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parameter optimization for excimer-based TMR clinical systems: an in-vivo study

Our precise in vivo investigations examined various laser choices for TMR including Ho:YAG, CO 2 and XeCl excimer laser. These studies have revealed that among the three lasers tested, the XeCl excimer ablation produces the least tissue damage. In this study we have further examined the use of the excimer laser for optical application in TMR. To this end, myocardial ablation was conducted in vivo in a porcine model with the use of multiple fiber catheters of 1.0mm and 1.4mm in diameter. During ablation, the catheters were advanced into the myocardium at different constant speeds via a specially designed electromechanical device. Each of the catheters was tested at 35 mJ/mm 2 and different pulse repetition rate. Optimal operating parameters were defined as those that produced the most uniform tissue ablation, and the least thermal and shock- wave damage as determined via computerized histopathological analysis. We have found that ablation rate, pulse repetition rate, catheter size, and catheter advancement speed are parameters closely intertwined and crucial to the histological outcome of TMR. Within the values of parameters tested, larger catheters, pulse repetition rates between 35 and 40 Hz, and advancement speeds of about 1.3 mm/s (~0.05 inches/s) seem to provide reasonably optimized parameters for excimer-based TMLR.
DIPOLE-EXCHANGE SURFACE WAVE DISPERSION AND LOSS FOR A METALLIZED FERRITE FILM

The frequency versus wavenumber dispersion for a conductor on an insulating ferromagnetic film is calculated including dipolar, exchange and conductivity effects. Conductivity losses dominate for fδ ~ 1 while propagation losses are largest for αf2 ≥ where f is the surface wave propagation constant, δ the skin depth and α is the exchange constant. The surface wave dispersion curve exhibits a variety of shapes depending upon the values of δ and α and ratio δ2/α. The general features of magnetic surface wave dispersion and loss are summarized.
A Comparative Approach to European Folk Poetry and the Erotic Wedding Motif

In her article, "A Comparative Approach to European Folk Poetry and the Erotic Wedding Motif," Louise O. Vasvari posits that while the corpus of folk poetry in any one area of Europe always differs from neighboring traditions, of greater interest is the existence of a large amount of related material across the continent. Nevertheless, while research in folk poetry has been rich in field collecting and cataloguing, there exists little in-depth comparative study of folk poetry. Doubtless, this is owing in part to the fact that the great majority of the texts are accessible only in the original language or dialect. In this study, Vasvari offers a case study as a model for such investigations. The comparative analysis of examples from a German, Hungarian, and Spanish corpus show how in folk poetry women are often depicted as potentially transgressive. On the one hand, being titillating, the songs are appropriate to the occasion of the wedding festivities, and, on the other, they represent a warning to young women about the sexual and, consequently, social dangers always present in their interaction with men. Louise O. Vasvari, "A Comparative Approach to European Folk Poetry and the Erotic Wedding Motif" page 2 of 8 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 1.4 (1999):
An Innovative Model for Collaborative Reform in Elementary School Science Teaching.

This article received the “Innovations in Teaching Science Teachers” award at the 1996 meeting of the Association for the Education of Teachers in Science. The award is made possible by Delta Education.
A Dyadic Protocol for Training Complex Skills: A Replication Using Female Participants:

The effectiveness and efficiency of the active interlocked modeling (AIM) dyadic protocol in training complex skills has been extensively demonstrated. However, past evaluation studies have all used male participants exclusively. Consequently, the present study investigated the generalizability of the effectiveness and efficiency gains to women. We randomly assigned 108 female participants to either the AIM-dyad condition or a standard individual control training condition. The results supported the robustness and viability of the AIM protocol. Although their overall performance was lower than that obtained for men in previous studies, women trained in the AIM-dyad condition performed as well as those trained in the individual condition. Thus, the efficiency gains associated with the AIM-dyad protocol, which result from the ability to train two people simultaneously to reach the same performance level as a single person with no increase in training time or machine cost, are generalizable to female participants. The applied and basic research implications of the present study are discussed within the context of well-documented male/female differences in the performance of complex psychomotor tasks. For instance, given the number of women entering the workforce and the significant proportion of women in professions previously deemed to be male-dominated (e.g., air navigation), it is reassuring to know that sex differences in task performance do not necessarily imply sex differences in the effectiveness of training protocols.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Imaging: Deeper Than the Eye Can See

c p n I e n o V he management of patients with a gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy requires a precise diagnosis and ccurate staging information. Traditionally, a diagnosis f GI malignancy is made through a tissue biopsy guided y conventional light endoscopy or radiological imaging. lthough a histological diagnosis of malignancy remains he gold standard, increasingly sophisticated endoscopic nd radiological imaging may enable physicians to diagose malignancy less invasively. The staging of GI maignancies is traditionally performed with cross-sectional maging and is more recently performed with endoscopic ltrasonography (EUS). Recent refinements in imaging ave improved our ability to accurately determine the epth and locoregional invasion of early malignancy rising from hollow and solid organs of the GI tract. In this review, we will examine recent advancements n endoscopic and radiological imaging techniques and iscuss how they have influenced patient management. he review will discuss the current standards for imagng malignancies of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, mall intestine, liver, and colon. Emerging imaging echnology for each major GI malignancy will also be iscussed.
Puberty in the male pony: Plasma gonadotropin concentrations and the effects of castration

