cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light-front ensemble projector Monte Carlo technique.

A new method to perform numerical simulations of light-front Hamiltonians formulated on transverse lattices is introduced. The method is based on a DLCQ formulation for the (continuous) longitudinal directions. The hopping term in the transverse direction introduces couplings between fields defined on neighboring (1+1)-dimensional sheets. Within each sheet, the light-cone imaginary time evolution operator is calculated numerically with high precision using DLCQ. The coupling between neighboring sheets is taken into account using an initial value random walk algorithm based on the ensemble projector Monte Carlo technique and a checkerboard decomposition for the time evolution operator. The structure functions of $\ensuremath{\lambda}{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{4}$ theory in 2+1 dimensions are studied as a trial application. The calculations are performed with up to 64 transverse lattice sites. No Tamm-Dancoff truncations are necessary.
Stressful Life Events and Loss of Hair among Adult Women, a Case-Control Study

A case-control design was used to compare stress (as measured with the Social Readjustment Rating Scale) in the lives of 25 women who had experienced recent, unexplained hair loss with that of 25 women with no hair loss. High stress was reported by 22 of the women experiencing hair loss and 10 not experiencing hair loss. An odds ratio of 11 suggests that women who experience high stress are 11 times more likely to experience hair loss. Replication is encouraged.
Operation and Optimization of Silicon-Diode-Based Optical Modulators

An optical modulator in silicon based on a diode structure has been operated in both forward and reverse bias. This modulator achieves near state-of-the-art performance in both modes, thereby making this device ideal for comparing the two modes of operation. In reverse bias, the device has a V?L of 4.0 V·cm and a bandwidth of 26 GHz. In forward bias, the device is very sensitive, a V?L as low as 0.0025 V·cm has been achieved, but the bandwidth is only 100 MHz. A new geometry for a reverse-bias device is proposed, and it is predicted to achieve a V?L of 0.5 V·cm.
Enhanced tunable narrow-band THz emission from laser-modulated electron beams

We propose and analyze a scheme to generate enhanced narrow-band terahertz (THz) radiation through down-conversion of the frequency of optical lasers using laser-modulated electron beams. In the scheme the electron beam is first energy modulated by two lasers with wave numbers ${k}_{1}$ and ${k}_{2}$, respectively. After passing through a dispersion section, the energy modulation is converted to density modulation. Because of the nonlinear conversion process, the beam will have density modulation at wave number $k=n{k}_{1}+m{k}_{2}$, where $n$ and $m$ are positive or negative integers. By properly choosing the parameters for the lasers and dispersion section, one can generate density modulation at THz frequency in the beam using optical lasers. This density-modulated beam can be used to generate powerful narrow-band THz radiation. Since the THz radiation is in tight synchronization with the lasers, it should provide a high temporal resolution for the optical-pump THz-probe experiments. The central frequency of the THz radiation can be easily tuned by varying the wavelength of the two lasers and the energy chirp of the electron beam. The proposed scheme is in principle able to generate intense narrow-band THz radiation covering the whole THz range and offers a promising way towards the tunable intense narrow-band THz sources.
Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature

We report a case of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) that underwent inflammatory transformation which we treated medically with corticosteroids. Medical therapy resulted in resolution of presenting symptoms and observed inflammatory changes. We review the clinical features, associated pathology, diagnostic, and therapeutic options in the management of inflammatory AAA.
Toxicity of engineered metal oxide nanomaterials mediated by nano–bio–eco–interactions: a review and perspective

Along with the expanding use of engineered metal oxide nanomaterials (MONMs), there is a growing concern over their unintentional adverse toxicological effects on human health and the environment upon release and exposure. It is inevitable that biota will be exposed to nanomaterials, through intentional administration or inadvertent contact under such circumstances. Therefore, a thorough investigation of the potential nanotoxicity of MONMs at the nano–bio–eco interface is urgently needed. In general, nanomaterials interact with their surrounding environments, biotic and abiotic, immediately upon introduction into the environment. The behavior and fate of MONMs are influenced by the dynamics of the environment. Thus, understanding the interactions at the nano–bio–eco interface is necessary for selecting and designing MONMs with minimum adverse impacts. Despite the limitations of currently available techniques, careful characterization of nanomaterials and the choosing of methodologies that promote further risk assessment promise more reliable and accurate data output. Conventional toxicological analysis techniques lack the power to handle the large datasets generated from in vitro/in vivo observations. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent experimental and theoretical studies on the toxicity of MONMs mediated by two-way or three-way interactions. In the Perspectives, we also call for more open collaborations between industry, academia, and research labs to facilitate nanotoxicological studies focused specifically on interactions at the nano–bio–eco interface, leading to safe and effective nanotechnology for commercial, environmental, and medicinal use.
The role of leadership in successful vocational initiatives

