cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Radiotherapy on Local Regional Recurrence among Patients with Pathologic Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer.

Background: Radiotherapy has been shown to reduce local recurrence rates of breast cancer after treatment with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Indications for postmastectomy radiation have historically been based on pathology, but indications for radiation in the setting of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy are not well defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates of local regional recurrence (LRR) among patients with pCR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery with or without radiation (XRT). Patients and Methods: The case histories of 337 patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery with or without radiation from October 1997 to December 2006 were analyzed. Median age at diagnosis was 50.6 years (range: 25-84). The clinical stage at diagnosis was I in 3 (1%), IIA in 105 (31%), IIB in 94 (28%), and III in 135 (40%) patients. All patients received preoperative systemic therapy with a doxorubicin-based regimen (92%) or a single-agent taxane regimen (7%) or CMF (1%). A total of 272 patients received radiation following surgery and 65 did not receive any radiation. Median follow-up time was 40 months among all patients. The Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to evaluate LRR rates and overall survival among both groups. Results: Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and XRT had a lower incidence of LRR at 3 years with 24 cases of local recurrence among 272 patients who received XRT compared with 12 cases of local recurrence among the 65 patients who did not receive XRT (8.9% v 18.5%, P =0.02). Radiation also reduced local regional recurrence at 3 years among a subset of patients with clinical stage T2N1 disease (4.9% v 28.6%, P =0.03). There was no difference in overall survival or disease free survival among patients who received XRT compared to patients who did not receive XRT. There were 62 (18%) patients who achieved a pCR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among patients with a pathologic complete response, radiation appeared to reduce the risk of LRR compared to patients who did not receive XRT (7.4% v 25%, P =0.17). Conclusion : Radiotherapy significantly reduced local regional recurrence rate among patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Of particular interest, patients who achieve a pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy still had high LRR rates and may benefit from radiotherapy by lowering the risk of local regional recurrence. Further studies on the significance of LRR and overall survival among these patients are needed. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 4114.
Simple, stable kinematic mirror mount.

A kinematic mirror mount that offers simple fabrication without compromising range or rigidity is described.
The effect of univalent cations of activities catalyzed bovine-liver propionyl-CoA carboxylase☆

The propionyl-CoA carboxylase (propionyl-CoA:Co2 ligase (ADP), EC 6.4.1.3) activity of a highly purified preparation (1400 units/mg of protein at pH 8.5 and 37°) was activated by K+, NH4+, Rb+, or Cs+; Na+; Li+, or tetramethyl ammonium ion showed little or no activation. The maximal velocity of carboxylation was enhanced 7- to 9-fold in the presence of K+; however, the values of Km for propionyl CoA, bicarbonate, or Mg2+; were the same in the absence or presence of K+. The Pi-ATP and ADP-ATP exchange reactions and transcarboxylase activities catalyzed by the enzyme were also stimulated by K+. The propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity was activated maximally by Mg2+ or Mn2+ and was optimal at pH 8 to ph 8.5. However, the Pi-ATP and ADP-ATP exchange activities of the enzyme were activated by Mn2+; Mg2+ was much less effective than Mn2+, and the optimal rates of the exchange reactions occurred between pH 6.8 and pH 7.0. These properties of the exchange activities of the enzyme and certain other features reported here suggest that the ‘exchange enzyme’ of Chiga and Plaut2 is identical with propionyl-CoA carboxylase. A method of separation of propionyl-CoA and methylmalonyl-CoA by thin-layer chromatography has been described.
Growth Hormone Receptors in Isolated Rat Adipocytes

Specific GH binding sites in isolated rat adipocytes have been partially characterized. Binding of [125I]iodohuman(h)GH was rapid, reversible, and was time and temperature dependent. Maximum specific binding occurred at 37 C in approximately 40 min at pH 7.4. Bound labeled hGH was rapidly dissociable, with the addition of excess unlabeled hormone. Specific binding is inhibited by as little as 1.0-1.5 ng/ml hGH, and 50% inhibition was obtained with 15-20 ng/ml. No inhibition was observed with insulin, glucagon, hPRL, or hTSH at concentrations up to 1 micrograms/ml. This receptor does not discriminate between monkey GH, rat GH, bovine GH, and porcine GH. Specific binding varied linearly with cell concentration. Scatchard analysis revealed linear plots with a Ka of approximately 10(9) M-1 and 15,000 sites per cell. There was less than 15% degradation of [125I]iodo-hGH over 90 min at 37 C. There was a striking increase in [125I]iodo-hGH binding to adipocytes at pH 4.85. Scatchard analysis of binding at pH 4.85 revealed a curvilinear plot with an apparent increase of sites per cell from 15,000 to 60,000, and a modest increase in the apparent affinity constant of the high affinity, low capacity sites using the two-compartment model for curvilinear plots. The GH receptors in rat fat cells displayed no ability to bind labeled hPRL or human placental lactogen, consistent with minimal recognition of lactogenic peptides by these receptors. Thus, the rat adipocyte contains specific binding sites for GH that fulfill the major criteria for receptor binding. The presence of such receptors in these cells may facilitate the study of GH receptors in relation to the biological effects of the hormone on adipose tissue in various metabolic settings.
Responses of vascular smooth muscle cell to extracellular matrix degradation.

