cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bayesian approach to segmentation of temporal dynamics in video data

We present an algorithm for Bayesian estimation of temporally active spatial regions of video sequences. The algorithm improves the effectiveness of conditional replenishment for video compression in many applications which feature a background/foreground format. For the sake of compatibility with prevalent block-type coders, the binaryvalued segmentation is constrained to be constant on square blocks of 8x8 or 16 x 16 pixels. Our approach favors connectivity at two levels of scale. The first is at the individual pixel level, where a Gibbs distribution is used for the active pixels in the binary field of supra-threshold interframe differences. The final segmentation also assigns higher probability to patterns of active blocks which are connected, since in general, macroscopic entities are assumed to be many blocks in size. Demonstrations of the advantage of the Bayesian approach are given through simulations with standard sequences.
BIRTH ORDER AND CREATIVE WRITING

A survey of the biographies of 286 prominent creative writers indicated that those in families with between 2 and 7 offspring were not likely to be found disproportionately in any particular birth ...
Wave-Front Approximations in a Moving Coordinate System

Calcul de l'approximation de front d'onde a l'onde emise par une fissure de mode III se propageant, quand elle modifie brusquement sa vitesse d'avance
Abstract 1699: The effects of hypoxia and oxidative stress on transcriptional regulation of carcinogen metabolizing enzymes

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Enzymes are essential to every biochemical process; it is through the action of enzymes that the many metabolic pathways of the body can synchronize with one another to coordinate the processes needed to maintain life. Enzymes are also involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics including dietary chemicals, drugs and environmental chemicals. In this capacity they are very involved in chemical carcinogenesis. Cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) are two enzymes that play a vital role in the process of chemical carcinogenesis. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), located in the cytoplasm, mediates various biological responses to environmental pollutants via the adaptive pathway. The binding of a xenobiotic to the AhR triggers transcriptional activation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes such as CYP1A1 and NQO1. Our current research investigates the contrast between oxidative stress and hypoxia on the transcriptional activation of CYP1A1 and NQO1 enzyme expression. Hypoxia is a frequent characteristic of tumors as a result of low vascualrization. The transcription factor HIF1alpha can serve as a marker of hypoxia, and aids as a key regulator of the hypoxic response. Previous research in our lab has shown that oxidative stress results in an increase in CYP1A1 and NQO1. We hypothesize that under hypoxic conditions the expression of NQO1 and CYP1A1 are altered which could indicate that hypoxia may possibly play a role in carcinogen metabolism. Two human cancerous cell lines, HEPG2 and HT29, were used to test this hypothesis. Both cells lines were treated with 500 µM of the hypoxic mimetic agent cobalt chloride and harvested at one, two and four hour increments. Hypoxic conditions were then confirmed via HIF1 alpha staining in immunocytochemistry. We then observed mRNA, protein and enzyme expression via RTPCR, Western Blots and enzyme assays, respectively. Altered levels of NQO1 and CYP1A1 suggest that these enzymes respond to hypoxia in a similar manner as they do to oxidative stress. This may provide preliminary evidence into one of the potential mechanisms by which hypoxia is chemopreventive. (Support: NIH MBRS/GM028248; RCMI [RR033032][1]). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1699. [1]: /lookup/external-ref?link_type=GEN&access_num=RR033032&atom=%2Fcanres%2F70%2F8_Supplement%2F1699.atom
Extra-Period Latin-Square Change-Over Designs

Summary Latin-square change-over trials balanced for carry-over effects have been modified by adding an extra period of observation. During this extra period the treatment pattern is identical with that in the last period of the Latin-square design. This modification reduces somewhat the information per observation about treatments if residual effects do not exist, but increases the information on residual effects and especially on “permanent” effects of treatment. Use of the extra-period designs is discussed and patterns for two to five treatments are given. The statistical analysis is outlined symbolically and is illustrated numerically with uniformity data.
Nonlinear Thomson Scattering for Plasmaand Laser Characterization

Summary form only given. One of the most powerful methods of diagnosing plasma is detecting the scattering of electromagnetic radiation from the plasma. The process is described by the Thomson scattering (TS) in which the electron radiates with the same frequency of the incident field. The radiation signal is proportional to the number of the electrons but the electron motion shifts the frequency by Doppler effects. Thomson scattering then yields detailed information of both the electron density and speed distribution (temperature). TS typically has a very small cross-section, therefore it is advantageous to use more intense lasers. It is known for years that the electron acquires an additional energy in the high fields, known as the ponderomotive energy. Recent discussion shows that the electron also acquires a counterpart ponderomotive momentum. The ponderomotive momentum causes the electrons to drift along the laser propagation, which results in additional spectral shift. The effect is known as the nonlinear Thomson scattering. Since the drift velocity is proportional to the laser intensity, a spread of the laser intensity results in spectral broadening. We have calculated detailed spectra of the Thomson scattering from intense laser fields by solving the electron motion inside the intense laser field nonperturbatively and subsequently calculating the radiation spectra from electrodynamics theory. The spectral shift and broadening correlate with the laser properties and can exceed the Doppler shifts introduced by the electron speed, which suggests that deconvolution is necessary to remove the intensity effects from the laser and recover the true electron properties for the high intensity Thomson scattering. Concurrently, this basic interaction between the plasma and high intensity laser opens up the possibility of using the nonlinear Thomson scattering to characterize the laser fields, e.g. measure the absolute laser intensities in-situ and optically. The role of the electron in this case is thus changed from being a target to functioning as a probe
The inhibition and potentiation of procarbazine on hepatic mixed-function oxidases in phenobarbital tolerant and nontolerant mice.

