cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On DeJong and Whiteman's Bayesian inference for the unit root model.

Abstract For a Bayesian approach to be useful, the priors and posteriors must be carefully interpreted to guarantee that the economic conclusions reached are justified; otherwise, the approach simply yields a set of summary statistics with little economic insight. The Bayesian approach to testing between different models of trend proposed in DeJong and Whiteman (1991) suffers from this shortcoming.
Role of exercise training in secondary prevention of ischemic heart disease

Abstract A review of recent studies indicates that: (1) Physiological characteristics, e.g., left ventricular performance and exercise tolerance, are important prognostic determinants; (2) the natural history of acute myocardial infarction includes a significant degree of spontaneous functional improvement during the early recovery phase; (3) short-term programs of physical training are likely to produce significant functional and symptomatic improvement at no cost in terms of excess mortality or morbidity—the mechanisms of improvement are largely peripheral and regulatory; (4) recent scintigraphic studies suggest that prolonged physical training produces improvement in left ventricular function and myocardial perfusion; (5) long-term studies of the effect of physical training on mortality and mobidity have failed to demonstrate conclusively the efficacy of exercise as a single agent, but provide support for the continued use of physical training as a component of multiple interventions.
Competitive and Information Effects of Cross-Border Stock Listings

We examine the effect of 269 cross-border listings on rivals in the listing and domestic markets and find that U.S. rivals experience significant gains whereas domestic rivals do not. Both competitive and information effects are important in explaining the reaction of U.S. rivals. Regarding the competitive effects, the reaction of rivals is less favorable when listings originate in developed countries and more favorable when listing firms do not have prior operating presence in the United States. Regarding the information effects, the reaction is less favorable when listings are combined with equity offerings and more favorable when the listing is the first to occur within an industry.
Simulation of a retinal infrared focal plane array

The effect of coupling/shunting network for non-uniformity correction is examined on a sequence of two-dimensional images. The results indicate that a network incorporating a resistive grid and lateral inhibition performs well if only small responsivity variations are to be remedied. In the case of hot or dead pixels (zero information artifacts), network connections must exhibit some form of adaptive capability. Parallels with known features of the human visual system are presented and discussed, specifically wash-out of images stationary relative to the retina and the related filling-in of obscurations.
Reconfigurable cube-connected cycles architecture

Abstract In this paper two different approaches to designing reconfigurable cube-connected cycles parallel computation networks are proposed. Both architectures are capable of tolerating classes of multiple failures. The first approach is based on allocating spare processors and spare communication links in each cycle and utilizes local reconfiguration. The second approach is based on spare cycles (columns) and rows of processors and employs global reconfiguration techniques. Both of the approaches are shown to result in increases in reliability with reasonable increases in redundancy while maintaining many of the VLSI layout and implementation advantages of classical cube-connected cycles architectures.
Vertical profiles of horizontal ocean currents

Abstract Data collected from moored current meters at a single site (Site D) in the western North Atlantic are used to define vertical profiles of steady and time-dependent horizontal ocean currents. The mean velocity profile shows currents systematically flowing towards the west, with amplitude which decreases with depth. Time-dependent currents have a vertical profile of kinetic energy which is proportional to the vertical profile of Brunt-Vaisala frequency, N (z). Since the mean speed is dominated by time-dependent components, its profile is approximately proportional to N 1 2 . At frequencies lower than 1 cycle per day, the time-dependent motion is not horizontally isotropic at all depths. In the surface layer, north-south ( v ) components have a larger variance than east-west ( u ) components; at mid-depths, the u -variance is greater; at great depths the variancesare approximately equal. At frequencies higher than one cycle per day, the motions are horizontally isotropic. The pattern of anisotropy may be due to the interaction between low-frequency processes and the nearby continental shelf. Eddy momentum fluxes have a profile which reverses sign at the approximate depth of the continental shelf.
Demonstration of a high-speed nonscanning imaging spectrometer

We report results from a field demonstration of a non-scanning high-speed imaging spectrometer capable of simultaneously recording spatial and spectral information about a rapidly changing scene. High-speed spectral imaging was demonstrated by collecting spectral an spatial snapshots of a missile in flight. This instrument is based on computed-tomography concepts and operates in the visible (420 - 740 nm). Raw image data were recorded at video frame rate (30 fps) and an integration time of 2 msec. Reconstructions of the spatial and spectral scene information from the raw image data take considerably longer, on the order of 30 seconds. Comparisons of reconstructed spectra with spectra acquired by a non- imaging reference spectrometer have shown that extended-source spectra were reconstructed accurately. We present representative missile spectral-signature data and missile- tracking linear-classifier results from the missile firing.
The baby sense environment: enriching and monitoring infants' experiences and communication

The BabySense Environment is an integrated system designed to enhance an infant’s sensory-motor experience, to allow parents and relatives to remotely monitor infant’s development, and to enable new types of interactions with other infants. The system also demonstrates alternate peripheral means of displaying information such as lights, sound and a kinetic sculpture.
Surface Hydrogen-burning Modeling of Supersoft X-Ray Binaries: Are They Type Ia Supernova Progenitors?

