cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predictors Of Survival Outcomes In Phase I Relapsed Or Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients

Objectives Categorization of response criteria for multiple myeloma (MM) is based on magnitude of change in serum and urine paraprotein values and normalization of free light chain ratio (rFLC). However, the association between improvements in these surrogate markers and patient outcomes is not validated in the phase I setting. Early measures of response would be beneficial for patients and agents to identify those likely to have prolonged disease-free intervals and to validate agent activity for rapid movement to subsequent development. Methods We identified 31 trials that met enrollment criteria of phase I, relapsed or refractory disease, and non-transplant study population. Clinical and demographic data collected included age, sex, race, ECOG performance status (PS) at entry, myeloma subtype and isotype, prior therapy, cytogenetics at study entry, date of progression, and date of expiration. Patients with t(4;14), del13, del17p, t(14;16), or t(14;20) were considered to have non-standard risk cytogenetics. Evaluation of the relationship between progression free survival (PFS) and change in plasma cell activity by the rFLC and magnitude of response in serum/urine paraprotein per IMWG criteria was performed. Landmark analyses occurred at cycle 2 and 4, 8, and 12 months. Progression free survival (PFS) at 12 months was the primary outcome of interest. Results Among 87 patients; 47 (54%) were female; 56 (64%) white, 29 (33%) black; 27 (31%) non-standard risk cytogenetics; ECOG PS 1 in 73 (84%); and median prior lines 5 (1-11). Eighty were evaluable for paraprotein changes, 71 for rFLC. Normalization of rFLC at 4 months conferred a PFS advantage (11.3 v 2.8 months, p = 0.038) (Table 1). Normalization of rFLC by 12 months was found to predict PFS (6.1 vs. 2.8 months, p = 0.015) and a longer OS (45 vs. 17.4 months, p = 0.002). Magnitude of response in paraprotein was found to predict and correlate linearly with PFS at all time landmarks (r 2 = 0.769 to 0.952). Analysis of PFS by IMWG criteria and by quartiles of 50% changes were both linear (p Conclusion These findings suggest that normalization of the rFLC and magnitude of paraprotein response are viable surrogate disease endpoints in phase I clinical trials of novel agents and combinations. The use of current IMWG criteria in the phase I setting is valuable, but the addition of time of response and alterations of response boundaries should be further evaluated in the setting of improved treatments. Disclosures: Kaufman: Onyx: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Millenium: Consultancy; Merck: Research Funding. Lonial: Millennium: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Onyx: Consultancy.
Connectivity and Structure in Large Networks

Large real-life complex networks are often modeled by various random graph constructions and hundreds of further references therein. In many cases it is not at all clear how the modeling strength of differently generated random graph model classes relate to each other. We would like to systematically investigate such issues. Our approach was originally motivated to capture properties of the random network topology of wireless communication networks. We started some investigations, but here we elevate it to a more general level that makes it possible to compare the strength of different classes of random network models. Specially, we introduce various classes of random graph models that are significantly more general than the ones that are usually treated in the literature, and show relationships among them. One of our main results is that no random graph model can fall in the following three classes at the same time: (1) random graph models with bounded expected degrees; (2) random graph models that are asymptotically almost connected; (3) an abstracted version of geometric random graph models with two mild restrictions that we call locality and name invariance. In other words, in a mildly restricted, but still very general, class of generalized geometric-style models the requirements of bounded expected degrees and asymptotic almost connectivity are incompatible.
Optimal Network Analysis

Following implementation of optimal regression and interdependence analysis, the authors noted that the general algorithm could also be used to solve the optimal network problem which may be stated simply as follows: given n transportation nodes (cities, stations, or points to be served) and the set of n(n − 1)/2 direct, non-directional links joining all pairs of nodes, select the subset of links that minimizes the sum of shortest path distances between all pairs of nodes, subject to a budget constraint on the total link length. This application extended the original algorithm of Beale et al. (1967) in two ways. First, the size constraint (number of variables) is generalized to a linear constraint (total length of network). Second, the algorithm is applied to a potentially larger tree-search problem outside the field of statistics; however, Beale (1970) also described the application of the algorithm to a plant location problem.
Durable and sustained immune tolerance to ERT in Pompe disease with entrenched immune responses