Vessels remodel to compensate for increases in blood flow/pressure. The chronic exposure of blood vessels to increased flow and circulatory redox-homocysteine may injure vascular endothelium and disrupt elastic laminae. In order to understand the role of extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in vascular structure and function, we isolated human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from normal and injured coronary arteries. The apparently normal vessels were isolated from explanted human hearts. The vessels were injured by inserting a blade into the lumen of the vessel, which damages the inner elastic laminae in the vessel wall and polarizes the VSMC by producing a pseudopodial phenotypic shift in VSMC. This shift is characteristic of migratory, invasive, and contractile nature of VSMC. We measured extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and collagen I expression in VSMC by specific substrate zymography and Northern blot analyses. The injured and elastin peptide, val-gly-val-ala-pro-gly, treated VSMC synthesized active MMPs and reduced expression of TIMP. The level of tPA and collagen type I was induced in the injured, invasive VSMC and in the val-gly-val-ala-pro-gly treated cells. To demonstrate the angiogenic role of elastin peptide to VSMC we performed in vitro organ culture with rings from normal coronary artery. After 3 days in culture the vascular rings in the collagen gel containing elastin peptide elaborated MMP activity and sprouted and grew. The results suggest that val-gly-val-ala-pro-gly peptide generated at the site of proteolysis during vascular injury may have angiogenic activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 75:515–527. 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hypervolemia is associated with increased mortality among hemodialysis patients

Among chronic hemodialysis patients, 217 hospitalizations per 1000 patient-years are attributed to congestive heart failure; some are attributable to unrecognized hypervolemia. Hypervolemia can be ...
John Marr and other sailors: Poetry as private utterance

John Marr and Other Sailors (1888) movingly figures Melville9s sense of his own situation as an aging poet alienated from his social, political, and literary milieu. By may of a close reading of the individual poems, I show that poetry for Melville is a private, self-directed, and ironic art, one whose primary activity is an ironic elicitation of subversive latent meanings. In the face of the "vague reserve of heaven" and the "apathy of nature," and working with a deep distrust of public performance and the printed page, Melville as poet at once exposes and stubbornly, if privately and obscurely, celebrates the nature of the literary as such.
Conformal Invariants for Determinants of Laplacians on Riemann Surfaces

For a Riemann surface with smooth boundaries, conformal (Weyl) invariant quantities proportional to the determinant of the scalar Laplacian operator are constructed both for Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. The determinants are defined by zeta function regularization. The other quantities in the invariants are determined from metric properties of the surface. As applications explicit representations for the determinants on the flat disk and the flat annulus are derived.
Primary damage formation in bcc iron

Abstract Primary defect formation in bee iron has been extensively investigated using the methods of molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. This research has employed a modified version of the Finnis-Sinclair interatomic potential. MD was used in the simulation of displacement cascades with energies up to 40 keV and to examine the migration of the interstitial clusters that were observed to form in the cascade simulations. Interstitial cluster binding energies and the stable cluster configurations were determined by structural relaxation and energy minimization using a MC method with simulated annealing. Clusters containing up to 19 interstitials were examined. Taken together with the previous work, these new simulations provide a reasonably complete description of primary defect formation in iron. The results of the displacement cascade simulations have been used to characterize the energy and temperature dependence of primary defect formation in terms of two parameters: (1) the number of surviving point defects and (2) the fraction of the surviving defects that are contained in clusters. The number of surviving point defects is expressed as a fraction of the atomic displacements calculated using the secondary displacement model of Norgett-Robinson-Torrens (NRT). Although the results of the high energy simulations are generally consistent with those obtained at lower energies, two notable exceptions were observed. The first is that extensive subcascade formation at 40 keV leads to a higher defect survival fraction than would be predicted from extrapolation of the results obtained for energies up to 20 keV. The stable defect fraction obtained from the MD simulations is a smoothly decreasing function up to 20 keV. Subcascade formation leads to a slight increase in this ratio at 40 keV, where the value is about the same as at 10 keV. Secondly, the potential for a significant level of in-cascade vacancy clustering was observed. Previous cascade studies employing this potential have reported extensive interstitial clustering, but little evidence of vacancy clustering. Interstitial clusters were found to be strongly bound, with binding energies in excess of 1 eV. The larger clusters exhibited a complex, 3D structure and were composed of 〈111〉 crowdions. These clusters were observed to migrate by collective 〈111〉 translations with an activation energy on the order of 0.1 eV.
Oncogene ras p21- and v-src pp60 Transformed Cells Exhibit Altered Expression of Proteases

