cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoemission electron microscopy of a plasmonic silver nanoparticle trimer

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study to investigate the spatial distribution of photoelectrons emitted from silver-coated polystyrene nanoparticles. We use two-photon photoemission electron microscopy (2P-PEEM) to image electron emission from a silver-capped aggregate trimer. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations are performed to model the intensity distributions of the electromagnetic near fields resulting from femtosecond laser excitation of localized surface plasmon oscillations in the trimer structure. We demonstrate that the predicted FDTD near-field intensity distribution reproduces the 2P-PEEM photoemission pattern.
Design considerations for an active soft orthotic system for shoulder rehabilitation

Strokes affect over 750,000 people annually in the United States. This significant and disabling condition can result in paralysis that must be treated by regular sessions with a dedicated physical therapist in order to regain motor function. However, the use of therapists is expensive, in high demand, and requires patient travel to a rehabilitation clinic. We propose an inexpensive and wearable upper body orthotics system that can be used at home to provide the same level of rehabilitation as the current physical therapy standard of care. The system is composed of a soft orthotic device with an integrated cable actuation system that is worn over the upper body, a limb position sensing system, and an actuator package. This paper presents initial design considerations and the evaluation of a proof of concept system for shoulder joint rehabilitation. Through simulations and experimental evaluation, the system is shown to be adjustable, easily wearable, and adaptable to misalignment and anatomical variations. Insights provided by these initial studies will inform the development of a complete upper body orthotic system.
Urgences cardiologiques et catastrophe naturelle. Étude prospective autour de la tempête Xynthia

Resume Introduction La survenue de cardiopathies de stress et cardiopathies ischemiques a souvent ete decrite de catastrophes naturelles telles que les tremblements de terre. Buts de l’etude Recenser les cas de cardiopathies de stress et cardiopathies ischemiques au decours immediat de la tempete Xynthia qui a touche la cote vendeenne en fevrier 2010, afin d’en etudier l’epidemiologie. Patients et methode Nous avons inclus tout patient habitant dans un des deux villages sinistres par la tempete Xynthia qui a ete admis dans le CHD Vendee multisite au decours immediat ou dans la semaine suivant la tempete et presentant une suspicion de syndrome coronarien aigu ou de cardiomopathie de stress. Resultats Parmi les 3350 habitants, vivant dans une des deux communes sinistrees, nous comptons six patients parmi lesquels trois syndromes coronaires aigus, deux cardiomyopathies de Tako-Tsubo et un spasme coronaire. Il y a cinq femmes et un homme, l’âge moyen est de 76 ans. Conclusion La survenue de cardiopathies ischemiques et de cardiopathies de stress sont tres representees dans cette population sinistree par la tempete, ce qui a ete tres peu decrite a ce jour.
Abstract A21: Dual-kinase inhibition of EGFR/ERBB2 as a therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer

Androgen withdrawal therapy (AWT) remains the cornerstone of advanced prostate cancer (PCa) therapy; however, patients on this therapy eventually relapse, caused by the advent of castration-resistant PCa. This stimulates investigation into additional therapeutic targets that may delay or impede the development of CRPC. The EGFR family of receptor tyrosine kinases is intimately involved in prostate cancer (PCa) development. EGFR/ErbB1 and HER2/ErbB2 have been clinical targets in androgen-dependent PCa but targeting each individually encourages compensatory signaling by a third member, HER3/ErbB3. Activated HER3/ErbB3 contributes to the onset of castrate-resistant PCa (CRPC), presently an incurable condition. We previously showed that dual EGFR/HER2 inhibition sensitizes PCa cells to androgen withdrawal by suppressing ErbB3 ( Clin Cancer Res . 2011 Oct 1;17(19):6218–28). Based on these results, we hypothesized that the dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitor lapatinib (‘Tykerb’, Lap) may sensitize PCa cells to AWT. Athymic nu/nu mice were subcutaneously implanted with CWR22 (androgen-dependent) or CWR22Rv1 (CRPC) tumors derived from human prostate tumors. Tumor-bearing mice were either castrated or left intact, and were treated with the FDA-approved, reversible, dual-kinase, small-molecule inhibitor lapatinib or vehicle alone. Castration prevented tumor growth in CWR22 tumor-bearing mice, both those treated with lapatinib or vehicle, but in intact mice, lapatinib actually stimulated tumor growth. In CWR22Rv1 tumor-bearing mice, lapatinib was ineffective, both in intact or castrated animals. Therefore we further investigated the effect of dual EGFR/ErbB2 inhibitors in PCa. Comparison of various cells showed that lapatinib was effective in LNCaP cells and its CRPC derivatives, but was ineffective in other lines, including PC-346C cells which express a wild-type androgen receptor (AR), whereas LNCaP cells and its derivatives express a mutant AR (T877A). In the latter cell line, lapatinib increased cell growth similar to that seen in CWR22 tumors. Hence, we investigated the effect of other dual EGFR/HER2 inhibitors in PCa cells. In contrast to lapatinib, dacomitinib (PF00299804, Pfizer, PF), an irreversible, small-molecule, dual-kinase inhibitor currently in several clinical trials for a variety of tumors, was more effective and completely inhibited cell growth in the majority of cell lines. When combined, PF and Lap decreased tumor cell viability, increased cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and downregulated ErbB3 protein. These preclinical data support the hypothesis that dual-kinase inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy. They also indicate that prostate cancer patients must be carefully preselected, based on their tumor type, and offered personalized therapeutic regimens in order to ensure maximum efficacy of dual-kinase inhibitory treatment.
The distance spectrum of the path Pn and The First Distance Eigenvector of Connected Graphs