Nova explosions occur on the white dwarf (WD) component of a cataclysmic variable stellar system that is accreting matter lost by a companion. A Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) explosion is thought to result when a WD, in a similar binary configuration, grows in mass to the Chandrasekhar limit. Here, we present calculations of accretion of solar matter, at a variety of mass accretion rates, onto hot (2.3 × 105 K), luminous (30 L☉), massive (1.25, 1.35 M☉) carbon-oxygen WDs. In contrast to our nova simulations, where the WD has a low initial luminosity and a thermonuclear runaway (TNR) occurs and ejects material, these simulations do not eject material (or only a small fraction of the accreted material), and the WD grows in mass. A hydrogen TNR does not occur because hydrogen fuses to helium in the surface layers, and we call this process surface hydrogen burning (SHB). As the helium layer grows in mass, it gradually fuses either to carbon and oxygen or to more massive nuclei, depending on the WD mass and mass accretion rate. If such a WD were to explode in a SN Ia event, therefore, it would show neither hydrogen nor helium in its spectrum as is observed. Moreover, the luminosities and effective temperatures of our simulations agree with the observations of some of the supersoft X-ray binary sources, and therefore, our results strengthen previous speculation that some of them (CAL 83 and CAL 87, for example) are probably progenitors of SN Ia explosions. Finally, we have achieved SHB for values of the mass accretion rate that almost span the observed values of the cataclysmic variables.
Moral Functioning as Mediated Action.

In this paper, I argue that it is quite useful, both theoretically and empirically, to adopt a socio‐cultural approach to the study of moral development. This entails viewing ‘moral functioning’ as a form of mediated action, and moral development as the process by which persons gradually appropriate a variety of ‘moral mediational means’. Mediated action entails two central elements: an ‘agent’, the person who is doing the acting, on the one hand, and ‘cultural tools’ or ‘mediational means’, the tools, means, or ‘instruments’, appropriated from the culture, and used by the agent to accomplish a given action, on the other. I make this argument drawing on recent work in socio‐cultural psychology, specifically the work of James Wertsch (1998). I also consider the work of both Carol Gilligan (1982) and Lawrence Kohlberg (1981, 1984) as illustrative examples, to show how their respective insights about moral functioning and the process of moral development can be interpreted from, and enriched by, a mediated a...
Characterizing rate-dependent material behaviors in self-learning simulation

Abstract Structural testing, where inhomogeneous stress distribution is introduced within the test specimen, contains far richer information on the material behavior than the conventional material testing with uniform state of stress. We present a methodology that extracts rate-dependent material behavior using load–displacement measurements from the structural test. Self-learning capability of the rate-dependent neural network material model previously proposed by the authors is used in conjunction with the methodology. Unlike other parameter optimization methods, no prior knowledge of the material is required. The model is also capable of improving its performance as further test data become available. As an illustrative example, the method is applied to capture non-linear creep behavior of superalloy.
Time for a change? Predictors of child care changes by low-income families

Instability in child care arrangements can negatively affect children's development, especially in low-income families. However, few studies have examined what predicts changes over time in child care arrangements. This paper presents findings from a unique multiyear study tracking child care use in low-income families. We estimate rich quantitative models to analyze the relationships among child, household, and care provider characteristics and four different types of changes. We find turnover in child care arrangements to be common in this low-income population. Over a period of six months, half of the children changed primary provider. Child care changes were frequently related to job loss, changes in family composition, or the changing availability of caregivers. While concerns have been raised that short spells of child care subsidy receipt cause child care instability, we found that subsidy use was not associated with higher rates of change. In addition, we found that the lower a parent's assessment...
Synthesis and characterization of hexafluoroisopropylidene bisphenol poly(arylene ether sulfone) and polydimethylsiloxane segmented block copolymers

Abstract A series of hexafluoroisopropylidene bisphenol poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BAF PAES) segmented block copolymers with varying fractions of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were synthesized by a condensation reaction of hydroxyl-terminated BAF PAES and dimethylamino endcapped PDMS. The segmented block copolymers have high thermal stability. The BAF PAES homopolymer exhibits a tensile modulus of 1700 MPa and an elongation at break of 16%. Copolymerizing BAF PAES with increasing molecular weight amounts of PDMS results in tensile properties ranging from plastic to elastomeric where the elongation is 417% for a segmented block copolymer with 64 wt% PDMS incorporated. The morphological properties of these segmented block copolymers were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). AFM and TEM images show the segmented block copolymers were microphase separated, and comparison with bisphenol A (BA) PAES-b-PDMS segmented block copolymers revealed complex differences between the morphological behavior of the two systems. SAXS data of the segmented block copolymers supports AFM and TEM images, indicating microphase separation but little long-range order.
Resonating-group study of the n + /sup 6/Li system

