cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testosterone Therapy with Subcutaneous Injections: A Safe, Practical and Reasonable Option.

CONTEXT Injections with intramuscular testosterone esters have been available for almost 8 decades and not only result in predictable serum testosterone levels but are also the most inexpensive modality. However, they are difficult to self-administer and associated with some discomfort. Recently, subcutaneous administration of testosterone esters has gained popularity, as self-administration is easier with this route. Available data, though limited, support the feasibility of this route. Here we review the pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous testosterone therapy with both long- and ultralong-acting testosterone esters. In addition, we provide guidance for clinicians on how to counsel and manage their patients who opt for the subcutaneous route. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Systematic review of available literature on subcutaneous testosterone administration including clinical trials, case series and case reports. We also review the pharmacology of testosterone absorption after subcutaneous administration. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Available evidence, though limited, suggests that subcutaneous testosterone therapy in doses similar to those given via intramuscular route results in comparable pharmacokinetics and mean serum testosterone levels. With appropriate training, patients should be able to safely self-administer testosterone esters subcutaneously with relative ease and less discomfort compared with the intramuscular route. CONCLUSION Although studies directly comparing the safety of subcutaneous vs intramuscular administration of testosterone esters are desirable, clinicians should consider discussing the subcutaneous route with their patients, as it is easier to self-administer and has the potential to improve patient adherence.
Bingham-Gaussian Distribution on $\mathbb{S}^{3}\times \mathbb{R}^{n}$ for Unscented Attitude Estimation

In this paper, we propose the Bingham-Gaussian (BG) distribution defined on the Cartesian product of the three-sphere and the Euclidean space of an arbitrary dimension. BG is constructed by transforming the matrix Fisher-Gaussian distribution using the homomorphism between unit quaternions and the three dimensional rotation group. BG can be used to model the correlation between the attitude and the Euclidean space in a global fashion without singularities, and it properly deals with the cyclic nature of the space representing attitude, which is particularly advantageous when the uncertainty is large. An unscented attitude filter is designed based on BG which estimates the attitude and gyroscope bias concurrently. The proposed filter is compared against the conventional extended Kalman filter using numerical simulations.
Causes of Medication Nonadherence

Adherence research has unsuccessfully tried to find clear correlations between fixed patient characteristics, such as age, gender, or education, and adherent or nonadherent behavior [44, 45]. However, when moving beyond these sociodemographic variables, modifiable patient characteristics, such as behavior and attitudes, have been shown to be barriers to medication adherence. For example, forgetfulness, fear of undesired side effects, reservations toward drug taking, and insufficient educational information and understanding about drug therapy or drug holidays have been found to be related to medication nonadherence [46].
Our environment: The Present and Future Trends

Publisher Summary Environmental quality has become a matter of great public concern in the recent years. Significant progress has been made, particularly in controlling the visible and obvious forms of environmental pollution. Environmental regulations like most regulations are often complex and may lead to increased costs. A trend towards increased complexity of regulations and a movement towards changes are increasingly evident. Recent amendments to both the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts have identified new sources of pollutants and have required effluent limitations for particular categories of industries. A list of toxic pollutants in the 1977 Amendments to the Clean Water Act has greatly increased the complexity of that Act. For each pollutant listed, unless a more stringent standard is set, the best available technology economically achievable is to be applied. Regulatory action to minimize costs and delays, while ensuring protection of public health and the environment, is the current trend. Federal legislative actions in the future will respond to the tightening energy supply and to the effects of complete implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Future legislation is not expected to weaken current environmental programs. Rather, it seems more likely that legislation will aim toward careful structuring of emergency responses and expediting actions mandated or permitted under current laws.
Approximating the DCT with the lifting scheme: systematic design and applications

A systematic approach to design two families of multiplierless approximations of the DCT with the lifting scheme is presented, based on Chen's (1977) and Loeffler's (1989) factorizations of the DCT matrix, respectively. The analytical values of all the lifting steps are derived, which can be approximated by dyadic values to enable fast implementations with only shifts and additions. Different trade-offs between the complexity and the performance can be easily obtained. A scaled lifting structure is proposed to further reduce its complexity. The performance of the lifting-based DCT implementation is demonstrated in the frameworks of JPEG and H.263+. Besides, the lossless compression capability is also presented.
Evaluating Large Degree Isogenies and Applications to Pairing Based Cryptography

We present a new method to evaluate large degree isogenies between elliptic curves over finite fields. Previous approaches all have exponentialrunning time in the logarithm of the degree. If the endomorphism ring of the elliptic curve is `small' we can do much better, and we present an algorithm with a running time that is polynomialin the logarithm of the degree. We give several applications of our techniques to pairing based cryptography.
Cell-free Hemoglobin Synthesis: II. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRANSFER RIBONUCLEIC ACID-DEPENDENT ASSAY SYSTEM