Abstract Ten male ponies were studied from 17 December 1978 through 9 August 1979. Six of the colts were born the previous spring (1978) and four were born during the previous summer. Three of the spring-born colts had been castrated at 4 months of age. Based on the presence of spermatozoa in the epididymis, all spring-born colts ( 3 3 ), but only one summer-born colt ( 1 4 ) had reached puberty by the end of the project (August). Spermatogenesis was significantly more advanced in the spring-born colts than in the summer-born colts. Concentrations of FSH and LH in the intact males remained constant from December through August, and levels were significantly lower than for the long-term castrated males throughout this period. In the long-term castrates, concentrations of FSH and LH increased from late winter and early spring to the highest levels during late spring and summer. On 9 August, the three spring-born colts (approximately 16 months of age) were castrated. The four summer-born colts (approximately 12–13 months old) were randomly assigned to either castrate (n=2) or hemicastrate (n=2) groups, and surgery was done on all colts on the same day. Both gonadotropins increased following castration in spring-born males. Concentrations of FSH and LH did not change following hemicastration.
Temporal coupled-mode theory and the presence of non-orthogonal modes in lossless multimode cavities

We develop a general temporal coupled-mode theory for multimode optical resonators. This theory incorporates a formal description of a direct transmission pathway, and is therefore capable of describing Fano interference phenomena in multimode cavities. Using this theory, we prove a general criterion that governs the existence of nonorthogonal modes. The presence of nonorthogonal modes creates interesting transport properties which can not be obtained in normal resonator systems. We validate our theory by comparing its predictions with first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations and obtaining excellent agreement between the two.
A comparison between X‐ray fluorescence and dissolution methods employing lithium metaborate fusion for elemental analysis of soil clays

Abstract A method employing fusion of soil clay samples with lithium metaborate (1:5 ratio) in a furnace at 1050°C for 1 hr. subsequent dissolution of the fused sample in 4% HNO3. and elemental analysis for Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, and Ti by atomic absorption spectrometry was compared with the X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) fused disc technique for analysis. Duplicated analyses were performed on 15 clay samples from soils of the southern U.S and three API reference samples. The mean total percent recovery by this method was excellent (100.14 ± 2.85). Elemental oxide quantities in terms of SiO2. Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO and K2O determined by atomic absorption/flame emission (AA/FE) spectroscopy were in good agreement with values measured by x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) on the same subsamples (r = 0.89* to 0.98**). but somewhat more variable on subsamples seperated from different pretreatments (r = 0.70* to 0.97** ). The method, which has also been tested on 36 additional clay samples from a variety of Kentucky soils wit...
Coarse-Grained Computer Simulations of Polymer/Fullerene Bulk Heterojunctions for Organic Photovoltaic Applications

We develop coarse-grained (CG) computer simulation models of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and P3HT/fullerene-C60 mixtures, in which collections of atoms from a physically accurate atomistic model are mapped onto a smaller number of “superatoms”. These CG models allow much larger systems to be simulated for longer durations than is achievable atomistically, making it possible to study in molecular detail the morphology of polymer/fullerene bulk heterojunctions at length and time scales relevant to organic photovoltaic devices. We demonstrate that our CG models, parametrized at two state points, accurately capture the structure of atomistic systems at other points in the mixture phase diagram. Finally, we use our CG models to study the dynamic evolution of the microstructure of a P3HT/C60 bulk heterojunction in a system approaching the device scale.
The effects of ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure on the bronchial circulation☆

We studied the effects of ventilation with 10 cm H2O PEEP for 2 h in dogs with temporary unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion (TUPAO) on bronchial blood flow to the occluded lung using the microsphere dispersion technique. We found that blood flow to the occluded left lung in dogs was 9.9 ml/min (0.122 ml X min-1 X g-1). Within 30 min following the addition of 10 cm H2O PEEP blood flow fell by 70-80% (to 2.3 ml/min) caused both by a 3-fold decrease in vascular conductance and a 25% fall in systemic blood pressure. The reduction in left bronchial blood flow persisted for at least 2 h. We conclude from these data that ventilation with PEEP in the presence of pulmonary artery occlusion has a severe, persistent adverse effect on bronchial blood flow. This reduction in bronchial blood flow is beyond what can be explained by the changes in airway pressure. The additional increase in bronchial vascular resistance may be caused by the increase in lung volume, by reflex bronchial vasoconstriction, or by release of mediators locally.
Cooperative learning in teams: State of the art

