cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Target discrimination using neural networks with time domain or spectrum magnitude response

Several different memory-based neural networks are used to discriminate radar targets based on their early-time, aspect-dependent response. The beginning of the response is difficult to locate in practice, so we use only the magnitude of the time response's DFT Spectrum as input to the neural network, thus eliminating time-shift uncertainty. Especially promising is the Recurrent Correlation Accumulation Adaptive Memory-Generalized Inverse (RCAAM-GI) cascade neural network. From the simulation results, the network demonstrates a decision strategy which is flexible, parallel adaptive, computation space efficient, and highly noise tolerant. Performances of the networks presented in this paper are compared with those of existing networks.
ASME 1993 Nadai Lecture—Elastoplastic Stress and Strain Concentrations

Elastic stress concentration factors are familiar and easily incorporated into the design of components or structures through charts or finite element analysis. However when the material at the most concentrated location no longer behaves elastically, computation of the local stresses and strains is not so easy. Local elastoplastic behavior is an especially important consideration when the loading is cyclic. This paper summarizes the predictive capability of the Neuber and the Glinka models that relate gross loading to the local stresses and strains. The author and his students have used a unique laser-based technique capable of measuring biaxial strains over very short gage lengths to evaluate the two models. Their results, as well as those from earlier studies by other researchers using foil gages, lead to the general conclusion that the Neuber model works best when the local region is in a state of plane stress and the Glinka model is best for plane strain. There are intermediate levels of constraint that are neither plane stress nor plane strain. This paper presents a recommended practice for predicting the local elastoplastic stresses and strains for any constraint. First, one computes or estimates the initial elastic strains. Then, based on the amount of elastic constraint, one selects the appropriate model to compute the local elastoplastic stresses and strains
A new rat model to study the correlation of cardiac and skeletal muscle allograft rejection

As a first step to study the correlation of cardiac and skeletal muscle allograft rejection, we describe a new experimental rat model of simultaneous heterotopic heart and cutaneous maximus muscle flap allotransplant. Brown Norway rats were used as donors and Lewis rats as recipients. No immunosuppression was given. The grafts were revascularized with sequential end-to-side anastomosis of each vascular pedicle to the infrarenal aorta and vena cava. Syngeneic heart and cutaneous maximus muscle grafts remained functional and showed no sign of rejection at 7 days after the transplant. In contrast, both allografts developed severe rejection and functional compromise at 7 days after the transplant. Our experimental model is technically feasible and reproducible and may provide important information about the pattern of rejection of cardiac and skeletal muscle allografts.
Rilonacept for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS).

Background: Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) encompass a group of rare inherited, autoinflammatory disorders that represent a spectrum of one disease with varying degrees of severity. Until recently, there was no effective treatment for CAPS, but identification of the genetic basis of CAPS highlighted the pathogenic role of IL-1β. Objectives: Rilonacept is a recently FDA approved biologic therapy for CAPS with high affinity for IL-1β. Limited pharmacological data has been reported to date. Methods: A review of the phamacokinetics and pharmacodynamics data as well as the results of a pilot study and Phase III placebo-controlled trials of rilonacept in CAPS. Unpublished data on an open-label extension study in adult and pediatric subjects is also reviewed. Results: Rilonacept produced rapid and profound improvements in symptoms and also reduced high-sesitivity C-reactive protein levels and normalized elevated serum amyloid A concentrations, an important risk factor for amyloidosis. The primary...
Theoretical Study of the Interactions of In+ and In3+ with Stone−Wales Defect Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

We have performed a density functional study on the binding of indium ions (In+ and In3+) to the surface of pristine and defective armchair single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT). Among the various structural isomers that are studied, the position above the hexagon is found to be the most stable site for absorption, while the binding is enhanced in the defective SWNT compared to that in the pristine SWNT. The computed Mulliken charges, HOMO−LUMO gap energies, interactions, and interaction energies of the systems reveal fascinating electronic charge delocalization phenomena explaining the observed electromigration.
Intra-abdominal adipose tissue deposition and parity

To determine the relationship between body composition/fat distribution and parity after adjusting for potential confounders: age, smoking, and physical activity. Cross-sectional. A total of 170 Caucasian women between the ages of 18 and 76 years, who were non-smokers with no cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic, or endocrine disorders. Physical activity assessment (Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire), anthropometric measures, and body composition (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, computed tomography). Although percent body fat was related to parity (r=0.26, P<0.01), after adjusting for age, physical activity index, and smoking, the parity–percent body fat relationship was no longer significant. Multiple regression analysis for modeling intra-abdominal adipose tissue demonstrated that parity and intra-abdominal adipose tissue were significantly related after adjusting for percent body fat, physical activity index, and smoking (partial r=0.18, P=0.02, unstandardized β=5.22±2.26, intercept=−37.32±24.63). Our data suggest that intra-abdominal adipose tissue increases with increasing parity, even after adjusting for potential confounders: age, percent body fat, physical activity, and smoking.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) level and its correlation with eosinophil number or IgE level of peripheral blood in patients with various skin diseases