Vocational education is taking place in an environment characterised by technological change, global competition, and changing demographics. The author suggests that these factors are transforming the work of community colleges and discusses the emerging role of college leaders in supporting the new vocationalism within their institutions. The new vocationalism is characterised by the merging of transfer (for those planning to further their formal education through completion of a baccalaureate degree at a senior college or university) and terminal (for those who plan to enter or remain in the workforce immediately upon concluding their study) programs, and the development of articulation agreements at multiple levels. This article provides examples of how college leaders have influenced and implemented new programs to develop and improve vocational education in the community college.
MBARS: mini bone-attached robotic system for joint arthroplasty

A report on a new active, miniature bone-attached, robotic system including its design, high level and low level control, is given together with a description of the system implementation and first experimental use. The system is capable of preparing the bone cavity for an implant during joint arthroplasty procedures. Without loss of generality, the report describes the implementation of the system for a Patellofemoral Joint Replacement procedure. The system is image-free and all planning is performed intra-operatively in the robot coordinate system, eliminating the need for external tracking systems in the operating room. Experiments were conducted using the first robot prototype and the results supported the feasibility of the concept. The methodology which is presented can be modified to other orthopaedic procedures and could improve the results in terms of accuracy and operational time. Moreover, it enables minimally invasive procedures and use of the next generation of more anatomically shaped implants.
Families with a Member with Mental Retardation and the Ethical Implications of Therapeutic Treatment by Marriage and Family Therapists

In this article, ethical issues related to the treatment of families with a member with mental retardation are discussed. The history of psychotherapeutically treating the community with mental retardation and accompanying concerns, such as dual diagnosis and diagnostic overshadowing, are discussed. Ethical considerations of the informed consent and assent process are discussed and applied to more modern areas of confidentiality, treatment goals, and individual sexuality. Marriage and family therapists are encouraged to bring clarity and balance to the process of informed consent and assent when working systemically with the population with mental retardation and their families.
From efficacy to safety concerns: a STEP forward or a step back for clinical research and intercessory prayer? The Study of Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP).

From t Submi Reprin Fulton E-mail: Am He 0002n 200 doi:10 and religion as irreconcilable antagonists. . . I maintain that cosmic religious feeling is the strongest and noblest incitement to scientific research. . .Q Einstein, A. The World as I See It Systematic study of intangible bnoeticQ or bfrontier Q healing methods such as intercessory prayer, defined as bwidely practiced therapeutics with no plausible mechanism, Q is an area of great public and scientific interest, as well as of great controversy. Although prayer is one of the most ancient of healing practices, the scientific literature studying prayer is still quite young. In this issue of the journal, Benson et al report the sixth and largest prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study of distant prayer cardiovascular patients in the STEP. It is not surprising that so much of the study of healing effects of prayer would be pursued in the bhigh techQ world of cardiovascular care, as heart disease invariably faces patients, families, and loved ones with the immediate prospect of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke, either from the disease or from the procedures associated with its treatment. In this setting, the cultural practices of patients, families, and medical staff frequently include the personal use of prayer or solicitation of prayer with therapeutic intention from other devotees. Previous trials include 3 studies in coronary care unit populations and 2 in percutaneous coronary intervention populations. STEP is the first report of distant intercessory prayer in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. In the absence of mechanistic insight, attention to the quality of clinical trials science used for the study of an emotionally and culturally charged btherapy Q such as intercessory prayer becomes critical to the interpret-
Should healthy Medicare beneficiaries postpone enrollment in Medicare Part D

We compare estimated lifetime out-of-pocket prescription drug expenditures on outpatient prescription drugs, premiums and late enrollment penalties for healthy 65-year-old Medicare beneficiaries if they (a) purchase Part D as soon as they are eligible versus (b) waiting until they contract a drug-intensive condition. Using data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey, a representative sample of the Medicare population, we estimate the annual probability that a healthy 65-year-old will transition to a drug-intensive health state or death. We then use Monte Carlo simulations to estimate expected lifetime prescription drug spending with and without drug insurance. We find that for the statutory minimum benefit policy with a $30 per month premium, lifetime expected expenditures are about 10% higher for women and 6.5% higher for men if healthy beneficiaries postpone enrollment in Part D. Eliminating the late enrollment penalty would create a significant cost advantage for postponed enrollment, particularly for men. Under current rules, the financial advantage of early enrollment coupled with the reduction in risk associated with purchasing Part D plans and potential utility gains from insurance-induced drug consumption, suggests that immediate purchase of Part D is the optimal choice for Medicare beneficiaries.
Dietary soy protein and estrogen replacement therapy improve cardiovascular risk factors and decrease aortic cholesteryl ester content in ovariectomized cynomolgus monkeys