This article reviews classroom research on cooperative‐learning techniques. These are instructional methods in which students work in 4–6 member, heterogeneous teams to master prescribed academic material or to carry out a group project or discussion. The review is focused on the four cooperative‐learning techniques in widest use in classrooms, although less widely used methods are also discussed. Only studies which took place over a period of at least two weeks are reviewed. It is concluded that: (a) Cooperative learning methods are generally more effective than control methods in increasing student achievement, but the effects arc not consistent. Some evidence suggests that highly structured cooperative methods are best for basic skills, while more open‐ended methods are best for higher‐order skills. (b) Cooperative learning methods have generally positive effects on student inter‐ethnic relations, mutual concern, self‐esteem, liking of school, and other variables.
Simulation of SeaWinds measurements in the presence of rain using collocated TRMM PR data

The scatterometer SeaWinds on QuikSCAT measures ocean winds via the relationship between the wind and the normalized radar backscatter cross-section (/spl sigma//spl deg/) from the ocean surface. Scattering and attenuation from falling rain droplets along with ocean surface perturbations due to rain change the backscatter signature of the waves induced by near-surface winds. A Simple model incorporates the effects of rain on ocean /spl sigma//spl deg/. Colocated data from the precipitation radar (PR) aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite is used to simulate the effects of rain as seen by SeaWinds. PR-derived backscatter, atmospheric rain attenuation, and rain rates are averaged over the SeaWinds footprint. The enhancement in backscatter from rain striking the ocean surface is estimated as a function of rain rate using a least-squares technique. QuikSCAT /spl sigma//spl deg/ values are simulated from the PR-derived parameters and numerical weather prediction wind data using the simple backscatter model. The simple model estimates 90% of the observed rain-contaminated QuikSCAT /spl sigma//spl deg/ values to within 3 dB.
Leveraging SDN layering to systematically troubleshoot networks

Today's networks are maintained by "masters of complexity": network admins who have accumulated the wisdom to troubleshoot complex problems, despite a limiting toolset. This position paper advocates a more structured troubleshooting approach that leverages architectural layering in Software-Defined Networks (SDNs). In all networks, high-level intent (policy) must correctly map to low-level forwarding behavior (hardware configuration). In SDNs, intent is explicitly expressed, forwarding semantics are explicitly defined, and each architectural layer fully specifies the behavior of the network. Building on these observations, we show how recently-developed troubleshooting tools fit into a coherent workflow that detects mistranslations between layers to precisely localize sources of errant control logic. Our goals are to explain the overall picture, show how the pieces fit together to enable a systematic workflow, and highlight the questions that remain. Once this workflow is realized, network admins can formally verify that their network is operating correctly, automatically troubleshoot bugs, and systematically track down their root cause -- freeing admins to fix problems, rather than diagnose their symptoms.
Using local regression kernels for statistical object detection

We present a novel approach to the problem of detection of visual similarity between a template image, and patches in a given image. The method is based on the computation of a local kernel from the template, which measures the likeness of a pixel to its surroundings. This kernel is then used as a descriptor from which features are extracted and compared against analogous features from the target image. Comparison of the features extracted is carried out using canonical correlations analysis. The overall algorithm yields a scalar resemblance map (RM) which indicates the statistical likelihood of similarity between a given template and all target patches in an image being examined. Performing a statistical test on the resulting RM identifies similar objects with high accuracy and is robust to various challenging conditions such as partial occlusion, and illumination change.
Barrelettes—architectonic vibrissal representations in the brainstem trigeminal complex of the mouse. II. Normal post‐natal development