AbstractTo evaluate the proteolytic activities of oncogene-transfected 3T3 cells, we have developed a copolymerized substrate electrophoretic assay that permits the detection ofpicogram quantities of proteases produced by cells in culture. Our assay involves a gelatin substrate copolymerized in a polyacrylamide gel. Purified cell membrane preparations were run on gels and various protease activities were detected by amido black. Ras-transfected 3T3 cells appear to have a soluble metal-loprotease that may be transiently membrane bound and responsible for destruction of red blood cells (RBC). Oncogene-transfected NIH-3T3 cells have been demonstrated to have RBC cytolytic activity. We have previously shown that v-src-transfected 3T3 cells and their cell membranes cause RBC cytolysis which is inhibited by the protease inhibitor leupeptin. Here we report that both H-ras- and K-ras-transfected 3T3 cells and their cell membranes are cytolytic for RBC, but are inhibited by the metalloprotease inhibitor ethylene d...
THE CRYOSCOPIC METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF "BOUND WATER"

1. The criticisms by Grollman (7) of the cryoscopic method for the determination of bound water as proposed by Newton and Gortner (1) have been considered, and it is pointed out that even admitting the correctness of his contentions does not negative the conclusion that bound water values as determined by the cryoscopic method parallel in a remarkable manner the physiological responses of plants to environmental conditions. 2. A new method of calculating the true freezing point of a solution is proposed. 3. Gum acacia in aqueous sucrose solutions shows positive amounts of bound water to the extent of 0.6 to 0.7 gm. of bound water per gram of gum. 4. Gum acacia in aqueous solutions of KCl and KBr shows slightly negative amounts of bound water, indicating a preferential adsorption of the solute rather than the solvent.
A formal test of the theory of universal common ancestry

Universal common ancestry (UCA), the idea that all terrestrial life is genetically related, from some warm little pond as Darwin put it, has become central to modern evolutionary theory. The classic evidence for UCA is extensive, but largely qualitative, and the theory is rarely subjected to a formal, quantitative test. And the UCA view has been called into question by the existence of extensive horizontal gene transfer in many organisms. Douglas Theobald has framed the UCA view as a formal hypothesis and put it to the test using Bayesian statistical analysis of the sequences of universally conserved proteins and contrasting the results with alternative models where genetic similarity is not assumed to reflect phylogenetic relatedness. The UCA view wins out: a single origin of life is overwhelmingly more likely than any competing hypothesis.
Better or Worse: a Study of Day-to-Day Changes over Five Months of Rosen Method Bodywork Treatment for Chronic Low Back Pain

Background: Fluctuations of good days and bad days—in physical symptoms and emotional states—are common for individuals with chronic illness. This pilot study examines these fluctuations during bodywork treatment. Purpose: We analyzed changes in daily selfreports over a period of five months for five individuals who received weekly treatments of Rosen Method Bodywork (RMB), which uses touch and words to enhance body awareness of physical sensations and emotional states. Subjects and Design: Five subjects (aged 31–56) who had chronic low back pain (CLBP) received 16 weekly treatments given by three experienced RMB practitioners. Measures: Pre- and posttreatment assessments covered demographics, disability, and pain. Clients also completed daily bedtime assessments of pain, fatigue, emotional state, and sense of control during the entire treatment period. Results: All clients reported reductions in pain and/or disability in post- compared to pretreatment. In spite of a high level of day-to-day variability in the daily assessments, there were significant reductions in pain and fatigue, and significant increases in positive emotional state and sense of control across the treatment period. In reaching this end, however, some clients had slow and steady improvements, some improved more rapidly, while others got worse before they got better. Conclusions: The natural course of healing— with its inevitable fluctuations in symptoms—is part of a process leading to successful treatment outcomes. Rosen Method Bodywork may be especially helpful in developing and accepting both sensory and emotional body awareness changes that facilitate overall improvement.
Direct rendering of freeform volumes

Abstract A direct display method for volumes that are represented in trivariate parametric form is described. Functions defined for the freeform volume drive independently modifiable transfer functions of colour, intensity, and opacity. The functions may be designed or they may be derived from data. A forward mapping display algorithm accommodates both the freeform geometry and solution of the line-of-sight integral for direct rendering without the necessity for intermediate resampling. Geometric methods are developed to avoid expensive volume buffers and accommodate the volume warp. The method is suitable for parallel distribution, which occurs at several levels. This is implemented on a massively parallel SIMD machine, the MASPAR.
Finite element calculation of applied J-integral for cracked ship structural details

Abstract Finite-element (FE) analysis was used to calculate the applied J -integral ( J ) as a function of applied displacement for cracked full-scale test specimens which are representative of ship structural components. The specimens were welded from relatively thin (9 mm) HSLA80 (ASTM A710) and EH36 (ASTM A131) steel plates. For relatively simple CCT panels, the J calculated with FE analysis compared favorably with solutions published in the literature. Estimation schemes based on the reference stress method did not work well for the fully plastic conditions with these low-strain-hardening materials. A practical and simple model for estimating applied J was proposed which gives acceptable results. It was found that the applied J vs displacement for shell cracks bridged by stiffeners or girders can be calculated from an idealized CCT model incorporating all of the sections as if they were coplanar. The FE-calculated J was used, together with a J – R curve which was measured on small compact specimens, to model ductile crack extension.
Structural damage in spinel after ion irradiation