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) decreases the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis in monkeys. Dietary soy protein also retards the progression of atherosclerosis relative to animal proteins such as casein. Soy protein contains weakly estrogenic compounds called isoflavones or phytoestrogens that may be responsible for the cardioprotective effects. This study was designed as a 2 x 2 factorial to determine the magnitude of soy protein's effects on cardiovascular risk factors relative to casein and lactalbumin, with or without estradiol treatment. Ovariectomized female monkeys were randomized to four treatment groups based on past dietary cholesterol consumption, their origin, and past reproductive history, and studied for 7 months. The animals were divided into (1) a group fed casein and lactalbumin as the protein source (n = 14), (2) a group fed casein and lactalbumin as the protein source plus 17 beta-estradiol (E2) (n = 13), (3) a group fed soybean protein isolate as the protein source (n = 11), and (4) a group fed soybean protein isolate as the protein source plus E2 (n = 10). Soy protein compared with casein consumption resulted in a significant improvement in plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness as determined by minimal-model analyses, and a decrease in arterial lipid peroxidation. E2-treated monkeys had a significant reduction in fasting insulin levels and insulin to glucose ratios, total body weight, and amounts of abdominal fat, and had smaller low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. In addition, E2 treatment resulted in a significant reduction (P = .001) in aortic cholesteryl ester content. A similar trend (P = .14) was found for soy protein compared with casein. There also was a significant interaction (P = .02) with soy and E2, such that animals consuming soy protein +E2 had the least arterial cholesteryl ester content. These results suggest that both ERT and dietary soybean protein have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. Interestingly, the two treatments affected different risk factors and together resulted in the greatest reduction in arterial cholesterol content. Further studies are needed to determine the active component of the soy protein and to assess its long-term effects on the cardiovascular system and other organ systems (such as the bones and reproductive system).
Distinguishing the geographic levels and social dimensions of U.S. metropolitan segregation, 1960–2000

In this article, we assess trends in residential segregation in the United States from 1960 to 2000 along several dimensions of race and ethnicity, class, and life cycle and present a method for attributing segregation to nested geographic levels. We measured segregation for metropolitan America using the Theil index, which is additively decomposed into contributions of regional, metropolitan, center city—suburban, place, and tract segregation. This procedure distinguishes whether groups live apart because members cluster in different neighborhoods, communities, metropolitan areas, or regions. Substantively, we found that the segregation of blacks decreased considerably after 1960 largely because neighborhoods became more integrated, but the foreign born became more segregated largely because they concentrated in particular metropolitan areas. Class segregation increased between 1970 and 1990 mainly because the affluent increasingly clustered in specific metropolitan areas and in specific municipalities within metropolitan areas. The unmarried increasingly congregated in center cities. The main purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate this multilevel approach to studying segregation.
Introduction: lipids as regulators of cell function

It is becoming increasingly clear that lipids are key regulators of cellular function and that these effects are quite diverse. First, the lipid environment in the cellular membrane bilayer is important in maintaining the normal function of receptors, enzymes, transporters and so on that are localized in the membrane. Phosphoinositides are important regulators of signalling molecules. Lipid metabolites formed by a number of enzymes including the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and P450s also mediate important cellular functions. Fatty acids and lipid metabolites can also activate the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Finally, a wide variety of lipid molecules are generated nonenzymatically by free-radical mechanisms that also exert potent biological effects in a wide variety of organs. Presented are a series of eight reviews that broadly cover all of these topics in some detail.
Strategies for subgroup analysis in clinical trials.

Standard methods of assigning p values to quantify the probability of falsely rejecting a null hypothesis are often misinterpreted when multiple comparisons are made. The p value of a test statistic is usually applicable to an individual comparison which is assumed to have been selected a priori, and the probability of falsely rejecting at least one of several comparisons (often called the experimentwise error rate) may be much higher than the individual (or comparisonwise) p value. In a clinical trial multiple comparisons occur when analyses are repeated at several points in time, when pairwise comparisons are made among more than two treatment groups, when there is more than one end point being tested, or when the same hypothesis is tested on different subgroups of patients.
Moral Reasoning and the Meaning of Cancer: Causal Explanations of Oncologists and Patients in Southern Mexico

Moral themes were a striking feature of the causal explanations for female cancers discussed by oncologists and patients in an ethnographic study of hospital-based cancer care in southern Mexico. These explanations integrate general biomedical explanations with everyday expectations and experiences, giving meaning to otherwise arbitrary events. Analysis of case examples shows that causal models incorporate local constructs about what constitutes a virtuous life, especially in terms of class- and gender-based values. Although patients and physicians draw on similar concepts of moral order, they apply these constructs in distinct ways. Because physicians' explanations are necessarily framed in terms of object, their causal stories employ generalized presumptions about how categories of persons behave (e.g., women, the lower class). In contrast, patients' explanations are framed in terms of subject; they are based on the specific details of their personal history. The article examines the distinct perspectives of physicians and patients, and provides an illustration of how biomedical culture articulates with the local moral constructs of a particular community. [cancer; Mexico; culture of biomedicine; concepts of illness; oncology, models of illness] n the course of analyzing data I collected in an ethnographic study of hospitalbased cancer care in Southern Mexico, I have often been struck by the moral tone of the causal explanations discussed by both patients and physicians. When I asked a general kind of question about what might cause a particular class of cancer, their responses were usually limited to conventional concepts such as heredity or physiology. But when I asked, "Why do you think you, or this particular person, got sick?" a very different type of answer emerged. The causal explanations then often had a decidedly moral tone, and spoke of all manner of flawed behavior-adultery, hedonism, domestic violence, promiscuity-invoking images of purity
Exposure to prescription opioid analgesics in utero and risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome: population based cohort study

