cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carcinoma of the tongue base treated by transoral laser microsurgery, part two: Persistent, recurrent and second primary tumors.

Objectives: To report the oncologic and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of persistent, recurrent, and second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base. Study Design: A two-center prospective case series analysis. Methods: Twenty-five patients with persistent, recurrent, or second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base were treated with TLM between 1997 and 2005. Four (16%) patients with persistent disease at the primary site were considered TX. Eleven (44%) patients with recurrent disease were pathologically staged rT1 3/11, rT2 2/11, rT3 4/11, T4 1/11, and TX 1/11. Ten (40%) patients with second primary tumors were staged pT1, 4/10; pT2, 3/10; pT3, 2/10; and pT4, 1/10. Eight (32%) patients underwent neck dissection. Three (12%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Pre- and post-treatment organ function was assessed using a clinical Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) and Communication Scale. Results: The mean follow-up period was 26 months. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier local control and locoregional control estimate was 69%. For those patients presenting with persistent/recurrent or second primary disease, the 2 year local control estimates were 75% and 68%, respectively. For all patients, the respective 2 and 5 year overall survival estimates were 54% and 26%. Two (8%) patients suffered postoperative hemorrhage. The average duration of hospitalization was 3.6 days. The median pretreatment and posttreatment FOSS stage was stage 2 and stage 3, respectively. Conclusions: Transoral laser surgery is a rational and effective treatment in appropriately selected patients with persistent, recurrent, or second primary tongue base cancer. The low morbidity and mortality and shortened duration of hospitalization associated with TLM make it an attractive therapeutic alternative.
998 DEVELOPMENT OF MENINGITIS FOLLOWING LUMBAR PUNCTURE (LP) IN CHILDREN WITH BACTEREMIA

To determine the association of lumbar puncture performed during bacteremia with subsequent meningitis, we reviewed records of 253 episodes of bacteremia occurring from Sept. 1971 to Dec. 1980. Children had blood drawn for culture and were subsequently identified as having bacteremia: S. pneumoniae (201), H. influenzae (49), N. meningitidis (3). LP was performed at initial visit in 36; no child had meningitis at this time. After culture(s) 123 bacteremic children received no antibiotics initially (I), and 130 with an identified focus such as otitis or pneumonia received oral antibiotics initially (II). Meningitis later developed in 11: There is a significant association with LP performed during bacteremia and later development of bacterial meningitis. The association is strongest for children whose bacteremia was due to H. influenzae. These data do not show that the association is causal. Children who later developed meningitis may have been more ill at first visit and thus were selected for LP.
Food web structure and biogeochemical processes during oceanic phytoplankton blooms: An inverse model analysis

Abstract The relationship between food web structure and function across two ocean biomes was investigated using an inverse method to recover solutions of food web carbon flows. We estimated the carbon exchanges between major assemblages within plankton food webs in the North Atlantic, using the JGOFS NABE data set (1989) and near the Western Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), using the Palmer Station LTER data set, two areas exhibiting strong seasonal phytoplankton blooms. The recovery of all the potential flows of carbon allowed a system-level analysis, providing insight to processes that are seldom measured in the field and a means of comparing food webs from different regions. In the NABE food web, the dominant carbon flows involved the microorganisms including bacterial carbon demand and grazing by microzooplankton and protozoans. In the WAP food web, krill had the most significant carbon flows including grazing of large phytoplankton and respiration. A comparison between the NABE and the WAP carbon-based food webs showed key differences. Recycling and the activity of the microbial food web were much greater in the NABE food web than in the WAP. However in the WAP inverse solution, the microbial food web was just as important as the classical food web (diatoms to krill to penguins) that is traditionally believed to dominate carbon flows. Carbon flows through the NABE and WAP regions were more highly dependent on recycling than would be anticipated from the size structure of the primary producers, when analyzed using a classification scheme of Legendre, L., Rassoulzadegan, F [1996. Food-web mediated export of biogenic carbon in oceans: hydrodynamic control. Marine Ecology Progress Series 145, 179–193].
Experiments on subharmonic resonance in a shear layer

The subharmonic resonance phenomenon is studied using hot-wire measurements and flow visualization in an initially laminar shear layer forced with two-frequencies for various choices of the fundamental frequency f and its subharmonic f/2 with controlled initial phase difference ϕin between them. We explore the effects of the controlling parameters, namely: (i) forcing frequencies and their initial amplitudes, (ii) initial phase difference ϕin, and (iii) detuning (i.e. when the second forcing frequency is slightly different from f/2). While several of our experimental observations support predictions based on weakly nonlinear theory, others do not. We explain our data in terms of vortex dynamics concepts.
Daily Spiritual Experiences and Psychological Well-being Among US Adults