The resonating-group method, together with a complex-generator-coordinate technique, is used to investigate the n + /sup 6/Li scattering problem. The result shows that, by including a phenomenological imaginary potential in the formulation to take approximate account of reaction effects, a good agreement with experiment can be obtained for both the differential scattering and the total reaction cross sections. The effect of the Pauli principle on the nature of the effective internuclear potential is also examined. Here it is found that the blocking effect, arising from the presence of two nucleons in the nonclosed 1p shell of /sup 6/Li, has a profound influence on the odd-even orbital-angular-momentum dependence of this potential.
Nonlinear refraction in silicon induced by one-micron picosecond pulses

Abstract We use self-defocusing of 25 ps pulses of 1 μm radiation to quantify the optically-induced changes in the refractive index of Si. We find that a model based on external self-action and a Drude polarization can accurately describe our results. The model assumes linear generation of electron-hole pairs but also includes free-carrier absorption. We measure a peak phase distortion at 2.25 GW/cm 2 that is roughly 60 times larger than produced by the same thickness of CS 2 at this irradiance.
Developing programs to monitor ecosystem health and effectiveness of management practices on Lakes States National Forests, USA

Abstract Assessing accomplishment of management objectives related to ecosystem health requires monitoring key indicators, including ecological processes and components of biological diversity. For these purposes, a monitoring plan was developed on the Chequamegon National Forest. It was refined by use of public workshops and technical consultation, and later adjusted based on practicality and additional inventory needs. To date, monitoring has focused on plants and birds, including long-term baseline monitoring in both managed forest and more natural areas. Monitoring is done at both the national forest and the ranger district levels, a forest subunit, the latter usually focusing on specific projects rather than forestwide ecosystem health concerns. Examples from the Laurentian ranger district of the Superior National Forest are provided. Future assessments will require qualitative, quantitative and spatial analyses of community, ecosystem, habitat and population trends and patterns, and management effects. An institutionalized program that focuses on key ecosystem components at various scales, and that involves concerned publics and many partners, will be necessary to provide feedback to refine forest management.
Determination of amniotic fluid IgM and IgA by hydroxyethylcellulose-agarose gel electroimmunodiffusion.

: An electroimmunodiffusion method on hydroxyethylcellulose-agarose by which IgA and IgM concentrations down to 0.3 mg/dl can be measured in amniotic fluid is presented. Elevated Ig levels were found in both fetal infection and in congenital malformations. The potential value of Ig determination in amniotic fluid is discussed.
Relationship between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and cognitive functioning in hypertensive subjects: An extension of previous findings

The relationship between blood pressure and neuropsychological functioning in a group of 15 male hypertensives (mean age = 51.2 years) was studied. Thirteen of the 15 subjects showed cognitive deficits on a battery of neuropsychological tests. More significant negative correlations were found among test scores and systolic pressure than diastolic pressure. Stepwise multiple regression analyses confirmed significant relationships between both systolic and diastolic blood pressure and neuropsychological status. Following biofeedback training, subjects in whom blood pressure decreased the most showed the greatest improvement in Category Test performance. Findings suggest that level of systolic pressure is a sensitive predictor of hypertensives' intellectual and cognitive status, that it may be better than diastolic level, and that decreasing blood pressure is predictive of reversal of at least some of the cognitive impairments associated with hypertension.
The environmental movement and its critics

The history and nature of the new environmental movement in the United States are reviewed. Since understanding of a social movement is enhanced by learning the views and perceptions of outsiders, the continuing debate between the environmental movement and its critics is examined. First, disagreements over the nature and the severity of the so-called environmental crisis are described. Second, the ideological differences between environmentalists and their critics are reviewed, particularly their contrasting views of man, society, nature, and economic growth. Finally, the political critique of the movement is examined, with attention given to the composition of the membership, the alleged superficiality of its proposed solutions to environmental problems, and the alleged discrimination against both poor people in the United States and the poor nations.
Pioneers in Biomedical Optics: Special Section Honoring Professor Watt Webb, Cornell University

This PDF file contains the editorial “Special Section Guest Editorial: Pioneers in Biomedical Optics: Special Section Honoring Professor Watt Webb, Cornell University” for JBO Vol. 9 Issue 05
Is there a role for the small rural hospital

