cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The generation of specific cytotoxic responses by human lymphocytes requires antigen and activities provided by a lymphokine supernatant.

The requirements for the generation of specific cytotoxic responses by human lymphocytes have been investigated using as a model system the response to the ultraviolet light-killed mouse tumour P815. These requirements are antigen (P815uv) and activities provided by a human lymphokine (LK) supernatant. Cells that give rise to non-specific cytotoxicity can be separated on discontinuous Percoll density gradients after a 3-day incubation of peripheral blood leucocytes with the lymphokine supernatant. Cells from which specific cytotoxic responses can subsequently be generated in the presence of P815uv and LK sediment at a higher density.
Improving dynamic soil parameters and advancing the pile signal matching technique

Abstract The pile signal matching technique widely used for estimating vertical resistances of piles during construction is highly influenced by the assumed dynamic soil parameters. Due to the lack of understanding and supporting data, constant soil parameters for the entire pile length have been routinely used. This practice is unrealistic and compromises the signal match quality. Using recently completed field tests, this paper develops empirical equations for dynamic soil parameters in terms of measureable soil properties and proposes an improved signal matching technique, thereby allowing for better match quality.
An algorithm for second order initial and boundary value problems with an automatic error estimate based on a third derivative method

A third derivative method (TDM) with continuous coefficients is derived and used to obtain a main and additional methods, which are simultaneously applied to provide all approximations on the entire interval for initial and boundary value problems of the form y???=?f(x, y, y?). The convergence analysis of the method is discussed. An algorithm involving the TDMs is developed and equipped with an automatic error estimate based on the double mesh principle. Numerical experiments are performed to show efficiency and accuracy advantages.
Changing perspectives on the capital investment process

Abstract The environment within which institutions undertake commercial and industrial activity changes both as a result of decisions dependent on the institution itself and as a result of decisions independent of the institution. In recent years many of these changes have resulted in changing perspectives on the range of criteria which should be considered when determining how and where large corporations should invest their money. This paper examines these changes in corporate practice and identifies the cumulative results of these changes in the environment of corporate activity. The paper also examines some of the key elements in new approaches which corporations are adopting to capital investment decisions by utilizing data on a broadly based research project which examines in depth the capital investment/ resource allocation processes of five large, worldwide, manufacturing firms. The subject is of vital importance to large and small businesses, both because of the crucial importance of investment decisions and because of the importance for future strategic planning of identifying the environment within which corporate activities take place.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathways in IL‐1β‐dependent rat airway smooth muscle proliferation

Asthma is associated with abnormal airway smooth muscle (ASM) growth that may contribute to airway narrowing and hyperresponsiveness. We investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in IL-1β induced ASM proliferation in the rat. Rat tracheal ASM cells were dissociated and maintained in culture. We examined the effect of selective MAPK inhibitors, SB239063 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor), U0126 (a mitogen-activated and extracellular regulated kinase kinase, MEK-1, inhibitor which inhibits downstream extracellular regulated kinase, ERK, activity), and SP600125 (a c-jun N-terminal kinase, JNK, inhibitor) on IL-1β-induced proliferation. Proliferation of ASM cells was significantly increased following exposure to IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner. p38, JNK and ERK MAPKs were activated by IL-1β in a time-dependent manner, with peak activation time at 30, 60 min and at 6 h, respectively. This activation was inhibited by their respective inhibitors. SP600125 (20 μM) had no effect on IL-1β-induced ERK and p38 phosphorylation. SB239063, U0126 and SP600125 dose-dependently inhibited IL-1β-dependent proliferation at doses that inhibit the activities of p38, ERK and JNK MAPKs, respectively. No additive or synergistic effects were observed on proliferative responses with any combination of these compounds. In conclusion, the three major MAPK pathways, ERK as well as the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways, are independent regulators of IL-1β-dependent proliferation of rat ASM. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 143, 1042–1049. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705971
Reliability of retrieving information from knowledge structures in memory: Self information

It has been proposed that information about the self is better organized and more salient in memory than is information about other domains of knowledge. Yet, the data reported by Green-wald, Bellezza, and Banaji (in press) suggest that the reliability with which information about the self can be retrieved from memory is not particularly high. In the present experiment, the verbal prompts used in requesting self information from subjects were made more explicit than those used by Greenwald et al. by the addition of subcategories and examples of the self information requested. Using a test-retest procedure, only.58 of the items from six self categories that were retrieved from memory during an experimental session were again retrieved 1 week later. This value is comparable to the value of.56 found by Greenwald et al. The reliability value for the two common categories, fruit and fish, included in the experiment was.76, which was significantly greater than the value found for the self categories. These results suggest that information about the self is not particularly well-organized and salient in memory.
Revisiting the Model Minority Stereotype: Implications for Student Affairs Practice and Higher Education.