This study focuses on one of the most significant recent innovations in the conceptualization and measurement of religiousness and spirituality, the Daily Spiritual Experience scale (DSES; Underwood (2006) Archive for the Psychology of Religion/ Archiv fur Religion Psychologie, 28, 181-218). Using data from 1998 and 2004 NORC General Social Surveys, we address a number of questions regarding the social patterning of daily spiritual experiences, and the relationships between spiritual experiences and multiple dimensions of psychological well-being. Our results suggest a robust positive association between DSES and psychological well-being. By contrast, DSES appears to have little bearing on negative affect. We also found that DSES does not account for the association between religious practices and psychological variables. That is, DSES appears to tap another aspect of spirituality that is relevant for well-being, above and beyond the influence of religious practices. Various implications of the findings, as well as study limitations and future research direction are discussed.
Parental Atrial Fibrillation as a Risk Factor for Atrial Fibrillation in Offspring

ContextAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac dysrhythmia in the United States. Whereas rare cases of familial AF have been reported, it is unknown if AF among unselected individuals is a heritable condition.ObjectiveTo determine whether parental AF increases the risk for the development of offspring AF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective cohort study (1983-2002) within the Framingham Heart Study, a population-based epidemiologic study. Participants were 2243 offspring (1165 women, 1078 men) at least 30 years of age and free of AF whose parents had both been evaluated in the original cohort.Main Outcome MeasuresDevelopment of new-onset AF in the offspring was prospectively examined in association with previously documented parental AF.ResultsAmong 2243 offspring participants, 681 (30%) had at least 1 parent with documented AF; 70 offspring participants (23 women; mean age, 62 [range, 40-81] years) developed AF in follow-up. Compared with no parental AF, AF in at least 1 parent increased the risk of offspring AF (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-3.06; P = .02). These results were stronger when age was limited to younger than 75 years in both parents and offspring (multivariable-adjusted OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.87-5.58; P<.001) and when the sample was further limited to those without antecedent myocardial infarction, heart failure, or valve disease (multivariable-adjusted OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.71-5.86; P<.001).ConclusionsParental AF increases the future risk for offspring AF, an observation supporting a genetic susceptibility to developing this dysrhythmia. Further research into the genetic factors predisposing to AF is warranted.
My approach to evaluation of patients prior to high-risk PCI with left ventricular support devices.

With the aging population and more extensive and complex coronary disease seen in the elderly population, there are times when interventional cardiologists are asked to perform high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among patients who have previously been considered for coronary artery bypass grafting, but where this strategy is not felt to be the best approach for the patient based on the heart team's review of the information. Performing high-risk PCI is fairly complex and straddles the area between bypass surgery and more routine mediumor low-risk PCI. In this scenario, the cardiologist needs to assess the patient more as a surgeon would approach a patient for bypass surgery. The areas to consider from a risk perspective are the types of vessels that are being approached, the number of vessels to be approached, left ventricular (LV) function, and the amount and area of ischemia vs vessels treated. Generally speaking, stress as well as functional MRI can be very helpful in sorting out the ejection fraction, areas that are ischemic, and areas that are viable or not viable. This would allow the physician to better pinpoint the amount of ischemia that might occur in the setting of high-risk PCI of left main vessels, last conduit, or other areas that contain a large amount of ischemia potentially present.
Topographic Modification of the Florida Current by Little Bahama and Great Bahama Banks

Abstract The effect of local topography in modifying the structure and variability of the Florida Current is examined using shipboard acoustic Doppler and PEGASUS acoustic current profiler data. PEGASUS absolute velocity data were obtained during 16 cruises in the Florida Current at 27°N as part of the Subtropical Atlantic Climate Studies (STACS) program. The ensemble average of all PEGASUS velocity data shows that the effect of the constriction imposed on the mean Florida Current by Little Bahama Bank can be detected up to 30 km into the Straits of Florida. A simple model is proposed to explain how this effect can produce the subsurface maximum of northward flow commonly observed in the eastern Straits. PEGASUS and acoustic Doppler data obtained during the March 1984 STACS cruise are ~used to describe the temporal and spatial variability of the flow. It is shown that intermittent southward flow can exist in a band 10–15 km wide off Little Bahama Bank; one such event was detected during this cruise. The P...
Ghostwriting and the rhetorical critic

(1960). Ghostwriting and the rhetorical critic. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 46, No. 3, pp. 284-288.
Teaching stories: Viewing a cultural diversity course through the lens of narrative

(1996). Teaching stories: Viewing a cultural diversity course through the lens of narrative. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 35, Situated Pedagogies: Classroom Practices in Postmodern Times, pp. 93-101.
Characterization of uniaxial compressive response of bulk amorphous Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be alloy