: Rural hospitals represent almost half of all short-stay nonfederal general hospitals in the United States, but have been more severely affected than their urban counterparts by changes in reimbursement, regulation, and technology. Two hundred and six rural community hospitals closed during thefirst nineyears of the 1980s, and the rate of closure is accelerating. Using secondary data sources to examine the structure, role, and content of rural hospitals, small rural hospitals are described and compared to larger and nonrural hospitals. Rural hospitals differ systematically from other hospitals in the United States, with smaller daily censuses, lower occupation rates, shorter lengths of stay, and disproportionately high shares of Medicare patients. They are dominated by very small institutions, with more than 1,000 rural hospitals having fewer than 50 beds. Small rural hospitals offer a core of basic services to the populations they serve. Emergency, obstetric, and newborn services are virtually ubiquitous in rural hospitals of all sizes, and they are also more likely to offer long-term nursing and home care services than urban hospitals of similar size. The inpatient diagnostic and procedural mix of these institutions demonstrates that they provide care for common medical and surgical conditions of low complexity. Rural hospitals are also relatively inexpensive, representing only 6 percent of total expenditures for hospital care. Given their central role in supporting the provision of health services to rural areas, the apparent appropriateness of the conditions they treat, and their relatively modest cost, it would seem reasonable to use federal policy to stabilize our previous investment in these institutions.
On the stochastic Benjamin–Ono equation

Abstract We discuss the Cauchy problem for the stochastic Benjamin–Ono equation in the function class H s ( R ) , s > 3 / 2 . When there is a zero-order dissipation, we also establish the existence of an invariant measure with support in H 2 ( R ) . Many authors have discussed the Cauchy problem for the deterministic Benjamin–Ono equation. But our results are new for the stochastic Benjamin–Ono equation. Our goal is to extend known results for the deterministic equation to the stochastic equation.
Baastrup’s disease (kissing spine) demonstrated by FDG PET/CT

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) is a widely used imaging modality in cancer patients. However, there are many potential non-neoplastic causes of FDG uptake. We report a case of FDG uptake between the spinous processes, secondary to Baastrup's disease. Knowledge of this pattern of uptake is helpful in diagnosing Baastrup's disease and avoiding false-positive diagnoses.
SEX AND THE GRAND OLD PARTY An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Candidate Sex on Support for a Republican Candidate

We report the results of an experiment involving 820 randomly sampled adults. Half heard about a female Republican candidate for Congress. The other half learned of an otherwise identical male candidate. Democrat and Independent voters were more likely to trust, think qualified, view as a leader, and vote for the female Republican (contrasted with the male Republican). On the other hand, being female led to associations that hurt Republican women within their own party. We augment our experimental results by providing evidence that Republican women have done significantly worse than Democratic women in winning nominations in open-seat congressional districts.
Schizophrenia: Caused by a fault in programmed synaptic elimination during adolescence? ☆

Abstract Converging evidence indicates that a profound reorganization of human brain function takes place during adolescence: the amount of deep sleep and the rate of brain metabolism fall sharply; the latency of certain event-related potentials declines; the capacity to recover function after brain injury diminishes; and adult problem-solving “power” appears. A reduction in cortical synaptic density has recently been observed and might account for all of these changes. Such synaptic “pruning” may be analogous to the programmed elimination of neural elements in very early development. A defect in this maturational process may underlie those cases of schizophrenia that emerge during adolescence.
Adaptive chain coding for arbitrary curves

Adaptive chain coding algorithms based on using multiple templates are developed. One algorithm differentially encodes a curve using a directional template whose angle is dynamically scaled to accommodate a variety of curvature properties. A second algorithm differentially encodes using a template with small angular range with another template occasionally used for reorientation if abrupt changes occur in the properties of the underlying curve. By exploiting the piecewise regularity of most curves, our techniques provide substantially more accurate and efficient encodings compared with standard chain coding algorithms.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A Plan for Obtaining Data on City Egg Consumption in the United States

Abstract From the standpoint of the country as a whole the egg industry appears to be in an approximate state of balance at the present time. By this is meant that demand is sufficient to utilize the crop of eggs being produced at prices which, on the whole, are profitable to the poultrymen and farmers. At the same time production is sufficient so that prices, while higher than last year, are held within reasonable limits and the opportunity for excessive profit does not exist. Under these conditions, no need exists to urge a country wide increase in egg production. Probably most of you would look with disfavor upon any general campaign which would result in a sudden and large increase in egg production, for this might, and probably would, be accompanied by price declines which, for a time, might make the egg industry less profitable than at present. Such increases in . . .
On observed reproducibility in network configuration management

Abstract A rigorous language for discussing the issue of configuration management is currently lacking. To this end, we develop a simple state machine model of configuration management. Observed behaviors comprise the state of a host and configuration processes accomplish state transitions. Using this language, we show that for one host in isolation and for some configuration processes, reproducibility of observed effect for a configuration process is a statically verifiable property of the process. Using configuration processes verified in this manner, we can efficiently identify latent preconditions that affect behavior among a population of hosts. Constructing configuration management tools with statically verifiable observed behaviors thus reduces the lifecycle cost of configuration management.
Anchor Ice Formation in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and Its Biological Effects

Aggregations of ice platelets accumulate below the annual sea ice (subice platelet layer) and on the bottom (anchor ice) to depths of 33 meters. Observations of ice platelets adhering to submerged lines support the conclusion that 33 meters is the lower limit for ice formation in the water column in this area. The rising anchor ice lifts epibenthic fauna and has a pronounced effect on the distribution of the epibenthic organisms.
The effect of catabolic states induced by hyperthyroidism, hypercorticolism, and fasting on muscle ornithine decarboxylase activity.