BACKGROUND. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has prolonged survival and improved clinical outcomes in patients with infantile Pompe disease (IPD), a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disorder. Yet marked interindividual variability in response to ERT, primarily attributable to the development of antibodies to ERT, remains an ongoing challenge. Immune tolerance to ongoing ERT has yet to be described in the setting of an entrenched immune response. METHODS. Three infantile Pompe patients who developed high and sustained rhGAA IgG antibody titers (HSAT) and received a bortezomib-based immune tolerance induction (ITI) regimen were included in the study and were followed longitudinally to monitor the long-term safety and efficacy. A trial to taper the ITI protocol was attempted to monitor if true immune tolerance was achieved. RESULTS. Bortezomib-based ITI protocol was safely tolerated and led to a significant decline in rhGAA antibody titers with concomitant sustained clinical improvement. Two of the 3 IPD patients were successfully weaned off all ITI protocol medications and continue to maintain low/no antibody titers. ITI protocol was significantly tapered in the third IPD patient. B cell recovery was observed in all 3 IPD patients. CONCLUSION. This is the first report to our knowledge on successful induction of long-term immune tolerance in patients with IPD and HSAT refractory to agents such as cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and methotrexate, based on an approach using the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. As immune responses limit the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of therapy for many conditions, proteasome inhibitors may have new therapeutic applications. FUNDING. This research was supported by a grant from the Genzyme Corporation, a Sanofi Company (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA), and in part by the Lysosomal Disease Network, a part of NIH Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN).
Microgrid black-start after natural disaster with load restoration using spanning tree search

One solution towards a resilient electric distribution system during extreme weather conditions and other natural disasters is microgrid with distribution automation. This low voltage bottom-up black start capability and feeder reconfiguration capability allow true realization of the full potentialities of distributed generation. This paper exploits the black start of a low voltage network supported by automatic sectionalization of microgrids. The loads are restored based on their criticality. The islanded or unserved critical loads are then picked up by the microgrids using spanning tree search that accommodates multiple faults. Unbalanced three phase power flow is performed to ensure all operational constraints have been satisfied. The simulation result is based on a modified IEEE 37-node system with dispersed distributed generation. The study validates the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Surgeon Diagnostic Accuracy in Facial Plastic and Oculoplastic Surgery Clinics.

ImportanceBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a relative contraindication for facial plastic surgery, but formal screening is not common in practice. The prevalence of BDD in patients seeking facial ...
Can economics be a physical science

Economics and other social sciences stem from the same methodological scientific revolution that gave birth to the natural sciences. The natural and social sciences share a commitment to the dialectical process of theory formation on the basis of empirical findings and theory revision to incorporate empirical anomalies. Claims that the subject matter of social and natural sciences differ qualitatively in terms of mathematical formalism, statistical modeling, or reductionism are unconvincing. The notion of a “value-free” character to natural sciences fails historical and critical tests. Natural and social sciences share an ideological component in their representation of the relation between the subject and the external natural and social world. Natural sciences arise from the struggles of human beings with nature in the process of social reproduction, while social sciences arise from the struggles of human beings with each other and with the class divisions social reproduction imposes.
Neurourological Application of Neurogenesis and Inflammation and Pain Mechanisms of Rocuronium Bromide.

In the present issue of the International Neurourology Journal, 2 interesting topics were included. One is “Current opinion on the role of neurogenesis in the therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and ischemic stroke; considering neuronal voiding function” [1] and the other is “Rocuronium bromide inhibits inflammation and pain by suppressing nitric oxide production and enhancing prostaglandin E2 synthesis in endothelial cells” [2].
In Vivo Detection of HSP90 Identifies Breast Cancers with Aggressive Behavior

Purpose: Hsp90, a chaperone to numerous molecular pathways in malignant cells, is elevated in aggressive breast cancers. We hypothesized that identifying breast cells with elevated Hsp90 activity in situ could result in early detection of aggressive breast cancers.Experimental Design: We exploited the uptake of an Hsp90 inhibitor by malignant cells to create an imaging probe (HS131) of Hsp90 activity by linking it to a near-infrared (nIR) dye. HS131 uptake into cells correlated with cell membrane expression of Hsp90 and was used to image molecular subtypes of murine and human breast cancers in vitro and in murine models.Results: HS131 imaging was both sensitive and specific in detecting the murine 4T1 breast cancer cell line, as well as subclones with differing metastatic potential. Highly metastatic subclones (4T07) had high HS131 uptake, but subclones with lower metastatic potential (67NR, 168FARN) had low HS131 uptake. We generated isogenic cell lines to demonstrate that overexpression of a variety of specific oncogenes resulted in high HS131 uptake and retention. Finally, we demonstrated that HS131 could be used to detect spontaneous tumors in MMTV-neu mice, as well as primary and metastatic human breast cancer xenografts. HS131 could image invasive lobular breast cancer, a histologic subtype of breast cancer which is often undetectable by mammography.Conclusions: An HSP90-targeting nIR probe is sensitive and specific in imaging all molecular subtypes of murine and human breast cancer, with higher uptake in aggressive and highly metastatic clones. Clinical studies with Hsp90-targeting nIR probes will be initiated shortly. Clin Cancer Res; 23(24); 7531-42. ©2017 AACR.
POSSIBLE DETERMINATION OF K$lambda$ RELATIVE PARITY

It has been suggested that a study of the absorption of bound K/sup -/ mesons in hydrogen according to the infrequently occurring reactions, K/sup -/ + p yields LAMBDA /sup 0/ + pi /sup 0/ + pi /sup 0/ and K/sup -/ + p yields LAMBDA /sup 0/ + regarding the K LAMBDA relative parity. This suggestion is extended to the absorption in flight of K/sup -/ mesons with energy below 30 Mev. (W.D.M.)
Reactions to others’ misfortune on social media: Effects of homophily and publicness on schadenfreude, empathy, and perceived deservingness