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is a cationic protein derived from eosinophil granulocytes, and has been studied mainly in atopic diseases and considered as a useful marker of disease activity in atopic dermatitis. We measured the serum ECP levels in patients with various skin diseases (n = 875) and in normal healthy controls (n = 79), and evaluated the correlation between ECP level and blood eosinophil number, or ECP and IgE levels. Serum ECP levels were significantly higher in patients with drug eruption (15.8 +/- 1.7 micrograms/l), psoriasis (15.1 +/- 6.0 micrograms/l), acute urticaria (13.9 +/- 1.4 micrograms/l) than in healthy controls (4.5 +/- 0.3 micrograms/l) (P < 0.05) and also significantly elevated in patients with elevated eosinophil numbers (15.2 +/- 1.0 micrograms/l) compared to those in patients with normal eosinophil numbers (8.8 +/- 0.3 micrograms/l) (P < 0.001). Serum ECP level and eosinophil number in peripheral blood were also correlated in patients with psoriasis (gamma = 0.82, P < 0.01), drug eruption (gamma = 0.31, P < 0.01) and acute urticaria (gamma = 0.20, P < 0.05). However, no correlation between ECP and IgE levels in all of the patients was found. Among the patients with chronic urticaria, ECP levels showed an increasing trend in patients with angioedema, cold urticaria and dermographic urticaria as compared with those in healthy controls. Our results suggest that, even though the role of ECP released from activated eosinophils is still unknown, its measurement might be of help to understand the pathogenesis of some skin disorders.
Artificial turbulence generation alternatives for use in computer and laboratory experiments

Two methods, the spectral and the covariance, are investigated and compared for generating phase screens for modeling the propagation of light through turbulent atmosphere. The spectral method uses the Kolmogorov spectrum which does not define a spectrum below a specified low spatial frequency cutoff. The difficulties of defining the spectrum below the cutoff and the corresponding difficulties this presents for modeling are discussed. Phase screens are shown using the spectral method and have the correct spectrum. However, the phase screens lose accuracy for truncated low spatial frequencies because of a Fourier transform operation. Phase screens are shown that are produced using the covariance method and Kolmogorov structure function for turbulence in the atmosphere. This method avoids taking a Fourier transform but cannot easily model low spatial frequencies below the cutoff for the Kolmogorov spectrum. We show that because the largest powers are in the low spatial frequencies, according to the Kolmogorov spectrum, that truncating the largest eigenvalues has the effect of reducing the low spatial frequencies. The covariance method take longer to compute and is the subject of ongoing investigation.
Pyroptosis: host cell death and inflammation

Eukaryotic cells can initiate several distinct programmes of self-destruction, and the nature of the cell death process (non-inflammatory or proinflammatory) instructs responses of neighbouring cells, which in turn dictates important systemic physiological outcomes. Pyroptosis, or caspase 1-dependent cell death, is inherently inflammatory, is triggered by various pathological stimuli, such as stroke, heart attack or cancer, and is crucial for controlling microbial infections. Pathogens have evolved mechanisms to inhibit pyroptosis, enhancing their ability to persist and cause disease. Ultimately, there is a competition between host and pathogen to regulate pyroptosis, and the outcome dictates life or death of the host.
Biodegradable polymer thin film for enhancement of laser-assisted incision closure with an indocyanine-green-doped liquid albumin solder

The purpose of this study was to determine if solid material reinforcement of a liquid albumin solder coagulum could improve the cohesive strength of the solder and thus the ultimate breaking strength of the incision repair in vitro. A 50%(w/v) bovine serum albumin solder with 0.5 mg/mL Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye was used to repair an incision in bovine aorta. The solder was coagulated with an 806 nm CW diode laser. A 50 micrometer thick poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) film was used to reinforce the solder (the controls had no reinforcement). Acute breaking strengths were measured and the data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA (P less than 0.05). Multiple comparisons of means were performed using the Newman- Keuls test. Observations of the failure modes indicated cohesive strength reinforcement of the test specimens versus the controls. At the higher laser powers used in this study (400 and 450 mW), the reinforced solder was consistently stronger than the controls. Reinforcement of liquid albumin solders in laser-assisted incision repair may have mechanical advantages in terms of acute breaking strength over conventional methods that do not reinforce the cohesive strength of the solder.
Microarray analysis of allergic fungal sinusitis and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis.