Uniaxial compressive response of bulk amorphous Zr–Ti–Cu–Ni–Be alloy, also called as Vitreloy-1, was investigated at quasistatic and high strain rates in the range of 10−3 and 103 s−1, respectively. The Vitreloy-1 specimens exhibited elastic response followed by catastrophic fracture along a narrow shear band. The ultimate strength of the specimens varied between 1800 and 2200 MPa irrespective of the strain rate and independent of the aspect ratio of the specimens. The quasistatically deformed specimens fractured into two or three large fragments. The fracture surfaces were relatively smooth and revealed well developed and uniformly distributed veinal pattern. The dynamically loaded specimens, on the other hand, fractured into several fragments with relatively rough fracture surfaces containing nonuniformly distributed and partially developed veinal patterns. Evidence of melting in the form of ‘liquid bubbles’ was also observed along the cracks on the fracture surfaces of the specimens subjected to high strain-rate loading. A comparison of the mechanical response of Vitreloy-1 with other bulk metallic glass systems is also presented.
That recognised risk factors can explain past and present international differences in breast cancer incidence: misconceptions 5.

Misconceptions and ill–founded theories can arise in all areas of science. However, the apparent accessibility of many epidemiology findings and popular interest in the subject can lead to additional misunderstandings. The article below is the fifth in an occasional series of short editorials highlighting some current misinterpretations of epidemiological findings. Invited authors will be given wide scope in judging the prevalence of the misconception under discussion. We hope that this series will prove instructive to cancer researchers in other disciplines as well as to students of epidemiology. Adrian L Harris and Leo Kinlen
The Economies and Conveniences of Modern-Day Living: Frozen Foods and Mass Marketing, 1945–1965

American frozen foods were originally considered a luxury product; the industry did not develop a mass market until the late 1940s. Only a few years after achieving mass-market sales, however, frozen-food producers tried to segment the market in order to increase profits. This change was partly the result of internal factors, such as technological developments and interfirm competition. The new marketing strategy also hinged on industry executives' shifting conception of the ideal consumer. Frozen-food marketers of the early 1950s envisioned themselves as providing the good life at a low cost to “average” Americans. When profits slowed in the late 1950s, they designed a variety of new products for groups according to their race, age, and class.
Identification by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of low-molecular-weight products from the aqueous alkaline degradation of cellulose☆

Abstract Low-molecular-weight products from the degradation of pure cellulose in 0.3–0.65 M sodium carbonate or hydrogencarbonate at 300° have been identified by g.l.c-m.s. Both the aqueous residual phase and the floating-oil product phase were examined, and contained essentially the same compounds, which were further characterized by the trifluoroacetyl derivatives. They consisted primarily of unsaturated aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and furans. Specifically identified were cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone, phenol, cresols, 2-ethyl- cyclopentanone, 2- or 3-methylcyclopentanone, 2,5-dimethyl-2- cyclopentenone, acrolein, 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene, and octene. Probably present were 2,4-dimethylfuran, 2,5-diethylfuran, ethylmethylfuran, 4-octyne, and decyne. The formation of these compounds demonstrates not only the degradation of cellulose but the resynthesis of molecules with carbon-chain lengths greater than 6 atoms.
Preparation of organoboron block copolymers via ATRP of silicon and boron-functionalized monomers

Their preparation generallyinvolves either direct polymerization of boron-function-alized monomers or functionalization of polymers withboron groups. Polymerization of boron monomers hasoverall received more attention for the placement ofboron substituents in the side chains of non-cross-linkedpolyolefins. The method of choice usually is standardfree radical polymerization due to the reasonably goodcompatibility with boron-carbon bonds and the rela-tively straightforward synthetic procedures involved.Thus, heat-induced or AIBN (2,2′-azobis(2-methylpro-pionitrile)) initiated free radical polymerization has beenapplied to the homo- and copolymerization of olefinscontaining boronic acid and boronic ester,
The ethics of HIV testing and disclosure for healthcare professionals: what do our future doctors think?

Aim: This study examined future medical professionals’ attitudes and beliefs regarding mandatory human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and disclosure. Method: A total of 54 US medical students were interviewed regarding mandatory testing and disclosure of HIV status for both patient and health care professional populations. Interviews were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis by the first author and verified by the second author. Results: Medical students considered a variety of perspectives, even placing themselves in the shoes of their patients or imagining themselves as a healthcare professional with HIV. Mixed opinions were presented regarding the importance of HIV testing for students coupled with a fear about school administration regarding HIV positive test results and the outcome of a student’s career. Third- and fourth-year medical students felt that there should be no obligation to disclose one’s HIV status to patients, colleagues, or employers. However, most of these students did feel that patients had an obligation to disclose their HIV status to healthcare professionals. Conclusion: This study gives medical educators a glimpse into what our future doctors think about HIV testing and disclosure, and how difficult it is for them to recognize that they can be patients too, as they are conflicted by professional and personal values.
Descriptive studies: what they can and cannot do