Abstract Social media has become a popular venue for support seeking, which often involves self-disclosure about one's misfortune. To examine how help-related emotions and cognitions as responses to such disclosure might be influenced by technological factors, we conducted a 2 (interpersonal similarity: low vs. high) x 3 (message publicness: private vs. moderate vs. public) between-participants experiment online. Findings suggest that seeing disclosure about a personal misfortune from a dissimilar other, as compared with a similar other, elicited schadenfreude and inhibited empathy via heightened perceived deservingness among message recipients. Also, such effects were more prominent when the self-disclosure messages were visible within a given network of friends as compared to when messages were made completely public to everyone or exclusively directed to the observer.
BDNF shifts excitatory-inhibitory balance in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to elevate blood pressure.

Presympathetic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) play a key role in cardiovascular regulation. We have previously shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acting in the PVN, increases sympathetic activity and blood pressure and serves as a key regulator of stress-induced hypertensive responses. BDNF is known to alter glutamatergic and GABA-ergic signaling broadly in the central nervous system, but whether BDNF has similar actions in the PVN remains to be investigated. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased BDNF expression in the PVN elevates blood pressure by enhancing NMDA receptor (NMDAR)- and inhibiting GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated signaling. Sprague Dawley rats received bilateral PVN injections of AAV2 viral vectors expressing GFP or BDNF. Three weeks later, cardiovascular responses to PVN injections of NMDAR and GABAAR agonists and antagonists were recorded under α-chloralose-urethane anesthesia. Additionally, expressions of excitatory and inhibitory signaling components in the PVN were assessed using immunofluorescence. Our results showed that NMDAR inhibition led to a greater decrease in blood pressure in the BDNF vs GFP group, while GABAAR inhibition led to greater increases in blood pressure in the GFP group compared to BDNF. Conversely, GABAAR activation decreased blood pressure significantly more in GFP vs BDNF rats. In addition, immunoreactivity of NMDAR1 was upregulated, while GABAAR-a1 and K+/Cl- cotransporter 2 were downregulated by BDNF overexpression in the PVN. In summary, our findings indicate that hypertensive actions of BDNF within the PVN are mediated, at least in part, by augmented NMDAR and reduced GABAAR signaling.
Affinity-bound antibody-drug conjugates.

Computationally designed antibody–drug conjugates easily self-assemble via affinity ligands that non-covalently link a therapeutic drug to conserved sites on native IgG antibodies.
Anatomic structures at risk in anteroposterior screw fixation of posterior malleolar fractures: A cadaver study.

Abstract Introduction Percutaneous anterior-posterior (AP) screw is an option for posterior malleolus fracture fixation when the fracture fragment can be reduced indirectly by the mean of ligamentotaxis. However, anterior anatomic structures could be injured during screw placement. Materials and methods Eleven below-knee cadavers were employed for the placement of AP screws in an attempt of fixing assumed Haraguchi Type-I posterior malleolar fractures. Three entry points were selected as medial to the anterior tibial tendon (ATT), lateral to the ATT, and lateral to the extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Three AP screws were placed under guidance of fluoroscopy. After dissection, measurements were made (mm) from each screw to nearby structures. Distances were calculated and damage to structures was documented. Results Mean, minimum, and maximum distances from the medial screw to the greater saphenous vein, TA, EHL, anterior tibial artery (ATA), and deep peroneal nerve (DPN), were 18.1 (12–25) mm, 2.0 (0–5) mm, 13.6 (9–20) mm, 16.6 (9–25) mm, and 20.1 (12–27) mm. From the middle screw to the ATA, DPN, TA, EHL, and EDL, were 1.2 (0–3) mm, 4.9 (3–9) mm, 3.8 (1–7) mm, 0.4 (0–2) mm, and 13.6 (10–18) mm. From the lateral screw to the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN), EDL, DPN, and ATA, were 10.8 (0–16) mm, 1.2 (0–4) mm, 15.9 (11–25) mm, 19 (15–27) mm. The SPN was found partially cut by the lateral screw on 1 specimen. Conclusions Lateral and middle percutaneous AP screw placement put certain anatomic structures at-risk of injury. Medial screw placement did not result in appreciable damage to adjacent structures. Entry point of AP screws should be selected with respect to posterior malleolar fracture and anatomic structures. Level of evidence IV.
We need people's WHO to solve vaccine inequity, and we need it now.