Objective Our goal was to determine and compare the differential gene expression in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis (EMRS). Study Design and Setting We conducted a complementary DNA microarray analysis of prospectively gathered tissue from a tertiary rhinology practice. Results Compared to normal subjects, 38 genes or potential genes were differentially expressed in AFS patients, while 10 genes were differentially expressed in EMRS patients. Four genes differentially expressed in EMRS were not differentially expressed in AFS: cathepsin B, sialyltransferase 1, GM2 ganglioside activator protein, and S100 calcium binding protein. These genes mediate lysosomal activity and are known to have differential expression in inflammatory and neoplastic states. Conclusions EMRS and AFS show some similarities in gene expression profiles using microarray analysis. Significant differences in gene expression in both EMRS and AFS patients compared with normal subjects provide early clues to the pathophysiology of EMRS and AFS. Significance This study demonstrates that complementary DNA microarray analysis is a feasible tool for studying different disease subclassifications and is the first to study these subclasses in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Granulomatous peritonitis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy mimicking pelvic endometriosis

Abstract Background: Spillage of bile or gallstones, a relatively common occurrence during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is believed to be inconsequential, but we describe a case of postlaparoscopic granulomatous peritonitis mimicking endometriosis. Case: A 20-year-old gravida 0 presented with chronic lower abdominal pain and dysmenorrhea. Laparoscopy showed red-brown pigmented pelvic adhesions, which on biopsy showed foreign-body–type granulomatous reaction, both suggesting endometriosis, but a history of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and a positive Fouchet’s stain for bile gave the true etiology of the granulomatous reaction. Conclusion: With increasingly widespread use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and relatively common spillage of bile or gallstones at surgery, granulomatous peritonitis mimicking endometriosis might become more frequent.
Systematic Review of Effectiveness of Oral Sirolimus After Bare-Metal Stenting of Coronary Arteries for Prevention of In-Stent Restenosis

Neointimal hyperplasia after percutaneous coronary intervention is a major determinant of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Drug-eluting stents (DES) mitigate neointimal hyperplasia and thereby lead to a lower rate of ISR compared with bare-metal stents (BMS). Recent studies have demonstrated that short-term use of oral sirolimus after BMS leads to a significant reduction in ISR. We therefore sought to do a systematic review of studies to determine the angiographic and clinical benefits of early short-term use of oral sirolimus after BMS of native coronary arteries. We conducted PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database review, and Web of Science search of studies comparing oral sirolimus after BMS to BMS alone or DES. Outcomes analyzed were ISR and target lesion revascularization (TLR) as well as major adverse cardiovascular events. A total of 488 patients from 4 studies were included in the review (2006 to 2010). Three studies, comparing BMS alone versus BMS plus oral sirolimus, demonstrated significant reduction in ISR in the oral sirolimus group. Two of these studies also demonstrated significant reduction in TLR at 6-12 month follow-up. The fourth study comparing BMS plus oral sirolimus versus DES showed a lower but nonsignificant reduction in TLR in addition to significant cost saving in the group treated with oral sirolimus. In conclusion, our systematic review demonstrates that early short-term systemic use of sirolimus after BMS resulted in a significant reduction in ISR and TLR. In addition, ISR rates were comparable to DES with the added benefit of cost saving.
Holographic deposition of gratings in glass

High-resolution holographic gratings have been prepared in glass by photodeposition of iron oxide, principally Fe2O3, in Si-based porous glasses followed by thermal consolidation to a nonporous glass. A comparison of the properties of the holographically prepared gratings with those produced by direct laser writing in similar glasses show a significant improvements in the uniformity of the deposited gratings and their optical performance.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Investigation of Mechanical Clearance Change with Thermal Flying-height Control Slider at High Altitude

Clearance change between a magnetic head with a thermal flying-height control (TFC) function and a magnetic disk at high altitude was investigated. To clarify the change of head-disk clearance in the case of TFC actuation at high altitude, head-disk clearance change was experimentally evaluated as a function of altitude and head-disk clearance by using a TFC function. The evaluation results show that the head-disk clearance change is larger in the case with TFC actuation at high altitude than that in the case without TFC actuation.
High-barrier Al/p-Si Schottky diodes

Sequential implantation of argon ions and low-energy hydrogen ions has been found to yield Schottky barriers of exceptionally high values on p-type silicon. The interaction of these ions in Si is quite complex, involving donor defect generation, defect passivation, and acceptor dopant neutralization. The apparent synergism of these specific implants has resulted in Al/p-Si Schottky diodes with an effective barrier height as high as 0.83 eV, among the highest value reported for any metal/p-Si contact.
Nondestructive single-kernel oil determination of maize by near-infrared transmission spectroscopy

The utility of near-infrared transmission spectroscopy (NITS) for the nondestructive prediction of oil content in single maize kernels was explored. Calibration models were developed from spectral information gathered between 850 and 1050 nm. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed as a reference method to determine the actual oil content of samples used for calibration development and testing. Various positionings of the kernels in the light path and calibration math treatments were explored. The best NITS calibration yielded a 1.2% standard error of cross validation, which was over four times the standard error of NMR reproducibility. Although not as accurate as NMR, NITS does have utility in selecting kernels with the highest oil content from a segregating population.
The use of gemfibrozil in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia to successfully manage retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia

Systemic retinoids are used in the management of chronic cutaneous conditions and life-threatening dermatoses. Unfortunately, drug-induced hypertriglyceridemia may necessitate either dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy. The purpose of this article is to describe the successful management of isotretinoin-induced hypertriglyceridemia with gemfibrozil in a leukemia patient. Sequential serum chemistries were performed prior to, during, and following treatment with a systemic retinoid and a lipid-regulating agent. A prompt and sustained normalization of fasting triglycerides occurred following the initiation of gemfibrozil in a patient with isotretinoin-induced hypertriglyceridemia. When retinoids are being used in the management of serious conditions, the initiation of therapy with gemfibrozil to reduce the elevated triglycerides may be appropriate in those patients with retinoid-induced hypertriglyceridemia.
Identification and characterization of a third gastrin response element (GAS-RE3) in the human histidine decarboxylase gene promoter

Abstract In human gastric cancer cells the human histidine decarboxylase gene is regulated by gastrin through two overlapping cis-acting elements known as gastrin response elements 1&2 (GAS-RE1, GAS-RE2) [J. Biol. Chem. 274 (1999) 20961]. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a third element GAS-RE3 that was localized to a region +28 to +48 downstream of the transcriptional start site (+1). Gastrin stimulation induced a rapid increase in binding to the element of a novel nuclear factor named gastrin response element-binding protein 3 (GAS-REBP3). Block mutations in the GAS-RE3 sequence ( +38 GTGCG +42 to +38 TAAGT +42 ) led to reduced promoter activity and decreased binding in EMSA. UV cross-linking studies and Southwestern blot analysis with wildtype and mutant GAS-RE3 showed that GAS-REBP3 was a ∼110 kDa protein. Thus, gastrin-mediated regulation of HDC gene expression appears to be mediated by a complex cis-acting element, which binds at least three distinct nuclear factors.
New manganese, iron, and molybdenum carbonyl carbene complexes

Abstract The carbene complexes [Mn(CO) 3 (L) 2 CR(OMe)] PF 6 (L 2 = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, R = Me, p -C 6 H 4 F, m -C 6 H 4 F; L = P(OMe) 3 , R = Me), [Mn(CO) 4 (PPh 3 )CMe(OMe)] PF 6 , [C 5 H 5 Fe(CO)(PPh 3 )CMe(OMe)] PF 6 and [C 5 H 5 Mo(CO) 2 (PPh 3 )CMe(OMe)] PF 6 have been prepared by alkylation of the appropriate acylmetal complex with MeOSO 2 F, followed by metathetical anion exchange with PF 6 − . Reactions of the manganese compounds with phosphines occur to give phosphonium salts, and the acylmetal complex is recovered; this reaction reaffirms the oxonium formulation generally accorded to these complexes. Reaction of the manganese diphos complexes with methyl or p -chlorophenyl isocyanides results in carbene ligand displacement, giving [Mn(CO) 3 (diphos)CNR] PF 6 . With the analogous trimethylphosphite complexes, insertion of the isocyanide into the carbene—metal bond occurs.
A study of calcium in the early development of the amphibian embryo.

Abstract 1. 1. Internal fluid (blastocoel fluid) and capsule fluid of Ambystoma punctatum blastulae, gastrulae, and neurulae were collected and analyzed for calcium content. The internal fluid of blastulae contained 0.014 mg Ca/1000 embryos while that of neurulae contained 0.113 mg Ca/1000 embryos, an increase of eight times. Concomitantly, the calcium content of the capsule fluid dropped from 6.5 mg/1000 embryos to 5.5 mg, a decrease of one-sixth. 2. 2. Total calcium content of the blastula and neurula stages was measured to determine whether or not the increased calcium of the internal fluid came from internal or external sources. The total calcium content almost doubled, rising from 1.45 mg/1000 embryos in the blastula stage to 2.67 mg/1000 embryos in the neurula stage. Comparison of these figures with those for changes in the capsule fluid indicated that the increased embryonic calcium came from the capsule fluid. 3. 3. The relation of the rise in embryonic calcium content to the cell shape changes and movements of gastrulation and to the early processes of differentiation and morphogenesis are discussed.
Instabilities of counterpropagating beams in a nonlinear medium.