Ornithine decarboxylase is a rate-limiting step in the formation of the polyamines (putrescine, spermidine, and spermine). Ornithine decarboxylase activity (ODC) is increased when tissues undergo cell division or hypertrophy. We decided to determine the effect of catabolic states on muscle ODC. T3 (25 μg/100 g BW) was administered to 300-g rats each day for 3 days. ODC decreased 75% in the red soleus, 66% in the gastrocnemius, and not all in the predominantly white extensor digitorum longus (EDL). The fall in the soleus was not glucocorticoid mediated, because it also occurred in adrenalectomized rats given the same dose schedule to T3 Another catabolic influence, hypercorticolism, was achieved by administering dexamethasone (0.17 mg/100 g BW) on day 1 and 0.33 mg/100 g BW on days 2 and 3. ODC fell 85% in the soleus and 80% in the gastrocnemius, but did not fall in the EDL. Dexamethasone also induced a 90% fall in myocardial ODC. To further distinguish the red from white fiber effects of T:1 and dexametha...
Recurrence patterns after resection of soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall.

Background Soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the chest wall is uncommon, and our knowledge is limited to small, single institutional case series. Although some series have examined prognostic factors for survival with this rare set of neoplasms, our knowledge of the patterns of relapse is limited. Methods We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients treated for STS of the chest wall. Predictors of survival and recurrence were analyzed using Cox and competing-risk regression analyses. Results From 1989 to 2011, 192 patients underwent resection for STS of the chest wall. The most common histopathologic type was desmoid (33 [17%]), followed by undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (32 [16%]), liposarcoma (22 [11%]), and myxofibrosarcoma (22 [11%]). The median follow-up was 50.9 months. The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 73% and 61%, respectively. Recurrences occurred in 45 patients (23%): 17 developed local recurrences, and 28 developed distant recurrences. Among the patients who developed recurrences, the median time to event was 11.6 months for local recurrences and 13.5 months for distant recurrences. The most common histologic type among recurrences was undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 12), and the most common site of distant recurrences was lung (n = 18). The primary treatment modality for both local and distant recurrences was surgical resection; median survival after recurrence was 19.4 months. Conclusions Recurrences of STS are common after surgical resection. Although local or distant recurrences can occur soon after surgery, both can often be treated with resection, producing reasonable outcomes.
A bypassing path based routing algorithm for the pyramid structures

A pyramid structure is a collection of connected mesh structures. It is well known that a pyramid structure of size n has a diameter of logn, which immediately leads to a natural routing algorithm, using only links between adjacent meshes. However, such paths are often unavailable because of the existence of faulty nodes and/or links. In this paper, we present the concept and technical details of an alternative routing algorithm, based on a collection of bypassing paths, for the potentially faulty pyramid structures that makes use of the links both within and between meshes contained in such structures. We also study some of the mathematical properties of this set of bypassing paths, including their average lengths, to suggest a characterization of the proposed alternative routing algorithm.
Spin-Trapping of the p-Benzyne Intermediates from Ten-Membered Enediyne Calicheamicin γ1I

In the presence of thiols, the ten-membered-ring enediyne calicheamicin γ1I generates a p-benzyne biradical that initiates oxidative cleavage of double-stranded DNA. Application of spin-trapping ha...
Lectin stimulation of bacteriophage tail fiber attachment.

Abstract Two plant lectins, concanavalin A and lentil lectin, stimulate one particular reaction in the in vitro assembly of Escherichia coli T4D bacteriophage, the attachment of the long tail fibers to fiberless particles. The lectins are thought to activate the tail fibers by binding to glucose residues on the proximal portion of the free fiber.
Pain management: an organizational commitment.