ObjeCtive To provide absolute and relative risk estimates of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) based on duration and timing of prescription opioid use during pregnancy in the presence or absence of additional NAS risk factors of history of opioid misuse or dependence, misuse of other substances, non-opioid psychotropic drug use, and smoking. Design Observational cohort study. s etting Medicaid data from 46 US states. PartiC iPants Pregnant women filling at least one prescription for an opioid analgesic at any time during pregnancy for whom opioid exposure characteristics including duration of therapy: short term (<30 days) or long term (≥30 days); timing of use: early use (only in the first two trimesters) or late use (extending into the third trimester); and cumulative dose (in morphine equivalent milligrams) were assessed. Main Out COMe Measure Diagnosis of NAS in liveborn infants. results
LOW BACKACHE AND SCIATIC PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SPONDYLOLISTHESIS AND PROTRUDED INTERVERTEBRAL DISC: INCIDENCE, SIGNIFICANCE, AND TREATMENT

In the past two years the author has been impressed by the number of cases in which the patient had spondylolisthesis associated with sciatic pain and protrusion of an intervertebral disc. Protrusion of an intervertebral disc was diagnosed in fifteen of the twenty-five cases in which spondylolisthesis was associated with sciatica, and the diagnosis was confirmed in six cases in which operation was performed. The treatment which offers the greatest benefit in the shortest period of disability and longest period of relief is surgical removal of the protruded disc and fusion of the last three lumbar vertebrae with the sacrum. Cooperation of the roentgenologist, neurologist, and orthopaedic surgeon is essential in determining the exact situation of the lesion involved in the production of the backache, sciatic pain, and spondylolisthesis. Such cooperation has made it possible to diagnose the condition accurately and to give relief to the group of patients whose ailment heretofore has baffled the diagnostic efforts of even the most skilled surgeons.
Meal Feeding Stimulates Phosphorylation of Multiple Effector Proteins Regulating Protein Synthetic Processes in Rat Hearts

Feeding promotes protein synthesis in cardiac muscle through a stimulation of the mRNA translation initiation phase of protein synthesis either secondary to nutrient-induced rises in insulin or because of direct effects of nutrients themselves. The present set of experiments establishes the effects of meal feeding on the potential signal transduction pathways that may be important in accelerating mRNA translation initiation. Hearts were obtained from male Sprague Dawley rats that had been trained to consume a meal consisting of nonpurified diet prior to, during, and following the test meal. Meal feeding raised the extent of phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4G (Ser 1108 ), which returned to basal levels within 3 h of removal of food. Likewise, meal feeding was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of eIF4E binding protein-1(4EBP1) in the g-form during feeding. Phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on Ser 2448 or Ser 2481 or 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) on Thr 389 was not affected by meal feeding or following removal of food. Likewise, the extent of phosphorylation of TSC2, a potential upstream regulator of mTOR, was not significantly altered during meal feeding. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB) (Thr 308 ) was elevated at all time points after initiating meal feeding. Similarly, the phosphorylation of protein kinase C(PKC)-e but not PKC-d was elevated at all time points after initiating meal feeding. We conclude from these studies that meal feeding stimulates at least 2 signal pathways in cardiac muscle that raises phosphorylation of eIF4G and 4EBP1 during meal feeding and results in sustained increases in phosphorylation of PKB and PKC-e. J. Nutr. 136: 2284‐2290, 2006.
Environment Behavior Research for Developing Countries

Why, one might ask, is there a chapter in this series devoted specifically to research in and for developing countries? Is it not inappropriate to think that environment and behavior research should be different in developing countries from in the countries where the field is more established? Surely, environment and behavior research issues are the same anywhere in the world? Hopefully, as this chapter unfolds, it will make clear the differences and the need for the chapter. Briefly, one could argue that the issues are the same; yet, they have a particular bias and orientation that makes the work different from work undertaken in First World situations. In the main, this difference is due to different political, social, and economic conditions and the nature of the situation existing in this context, which affect the research undertaken.
Similarité sémantique inter ontologies basée sur le contexte