The dynamical behavior of counterpropagating light beams interacting with a nonlinear medium is studied numerically. When the incident intensities are increased, this system becomes unstable and exhibits oscillations undergoing complex behavior, including quasiperiodic motion and chaos. We analyze the output fields by using Fourier spectra, phase portraits, and autocorrelation functions. In the chaotic regime, the Lyapunov exponents and dimensions are calculated. A physical interpretation of the quasiperiodic motion is also given by an exact calculation of the absorption spectrum of a two-level atom.
Taylor series of conformal mappings onto symmetric quadrilaterals

We discuss the positivity (or lack thereof) of the non-vanishing coefficients of the Taylor series expansion about for the Riemann map of a family of rectangles and rhombi with defined symmetries.
Image reconstruction for diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer using fluorescence measurements: phantom studies

Fluorescence-enhance optical tomography is performed using (i) point illumination and point collection and (ii) area illumination and area collection geometrics in 3D. In both measurement techniques, an image-intensified charge-coupled (ICCD) imaging system is used in the frequency-domain to image near-infrared contrast agents. The experimental measurements are compared to diffusion model predictions in least squares form in the inverse problem. For image recovery for both area and point illumination geometries, an efficient gradient-based optimization technique based on the Penalty/modified barrier function (PMBF) method and the constrained truncated Newton with trust region (CONTN) method is developed. Targets in 3D were reconstructed from experimental data under two conditions of (i) perfect uptake (1:0, target to background ratio) and (ii) imperfect uptake (100:1, target to background ratio). Parameters of absorption cross section due to fluorophore and lifetimes are reconstructed. The present work demonstrates that 3D fluorescence enhanced optical tomography reconstructions can be successfully performed from both point/area illumination and collection experimental measurements of the time-dependent light propagation on clinically relevant tissue phantoms using a gain-modulated ICCD camera.
Development and Validation of the Critical Consciousness Scale

This article details the development and validation of a measure of critical consciousness, defined as the capacity of oppressed or marginalized people to critically analyze their social and political conditions, endorsement of societal equality, and action to change perceived inequities. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with a diverse sample of youth, resulting in three internally consistent factors: (a) Critical Reflection: Perceived Inequality, (b) Critical Reflection: Egalitarianism, and (c) Critical Action: Sociopolitical Participation. In Study 2, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was completed with a new sample of youth. Strong model fit estimates in Study 2 confirmed the factor structure of Study 1 and resulted in a final 22-item measure called the “Critical Consciousness Scale” (CCS). The CCS has the potential to unite and advance the fragmented conceptualization and measurement of critical consciousness, the primary motivation for the development of the scale.
Kinetic properties and functional role of creatine phosphokinase in glycerinated muscle fibers — Further evidence for compartmentation

The following phenomena were observed when relative contraction and relaxation effects of ATP and creatine phosphate (CP) were studied in rabbit psoas muscle glycerinated fiber bundles containing native creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and ATPase activities: (1) nucleotide was absolutely necessary for contraction; (2) in the presence of a small amount of ADP (250 microM), physiological concentration of CP (10 mM) produced faster and stronger contraction and faster, more complete, relaxation than equimolar or higher concentrations of ATP; (3) if the nucleotide was in the form of ATP, the nucleotide Km for contraction was about 1.5 mM; (4) if the nucleotide was in the form of ADP, the nucleotide Km for contraction at physiological concentration of CP (10 mM) was 0.076 to 1.18 mM depending upon the order of addition of ADP and CP; (5) the apparent Km for CP for contraction was 2.67 mM independent of sequence of addition of ADP and CP.
Angiotensin II protects cultured midbrain dopaminergic neurons against rotenone-induced cell death.

Abstract In this study, we demonstrate that angiotensin II (Ang II) protects dopamine (DA) neurons from rotenone toxicity in vitro. Primary ventral mesencephalic (VM) cultures from E15 rats were grown for 5 days and then cultured in the presence of the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone. Acute exposure (20 h) to 20 nM rotenone reduced the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons by 50 ± 6% when compared to untreated cultures. Pre-treatment of VM cultures with 100 nM Ang II decreased TH+ neuronal loss to 25 ± 10% at the 20-nM rotenone concentration. Ang II in the presence of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist, losartan, was even more effective in protecting DA neurons showing a loss of only 13 ± 4% at 20 nM rotenone. Conversely, the AT2R antagonist, PD123319, abolished the protective effects of Ang II. Furthermore, both the NMDA receptor antagonist, MK801, and the antioxidant, alpha-tocopheryl succinate (vitamin E analogue), prevented rotenone-induced toxicity. Here, we show that acute exposure of VM cultures to the pesticide rotenone leads to dopaminergic neuronal cell death and that angiotensin acting through the AT2 receptor protects dopamine neurons from rotenone toxicity.
Estimates of Conditional Survival in Gastric Cancer Reveal a Reduction of Racial Disparities with Long-Term Follow-Up