Vibrissal representations in the brainstem trigeminal complex (BTC) of rodents are manifested as architectural sub-units called barrelettes. The development of barrelettes was studied by using Nissl staining, cytochrome oxidase histochemistry, and Golgi-impregnation methods. On the day of birth (PND-1), barrelettes are manifested as longitudinal, histochemical cylinders in sub-nuclei principalis, interpolaris and caudalis of the BTC. One day later (PND-2), fully formed histochemical barrelette formations are seen in the three sub-nuclei. The development of cytoarchitectural barrelettes lags behind histochemical barrelettes by about two days. Between PND-2 and PND-3, longitudinal cytoarchitectonic cylinders begin to appear. By PND-3, BTC neurons segregate into five rows of barrelettes in the coronal plane. Segmentation of rows into individual barrelettes begins on PND-4, and complete cytoarchitectonic barrelette formations are seen by PND-5. Golgi-impregnation shows that on the day of birth, primary afferent terminals and dendritic arbors of second-order trigeminal neurons within the BTC are short and poorly ramified. Over the next five post-natal days, lengthening of these processes as well as elaboration into secondary and tertiary branches take place. Growth of these processes continues for two additional weeks, contributing to the increase in barrelette neuropils (hollows). As the neuropils expand, neuronal somata are pushed toward barrelette sides. Morphometric measurements show that there is a relatively constant rate of growth of barrelettes over the first three post-natal weeks. The growth rate of the barrelette formations is identical to that of BTC as a whole. Thus, at the time of birth, the volume of neural tissue in the brainstem allotted to vibrissae is fixed relative to that allotted to other sensory receptors. Several features of the early development of barrelettes are identified: (1) Chemoarchitectural barrelettes appear before cytoarchitectural barrelettes, suggesting that terminal arbors of primary trigeminal afferents are organized before their target neurons form barrelettes. (2) Early cytoarchitecture is manifested in the form of unsegmented rows, suggesting that rough, row-based topological maps are first formed, which are then fine-tuned into individual sub-units. Recent evidence shows that other vibrissal representations—thalamic barreloids and cortical barrels—also follow these “afferent-before-target” and “row-before-individual units” sequences of development. This gradual, afferent-dependent fine-tuning of topological organization is analogous to similar events during the early development of the visual system, and may be a general feature of developing sensory systems. In the visual system, sensory input plays an important role in fine-tuning centers in the brain; the mechanisms by which barrelettes are organized and fine-tuned are still unknown. 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Heritability of renal function in hypertensive families of African descent in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean)

BACKGROUND: We estimated the heritability of three measures of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in hypertensive families of African descent in the Seychelles (Indian Ocean). METHODS: Families with at least two hypertensive siblings and an average of two normotensive siblings were identified through a national hypertension register. Using the ASSOC program in SAGE (Statistical Analysis in Genetic Epidemiology), the age- and gender-adjusted narrow sense heritability of GFR was estimated by maximum likelihood assuming multivariate normality after power transformation. ASSOC can calculate the additive polygenic component of the variance of a trait from pedigree data in the presence of other familial correlations. The effects of body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, natriuresis, along with sodium to potassium ratio in urine and diabetes, were also tested as covariates. RESULTS: Inulin clearance, 24-hour creatinine clearance, and GFR based on the Cockcroft-Gault formula were available for 348 persons from 66 pedigrees. The age- and gender-adjusted correlations (+/- SE) were 0.51 (+/- 0.04) between inulin clearance and creatinine clearance, 0.53 (+/- 0.04) between inulin clearance and Cockcroft-Gault formula and 0.66 (+/- 0.03) between creatinine clearance and Cockcroft-Gault formula. The age- and gender-adjusted heritabilities (+/- SE) of GFR were 0.41 (+/- 0.10) for inulin clearance, 0.52 (+/- 0.13) for creatinine clearance, and 0.82 (+/- 0.09) for Cockcroft-Gault formula. Adjustment for BMI slightly lowered the correlations and heritabilities for all measurements whereas adjustment for blood pressure had virtually no effect. CONCLUSION: The significant heritability estimates of GFR in our sample of families of African descent confirm the familial aggregation of this trait and justify further analyses aimed at discovering genetic determinants of GFR.
Role Conflict and the Special Education Supervisor: a Qualitative Analysis:

This paper examines the role conflict experienced by the special education supervisor.* Following an historical analysis of that role, the constant comparative method is used to analyze data gathered through direct interview and participant observation. Results indicate that the special education supervisor is forced to compromise the administrative and technical assistance aspects of his/her job description. A typology of special education supervisors is presented. This model suggests that the role conflict experienced by the special education supervisor is a function of the supervisor's view of the legitimate activities of that role. A further finding of this study suggests a relationship between the degree of role conflict experienced by the special education supervisor and the perception of the supervisory effectiveness held by administrators and teachers.
The Relationship Between Sources of New Employees and Attitudes toward the Job

Abstract This study investigated the effectiveness of different recruitment sources used by six American companies for new employees. New workers who came through referrals by current employees had longer tenure with the organizations than did those recruited in other ways. Two competing explanations for this were tested; tentative support was provided for realistic job previews as one way to reduce turnover. Recruitment sources differed only in terms of tenure with the organization. Individual job performance and attitudes toward the employer were largely unaffected by the source through which the employee was recruited.
Hydroxyzine therapy for interstitial cystitis

Abstract Objectives To determine the usefulness of oral hydroxyzine for the treatment of symptomatic interstitial cystitis. Methods This study was an open-label, nonconsecutive case series of patients treated by their local physicians, in consultation with the authors. A case-report form using visual analog scales was used to assess outcomes. Results Out of 140 patients, 90 (65%) returned the case-report forms. A 40% reduction in symptom scores was reported. This rose to 55% in patients with a history of allergies. Conclusions Hydroxyzine is a useful drug for the symptomatic treatment of IC, especially in patients with documented allergies and/or evidence of bladder mast cell activation.
Core-Gene-Encoded Peptide Regulating Virulence-Associated Traits in Streptococcus mutans