Abstract A cell-free protein-synthesizing system derived from rabbit reticulocytes is described which is dependent on the addition of transfer RNA for the translation of endogenous hemoglobin messenger RNA. Product analysis indicates that the system is active in the initiation of new chains. When hemoglobin is synthesized in the presence of a limiting amount of tRNA, there is a 50% decrease in α chain production relative to β chain production. Deacylated rabbit liver tRNA can, but deacylated Escherichia coli tRNA cannot, be substituted for rabbit reticulocyte tRNA in the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Resolution of the Classical Hyades Lithium Problem

For the very first time, it has recently proved possible to make a well-motivated, physically plausible, and self-consistent prediction of the Hyades G- and K-dwarf(Li,Teff) relationship that matches the long-unexplained observations. The method employs the latest Iglesias & Rogers (OPAL) interior opacities and Alexander surface opacities (whose respective values are now themselves close to empirical predictions or estimates made earlier in this Hyades project), King’s recently discovered [O/Fe] enhancement (another prediction!) and utterly conventional PMS (pre-mainsequence) evolution unaided by arbitrary and ad hoc adjustable parameters.
Primary Care Providers' Initial Evaluation of Children with Global Developmental Delay: A Clinical Vignette Study

Objective To examine the decisions of pediatric primary care physicians about their diagnostic evaluation for a child with suspected global developmental delay (GDD). Study design A survey was mailed to a sample of pediatricians (n = 600) and family physicians (n = 600) randomly selected from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. The survey contained a clinical vignette describing a 9-month-old nondysmorphic boy with GDD. Participants were asked their initial evaluation steps (test, refer, or both test and refer) and what types of referral and/or testing they would pursue. We examined bivariate associations between physician/clinical practice characteristics and participants' evaluation decision. Results More pediatricians than family physicians completed the survey (response rates: 55% vs 38%). Almost three-quarters of the respondents (74%) reported that their first step in a diagnostic evaluation would be to refer the child without testing, 22% would test only, and 4% would both test and refer. As their initial step, most physicians referred to a developmental pediatrician (58%), and only 5% would refer to a geneticist. The most commonly ordered test was general biochemical testing (64%). The most commonly ordered genetic test was a karyotype (39%). Conclusions When evaluating a child with GDD, few primary care physicians would order genetic testing or refer to a genetics specialist as a first evaluation step. Future studies should examine both barriers to and utilization of a genetic evaluation for children with GDD.
Studies on the Flowering Mechanism in Lemna

A nitrogen source was needed for the flowering of Lemna gibba L., a long-day plant, and L. perpusilla Torr., a shortday plant. The level of endogenous amino acids analyzed by an Amino Acid Analyzer, rose during the first few inductive cycles, but was reduced during later stages of the flowering process. Serine and threonine levels increased during the light period and decreased during the dark period in L. perpusilla. Exogenous serine and threonine added to the culture medium at 10−6M increased the rate of flowering by more than 35% over the controls. Cysteine inhibited flowering, while other amino acids had little or no promotive effect on flowering. Serine and threonine increased flowering rate in L. perpusilla only when added during a dark period of the inductive cycle. The addition of amino acids during a light period not followed by a dark period had no effect on flowering.
Comparison of lithium dosage methods for preschool- and early school-age children

Objective Lithium may be useful in the treatment of prepubertal children with bipolar disorder or aggressive conduct disorder. However, there are few dosage guidelines. This study compares two dosage methods reported for prescribing lithium to prepubertal children: (1) a weight-based dosing schedule and (2) a single-dose, kinetics-based method. Method Lithium doses were calculated using each method and then compared with doses actually used in the clinical care of hospitalized children. Results No statistically significant differences were found between mean lithium dose estimates calculated by the two methods. Average lithium dose estimates for both kinetic and weight-based methods were less than the observed discharge doses. Differences were seen between the two methods for children weighing between 25 and 30 kg. Conclusions The weight-based dosing schedule and the single-dose, kinetics-based methods for calculating lithium dose result in similar dosage estimates when applied to young children.
Use of cognitive-behavioral interventions in the treatment of cancer-related fatigue: A case study report

As more cancer patients are achieving long-term survival, interventions are needed to prevent or minimize the late effects of cancer or its treatment. In this paper, we describe the use of cognitive-behavioral interventions as part of a multimodal treatment approach for reducing the negative psychosocial impact of cancer-related fatigue. Specifically, we present a clinical case study in which combined behavioral, cognitive, and pharmacological interventions were utilized to reduce symptoms of fatigue and resulting emotional and functional impairment in a 71-year-old male with recurrent prostate cancer. In addition to the case details, assessment issues, treatment considerations, and recommendations for facilitating adjustment to and coping with cancer-related fatigue are discussed.
Sagnac interference in carbon nanotubes