Cette these etudie l'interet du contexte pour ameliorer l'interoperabilite entre ontologies heterogenes, d'une maniere qui permette leur evolution independante. Lors de collaborations, les organisations echangent leurs donnees, qui sont decrites par des concepts definis dans des ontologies. L'objectif est d'obtenir un service d'evaluation de tels concepts, base sur le contexte. Nous proposons une methodologie pour determiner, modeler et utiliser le contexte. En l'appliquant, nous decouvrons trois usages du contexte qui contribuent a ameliorer la reconciliation d'ontologies : Nous proposons de desambiguiser les sens pragmatiques possibles des concepts en comparant les "perspectives" avec lesquelles les concepts ont ete developpes ; de personnaliser en considerant le contexte des agents, constitue d'une selection pertinente parmi les domaines et tâches de l'organisation ; d'evaluer la pertinence des donnees associees au concept pour la tâche qui a suscite le besoin en interoperabilite.
Ultra-small neonatal dialysis circuits do not maintain safe fluid balance.

Nishimi and colleagues have designed a renal replacement device for tiny babies in which the extracorporeal circuit volume (ECV) is Bultra-small^ at only 3.2 ml, by just using one operating syringe [1]. They note that their current system does not maintain fluid balance Baccurately , but that they Bare working on^ this Bserious weakness^. Unfortunately, they will not be able to regulate the ultrafiltration rate without adding extra components to the circuit. This is because water moves across a dialyser according to the transmembrane pressure (TMP), and this cannot be regulated while the filter is exposed to the pressures in the blood access or return lines. In their earlier (manual) circuit design, the proximal operating syringe created a positive TMP by pushing blood through the dialysis filter, and generated a mean daily ultrafiltrate of 40 ml (abstracted from their Figure 5a). Their new (automated) circuit uses a distal syringe to draw blood through the filter, which generates a negative TMP that drew amean of 112 ml/day of water into the blood (range 16 to 260; P=0.02, one-sample t test; Figure 5b). Large, unpredictable fluid shifts like this could harmfully overload small infants, most of whom are fluid-replete when they commence renal replacement therapy. Two ways of isolating the dialysis filter pressure from the rest of the blood circuit include using a valve and second syringe, as we have done in the Nidus [2], and generating a TMP by using a computer-controlled intermittent isolation valve distally. The latter requires a pressure transducer in the circuit, and a method of continuously measuring the ultrafiltration rate to provide feed-back to the computer algorithm. So far, devices that use this approach cannot produce precise fluid control; the Prismaflex is inaccurate by ±30 ml/h [3], and the CARPEDIEM by ±7.5 % of the dialysate fluid flow, despite weighing its ultrafiltrate to the nearest gram [4]. All methods of controlling fluid balance inevitably increase the ECV, which makes safe Bultra-small^ renal replacement devices difficult to build.
Abstract LB-419: An in-frame deletion in the N-terminal regulatory domain of BRAF(V600E) causes resistance to the RAF inhibitor PLX4032

Drugs that compete with ATP for binding to RAF selectively inhibit ERK signaling in tumor cells with BRAF(V600E) mutation. In BRAF wild-type cells, these compounds induce ERK signaling. RAF family members form dimers in a RAS-dependent manner. In BRAF wild-type cells, binding of RAF inhibitors to one member of the dimer transactivates the other, non-bound member. In contrast, in tumors with BRAF(V600E) mutation, RAS activity is too low to support dimer formation and the drug thus inhibits ERK signaling. This property of RAF inhibitors such as PLX4032 is believed to account for the wide therapeutic index of this drug and its remarkable clinical activity in patients with BRAF(V600E) melanomas. However, despite the initial effectiveness of PLX4032, resistance invariably develops. The dimerization model predicts that induction of RAS activity in the tumor will confer resistance. RAS mutation and activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) including PDGFRs and IGF1R have been implicated, as has induction of expression of the COT kinase, which drives RAF-independent ERK signaling. In order to identify novel mechanisms of RAF-inhibitor resistance, we generated PLX4032-resistant cell lines by prolonged exposure of sensitive BRAF mutant melanoma cells to the RAF inhibitor PLX4032. Analysis revealed that resistance of these clones was associated with failure of the drug to inhibit ERK signaling. PLX4032-resistant cells remained dependent on ERK signaling, as growth was inhibited by a MEK inhibitor, albeit at slightly higher doses. We did not detect RAS mutations, upregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), or of other MEK kinases (CRAF, COT, Mos) in these cells. In a subset of resistant clones, we identified the expression of a variant form of BRAF(V600E), with an in-frame deletion within the N-terminal regulatory domain and a molecular weight of about 61KD (p61BRAF(V600E)). The N-terminal domain of RAF has been shown to negatively regulate the C-terminal catalytic domain, at least in part, by preventing dimerization. When expressed in 293H cells with intrincically low levels of RAS.GTP, dimerization of p61BRAF(V600E) is elevated compared to that of full-length BRAF(V600E). Expression of p61BRAF(V600E) in 293H cells rendered ERK signaling insensitive to inhibition by PLX4032, whereas a mutation in the dimerization domain of p61BRAF(V600E) restored sensitivity. Thus, in addition to BRAF gatekeeper mutations, there are at least three potential mechanisms that confer resistance by blunting the inhibition of RAF kinase by the inhibitor, all of which promote RAF dimerization: increased RAS.GTP due to RAS mutation or upstream (RTK) activation, RAF overexpression and deletion of the RAS binding domain within the N-terminus of RAF. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-419. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-LB-419
The Elasticity of Rubber