Recently, high-coverage genome sequence of 57 isolates of Streptococcus mutans, the primary etiological agent of human dental caries, was completed. The SMU.1147 gene, encoding a 61-amino-acid (61-aa) peptide, was present in all sequenced strains of S. mutans but absent in all bacteria in current databases. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed that SMU.1147 is cotranscribed with scnK and scnR, which encode the histidine kinase and response regulator, respectively, of a two-component system (TCS). The C terminus of the SMU.1147 gene product was tagged with a FLAG epitope and shown to be expressed in S. mutans by Western blotting with an anti-FLAG antibody. A nonpolar mutant of SMU.1147 formed less biofilm in glucose-containing medium and grew slower than did the wild-type strain under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, at low pH, or in the presence of H2O2. Mutation of SMU.1147 dramatically reduced genetic competence and expression of comX and comY, compared to S. mutans UA159. The competence defect of the SMU.1147 mutant could not be overcome by addition of sigX-inducing peptide (XIP) in defined medium or by competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) in complex medium. Complementation with SMU.1147 on a plasmid restored all phenotypes. Interestingly, mutants lacking either one of the TCS components and a mutant lacking all three genes behaved like the wild-type strain for all phenotypes mentioned above, but all mutant strains grew slower than UA159 in medium supplemented with 0.3 M NaCl. Thus, the SMU.1147-encoded peptide affects virulence-related traits and dominantly controls quorum-sensing pathways for development of genetic competence in S. mutans.
Intelligent Network Configuration Optimization Toolkit (INCOT)

Stottler Henke has developed and continues to enhance the Intelligent Network Configuration Optimization Toolkit (INCOT) for the USA air force. INCOT's goal is to provide an intelligent tool to allow for the rapid design and optimization of communication networks driven by user requirements, while eliminating the need to have knowledge of a complex network simulation product, such as OPNET Modeler. There is currently a great need for a solution that dramatically reduces the complexity of network configurations for rapid field deployment. By incorporating expert knowledge of network engineering, policies, available components and their characteristics, INCOT provides an interactive goal-driven rapid design tool. The user is led through the network design process via a step-by-step requirements-driven hierarchical workflow that automates much of the low-level details of network design. INCOT interfaces with OPNET products (e.g., Modeler) as well as NETWARS and TNAPS+. For example, INCOT can automatically lay out all the network components in OPNET Modeler or NETWARS. INCOT also includes a stand-alone TNAPS+ translator so TNAPS+ networks can be brought into OPNET tools or NETWARS for further analysis. INCOT is an open system and includes a powerful visual authoring tool that allows network experts to enhance INCOT's logic, automations, policies and constraints. The authoring tool supports complex logic, algorithms and procedures to analyze data in order to drive appropriate actions. For example, with INCOT's visual authoring tool an expert can author classified logic, policies and constraints. INCOT is extending the power of network simulation tools, such as OPNET Modeler, NETWARS and TNAPS+, while simplifying its operation for the air force and other DoD network engineers, thus allowing less experienced network engineers to perform efficient and effective network engineering. INCOT is available now and is free to anyone in the DoD.
Ratings of Communication Competence by Siblings of Persons with Down Syndrome.

This study surveyed 25 siblings of persons with Down Syndrome to gain an ecological perspective about important communication competence indicators. Siblings favorably described persons with Down Syndrome as "effective" and "good" communicators who "communicate to potential." Siblings regarded social communica­ tion skills as especially important, i.e., being able to communicate without fear, being able to express wants, needs, opinions, and feelings, being able to ask questions, and alerting partners to communication breakdowns. Siblings also regarded language comprehension as an important skill. Favorable descriptive labels were often applied to adult-aged persons with mild ID and normal hearing. Clinical implications are discussed focused on functional communication planning and implementation that takes into account the perspectives of family members, teachers, and rehabilitation personnel. Speech-language pathologists are profession­ als who are concerned with speech, language, hearing, and swallowing. Although speech- language pathologists are well trained in iden­ tifying communication disorders, they are also interested in the nature and type of supports that assist people in achieving effective social communication during daily routines. Effec­ tive or competent communication depends on the communication context, including the expectations of communication partners, and the degree to which the person meets the interpersonal demands of a given situation, despite having a communication disorder (Ball, Beukelman, & Pattee, 2002; Cascella, 1999; Hustad & Gearhart, 2004; McCarthy & Light, in press; Pavitt & Haight, 1985; Spitzberg & Hecht, 1984). For example, Fer­ guson (1994) argued that individuals with sig­ nificant disabilities could be relatively effec­ tive communicators only when their communication partners respect, value, and see the individual as a competent communi­ cator. In other words, even people with the most severe developmental disabilities should
A New Neural Network to Process Missing Data without Imputation