### Summary box As of 9 April 2021, of more than 700 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered globally, only 0.2% have gone to low-income countries, with over 87% gone to high income countries (HICs) or upper middle-income countries.1 COVAX was established to pool demands and funds among countries to collectively negotiate an affordable price for the vaccine with vaccine manufacturers.2 The aspiration was to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines regardless of countries’ income level. This aspiration failed. COVAX’s collective purchasing power was outcompeted by governments who had greater means to pay and purchased directly from vaccine manufacturers outside COVAX. Consequently, global COVID-19 vaccine supply was left to competition among countries based on their ability to pay rather than public health needs in what can be termed ‘survival of the wealthiest’. In recognition of the vaccine inequity, civil society actors, governments of wealthy nations (eg, G7, G20) and multilateral agencies have called for redistributing excess doses from HICs to low-income middle-income countries (LMICs), …
Flexible resistance-type strain sensors toward monitoring finger movements

Flexible strain sensors with superior flexibility and high sensitivity are critical to artificial intelligence. And it is favorable to develop highly sensitive strain sensors with simple and cost effective method. Here, we have prepared carbon nanotubes enhanced thermal polyurethane nanocomposites with good mechanical and electrical properties for fabrication of highly sensitive strain sensors. The nanomaterials have been prepared through simple but effective solvent evaporation method, and the cheap polyurethane has been utilized as main raw materials. Only a small quantity of carbon nanotubes with mass content of 5% has been doped into polyurethane matrix with purpose of enhancing mechanical and electrical properties of the nanocomposites. As a result, the flexible nanocomposite films present highly sensitive resistance response under external strain stimulus. The strain sensors based on these flexible composite films deliver excellent sensitivity and conformality under mechanical conditions, and detect finger movements precisely under different bending angles.
Effects of Lasmiditan on Cardiovascular Parameters in Healthy Subjects Receiving Oral Doses of Propranolol (1275)

Objective: Assess cardiovascular effects of coadministration of lasmiditan with propranolol in healthy subjects. Background: Lasmiditan is a selective serotonin 5-HT1F receptor agonist developed for acute treatment of migraine. Based on previous clinical data, lasmiditan has been associated with maximum mean decreases in pulse rate of 5 to 10 bpm. In clinical practice, lasmiditan may potentially be coadministered with propranolol, a non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist (known to decrease heart rate [HR]) used for migraine prophylaxis. Design/Methods: This open-label, fixed-sequence study enrolled 44 healthy subjects (aged 21–63 years), receiving single oral doses of 200mg lasmiditan on Day 1 (lasmiditan alone) and Day 9 (lasmiditan at propranolol steady-state concentrations), and twice-daily oral doses of propranolol (80mg, mornings and evenings) on Days 4–10. Vital signs were assessed frequently on Days −1, 1, 8, and 9. HR effects were assessed by Holter ambulatory monitoring and triplicate 12-lead electrocardiogram. Safety and PK were also assessed. Results: While coadministration caused statistically significant decreases in mean hourly heart rate relative to propranolol alone, the maximum magnitude of this effect was 6.5 bpm and recovered to predose levels by 3–4 hours before stabilizing. Additionally, short-lived (≤2.5 hours) statistically significant increases in systolic blood pressure (8.3 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (6.4 mmHg) were observed following coadministration. The most commonly occurring (frequency ≥3) treatment-emergent events (TEAEs) related to study treatment were dizziness, fatigue, paraesthesia, somnolence, discomfort, and nausea. No CV TEAEs were reported. Coadministration resulted in no clinically meaningful changes in exposure to either drug; 90% CIs for geometric LS means for all Cmax and AUC parameters were within 0.8 and 1.25. Conclusions: Lasmiditan added to the heart rate-lowering effect of propranolol with minimal effects on BP. There were no clinically relevant PK interactions that would preclude the coadministration of lasmiditan and propranolol. Disclosure: Dr. Wilbraham has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Eli Lilly and Company.Dr. Case has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Employee and minor shareholder at Eli Lilly & Company. Dr. Case holds stock and/or stock options in Own >$10,000 in Eli Lilly & Company shares which sponsored research in which Dr. Case was involved as an investigator. Dr. Case holds stock and/or stock options in Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Tsai has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Eli Lilly and Company.
Restoration of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta signaling pathway in the human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cell line by the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 45, 2004 4172 Transcriptional repression of the TGF-beta type II receptor (RII) is a major mechanism underlying TGF-beta resistance in many solid tumors including prostate cancer. Histone deacetylase inhibitors have been shown to inhibit tumor growth by increasing histone acetylation, chromatin remodeling, and modulation of gene expression. In this study, we treated TGF-beta RII negative human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cell line with the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS-275. LNCaP treated cells showed a reduced growth rate both in vitro and in vivo . The antiproliferative effect of MS-275 on LNCaP cells was associated with a dose dependent induction of both TGF-beta and TGF-beta RII. We also observed cell cycle arrest at G1 phase, increased apoptosis, and expression of the plasminogen activation inhibitor-1, a down-stream target of TGF-beta signaling pathway. Surprisingly, we also observed the gene and protein expression up-regulation of Id1, a transcription factor involved in inhibition of differentiation and induction of proliferation. However, recent evidence also showed that Id1 knockout mice were more susceptible to chemical carcinogen induced skin cancer. In order to elucidate the mechanism and consequence of MS-275 up-regulation of TGF-beta RII and Id1, we developed RNA interference (RNAi) strategy targeting Id1. Preliminary results indicated that RNAi induced a >75% inhibition of Id1 protein expression and G1 cell cycle arrest in a melanoma cell line. We are currently testing combination treatments of LNCaP cells with MS-275 and Id1 RNAi to determine the role of Id1 induction in the antitumor activity of MS-275, and the results will be presented at the meeting. In conclusion, these preliminary results suggest that the antitumor activity of MS-275 may be mediated in part through the induction of TGF-beta and TGF-beta RII expression and consequent restoration of an impaired TGF-beta autocrine inhibitory circuit.
Chaos And Complexity: Implications For Psychological Theory And Practice