Forumulas are given for all of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the distance matrix of the path Pn on n vertices. It is shown that Pn has the maximum distance spectral radius among all connected graphs of order n, and an ordering property of the entries of the Perron-Frobenius eigenvector is presented.
Social Marketing and Public Health Intervention

The rapid proliferation of community-based health education programs has out- paced the knowledge base of behavior change strategies that are appropriate and effec tive for public health interventions. However, experiences from a variety of large-scale studies suggest that principles and techniques of social marketing may help bridge this gap. This article discusses eight essential aspects of the social marketing process: the use of a consumer orientation to develop and market intervention techniques, ex change theory as a model from which to conceptualize service delivery and program participation, audience analysis and segmentation strategies, the use of formative research in program design and pretesting of intervention materials, channel analysis for devising distribution systems and promotional campaigns, employment of the "marketing mix" concept in intervention planning and implementation, development of a process tracking system, and a management process of problem analysis, planning, implementatio...
An Affinity-Based Fluorescence Polarization Assay for Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are important signaling enzymes that control such fundamental processes as proliferation, differentiation, survival/apoptosis, as well as adhesion and motility. Potent and selective PTP inhibitors serve not only as powerful research tools, but also as potential therapeutics against a variety illness including cancer and diabetes. PTP activity-based assays are widely used in high throughput screening (HTS) campaigns for PTP inhibitor discovery. These assays suffer from a major weakness, in that the reactivity of the active site Cys can cause serious problems as highly reactive oxidizing and alkylating agents may surface as hits. We describe the development of a fluorescence polarization (FP)-based displacement assay that makes the use of an active site Cys to Ser mutant PTP (e.g., PTP1B/C215S) that retains the wild-type binding affinity. The potency of library compounds is assessed by their ability to compete with the fluorescently labeled active site ligand for binding to the Cys to Ser PTP mutant. Finally, the substitution of the active site Cys by a Ser renders the mutant PTP insensitive to oxidation and alkylation and thus will likely eliminate "false" positives due to modification of the active site Cys that destroy the phosphatase activity.
Pump‐and‐Treat Accomplishments: A Review of the Effectiveness of Ground Water Remediation in Santa Clara Valley, California

Pump and treat has been successful in significantly reducing the volatile organic contaminant concentrations in ground water in Santa Clara Valley. California. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board. San Francisco Bay Region, currently oversees 61 sites in Santa Clara Valley with operating pump-and-treat systems, of which 42 sites have been extracting ground water since at least 1987. This review- evaluates the effects of ground water extraction on contaminant concentrations at 37 of those 42 sites. The evaluation focuses on trichloroethane, trichloroethene, and dichloroethane, as these were the most prevalent contaminants encountered at the sites. The majority of sites obtained greater than 90 percent reduction in maximum concentrations for one or more of the three contaminants. While only one of the 37 sites obtained maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for all contaminants, six of the sites included in the analyses reached MCLs for one or more of the sampled contaminants, and an additional seven of the sites are near MCLs for al least one contaminant. Our findings indicate that, while pump and treat successfully reduced maximum concentrations al most of the sites reviewed, successful attempts to reduce maximum contaminant concentrations to below MCLs are limited.
Intertissue Control of the Nucleolus via a Myokine-Dependent Longevity Pathway

Recent evidence indicates that skeletal muscle influences systemic aging, but little is known about the signaling pathways and muscle-released cytokines (myokines) responsible for this intertissue communication. Here, we show that muscle-specific overexpression of the transcription factor Mnt decreases age-related climbing defects and extends lifespan in Drosophila. Mnt overexpression in muscle autonomously decreases the expression of nucleolar components and systemically decreases rRNA levels and the size of the nucleolus in adipocytes. This nonautonomous control of the nucleolus, a regulator of ribosome biogenesis and lifespan, relies on Myoglianin, a myokine induced by Mnt and orthologous to human GDF11 and Myostatin. Myoglianin overexpression in muscle extends lifespan and decreases nucleolar size in adipocytes by activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), whereas Myoglianin RNAi in muscle has converse effects. Altogether, these findings highlight a key role for myokine signaling in the integration of signaling events in muscle and distant tissues during aging.
An Evaluation of the Peer Helper Component of Go !: A Multimessage, Multi-“step” Obesity Prevention Intervention