This paper introduces the cosine neural network (COSNN) and shows how it can be used to process data with missing components without imputation. It uses a cosine basis function with a weighted norm which can be trained to match the input data, or it can be set to zero to 'ignore' missing data components. The COSNN is compared to feedforward neural networks using deletion and imputation. The COSNN is shown to be superior in both a function approximation and a classification test set.
A neuromuscular-like model for robotic compliance control

The muscle-reflex mechanisms of private limbs are studied and modeled so that robotic controls may benefit from the findings. An extensive body of experimental evidence indictates that velocity-dependent force responses of the neuromuscular system have a nonlinear damping effect proportional to a fractional power of velocity. This highly nonlinear viscosity may help limbs adapt to different loads and bring movements to graceful terminations. To explore the characteristics of this nonlinear damping property, a theoretical study using the phase-plane approach is presented. The effects of different loads, damping constants, and stiffnesses are analyzed and simulated. From the results of this phase-plane analysis, a muscle-reflex model is developed and proposed for robotic compliance control. >
Benefit Corporations: Increased Oversight Through Creation Of The Benefit Corporation Commission

Traditional for-profit and nonprofit corporate forms do not provide the appropriate framework for an organization pursuing both profits and social responsibility. In response, state legislatures have begun to take initiative by offering new business forms to accommodate for an increased demand in social responsibility. These hybrid forms seek to offer an organization the optimal platform by which to meet their dynamic goals. This Note will analyze the recently popular hybrid form of a benefit corporation. Further, this Note will dissect the Model Benefit Corporation Legislation and explain how benefit corporations provide a solution to the theory of shareholder wealth maximization. In closing, this Note will expose a deficiency in the model legislation and offer a solution to this deficiency. In particular, this Note will argue that the current enforceability and accountability provisions do not provide a sufficient assurance that all stakeholders’ interests will be adequately protected.
Profile of nintedanib in the treatment of solid tumors: the evidence to date

Angiogenesis is an essential process for tumor growth and metastasis, and remains a promising therapeutic target process in cancer treatment for several cancer types. Bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was the first antiangiogenic agent approved for cancer therapy. Novel antiangiogenic agents, such as sunitinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, or vandetanib that target additional proangiogenic signaling pathways beyond VEGF, have also been approved for the treatment of various malignant diseases. While most of these agents are approved in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy for indications including metastatic colorectal cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and gastric cancer, some are used as approved monotherapy for advanced RCC, hepatocellular carcinoma and medullary thyroid cancer. Major challenges to the success of antiangiogenic therapy include associated toxicity risks, limitation of efficacy through the possible development of resistance and induction or promotion of metastatic progression. Nintedanib (formally known as BIBF 1120) is a triple angiokinase inhibitor of VEGF, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor signaling with lesser activity against RET, Flt-3, and Src. Through this unique targeting profile nintedanib has demonstrated significant antitumor activity in several tumor types in preclinical studies. Nintedanib has also shown promising clinical efficacy in combination with docetaxel and has been approved for treating patients with locally advanced and metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in Europe. Nintedanib has also been found to be clinically promising in terms of efficacy and safety in several other solid tumors including ovarian cancer (Phase III), RCC (Phase II), and prostate cancer (Phase II). This review article provides a comprehensive summary of the preclinical and clinical efficacy of nintedanib in the treatment of solid tumors.
Payment Cost Minimization with Demand Bids and Partial Capacity Cost Compensations for DayAhead Electricity Auctions

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Literature Review Problem Formulation Solution Methodology Results and Insights Conclusion Acknowledgment Bibliography
The Political Hebraism of the American Twentieth Century

The study of political Hebraism has shed new light on the study of early modern political thought, but it also holds great promise for those who study religion and American politics. While most theorists and historians frame American religion and politics in terms of the “jeremiad,” scholarship in political Hebraism has revealed a greater depth both in the origins of Protestant in early modern Europe but also in the application of that thought to the idea of America as the New Israel. Specifically, American Protestants used a derivative form of political Hebraism to describe America in ways beyond the jeremiad. These include he Kingdom of God discourse, Exodus discourse, and the Nehemiad. This paper provides an explanation of these concepts and shows how they played a role in American politics during the twentieth century. In particular, this paper examines the Social Gospel movement as an exercise of Kingdom of God discourse, the prophetic career of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an exercise of Exodus discourse, and the revivalist rhetoric of Rev. Jerry Falwell as an exercise of the Nehemiad.
Do as I Say, Not as I Do? An Examination of the Relationship Between Partner Behaviors and Help Seeking for Alcohol Related Issues.