The effect of procarbazine on mixed-function oxidases was investigated in naive and pentobarbital tolerant mice. In mice receiving procarbazine, 200 mg/kg, i.p. 1 hr earlier, metabolisms of pentobarbital, aniline and ethylmorphine in vitro and cytochrome P-450 content of hepatic microsomes were significantly decreased. The drug binding of either aniline or pentobarbital to cytochrome P-450 was also decreased. However, procarbazine failed to exert this effect after the enzymes had been induced by continuous administration of pentobarbital. Interestingly, procarbazine enhanced the barbiturate induced hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase activities when it was administered before the implantation of pentobarbital pellet. Both cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome b5 content after pentobarbital pellet implantation were further increased by pretreatment with procarbazine. This finding was further substantiated by the increase in pentobarbital and aniline binding to cytochrome P-450. The present studies may provide another model for studying the nature of hepatic mixed-function oxidase induction process.
Mysticism, Experience, and Pedagogy in Jewish-Christian Dialogue

The essay presents a dialogic, co-authored reflection on the uses of Jewish and Christian mystical texts in exploring post-Shoah possibilities for Jewish-Christian encounter and dialogue, specifically in the context of the college classroom.The authors explore Buber’s thesis that the heart of each religion is to be found in its mystical dimension, and address the lack of scholarly attention to mystical experience as a dialogic medium of communication and as a means to heal historic trauma.
Intrinsic relationships between proton conductivity and nanopore size and functionalization

Abstract A fundamental understanding of the relationship between the nanoscale structure of proton exchange membranes (PEMs) and their proton conductivity would be exceedingly useful in optimizing existing and designing new materials. In this work, a set of structural descriptors, accounting for nanopore size, functionalization and connectivity are employed to predict proton conductivities in PEMs. The model reproduces experimentally determined conductivities in two PEMs. The model is applied to water-filled cylindrical nanopores functionalized on their interior surface with acid groups. It is demonstrated that for cylindrical nanopores of a given radius there is an optimal surface coverage of acid groups. The optimum can be sharply peaked, indicating that non-optimal surface coverages (either too low or too high) drastically reduce the conductivity of the pore. The theoretical maximum conductivity through a cylindrical nanopore is calculated to be about 0.70 S/cm at 300 K.
Evaluation of an innovative pediatric clerkship structure using multiple outcome variables including career choice.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined alternative structures for inpatient clerkships. OBJECTIVE Compare 2 inpatient clerkship structures using multiple outcome variables. DESIGN Prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING Tertiary-care, freestanding children's hospital. SUBJECTS All medical students enrolled in the third-year pediatric clerkship in the 2001-2003 academic years. INTERVENTION A clerkship structure consisting of an academic attending, a third-year pediatric resident, and 4 third-year medical students, but no interns. MEASUREMENTS Student end-of-rotation examinations, evaluations, a questionnaire, and career choices were used to evaluate the intervention. Patient logs and resource utilization were also assessed. Statistical analysis included evaluating differences between groups and measuring effect size. RESULTS Two hundred and three students were randomized. Compared with those on the traditional services, students on the intervention service encountered more key diagnoses in the patients they cared for (4.4 vs. 3.6, P < .01). These students also gave higher ratings to their overall attitude (4.48 vs. 4.26, P = .02) and input into patient care decisions (4.45 vs. 3.98, P < .01). More than twice as many students on the intervention service matched in pediatrics (OR 2.52, 95% confidence interval 0.99-6.38). Multivariate analysis of length of stay and total charges for selected patients revealed similar outcomes. CONCLUSIONS A third-year pediatric clerkship that focuses on students is associated with increased satisfaction, higher interest in pediatrics, and consistent resource utilization. The intervention, therefore, merits continuation, whereas further research is required to identify which aspects of the intervention are responsible for its positive effects. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2007;2:401–408. © 2007 Society of Hospital Medicine.
SIP: a modern flexible data pipeline