The Sagnac interference mode arises when two interfering counterpropogating beams traverse a loop, but with their velocities detuned by a small amount 2u, with vR/L=vF±u. In this paper we perform a perturbative nonequilibrium calculation of Sagnac interference in single-channel wires as well as armchair nanotube loops. We study the dependence of the Sagnac conductance oscillations on temperature and interactions. We find that the Sagnac interference is not destroyed by strong interactions, but becomes weakly dependent on the velocity detuning u. In armchairs nanotubes with typical interaction strength, 0.25<=g<=0.5, we find that the necessary temperature for observing the interference effect, TSAG is also only weakly dependent on the interaction, and is enhanced by a factor of 8 relative to the temperature necessary for observing Fabry-Perot interference in the same system, TFP.
“We Didn’t Get Nothing:” The Plight of Black Farmers

The central thesis to this article is that blacks were intended to work the land, but never to own the land. The progression from working the land via slavery, to peonage, and to land ownership is explored. Africans arrived on American soil carrying with them a rich legacy in caring for the land, and while they did so in America, it was under the most onerous of conditions. Once freed, blacks became prodigious land owners, but with the onset of the twentieth century various systemic factors impacted landownership for blacks. These same factors along with mechanization, herbicides, government policy, and the courts all served to undermine farm ownership for black Americans. The Pigford Class Action Suit is central to understanding the complexities of the plight of the black farmer and the attempts of various advocacy groups to maintain black land ownership.
Effects of l-DOPA pre-loading on the uptake of boronophenylalanine using the F98 glioma and B16 melanoma models

Abstract The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of l -DOPA pre-loading on the uptake of BPA using the F98 rat glioma and the murine B16 melanoma models. In vitro pretreatments of F98 glioma and B16 melanoma cells with l -DOPA, followed by exposure to BPA increased boron uptake, as determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Based on this, in vivo studies were initiated in F98 glioma bearing rats. Initially, the l -DOPA dosing paradigm was evaluated. Maximum tumor boron uptake was observed following i.p. administration of l -DOPA (50 mg/kg) followed 24 h later by BPA (31.8±8.9 vs. 17.2±6.3 µg/g for BPA alone). Next, the effect of l -DOPA pre-loading as a function of the route of administration of BPA was evaluated in F98 glioma bearing rats. The greatest increase in uptake was seen following i.v. administration of BPA, while in contrast no significant increase was seen following intracarotid (i.c.) administration (38.6±12.4 vs. 34.2±10.9). Cellular localization of the F98 glioma, as determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) boron imaging revealed equivalent tumor boron concentrations following l -DOPA pre-loading. In vivo studies in B16 melanoma bearing mice showed equivalent tumor boron values in treated and untreated mice, suggesting that the effects of l -DOPA pre-loading may depend both on the histologic type of tumor and its anatomic site.
Fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional silicon tapers

We present the fabrication of 3D adiabatically tapered structures, for efficient coupling from an optical fiber, or free-space, to a chip. These structures are fabricated integrally with optical waveguides in a silicon-on-insulator wafer. Fabrication involves writing a single grayscale mask in HEBS glass with a high-energy electron beam, ultra-violet grayscale lithography, and inductively coupled plasma etching. We also present the experimentally determined coupling efficiencies of the fabricated tapers using end-fire coupling. The design parameters of the tapered structures are based on electromagnetic simulations and are discussed in this paper.
Impact of Court-Mandated Substance Abuse Treatment on Clinical Decision Making

California’s Proposition 36 offers nonviolent drug offenders community-based treatment as an alternative to incarceration or probation without treatment. The study objective was to examine how substance abuse treatment providers perceive the impact of Proposition 36 on their clinical decision making. Program surveys were completed by 115 treatment programs in five California counties to assess the impact of the law on clinical decision making, and five focus groups were conducted with 37 treatment providers to better understand their perspectives. Compared to residential programs, outpatient programs reported that the policy impacted them to a greater extent in terms of drug testing, reporting to criminal justice personnel, and determining client discharge. Providers in the focus groups particularly highlighted their changing roles in assessing clients’ treatment needs and determining the best routes of care for them. The findings indicate that alternate strategies for determining treatment placement and continuing care should be developed.
Atomic fine-structure state selectivity for the collision-induced photodissociation of the B 1Πu state of Li2

In the collisionally induced dissociation of the photoexcited B 1Πu state of Li2, which has Li(2 2P) + Li(2 2S) as products, it is found that the 2 2P32 fine-structure state is preferentially produced. The 2 2P32 and 2 2P12 atomic Li state production was measured by observing the fluorescence produced upon excitation to the 3 2D52 and 3 2D32 states using a single-mode cw tunable dye laser. The 2 2P12/2 2P32 ratio of the excited atomic lithium was measured as a function of helium gas pressure with 457.9, 476.5, or 488.0 nm argon ion laser wavelengths used to produce the B 1Πu state excitation.
Electrochemically Controlled Atom by Atom Deposition of Gold to Polyaniline