Background Obesity prevention efforts typically involve changing eating and exercise behaviors as well as the physical and social environment in which those behaviors occur. Due to existing social networks, worksites are a logical choice for implementing such interventions. Purpose This article describes the development and implementation of a peer helper intervention, which was part of a multicomponent obesity prevention program conducted at a hospital worksite. It also presents qualitative evaluation findings of peer helper perceptions, roles, and institutional outcomes. Methods Fifty-one male and female employees were recruited to promote healthy eating and physical activity amongst their peers. They received health and communication skill-building training. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 peer helpers to evaluate this component of the intervention. Results Findings showed that peer helpers took on many helping roles, became effective role models, and contributed to creating health-pro...
Variational Analysis of the Phenyl + O2 and Phenoxy + O Reactions

Variational transition state analysis was performed on the barrierless phenyl + O2 and phenoxy + O association reactions. In addition, we also calculated rate constants for the related vinyl radical (C2H3) + O2 and vinoxy radical (C2H3O) + O reactions and provided rate constant estimates for analogous reactions in substituted aromatic systems. Potential energy scans along the dissociating C−OO and CO−O bonds (with consideration of C−OO internal rotation) were obtained at the O3LYP/6-31G(d) density functional theory level. The CO−O and C−OO bond scission reactions were observed to be barrierless, in both phenyl and vinyl systems. Potential energy wells were scaled by G3B3 reaction enthalpies to obtain accurate activation enthalpies. Frequency calculations were performed for all reactants and products and at points along the potential energy surfaces, allowing us to evaluate thermochemical properties as a function of temperature according to the principles of statistical mechanics and the rigid rotor harmon...
The Influence of Ascorbic Acid on the Leukocyte Response of Rats Submitted to Stress

In reference to paper by Bacchus and Toompas, "The Influence of Ascorbic Acid on the Leukocyte Response of RatsSubmitted to Stress" ( Science , 113 , 269 [1951]), in order to bring the numbering of groups on page 269 in accord with that on page 270, Group I (one) should be regarded as saline pretreated , and Group II (two) as ascorbic acid pretreated .
Integrated personal mobile devices to wireless weather sensing network

With the increasing growth of the cellular and Wi-Fi network infrastructure, internet mobile based applications are continuously being developed daily. With thousands of mobile applications available to download, it is possible to find software to fit almost any category, e.g. business, medical, entertainment, and healthcare. In this paper, we present the approach to integrate a personal mobile device application and wireless sensing network for data monitoring purposes. The project is designed to collect weather data from remote stations which can then be viewed on a mobile phone in real-time. The Apple iPhone was selected as the mobile platform due to several advantages. Not only is it one of the fastest growing mobile platforms, but it also has a widely available software development kit (SDK) and a wide array of distinct features that benefit remote monitoring applications. Through implementation and evaluation of our system, the proposed design is capable of being applied to different sensor networks such as building structure, traffic control, vineyard, and machine tool monitoring.
Solubility of cement as related to time of exposure in water

Abstract The solubility of zinc phosphate, hydrophosphate, silicophosphate, and red copper cements was investigated as related to the time elapsed from the start of the mix until the specimen was exposed to water. The solubility of all four types of cement was appreciably greater when specimens were exposed to water 10 minutes from the start of the mix as compared to that which occurred when exposure to water was delayed for longer periods of time. The longer the time lapse between preparation of the specimens and immersion in water, the lower was the solubility of the cement. Thus, immediately following placement of cement in the mouth, all exposed surfaces should be protected from early contact with oral fluids by coating them with a water-impervious agent, such as a cavity varnish.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) and Holotranscobalamin Changes in Plasma and Liver Tissue in Alcoholics with Liver Disease

Objective: We wanted to know if alterations in plasma cobalamin (B12) concentration and B12 carriers, e.g., holotranscobalamins (holo TC), occur in blood and liver tissue from patients with severe alcoholic liver disease. Our purpose was to test the hypothesis that liver disease may disrupt B12 distribution.Method: Total B12, as well as B12 bound to transcobalamin I, II, III (holo TC), were measured to determine their concentration in plasma and in liver tissue; Poteriochromonas malhamensis—a protozoan reagent served to measure only metabolically active (true) B12. Total B12 as distributed in holo TC in plasma and liver tissue of healthy subjects (controls) were compared to patients with severe alcoholic liver disease.Results: Severe liver disease initiates highly elevated B12 levels in plasma and a lowered liver tissue total B12 concentration. The percent of B12 distributed to holo TC II is significantly depleted during liver disease. In contrast, holo TC I and III are elevated in plasma during liver dis...
Studies on in vitro perfusion of beef and dog thyroid glands using radioiodine.