The model minority stereotype of Asian Americans is retrospectively analyzed twenty-five years after the author’s original study of this issue. The continuing effects of this stereotype in higher education are examined.
Factor X binding to endothelial cell protein C receptor: comparison with factor VIIa and activated protein C

To the editor: Endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) is the cellular receptor for protein C (PC) and activated protein C (APC). Studies from our laboratory[1][1] and others[2][2],[3][3] have shown that FVII/FVIIa also binds to EPCR in a true-ligand fashion. Recently, it has been suggested that
Combining Bibliotherapy and Positive Role Modeling as an Alternative to Incarceration

Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of Changing Lives Through Literature, a program designed as an alternative to jail. The evaluation followed-up the first 32 men to complete the program as well as a matched comparison group of 40 probationers. Follow-up data indicate a reconviction rate of 18.75% in the study group, compared with 45% in the comparison group. In addition, information is presented from interviews with program participants. We consider the impact of the use of bibliotherapy, coupled with the provision of positive role models, on recidivism and the value of fitting such a program within a comprehensive system of punishments.
Death and prices

Most experts agree that alcohol abuse has been a major cause of Russia’s soaring mortality rate. But why have ever more Russians been drinking themselves to death? Some attribute this to despair in the face of painful economic change. I present evidence that, in fact, the surge in alcohol-related deaths – and premature deaths in general – was fuelled by a dramatic fall in the real price of vodka, which dropped 77 percent between December 1990 and December 1994. Variation in vodka prices – both over time and across Russia’s regions – closely matches variation in mortality. Although market competition and weak excise collection help explain the fall in prices, the main reason appears to be populist price regulation during inflationary periods.
Structure — Molar Refraction Relationships of Alkylgermanes Using Molecular Connectivity

Correlation of molar refraction with the first order molecular connectivity index was found to be excellent for alkylgermanes of molecular formula GeCnH2n+4. The correlation was further improved by the use of either of two empirically-modified first order molecular connectivity indices, which reflect either the larger covalent radius of germanium compared to carbon or the longer germanium-carbon bond length compared to the carbon-carbon bond length. Use of the empirically-modified indices improves the prediction of molar refraction for a mixed set of alkanes and alkylgermanes and for a mixed set of alkanes, alkylsilanes, and alkylgermanes.
Measurements of Formaldehyde Concentrations and Formation Rates in a Methane-Air, Non-Premixed Flame and Their Implications for Heat-Release Rate

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy coupled with microprobe sampling was used to quantitatively determine formaldehyde concentrations in a methane-air non-premixed flame. Resulting concentration profiles are similar in shape and peak locations to previous qualitative measurements, and concentration levels are in line with those predicted by direct numerical simulation of methane-air flames. The resulting concentrations were combined with other data from this flame system in a mixture fraction-based code to predict levels for species whose concentrations are not available experimentally. An analysis was performed of formaldehyde formation and destruction paths to determine HCHO's dependence on specific reaction steps. Formaldehyde formation is dominated by the reaction between methyl radical and oxygen atom, and it is destroyed by hydrogen abstraction. Both processes occur near the stoichiometric surface. The analysis also verified several points made by other researchers about the heat-release rates in methane flames. Heat-release rate correlates well with the destruction rate of methane, the rate of the reaction between methyl radicals and oxygen atoms, and HCO concentrations. A condition of chemical steady state is found for HCO, and the steady-state estimate of HCO concentration may also be used to estimate local heat-release rate in methane flames.
Observation of Reentrant 2D to 3D Morphology Transition in Highly Strained Epitaxy: InAs on GaAs

The two-dimensional (2D) to three-dimensional (3D) transition in highly strained growth of InAs of GaAs(001) is investigated using in situ scanning tunneling microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Remarkably, InAs structural features up to five monolayers (ML) high appear at $\ensuremath{\sim}1.25\mathrm{ML}$, disappear, and reappear prior to the onset of well-developed 3D islands at 1.57 ML, thus manifesting a hitherto unrecognized reentrant behavior in the formation of 3D islands. The results provide new insights into the long-standing problem of the kinetic aspects of 2D to 3D morphology change not embodied in the widely encountered Stranski-Krastanow growth mode.
PROTEIN EXPRESSION ANALYSIS OF RAT TESTES INDUCED TESTICULAR TOXICITY WITH SEVERAL REPRODUCTIVE TOXICANTS