ABSTRACTBackground: Although there are a number of risks associated with problematic alcohol use, the proportion of people who seek help for alcohol-related issues is alarmingly low. Objective: This study investigated the potential social influences that are associated with alcohol-related help seeking, including perceived partner support, descriptive and injunctive subjective norms, and marital satisfaction. Methods: Participants included 133 individuals (50% female, 48% male, and 2% did not report) recruited nationwide through both print and electronic methods. Data were collected in an online survey in 2013. Respondents were 77% Caucasian, 16% African-American, 2% Asian, 2% American Indian, and 1% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, with a mean age of 38 years (SD = 11.93). Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Results suggested that when considered independently, perceived partner support, injunctive social norms, and closest friend's level of drinking were significantly associate...
Handgun carrying among White youth increasing in the United States: new evidence from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2002-2013

The objective of the present study was to examine trends and correlates of handgun carrying among adolescents ages 12-17 in the United States. Data was derived from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) involving non-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic respondents ages 12-17 (n=197,313) and spanning the years 2002-2013. Logistic regression was used to examine significance of trend year and correlates of previous 12-month handgun carrying. The overall self-reported prevalence of handgun carrying was 3.4%. The prevalence of handgun carrying during 2004-2005 was significantly higher for African-Americans (4.39%) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (3.03%). However, by 2012-2013, non-Hispanic Whites (4.08%) completely diverged and reported carrying handguns significantly more than both African-American (2.96%) and Hispanic (2.82%) youth. Male gender and a number of externalizing behaviors were significant correlates of handgun carrying; however, we also found evidence of differential correlates with regard to such factors as drug selling, parental affirmation, and income by race/ethnicity. To our knowledge, this is the largest study of handgun carrying among youth in the United States. Findings indicate that although at historically low levels handgun carrying is on the rise but only among non-Hispanic Whites. Differential correlates among racial/ethnic groups suggest prevention programming and policies may need modifications depending on group and geographic locale targeted.
Polya′s Random Walk Theorem Revisited

This note uses a Poisson process embedding to give a simple intuitive proof of Polya′s random walk theorem.
Experimental Validation of Computer Simulation of Deformations in Hydraulic Hoses

Nowadays in academics and industry, where multiple computer-based tools are being employed for design and analysis of engineering systems, it is of chief importance to provide to the user of such software tools information about the importance of validation in a lab-setting. It can be said that it is even more important in academics because students are at the initial phase of their engineering formation. Towards that end, a project involving flexible elements, such as hoses and cables, was utilized to get students involved in a validation exercise. Flexible elements are absolutely essential to the safe and successful operation of any vehicle, but they are often difficult to design and define because they are subject to large elastic deformations and because of their potential collisions with other components. This combination of factors leaves flexible elements to be rushed into production near the end of a design cycle. Therefore, in collaboration between industry and academia, a CAE-based scheme has been developed and has been implemented as a software tool to assist in the design (routing) of flexible components. For validation purposes, a group of four students in a Capstone Design Course were asked to apply Reverse Engineering (RE) techniques to measure points along an actual hose and enter those points into the simulation software for comparison and validation of the model. This validation process is the work presented in this manuscript. Keywords— Hoses, validation, deformations. Digital Object Identifier (DOI): http://dx.doi.org/10.18687/LACCEI2015.1.1.252 ISBN: 13 978-0-9822896-8-6
SAT0520 The Impact of Gout on Patient's Lives and Differences by Race and Gender: A Patient Perspective

Background Little is known regarding the patient experience regarding the impact of gout on their lives, with most published qualitative studies assessing all aspects of gout, including treatment, knowledge, disease monitoring, outcomes and patient and clinician perspective, all in single studies. While these studies have provided important information, they have only scratched the issues related to impact of gout on quality of life (QOL). Objectives Our objective was to examine the impact of gout on quality of life and study differences by race and gender. Methods Ten race- and sex-stratified nominal groups were conducted, oversampling for African-Americans and women with gout. Patients presented, discussed, combined and rank ordered their concerns. Results 62 patients with mean age 65.1 years, 60% men, 64% African-American, participated in ten nominal groups: African-American men (n=23; 3 groups); African-American women (n=18; 3 groups); Caucasian men (n=15; 3 groups); and Caucasian women (n=6; 1 group). The most frequently cited highly-ranked concerns among the ten nominal groups were: (1) effect of gout flare on daily activities (n=10 groups); (2) work disability (n=8); (3) severe pain (n=8); (4) joint swelling and tenderness (n=6); (5) food restrictions (n=6); (6) medication related issues (n=6); (7) dependency on family and others (n=5); (8) emotional Impact (n=5); (9) interference with sexual function (n=4); (10) difficulty with shoes (n=4); and (11) sleep disruption (n=4). Compared to men, women ranked the following concerns high: problems with shoes (n=4 vs. 0 groups); dependency (n=3 vs. 2); and joint/limb deformity (n=2 vs. 1). Compared to Caucasians, African-Americans more often ranked the following concerns high: dietary restrictions (n=6 vs. 0 groups); severe pain (n=6 vs. 2); gout bringing the day to a “halt” (n=2 vs. 0); effect on emotional health (n=4 vs. 1); and the need for canes/crutches during flares (n=2 vs. 0). Conclusions Gout has significant impact on patient9s quality of life. There are differences in the impact of gout by race and gender. Acknowledgements This material is the result of work supported by a grant from the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the resources and use of facilities at the Birmingham VA Medical Center, Alabama, USA. J.A.S. is also supported by grants from the Agency for Health Quality and Research Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs), National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), National Institute of Aging (NIA) and National Cancer Institute (NCI). Disclosure of Interest J. Singh Grant/research support: takeda, savient, Consultant for: Takeda, Savient, Regeneron, Allergan DOI 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-eular.1147
Apo-10'-lycopenoic acid suppresses lung cancer cell growth by activating retinoic acid receptor β in vitro, and inhibits lung tumorigenesis in vivo in the A/J mouse model.