THE maintenance of the thyroid gland in vitro, by means of vascular perfusion with a medium containing radioactive iodide, might provide a means of evaluating the direct effect of various substances on thyroid function. Roche and associates (1951) perfused beef thyroids with beef serum containing radioactive iodide in order to prepare radioactive thyroglobulin. Under aseptic conditions the beef thyroid collected I131 for 24 hours. After 5 hours of perfusion, radiothyroxine could be demonstrated in the thyroid. The purpose of this study was to delimit the general applicability of in vitro perfusion of the thyroid to problems in thyroid physiology. The thyroid glands of the beef and dog were perfused under nonsterile conditions, and a survey was made of the in vitro effect of thyroid-stimulating and thyroid-inhibiting agents. Radioactive iodine was used to measure various aspects of thyroidal function.
Revised age of Aleutian Island Arc formation implies high rate of magma production

Radioisotopic dating of subaerial and submarine volcanic and plutonic rocks from the Aleutian Island Arc provides insight into the timing of arc formation in the middle Eocene. Twenty-eight 40 Ar/ 39 Ar ages constrain the duration of arc magmatism to the last 46 m.y. Basaltic lavas from the Finger Bay volcanics, the oldest exposed rocks in the arc, gave an isochron age of 37.4 ± 0.6 Ma, which is 12-17 m.y. younger than a widely cited age of 55-50 Ma. Three main pulses of arc-wide magmatism occurred at 38-29, 16-11, and 6-0 Ma, which coincide with periods of intense magmatism in other western Pacific island arcs. Using the geochronology and volumetric estimates of crust generated and eroded over the last 46 m.y., we calculate a time-averaged magma production rate for the entire arc that exceeds previous estimates by almost an order of magnitude.
A general stochastic model for intermediate storage in noncontinuous processes

Abstract A significant role of intermediate storage in noncontinuous manufacturing systems is to decouple stages of operations. It eliminates delays and interruptions caused by the uncertainty in process operations, and increases the availability of the process. We present a stochastic model for intermediate storage in a two-stage process with multiple, nonidentical parallel units in each stage. In contrast to the existing models, the new model allows a simultaneous treatment or arbitrary types of random process disturbances such as operation (processing, cleaning, transfer, set-up etc.) time variations, unit failures and repairs, batch failures, batch size variations, etc. Using well-known results from the probability theory, we derive general analytical expressions for sizing intermediate storage to maintain the continuity of operation with a given degree of confidence. We apply these expressions to the two-stage system with only the process parameter fluctuations, and obtain specific results. For this process, we compare our model with the existing models and Monte Carlo simulation. The new model predicts much smaller storage sizes than the other models and compares very well with the simulation results.
Forced two layer beta-plane quasigeostrophic flow. Part I: Long-time existence and uniqueness of weak solutions

Abstract We consider a model of quasigeostrophic turbulence that has proven useful in theoretical studies of large scale heat transport and coherent structure formation in planetary atmospheres and oceans. The model consists of a coupled pair of hyperbolic PDEs with a forcing which represents domain-scale thermal energy source. Although the use to which the model is typically put involves gathering information from very long numerical integrations, little of a rigorous nature is known about long-time properties of solutions to the equations. In this first paper we define a notion of weak solution, and show using Galerkin methods the long-time existence and uniqueness of such solutions.
In vivo vascular wall tissue characterization using a strain tensor measuring (STM) technique for flow-mediated vasodilation analyses.

Endothelial dysfunction is considered to be a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis, and the measurement of flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in brachial and other conduit arteries has become a common method to assess the status of endothelial function in vivo. Based on the direct relationship between the FMD response and local shear stress on the conduit brachial artery endothelium, we hypothesize that measuring relevant changes in the brachial wall strain tensor would provide a non-invasive tool for assessing vascular mechanics during post-occlusion reactive hyperemia. Direct measurement of the wall strain tensor due to FMD has not yet been reported in the literature. In this work, a noninvasive direct ultrasound-based strain tensor measuring (STM) technique is presented to assess changes in the mechanical parameters of the vascular wall during post-occlusion reactive hyperemia and/or FMD, including local velocities and displacements, diameter change, local strain tensor and strain rates. The STM technique utilizes sequences of B-mode ultrasound images as its input with no extra hardware requirement, and its algorithm starts with segmenting a region of interest within the artery and providing the acquisition parameters. Then a block matching technique based on speckle tracking is employed to measure the frame-to-frame local velocities. Displacements, diameter change, local strain tensor and strain rates are then calculated by integrating or differentiating velocity components. The accuracy of the STM algorithm was assessed in vitro using phantom studies, where an average error of 7% was reported using different displacement ranging from 100 µm to 1000 µm. Furthermore, in vivo studies using human subjects were performed to test the STM algorithm during pre- and post-occlusion. Good correlations (|r| >0.5, P < 0.05) were found between the post-occlusion responses of diameter change and local wall strains. Results indicate the validity and versatility of the STM algorithm and describe how parameters other than the diameter change are sensitive to reactive hyperemia following occlusion. This work suggests that parameters such as local strains and strain rates within the arterial wall are promising metrics for the assessment of endothelial function, which can then be used for accurate assessment of atherosclerosis. In summary, this study describes a simple and computationally efficient algorithm that can be integrated with ultrasound machines for vascular research. Moreover, it suggests that monitoring the local strain and strain rates of the brachial artery wall can replace or augment the measurement of arterial diameter in FMD studies.
The chemical utilization of fats and oils. I. Preparation of aralkyl ketones and hydrocarbons