The utilization of safety biomarkers to predict the possibility of compound-related toxicity provides several advantages for drug discovery and development, especially at an early stage. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of male reproductive toxicants on protein expression profiles in the rat testes and to identify potential biomarker candidates. Four well-known reproductive toxicants, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME), cyclophosphamide (CP), sulfasalazine (SASP) and 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD), were administered to male rats in a single dose, and protein expression profiles were investigated after 24 hr by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE). Histopathological examination of the testes and serum concentration analysis were also performed. From the results of the comparison of 2D-gels among different doses of a compound and among compounds, 52, 20, 24 and 111 spots were nominated as differentially expressed spots with EGME, CP, SASP and 2,5-HD treatments, respectively. Several spermatogenesis-involved proteins were identified, including glutathione S-transferase (GST), testis-specific heat shock protein 70-2 (HSP70-2), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP). Some of them were altered by more than one compound. In summary, remarkable histopathological findings were observed only in the EGME high-dose group, and most of the protein changes were detected before histopathological changes occurred. Therefore, the proteins identified in this study could potentially serve as biomarkers to evaluate male reproductive toxicity at an early stage of drug discovery and development.
Damage of plastic cylinders under localized pressure loading

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop a general methodology of converting a two-dimensional boundary value problem for a cylindrical shell to an equivalent one-dimensional problem of a plastic string on a non-linear plastic foundation. The shell is subjected to a localized pressure loading, thereby producing large plastic displacements and rotations. The equivalence parameter is defined and evaluated by making assumptions about the shape of the displacement and velocity field in the cross-sectional plane of the cylinder. Closed-form solutions for the deformation and velocity profile in the axial direction of the shell are obtained for two types of pressure loading, a rectangular pressure load and a Gaussian pressure load. The strain distribution and the maximum strains are also calculated for each load case and the possibility of predicting shell fracture is briefly discussed.
NONVERBAL STRATEGIES FOR DECODING DECEPTION

This study tested the hypothesis that judges who suspect deception would be less influenced by controllable channels (facial expresions) relative to “leaky” channels (voice and body) than judges who do not suspect deception. The Nonverbal Discrepancy Test, comprised of video (face or body) cues paired with audio cues, was administered to subjects with the information that the person shown in the test never lied, sometimes lied, or very often lied; in a fourth condition (control) there was no mention of deception. In some cases, the video and audio components of the discrepancy test depicted the same affect while in other cases they depicted different affects. Subjects who expected more deception were relatively less influenced by the facial component of the affectively discrepant video-audio pairings. These subjects were also less accurate at decoding affectively consistent videoaudio pairings, especially those involving facial cues. Finally, subjects who expected more deception became less accurate decoders of consistent video-audio pairings during the second half of the test but learned to recognize video-audio discrepancies better. The results suggest that suspicion of deception led subjects to discount facial cues. Results for the control group indicated that even in the absence of explicit information, discrepant messages create a suspicion of deception.
PSATSim: an interactive graphical superscalar architecture simulator for power and performance analysis

Two of the most important design issues for modern processors are power and performance. It is important for students in computer organization classes to understand the tradeoff between these two issues. This paper presents PSATSim, a graphical simulator that allows student to configure the design of a speculative out-of-order execution superscalar processor and see the effect of the design on both power and performance. The simulator explicitly shows the relationship between instructions within a processor by visually tagging instructions. The use of a graphical simulator makes it simple for instructors to demonstrate the execution of instructions within these architectures and the interactions among processor components.
Comparative Studies of Lawyer Deviance and Discipline

(2012). Comparative Studies of Lawyer Deviance and Discipline. Legal Ethics: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 187-195.
Campus Microclimates for LGBT Faculty, Staff, and Students: An Exploration of the Intersections of Social Identity and Campus Roles.

AbstractThis ethnographic study of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduates expands the higher education conversation about campus climate beyond the traditional organizational-level paradigm. Findings suggest that LGBT individuals with similar organizational roles shared common experiences and perceptions that were informed by localized socio- spatial environments, or microclimates.
Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment of multiple synchronous and recurrent lung nodules

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is evolving into a standard of care for unresectable lung nodules. Local control has been shown to be in excess of 90% at 3 years. However, some patients present with synchronous lung nodules in the ipsilateral or contralateral lobe or metasynchronous disease. In these cases, patients may receive multiple courses of lung SBRT or a single course for synchronous nodules. The toxicity of such treatment is currently unknown. Between 2006 and 2012, 63 subjects with 128 metasynchronous and synchronous lung nodules were treated at the Mayo Clinic with SBRT. Demographic patient data and dosimetric data regarding SBRT treatments were collected. Acute toxicity (defined as toxicity = 90 days) were reported and graded as per standardized CTCAE 4.0 criteria. Local control, progression free survival and overall survival were also described. The median age of patients treated was 73 years. Sixty five percent were primary or recurrent lung cancers with the remainder metastatic lung nodules of varying histologies. Of 63 patients, 18 had prior high dose external beam radiation to the mediastinum or chest. Dose and fractionation varied but the most common prescriptions were 48 Gy/4 fractions, 54 Gy/3 fractions, and 50 Gy/5 fractions. Only 6 patients demonstrated local recurrence. With a median follow up of 12.6 months, median SBRT specific overall survival and progression free survival were 35.7 months and 10.7 months respectively. Fifty one percent (32/63 patients) experienced acute toxicity, predominantly grade 1 and 2 fatigue. One patient developed acute grade 3 radiation pneumonitis at 75 days. Forty six percent (29/63 patients) developed late effects. Most were grade 1 dyspnea. There was one patient with grade 5 pneumonitis. Multiple courses of SBRT and SBRT delivery after external beam radiotherapy appear to be feasible and safe. Most toxicity was grade 1 and 2 but the risk was approximately 50% for both acute and late effects.
Relationships Among Trauma Exposure, Familial Characteristics, and PTSD: A Case-Control Study of Women in Prison and in the General Population