Fifth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov 12-15, 2006 A76 Lycopene, which has been associated with a lower risk of a variety of cancers including lung cancer, can be cleaved enzymatically at its 9',10'-double bond and converted into apo-10'-lycopenoids both in vivo and in vitro . Here, we evaluated the potential chemopreventive effect of apo-10'-lycopenoic acid against lung tumorigenesis using the A/J mouse model. We show that the apo-10'-lycopenoic acid treatment significantly increased plasma concentrations of apo-10'-lycopenoic acid, and it significantly reduced lung tumor multiplicity (32.7 to 65.4% reduction) in A/J mice in a dose-dependent manner. We additionally demonstrate that apo-10'-lycopenoic acid inhibits the growth of NHBE normal human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B immortalized normal bronchial epithelial cells, and A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells. This inhibitory effect of apo-10'-lycopenoic acid was associated with decreased cyclin E and inhibition of cell cycle progression from G1 to S phase, and increased cell cycle regulators p21 and p27 protein levels. Furthermore, apo-10'-lycopenoic acid transactivated the retinoic acid receptor β promoter and induced the expression of RARβ in these cells. Our findings suggest that apo-10'-lycopenoic acid is a potential chemopreventive agent against lung tumorigenesis, and its biological function can be mediated by the retinoid signaling pathway.
Regulation of intracellular xanthine oxidase by endothelial-derived nitric oxide

We have previously shown that nitric oxide (NO) donors, such as nitrosoglutathione, inhibit endothelial cell (EC) xanthine dehydrogenase (XD)/xanthine oxidase (XO) activity. The purpose of this stu...
Phase II Trial Of Bortezomib In Combination With Fractionated Cyclophosphamide and Rituximab (BCR) For Relapsed/Refractory Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL)

Background MCL is incurable. Bortezomib has shown single agent activity of 33% in relapsed MCL. Pre-clinical published data shows additive/synergistic activity of BCR. Materials and methods MCL pts ages 18 through 85, with adequate organ function unless due to lymphoma, and without HIV-1 infection or any significant medical/mental condition, were treated under an IRB-approved study, consisting of Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 IV given on days 1, 4, 8, and 11 (dose on day 11 omitted early on study); fractionated cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 q 12 hrs days 1, 2, and 3, and rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1. Cycles were repeated every 21 days for a total of 6 or less if a response was achieved and patient qualified for SCT. Results From 9/2009 to 8/2012, twenty-one patients were entered in the study. Their clinical characteristics are as follows: View this table: Overall response (OR)/CR rates: 71%/53%. One patient had stable disease and 4 patients progressed. With a Median follow-up of 31 months, the median TTP was 15.8 months and the median OS was 36.4 months. Toxicity was mainly hematologic. With 77 cycles given, grade 3 anemia was 5%, grade 3 / 4 neutropenia was 16%/9%, and grade 3 / 4 thrombocytopenia was 19%/8%. Early in the study, day 11 dose of bortezomib was omitted because of low counts by day 11 of cycle. Non-hematologic toxicity included grade 3 neutropenic fever (1%), and grade 3 fatigue (3%). No patient developed sensory neuropathy grade ¾. Conclusion Bortezomib can be safely combined with cyclophosphamide and rituximab and results in high rates of overall/complete responses in patients with relapsed/refractory MCL. Disclosures: Off Label Use: Gemcitabine, fludarabine and melphalan for transplant conditioning. Younes: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Advisory/Scientific Board Membership Other, Honoraria, Research Funding. Pro: Seattle Genetics, Inc.: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Travel expenses Other.