IRAC, the Infrared Array Camera on the Spitzer Space Telescope, generated well over 150,000 images during the in-orbit checkout and science verification phase of the mission. All of these were processed with SIP, the SAO IRAC Pipeline. SIP was created by and for the members of the IRAC instrument team at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, to allow short-timescale data processing and rapid-turnaround software testing and algorithm modification. SIP makes use of perl scripting and data mirroring to transfer and manage data, a mySQL database to select calibration data, and Python/numarray to process the image data; it is designed to run with no user interaction. SIP is fast, flexible, and robust. We present some 'lessons learned' from the construction and maintenance of SIP, and discuss prospects for future improvement.
Thruster Technology Applied to a 30-cm Multipole Sputtering Ion Source

A 30-cm electron bombardment ion source has been designed and fabricated for micromachining and sputtering applications. This source has a multipole magnetic field that employs permanent magnets between permeable pole pieces. An average ion current density of 1 mA/cm with 500 eV argon ions was selected as a design operating condition. The ion beam at this operating condition was uniform and well collimated, with an average variation of ± 5% over the center 20 cm of the beam at a distance up to 30 cm from the ion source.
Antifungal skin bacteria, embryonic survival, and communal nesting in four-toed salamanders, Hemidactylium scutatum

We examined a novel hypothesis for the maintenance of communal nesting in the salamander, Hemidactylium scutatum, namely that communal nests are more likely than solitary nests to be associated with cutaneous antifungal bacteria, which can inhibit fungal infections of embryos. A communal nest contains eggs of two or more females of the same species. The nesting behavior of H. scutatum females and survival of embryos were determined by frequent nest surveys at three ponds. For communal nests, embryonic survival tended to be higher and catastrophic nest failure was lower. Pure bacterial cultures of resident species were obtained from the salamanders' skins by swabbing and tested against a fungal pathogen of embryos (Mariannaea sp.) in laboratory assays. We found that 27% of females had skin bacteria inhibitory to Mariannaea sp. Communal nests were more likely to have at least one female with antifungal bacteria than were solitary nests. Using a culture-independent assay (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene fragments), we found that bacterial species on females and embryos were more similar to each other than they were to bacterial species found in soil within the nest, suggesting that females transmitted skin bacteria to embryos. The presence of anti-Mariannaea skin bacteria identified from the laboratory assays did not prevent fungal presence in field nests. However, once a nest was visibly infected with fungi, presence of anti-Mariannaea bacteria was positively correlated with survival of embryos. Microbe transmission is usually thought to be a cost of group living, but communal nesting in H. scutatum may facilitate the transmission of antifungal bacteria to embryos.
Managing the Ethical Climate of Customer-Contact Service Employees

Marketing control theory serves as the framework for the development and testing of a model that examines factors (code enforcement, ethical discussions, and punishment for ethical violations) involved in the internalization of ethical codes by customer-contact service employees. The authors argue that code internalization and perceived ethical climate serve as social and cultural control mechanisms that enhance the attitudinal responses (role stress, job satisfaction, and commitment to service quality) of service employees. The findings suggest that enforcing ethical codes and discussing ethical issues on the job enhance code internalization, which in turn enhances perceptions of the ethical climate, reduces role conflict, and increases commitment to service quality. Ethical climate increases job satisfaction and indirectly affects commitment to service quality by reducing role conflict. Implications for controlling code internalization and managing the firm’s ethical climate are provided, along with sug...
Reaction-diffusion inequalities in cones

Reaction-diffusion equations are considered which are weakly coupled relative to an arbitrary cone. A result is proven on flow-invariance which is then utilized to obtain a useful comparison theorem and a theorem on differential inequalities. The results obtained are applied to simple reaction diffusion equations to derive positivity of solutions, upper and lower bounds and stability properties. Finally it is demonstrated by means of a simple example that working with a suitable cone other than R/sub +//sup N/ is more advantageous in the investigation of equations of reaction-diffusion. 15 references. (JFP)
The Reionization History at High Redshifts. I. Physical Models and New Constraints from Cosmic Microwave Background Polarization

The recent discovery of a high optical depth τ to Thomson scattering from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) data implies that significant reionization took place at redshifts z > 6. This discovery has important implications for the sources of reionization and allows, for the first time, constraints to be placed on physical reionization scenarios out to redshift z ~ 20. Using a new suite of semianalytic reionization models, we show that the high value of τ requires a surprisingly high efficiency of the first generation of UV sources for injecting ionizing photons into the intergalactic medium. We find that no simple reionization model can be consistent with the combination of the WMAP result with data from the z 6.5 universe. Satisfying both constraints requires either of the following: (1) H2 molecules form efficiently at z ~ 20, survive feedback processes, and allow UV sources in halos with virial temperatures Tvir 104 K decreased by a factor of 30 between z ~ 20 and z ~ 6. We discuss the relevant physical issues to produce either scenario and argue that both options are viable and allowed by current data. In detailed models of the reionization history, we find that the evolution of the ionized fractions in the two scenarios has distinctive features that Planck can distinguish at 3 σ significance. At the high WMAP value for τ, Planck will also be able to provide tight statistical constraints on reionization model parameters and elucidate much of the physics at the end of the dark ages. The sources responsible for the high optical depth discovered by WMAP should be directly detectable out to z ~ 15 by the James Webb Space Telescope.
“The Past Is Never Dead”: Identity, Class, and Voting Behavior in Contemporary Poland