In prior analyses, conditional survival (CS) estimates for gastric cancer have weighed clinical and pathologic factors to predict prognosis at time intervals after surgery. Since racial disparities in gastric cancer outcomes were not considered, our objective was to determine whether race influences CS estimates. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry were used to identify gastric adenocarcinoma patients who underwent curative surgical intervention between 1988 and 2005. Five-year relative conditional survival (RCS) was computed for patients who survived at least 1 to 5 years after surgery. RCS was calculated by assessing observed and expected survival in an age- and race-matched standard population. Results were compared across time and racial groups (white, black, and Asian) using z test statistics. Of 14,067 patients, 63.8 % were white, 15.5 % black, and 20.7 % Asian. Racial disparities among groups were observed with improved survival of Asians at time point zero and improved RCS at 1 year. At 5 years following curative surgery, each racial group had increased RCS and the greatest magnitude of relative increase was observed in white and black patients (121 and 118 %, respectively). Comparison of RCS at the 5-year time point revealed a reduction of racial disparities in survival among the three groups. Our investigation shows that racial disparities in gastric cancer outcomes are pronounced at the time of curative surgery but diminish after years of survival, thus suggesting race has less influence over outcomes the longer patients survive. The reasons for reduction of racial disparities remain unclear and warrant future study.
A New Opportunity for Democratic Engagement: The CNN-YouTube Presidential Candidate Debates

ABSTRACT The 2007 CNN-YouTube Presidential Candidate Debates provided a unique opportunity for Americans to engage in national political discussion. For the first time in American political history, the public was invited into national debate discourse through submissions of video questions to YouTube for possible inclusion in two nationally broadcast candidate debates. Content analysis was used to examine the nearly 8,000 submissions to uncover both the demographic populations represented and the submitted questions' characteristics to determine if the debates provided a viable method for increasing citizen mobilization and redefining democratic participation in the Internet Age. Results indicate that traditionally politically underrepresented or disengaged populations were present in a significant number of submissions and that the submissions were politically substantive.
Serotonin catabolism depends upon location of release: characterization of sulfated and γ‐glutamylated serotonin metabolites in Aplysia californica

Serotonin is a vital neurotransmitter for the functioning of the nervous system in species throughout the animal phyla. Despite its ubiquitous nature, the metabolism of this molecule has yet to be completely elucidated in even the most basic of organisms. Two novel serotonin catabolites, serotonin-O-sulfate and γ-glu-serotonin-O-sulfate, are chemically characterized using capillary electrophoresis with wavelength-resolved fluorescence detection and electrospray mass spectrometry, and the formation of γ-glu-serotonin in Aplysia californica is confirmed. These novel compounds appear to be synthesized enzymatically, and known mammalian enzymes exist for all serotonin transformations observed here. The pathway of serotonin inactivation depends upon the type of neuronal tissue subjected to neurotransmitter incubation, with assorted serotonin products observed in distinct locations. Initially demonstrated to be in the metacerebral cell (MCC) soma, the new serotonin metabolite serotonin-O-sulfate may contribute to important functions in the serotonergic system beyond simple serotonin inactivation.
Do MAO A and MAO B utilize the same mechanism for the C–H bond cleavage step in catalysis? Evidence suggesting differing mechanisms

The detailed molecular mechanism proposed for the MAO-catalyzed oxidation of amines has been controversial with the basic assumption that both MAO A and MAO B follow the same pathway for the C–H bond cleavage step. Using the mechanistic approach of investigation of electronic effects of various benzylamine ring substituents in experiments at pH 9.0, human MAO A exhibits a kinetic behavior characteristic of an H+ abstraction, while human MAO B exhibits kinetic properties characteristic of a H− abstraction. These results lead to the conclusion that the assumption that MAO A and MAO B follow identical mechanisms is incorrect.
Applications of Cluster Analysis in Educational Research: looking for a needle in a haystack[1]

[1] A version of this paper was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, New York, April 1977. I wish to thank Leigh Burstein, Robert Linn, Cathy Stasz and Linda Powell for their comments on a draft of this paper. I would also like to thank Carol Moore for providing copies of her Chernoff scaling solutions.
The Small Helm Project: an academic activity addressing international corruption for undergraduate civil engineering and construction management students.

This paper presents an academic project that addresses the issue of international corruption in the engineering and construction industry, in a manner that effectively incorporates several learning experiences. The major objectives of the project are to provide the students a learning activity that will 1) make a meaningful contribution within the disciplines being studied; 2) teach by experience a significant principle that can be valuable in numerous situations during an individual’s career, and 3) engage the minds, experiences, and enthusiasm of the participants in a real ethical challenge that is prevalent in all of their chosen professional fields. The paper describes the full details of the project, the actual implementation of it during Winter Semester 2005, the experiences gained during the initial trial, and the modifications and improvements incorporated for future implementation.
In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

Abstract We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5–40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg−1 buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg−1 in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.
Fundus Autofluorescence and RPE Lipofuscin in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Genes that increase susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been identified; however, since many individuals carrying these risk alleles do not develop disease, other contributors are involved. One additional factor, long implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD, is the lipofuscin of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The fluorophores that constitute RPE lipofuscin also serve as a source of autofluorescence (AF) that can be imaged by confocal laser ophthalmoscopy. The AF originating from lipofuscin is excited by the delivery of short wavelength (SW) light. A second autofluorescence is emitted from the melanin of RPE (and choroid) upon near-infrared (NIR-AF) excitation. SW-AF imaging is currently used in the clinical management of retinal disorders and the advantages of NIR-AF are increasingly recognized. Here we visit the damaging properties of RPE lipofuscin that could be significant when expressed on a background of genetic susceptibility. To advance interpretations of disease-related patterns of fundus AF in AMD, we also consider the photochemical and spectrophotometric features of the lipofuscin compounds responsible for generating the fluorescence emission.
Community action through manhood development: A look at concepts and concerns from the frontline