Summary Descriptive studies often represent the first scientific toe in the water in new areas of inquiry. A fundamental element of descriptive reporting is a clear, specific, and measurable definition of the disease or condition in question. Like newspapers, good descriptive reporting answers the five basic W questions: who, what, why, when, where … and a sixth: so what? Case reports, case-series reports, cross-sectional studies, and surveillance studies deal with individuals, whereas ecological correlational studies examine populations. The case report is the least-publishable unit in medical literature. Case-series reports aggregate individual cases in one publication. Clustering of unusual cases in a short period often heralds a new epidemic, as happened with AIDS. Cross-sectional (prevalence) studies describe the health of populations. Surveillance can be thought of as watchfulness over a community; feedback to those who need to know is an integral component of surveillance. Ecological correlational studies look for associations between exposures and outcomes in populations—eg, per capita cigarette sales and rates of coronary artery disease—rather than in individuals. Three important uses of descriptive studies include trend analysis, health-care planning, and hypothesis generation. A frequent error in reports of descriptive studies is overstepping the data: studies without a comparison group allow no inferences to be drawn about associations, causal or otherwise. Hypotheses about causation from descriptive studies are often tested in rigorous analytical studies.
Subpixel object detection and fraction estimation in hyperspectral imagery

The detection of objects of subpixel size in high-spectral- resolution imagery is a subject of much current interest. In this paper, we discuss this subject from a practical perspective and then develop a mathematical foundation for the detection of subpixel objects for which the spectral signature is either known or unknown. We capitalize on techniques from linear algebra that theoretically allow the projection of each pixel in the image onto a subspace orthogonal to the subspace defined by the interfering spectra. Using the properties of projection operators, a technique is developed for estimating an orthogonal-subspace projection operator using the singular value decomposition when interfering background spectra are unknown. We then show how a vector operator of interest. Finally, we discuss algorithm performance characterization and present some preliminary results based on Monte Carlo simulations.
Selling an opaque product through an intermediary: The case of disguising one's product

Abstract This paper models multiple service providers who use an intermediary to sell an opaque product. An opaque product is a product whose identity is concealed from consumers until after purchase. I find that an opaque good may allow finer segmentation of a service provider's customer base, lead to market expansion, and/or reduce price rivalry. However, if there is little brand-loyalty in an industry, an opaque good increases the degree of price rivalry and reduces total industry profit. The paper also discusses issues regarding channel structure and outlines managerial implications of this research.
Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mc1-1) is a candidate target gene of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in the testis

Background Spermatic cord torsion can lead to testis ischemia (I) and subsequent ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) causing germ cell-specific apoptosis. Previously, we demonstrated that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) transcription factor, a key regulator of physiological responses to hypoxia, is abundant in Leydig cells in normoxic and ischemic testes. We hypothesize that testicular HIF-1 activates the expression of antiapoptotic target genes to protect Leydig cells from apoptosis. In silico analysis of testis genes containing a consensus hypoxia response element (HRE, 5’-RCGTG-3’) identified myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) as a potential HIF-1 target gene. The purpose of this study was to determine whether HIF-1 shows DNA-binding activity in normoxic and ischemic testes and whether Mcl-1 is a target gene of testicular HIF-1.
Alternating convex projection methods for covariance control design

The problem of designing a static state feedback or full order dynamic controller is formulated as a problem of designing an appropriate plant state covariance matrix. We show that closed loop stability and multiple output norm constraints imply that the plant state covariance matrix lies at the intersection of some specified closed convex sets in the space of symmetric matrices. We address the covariance feasibility problem to determine the existence and compute a covariance matrix to satisfy assignability and output norm performance constraints. We address the covariance optimization problem to construct an assignable covariance matrix which satisfies output performance constraints and is as close as possible to a given desired covariance. We also treat inconsistent constraints where we look for an assignable covariance matrix which ‘best’ approximates desired but non-achievable output performance objectives (we call this the infeasible covariance optimization problem). All these problems are of a conve...
Reachability Analysis in Privacy-Preserving Perturbed Graphs

Many real world phenomena can be naturally modeled as graph structures whose nodes representing entities and whose edges representing interactions or relationships between entities. The analysis of the graph data have many practical implications. However, the release of the data often poses considerable privacy risk to the individuals involved. In this paper, we address the edge privacy problem in graphs. In particular, we explore random perturbation for privacy preservation in graph data, and propose an iterative derivation process to analyze node reachability within the graph. We specifically focus on deriving the probability that the shortest path linking two nodes in a directed graph is of a particular length. This allows us to determine the expected length of the shortest path between two nodes, and determine whether they are linked or not. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated via extensive experiments on both real and synthetic datasets.
Quantitative comparison of algorithms for inter-subject registration of 3D volumetric brain MRI scans