This article presents a summary of analyses addressing the changing patterns of voting behavior in post-communist Poland as a context for examination of the issue of the relationship between region...
Primary Grade Student Reports for Teacher Evaluation

The improvement of teacher evaluation is an important theme in current public school reform efforts. One change, suggested by a number of researchers, is to gather more lines of evidence or perspectives of teacher performance for decision making. Student views, commonly used in higher education, are advocated as one data source about teacher quality. Although it is clear that students of all ages can provide some perspective on teacher performance, substantial questions remain about using the views of young pupils. The purpose of this study was to empirically examine a sample of student reports of teacher performance from kindergarten through second grade. The analysis used procedures developed for student rating forms in higher education. The objective was to advance understanding and practice about effective teacher evaluation, specifically in the use of pupil report data.
Sterols: Isolation from a Blue-Green Alga

A crystalline mixture of sterols was isolated from the filamentous blue-green alga Phormidium luridum . The mixture consisted of unsaturated 24-ethylcholesterols possessing Δ 7 -, Δ 5,7 -, and Δ 5 -bonds together with their Δ 22 -derivatives and a small amount of cholesterol. The major component was 24-ethyl-Δ 7 -cholestenol. Squalene and phytol were also evident.
Array biosensor: recent developments

A fluorescence-based immunosensor has been developed for simultaneous analyses of multiple samples for 1 to 6 different antigens. A patterned array of recognition antibodies immobilized on the surface of a planar waveguide is used to 'capture' analyte present in samples. Bound analyte is then quantified by means of fluorescent detector molecules. Upon excitation of the fluorescent label by a small diode laser, a CCD camera detects the pattern of fluorescent antigen:antibody complexes on the sensor surface. Image analysis software correlates the position of fluorescent signals with the identity of the analyte. A new design for a fluidics distribution system is shown, as well as results from assays for physiologically relevant concentrations of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), F1 antigen from Yersinia pestis, and D- dimer, a marker of sepsis and thrombotic disorders.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Animals, Pictures, and Skeletons: Andreas Vesalius's Reinvention of the Public Anatomy Lesson

In this paper, I examine the procedures used by Andreas Vesalius for conducting public dissections in the early sixteenth century. I point out that in order to overcome the limitations of public anatomical demonstration noted by his predecessors, Vesalius employed several innovative strategies, including the use of animals as dissection subjects, the preparation and display of articulated skeletons, and the use of printed and hand-drawn illustrations. I suggest that the examination of these three strategies for resolving the challenges of public anatomical demonstration helps us to reinterpret Vesalius's contributions to sixteenth-century anatomy.
Can unresectable colorectal cancer be cured

A multimodality regimen that includes EBRT, chemotherapy, maximal surgical resection, and IORT, when used in patients with initially unresectable primary colon or rectal adenocarcinoma, is associated with excellent long-term local control, and a 5-year overall survival of 52%. Distant metastases account for most treatment failures, occurring in roughly 50%. Treatment-related morbidity is high, with a long-term complication rate that approaches 50%. These results suggest that selected patients with advanced unresectable disease benefit from an aggressive approach. Additional effort needs to focus on reducing the rate of systemic failure with more effective chemotherapy regimens and minimizing the frequency of long-term procedural complications.
Values in forecasting and planning

The perceptions and outlooks of every person are determined, to some extent, by the values he holds. Value orientations are culturally produced and can be expected to vary between groups and also between time periods. Since forecasts and plans are developed by people, the results reflect a value orientation that may not correspond to the value orientation of the target time period. This paper briefly examines what values are and how they operate and outlines several strategies for dealing with values in forecasting and planning. The stategies range from forecasting-of, to control-of, future values and from accommodation-of, to limitation-of, planning activities.
LOGARITHMIC SOBOLEV INEQUALITY FOR LATTICE GASES WITH MIXING CONDITIONS

Let\(\mu _{\Lambda _L ,\lambda }^{gc} \) denote the grand canonical Gibbs measure of a lattice gas in a cube of sizeL with the chemical potential γ and a fixed boundary condition. Let\(\mu _{\Lambda _L ,n}^c \) be the corresponding canonical measure defined by conditioning\(\mu _{\Lambda _L ,\lambda }^{gc} \) on\(\Sigma _{x \in \Lambda } \eta _x = n\). Consider the lattice gas dynamics for which each particle performs random walk with rates depending on near-by particles. The rates are chosen such that, for everyn andL fixed,\(\mu _{\Lambda _L ,n}^c \) is a reversible measure. Suppose that the Dobrushin-Shlosman mixing conditions holds for\(\mu _{L,\lambda }^{gc} \) forall chemical potentials λ ∈ γ ∈ ℝ. We prove that\(\smallint f\log fd\mu _{\Lambda _L ,n}^c \leqq const.L^2 D(\sqrt f )\) for any probability densityf with respect to\(\mu _{\Lambda _L ,n}^c \); here the constant is independent ofn orL andD denotes the Dirichlet form of the dynamics. The dependence onL is optimal.
An inequality for permanent of (0, 1)-matrices