This study examines whether there are differential relationships among trauma exposure, familial risk and protective factors, substance abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among incarcerated and non-incarcerated women. A case-control method was used to match 100 incarcerated women with 100 women in the general population. Incarcerated women had a significantly higher risk of trauma exposure as compared with controls, with odds ranging from 1.7 to 3.7. When group was controlled, exposure to sexual or physical trauma significantly increased the odds of PTSD (odds ratio = 5.0; p < .05), as did substance use in response to traumatic distress (odds ratio = 8.9; p < .001). Family-related characteristics did not appear to moderate this relationship. The findings suggest that incarcerated women are at high risk for PTSD given their high rates of trauma exposure and apparent lack of appropriate coping mechanisms; the results support the use of trauma-specific interventions for this population.
HIV viremia and incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients successfully treated with antiretroviral therapy

Background. The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)– infected patients remains high despite treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods. We evaluated NHL incidence in HIV-infected patients followed in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems who started combination ART and achieved suppression of HIV. We estimated the hazard ratio for NHL by time-varying HIV viremiacategories, accounting for time-varying CD4 cell count using marginal structural models. Results. We observed 37 incident NHL diagnoses during 21 607 person-years of follow-up in 6036 patients (incidence rate, 171 per 100 000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 124–236). NHL incidence was high even among patients with nadir CD4 cell count >200 cells/µL (140 per 100 000 person-years [95% CI, 80–247]). Compared with ≤50 copies/mL, hazard ratios (HRs) for NHL were higher among those with HIV viremia of 51–500 copies/mL (HR current = 1.66 [95% CI, .70–3.94]; HR 3-month lagged = 2.10 [95% CI, .84–5.22]; and HR 6-month lagged = 1.46 [95% CI, .60–3.60]) and >500 copies/mL (HR current = 2.39 [95% CI, .92–6.21]; HR 3-month lagged = 3.56 [95% CI, 1.21–10.49]; and HR 6-month lagged = 2.50 [95% CI, .91–6.84]). Current HIV RNA as a continuous variable was also associated with NHL (HR = 1.42 per log10 copies/mL [95% CI, 1.05–1.92]). Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate a high incidence of NHL among HIV-infected patients on ART and suggest a role of HIV viremia in the pathogenesis of NHL. Earlier initiation of potent ART and maximal continuous suppression of HIV viremia may further reduce NHL risk.
What a Good Idea! Ideologies and Frames in Social Movement Research

Frame theory is often credited with "bringing ideas back in" social movement studies, but frames are not the only useful ideational concepts. The older, more politicized concept of ideology needs to be used in its own right and not recast as a frame. Frame theory is rooted in linguistic studies of interaction, and points to the way shared assumptions and meanings shape the interpretation of events. Ideology is rooted in politics and the study of politics, and points to coherent systems of ideas which provide theories of society coupled with value commitments and normative implications for promoting or resisting social change. Ideologies can function as frames, they can embrace frames, but there is more to ideology than framing. Frame theory offers a relatively shallow conception of the transmission of political ideas as marketing and resonating, while a recognition of the complexity and depth of ideology points to the social construction processes of thinking, reasoning, educating, and socializing. Social...
Connecting non-Java devices to a Jini network

Recently, several schemes have been proposed to interconnect extremely small devices in a plug and play manner. One of these is Sun Microsystems' Jini/sup TM/-which defines a federation of entities which can communicate with each other. Once a device joins a Jini federation, client programs anywhere on the network can look it up in a central directory and use it by dynamically downloading a proxy which represents the device. Jini uses the Remote Method Invocation (RMI) mechanism provided by Java at its heart and any entity which wants to participate in a Jini federation requires an RMI-enabled Java Virtual Machine. Because embedded devices generally lack the resources to support an RMI-enabled JVM, some other method has to be found to hook them up to a Jini federation. We explore the issues involved in connecting non-Java devices to Jini federations by using a Java-based surrogate running on a more powerful machine in the same local network.
Microdetermination of Carboxyl Groups in Fulvic Acid and Related Polycarboxylates

Abstract A radiochemical procedure was used to quantify carboxyl content of fulvic acid. Tritium from tritiated water exchanged with carboxyl protons in fulvic acid and were then locked into the fulvic acid structure by diazomethane methylation. Liquid scintillation counting yielded quantifiable results using 100 microgram quantities of fulvic acid. Values obtained were comparable within 2% to those obtained with a Ca(OAc)2 titration procedure for carboxyl determination requiring 50 milligrams of polycarboxylate.
Retinal detachment model in rodents by subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate.