The objective of inter-subject registration of three-dimensional volumetric brain scans is to reduce the anatomical variability between the images scanned from different individuals. This is a necessary step in many different applications such as voxelwise group analysis of imaging data obtained from different individuals. In this paper, the ability of three different image registration algorithms in reducing inter-subject anatomical variability is quantitatively compared using a set of common high-resolution volumetric magnetic resonance imaging scans from 17 subjects. The algorithms are from the automatic image registration (AIR; version 5), the statistical parametric mapping (SPM99), and the automatic registration toolbox (ART) packages. The latter includes the implementation of a non-linear image registration algorithm, details of which are presented in this paper. The accuracy of registration is quantified in terms of two independent measures: (1) post-registration spatial dispersion of sets of homologous landmarks manually identified on images before or after registration; and (2) voxelwise image standard deviation maps computed within the set of images registered by each algorithm. Both measures showed that the ART algorithm is clearly superior to both AIR and SPM99 in reducing inter-subject anatomical variability. The spatial dispersion measure was found to be more sensitive when the landmarks were placed after image registration. The standard deviation measure was found sensitive to intensity normalization or the method of image interpolation.
Toll-like receptor signaling: a critical modulator of cell survival and ischemic injury in the heart

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) represent the first line of host defense against microbial infection and play a pivotal role in both innate and adaptive immunity. TLRs recognize invading pathogens through molecular pattern recognition, transduce signals via distinct intracellular pathways involving a unique set of adaptor proteins and kinases, and ultimately lead to the activation of transcription factors and inflammatory responses. Among 10 TLRs identified in humans, at least two exist in the heart, i.e., TLR2 and TLR4. In addition to the critical role of these in mediating cardiac dysfunction in septic conditions, emerging evidence suggests that the TLRs can also recognize endogenous ligands and may play an important role in modulating cardiomyocyte survival and in ischemic myocardial injury. In animal models of ischemia-reperfusion injury or in hypoxic cardiomyocytes in vitro, the administration of a sublethal dose of lipopolysaccharide, which signals through TLR4, reduces subsequent myocardial infarction, improves cardiac functions, and attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis. By contrast, a systemic deficiency of TLR2, TLR4, or myeloid differentiation primary-response gene 88, an adaptor critical for all TLR signaling, except TLR3, leads to an attenuated myocardial inflammation, a smaller infarction size, a better preserved ventricular function, and a reduced ventricular remodeling after ischemic injury. These loss-of-function studies suggest that both TLRs contribute to myocardial inflammation and ischemic injury in the heart although the exact contribution of cardiac (vs. circulatory cell) TLRs remains to be defined. These recent studies demonstrate an emerging role for TLRs as a critical modulator in both cell survival and tissue injury in the heart.
Rapid Recruitment of Virus-Specific CD8 T Cells Restructures Immunodominance during Protective Secondary Responses

In this study we investigate the attributes of virus-specific memory CD8 T cells which most effectively control secondary infections. By rechallenging mice that had cleared primary lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infections, we revealed that the secondary response is remarkably swift. Within 6 h following secondary infection, the production of gamma interferon becomes detectable directly ex vivo. During this protective phase of the secondary response, a very early elaboration of effector activities is preferentially exhibited by T cells specific for the viral NP396 epitope. This wave of activation contains the infection primarily before the initiation of the proliferative phase of the secondary response. Marked expansion is observed, but its magnitude differs depending on the epitope specificity of the responding cells; between 42 and 48 h following infection, ∼70% of NP396-specific memory cells are in the S phase of the cell cycle, as assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation studies. Epitope-dependent differences during the proliferative phase of the secondary response were confirmed by adoptive transfer studies with CFSE-labeled T cells. Although NP396-specific T cells typically dominate secondary responses, the broader multiepitope-specific population of antiviral T cells is beneficial for controlling a variant virus with an escape mutation in this epitope. These findings indicate that the induction and maintenance of a focused response contribute to the clearance of secondary infections; however, a more diverse pool of antiviral T cells facilitates long-term immunity to mutable pathogens.
Representer-based variational data assimilation in a nonlinear model of nearshore circulation