Polyaniline (PANI) has been an effective matrix for hosting and preserving metal nanoclusters. In the case of gold, the tetrachloroaurate anion (AuCl ― 4 ) has a high affinity for the imine sites of PANI. Upon contact with PANI, AuCl ― 4 is spontaneously reduced to metallic gold, but the size of the formed Au clusters cannot be precisely controlled. Herein, we report on the electrochemical method of controlled deposition of one atom by one atom of gold per imine site of PANI. By controlling the potential, we keep PANI in an oxidized state while exposing it to a solution of AuCl ― 4 to form a PANI * AuCl ― 4 complex, which is reduced to atomic gold by sweeping the potential negative. This frees up the imine sites of PANI again and makes them accessible for the next Au deposition cycle. The repeated deposition of Au atoms follows a cyclic pathway. The amount of gold deposited using this method is consistent for each repeated cycle.
Long-term follow-up of cutaneous changes in siblings with mandibuloacral dysplasia who were originally considered to have hereditary sclerosing poikiloderma

Mandibuloacral dysplasia is a rare syndrome characterized by mandibular hypoplasia, delayed cranial suture closure, dysplastic clavicles, abbreviated, club-shaped terminal phalanges, acroosteolysis, atrophy of the skin over the hands and feet, and poikilodermatous skin changes. We describe the cases of two siblings with features of mandibuloacral dysplasia who as children were considered to have hereditary sclerosing poikiloderma. On their reevaluation as adults, the clinical features of their condition were perceived to be compatible with mandibuloacral dysplasia.
Studies in trajectory tracking and launch point determination for ballistic missile defense

Detecting and localizing a threat ballistic missile as quickly and accurately as possible are key ingredients required to engage the missile during boost phase over the territory of the aggressor, and rapid and accurate launch point determination is crucial to attack hostile facilities. Earlier research has focused on track initiation, boost phase tracking and rapid launch point determination using augmented IMM and Kalman-based techniques. This work extends that earlier research by comparing these IMM and Kalman-based trackers and backfitters with the newer particle filters to see what advantages particle filters might offer in this application. Simulations used in this research assume the ballistic missile target is in boost phase, transitioning to coast phase using a gravity turn and constant gravity. The rocket is assumed to be single stage. The IMM tracker performs well in tracking through booster cutoff. A smoothed estimate of the initial target state vector is used to backfit for launch point determination. Errors in this process are rather large and there appear to be biases in the estimates. These results are compared with a particle filter implementation. Here the correct nonlinear model of the missile dynamics was used, but the algorithm had to estimate engine thrust and the drag coefficient as well as position and velocity states. This algorithm proved to be a large disappointment because the number of particles required to generate reasonable results was large and the algorithm run time became unrealistically long.
Search for Muons Produced in Conjunction with the Jψ Particle

In a large-acceptance spectrometer at Fermilab, we have searched for multimuon events produced in collisions of 225-GeV/c protons and ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ mesons with nuclei. In particular, additional muons accompanying the $\frac{J}{\ensuremath{\psi}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\mu}$ decay could signal charmed-particle production. For all data combined, the 90%-confidence limit on charmed-particle production in association with the $\frac{J}{\ensuremath{\psi}}$ is $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{JC}\overline{C}}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{J}}l0.01$; the limit on production of $\frac{J}{\ensuremath{\psi}}$ pairs is $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{JJ}}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{J}}l0.021$. Limits are also given for each beam particle separately.
Birds of a feather: teaching with Alice (abstract only)

This session is for anyone currently using Alice Level 2 and/or Alice Level 3, or those exploring the possibility of using Alice in their curriculum. The discussion leaders and attendees will share teaching strategies, tips, and techniques with each other and those new to Alice. This is an opportunity to share assignments and pointers to web sites to access instructional materials, such as syllabi, student projects, exams, and other resources. There will be a special emphasis on the new Alice 3 to Java textbook and accompanying support materials, how Alice supports the transition to Java, and mapping Alice 2 and Alice 3 curriculum standards and guidelines.
Design and performance of the 33-BM beamline at the Advanced Photon Source

Abstract The APS sector 33 bending magnet beamline was designed to provide high X-ray flux with relatively small focal spot (1 mm×0.5 mm with ∼10 12 ph/s/100 mA flux) and energy resolution limited mostly by the intrinsic resolution of the monochromator optics, δE / E =1.5×10 −4 . The beamline accepts 4 mrad of the dipole radiation fan and uses a fixed offset design. A collimating mirror is followed by a double-crystal monochromator with a sagitally bent Si second crystal. A second mirror is dynamically bent to vertically focus or to collimate the beam at the experiment location. This design successfully delivers focused X-rays with an energy range from 5 to 38 keV for use in diffraction measurements of thin films, interface structures and bulk materials. The monochromator has scanning capabilities that also enable anomalous scattering techniques. Experiments that demonstrate the performance of the beamline will be described.
The effect of crystalline phase on the fluorescence characteristics of solid cyclohexane and bicyclohexyl

Abstract Emission from cyclohexane and bicyclohexyl solids has been found to critically depend on their crystalline structure. The emission spectrum of cyclohexane suddenly blue-shifts 2900 cm −1 on cooling below its solid—solid phase transition temperature (−87.1°C). The bicyclohexyl emission intensity sharply decreases on freezing to solid and then again sharply recovers at a heretofore unreported phase transition temperature (≈ 0°C) with the spectrum 2500 cm −1 blue-shifted from that of the liquid. The results are discussed utilizing the partial Rydberg nature of the excited cycloalkane states.
Psychologic Stress and Threshold for Repetitive Ventricular Response