Abstract Monocrystalline MgAl 2 O 4 spinel crystals were irradiated at 100 K with overlapping ion implantations: an initial implantation of 185 keV He + ions to 1.7 × 10 15 ions/cm 2 , followed by a second implantation of 50 keV Ne + ions to 5 × 10 12 ions/cm 2 . An additional set of spinel crystals was exposed only to the He implantation. Each irradiated sample was characterized by ion channelling and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. Defect clusters and dislocation loops were observed in each irradiated sample. The size of microstructural defects in the doubly ion-implanted sample was not increased compared to the He only ion implantation, and the density of defects in the doubly implanted sample actually decreased. These observations indicate that preexisting irradiation-induced interstitial defect clusters and Frank dislocation loops do not serve as effective sinks for interstitial point defects in spinel. Vacancy clusters (if they exist) probably are effective sinks for interstitials and to some extent, are erased by interstitials created during the second irradiation. These observations have important implications for understanding the role of defects in determining the properties of irradiated spinel.
Locational dependence of PV hosting capacity correlated with feeder load

With rising adoption of solar energy, it is increasingly important for utilities to easily assess potential interconnections of photovoltaic (PV) systems. In this analysis, we show the maximum feeder voltage due to various PV interconnections and provide visualizations of the PV impact to the distribution system. We investigate the locational dependence of PV hosting capacity by examining the impact of PV system size on these voltages with regard to PV distance and resistance to the substation. We look at the effect of increasing system size on line loading and feeder violations. The magnitude of feeder load is also considered as an independent variable with repeated analyses to determine the effect on the PV impact analysis. A technique is presented to determine and visualize the maximum capacity for possible PV installations for distribution feeders.
Schistosoma mansoni: chromosomal localization of DNA repeat elements by in situ hybridization using biotinylated DNA probes.

Abstract Localization of the SMα family of repeated DNA and the rDNA repeat on the chromosomes of Schistosoma mansoni by in situ hybridization is presented. Biotinylated DNA was hybridized to target chromosomes and hybridization was detected using either alkaline phosphatase-labeled avidin or fluorescein-labeled avidin and biotinylated anti-avidin antibody. Hybridization detection using a fluorescein conjugate was more specific and sensitive with less background noise than detection with alkaline phosphatase conjugates. SMα hybridizing sequences were found dispersed throughout the genome, hybridizing to the sex chromosomes and autosomes. The SMα probe showed specific hybridization to the euchromatic gap region within the large heterochromatic block of the short arm of the W chromosome. This specific hybridization coupled with the lack of chiasma formation in this region of the ZW bivalent (presumably due to the heterochromatinization of this region) may explain the pattern of sex-specific hybridization reported for the SMα family. The rDNA repeat was localized to the secondary constriction of the short arm of chromosome 3. Specifically, the rDNA probe hybridized with the stalk of the secondary constriction and with parts of both side regions, the satellite and the short arm proper.
Probabilistic Linkage of Computerized Ambulance and Inpatient Hospital Discharge Records: A Potential Tool for Evaluation of Emergency Medical Services

Abstract Study objectives: Emergency medical services (EMS) is an important part of the health care system. The effect of EMS on morbidity, mortality, and costs of illness is difficult to evaluate because hospital information is not available in out-of-hospital databases. We used probabilistic linkage to create such a database from ambulance and inpatient data and demonstrate the potential for linkage to facilitate evaluation of EMS responses resulting in hospital admission. Methods: Statewide ambulance and inpatient hospital discharge records were available for 1994 through 1996. Ambulance records indicating admission to the emergency department or hospital (165,649 records) were linked to inpatient hospital records indicating emergency admission (146,292 records) by using probabilistic linkage. Out-of-hospital data (dispatch code, treatments rendered, and ages), linkage rates, and inpatient data (discharge status, charges, length of stay, and payer category) were analyzed. Results: We linked 24,299 (14.7%) ambulance events to inpatient hospital discharges. If we had used exact linkage methods, we would have only linked 14,621 record pairs, a loss of nearly 40%. Linkage rates were relatively constant between years (approximately 15%) but differed by ambulance dispatch codes. Out-of-hospital dispatch codes with high linkage rates included breathing problems (22.6%), chest pain (21.5%), diabetic problems (16.9%), drowning incidents (14.9%), falls (19.2%), strokes (32.8%), and unconsciousness or fainting episodes (16.1%). Linkage to the hospital record provided access to hospital outcome data. Inpatient mortality was 6.8%. Survivors were discharged home (60.7%), transferred to other acute-care facilities (3.6%) or intermediate-care facilities (23.3%), or discharged with home health care provision (4.9%). The median length of stay was 3 days, and median charges were $6,620; total inpatient charges were $286,737,067. Conclusion: Probabilistic linkage enables ambulance and hospital discharge records to be linked together and potentially increases our ability to critically evaluate EMS by providing access to hospital-based outcomes. Such evaluation will be further improved by linking to ED, other outpatient, and other public health data sources. [Dean JM, Vernon DD, Cook L, Nechodom P, Reading J, Suruda A. Probabilistic linkage of computerized ambulance and inpatient hospital discharge records: a potential tool for evaluation of emergency medical services. Ann Emerg Med. June 2001;37:616-626.]
A new proof technique to establish equivalence of the original and the generatedλ-free CFG with linear increase in size