A number of straight chain aralkyl detergent intermediates were prepared from fatty acids. The most satisfactory method of preparation involved a Friedel and Craft condensation of the acyl chlorides with the aromatic followed by catalytic hydrogenation.
Characteristic measures of switching functions

Abstract A basic problem in switching theory is the optimal realizations of switching functions in a certain basis and with respect to a certain characteristic measure such as complexity, circuit cost, number of input terminals, delay time. Naturally this problem has received much attention and although a general solution has not been accomplished, many very good results have been obtained. This survey does not attempt to include all the literature concerning this general problem. Some outstanding and basic papers will be reviewed emphasizing ideas, assumptions, results and limitations. A measure of circuit performance, labeled L(n), a characteristic index of the class of n-variable functions, will be defined. This measure is an important tool for understanding the difficulties of the problem and for obtaining most of the results. This survey reviews the most significant literature on problems concerning characteristic measures of switching functions, and in particular, measures of circuit complexity, formula complexity or length, and delay time required to realize switching functions. The asymptotic and finite behavior, the upper and lower bounds, and the order of magnitude of L(n) are included for each particular case.
The Human Phenome Project

A principal goal of genetic research is to identify specific genotypes that are associated with human phenotypes. It will soon be possible to conduct genome-wide genotyping on a massive scale. Our current approaches for defining and assaying phenotypes may be inadequate for making optimal use of such genotypic data. We propose an international effort to create phenomic databases, that is, comprehensive assemblages of systematically collected phenotypic information, and to develop new approaches for analyzing such phenotypic data. We term this effort the Human Phenome Project and suggest a scientific and organizational scope for the project.
Evaluation of response time of a portable system for in-use vehicle tailpipe emissions measurement.

The objective of this paper is to quantify and evaluate the effects of response time of a portable emission measurement system (PEMS). The PEMS measures tailpipe emissions and vehicle dynamics on a second-by-second basis. Response times of the PEMS for exhaust concentrations were quantified on the basis of fixed periods of measurement of calibration gases for NO, hydrocarbons (HC), CO, and CO2. The time constant was quantified on the basis of the time to reach 63% of the maximum measured value when calibration gas was continuously administered for a period of typically 20 s or more. The time constant was found to be 6 s for NO and 3 s each for CO, HC, and CO2. Measurement errors associated with the response time of the PEMS were quantified. A first-order dynamic discrete model was developed to simulate the instrument measurements. Simulations showed that correction improves the measurement accuracy. Correction with smoothing better improves the measurement accuracy, especially when the noise is relatively...
Nanomechanical Characterization of Canine Femur Bone for Strain Rate Sensitivity in the Quasistatic Range under Dry versus Wet Conditions

As a strain rate-dependent material, bone has a different mechanical response to various loads. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of water and different loading/unloading rates on the nanomechanical properties of canine femur cortical bone. Six cross-sections were cut from the diaphysis of six dog femurs and were nanoindented in their cortical area. Both dry and wet conditions were taken into account for three quasistatic trapezoid profiles with a maximum force of 2000 μN (holding time = 30 s) at loading/unloading rates of 10, 100, and 1000 μN/s, respectively. For each specimen, (mean ± SD) indentations were performed under different loading conditions. Significant differences were found for the elastic modulus and hardness between wet and dry conditions (). No influence of the loading/unloading rates was observed between groups except for the elastic modulus measured at 1000 μN/s rate under dry conditions () and for the hardness measured at a rate of 10 μN/s under wet conditions (). Therefore, for a quasistatic test with peak load of 2000 μN held for 30 s, it is recommended to nanoindent under wet conditions at a loading/unloading rate of 100–1000 μN/s, so the reduced creep effect allows for a more accurate computation of mechanical properties.
A minicomputer-based learning analysis system for optimizing PSI instructional materials for the visually handicapped