A psychologically stressful environment reduced the threshold of the dog's ventricle for repetitive response. Elicitation of such a response indicates the presence of electrical instability and a predisposition to ventricular fibrillation, the mechanism of sudden death.
Sincere versus sophisticated voting when legislators vote sequentially

Elsewhere (Groseclose and Milyo 2010), we examine a game where each legislator has preferences over (i) the resulting policy and (ii) how he or she votes. The latter preferences are especially important when the legislator is not pivotal. We show that when the game follows the normal rules of legislatures—most important, that legislators can change their vote after seeing how their fellow legislators have voted—then the only possible equilibrium is one where all legislators ignore their policy preferences. That is, each legislator votes as if he or she is not pivotal. The result, consistent with empirical studies of Congress, suggests that legislators should tend to vote sincerely, rather than sophisticatedly. In this paper we examine how outcomes change if we change the rules for voting. Namely, instead of a simultaneous game, we consider a game where legislators vote sequentially in a pre-determined order. We show that, opposite to the simultaneous game, an alternative wins if and only if a majority of legislators’ policy preferences favor that alternative. Our results suggest that if Congress adopted this change in rules, then sophisticated voting would become frequent instead of rare.
Tandem-Set Fyke Nets for Sampling Benthic Fishes in Lakes

Abstract We evaluated the effectiveness of two types of tandem-set fyke nets (round and D-shaped) for sampling fish in five lakes and compared fyke-net catches with contemporaneous gill-net catches. Fyke nets captured more benthic and cover-oriented species than gill nets, whereas gill nets captured more pelagic species. Seasonal variation in species composition and catch per unit effort (CPUE) was observed with fyke nets as well as gill nets. When sampling with fyke nets was limited to one season, large sample sizes were needed to detect changes in CPUE. Efficiency, ease of use, and low mortality of captured fish make tandem-set fyke nets a viable alternative to gill nets for assessing changes in community structure of benthic fishes in individual lakes. However, the large sampling effort required to detect changes in CPUE (unless target species are very abundant) limits the utility of fyke nets for monitoring the relative abundance of benthic species over time.
Reply to "Comment on volume relaxation around defects in silicon upon electron emission"

The proposed method of Nolte, Walukiewicz, and Haller for evaluating the conduction-band deformation potential for Si may be a step in the right direction; however, some cautions are emphasized.
Modeling switching response of torsional micromirrors for optical microsystems

The paper proposes an improved model for the switching response of torsional micromirrors by including the effect of counter electrostatic field in addition to the main field. Further, it is also proposed to include a stopper electrode in order to obtain 90° tilting angle for optical switching applications. Results on the static and dynamic behavior of the micromirrors under different parametric conditions are presented which indicate that the scan angle can be increased with the introduction of the stopper electrode. Also presented are the results on pull-in-voltage, natural frequency and settling time for different stopper geometry.
Effect of the Aromatic Ring Current on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Splitting owing to Molecular Dissymmetry

THE effect of molecular dissymmetry on the proton magnetic resonance multiplication has been the subject of a number of recent publications1–3, as has been the findings that the ring current of an aromatic nucleus can be used as an intramolecular probe to obtain additional structural information4–7.
Robotic hysterectomy and lymphadenectomy for endometrial cancer: technical aspects and details of success-the Ohio State University method.

Limited data exist regarding description and technical aspects of operating room (OR) set-up, port placement, and instrument selection for robotic gynecologic oncology procedures. The objective of this manuscript and video is to show the established protocol steps at our institution for setting up a robotic hysterectomy and comprehensive lymphadenectomy (dVH-LND) for endometrial cancer. OR preparation of the robotic system prior to patient entry and set-up is demonstrated. The patient is placed in low-lithotomy on an OR table that includes a beanbag and a gel pad that is taped securely for additional stabilization. The arms/shoulders are padded to decrease injury risk and the chest is padded with foam to protect the patient from robotic arm movements. The patient is prepped widely from mid-nipple line to beyond the mid-axillary line and draped. Vaginal instrumentation includes an end-to-end anstomosis (EEA) sizer and pneumo-occluder. Port preferences, placement, and instrument selections are also demonstrated. Using a four-arm robotic system, the camera port is placed midline, approximately 20–27 cm above the pubic symphysis. Robotic ports (RP) for arms #2 and #3 are placed 8–12 cm left lateral to and 15–30° down from the camera port at approximately the level of the umbilicus. A 12 mm laparoscopic assistant port and RP#1 are placed 8–12 cm right lateral to the umbilicus and in the same position as RP#3 and #2, respectively. An additional 5 mm port is placed beneath the costal margin. This method requires only a single docking and one instrument exchange. The bedside assistant stands on the right and is essential for exposure, manipulating the uterus, passage of suture, and troubleshooting potential problems. In addition, port closure technique and methods to remove a large uterus are discussed. We have successfully completed over 70 dVH-LND for endometrial cancer using this protocol. Establishing a systematic routine for OR set-up and port placement in robotic surgery for gynecologic oncology is important for patient safety and allows for efficient use of OR time.
Safety and efficacy of PF-3512676 for the treatment of stage IV renal cell carcinoma: an open-label, multicenter phase I/II study.