To generate an equivalentλ-free context free grammar from an arbitrary CFG, the most efficient algorithms described in the literature increase the size of the grammar by a factor, polynomial in terms of the number of nonterminals maximally occuring on the right hand side of a production. In this paper, we present an algorithm to generate aλ-free CFG whose total space requirement (or its size) is limited to seven times the initial size. The correctness of our algorithm is established by using a new proof technique based on the structure of the derivation trees and using a counting argument to establish that if a terminal string can be derived in one grammar, it can also be derived in the other.
Evaluation of Simulated Fall Freeze, Planting Date, and Cultivar Maturity in Soybean

In the northern fringe of the U.S. soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growing area, early planting dates of late-maturing cultivars would effectively increase growing season length and may increase yield. However, growing late maturing cultivars increases the risk of fall freeze damage. Planting early also increases the risk of a spring freeze. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of varying both planting and fall freeze dates on yield, reproductive stage, and U.S. Grain Grades of four soybean cultivars. A factorial arrangement of four cultivars, three planting dates, and three fall freeze dates were evaluated in a total of five environments across 2 yr. Cultivars included two from Maturity Group 0, which were considered adapted to the geographical region, and one each from Maturity Group I and II, which were considered unadapted, due to their late maturity. The first and second fall freeze dates were simulated by applying paraquat herbicide with a specially designed sprayer. Temperatures were warmer than normal in 1991 and cooler than normal in 1992. Increasing the length of the growing season by early planting of late maturing cultivars did not result in increased yield. However, there was a yield advantage for early planting of adapted cultivars when an early fall freeze occurred. A fall freeze near the R6 stage generally did not degrade grain quality.
Application of the hydro(solvo)thermal technique to the synthesis of metal carbonyl chalcogenide clusters Part 3. Synthesis, structural characterization, and spectroscopic studies of the clusters [{M(CO)4}n(MS4)]2− (M Mo, W; n=1, 2)

The methanothermal reactions of M(CO)6 (M  Mo, W) with Na2S2 gave a series of homonuclear clusters [{M(CO)4}n(MS4)]2− (M=Mo, W; n=1, 2), i.e. (Ph4P)2[(CO)4Mo(MoS4)] (I), (Ph4P)2[(CO)4W(WS4)] (II), (Ph4P)2[(CO)4Mo(MoS4)Mo(CO)4] (III) and (Ph4P)2[(CO)4W(WS4)W(CO)4] (IV). The two dimers, I and II, as well as the two trimers, III and IV, are isostructural to each other, respectively. All compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P1 with Z=2. The cell dimensions are: a=12.393(8), b=19.303(9), c=11.909(6) A, α=102.39(5), β=111.54(5), γ=73.61(5)°, V=2522(3) A3 at T=23 °C for I; a=12.390(3), b=19.314(4), c=11.866(2) A, α=102.66(2), β=111.49(1), γ=73.40(2)°, V=2511(1) A3 at T=23 °C for II; a=11.416(3), b=22.524(4), c=10.815(4) A, α=91.03(2), β=100.57(3), γ=88.96(2)°, V=2733(1) A3 at T=−100 °C for III, a=11.498(1), b=22.600(4), c=10.864(3) A, α=90.92(2), β=100.85(1), γ=88.58(1)°, V=2771(2) A3 at T=23 °C for IV. The dimers are each formed by the coordination of the tetrathiometalate as a bidentate chelating ligand to an M(CO)4 fragment while addition of another M(CO)4 fragment to the dimers results in the trimers. All compounds contain both tetrahedral and octahedral metal centers with the formal 6+ and 0 oxidation states, respectively.
Do foreign- and U.S.-born mothers across racial/ethnic groups have a similar risk profile for selected sociodemographic and periconceptional factors?

BACKGROUND We examined differences in selected pregnancy-related risk factors, including maternal sociodemographic characteristics, health-related conditions, and periconceptional behavioral factors, among foreign-born versus U.S.-born control mothers across race/ethnic groups. METHODS We used data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the risk factors, for foreign-born Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) mothers, compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. RESULTS Across all race/ethnic groups, foreign-born mothers were older and had lower odds of obesity compared to their U.S.-born counterparts. With the exception of foreign-born black mothers, foreign-born mothers from other race/ethnic groups had significantly lower odds of binge drinking during the periconceptional period. Compared to U.S.-born, foreign-born Hispanic mothers had twice the odds of gestational diabetes (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.36–3.66). Certain health behaviors were less prevalent in foreign-born black mothers (e.g., folic acid use; OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.31–0.96) and foreign-born API mothers (e.g., cigarette smoking; OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.02–0.48). CONCLUSIONS Significant differences in pregnancy related risk factors during the periconceptional period and throughout pregnancy were observed between maternal nativity groups and across race/ethnicity. Prevention efforts for both prepregnancy and after conception should be designed and delivered according to maternal nativity for each racial/ethnic group. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Three-dimensional microstructuring of carbon by thermoplastic spacer evaporation during pyrolysis