Abstract Let A be an n-square (0, 1)-matrix, let ri denote the i-th row sum of A, i=1, …, n, and let per (A) denote the permanent of A. Then per ( A ) ≤ ∏ i = 1 n r i + 2 1 + 2 where equality can occur if and only if there exist permutation matrices P and Q such that PAQ is a direct sum of 1-square and 2-square matrices all of whose entries are 1.
A comparison of wireless local loop with competing access technologies

It is important to remember that wireless local loop (WLL) is in competition with other fixed access technologies. There are a number of different access techniques which are emerging, including techniques which enhance basic copper cables, such as ISDN and xDSL, new forms of cable, such as coax and fibre, video distribution systems and alternative means of delivering voice and data, such as mobile radio and digital television broadcasting. All these are competing with wireless local loop to provide a convergent service whereby voice, data and television are provided through the same access medium. This paper provides some details about each of the different access technologies, makes predictions about their future success, and examines the likely future of WLL in tomorrow's access technology market-place.
Nissen fundoplication improves gastric motility in patients with delayed gastric emptying.

Fundoplication hastens gastric emptying in pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, among adult GERD patients with impaired gastric emptying, the degree of improvement offered by fundoplication and the value of pyloroplasty are less well defined. Therefore, we compared outcomes in GERD patients with delayed gastric emptying after fundoplication alone or fundoplication with pyloroplasty. Of 616 consecutive GERD patients who submitted to primary fundoplication (601 laparoscopic) between October 1991 and October 1997, 82 underwent preoperative solid-phase nuclear gastric emptying analysis. Of these, 25 had delayed gastric emptying (half-time >100 min). Of 12 patients with emptying half-times between 100 and 150 min, one underwent pyloroplasty at the time of Nissen fundoplication. Of 13 patients with emptying half-times >150 min, 11 had pyloroplasty at the time of Nissen fundoplication. Patients were asked to use a 0 (“none”) to 4 (“incapacitating”) scale to describe the severity of their symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, bloating and diarrhea preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Eight patients consented to a postoperative analysis of gastric emptying. One year after fundoplication, patients with delayed gastric emptying and controls reported a similar improvement in heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia, with no increase in undesirable side effects such as bloating and diarrhea. Among the patients with delayed gastric emptying who consented to undergo a repeat gastric emptying study after their operation, fundoplication alone provided a 38% improvement (p < 0.05) in gastric emptying, whereas fundoplication with pyloroplasty resulted in a 70% improvement in gastric emptying (p < 0.05). Fundoplication improves gastric emptying. The addition of pyloroplasty results in even greater improvement and may have particular value for patients with severe gastric hypomotility.
Measurement of tissue perfusion by oxygen transport patterns in experimental shock and in high-risk surgical patients.

Survivors of high-risk general (noncardiac) surgery were observed to have cardiac index (CI) values averaging 4.5 l/min·m2, oxygen delivery (\(\dot D\)O2) of >600 ml/min·m2, and oxygen consumption (\(\dot V\)O2) of 170 ml/min·m2. In contrast, these values were relatively normal in patients who subsequently died. A very early predictive index based on these observations was found to predict outcome in 94% of high-risk patients. The hypotheses that increased-\(\dot D\)O2 and\(\dot V\)O2 in the survivors represent compensatory physiologic responses and that these values were appropriate therapeutic goals were tested in prospective randomized clinical trials and found to reduce mortality and morbidity significantly. The optimal goals were more easily attained with colloids, red cells, dobutamine, and vasodilators, according to their capacity to improve tissue perfusion, as reflected by increased flow and oxygen transport. The extremely complex interactions between-\(\dot D\)O2 and\(\dot V\)O2 are reviewed.
Insulin resistance without elevated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity in muscles of mice fed a high-fat diet

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) appears to mediate the development of insulin resistance in cultured cells. We studied in vivo insulin action and mTORC1 signaling in skeletal m...
Perioperative Therapy for Surgically Resectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5% 1. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States 2 and is projected to rise to the second leading cause by 2030 3. Surgical resection offers the only chance for cure in pancreatic cancer; unfortunately, only 10–20% of patients present with resectable disease at the time of diagnosis due to the lack of effective means of early detection and the presentation of only vague clinical symptoms. Even in patients who undergo curative surgical resections, the 5-year survival rate remains low at 10–20% 4,5. Clinical studies have explored the role of perioperative therapy, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment, and the survival benefits of adjuvant therapy have been well established over the last few years. The role of neoadjuvant therapy has been explored but remains largely undefined. Efforts to identify predictive and prognostic biomarkers have been intense with encouraging results. Moreover, promising novel therapies have been incorporated in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings that may potentially improve survival.
The U.S.–China Trade Deficit