Abstract Purpose Single-agent PF-3512676 (agatolimod), a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, was examined in an open-label, single-arm, multicenter phase I/II study to determine its maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety profile, antitumor activity, pharmacokinetics, and immunologic effects in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients and Methods PF-3512676 was administered subcutaneously weekly for up to 24 weeks to 39 adults with stage IV RCC. Patients were excluded if they had received previous therapy other than surgery. Phase I dose escalation began at 0.08 mg/kg, with phase II expansion to 20 patients to estimate objective response rates at 0.16 mg/kg. Doses were subsequently escalated to 0.81 mg/kg according to the phase I design. Results An MTD was not reached. One patient who received 0.54 mg/kg had dose-limiting toxicities (grade 3 nonhematologic adverse events [AEs], including anorexia). The most commonly reported AEs were flu-like symptoms and local injection-site reactions of mild-to-moderate severity. The most commonly reported serious AE was grade 3 fatigue in 4 patients (10%). Grade 4 AEs included anemia, exacerbated dyspnea, and polyarthralgia in 1 patient each. Two patients (5%), 1 each in the 0.16-mg/kg and 0.54-mg/kg cohorts, achieved a partial response. Both responses were durable (35 and 40 months). Conclusion This was the first study to examine PF-3512676 safety and antitumor activity in patients with advanced RCC. Single-agent treatment was tolerable. At the doses tested, PF-3512676 had modest antitumor activity. Additional studies in combination with other agents or at higher monotherapy doses might be warranted.
Enhancement of beef chuck and loin muscles with ammonium hydroxide and salt.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the tenderness of beef chuck and round muscles when enhanced with ammonium hydroxide and salt at different pump levels. A randomized, complete block design of 4 treatments and 3 muscles with 3 replications was used, with a total of 15 subprimals per treatment. Treatments included a 0% (CON), 15% (T15), 22.5% (T22), and 30% (T30) target pump. The triceps brachii (TB), biceps femoris (BF), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles were studied. Muscles were injected with a solution of ammonium hydroxide and sodium chloride (patent-pending technology from Freezing Machines Inc., Dakota Dunes, SD). Individual steaks were cut to a thickness of 2.54 cm, vacuum-packaged in trays, and frozen. Warner-Bratzler shear force, pH, and sensory evaluations were determined. Shear force decreased as the target pump percentage increased for all muscles (P 0.050). As percentage pump increased, pH increased. The ultimate pH was moderately strongly to strongly related to shear force (r = 0.55, 0.70, and 0.80 for RF, TB, and BF, respectively). Trained taste panel ratings revealed an increase in tenderness, decrease in connective tissue, and an increase in juiciness as pump level increased for all muscles. In all cases but one (juiciness of the RF), the CON had the least desirable ratings and shear force values (P < 0.050). There were no major differences between T15 and T22, and T30 steaks tended to have an uncharacteristic soft and mushy texture. For this reason a 20% target pump level was determined to be the optimum pump level. These data suggest that adjusting pH in beef with ammonium hydroxide and salt can increase tenderness in muscles from the beef chuck and round. Any level of treatment was beneficial, with the greatest shear force benefit occurring in muscle pumped to 30%.
Fundamental and technical methods of ethics

Consequentialists and deontologists alike tacitly presume that moral decisions should be reached from basic assessments of theoretically set moral value. The presumption they share, I argue, is seriously mistaken. We need to distinguish two general methods of reaching moral decisions, that of the moral fundamentalist and that of the moral technician. Moral fundamentalists and technicians differ in their methods, but not in their aims. The distinction between the two general methods of ethics is particularly important for consequentialism. I maintain that a consequentialist may be without inconsistency a utilitarian fundamentalist and a deontological technician. I suggest that when we pay heed to our epistemic constraints, we have strong consequentialist grounds for adopting this unusual position.
In vitro inactivation of plasma α1-proteinase inhibitor by epoxides and 1,2-dihaloethanes

The inactivating effects of three epoxides and two dihaloethanes on the proteinase inhibitory activities of α1-proteinase inhibitor, as well as those of the plasma itself, were investigated. All of the three epoxides (styrene oxide, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), individually, inactivated the elastase inhibitory or trypsin inhibitory activity of proteinase inhibitor, and that of whole plasma. Styrene oxide is the most effective inactivator of either purified α1-proteinase inhibitor or plasma, followed by ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in a decreasing order of potency. The dihaloethanes, 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,2-dibromoethane, also inactivated the proteinase inhibitory activities of α1-proteinase inhibitor with the former being somewhat more effective than the latter. Concomitant modification of the amino group was also observed with these chemicals.
Mr. Madison's War: Politics, Diplomacy, and Warfare in the Early American Republic, 1783-1830