[1] A representer-based variational data assimilation (DA) method is implemented with a shallow-water model of circulation in the nearshore surf zone and tested with synthetic data. The behavior of the DA system is evaluated over a 1-hour time interval that is large compared to timescales characteristic of instability growth and eddy interactions. True reference solutions, from which the synthetic data are sampled, correspond to fully developed unsteady nonlinear flows driven by a steady spatially varying forcing representing the effect of breaking waves. Forcing and initial conditions are adjusted to fit the data. The convergence of the nonlinear optimization algorithm and the accuracy of the forcing and state estimates depend on the choice of the forcing error covariance C. In a weakly nonlinear (equilibrated waves) regime, using C that allows only a steady forcing correction yields a convergent and accurate solution. In a more strongly nonlinear regime, the DA system cannot find sufficient degrees of freedom in the steady forcing to control eddy variability. Implementing a bell-shaped temporal correlation function in C with the 1-min decorrelation scale yields a convergent linearized inverse solution that describes correctly the spatiotemporal variability in the eddy field. The corresponding estimate of forcing, however, is not satisfactory. Accurate estimates of both the flow and the forcing can be achieved by implementing a composite C with a temporal correlation separated into an O(1) steady and small amplitude time-variable parts.
Persuasive computers: perspectives and research directions

The study of computers as persuasive technologies (called “captology”) was introduced at CHI 97 as a new area of inquiry. This paper proposes definitions, perspectives, and research directions for further investigation of this field A persuasive computer is an interactive technology that attempts to change attitudes or behaviors in some way. Perspective 1 describes how computers can inherit three types of intentionality: endogenous, exogenous, and autogenous. Perspective 2 presents the ‘Functional Triad,” which illustrates that computers can function as persuasive tools, media, and social actors. Perspective 3 presents a ‘levels of analysis” approach for captology, which include varying levels from individual to societal- Perspective 4 suggests a simple method for exploring the design space for persuasive computers. Perspective 5 highlights some ethical issues inherent in persuasive computing. The paper concludes by proposing seven directions for further research and design.
Adolescent Predictors of Emerging Adulthood Milestones in Youth with Spina Bifida

Objective To examine the predictive utility of demographic (illness status and SES), individual (neurocognitive functioning and intrinsic motivation), and family-based (parental intrusiveness) factors during adolescence on the achievement of emerging adulthood milestones in youth with and without spina bifida (SB). Methods Questionnaire and observational data were collected from 14/15-year-old adolescents with SB, typically developing peers, mothers, and teachers. Emerging adulthood milestones (i.e., leaving home, attending college, employment, romantic relationship experience, and number of friendships) were assessed at ages 18/19 years in the full sample and subset of youth who graduated from high school. Results Typically, developing youth were more likely to achieve milestones compared to youth with SB in the full sample but not when only high school graduates were compared. Executive function, SES, intrinsic motivation, and parental intrusiveness emerged as significant predictors for particular milestones. Conclusions Interventions targeting executive function, intrinsic motivation, and parenting behavior may facilitate achievement of emerging adulthood milestones.
New targeted therapies in breast cancer

Targeted therapy for breast cancer has existed since 1986, when Beatson published his observations on oophorectomy. In the past 5 years monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been evaluated in phase I and II clinical trials of breast cancer. Trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA) was the first such agent to be approved by the US Food And Drug Administration, following findings that it improved survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Gefitinib (ZD1839, Iressa; AstraZeneca, Wilmington, DE) has little activity as a single agent in unselected patients, but, preclinical data have suggested synergy with tamoxifen and other hormonal agents, as well as other growth factor inhibitors. Bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, Inc), a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor is being evaluated in metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, agents targeting other pathways, such as the Ras pathway with farnesyl transferase inhibitors, and mTOR with rapamycin analogues are currently under investigation. In the next few years, and as trials with the above agents mature, we will further define the role of these targeted agents in the treatment of breast cancer.
Kinematics Support for Design and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems

We present a framework that combines both form (CAD models) and behavior (simulation models) of mechatronic system components into component objects. By composing these component objects, designers automatically create a virtual prototype of the system they are designing. The framework verifies and maintains the consistency between the representations of the form, function, and behavior of the virtual prototype. This virtual prototype, in turn, can provide immediate feedback about design decisions by evaluating whether the functional requirements are met in simulation. When the designer makes a change to one aspect of the representation, our framework automatically updates all other aspects impacted by this change and reports inconsistencies. Inconsistencies occur when the kinematic behavior of the device does not match the form, or the kinematic behavior does not match the currently specified functional description. Continuous feedback of this nature shortens the design-simulate cycle for product design. To achieve composition of behavioral models, we use a port-based modeling paradigm in which component interactions are defined by connections between ports. Component objects and component interactions together form the system model of the device. Simulation models for the components are defined in VHDL-AMS and are solved with a commercial solver.
IDEA: Identifying Design Principles in Educational Applets