Subretinal injection of sodium hyaluronate is a widely accepted method of inducing retinal detachment (RD). However, the height and duration of RD or the occurrence of subretinal hemorrhage can affect photoreceptor cell death in the detached retina. Hence, it is advantageous to create reproducible RDs without subretinal hemorrhage for evaluating photoreceptor cell death. We modified a previously reported method to create bullous and persistent RDs in a reproducible location with rare occurrence of subretinal hemorrhage. The critical step of this modified method is the creation of a self-sealing scleral incision, which can prevent leakage of sodium hyaluronate after injection into the subretinal space. To make the self-sealing scleral incision, a scleral tunnel is created, followed by scleral penetration into the choroid with a 30 G needle. Although choroidal hemorrhage may occur during this step, astriction with a surgical spear reduces the rate of choroidal hemorrhage. This method allows a more reproducible and reliable model of photoreceptor death in diseases that involve RD such as rhegmatogenous RD, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Evidence for Aggregation in Oxalate Stone Formation: Atomic Force and Low Voltage Scanning Electron Microscopy

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this investigation was to differentiate between aggregation and crystal growth by studying the structure of oxalate stones at high spatial resolution using recently developed microscopy techniques.Materials and Methods: Sections from 6 complete human oxalate stones and 4 stone fragments were prepared by ultramicrotomy and examined by both low voltage scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.Results: The scanning electron microscopy showed lamellar structures up to 10 micrometer in size, consistent with previous results, and provided evidence that these structures were composed of smaller particles. The atomic force microscopy clearly showed arrays of the small particles, whose size varied between 500 Angstrom and 2800 Angstrom.Conclusion: Our images suggest that an ordered aggregation of small crystallites is responsible for oxalate stone formation.
Origin of diplochromosomal polyploidy in near‐senescent fibroblast cultures: Heterochromatin, telomeres and chromosomal instability (CIN)

The near-senescence associated phenomena of increases in cells with chromosomal damage (CIN) and in endopolyploid mitotic cells were analyzed for possible inter-relationships by cytogenetics. Gross chromosomal abnormalities in all phases of mitosis were analyzed in situ. Hetrochromatization of telomeres, centromeres and interstitial chromatin regions (i.e., chromocenters/SAHF) were shown to be specific occurrences in the near-senescent phase. Stickiness between such chromatin regions caused breakage/fragmentation by anaphase-pulls on clumped chromosomes. Gluey heterochromatin is therefore, seen as a cause of CIN in near-senescence. Detrimental effects on chromosomes from heterochromatin have been observed for decades, and can be explained from chromatin remodeling in epigenetics. A consequence of genomic damage was re-replication to polyploidy of arrest-escaped cells with G2/M-DNA content. This second synthetic period produced diplochromosomal cells that cycled by bi-polar division into genome reduced cells. This sequence from h-chromatization to CIN and further to cycling endopolyploidy is believed to be a basic mechanism for the production of genetic variability in neoplasia.
Low supply voltage OTA architectures using floating gate transistors

A systematic approach to design analog circuits with low supply voltage requirements is discussed. This approach is based on the utilization of multiple input floating gate transistors. Current mirrors and differential pair building blocks are discussed as well as a low-voltage BiCMOS operational amplifier based on these building blocks.
Temperature Aware Load Balancing for Parallel Applications: Preliminary Work

Increasing number of cores and clock speeds on a smaller chip area implies more heat dissipation and an ever increasing heat density. This increased heat, in turn, leads to higher cooling cost and occurrence of hot spots. Effective use of dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) can help us alleviate this problem. But there is an associated execution time penalty which can get amplified in parallel applications. In high performance computing, applications are typically tightly coupled and even a single overloaded core can adversely affect the execution time of the entire application. This makes load balancing of utmost value. In this paper, we outline a temperature aware load balancing scheme, which uses DVFS to keep core temperatures below a user-defined threshold with minimum timing penalty. While doing so, it also reduces the possibility of hot spots. We apply our scheme to three parallel applications with different energy consumption profiles. Results from our technique show that we save up to 14% in execution time and 12% in machine energy consumption as compared to frequency scaling without using load balancing. We are also able to bound the average temperature of all the cores and reduce the temperature deviation amongst the cores by a factor of 3.
Variation in the incidence and proportion of diabetes-related amputations in minorities