Abstract Although much has been done to promote pain assessment and management, pain remains a major, yet largely preventable, public health problem in the United States. A strategy that has been proposed to assure optimal pain management is the development of formal means within institutions to evaluate pain management practices and foster improved outcomes. In response to a pain-related patient care problem, South Nassau Communities Hospital recognized the need to undertake more formal methods for managing patients with acute, chronic, and cancer pain. A Pain Management Task Force was charged with the development of a comprehensive pain management program. Its efforts to date and plans for the future position this institution as ready for the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' pain assessment and management standards that were introduced in 2000. © 2000 by the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
Associative memory: without a trace

Some transient sensory stimuli can cause prolonged activity in the brain. Trace conditioning experiments can reveal the time over which these lasting representations can be utilized and where they reside.
reflections on a meeting: structure, language, and the polity in a small-scale society

Observation shows us, first, that every polis (or state) is a species of association, and, secondly, that all associations are instituted for the purpose of attaining some good-for all men do all their acts with a view to achieving something which is, in their view, a good. We may therefore hold that all associations aim at some good; and we may also hold that the particular association which is the most sovereign of all, and includes all the rest, will pursue this aim most, and thus be directed to the most sovereign of all goods. This most sovereign and inclusive association is the polis, as it is called, or the political association [Aristotle 1967:1252a].
The GIST of targeted cancer therapy: A tumor (Gastrointestinal stromal tumor), a mutated gene (c-kit), and a molecular inhibitor (STI571)

Although gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most frequent mesenchymal neoplasm of the gastrointestinal tract, until recently it has been an obscure disease. Now, there is widespread scientific and clinical interest in GIST because its principal pathogenetic defect has been identified and a specific molecular inhibitor of GIST has been developed. Most GISTs contain a gain-of-function mutation in thec-kit proto-oncogene. Mutation results in constitutive activation of the Kit receptor tyrosine kinase, which induces cellular proliferation. STI571 is an oral agent that selectively inhibits Kit. It is a landmark development in cancer treatment and marks a new era of targeted molecular therapy. Its efficacy proves that a specific inhibitor can counteract the effects of a genetic defect responsible for neoplasia. Althought ST1571 was first applied to GIST only 2 years ago, it has already revolutionized the treatment of patients with metastatic disease and is also currently being tested as an adjuvant therapy after the resection of primary GIST.
Theoretical Studies of Carbocations in Ion Pairs. 5.1 Structures and Interconversion of the 3-Methyl-2-butyl Cation and 2,3-Dimethyl-1-Protonated Cyclopropane

The structures of carbocations formed in the ionization of 3-methyl-2-butyl precursors were investigated by high level ab initio MO calculations. The relative stability of the 3-methyl-2-butyl cation (3) increased upon placement in a dielectric medium using SCRF calculations, but the 2,3-dimethyl-1-protonated cyclopropanes (5) were still more stable, as they were in vacuum. Introduction of negative point charges in single-point calculations on the structures of isolated ions made the open ion more stable than the bridged isomers and increased the stability difference favoring trans-5 over cis-5. The structure and stabilities of 3 and trans-5 in ion pairs were examined with two counterions successfully used in previous studies, trihydrofluoroborate (FBH3-, A) at short interionic distances (d) and dihydrolithiate (LiH2-, B) at longer distances. Optimization (MP2/6-31G*) of trans-5.A with the anion free to move in a plane parallel to the C1C2C3 plane at d = 2.3 A gives 3.A as the only energy minimum. The pos...
Binding of 99mtechnetium to various human serum albumins

Abstract The percentage of 99m technetium bound to Red Cross, Fraction V, and crystalline human serum albumin was investigated by dialysis and gel filtration. Any variation in the percentage bound seems to be a function of the technetium‐iron‐ascorbic acid complex not broken down rather than of any variation in the albumins.
Coral Diseases Cause Reef Decline

There has been a great deal of discussion about the role of bleaching in coral reef degradation worldwide ([ 1 ][1]–[ 3 ][2]), but little focus on the numerous other coral diseases that are also causing substantial declines. In the late 1970s and 1980s, disease caused extensive mortality in
Using computer agents to explain medical documents to patients with low health literacy.

Objective Patients are commonly presented with complex documents that they have difficulty understanding. The objective of this study was to design and evaluate an animated computer agent to explain research consent forms to potential research participants.
Prevalence and correlates of ambivalence towards pregnancy among nonpregnant women

Abstract Background Ambivalence towards pregnancy is rarely acknowledged in policy discussions. Methods We surveyed 441 nonpregnant women who consecutively presented to two urgent care clinics in California about their current intentions to conceive using a five-point scale. We examined the association between ambivalence towards pregnancy, sociodemographic characteristics and use of contraception. Results Almost one third of women (29.0%; 95% CI=25–33%) expressed ambivalence about their intentions to become pregnant. In multivariable modeling, being older than 30, being nonwhite and having a personal or religious objection to abortion were significantly associated with ambivalence towards pregnancy. Compared with women who stated they were trying to avoid pregnancy, women who expressed ambivalence were significantly less likely to have used a barrier or hormonal form of contraception at last intercourse (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.23–0.57) and more likely to use the natural family planning (NFP) method (OR=3.31, 95% CI=1.39–7.90) or withdrawal (OR=1.61, 95% CI=0.98–2.65). Conclusion Ambivalence towards pregnancy is common and is associated with use of less effective contraceptive methods.
Beta-lactamase inactivation by mechanism-based reagents.