Abstract The experiments of Rivlin and Saunders and Gent and Rivlin are consistent with W having the form (33) in which C is a constant and f is a function of I2−3 only, which decreases monotonical...
The Manifestations of Overcrowding

The behavioral, biochemical, and physiological changes manifested by individuals of crowded populations are subjects of an increasing number of studies. Not only are investigations dealing with these changes of interest in economic entomology as in natural control and insect abundance, but also in resource management, population dynamics, and in human population control and family planning. The ability or inability of any population to successfully cope with stress such as crowding is a prime factor in its ecology and in the dynamics of that population's survival. Studies on crowding and its effects include investigations using a multitude of animals among which insects figure prominently because of their medical and economic importance, their size and speed of development, and our relatively advanced knowledge of them.
Use of a novel through-the-needle biopsy forceps in endoscopic ultrasound.

Background and aims: Pancreatic cysts are becoming more common. Their differential diagnosis includes benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions. Distinguishing the type of cyst helps in the management decision making. We report on a novel tissue acquisition device for pancreatic cysts. Methods: Data on two patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – guided fine-needle aspiration with a new micro forceps device are presented. Results: Two patients had large pancreatic cystic lesions in the pancreatic head. Linear EUS was performed, and tissue samples were obtained with the Moray micro forceps through a 19-gauge needle. In both patients, mucinous columnar epithelium lined the cystic walls. One patient underwent surgical resection, and the other elected surveillance. Examination of the surgical specimen from the first patient confirmed the cyst was a side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), gastric type. Conclusions: The Moray micro forceps is a new tool that can be used to help determine the nature of pancreatic cysts and aid in their risk stratification and management.
Mechanistic modelling of time-dependent fatigue crack growth in Ni-based superalloys

Advanced Ni-based superalloys for aero-engine disk applications can experience multiple damage mechanisms that include oxidation, creep and stress corrosion in additional to cycle-dependent fatigue crack initiation and growth. Interactions of these various damage mechanisms can lead to the occurrence of frequency, temperature, heat dwell and environmental effects on the fatigue crack growth response and service life of Ni-based superalloys. In this overview paper, the development of a set of generic microstructure-based fatigue crack growth models for treating concurrent time-dependent and cycle-dependent damage mechanisms at the microstructural levels is summarised. Key features of the mechanistic models are highlighted and utilised to assess the variability of time-dependent fatigue crack growth response in the threshold and power-law regimes due to variations in microstructure such as grain size, and γ′ size. This methodology provides a pathway for evaluating microstructural effects on multiple damage ...
Application of Tactical Template in CLIBIIMotion Planning

To solve the problems of how to simplify the flow of mission planning and how to use tactics in the tactical mission planning system,we proposed the concept of tactical templates. First,the 6 DOF aircraft model was simplified to a model of 3 DOF,and the basic action model was established. Taking the CLIBⅡ maneuvering for avoiding missile attacking as an example,the data base of tactical template was designed.The influence diagram was introduced into CLIBⅡ planning,and was simulated in Skyview. The results show that this concept is feasible,but still needs further improvement and optimization.
The Memory Phenomenon as a Time in Historical Scholarship

I contrast the assessment of the state of memory studies by sociologists Jeffrey Olick, Vered Vinitzky-Seroussi, and Daniel Levy in 2011 with that of Pierre Nora in 1984. The comparison provides perspective on the reconfiguration of the memory phenomenon during the interim. Initially conceived as a search for the mnemonic sources of a dissolving modern historiography, the study of collective memory has since become an interdisciplinary venture, for some a “new wave” of scholarship in which historians play only a contributing role. In light of this transition in the venue for the study of memory, I revisit the perspective of five historians who have reflected on the enduring value of the historians’ role vis-a-vis this new milieu of scholarship: Rosenfeld, Farge, Darnton, Yerushalmi, and Ricoeur. I close with a recapitulation of the way in which the interest in memory has influenced our understanding of history.
A Weather-Based Optimal Storage Management Algorithm for PV Capacity Firming

This paper presents an optimal battery management algorithm for photovoltaic (PV) stations capacity firming using dynamic programming-based optimization and control architecture. The objective is to manage the output of battery energy storage system (BESS) so that PV station output swings are reduced significantly. First, BESS and PV station located in a medium-voltage distribution network on a North American power grid is modeled along with the reduced-order feeder model. Then, the proposed algorithm is designed and implemented on the power grid distribution feeder based on the feeder data streamed through utility communication infrastructure to the research laboratory. The theoretical formulation, simulation, and implementation results are discussed in detail in this paper.
Congenital Myopathy with Apoptotic Changes