OBJECTIVE To identify the age-adjusted and level-specific incidence of amputations associated with diabetes in Hispanics, African-Americans, and non-Hispanic whites. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used a database from the Office of Statewide Planning and Development in California that identified all hospitalizations for lower-extremity amputations in the state in 1991. Amputation level was defined by ICD-9-CM codes 84.11–84.18 and were categorized as toe, foot, leg, and thigh amputations. RESULTS The age-adjusted incidence of diabetes-related amputation per 10,000 persons with diabetes in 1991 was 95.25 in African-Americans, 55.98 in non-Hispanic whites, and 44.43 in Hispanics. Hispanics had a higher proportion of amputations (82.7%) associated with diabetes than did African-Americans (61.6%) or non-Hispanic whites (56.8%) ( P P CONCLUSIONS Hispanics had proportionally more amputations associated with diabetes than did African-Americans or non-Hispanic whites. A significant excess incidence of both diabetes- and non-diabetes-related amputations and proportionally more proximal amputations were identified in African-Americans compared with Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. A possible explanation could be the higher prevalence of peripheral vascular disease in African-Americans. Public health initiatives, which have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations, should be implemented, and additional work should focus on minority groups.
Modeling and analysis of stepping stone attacks

Computer exploits often involve an attacker being able to compromise a sequence of hosts, creating a chain of "stepping stones" from his source to ultimate target. Stepping stones are usually necessary to access well-protected resources, and also serve to mask the attacker's location. This paper describes means of constructing models of networks and the access control mechanisms they employ to approach the problem of finding which stepping stone paths are easiest for an attacker to find. While the simplest formulation of the problem can be addressed with deterministic shortest-path algorithms, we argue that consideration of what and how an attacker may (or may not) launch from a compromised host pushes one towards solutions based on Monte Carlo sampling. We describe the sampling algorithm and some preliminary results obtained using it.
Enhancer-targeted genome editing selectively blocks innate resistance to oncokinase inhibition

Thousands of putative enhancers are characterized in the human genome, yet few have been shown to have a functional role in cancer progression. Inhibiting oncokinases, such as EGFR, ALK, ERBB2, and BRAF, is a mainstay of current cancer therapy but is hindered by innate drug resistance mediated by up-regulation of the HGF receptor, MET. The mechanisms mediating such genomic responses to targeted therapy are unknown. Here, we identify lineage-specific enhancers at the MET locus for multiple common tumor types, including a melanoma lineage-specific enhancer 63 kb downstream from the MET TSS. This enhancer displays inducible chromatin looping with the MET promoter to up-regulate MET expression upon BRAF inhibition. Epigenomic analysis demonstrated that the melanocyte-specific transcription factor, MITF, mediates this enhancer function. Targeted genomic deletion (<7 bp) of the MITF motif within the MET enhancer suppressed inducible chromatin looping and innate drug resistance, while maintaining MITF-dependent, inhibitor-induced melanoma cell differentiation. Epigenomic analysis can thus guide functional disruption of regulatory DNA to decouple pro- and anti-oncogenic functions of a dominant transcription factor and block innate resistance to oncokinase therapy.
Intraoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography for vitreoretinal surgery

We demonstrate in vivo human retinal imaging using an intraoperative microscope-mounted optical coherence tomography system (MMOCT). Our optomechanical design adapts an Oculus Binocular Indirect Ophthalmo Microscope (BIOM3), suspended from a Leica ophthalmic surgical microscope, with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) scanning and relay optics. The MMOCT enables wide-field noncontact real-time cross-sectional imaging of retinal structure, allowing for SD-OCT augmented intrasurgical microscopy for intraocular visualization. We experimentally quantify the axial and lateral resolution of the MMOCT and demonstrate fundus imaging at a 20Hz frame rate.
Growing Out of the Plan: Chinese Economic Reform, 1978-1993

Introductory Preface Introduction 1. The command economy and the China difference Phase One. The Bird in the Cage, 1979-1983: 2. Crisis and response: initial reorientation of the economy 3. State sector reforms 4. Growth of the non-state sector Phase Two. Reforms Take Off, 1984-1988: 5. Reformulation and debate: the turning point of 1984 6. The second phase of reform 7. Rapid growth and macroeconomic imbalance Phase Three. To a Market Economy: 8. The post-Tiananmen cycle of retrenchment and renewed reform 9. Conclusion.
Using Multiple Patches for 3D Object Recognition

Image patches have become increasingly popular in a variety of applications, due to their resistance to clutter and partial occlusion, as well as their partial insensitivity to object pose. Recently Mikolajczyk and Schmid compared a number of local descriptors and concluded that the SIFT-based ones perform best in image matching tasks. In this paper we analyze the performance of three patch descriptors in the context of 3D object recognition: SIFT, PCA-SIFT and keyed context patches. We use a data set containing images of six objects on clean and cluttered backgrounds, taken around the whole viewing sphere, and we look at individual and fused performances. Individually, the keyed context patches perform best overall, but they are outperformed for some objects by SIFT and PCA-SIFT. Recognition is improved by fusing the rankings generated by these classifiers.
Evaluation of Hatchery Incinerator Ash as a Source of Calcium for Laying Hens