Abstract The three-dimensional microstructuring of carbon is useful for microelectromechanical devices and electrode arrays. A microstructure in the form of a microscale bridge (consisting of a girder and two adherent substructures) on an alumina substrate with a surface roughness of 1–2 μm (which allowed bonding by mechanical interlocking) was attained by using a novel low-cost process that involved thermoplastic spacer (paraffin wax) evaporation during pyrolysis of an epoxy-based film that coated the spacer and parts of the substrate. Fillers were chosen to reduce the shrinkage during pyrolysis and to increase the electrical conductivity. Multiwalled carbon nanotube as a filler was particularly effective for reducing the cracking tendency. Carbon black and silver nanoparticles as sole fillers were ineffective, producing cracked bridges. The total filler content (nanotube, optionally along with silver nanoparticles) had to exceed 3 vol.% in order to attain good control of the shape of the bridge. The method used a novolac epoxy resin in combination with an amine curing agent (without ultra-violet curing). The epoxy was chosen for low viscosity and strong bonding to the substrate. A bridge with a girder of length 90–300 μm, separated from the substrate by a height of 5–15 μm, was attained.
Design of a cooperative OFDM transceiver

We present the FPGA implementation of a MIMO and cooperative OFDM physical layer transceiver. Our transceiver is designed to support multiple antenna configurations, including SISO (single-antenna), receive switching diversity, transmit diversity using Alamouti's space-time block code and 2×2 spatial multiplexing. It also supports a fully-distributed physical layer cooperation scheme which allows two nodes to simultaneously transmit a common payload, achieving spatial diversity with only single-antenna transmissions. Our transceiver supports the common cooperative scheme of amplify-and-forward and provides a flexible interface for higher layers to enable cooperation as needed. The transceiver is implemented as a single FPGA core with a common datapath for all modes. This allows both efficient resource reuse between modes and a per-packet selection of antenna mode. This flexibility enables a wide variety of MIMO and cooperative protocols. We present architectural details of the cooperative transceiver design and early performance results using Rice University's Wireless Open-Access Research Platform (WARP).
Robust observer backstepping neural network control of nonlinear systems in strict feedback form

An observer for nonlinear systems in strict feedback form is presented. Together with a backstepping neural network controller, the resulting control strategy can be used in systems where only the output is measurable and unmatched additive disturbances with unknown bounds exist. Some assumptions about the system are required in order to apply the separation principle. A stability proof is provided together with the simulation results.
The role of morphological data in phylogeny reconstruction.

Schwarz, G. 1978. Estimating the dimension of a model. Ann. Stat.6:461–465.Semple, C., and M. Steel. 2003. Phylogenetics. Oxford University Press,Oxford.Sober, E. 1988. Reconstructing the past—Parsimony, evolution, and in-ference. MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts.Sober, E. 2002. Reconstructing ancestral character states—A like-lihood perspective on cladistic parsimony. The Monist 85:156–176.Steel, M., and D. Penny. 2000. Parsimony, likelihood, and the roleof models in molecular phylogenetics. Mol. Biol. Evol. 17:839–850.
The Rho-GEF Rom2p Localizes to Sites of Polarized Cell Growth and Participates in Cytoskeletal Functions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Rom2p is a GDP/GTP exchange factor for Rho1p and Rho2p GTPases; Rho proteins have been implicated in control of actin cytoskeletal rearrangements. ROM2 and RHO2 were identified in a screen for high-copy number suppressors of cik1 delta, a mutant defective in microtubule-based processes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A Rom2p::3XHA fusion protein localizes to sites of polarized cell growth, including incipient bud sites, tips of small buds, and tips of mating projections. Disruption of ROM2 results in temperature-sensitive growth defects at 11 degrees C and 37 degrees C. rom2 delta cells exhibit morphological defects. At permissive temperatures, rom2 delta cells often form elongated buds and fail to form normal mating projections after exposure to pheromone; at the restrictive temperature, small budded cells accumulate. High-copy number plasmids containing either ROM2 or RHO2 suppress the temperature-sensitive growth defects of cik1 delta and kar3 delta strains. KAR3 encodes a kinesin-related protein that interacts with Cik1p. Furthermore, rom2 delta strains exhibit increased sensitivity to the microtubule depolymerizing drug benomyl. These results suggest a role for Rom2p in both polarized morphogenesis and functions of the microtubule cytoskeleton.
THE ROLE OF PRODUCTIVITY IN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EQUILIBRIUM