The mechanistic pathway followed by the E. coli R TEM s-lactamase has been studied with a view to clarifying the mode of action of a number of recently discovered inactivators of the enzyme. There is clear evidence that the s-lactamase-catalysed hydrolysis of the 7-a-methoxycephem, cefoxitin, proceeds via an acyl-enzyme intermediate. An analysis of the inactivation reactions of all the known s-lactam derivatives that result in irreversible loss of enzyme activity permits the identification of three structural features required for a s-lactamase inactivator. The application of these principles suggests a new group of mechanism-based inactivators of the enzyme: the sulphones of N -acyl derivatives of 6-s-aminopenicillanic acid that are themselves poor substrates for the enzyme. These sulphones are powerful inactivators of the s-lactamase.
Formation of the S2 state and structure of the Mn complex in photosystem II lacking the extrinsic 33 kilodalton polypeptide.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and O2 evolution assays were performed on photosystem II (PSII) membranes which had been treated with 1 M CaCl2 to release the 17, 23 and 33 kilodalton (kDa) extrinsic polypeptides. Manganese was not released from PSII membranes by this treatment as long as a high concentration of chloride was maintained. We have quantitated the EPR signals of the several electron donors and acceptors of PSII that are photooxidized or reduced in a single stable charge separation over the temperature range of 77 to 240 K. The behavior of the samples was qualitatively similar to that observed in samples depleted of only the 17 and 23 kDa polypeptides (de Paula et al. (1986) Biochemistry25, 6487–6494). In both cases, the S2 state multiline EPR signal was observed in high yield and its formation required bound Ca2+. The lineshape of the S2 state multiline EPR signal and the magnetic properties of the manganese site were virtually identical to those of untreated PSII membranes. These results suggest that the structure of the manganese site is unaffected by removal of the 33 kDa polypeptide. Nevertheless, in samples lacking the 33 kDa polypeptide a stable charge separation could only be produced in about one half of the reaction centers below 160 K, in contrast to the result obtained in untreated or 17 and 23 kDa polypeptide-depleted PSII membranes. This suggests that one function of the 33 kDa polypeptide is to stabilize conformations of PSII that are active in secondary electron transfer events.
Ion acceleration with ultra-intense lasers

An overview of the performed theoretical work and the experimental efforts in laser-driven ion acceleration at the Hercules and the T-cubed laser facilities at the University of Michigan will be presented.
Deterin, a New Inhibitor of Apoptosis from Drosophila melanogaster

Deterin, a new apoptosis inhibitor from Drosophila melanogaster, possesses an unusual structure of only a single baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP)-type repeat and no RING finger motif. The biochemical actions of deterin are demonstrated in SF9 and S2 cell transfection assays, in which the expressed protein acts in the cytoplasm to inhibit or deter cells from apoptosis otherwise induced by the caspase-dependent apoptosis activator reaper or by cytotoxicants. A loss of function phenotype for deterin of cell death was indicated by transfections with either a dominant negative deterin mutant or with inhibitory RNA (RNAi) for deterin. The dominant negative C-terminal fragment that antagonized antiapoptotic activity of deterin did not affect antiapoptotic activity of DIAP1 or p35. Both the baculovirus IAP-type repeat (BIR) domain and the alpha-helical C-terminal domain are necessary in both SF9 and S2 cells for deterin to manifest its activity to prevent cell death. The approximately 650-base deterin transcript is present in embryos, third instar larvae, and late stage nurse cells of adult females. The deterin transcript is distributed throughout early stage embryos, whereas in later stage embryos it becomes progressively restricted to the central nervous system and gonads. Whereas the nematode survivin-type IAP has thus far been implicated only as a mitotic regulator, Drosophila deterin constitutes the first invertebrate member of the survivin-type IAP group to exhibit apoptosis-inhibitory activity.
Teaching an autistic child pedestrian skills

An autistic child was taught pedestrian skills in a classroom by use of a model of the streets and the intersection she most often frequented. She manipulated a doll and verbalized what the doll was doing to get to the designated location. After mastering the pedestrian skills on the model, video recordings familiarized her with traffic at local intersections. She successfully generalized the pedestrian skills to the natural environment.
Selective oxidation of n-pentane and 2-pentene over (VO)2P2O7 : continuous-flow and transient studies at subatmospheric pressures

Abstract The oxidation of n-pentane and 2-pentene on vanadyl pyrophosphate [(VO) 2 P 2 O 7 ] is investigated in low-pressure continuous-flow and transient-response experiments. New information is obtained on important aspects of the reaction mechanism. Transient-response experiments performed under anaerobic conditions suggest that an adsorbed organic species is active in the formation of phthalic anhydride. The detection of methylfuran indicates that it may be an intermediate in the formation of maleic anhydride.
5-HT-immunoreactive fibers in the trigeminal nuclear complex of the rat