The Description for this book, Mr. Madison's War: Politics, Diplomacy, and Warfare in the Early American Republic, 1783-1830, will be forthcoming.
Dislocations and inclusions

Abstract A comparison is made between Eshelby's formulations of the static inclusion poblem in terms of point-forces and in terms of dislocations. Although the two formulations are mathematically equivalent, the difference between the physical processes to which they correspond is demonstrated by considering the stress waves arising from the sudden creation of an inclusion by either process. Associated energy effects are also examined. In the course of the analysis, general relations for time-dependent spontaneous deformations and dislocations are discussed, and it is shown how relations for the latter may be deduced from relations for the former.
Refined analysis of the seismic response of column-supported cooling tower

Abstract A cooling tower in the 1200MW Fossil Fuel Steam Generating Power Plant at Paradise, Kentucky (Tennessee Valley Authority) is studied. Half of the shell is modeled using orthotropic quadrilateral flat plate finite elements. The supporting columns and top ring beam are modeled by beam finite elements. The time-history response of 30 sec. to the North-South acceleration component of the 18 May 1940 EI Centro earthquake is computed by the technique of modal superposition. A response spectrum analysis is used to ascertain the maximum response of the first three eccentric modes with 4% critical damping. From a RMS estimate of the total maximum response, forces and stresses in the shell and columns are obtained. The contribution of gravity loading is included.
Forces and torques on current circuits placed in nonuniform magnetic fields

The theory of forces and torques on current circuits of arbitrary shape placed in nonuniform magnetic fields is briefly reviewed. Exact expressions for forces and torques are derived based on the principle of virtual displacement, and the results are expressed in terms of magnetic dipole moment of the loop. >
Resolved but not forgotten: Stroop conflict dredges up the past.

The magnitude of congruency effects depends on, among other things, the specifics of previously trials. To explain these modulating effects, a host of mechanisms by which previous trials affect the processing of relevant and irrelevant information on the present trial have been proposed, including feature-repetition advantages, negative priming, item-specific proportion congruency (ISPC) effects, display-frequency effects, and sequential modulations of both congruency and frequency effects. However, few experiments have been designed to independently manipulate these factors. In the present study, we used a four-choice Stroop task in which we hold constant the frequencies of the stimulus features and responses, but manipulate the frequencies of their conjunctions. We modified the procedure used by Jacoby et al. (2003), under which the possible word-color pairings differed in terms of proportion occurrence, by adding neutral trials to obtain independent estimates of these various potential effects. The results indicate that feature repetitions, display frequency, and sequential modulations of both congruency and frequency effects all affect response time. However, no evidence for an ISPC effect was obtained; the display frequency effect measured on the neutral trials accounted for all differences in the congruency effect, as proposed by Schmidt and Besner (2008). Sequential modulations of congruency effects were observed when the overall proportion of congruent trials was held to a chance level and marginal display frequency was also held constant.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Serum and Urine Concentrations in Neutropenic Neonates Before and After Intravenous Administration of Recombinant Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor

BACKGROUND Recombinant granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) has been suggested as a treatment for certain varieties of neonatal neutropenia, but little is known about the pharmacologic disposition of rG-CSF in that population. METHODS Ten neutropenic neonates were treated with rG-CSF, 10 micrograms/kg intravenously once daily for 3 to 5 days. Serum and urine samples were obtained before rG-CSF dosing and at intervals thereafter for G-CSF quantification by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Five of the neutropenic neonates (termed group 1) were not infected but likely had hyporegenerative neutropenia (4 were born after pregnancy-induced hypertension/intrauterine growth restriction, and 1 had Rh hemolytic disease). Five other infants (group 2) had neutropenia accompanying bacterial sepsis and shock. Before receiving the first dose of rG-CSF, endogenous G-CSF serum and urine concentrations were relatively low in group 1, averaging 130 pg/mL (range: 48-209) in serum and 53 pg/mL (range: 15-141) in urine. Serum concentrations immediately before the final dose were much higher (range: 81-24 835 pg/mL), whereas urine concentrations were unchanged (range: <7 pg/mL-126 pg/mL). In group 2 patients, before receiving the first-dose of rG-CSF, endogenous concentrations were very high, averaging 59 575 pg/mL (range: 20 028-98 280) in serum and 3189 pg/mL (range: 23-4770) in urine. Predose serum concentrations before the final dose (range: 427-14 460 pg/mL) were lower than before the first dose. The area under the concentration curve after the first dose of rG-CSF administration in group 1 was significantly lower than after the first dose in group 2, but no difference in area under the concentration curve was observed between groups 1 and 2 after the last dose of rG-CSF. SPECULATION The principal means of clearing G-CSF from the serum is by saturable binding to specific G-CSF receptors (G-CSF-Rs). Therefore, the very high G-CSF serum and urine concentrations of group 2 patients before the first rG-CSF dose implies that their G-CSF-Rs were saturated before the dose was given. We speculate that if G-CSF-Rs are saturated with endogenous G-CSF, treatment with rG-CSF will add little or nothing to the granulocytopoietic effort. On this basis, we judge that neonates with septic shock and neutropenia are unlikely to derive benefit from rG-CSF administration.
Production of Hydrogen from Coal Char in an Electrofluid Reactor