This study reexamines the evidence for the Balassa-Samuelson effect for the 1985-2007 period. Cointegrating relationships between the real exchange rate and productivity, real price of oil and government spending are estimated using the Johansen and Stock-Watson procedures. The findings show that for each percentage point in the US-Euro area productivity differential there is a three percentage point change in the real dollar/euro valuation. These findings are robust to the estimation methodology, the variables included in the regression, and the sample period. We suggest that economic disequilibrium can result in a decline in economic growth. This study will utilize von Neumann’s “A Model of General Economic Equilibrium” as an economic equilibrium
From Client to Pimp Male Violence Against Female Sex Workers

The present study explores intimate partner violence (IPV) among female sex workers from the red-light area based in Mumbai, India. Using a grounded theory approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten sex workers to explore their experiences of IPV in the context of commercial sex work. Narratives were analyzed and themes constructed. A prevalent theme was the complex development of the male role among sex workers, starting as male clients, becoming intimate partners, and ending as their coercive pimps. In addition, themes were compared to the model of coercion in IPV. The model was generally supported, as sex workers reported exploitation from male partners, followed by coercion and ending with intense IPV victimization. This study draws attention to the drawbacks of criminalization of sex work.
Variable Transcriptional Regulation of the Human Aldosterone Synthase Gene Causes Salt-Dependent High Blood Pressure in Transgenic Mice

Background—Aldosterone, synthesized in the adrenal cortex by the enzyme CYP11B2, induces positive sodium balance and predisposes to hypertension. Various investigators, using genomic DNA analyses, ...
Geometric reconstruction of Amir‐Chakhmagh Square through backward‐perspective

Purpose – Geometry, as the visual depiction of mathematics, has always comprised a major communicative language in architecture. Thus, geometry has traditionally been taught in architectural education to produce the perspective view of spaces from plans and elevations. This process is understood as a move from the actual to the abstract. The purpose of this paper is to show how the author has applied the geometry of perspective backwards to generate, from photos, the 3D reconstruction of a space that no longer exists.Design/methodology/approach – What are the original form and the morphological evolution of Amir‐Chakhmagh Square? To address this question, the author processed photos of the square through geometric simulation. After verifying that the photos are taken from the same square, the author developed a geometrical reconstruction process to come up with the plan and elevations of the spaces, which is enough to reconstruct the 3D model. Finally, by virtue of these documents, the author analyzed the...
Demonstration of tunable reactivity for meta-benzynes

A combined computational and experimental study on the gas-phase structures and reactivities of charged 1,3-didehydroarenes (meta-benzynes) demonstrates that the reactivity of such biradicals can be “tuned” by using appropriate substituents. Substituents that destabilize a specific zwitterionic resonance structure can change the reactivity of the biradical from mildly carbocationic to radical-like. These substituent effects are not the result of changes in the singlet−triplet gaps of the biradicals, but rather reflect changes in the potential energy surfaces for the dehydrocarbon separation.
TILLING in Grass Species

The reverse genetics detection of single base changes in genes of interest, whether induced or endogenous, is an extremely powerful tool for functional genomics. Two major thrusts of research in the grasses are characterizing the function of all the genes in various genomes and then comparing those
An Iterative Approach to the Development of a Professional Development Intervention for Head Start Teachers.

Access to high-quality education is uneven, particularly for preschool children who are at risk for school failure. Professional development (PD) for teachers, including the use of coaching, is an increasingly common approach for promoting evidence-based instruction. Existing research suggests that the frequency of teacher participation in a PD intervention is related to the magnitude of PD effects, but there is little research on how to engage teachers in learning about and implementing evidence-based practices. In this article, the authors describe an iterative approach to the development of a PD intervention that employs coaching aimed at helping Head Start teachers improve their language and literacy instruction. The authors describe sequential, small-scale studies that influenced their approach to PD. Results of a pilot study of the PD intervention suggested that teachers had positive responses to the intervention content and approach. Implications for developing and implementing PD interventions des...
A formal high level synthesis approach for DSP architectures

An approach is presented for high-level synthesis of digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. Two features are provided by the approach: completeness and correctness. A given algorithm is represented in a newly developed language termed the algorithm specification language (ASL). ASL had the ability to describe any general algorithm. An automatic procedure is used to transform an ASL representation into a specific realization specification using a correctness preserving set of transformations. The realization format is based on representing the digital architectures by another language called the realization specification language (RSL). Logic programming is used as a user interface for the synthesis procedure. >
Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a form of myalgia that is characterized by local regions of muscle hardness that are tender and that cause pain to be felt at a distance, i.e., referred pain. The central component of the syndrome is the trigger point that is composed of a tender, taut band. Stimulation of the band, either mechanically or with activity, can produce pain. The active trigger point has identifiable pathophysiologic changes. The concentrations of a number of substances are measurably elevated in the milieu of the active trigger point, namely substance P, CGRP, bradykinin, and assorted cytokines, indicating that there is a chemical inflammatory response. The pH of the trigger point milieu is low, about pH 5. This is in keeping with the findings that the trigger point is hypoxic and ischemic, and therefore acidic. The trigger point has a unique electromyographic feature of persistent, low-amplitude, high frequency discharges that look like endplate potentials. The taut band conducts energy faster than the surrounding muscle tissue does because it is stiffer. The taut band can also be visualized using high definition ultrasonograpy. Clinical diagnosis of a MPS is made by history and by palpation of muscle to identify the taut band. Predisposing and perpetuating factors such as iron insufficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and chronic pelvic pain are considered and addressed if found. The goal is to eliminate the trigger points, reverse trigger point-induced weakness and incoordination, and restore normal muscle function. Manual trigger point releases, and needling the trigger point, without or with local anesthetic, and use of low-level laser are effective ways of inactivating trigger points and reducing pain. MPSs can mimic or cause many common conditions such as chronic daily headache and pelvic pain because of the pain referral patterns of the trigger points.
Electrical and Timing Simulation