A case of congenital myopathy with myonuclear changes consistent with apoptotic degeneration in a 4-year-old girl is reported from the National Institute of Neuroscience, Tokyo, Japan.
Reversible and Selective Encapsulation of Dextromethorphan and β-Estradiol Using an Asymmetric Molecular Capsule Assembled via the Weak-Link Approach

An allosterically regulated, asymmetric receptor featuring a binding cavity large enough to accommodate three-dimensional pharmaceutical guest molecules as opposed to planar, rigid aromatics, was synthesized via the Weak-Link Approach. This architecture is capable of switching between an expanded, flexible “open” configuration and a collapsed, rigid “closed” one. The structure of the molecular receptor can be completely modulated in situ through the use of simple ionic effectors, which reversibly control the coordination state of the Pt(II) metal hinges to open and close the molecular receptor. The substantial change in binding cavity size and electrostatic charge between the two configurations is used to explore the capture and release of two guest molecules, dextromethorphan and β-estradiol, which are widely found as pollutants in groundwater.
Treatment of Enterocutaneous Fistulas, Then and Now.

Background: An enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an aberrant connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the skin or atmosphere (enteroatmospheric fistula [EAF]). Multimodal treatment includes surgical procedures, nutrition support, and wound care. We evaluated our practice and compared our outcomes with previous results published from our institution. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of hospitalized ECF/EAF patients admitted between January 2011 and November 2015. Patients with internal fistulas; active inflammatory bowel disease; malignancy; radiation treatment; end-stage renal, hepatic, or cardiac disease; and active alcoholism were excluded. Data collected included demographics, fistula characteristics, nutrition therapy, treatment, operative success, and hospital mortality. Parametric and nonparametric tests for independent and paired groups were performed. Results: Thirty-one patients were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range) age was 60 (53–76) ...
Hasta = no hasta / hasta no = hasta en el espa­ñol hablado de once ciudades

El uso de hasta con el significado de no... hasta, en oraciones tales como "Llega hasta las tres" = "No llega hasta las tres ", o "Hasta el lunes hay clases" = "Hasta el lunes no hay clases", y el uso del no expletivo con hasta en frases negativas como "No puedo salir hasta que no llegue Juan" ha sido comentado en varias ocasiones por linguistas hispanicos. Presento un estudio de estos usos de hasta en el que resumo los comentarios basicos que se han hecho al respecto, y describo la ocurrencia de este giro en el espanol culto contemporaneo. Las muestras corresponden al habla culta de once ciudades: Bogota, Buenos Aires, Caracas, La Habana, La Paz, Lima, Madrid, Mexico, San Juan de Puerto Rico, Santiago de Chile y Sevilla.
Filaggrin and childhood eczema.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterised by pruritus, dry skin, crusting and lichenification with a worldwide lifetime prevalence ranging from 1.8% to 44% across different populations.1 This disease poses significant medical, psychosocial and financial burdens for children and their families.2 AD has a complex aetiology that includes an impaired skin barrier, excessive type 2 T-helper lymphocyte (Th2) activity, reduced skin antimicrobial proteins and skin colonisation with Staphylococcus aureus .3 Filaggrin is a major structural protein in the stratum corneum (SC) of the epidermis and plays a critical role in maintaining the skin barrier function. The discovery that null mutations in the filaggrin gene ( FLG ) are associated with AD represented a significant breakthrough in the understanding of this complex disorder and the key role of skin barrier dysfunction in AD.4 Filaggrin mutations have reliably shown to be associated with the development of AD and remain an important paradigm for thinking about the pathophysiology of AD and subsequent allergies. Here, we review the central role of decreased filaggrin levels in the pathogenesis of AD, describe how filaggrin deficiency causes so-called ‘leaky skin’ and discuss promising strategies for AD treatment and prevention. The epidermis, specifically the SC, is the first-line defence between humans and the environment, including allergens, irritants and microbes. The SC is also responsible for minimising water loss from the body. The SC is composed of corneocyte cells surrounded by cell envelopes (CE) embedded in an intercellular lamellae. Sometimes, this is referred to as the ‘bricks’ and ‘mortar’ model of the skin barrier, and while not a perfect analogy, it captures the basic ideas nicely. Corneocytes (the ‘bricks’) are flattened, anucleate keratinocytes linked by protein bridges called corneodesmosomes. The CE is a tough, insoluble protein structure that replaces the plasma membrane in corneocytes. The …
Interdependencies Between the Adaptation and Interference Modules Guide Efficient CRISPR-Cas Immunity