The Internet is increasingly being used as a medium for educational software in the form of miniature applications (e.g., applets) to explore concepts in a domain. One such effort in mathematics education, the Educational Software Components of Tomorrow (ESCOT) project, created 42 miniature applications each consisting of a context, a set of questions, and one or more interactive applets to help students explore a mathematical concept. They were designed by experts in interface design, educational technology, and classroom teaching. However, some applications were more successful for fostering student problem-solving than others. This article describes the method used to mine a subset (25) of these applets for design principles that describe successful learner-centered design by drawing on such data as videos of students using the software and summaries of written student work. Twenty-one design principles were identified, falling into the categories of motivation, presentation, and support for problem solving. The main purpose of this article is to operationalize a method for post hoc extraction of design principles from an existing library of educational software, although readers may also find the design principles themselves to be useful.
Oncogenic KRAS activates an embryonic stem cell-like program in human colon cancer initiation

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Prevention of colorectal cancer initiation represents the most effective overall strategy to reduce its associated morbidity and mortality. Activating KRAS mutation (KRASmut) is the most prevalent oncogenic driver in colorectal cancer development, and KRASmut inhibition represents an unmet clinical need. We apply a systems-level approach to study the impact of KRASmut on stem cell signaling during human colon cancer initiation by performing gene set enrichment analysis on gene expression from human colon tissues. We find that KRASmut imposes the embryonic stem cell-like program during human colon cancer initiation from colon adenoma to stage I carcinoma. Expression of miR145, an embryonic SC program inhibitor, promotes cell lineage differentiation marker expression in KRASmut colon cancer cells and significantly suppresses their tumorigenicity. Our data support an in vivo plasticity model of human colon cancer initiation that merges the intrinsic stem cell properties of aberrant colon stem cells with the embryonic stem cell-like program induced by KRASmut to optimize malignant transformation. Inhibition of the embryonic SC-like program in KRASmut colon cancer cells reveals a novel therapeutic strategy to programmatically inhibit KRASmut tumors and prevent colon cancer.
High-Frequency Trading and Broader Implications for Strategic Asset Allocation

Radical fluctuations in stock prices result from interactions within a complex self-organizing system of economic agents. Since the financial crisis of 2008, there has been an increased reliance on financial modeling and algorithmic trading in equity portfolio management. Under pressure to maximize absolute returns, attenuate risk and cut costs, asset management firms have begun to look with increasing attention at high-frequency quantitative techniques. Thus the diffusion of quantitative methods in asset allocation has grown exponentially over the past half-decade. Yet drops in overall trading volume have made it harder for the traders who rely on such high-frequency techniques. Moreover, traditional investors have adopted similar algorithmic strategies, a trend which some believe to have levelled the playing field. This paper contributes to the dynamic body of knowledge regarding psychological influences on market fluctuations in order to develop a new understanding of the effects of high-frequency trading and the resultant implications for investment decision making and strategic asset allocation.
Intra-cavity generation of Laguerre-Gauss laser beams via a high-loss circular mask

Generation of Laguerre-Gauss laser beams via a null within the laser cavity is demonstrated. The null is created by a high-loss mask. The relationship between mode order and mask to beam diameter ratio is discussed.
Operational Readiness of the ES-3100 Type B Shipping Container for Fissile Materials

The U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Specification 6M containers had been the workhorse bulk Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) shipping containers for the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) and many other shippers for over 20 years. This DOT specification container was terminated for shipment of radioactive material on September 30, 2008. The anticipation of this action prompted DOE to develop and implement the ES-3100 shipping container as a replacement for the 6M. The ES-3100 was first licensed in April 2006. Since then, the license has been revised nine times. The ES-3100 was operationally ready for use at several sites by September 2007, and is now in being used on a regular basis for materials that had been shipped in the DOT 6M. The ES-3100 has also been certified for air transport, in support of foreign research reactor fuel supply and international nonproliferation efforts. This container has a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) from the U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and a Competent Authority Certificate from the DOT. The utility of the ES-3100 continues to grow. The ES-3100 CoC allows many forms of fissile material to be shipped, and continues to be amended to authorize additional contents for a variety of shippers. This paper will identify the currently certified contents for the ES-3100 and the planned certificate amendments to expand the content basis, as well as the approach to add new contents to the CoC. The path to becoming a user of the ES-3100 will be outlined. Operational requirements for this container, handling tools and non-standard operating tools needed for the use of this container will be covered. Readiness requirements, maintenance issues, training, and lessons learned will also be discussed. This paper will provide the information necessary for organizations to obtain ES-3100 containers, the special tools, adequate training, and any other information that would be helpful for a site to be able to use this fissile, radioactive material shipping container system.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Taking fame to market: on the pre-history and post-history of Hollywood stardom, by Barry King, New York, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014, 256 pp., £132.95 (hardcover), ISBN 978-1-13-734427-4

Barry King’s Taking Fame to Market extends the traditional field of celebrity studies to incorporate the roots of modern stardom in a thoroughly researched volume. Through the lens of Marxist cultu...
Surface Proteins and Pneumolysin of Encapsulated and Nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae Mediate Virulence in a Chinchilla Model of Otitis Media.