The sections in this article are 1 Spice 2 Timing Simulation 3 Switch-Level and Logic Simulation 4 Static Timing Analysis 5 Sensitivity Analysis 6 Circuit Optimization 7 Conclusion
Loops versus Branch Functionality in Model Click Hydrogels

Through the use of macromolecular design and efficient chemical reactions it is now possible to control the composition of polymer networks and gels with excellent precision. In contrast, topological defects are still impossible to avoid and are generally difficult to quantify. For example, primary loops that form when a bifunctional monomer (A2) reacts twice with the same f functional (f > 2) monomer (Bf) during formation of an end-linked A2 + Bf network represent a pervasive defect that has a detrimental effect on mechanical integrity. Methods for the quantitative analysis of primary loops in such materials have recently emerged; however, these methods have only been applied to the simplest network structure: A2 + B3. Herein, we report strategies for counting primary loops in tetrafunctional (A2 + B4) networks and networks with mixed tri- and tetrafunctional (A2 + B3/B4) junctions. We apply these strategies to the quantitative analysis of primary loops in a series of end-linked poly(ethylene glycol) hyd...
Meeting Their Professional Obligations? – A Comparison of the Professional Obligations of Enron’s Attorneys and Accountants

This paper explores the actions of both Arthur Andersen and Vinson & Elkins as they related to the Enron fraud. Analysis is given to the inherent differences between the roles of accountants and lawyers in business transactions and consideration is given to the specific actions of the lawyers and accountants involved with Enron given their respective professional duties and obligations. The premise of this paper is that Vinson & Elkins and Arthur Andersen each played equally essential roles in the perpetuation of the fraud and that it was an inequitable result that Arthur Andersen met its demise while Vinson & Elkins survived relatively unscathed.
Myocardial creatine kinase kinetics and isoform expression in hearts with severe LV hypertrophy.

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) results in a fetal shift in myocardial creatine kinase (CK) expression. Because CK plays an important role in intracellular energy production, transport, and...
Quantitative Modeling of Earth Surface Processes: Non-Newtonian flow equations

Introduction Chapter 1 introduced the concept of non- Newtonian fluids and highlighted their importance for our understanding of the mechanics of glaciers. In this chapter we explore methods for modeling non-Newtonian fluids with applications to ice sheets, glaciers, lava flows, and thrust sheets. In most cases we will make the simplifying assumption that the rheology of the flow is constant in time. In nature, however, many types of non-Newtonian flows are complicated by the fact that the rheology of the flow depends on parameters that evolve with the flow itself. The viscosity of lava, for example, depends on its temperature, which, in turn, depends on the flow behavior (e.g. slower moving lava will cool more quickly, increasing its viscosity and further slowing flow in a positive feedback). Here we focus primarily on modeling flows with a constant, prescribed rheology. In cases where the rheology depends strongly on the state of the flow the methods introduced in this chapter will serve as the foundation for more complex models which fully couple the rheology with the flow. Modeling non-Newtonian and perfectly plastic flows First we consider the forces acting on a fluid spreading over a flat surface (Figure 6.1). We begin with a 1D example, so the fluid is assumed to extend infinitely far into and out of the cross section. The horizontal force F exerted on the left side of a thin vertical slice of the fluid of width Δ x is equal to the total hydrostatic pressure in the fluid column.
Tournament Qualification, Seeding and Selection Effciency: An Analysis of the PGA TOUR's FedExCup

Analytical descriptions of tournament selection efficiency properties are elusive for realistic tournament structures. For example, with more than four competitors, there are very few robust analytical tournament selection efficiency measures. Combining a Monte Carlo simulation with a statistical model of player skill and random variation in scoring, we estimate the seeding and selection efficiency of the PGA TOUR's FedExCup, a very complex multi-stage golf competition, which distributes $35 million in prize money, including $10 million to the winner. Our assessments of efficiency are based on traditional selection efficiency measures along with several new measures which focus on the ability of a given tournament structure to identify properly the relative skills of all tournament participants and to distribute efficiently all of the tournament's prize money. Using these measures, we also estimate the relative efficiency of several alternative formats for the FedExCup Finals. We conclude that despite its lack of transparency compared with alternative Finals formats, the present Finals format appears to be the most efficient using all selection efficiency measures.