Abstract Hatchery incinerator ash from three different sources was evaluated as a calcium source in the ration of laying hens. The various ash samples, depending upon the materials incinerated, varied from 37.1 to 39.6 percent calcium and 0. 8 to 3.1 percent phosphorus. The hatchery incinerator ash was added in place of 5.75 percent limestone and 0.05 percent defluorinated phosphate in practical type laying rations. The results indicated the hatchery incinerator ash was able to completely replace limestone as a calcium source in laying hen ration since no significant differences were noted in egg production, egg weight, egg shell thickness, specific gravity of eggs or hen weight.
Official development assistance for health–how neglected are neglected tropical diseases? An analysis of health financing

The increasing amounts of official development assistance (ODA) for health have been aimed primarily at fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Neglected tropical diseases (NTD), one of the most serious public health burdens among the most deprived communities, have only recently drawn the attention of major donors. While frequently stated, the low share of funding for NTD control projects has not been calculated empirically. Our analysis of ODA commitments for infectious disease control for the years 2003 to 2007 confirms that Development Assistance Committee (DAC)-countries and multilateral donors have largely ignored funding NTD control projects. On average, only 0.6% of total annual health ODA was dedicated to the fight against NTDs while the average share of control projects for HIV/AIDS was 36.3%, for malaria 3.6%, and for tuberculosis 2.2%. This allocation of health ODA does not reflect the diseases' respective health burdens. Furthermore, the availability of cost-efficient treatments for NTDs supports the call for an increase in funds dedicated to the control of NTDs.
A noninvasive method for characterizing ventricular diastolic filling dynamics

We developed a novel method for estimating a single parameter (/spl tau//sub D/) which summarizes the diastolic filling dynamics of the ventricle that governs the effects of diastolic filling time on stroke volume. The method involves the analysis of beat-to-beat fluctuations in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and left ventricular stroke volume, each of which may be measured noninvasively in humans. In order to evaluate the method, we constructed a computational model of the human cardiovascular system. We applied the method to data generated from the computational model and found close agreement between the estimated and actual /spl tau//sub D/. We also demonstrated with computational model examples that the method could be utilized to monitor increasing degrees of cardiac tamponade and mitral stenosis, two cardiovascular disease processes which prohibit the ventricles from filling adequately. This model-based study motivates the experimental validation of the method.
The Influence of Industry Characteristics on Corporate Charters and Bylaws

The corporate charter is a contract between the firm and the state. Prior literature on contracts suggests three primary motives for contracting: risk shifting, incentive alignment, and transaction cost minimization. We argue that the characteristics of the industry within which a firm operates should influence the design of corporate charters/bylaws because firms within an industry face similar risk shifting, incentive alignment, and transaction cost concerns, and so similar internal control and change in control concerns. Using data on a sample of U.S. corporations, we find evidence that: (1) there is substantial variation in governance provisions across industries; (2) the influence of selected industry characteristics differ across provisions; and (3) charter provisions cluster according to the industry characteristics that influence their incidence, which explains correlations between provisions within industries.
On the Risk-Return Relation in International Stock Markets, Forthcoming

We investigate the risk-return relation in international stock markets using realized variance constructed from MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International) daily stock price indices. In contrast with CAPM, realized variance by itself provides negligible information about future excess stock market returns; however, we uncover a positive and significant risk-return tradeoff in many countries after controlling for the (U.S.) consumption-wealth ratio. U.S. realized variance is also significantly related to future international stock market returns; more importantly, it always subsumes the information content of its local counterparts. Our results indicate that stock market variance is an important determinant of the equity premium.
Short-Term Bioassay of Complex Organic Mixtures: Part I, Chemistry

A multidisciplinary program to elucidate the health and ecological effects of advanced fossil fuels use is currently underway at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The development of short-term bioassays applicable to the characterization of complex mixtures is an important aspect of the program. Studies reported here have been designed to identify constituents responsible for the mutagenicity of energy related materials. Observations made in the course of these studies may prove useful for designing biotesting methods suitable for the quantitative routine application to complex mixtures.
The Success and Failure of a Radiology Quality Metric: The Case of OP-10