Community programs for young African American men have proliferated in the last few years. These manhood development organizations draw on many ideas to improve the life chances of black youngsters. This study identified key themes in manhood development as understood by the activists who work with the young men. Their perspectives were compared to those of African American scholars and community psychologists.
Abstract 2351: CDK4/FLT3 dual inhibitors as potential therapeutics for acute myeloid leukemia.

CDK4 is a cyclin D dependent kinase that promotes cell cycle progression in a broad range of tumor types by phosphorylating the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma protein (Rb) and releasing transcription factor E2F. Critical involvement of the cyclin D-CDK4-Rb pathway in carcinogenesis is strongly supported by a large amount of genetic evidence. In addition, promoter methylation with consequent silencing of expression of the CDK4 inhibitor, p15, has been reported in 44-60% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. It is also well established that constitutive activation of the tyrosine kinase FLT3 via mutation contributes to the development of AML, with 30% of AML carrying such activating mutations. FLT3 tyrosine kinase inhibitors used as single agents reduce peripheral blood and bone marrow blasts in only a minority of AML patients, and the effect tends to be transient. This may be due to insufficient FLT3 inhibition, the selection of drug-resistant clones, or the independence of the cell on FLT3 signaling for proliferation and survival. In preclinical models, a synergistic effect of CDK4 inhibition and FLT3 inhibition resulting in increased apoptosis of AML cell lines was reported (Wang et al., Blood, 2007). From a HTS hit through SAR optimization led to AM-5992, a potent and orally bioavailable dual inhibitor of CDK4 and FLT3 including all FLT3 mutants reported to date. AM-5992 inhibits the proliferation of a panel of human tumor cell lines including MDA-MB-435(Rb+), colo-205(Rb+), U937(FLT3WT) and induced cell death in MOLM13(FLT3ITD), MV4-11(FLT3ITD), and even in MOLM13(FLT3ITD, D835Y) which exhibits resistance to a number of FLT3 inhibitors currently under clinical development. In mouse models of leukemia using cells with the FLT3ITD mutation, AM-5992 treatment at 150 mpk qd on days 6-16 after leukemia cell injection significantly reduced the leukemia burden and prolonged survival 11 days over that of vehicle controls. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that simultaneously inhibition of CDK4 and FLT3 may improve the durability of clinical response in AML; and consequently that this hypothesis should be tested in the clinic. Citation Format: Zhihong Li, Kang Dai, Kathleen Keegan, Ji Ma, Mark Ragains, Jacob Kaizerman, Dustin McMinn, Jiasheng Fu, Benjamin Fisher, Michael Gribble, Lawrence R. McGee, John Eksterowicz, Cong Li, Lingming Liang, Margaret Weidner, Justin Huard, Robert Cho, Timothy Carlson, Grace M. Alba, David Hollenback, John Hill, Darrin Beaupre, Alexander Kamb, Dineli Wickramasinghe, Julio C. Medina. CDK4/FLT3 dual inhibitors as potential therapeutics for acute myeloid leukemia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2351. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2351
Trust, autonomy, and advance directives.

Trust has been largely ignored in contemporary bioethical discussions and also by courts of law. The favored language of autonomy, privacy, and rights is useful but insufficient to speak to moral experience, especially the experience of persons who write advance directives, but also physicians who receive such directives. The Brophy case is analyzed for its salient features, and a more central place for the concept of trust is proposed. Let us begin with a case. Ethics is fundamentally a practical discipline, con cerned with what we should do and how we should live. So beginning con cretely may be wise. The case is that of Paul Brophy, and it is useful to ex amine because it is well known and because its most salient features are
Prince of the people : the life and times of a Brazilian free man of colour

In this book, Silva provides a case study of the life and ideas of the self-styled Dom Oba II d'Africa, Prince of the People and "street character". Although to his social superiors, Dom Oba II d'Africa was no more than a "half-crazed" man whom the Brazilian emperor, Dom Pedro II was misguided enough to receive at the palace, to Rio's slaves and people of colour he was revered as Prince of the People. Many paid him tithe as if he were a true African sovereign; they went down on their knees at his solemn passage; they met in bars to read aloud the articles which he published both in the popular press and in the quality journals of the day. Through this extraordinary figure, Silva finds an opportunity to explore popular ideas about the overthrow of slavery. He examines what the slaves and free people "of colour" thought about liberty, race relations, civic rights and duties.
Ekstasis and the internet: liminality and computer-mediated communication:

Anthropologist Victor Turner suggested that all social worlds are composed of two parallel, yet seemingly contrasting models: society as social structure and society as communitas. The relationships between these two basic elements of human social and cultural life are mediated by ephemeral experiences of liminality. Other major theoretical traditions also recognize these relationships, representing a distinct conceptual framework of direct significance to advancing understandings of the internet. The internet is a natural environment for liminality and ekstasis, a place where self and society must be made to exist in a process where both are translated into the conventions of the medium. Some people actively toy with these representations while others do not. However, in the final analysis these communicative dynamics are rooted in the liminal characteristics of the medium - not the motivations and intents of internet users themselves. Approaching the internet in this way stands in stark contrast to othe...
The effect of childhood physical and sexual abuse on adolescent weapon carrying.

Abstract Purpose To examine the link and explore a potential association between physical and sexual abuse and weapon carrying in a sample of youth. Weapon carrying has been linked to the perpetration of serious violence in youth. Ample evidence associates child maltreatment with the perpetration of delinquent and violent behavior, but there is little research on the relationship between child maltreatment and weapon carrying. Methods We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from students in a large survey of high-risk youth (n = 3487). Propensity score stratification was used to approximate a randomized experimental design to examine the effect of physical and sexual abuse on youth-reported weapon and firearm carrying. Results Approximately 25% of weapon carrying by girls was attributable to sexual abuse in early childhood. We found no relationship between sexual abuse and weapon carrying for boys. The association between physical abuse and weapon carrying was less robust and no gender difference was detected. Conclusions Results indicate that exposure to certain forms of early childhood maltreatment may increase the probability of weapon carrying in adolescence, particularly for females. Sexual abuse prevention and intervention programs should incorporate personal safety alternatives to weapon carrying, and clinicians should be aware that sexually abused girls are at greater risk for weapon carrying than other maltreated youth.
The Efficiency of Tests

The efficiency of a family of tests is defined. Methods for evaluating the efficiency are discussed. The asymptotic efficiency is obtained for certain families of tests under assumptions which imply that the sample size is large.
Design of an in vivo multi-spectral confocal microendoscope for clinical trials

We previously reported on the development and testing of a multi-spectral confocal microendoscope. Here we present a new system that will be used during an early stage clinical trial. The new microendoscope is significantly smaller, uses fewer optical elements, and is structurally more robust. The slit-scanning confocal system employs two synchronized single-axes scan mirrors and an externally coupled imaging catheter with automated focus control and dye delivery systems. In grayscale collection mode the confocal microendoscope operates at 30 frames-per-second with 3μm lateral resolution and 25μm axial resolution. The multi-spectral collection mode operates at 0.5 frames-per-second when acquiring 32 spectral channels with an average minimum resolvable wavelength difference of 12nm. The system will be used, in grayscale mode, to image ovaries during a small scale clinical trial on women undergoing oophorectomy. Recent grayscale and multi-spectral imaging results from ex-vivo human tissues are presented.
Protonated ketones as NMR models for organotransition metal cations

Abstract A study of ferrocenyl ketones in CDCl 3 /SO 2 /FSO 3 H solution at low temperature has shown that these protonated ketones are excellent NMR models for the corresponding ferrocenylcarbinyl cations. Comparison of the results of a similar study of tricarbonyl( trans,trans -dienone)iron complexes to the limited NMR data available for the corresponding tricarbonyl ( trans -π-pentadienyl)iron cations suggests strongly that the protonated ketones are good models for the latter cations also. A qualitatively similar pattern of downfield NMR shifts as that observed on protonation of dienone-Fe(CO) 3 complexes is caused by oxidation of dienol-Fe(CO) 3 complexes to dienone-Fe(CO) 3 complexes. These data are interpreted as favoring a conjugative mechanism for stabilization of ferrocenylcarbinyl and tricarbonyl ( trans -π-pentadienyl)iron cations as opposed to one involving neighboring group participation by iron. Owing to exchange with free fluorosulfonic acid, NMR signals for hydrogens on carbonyl oxygen were not observed.
A lower bound for the triple Pomeron vertex

Abstract We establish a lower bound for the triple-Pomeron contribution to inclusive distributions at small values of t, and observe that this minimum contribution is larger than that suggested by data on inclusive reactions, unless the Pomeron slope is extremely small.
Fail-Safe Testing of Web Applications

This paper proposes a genetic algorithm (GA)method to generate test scenarios for testing proper fail-safe behavior for web applications. Unlike other approaches which combine fault trees with state charts, we create mitigation tests from an existing functional black box test suite. A genetic algorithm is used that determines points of failures and type of failure that need to be tested. Mitigation test paths are woven into the behavioral test at the point of failure based on failure specific weaving rules. The GA approach is compared to random selection. We also provide experimental results how effectiveness and efficiency vary based on mitigation defect density and length of the test suite.