The nature of this book is to emphasize the inherent complexity and richness of the human experience of change. Now, the author believes there to be an acceptable "scientific" explanation for this phenomona. Explored here are 30 years of studies to describe nonlinear dynamics, today termed either chaos theory or complexity theory. The connotations of both theories are discussed at length. Offering social scientists validation in their attempts to describe and define phenomona of a previously ineffable nature, this book explores chaos' implications for psychology and the social sciences. It describes the benefits psychology can glean from using ideas in chaos theory and applying them to psychology in general, individual psycho-therapy, couples therapy, and community psychology, and also considers possible directions for research and application.
Whitewashed Adobe: The Rise of Los Angeles and the Remaking of Its Mexican Past

Acknowledgments Illustrations Preface: City of the Future Chapter One: The Unending Mexican War Chapter Two: History on Parade Chapter Three: Remembering a River Chapter Four: The Color of Brick Work is Brown Chapter Five: Ethnic Quarantine Chapter Six: The Drama of Los Angeles History Conclusion: Whitewashed Adobe Index
Elongation by Drosophila RNA polymerase II. Transcription of 3'-extended DNA templates.

Abstract RNA polymerase II will efficiently initiate transcription on linear duplex DNA which has been extended at its 3' ends by the addition of short stretches of polydeoxycytidine (Kadesch, T. R., and Chamberlin, M. J. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 5286-5295). We have used such dC-tailed templates to identify factors affecting elongation by Drosophila RNA polymerase II (Price, D. H., Sluder, A. E., and Greenleaf, A. L. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 3244-3255). While studying these factors we have observed two unexpected characteristics of transcription of the tailed templates. First, we found that RNA polymerase II encountered a strong pause site after the incorporation of 14 nucleotides. This pausing was observed on all templates examined and with RNA polymerase II from a variety of sources. In addition, we found that ammonium ions markedly stimulated the polymerase, increasing both the efficiency with which the enzyme left the 14 base pause site and the subsequent rate of elongation. A factor previously shown to affect transcription of dC-tailed templates (factor 4, Price, D. H., Sluder, A. E., and Greenleaf, A. L. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 3244-3255) was found to cause transcript displacement and to stimulate the elongation rate approximately 2-fold. This factor copurified with an RNase H activity, and a model is presented for the mechanism of transcript displacement by RNase H. The observations presented here form a basis for further analysis of RNA polymerase II elongation and its modulation by transcription factors. They should also aid in the interpretation of other experiments in which dC-tailed templates are used.
Identifying cost management strategies in dialysis clinics: sustainable savings with positive outcomes.

OBJECTIVES To examine whether cost management strategies are used in a revenue-constrained environment without compromising clinical effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of monthly cost and acuity-adjusted hospitalization data. METHODS This research included longitudinal regression analyses involving 10 years of data, 1990 through 1999, from each of 6 dialysis centers. Two sets of regression models were used: one set examined cost interactions and cost trends (P < or = .001); the second set examined clinical outcomes (P < or = .001). Four cost management strategies were examined: (1) selective reductions in targeted cost categories, (2) cost reductions through improved efficiencies, (3) cost avoidance by shifting responsibilities to external parties, and (4) uniform reductions across all cost categories. RESULTS Managers appeared to have limited opportunity to selectively or uniformly reduce costs because of cost "stickiness" and minimal resource substitutability. Improvements in operational efficiencies and cost shifting to external parties occurred. Over time, however, realized efficiencies increased at a decreasing rate, whereas cost shifting actually declined. Contrary to prior hospital studies, these results indicate significant economies of scale. No statistical correlation was found to indicate that the physician/clinic management teams' use of cost reduction strategies affected acuity-adjusted hospitalizations of dialysis patients. CONCLUSIONS Strategic models that include both financial and outcomes data can enable healthcare managers to predict both positive and negative results of cost management proposals. These models can help identify aspects of an organization's cost structure that affect sustainable cost savings: cost stickiness, cost substitutability, institutional experience, realized operational improvements, and economies of scale.
Calculation of accurate complex resonant frequency of an open microstrip resonator using the spectral domain method