CRISPR-Cas is a common adaptive RNA-guided prokaryotic immunity mechanism that limits the spread of mobile genetic elements such as phages and plasmids. A CRISPR-Cas system is composed of two seemingly independent modules. Cas proteins from the adaptation module are responsible for recording prior encounters with mobile genetic elements by incorporating fragments of foreign DNA into CRISPR array. Small protective RNAs generated after CRISPR array transcription are used by the interference module Cas proteins to locate complementary nucleic acids and destroy them. Here, we discuss how the activities and substrate preferences of these two functional modules must be tightly coordinated to provide efficient defence against foreign DNA.
Fuzzy Restricted Boltzmann Machines

Restricted Boltzmann Machines are a reconstructive neural network. They derive an implicitly probabilistic model of data which can be used to reconstruct or filter missing data as well as to classify data. This paper develops a deterministic training algorithm and shows how to use that algorithm to automatically derive fuzzy membership classes. The algorithm developed in this paper combines many of the best features of fuzzy learning algorithms and Restricted Boltzmann machines.
Ascorbic acid attenuates endothelial permeability triggered by cell-free hemoglobin.

Abstract Background Increased endothelial permeability is central to shock and organ dysfunction in sepsis but therapeutics targeted to known mediators of increased endothelial permeability have been unsuccessful in patient studies. We previously reported that cell-free hemoglobin (CFH) is elevated in the majority of patients with sepsis and is associated with organ dysfunction, poor clinical outcomes and elevated markers of oxidant injury. Others have shown that Vitamin C (ascorbate) may have endothelial protective effects in sepsis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that high levels of CFH, as seen in the circulation of patients with sepsis, disrupt endothelial barrier integrity. Methods Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were grown to confluence and treated with CFH with or without ascorbate. Monolayer permeability was measured by Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) or transfer of 14C-inulin. Viability was measured by trypan blue exclusion. Intracellular ascorbate was measured by HPLC. Results CFH increased permeability in a dose- and time-dependent manner with 1 mg/ml of CFH increasing inulin transfer by 50% without affecting cell viability. CFH (1 mg/ml) also caused a dramatic reduction in intracellular ascorbate in the same time frame (1.4 mM without CFH, 0.23 mM 18 h after 1 mg/ml CFH, p Conclusions CFH increases endothelial permeability in part through depletion of intracellular ascorbate. Supplementation of ascorbate can attenuate increases in permeability mediated by CFH suggesting a possible therapeutic approach in sepsis.
Catalyst: Unlocking the Power of Choice to Speed up Network Updates

Speeding up network updates is crucial to maintain high agility and to react quickly to network failures. In this paper, we present Ctalyst---a new design to reduce the network update time. We observe that networks offer a power of choice, where there are many equally-good alternative paths that traffic flows can be assigned to, which is facilitated by redundancy in networks. Catalyst exploits this power of choice to assign flows to alternative paths to merge stages in the dependency graph (that captures the update plan), which in turn reduces the total update time. Furthermore, we observe that because of the prevalence of switch stragglers---switches that unexpectedly take longer time to update, simply assigning a flow to a single (shortest) path is not an optimal design as even a single switch straggler can substantially increase the update time. Thus, the second principle in Catalyst is to compute multiple paths for individual flows offline, among which one would be selected at runtime based on temporal switch conditions, in order to enable a fast update. Our evaluation using a load-balancer setting in a data center network shows that Catalyst effectively reduces the total update time by 1.14--2.15x.
Rare Undiagnosed Primary Amyloidosis Unmasked During Surgical Treatment of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Case Report

Primary amyloidosis (PA) is a protein deposition disorder that presents with localized or multisystemic disease. The incidence is low in the general public, ranging from three to eight cases per million, and with nonspecific presenting symptoms typically occurring later in life. Due to late presentation, substantial and irreversible damage has usually already occurred by the time of the diagnosis. However, if inadvertent diagnosis occurs before irreversible damage has taken place, as it did in the following case, some patients may benefit from the disease-arresting treatment. A 70-year-old female with a history of obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and arthritis presented with worsening dysphagia and biochemically confirmed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Further workup demonstrated multinodular goiter with compressive symptoms and substernal extension, osteopenia, and discrepant parathyroid localization on imaging. Intraoperatively, markedly difficult dissection and obliteration of tissue planes were encountered. Extensive, diffuse amyloid deposition in both the normal and pathologic parathyroid glands and thyroid tissue on surgical pathology leads to subsequent fibril typing by mass spectrometry and leads to the diagnostic of primary amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis (PA; λ light chains). Subsequent workup for the underlying cause of the amyloid deposition revealed an immunoglobulin A monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. The surgical treatment of PHPT and compressive thyroid nodule unmasked an undiagnosed PA, allowing for early workup and monitoring of the progression of amyloidosis. The temporal comorbidity of PHPT and PA raises an interesting and, as yet, unanswered question regarding the pathophysiologic association between the two conditions.