Visually handicapped students learn tape-recorded materials in PSI format while a minicomputer interfaced to the student-operated, tape playback mechanisms collects data on independent study activities. The minicomputer hardware and software system is described and typical learning data are discussed.
α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase expression and lethal prostate cancer in the Physicians' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND α-Methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) is an enzyme that serves as a diagnostic biomarker of prostate cancer in clinical practice. Recent studies suggest that low AMACR expression is associated with biochemical recurrence and the development of fatal disease. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study among 920 men aged 47–84 years, who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Physicians' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study cohorts, and whose resected tissue specimens were available for immunohistochemical analysis. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the association of AMACR expression with lethal prostate cancer over a 20-year follow-up period. RESULTS In total, 68 men died from prostate cancer, and an additional 18 developed bony metastases during follow-up. We found that lower AMACR intensity was associated with higher prostate-specific antigen levels (P = 0.003) and more advanced clinical stage (P = 0.06) at diagnosis, and a nonsignificant trend for higher risk of lethal outcomes. The hazard ratio (HR) comparing the lowest to the highest quartile of AMACR expression intensity was 1.53 ((95% CI: 0.86–2.73), P-for-trend across quartiles = 0.07); this trend was further attenuated after adjustment for age, Gleason score, stage, and cohort with a HR of 1.24 (95% CI: 0.69–2.22), P-for-trend = 0.23. CONCLUSIONS Low AMACR expression in primary tumor specimens was not independently associated with the development of metastatic and lethal prostate cancer after treatment over a 20-year follow-up period, after adjustment for important clinical covariates at diagnosis. Prostate 72:301–306, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Documenting Asthma Severity: Do We Get It Right?

Background. The 1997 National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) recommends a severity classification scheme to optimize the use of anti-inflammatory therapy for persistent asthma. Physician documentation of asthma severity is often used as a quality assurance measure. Objective. To test the hypothesis that physician documentation of asthma severity is associated with appropriate use of anti-inflammatory therapy. Design/Methods. Setting: inner-city academic health center. First, we reviewed a consecutive sample of charts of scheduled pediatric patients. Then, we administered a structured parent survey regarding the child's asthma symptoms and current asthma therapy. We used NAEPP guidelines to classify patients' severity of asthma. The main outcome measure was appropriate use of anti-inflammatory therapy. Appropriate therapy was defined as: (1) mild persistent asthmatics using anti-inflammatory therapy, and (2) moderate-severe persistent asthmatics using inhaled steroids. Chart classification...
A Tutorial on Conducting Meta-Analyses of Clinical Outcome Research.

Throughout the educational, medical, psychological, and social sciences, meta-analysis is the present-day, broadly accepted means for combining many quasiexperiments in a synthesis for the purpose ...
The Lorenz system does not have a polynomial flow

Abstract One question that has not been answered using the results in [3] is the following: Do the Lorenz equations have a polynomial flow? By inspecting their p -symmetries we show they do not.
Seamless Leadership Learning in Curricular and Cocurricular Facets of University Life: A Pragmatic Approach to Praxis

The development of curricular and cocurricular leadership experiences is often a complex undertaking, second only to the complexities of learning how to lead effectively. The current article outlines the shared and diverse experiences of two leadership faculty charged with coordinating academic leadership programs at separate institutions. Both faculty members were previously student affairs professionals and chose to educate undergraduate leaders in the classroom while providing research for the leadership consortium. Additionally, both faculty members continue to partner with student affairs to facilitate strong curricular and cocurricular student experiences. The current article shares a practical approach to providing ongoing strategic practice opportunities for future leaders enrolled in academic, undergraduate leadership education programs while suggesting the creation of a common leadership language for both academic and cocurricular programs.
Dance with the one that brought you? Venture capital firms and the retention of founder‐CEOs

We consider how a venture capital firm's perceived uncertainty in new and uncertain industry environments affects its decisions to retain founder-CEOs at companies they take public. We further consider how the human capital of the founder-CEO, the overall experience of the venture capital firm (VCF), and the VCF's specific experience with the new industry moderate the relationship between industry-based uncertainty and founder-CEO retention. We explore these issues in the context of 340 venture capital firm investments in Internet sector start-ups that went public from 1995 to 2000. We find evidence that industry-based uncertainty decreases the likelihood of founder-CEO retention, that founder-CEO human capital and VCF Internet-sector experience decreases the effects of these uncertainties on founder-CEO retention for business-to-business (B2B) firms, but increases them for business-to consumer (B2C) firms, and that VCF age further decreases the likelihood that the founder-CEOs of B2C firms will be retained. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Generalized Möbius transforms for inverse problems

Abstract An inverse formula is given for a new, generalized Mobius transform G ( x , y , …) = Σ n =1 ∞ Σ m =1 ∞ … F ( n α x , m β y , …), namely F ( x , y , …) = Σ n =1 ∞ Σ m =1 ∞ … μ ( n ) μ ( m ) G ( n α x , m β y , …). In the case of one dimension and α = −1, this reduces to the Chen-Mobius transform which has been applied to the inverse black-body radiation problem. For α = +1 this becomes the Hardy-Wright-Mobius transform.
The blue cross blue shield assessment technology review: summary of findings