A numerical solution of the complex resonant frequency and the quality factor for the microstrip resonator in an open space is found using the spectral domain method. In the solution process, the effect of the surface wave loss as well as the radiation loss are incorporated correctly by choosing the proper integration path. The results of the complex resonant frequency for various open microstrip rectangular resonators are presented.
Wavelet Customization for Improved Fault-Location Quality in Power Networks

A procedure for computing customized wavelets suitable for identifying the location of a fault along the length of a transmission line is proposed. Measuring the time difference of arrival (TDOA) between two consecutive transient reflections or the TDOA between the two initial peaks of two synchronized voltage/current bus measurements provides an accurate fault-location estimate. Reliable TDOA estimates can be obtained only when the transformed fault signals consist of short/peaked pulses that arrive on a bus with a small group delay. Our customization method improves the “peakedness” and shortens the group delay of the transient signal by maximizing a suitable peakedness objective function. It is shown that this approach is superior in terms of accuracy compared to the “classic” (Daubechies) wavelet-based technique found in the literature. The proposed method is independent of the fault type and can be used to reduce the required data sampling rate while maintaining reliable TDOA estimates.
Finance Application: Portfolio Analysis with a Market Index as a Leading Indicator in Simple Linear Regression

Simple linear regression of stock rates of return with a Market index provides an estimate of beta, a measure of risk, which is central to finance investment theory.
Marital fertility and wealth during the fertility transition: rural France, 1750-1850

It has been long established that the demographic transition began in eighteenth-century France, yet there is no consensus on exactly why fertility declined. This analysis links fertility life histories to wealth at death data for four rural villages in France, 1750–1850. For the first time, the wealth–fertility relationship during the onset of the French fertility decline can be analysed. Where fertility is declining, wealth is a powerful predictor of smaller family size. This article argues that fertility decline in France was a result of changing levels of economic inequality, associated with the 1789 Revolution. In cross-section, the data support this hypothesis: where fertility is declining, economic inequality is lower than where fertility is high.
Effects of fire on vegetation and small mammal communities in a Mojave Desert Joshua tree woodland

Abstract Wildfire size and frequency are increasing in Mojave Desert Joshua tree woodlands principally due to anthropogenic factors. These habitats are generally considered to be fire intolerant and the effects from fire are a major concern for land managers. This study investigated trends of ecosystem response to fire by looking at a chronosequence of historic burns. Plots were chosen at 2, 9, 13, 15 19, and 65 years since burn in which to sample vegetation and rodent communities. Rodent diversity was lower in burned plots and increased over time. The abundance of rodents however, was not significantly different between the burned and unburned plots. Vegetation showed a directional change in species composition with time since fire. However, reestablished vegetation assemblages did not converge to the assumed pre-burn condition. It is probable that this difference relates to the slow rates of establishment of certain vegetation components that make up the pre-burn condition of the plots. There is a concern that invasion by exotic plant species, nitrogen deposition, and global climate change may initiate a fire cycle in this ecosystem that will arrest succession before the Joshua tree woodland is allowed to reestablish.
Stable, Tightly Confining Magnetic Trap for Evaporative Cooling of Neutral Atoms

We describe a new type of magnetic trap whose time-averaged, orbiting potential (TOP) supplies tight and harmonic confinement of atoms. The TOP trap allows for long storage times even for cold atom samples by suppressing the loss due to nonadiabatic spin flips which limits the storage time in an ordinary magnetic quadrupole trap. In preliminary experiments on evaporative cooling of ${}^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms in the TOP trap, we obtain a phase-space density enhancement of up to 3 orders of magnitude and temperatures as low as 200 nK.
Watching flipping junctions.

Real time measurements of conformational switching in single Holliday junctions reinforce the role of the junction in the site selection and branch migration steps of genetic recombination.
Synthesis of optically active helical poly(2-methoxystyrene). Enhancement of HeLa and osteoblast cell growth on optically active helical poly(2-methoxystyrene) surfaces.

Poly(2-methoxystyrene)s (P2MS) were synthesized using n-BuLi in THF and toluene at various temperatures. At −20°C and higher temperatures, toluene was an effective polymerization solvent for synthesizing poly(2-methoxystyrene). Under these conditions, polymers with good yields and reasonable molecular weight distributions were obtained. Polymers synthesized under all conditions were isotactic; the most highly isotactic polymer was obtained in toluene at −20°C. The m (isotactic dyad) content of the polymers synthesized in toluene at 0°C and −20°C was 0.65 and 0.74, respectively. Optically active helical (+) and (−) P2MS were synthesized by asymmetric polymerization utilizing (+) or (−) [2,3-dimethoxy1,4(dimethylamino)butane] (DDB)/tolyl lithium initiating complex in toluene. Asymmetric polymerizations were also carried out at 0°C to synthesize optically active polymers. The optical rotations of the polymers were found to be dynamic and reversible, strongly suggesting contribution of the chiral higher order...
Martingale Type Statistics Applied to Change Points Detection