Abstract Purpose Medical quality metrics can serve various functions, including promoting quality improvement efforts within a medical system, and providing a basis for comparing quality among institutions. OP-10, an imaging efficiency quality measure based on the number of CT scans of the abdomen performed both with and without contrast is broadly used and publically reported, but it has not been investigated in actual practice. Methods In this project, we report on both a successful quality improvement effort built around measurement of OP-10, and on the identified potential limitations of OP-10 itself for comparing among institutions. We performed two quality improvement interventions in 2012 and 2014 directed at OP-10, encompassing building of institutional practice standards via creating multidisciplinary consensus, educating radiologists and clinicians, revising CT protocols, and providing performance measurement and feedback. Results were extracted from the radiology information system and analyzed using interrupted time series segmented regression and statistical process control charts. Results The proportion of inappropriate abdominal CT scans with and without contrast under OP-10 decreased, from 3,041 of 13,855 (21.9%) to 691 of 6,006 (11.5%) ( P Conclusions We conclude that OP-10 can be useful to drive internal quality improvement efforts but is potentially biased when used for interinstitutional comparisons.
The Historian's View

Architectural records are an essential resource for architectural historians. The archives of two architects, Bruce Goff and Louis I. Kahn, demonstrate the diversity of materials that document, both directly and indirectly, the architect's professional work and personal life. In addition, different parts of these records are important to different users, from historical, preservation, or legal standpoints, to name a few. There is no single archival principle that can be applied to appraisal and selection decisions, given the individuality of each architect or architectural firm. However, from the perspective of an architectural historian, the physical separation of the various materials making up the individual's or firm's archives should be avoided, as should deaccessioning.
Eosinophilic granuloma in the temporal bone and skull.

Eosinophilic granuloma is a benign lytic lesion of bone, probably arising from an abnormal proliferation of histiocytes. It may occur within the temporal bone and be confused with more common disor...
Nesting Behavior in Four Species of Mice

Several aspects of nesting behavior (nest-height preference, nest and nest-site attachment, and numbers and types of nests constructed) of Peromyscus floridanus, P. gossypinus, P. polionotus , and Ochrotomys nuttalli were studied in the laboratory. Nest-height selection of each species under experimental conditions generally agreed with field knowledge of its nest location and position along a terrestrial-arboreal gradient. However, some of the laboratory results were at variance with expectations based on knowledge of the species in the wild. These differences may be an effect of the artificial conditions of the experiment or they may indicate that natural nesting behavior of certain of the species studied is more variable than presently supposed. Peromyscus polionotus and O. nuttalli showed stronger attachment to a particular nest and built fewer incomplete nests than P. floridanus and P. gossypinus . These differences may be related to a higher energetic cost of nest and/or nest-site construction and greater security of the nests of P. polionotus and O. nuttalli as compared with those of P. floridanus and P. gossypinus . It is concluded from laboratory and field data on nesting behavior of these species that interspecific competition for nest sites is minimal in areas of sympatry.
Characterization of Compositional Gradients in Amorphous Semiconductor thin Films By Real Time Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

A new approach has been developed for the analysis of real time spectroscopie ellipsometry (RTSE) data that has important applications in characterizing compositionally-graded layers in amorphous semiconductor devices. The new RTSE data analysis approach determines (i) the instantaneous deposition rate, (ii) the surface roughness layer thickness, and (iii) the dielectric function of the near-surface layer (top 20 A) of the growing film, all without any knowledge of the deposition history. We tested this new approach by characterizing a-Si1-xCx:H (x ∼ 0.09) alloy films with continuously graded void volume fractions. The results reported here are unique in that they represent the first successful optical analysis of amorphous semiconductor structures having continuously varying properties with depth into the film.
Boll Weevil, Bollworm, and Tobacco Budworm, and Fruiting Structures of the Cotton Plant: Number of Plants That Must be Sampled at Different Square Populations and Percentage Damaged

Plants at different stages of growth in 0.4 ha of cotton were sampled by the grid, X pattern, and area systems to estimate number of squares, percentage squares damaged by the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, and percentage squares, flowers, and bolls damaged by Heliothis spp. No system was clearly superior to the others, but fewer plants had to be sampled by the grid and X systems to achieve comparable results with those from the area system. To estimate damage done by Heliothis spp. and the boll weevil, totals of 100–1000 plants had to be sampled. Only 4–20 plants were needed when sampling for squares, and 25–135 for flowers.
The Reactions of the Swarm-Cells of Myxomycetes to Nutrient Materials

In the Myxomycetes it is the swarm-cells which typically initiate the life cycle. The swarmer is organized from the naked protoplast which emerges from the germinating spore, the process in general agreeing with the pioneer description of de Bary (1), although additional features of interest have been contributed by recent studies of germination such as those of Gilbert (5), Smart (9), and others. The swarm-cells are in general more or less tear-drop shaped with a single flagellum at the pointed anterior end, though swarm-cells with more than one flagellum are often observed as pointed out by Gilbert (2). The posterior end is broad and often assumes different shapes even developing short pseudopodia. At the base of the flagellum the nucleus is located and a single round vacuole is usually visible in the posterior portion of the cell.