Epoetin (EPO; erythropoietin) treatment offers an attractive but costly alternative to red blood cell transfusion for managing anemia associated with cancer therapy. The goal of this paper is to review the findings of the 2001 Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association Technology Evaluation Center overview on EPO use in oncology, which served the foundation for the 2002 ASH/ASCO clinical guideline on this subject. The BC/BS review had two major aims: (1) to quantify the effects of EPO on the likelihood of transfusion and on quality of life in patients with cancer treatment-related anemia, and (2) to evaluate whether outcomes are superior when EPO treatment is initiated at higher hemoglobin thresholds. Two independent reviewers followed a prospective protocol for identifying relevant studies published between 1985 and 1998. Outcomes data were combined with the use of a random-effects meta-analysis model. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials that minimized patient exclusions were defined as higher quality for sensitivity analysis; randomized, but unblinded trials and trials with excessive exclusions were included in the meta-analysis, but were defined as lower quality. Twenty-two trials (n=1927) met inclusion criteria, and 12 (n=1390) could be combined for estimation of odds of transfusion. EPO decreased the percentage of patients transfused by 9-45% in adults with mean baseline hemoglobin concentrations of 10g/dL or less (7 trials; n=1080), by 7-47% in those with hemoglobin concentrations greater than 10g/dL, but less than 12g/dL (7 trials; n=431), and by 7-39% in those with hemoglobin concentrations of 12g/dL or higher (5 trials; n=308). In a sensitivity analysis, the combined odds ratio for transfusion in EPO-treated patients as compared with controls was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.33-0.62) in higher quality studies and 0.14 (95% CI=0.06-0.31) in lower quality studies. The number of treated patients needed to prevent one transfusion is 4.4 for all studies, 5.2 for higher quality studies, and 2.6 for lower quality studies. Only studies with mean baseline hemoglobin concentrations of 10g/dL or less reported statistically significant effects of EPO treatment on quality of life; quality-of-life data were insufficient for meta-analysis. No studies addressed the effects of EPO on anemia-related symptoms. The review concluded that EPO reduced the odds of transfusion for cancer patients undergoing therapy. Evidence was insufficient to determine whether initiating EPO earlier spares more patients from transfusion or results in better quality of life than waiting until hemoglobin concentrations decline to nearly 10g/dL. An update of this review, which includes information on quality of life, transfusion requirment, survival and tumor response, for first and second-generation epoetin products is ongoing.
Chest pain as a predictor of coronary artery disease in patients with obstructive aortic valve disease

Abstract To clarify the association between chest pain and significant coronary artery disease in patients who have aortic valve disease, 76 consecutive candidates for aortic valve replacement were evaluated prospectively with use of a historical questionnaire and coronary arteriography. Of the 76 patients, 19 (25 percent) had no chest pain, 21 (28 percent) had chest pain that was not-typical of angina pectoris and 36 (47 percent) had chest pain typical of angina pectoris. In 18 of 19 patients the absence of chest pain correlated with the absence of coronary artery disease. The single patient without chest pain who had coronary artery disease had evidence of an inferior myocardial infarction in the electrocardiogram. Thus, absence of chest pain and the absence of electrocardiographic evidence of infarction predicted the absence of coronary disease in all cases. The presence of chest pain did not predict the presence of coronary artery disease, but the more typical the pain of angina pectoris the more likely were patients to have significant coronary artery disease. Of the 21 patients with atypical chest pain, 6 (29 percent) had coronary artery disease, but of the 36 patients with typical angina pectoris 23 (64 percent) had significant coronary artery disease. In addition, when patients with chest pain not typical of angina pectoris also had coronary artery disease, the diseased vessels usually supplied smaller areas of the left ventricle than when the pain was typical of angina pectoris. In 21 of 23 patients (91 percent) with typical angina pectoris and significant coronary artery disease, lesions were present in the left coronary artery. There was no systolic pressure gradient across the aortic valve that excluded the presence of coronary artery disease, although all patients with a calculated aortic valve area of less than 0.4 cm2 were free of coronary artery disease. Patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction were more likely to have normal coronary arteries.
THE IMMUNOGENICITY OF HUMAN HL-A HAPLOTYPES AS MEASURED BY SKIN GRAFT SURVIVAL TIMES AND MIXED LEUKOCYTE REACTIONS

The immunogenicity of the haplotypes in 30 families was measured by survival of skin grafts between selected paired family members. These families were genotyped for HL-A using 57 selected cytotoxic alloantisera defining HL-A 1–12 as well as other nondefined specificities. Mixed leukocyte reactions were also studied in this series and the correlations between the mixed leukocyte reactions with skin graft survival times, individual HL-A specificities, and the number of incompatible HL-A alleles are reported. Comments concerning the interpretation and quantitation of the mixed leukocyte reactions are discussed.
On the calculation of generalized binomial coefficients

The generalized binomial coefficients (κλ) are defined by Cλ(Im + R)Cλ(Im) = Σk=0lΣκ(λκ)Cκ(R)Cκ(Im) , where the Ck(R) are the zonal polynomials of the m × m matrix R. In this paper some simple expressions are derived which allow straightforward calculation of a large number of these coefficients.
Tools for quantifying isotopic niche space and dietary variation at the individual and population level