The Shiryayev–Roberts approach has been adapted to detect various types of changes in distributions of non-i.i.d. observations. By utilizing martingale properties of Shiryayev–Roberts statistics, this technique provides distribution-free, nonasymptotic upper bounds for the significance levels of asymptotic power one tests for change points with epidemic alternatives. Since optimal Shiryayev–Roberts sequential procedures are well-investigated, the proposed methodology yields a simple approach for obtaining analytical results related to retrospective testing. In the case when distributions of data are known up to parameters, the article presents an adaptive estimation that is more efficient than a well-accepted nonanticipating estimation described in the change point literature. The proposed adaptive procedure can also be used in the context of sequential change point detection.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: lifesaving total gastrectomy for CDH1 mutation carriers

Gastric cancer is comprised of two major types1: (1) intestinal, which is often associated with environmental factors such as diet, cigarette smoking, and Helicobacter pylori 2; and (2) diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) which, although less common than the intestinal type, is more likely to be due to host factor effects.3 4 Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC), which is featured in this editorial, was first described in 1964 in three Maori families from New Zealand.5 A descendant in one of the families died at age 14 years and more than 25 of his relatives also died of DGC. The pedigrees in these families were compatible with an autosomal dominant mode of genetic transmission for HDGC, which was subsequently attributed to mutations of the E-cadherin ( CDH1 ), epithelial-cadherin (OMIM 19, 2009) gene, identified by Guilford et al 6 in members of these Maori families. Fitzgerald et al 's article published in this issue6a discusses the veritable exponential increase of phenotypic and genotypic knowledge, consonant with HDGC's heterogeneity.5 It is now estimated that approximately 40% of HDGC families may harbour the CDH1 mutation.7 The mutation's penetrance is approximately 70%.8 9 Upper endoscopy shows the stomach mucosal surface to be “normal” while its diffuse signet ring cell pathology is submucosal, thereby making upper endoscopy an ineffective screening procedure. In addition to gastric cancer, approximately 40% of women with this CDH1 mutation will develop lobular carcinoma of the breast.3 Given these facts, it is clear that physicians and genetic counsellors must be highly knowledgeable about HDGC so that they can effectively provide accurate and compassionate genetic counselling, mandatory before collecting the patient's DNA for CDH1 mutation testing.10 11 The high risk family member needs to understand why he/she must give serious thought to the option …
Proton NMR studies of ternary complexes of bleomycin with metal ions and nucleic acid

Summary The formation of a ternary complex of bleomycin of the type metal ion-Bleo-A 2 -poly(dA-dT) is indicated by the observation of spin diffusion in the 1 H NMR spectra when nuclear Overhauser experiments are performed on samples containing poly(dA-dT) and Zn(II)-Bleo-A 2 or CO-Fe(II)-Bleo-A 2 . The enhancement of the transverse relaxation rates of the resonances of Fe(II)-Bleo-A 2 by poly(dA-dT) demonstrates the formation of the putative active complex Fe(II)-Bleo-A 2 -poly(dA-dT). The absence of substantial changes in the chemical shifts suggests that the geometry of metal ion co-ordination is minimally perturbed by polynucleotide binding, which is consistent with the bifunctional nature of bleomycin.
Acute dermal toxicities of various organophosphate insecticides in mice.

Dermal LD50 values for five organophosphate insecticides were determined in mice by application of solutions to hind feet. Values were simultaneously generated for the ED50 (milligrams per kilogram) for both cholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase. Lethality was greatest with mevinphos, followed by parathion, methyl parathion, diazinon, and azinphosmethyl. LD50 values were higher than reported values for mice treated on shaved back skin. Cholinesterase ED50 values roughly agreed with LD50 values far mevinphos, parathion, methyl parathion, and azinphos‐methyl, but diazinon appeared much more inhibitory of blood than neuronal cholinesterase. Red blood cell and plasma cholinesterase activities were equally sensitive for all but mevinphos and diazinon.
Effects of magnesium supplementation in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion.

We tested the hypothesis that acute, intravenous (i.v.) magnesium (Mg2+) supplementation would protect against myocardial stunning in an in situ swine model of regional ischemia and reperfusion and that a concomitant inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation would be elicited. An open-chest model was used, with transient occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) for 8 min. Regional contractile function was assessed by measuring wall thickening fraction with epicardial Doppler crystals. One control group (n = 6) and two treatment groups were studied: group I (n = 6) received 750 mg MgSO4 before occlusion; group II (n = 6) received 1 g MgSO4 after the occlusion. Both protocols produced significant hypermagnesemia. In group I, platelet aggregation was measured before and after Mg2+ treatment using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and various agonists (ADP 5 and 10 mM and collagen 1 mg/ml). As compared with controls, both treatment groups experienced significantly less postischemic dysfunction, with systolic function returning more quickly to baseline. Furthermore, platelet aggregation was significantly decreased immediately after Mg2+ infusion. Inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by Mg2+ treatment occurs concomitantly with significant amelioration of postischemic myocardial dysfunction.
Direct simulation of vapor bubble growth