The distribution of serotonin immunoreactive (5-HT-IR) fibers in the trigeminal nuclear complex of the rat was mapped. In the sensory nuclei, innervation appeared to be dense in areas primarily related to nociceptive afferent activity, and sparse in areas primarily related to nonnociceptive afferent activity. Specifically, the marginal and gelatinosa layers of the spinal subnucleus caudalis contained many 5-HT-IR fibers while few labeled fibers were seen in the magnocellular portion of subnucleus caudalis or in the principal sensory nucleus. The spinal subnuclei oralis and interpolaris were sparsely innervated except for a few areas which contained more 5-HT-IR fibers. The motor nucleus contained as many immunoreactive fibers as the subnucleus caudalis, although fibers in the motor nucleus were thicker and varicosities more irregularly spaced than in caudalis.
Differences in Shear Stress, Residence Time and Estimates of Hemolysis Between Different Ventricular Assist Devices

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality globally. Among various forms of cardiovascular disease, heart failure (HF) affects 5.7 million patients in the United States1. Despite optimal treatment, some patients still do not improve and the available therapies fail to control their symptoms; for them, cardiac transplantation may be the only option. However, only around 2200 transplants are performed in the US each year1, or only about 6% of the estimated 35,000 US patients who would benefit actually receive a heart. To address the need to support the circulation in patients with end-stage HF a wide variety of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs) have been developed over the past four decades.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Improved registration for 3D image creation using multiple texel images and incorporating low-cost GPS/INS measurements

The creation of 3D imagery is an important topic in remote sensing. Several methods have been developed to create 3D images from fused ladar and digital images, known as texel images. These methods have the advantage of using both the 3D ladar information and the 2D digital imagery directly, since texel images are fused during data acquisition. A weakness of these methods is that they are dependent on correlating feature points in the digital images. This can be difficult when image perspectives are significantly different, leading to low correlation values between matching feature points. This paper presents a method to improve the quality of 3D images created using existing approaches that register multiple texel images. The proposed method incorporates relatively low accuracy measurements of the position and attitude of the texel camera from a low-cost GPS/INS into the registration process. This information can improve the accuracy and robustness of the registered texel images over methods based on point-cloud merging or image registration alone. In addition, the dependence on feature point correlation is eliminated. Examples illustrate the value of this method for significant image perspective differences.
Frequency and development of slugs in a horizontal pipe at large liquid flows

Abstract The generation of slugs was studied for air–water flow in horizontal 0.0763 m and 0.095 m pipes. The emphasis was on high liquid rates (uLS ⩾ 0.5 m/s) for which slugs are formed close to the entry and the time intervals between slugs are stochastic. A “fully developed” slug flow is defined as consisting of slugs with different sizes interspersed in a stratified flow with a height slightly larger than the height, h0, needed for a slug to be stable. Properties of this “fully developed” pattern are discussed. A correlation for the frequency of slugging is suggested, which describes our data as well as the data from other laboratories for a wide range of conditions. The possibility is explored that there is a further increase of slug length beyond the “fully developed” condition because slugs slowly overtake one another. The evolution of slugs from a highly disturbed stratified flow at the inlet was studied by measuring the holdup at a number of locations along a 20 m length of 0.0763 m pipe. At superficial gas velocities less than 3 m/s incipient slugs form by waves touching the top of the pipe very close to the entry. At USG > 3–4 m/s incipient slugs form by wave coalescence farther downstream. These incipient slugs grow as long as the height of the stratified flow in front of them is greater than h0. When equal to h0, the slug can propagate downstream or decay if it has not reached a stable length. Decaying slugs form large amplitude roll waves which propagate downstream at a lower velocity than slugs. Slugs that overtake these waves increase in size. These results can be used in developing a stochastic model for the evolution.
Formation of extended hydrogen complexes in silicon

We have examined the nucleation and growth of hydrogen clusters using pseudopotential total-energy calculations. A double-layer {111} H platelet, resulting from clustering of diatomic ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$ complexes, is lower in energy by 0.15 eV per H pair than interstitial ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ molecules. This result explains two experimental observations: (1) predominance of Si-H bonding observed in Si containing high H concentrations and (2) the formation of H {111} platelets. The H vibrational frequencies, H-H separations, and other properties of the platelet are in general agreement with experiment.
Video Tapes in the Preparation of Elementary School Teachers of Reading

(1977). Video Tapes in the Preparation of Elementary School Teachers of Reading. Improving College and University Teaching: Vol. 25, Teacher education. Looking Down \ and Looking Up /, pp. 214-214.