Abstract Ecologists are increasingly using stable isotope analysis to inform questions about variation in resource and habitat use from the individual to community level. In this study we investigate data sets from 2 California sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) populations to illustrate the advantages and potential pitfalls of applying various statistical and quantitative approaches to isotopic data. We have subdivided these tools, or metrics, into 3 categories: IsoSpace metrics, stable isotope mixing models, and DietSpace metrics. IsoSpace metrics are used to quantify the spatial attributes of isotopic data that are typically presented in bivariate (e.g., δ13C versus δ15N) 2-dimensional space. We review IsoSpace metrics currently in use and present a technique by which uncertainty can be included to calculate the convex hull area of consumers or prey, or both. We then apply a Bayesian-based mixing model to quantify the proportion of potential dietary sources to the diet of each sea otter population and c...
Connecting the Dots: Retailer, user and social sites

Company profiles are a common sight on Social Networking sites these days. Retailers use their pages to bring in new customers and increase visibility across the Internet. But is this all what Social Media can do? Social Media brings with it a potential that has not yet been successfully capitalized on by most companies. This paper brings forward the glaring loop holes that some of the common retailer methodologies have and provides a possible solution model that takes new aspects into consideration. We will demonstrate the application of these new techniques by taking a few common business scenarios. With this, retailer's will be closer to bridging the gap between themselves, the customer, and social media.
Use of the subcutaneous abdominal vein for blood sampling and intravenous catheterization in potbellied pigs

The subcutaneous abdominal vein was used successfully to deliver fluids IV after catheterization and as a means of blood collection in 6 potbellied pigs of various body sizes and types. Because a 16-gauge catheter could be easily introduced into the vein, a large volume of fluid could be administered rapidly. Most pigs were highly tolerant of blood collection from this vein, and little restraint was required. The catheters remained in place for as long as 1 week, and no serious sequelae resulted from catheterization of the subcutaneous abdominal vein.
A randomized phase ii trial evaluating different schedules of zoledronic acid on bone mineral density in patients with prostate cancer beginning androgen deprivation therapy

Abstract Objective To assess the effects of timing and schedule of zoledronic acid (ZA) administration on bone mineral density (BMD) in patients beginning androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the treatment of recurrent prostate cancer. Patients and Methods In this randomized, 3-arm trial, we evaluated changes in BMD after 3 different ZA administration schedules in men with recurrent prostate cancer who were beginning ADT. Forty-four patients were enrolled and randomized to receive a single dose of ZA given 1 week before beginning ADT (arm 1), a single dose of ZA given 6 months after beginning ADT (arm 2), or monthly administration of ZA starting 6 months after beginning ADT, for a total of 6 doses (arm 3). Results Patients who received ZA before ADT had a significant improvement in BMD at the total proximal femur and trochanter after 6 months compared with the other groups. In addition, only patients in the arm that received multiple doses improved lumbar spine BMD while on ADT, with these findings persisting to 24 months. However, this group also experienced more grade 1 adverse events. Conclusions Analysis of these data suggests that ZA administration before initiation of ADT was superior to treatment 6 months after starting ADT in maintaining BMD. In addition, monthly ZA administration can increase BMD above baseline but is associated with more adverse events. Further study is needed to examine whether the timing and frequency of ZA therapy in patients on ADT can reduce fracture risk.
A modification of Potter's method for diagonal matrices with common unknown

Abstract A solution methodology is presented for large systems of linear algebraic equations. In matrix form the submatrices are grouped along the diagonal (with at most three submatrices of varying order), except that there exists one nonvanishing column of submatrices. The algorithm is a modification of Potter's method and it is especially applicable to nonlinear buckling problems (limit-point instability).
α'-benzoyloxy and α'-methoxymethoxy lithium enolates giving opposite diastereofacial selectivities in aldol reactions. Use of (probable) extended chelation for reversal of stereoselectivities

Abstract The Li enolates of α-benzoyloxy and α-methoxymethoxy ketones 1a and 1c afford nonchelation and chelation aldol products, respectively, both with usefully high diastereofacial selectivities. Evidence suggests that transition state chelation of the benzoyl C=O is responsible for the observed “nonchelation” stereoselectivity of 1a .
On Sampling from an IMA (0, 1, 1) Process

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTExplicit expressions are derived that relate the parameters of a sampled process to those of the integrated moving average (0,1,1) process from which it is obtained. An industrial application illustrating the use of these expressions is provided.
Lies and truth: A study of the development of the concept.

This study examined the developmental questions of when children begin to use the terms lie and truth, how they understand them, and when their understanding approaches that of adults. 150 subjects in 5 groups (nursery schoolers, preschoolers, first graders, fifth graders, and adults) were presented a series of 8 short puppet plays that systematically varied the presence of absence of the 3 prototype elements: factuality of a statement, the speaker's belief in the factuality or falsity of the statement, and the speaker's intent to deceive the listeners. The interactions of age, factuality, and belief most fully accounted for the use of the terms lie and truth. Persons at different ages differentially weighed the prototypic elements. Responses of fifth graders were transitional between those of the younger children and adults. The results are interpreted as supporting the development of definitional prototypes for these moral concepts.