The characteristics of electrofluid reactor are reviewed, and a reaction model which appears to fit experimental results is proposed. Product gas compositions and energy requirements predicted by the model for the gasification process are presented for various possible operating conditions. The present state of development of the reaction system and foreseeable problems which must be worked out are reviewed. In addition, the adaptation of the process to the production of various products such as hydrogen, methane, and methanol is discussed. 13 references.
Temporal and spatial distributions of nitrate‐nitrogen in two furrow‐irrigated semiarid soils amended for sludge and fertilizer

Abstract A statistical comparison of data collected from two cotton production fields with a history of either commercial fertilizer or sludge amendments showed significantly different nitrate‐nitrogen (N) concentrations in time and space. The sludge‐amended field had high nitrate concentrations in the root zone (1.5 m) throughout the season. Whereas, the fertilized field showed low nitrate‐N concentrations during the same period. Both fields showed significant increases in nitrate‐N following pre‐plant irrigation events, and significant decreases of nitrate‐N in the root zone during the growing season. Following harvest, the sludge‐amended field had very large reserve of nitrate‐N in the profile. The spatial variabilities, as determined by the % coefficients of variations (CVs) of eight cores per sampling event, of nitrate‐N distributions where large in both fields, 69% and 90% for the sludge and fertilizer field, respectively. The estimated nitrate‐N leaching losses were much higher in the sludge‐amende...
Primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy.

Objective: To provide an up-to-date review of primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) as a complication of pregnancy. Methods: We discuss the initial manifestations of primary HPT in pregnant patients, the diagnosis, the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia, and the recommended treatment strategies. Results: In the nonpregnant state, 50 to 80% of patients with primary HPT are asymptomatic. In contrast, pregnant patients with primary HPT have a wide variety of symptoms and findings: gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and anorexia), weakness and fatigue, headaches and confusion, nephrolithiasis, bone disease, pancreatitis, urinary tract infection, and hypertension. Occasionally, neonatal hypocalcemia is the initial manifestation of maternal HPT. Diagnosis of primary HPT during pregnancy is dependent on the clinical history and laboratory findings. In general, management of maternal primary HPT during pregnancy should be individualized and based on the patient's symptoms, general medical condition, se...
Refined cell parameters of the Ln2WO6-type rare earth tungstates

Abstract Rare earth tungstates of the stoichiometry Ln2WO6 where Ln = Ce to Lu have been prepared and their lattice parameters were refined by a least-squares method. They have two structures: the C 2 c symmetry for the compositions Ce2WO6 through Ho2WO6, and a monoclinic group from Er2WO6 to Lu2WO6 crystallizing most likely in the P 2 m or P2 1 m structure. High pressure modifications are described for Dy2WO6 and Ho2WO6.
Towards a next generation open-source video codec

Google has recently been developing a next generation opensource video codec called VP9, as part of the experimental branch of the libvpx repository included in the WebM project (http://www.webmproject.org/). Starting from the VP8 video codec released by Google in 2010 as the baseline, a number of enhancements and new tools have been added to improve the coding efficiency. This paper provides a technical overview of the current status of this project along with comparisons and other stateoftheart video codecs H. 264/AVC and HEVC. The new tools that have been added so far include: larger prediction block sizes up to 64x64, various forms of compound INTER prediction, more modes for INTRA prediction, ⅛pel motion vectors and 8tap switchable subpel interpolation filters, improved motion reference generation and motion vector coding, improved entropy coding and framelevel entropy adaptation for various symbols, improved loop filtering, incorporation of Asymmetric Discrete Sine Transforms and larger 16x16 and 32x32 DCTs, frame level segmentation to group similar areas together, etc. Other tools and various bitstream features are being actively worked on as well. The VP9 bitstream is expected to be finalized by earlyto mid2013. Results show VP9 to be quite competitive in performance with mainstream stateoftheart codecs.
Reactions of Transition-Metal Cyclopropyl and η1-Allyl Complexes with Sulfur Dioxide and Disulfur Monoxide

The preparations of several cyclopentadienyl iron dicarbonyl cyclopropyl and η1-allyl complexes as well as (Me2PhP)(CO)4 manganese allyl complexes are reported. The iron complexes participated in 3 + 2 cycloaddition reactions with sulfur dioxide (SO2) and disulfur monoxide (S2O) to yield regioisomeric transition-metal substituted 1,2-oxathiolane 1-oxides (sulfenate esters) and 1,2-dithiolane 1-oxides (thiosulfinate esters), respectively. The manganese allyl complexes reacted with both SO2 and S2O to produce insertion products.