The purpose of this article is to examine the trade imbalance between the United States and China, and how it affects the United States’ trade deficit. Contrary to our expectation, the United States’ imports from China have no significant effect (actually a negative effect) on the United States’ trade deficit.
Life Satisfaction, Suicide, and Homicide

In 1985 in 18 nations measures of life satisfaction in college students were not associated with the suicide and homicide rates of 15- to 24-yr.-olds.
Effects of A and B Wolbachia and Host Genotype on Interspecies Cytoplasmic Incompatibility in Nasonia

Wolbachia endosymbionts cause postmating reproductive isolation between the sibling species Nasonia vitripennis and N. giraulti. Most Nasonia are doubly infected with a representative from each of the two major Wolbachia groups (A and B). This study investigates the role of single (A or B) and double (A and B) Wolbachia infections in interspecies cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) and host genomic influences on the incompatibility phenotype. Results show that the single A Wolbachia harbored in N. vitripennis (wAv) is bidirectionally incompatible with the single A Wolbachia harbored in N. giraulti (wAg). Results also indirectly show that the N. vitripennis wBv is bidirectionally incompatible with the N. giraulti wBg. The findings support current phylogenetic evidence that suggests these single infections have independent origins and were acquired via horizontal transfer. The wAv Wolbachia expresses partial CI in the N. vitripennis nuclear background. However, following genomic replacement by introgression, wAv expresses complete CI in the N. giraulti background and remains bidirectionally incompatible with wAg. Results show that double infections can reinforce interspecies reproductive isolation through the addition of incompatibility types and indicate that the host genome can influence incompatibility levels. This study has implications for host-symbiont coevolution and the role of Wolbachia in speciation.
Effectiveness of topic-specific infobuttons: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: Infobuttons are decision support tools that provide links within electronic medical record systems to relevant content in online information resources. The aim of infobuttons is to help clinicians promptly meet their information needs. The objective of this study was to determine whether infobutton links that direct to specific content topics ("topic links") are more effective than links that point to general overview content ("nonspecific links"). Design: Randomized controlled trial with a control and an intervention group. Clinicians in the control group had access to nonspecific links, while those in the intervention group had access to topic links. Measurements: Infobutton session duration, number of infobutton sessions, session success rate, and the self- reported impact that the infobutton session produced on decision making. Results: The analysis was performed on 90 subjects and 3,729 infobutton sessions. Subjects in the intervention group spent 17.4% less time seeking for information (35.5 seconds vs. 43 seconds, p 0.008) than those in the control group. Subjects in the intervention group used infobuttons 20.5% (22 sessions vs. 17.5 sessions, p 0.21) more often than in the control group, but the difference was not significant. The information seeking success rate was equally high in both groups (89.4% control vs. 87.2% intervention, p 0.99). Subjects reported a high positive clinical impact (i.e., decision enhancement or knowledge update) in 62% of the sessions. Limitations: The exclusion of users with a low frequency of infobutton use and the focus on medication-related information needs may limit the generalization of the results. The session outcomes measurement was based on clinicians' self-assessment and therefore prone to bias. Conclusion: The results support the hypothesis that topic links are more efficient than nonspecific links regarding the time seeking for information. It is unclear whether the statistical difference demonstrated will result in a clinically significant impact. However, the overall results confirm previous evidence that infobuttons are effective at helping clinicians to answer questions at the point of care and demonstrate a modest incremental change in the efficiency of information delivery for routine users of this tool.
Performance of Trench Power MOSFET With Strained Si/SiGe Multilayer Channel

Strain engineering such as tensile-strained silicon on silicon germanium is widely used in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices to enhance carrier mobility and can potentially reduce the specific on-resistance of trench power MOS field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). We report on the numerical study of a new trench power MOSFET structure with a strained p-type Si/SiGe superlatticelike channel region and of a process of fabricating the device. The stress distribution and the mobility enhancement inside the MOSFET structure are investigated. The breakdown voltage, the specific on-resistance, and the gate charge of the SiGe power MOSFET are evaluated. The new SiGe-channel power MOSFET exhibits a 12% reduction in the on -resistance while maintaining essentially the same blocking voltage and gate charge as the silicon trench power MOSFET.
SOCIAL LEARNING AND CYBER-DEVIANCE: EXAMINING THE IMPORTANCE OF A FULL SOCIAL LEARNING MODEL IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD

ABSTRACT Akers’ social learning theory is one of the most recognized criminological theories because of its comprehensiveness and strong empirical support. Recent research that has applied social learning theory to account for the problem of cybercrime and deviance has provided only partial examinations of the social learning process and gives little insight into the Social Structure and Social Learning (SSSL) model. This study uses structural equation modeling to assess the full social learning process and finds social learning to be a second-order latent construct that explains a large variation in cyber-deviance. In addition, the social learning process mediates the effects of race and sex on cyber-deviance. We conclude with further implications for research on both cyber-deviance and the SSSL model.
Exploring emotions using invasive methods: review of 60 years of human intracranial electrophysiology