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections result in a range of human diseases and are responsible for almost one million deaths annually. Pneumococcal disease is mediated in part through surface structures and an anti-phagocytic capsule. Recent studies have shown that nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae (NESp) make up a significant portion of the pneumococcal population and are able to cause disease. NESp lack some common surface proteins expressed by encapsulated pneumococci, but express surface proteins unique to NESp. A chinchilla model of otitis media (OM) was used to determine the effect various pneumococcal mutations have on pathogenesis in both NESp and encapsulated pneumococci. Epithelial cell adhesion and invasion assays were used to examine the effects in relation to deletion of intrinsic genes or expression of novel genes. A mouse model of colonization was also utilized for comparison of various pneumococcal mutants. It was determined that pneumococcal surface protein K (PspK) and pneumolysin (Ply) affect NESp middle ear pathogenesis, but only PspK affected epithelial cell adhesion. Experiments in an OM model were done with encapsulated strains testing the importance of native virulence factors and treatment of OM. First, a triple deletion of the common virulence factors PspA, PspC, and Ply, (ΔPAC), from an encapsulated background abolished virulence in an OM model while a PspC mutant had detectable, but reduced amounts of recoverable bacteria compared to wildtype. Next, treatment of OM was effective when starting antibiotic treatment within 24 hrs with resolution by 48 hrs post treatment. Expression of NESp-specific virulence factor PspK in an encapsulated strain has not been previously studied, and we showed significantly increased adhesion and invasion of human epithelial cells by pneumococci. Murine colonization was not significantly increased when an encapsulated strain expressed PspK, but colonization was increased when a capsule mutant expressed PspK. The ability of PspK expression to increase colonization in a capsule mutant despite no increase in adhesion can be attributed to other functions of PspK, such as sIgA binding or immune modulation. OM is a substantial economic burden, thus a better understanding of both encapsulated pneumococcal pathogenesis and the emerging pathogen NESp is necessary for effective prevention and treatment.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Predictors of Mental Health Treatment in Persons with Comorbid Diabetes and Depression

Diabetes and depression are two of the most frequently diagnosed health conditions in the United States and often co-occur. The present study examines racial/ethnic differences in predictors of mental health service use among a national sample of African Americans, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic Whites with a self-reported diabetes and depression diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze a cross-sectional sample (N = 3377) of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey. African Americans were less likely to have visited a mental health professional in the last 12 months (odds ratio [OR] = .634, confidence interval [CI] [0.429, 0.911]). Significant odds ratios also uncovered results for the “never married” (OR = 1.737, CI [1.322, 2.281]) category. Also for the entire sample, being 55 years or older (OR = .352, CI [0.234, 0.533]) was found to be strongly associated with mental health service use for individuals with diabetes. Being une...
Low Apgar scores and birth asphyxia. Misconceptions that promote undeserved negligence suits.

PreviewMedical malpractice suits are increasingly common these days. From the point of view of physicians who deliver babies, much of the litigation is, contends Dr Giacoia, “irresponsible.” He presents arguments refuting the widely held belief that low Apgar scores equal birth asphyxia and offers suggestions that may help afford protection from unwarranted legal entanglements.
The Road to Independence for Kosovo: The Politics of Purgatory

Kosovo's fate lay in the hands of the “international community.” At the highest level of abstraction, the international community had common goals: forestalling violence and transforming Kosovo into a modern society with interethnic tolerance. Significant differences existed, however, on how this should be done. State interests and ideas for Kosovo's future spanned a wide spectrum. Some governments, like that of the United States, and some NGOs, like the International Crisis Group (ICG), urged prompt action on Kosovo's final status and were inclined to believe that the only viable final status was independence from Serbia. Other governments, like that of Russia, and many individuals working for NGOs, hoped that Kosovo eventually could be folded back into Serbia. Serbia insisted that the question of final status should be kept open for an indefinite period until Kosovo had made greater progress, especially with respect to reintegrating Kosovo Serbs into Kosovo's political and economic life. Even in the United States divisions existed. Some members of Congress and some voices within the administration questioned whether the United States had sufficient interest in Kosovo to spend political capital or military resources on it. At the beginning of the George W. Bush administration, several of the president's advisers questioned whether the administration should adhere to the Clinton administration's commitment to the Balkans. The growing weight of opinion, however, was that the United States needed to finish what it had started.