Abstract This paper presents a numerical method directed towards the local simulation of axisymmetric vapor bubble growth. We use an interface tracking method in conjunction with a finite volume method on a moving unstructured mesh. We allow metastable bulk states and assume the interface exists in thermal and chemical equilibrium. The bulk fluids are viscous, conducting, and compressible. The control volume continuity, momentum and energy equations are modified in the presence of a phase interface to include surface tension and discontinuous pressure and velocity. A solid wall model is included to allow for conjugate heat transfer modes.
Analysis of Malathion and its Breakdown Products in Aquaria Containing Golden Shiners (N. CHRYSOLEUCAS)

Abstract The 1-ethylmonocarboxylic acid of Malathion (MCA) was identified as a metabolite of Malathion in the gut of golden shiners (N. Chrysoleucas) (7.11 × 102±0.66 × 102 ng/g tissue). As noted in the literature the rate of hydrolysis of Malathion above pH 7 is first order with respect to Malathion and pH dependent. In addition, the rate of hydrolysis of Malathion in aquaria housing these fish was found to be dependent on the concentration of Ca+2; sparging the aquaria with air affected the rate. Some of the hydrolysis products of Malathion were identified by gc/ms and found to be pH dependent above pH 7. The half-life of Malathion under different conditions, the identification of some hydrolytic products and a general scheme for the analysis of Malathion, along with some of its metabolic and hydrolytic products are included in this paper.
Colluvial processes and soil variation at field boundaries in County Down

In fields on slopes, colluvium can accumulate against a field bank so that the surface of the eroded field is at a higher level than the field immediately downslope. This creates a drop down from the upper field to the lower. These features, step-like in cross section, form during cultivation and survive in land that has reverted to pasture without the normal restoration of soil upslope being undertaken. The presence of such a deposit distorts the downslope pattern of moisture movement in that a component of this flow is now towards the field bank from which it often seeps. To ascertain if the formation and survival of these colluvium deposits can affect soil property variation, a study was carried out in three fields at three different sites in mid-County Down. Data on organic carbon, pH. pyrophosphate extractable iron, dithionite extractable iron and mass specific magnetic susceptibility were obtained from detailed sampling often profiles located at approximately ten metre intervals downslope in each field. These data were examined graphically. Results show that downslope changes in soil properties are influenced by surface wash, as well as by the development of a saturated wedge and longer soil moisture residence times, following the alteration of pathways of moisture movement, in the vicinity of the colluvial deposits.
Education and violation: conceptualizing power, domination, and agency in the hidden curriculum

This article offers a theory of a process of violation that connects macropolitical effects to the intimate terrain of subject production. I describe power, as violation, in terms of a simultaneous process of construction and destruction, which seeks its satisfaction in an injury to the very identities it is complicit in producing. Starting from analyses of power and racism in the historical Black radical tradition, and in particular the work of W.E.B. Du Bois and Frantz Fanon, and in contrast to prevailing conceptualizations in critical and poststructuralist theory, I describe violation as active and motivated rather than the mere by-product of a more fundamental imperative of reproduction or normalization. This analysis foregrounds the continuous process of assault that characterizes the hidden curriculum of schooling for students of color and other marginalized students, particularly with regard to the contemporary clinical and academic discourses that work to name, know, and organize identities. I arg...
Method of Estimating Satellite Link Quality in a Time Slotted Tactical UHF SATCOM System

While the use of geosynchronous satellites allows tactical radios users to achieve beyond the line-of-sight communications nearly anywhere within the footprint of a satellite system, the use of directional antennas forces the radio operator to know the precise location of the satellite that is being used. Because of this, when operating in a SATCOM system it is often useful to have the capability to conduct a RSSI (received signal strength indication) check to confirm that the transceiver is configured for the correct channel and the antenna is pointed optimally. Typically, this type of measurement is done on dedicated satellite channels by transmitting a known signal on the uplink frequency and immediately turning around the transceiver and receiving the retransmitted signal on the downlink frequency. The transceiver will then analyze the received signal to determine the quality of the channel by calculating the Carrier Power to Noise Spectral Density Ratio (C/N¬0). Unfortunately, this method of satellite link quality estimation does not work on a channel that is being operated as a time slotted system, such as the Integrated Waveform specified in MIL-STD-188-181C/182B/183B/185A, as the RSSI transmission will interfere with the timeslots being utilized by other operators sharing the SATCOM channel. Furthermore, the required transmission duration to accurately calculate C/N¬0 will not be possible in a single timeslot even if the interference is avoided. This paper will discuss an alternative method to using a single contiguous transmission, comprised of a preamble and payload, through the utilization of multiple orthogonal single frequency tones that last the entire duration of the transmission. By utilizing a payload composed of a single frequency, this paper will then discuss a method for creating an RSSI check that uses an arbitrarily sized transmission to accommodate the small timeslots allocated in time slotted systems such as the Integrated Waveform.