Over the past 60 years, human intracranial electrophysiology (HIE) has been used to characterize seizures in patients with epilepsy. Secondary to the clinical objectives, electrodes implanted intracranially have been used to investigate mechanisms of human cognition. In addition to studies of memory and language, HIE methods have been used to investigate emotions. The aim of this review is to outline the contribution of HIE (electrocorticography, single-unit recording and electrical brain stimulation) to our understanding of the neural representations of emotions. We identified 64 papers dating back to the mid-1950s which used HIE techniques to study emotional states. Evidence from HIE studies supports the existence of widely distributed networks in the neocortex, limbic/paralimbic regions and subcortical nuclei which contribute to the representation of emotional states. In addition, evidence from HIE supports hemispheric dominance for emotional valence. Furthermore, evidence from HIE supports the existence of overlapping neural areas for emotion perception, experience and expression. Lastly, HIE provides unique insights into the temporal dynamics of neural activation during perception, experience and expression of emotional states. In conclusion, we propose that HIE techniques offer important evidence which must be incorporated into our current models of emotion representation in the human brain.
Extensive Pancreas Regeneration Following Acinar-Specific Disruption of Xbp1 in Mice

Background & Aims Progression of diseases of the exocrine pancreas, which include pancreatitis and cancer, is associated with increased levels of cell stress. Pancreatic acinar cells are involved in development of these diseases and, because of their high level of protein output, they require an efficient, unfolded protein response (UPR) that mediates recovery from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress following the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Methods To study recovery from ER stress in the exocrine organ, we generated mice with conditional disruption of Xbp1 (a principal component of the UPR) in most adult pancreatic acinar cells (Xbp1 fl/fl ). We monitored the effects of constitutive ER stress in the exocrine pancreas of these mice. Results Xbp1-null acinar cells underwent extensive apoptosis, followed by a rapid phase of recovery in the pancreas that included expansion of the centroacinar cell compartment, formation of tubular complexes that contained Hes1- and Sox9-expressing cells, and regeneration of acinar cells that expressed Mist1 from the residual, surviving Xbp1+ cell population. Conclusions XBP1 is required for homeostasis of acinar cells in mice; ER stress induces a regenerative response in the pancreas that involves acinar and centroacinar cells, providing the needed capacity for organ recovery from exocrine pancreas disease.
Spectral effects in terahertz apertureless near-field microscopy

We observe dramatic changes in the spectrum of radiation scattered from a near-field tip with decreasing tip-sample distance. This arises from a balance between direct tip scattering and signals associated with the near-field image dipole.
High-energy internal-conversion coefficients

Abstract The properties of high-energy internal-conversion coefficients are explored above the range of existing tabulations using the standard conversion formalism with approximate corrections for the effects of the finite nuclear size and atomic screening. Results are illustrated by the case of 200 Hg.
A principle of minimum expected risk

The problem of estimating a pmf q over a discrete and finite set of mutually exclusive events given prior (but incomplete) information does not generally have a unique solution, and a unique estimate is often determined by exercising a principle, such as the maximum likelihood principle, or the principle of maximum entropy. This paper proposes a nonparametric principle of minimum expected risk and explain why it might be an appropriate tool of inference for some applications.
Fairness by demand and service pattern match: the alpha tuning mechanism for DQDB MANs

This paper proposes a dynamic bandwidth control scheme for the distributed queue dual bus (DQDB) networks. The heavy load unfairness is effectively addressed. The match of demand and service patterns is achieved at fairly uniform delays and success rates of transmission at every node. Using a tunable parameter (/spl alpha/), the proposed scheme perceives the presence of several fictitious nodes at the end of the bus and applies access protection. Analysis and simulation studies for three standard load patterns, viz., symmetric, asymmetric and equal probability loads, show that it outperforms the bandwidth balancing mechanism.
FGF2-induced chromatin remodeling regulates CNTF-mediated gene expression and astrocyte differentiation

The generation of distinct cell types during development depends on the competence of progenitor populations to differentiate along specific lineages. Here we investigate the mechanisms that regulate competence of rodent cortical progenitors to differentiate into astrocytes in response to ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). We found that fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), which by itself does not induce astrocyte-specific gene expression, regulates the ability of CNTF to induce expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). FGF2 facilitates access of the STAT/CBP (signal transducer and activator of transcription/CRE binding protein) complex to the GFAP promoter by inducing Lys4 methylation and suppressing Lys9 methylation of histone H3 at the STAT binding site. Histone methylation at this site is specific to the cell's state of differentiation. In progenitors, the promoter is bound by Lys9-methylated histones, and in astrocytes, it is bound by Lys4-methylated histones, indicating that astrocyte differentiation in vivo involves this switch in chromatin state. Our observations indicate that extracellular signals can regulate access of transcription factors to genomic promoters by local chromatin modification, and thereby regulate developmental competence.
Differential subcellular targeting of PKC-ε in response to pharmacological or ischemic stimuli in intestinal epithelia

Ischemia is the central pathogenic factor underlying a spectrum of intestinal disorders. The study of the cellular signaling responses to ischemic stress in nonepithelial cells has progressed subst...
2009 Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 in Alaska: Temporal and Geographic Characteristics of Spread and Increased Risk of Hospitalization among Alaska Native and Asian/Pacific Islander People

Alaska Native people have suffered disproportionately from previous influenza pandemics. We evaluated 3 separate syndromic data sources to determine temporal and geographic patterns of spread of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) in Alaska, and reviewed records from persons hospitalized with pH1N1 disease in 3 areas in Alaska to characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of disease in Alaskans. A wave of pH1N1 disease swept through Alaska beginning in most areas in August or early September. In rural regions, where Alaska Native people comprise a substantial proportion of the population, disease occurred earlier than in other regions. Alaska Native people and Asian/Pacific Islanders (A/PI) were 2-4 times more likely to be hospitalized than whites. Alaska Native people and other minorities remain at high risk for early and substantial morbidity from pandemic influenza episodes. These findings should be integrated into plans for distribution and use of vaccine and antiviral agents.
E Uno Plurus: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the Age of Pluralism

Until 1970 the dominant theoretical framework in American psychoanalysis was Freudian ego psychology. Since then a number of additional theories, such as object relations theory (including, but not restricted to, the Kleinian approach), self psychology, relational psychoanalysis, and attachment theory have evolved and compete with contemporary ego psychology in the current marketplace of psychoanalytic ideas. There is considerable controversy about whether it is advantageous to work from one theoretical model and apply it to all clinical situations, or whether to utilize all the available paradigms, making judgments about which model or combination of them is most useful in a particular clinical situation or at a particular clinical moment. The latter approach might be termed pluralistic. Though a pluralistic approach is not without its philosophic and practical difficulties, such a perspective is helpful in understanding the complexity of human behavior and in facilitating therapeutic growth. A pluralistic approach is familiar to contemporary psychotherapists, who must utilize multiple frameworks in constructing biopsychosocial formulations of their patients. A pluralistic perspective is advantageous in promoting a therapeutic alliance, since it lends itself to a collaborative therapeutic process with patients. A brief clinical vignette is presented to illustrate these ideas.
Release of ATP from human erythrocytes in response to a brief period of hypoxia and hypercapnia

Objective: The aims were, first, to detect and quantify the release of ATP from human erythrocytes in response to a brief exposure to a hypoxic/hypercapnic environment, similar to that found in vigorously exercising skeletal or cardiac muscle; and second, to explore the mechanism of ATP release in response to hypoxia. Methods: Washed human erythrocytes suspended in Krebs-Henseleit solution were exposed for 50 s to an atmosphere of ∼ 8.0 kPa Pco2 and 2.7 kPa Po2; ATP released into the suspension was assayed using the firefly luminescence technique. Samples of human blood were obtained by venepuncture of the median cubital vein from male and female volunteers ranging in age from 21 to 74 years. Anticoagulation was with EDTA. Results: A background of 0.49 × 106 (SEM 0.037 × 106) ATP molecules·cell−1 was attributed to spontaneous haemolysis of 1% of the cell population, as estimated by levels of haemoglobin measured in the suspension fluid. When the erythrocytes were exposed to the hypoxic/hypercapnic gas mixture at 37°C the ATP concentration in the suspension fluid rose to 2.67 × 106 (0.27 × 106) molecules·cell−1. An efflux rate of 276(37) molecules·μ−2·s−1 was calculated. The hypoxia induced ATP release was blocked in three different ways: first, by application of 50 μM of the specific band 3 anion channel blocking agents niflumic acid (a translocation inhibitor), DIDS (a transport site inhibitor), or dipyridamole (a channel blocker); secondly, by replacement of extracellular chloride and bicarbonate with the impermeant anion methanesulphonate; and thirdly, by application of 5 nM of the nucleoside transport blocker nitrobenzylthioinosine. None of these blocking techniques affected the background levels of ATP attributed to haemolysis. Conclusions: A situation of hypoxia/hypercapnia, such as would be found in exercising muscle, induces release of ATP from the erythrocyte via the plasma membrane protein moiety known as band 4.5 (a nucleoside transporter) and electrical balance across the erythrocyte membrane is maintained by the simultaneous influx of extracellular chloride and/or bicarbonate via the plasma membrane protein known as band 3 (anion channel). The circulation of erythrocytes into a region of hypoxia in vivo could promote an increase in local blood flow through release of endothelium dependent relaxing factor in response to released ATP.