cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Tumor of the Pituitary Gland

Although metastatic tumors of the pituitary gland and the sellar region are not common, they may radiographically mimic a pituitary tumor. Because the metastasis frequently involves the posterior lobe and because lateral extension to the cavernous sinus is common, patients may present with ptosis, diplopia, or diabetes insipidus. Decrease in anterior pituitary function is less common. Metastatic tumors contain abundant vascular networks, as evidenced by frequent blush on cerebral angiography and increased bleeding at operation. We report the case of a 57-year-old woman who presented with rapid onset of bilateral ptosis and ophthalmoplegia and was found to have a metastatic carcinoma within the pituitary gland.
A simplified method of calculating the score test for serial correlation in multivariate models

Abstract In this paper we derive the Lagrange Multiplier test for the error process in a multivariate regression model being a first-order vector autoregressive process and show it is asymptotically equivalent to nR 2 from an auxiliary regression.
Torsion Dynamics and Depolarization of Fluorescence of Linear Macromolecules I. Theory and Application to DNAt

Abstract A model consisting of a series of N+ 1 identical rigid rods connected at their ends by torsion springs and undergoing rotational brownian motion about their fixed symmetry axes is proposed as a model for the torsion dynamics of DNA. The fluorescence anisotropy bfbnund flunrophores is expressed in terms of angular correlation functions, the subsequent calculation of which is virtually identical to that recently presented for the dynamic structure factor of tIse RouseuZimm model. Tin complete time course of the fluorescence anisotropy is divided into four zones, (i) initial exponential decay zone, (ii) iotermediate zone, (iii) longest internal mude zone, and (iv) uniform mode zone. Simple approximate expressions for the lluoresccnee anisotropy are derived for the initial exponential decay zone and for the intermediate zone. The mag- nitude of end-effects, due to enhanced amplitudes of motion near the chain ends, in the intermediate zone is investigated botls numerically and analytically, and the domain of validity of the approximate expression pertinent to that zone is de- termined to be 100-fold smaller than previously supposed. The fluorescence anisotropy decay data of Wahl, Paoletti and Le Pecq for ethidium bound to DNA is interpreted in terms of this nsodel. Although relaxations in zones (iii) and (iv) can be ruled out, it is possible to obtain equally good fits to the decay dala either in zone (i) witls parameters pertinent to a rod-length of 86 base-pairs or in zone (ii) with parameters pertinent to a rod-length of I base pair. However, other data, in- cluding the steady-state polarization anisotropy in concentrated sucrose solution, definitely favor the zone (i) fit with a rod-length of 86 base-pairs, thus providing evidence for isolated torsion joints, or inhomogeneities in the torsional rigidity, nf that particular calf-thymus DNA. A comparison of twisting energies compused from the present optimum torsion con- stants with the measured free-energies of supercoil formation is also given.
Two Types of Baroclinic Life Cycles during the Southern Hemisphere Summer

Abstract Baroclinic eddy life cycles of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) summer are investigated with NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data. A composite analysis is performed for the years 1980 through 2004. Individual life cycles are identified by local maxima in synoptic-scale eddy energy. Two types of baroclinic life cycles are examined, each defined by the strength of the barotropic energy conversion 2 days prior to the maximum baroclinic growth. For one life cycle, the barotropic conversion is anomalously weak before the maximum baroclinic growth; for the other, the barotropic conversion is anomalously strong. These two life cycles are referred to as the weak barotropic (WB) and strong barotropic (SB) life cycles. The analyses for the WB life cycle find that a poleward anomalous wave activity flux is observed within the SH tropics and subtropics just before the initial growth of the synoptic-scale eddies. In contrast, the SB life cycle exhibits an equatorward anomalous wave activity flux prior to the initial wave de...
Does the river run wild? Assessing chaos in hydrological systems

Abstract The standing debate over whether hydrological systems are deterministic or stochastic has been taken to a new level by controversial applications of chaos mathematics. This paper reviews the procedure, constraints, and past usage of a popular chaos time series analysis method, correlation integral analysis, in hydrology and adds a new analysis of daily streamflow from a pristine watershed. Significant problems with the use of correlation integral analysis (CIA) were found to include a continued reliance on the original algorithm even though it was corrected subsequently and failure to consider the physics underlying mathematical results. The new analysis of daily streamflow reported here found no attractor with D ⩽5. Phase randomization of the Fourier Transform of streamflow was used to provide a better stochastic surrogate than an Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) model or gaussian noise for distinguishing between chaotic and stochastic dynamics.
A model for the retention of toxic gases by impregnated carbon

Abstract A model is formulated that describes the retention of toxic agents from a gas stream passing through a bed packed with carbon pellets impregnated with metal compounds (e.g., ASC whetlerite). The model is based on the assumption that uptake of the toxic gas follows two independent paths: physical adsorption of the toxic gas by carbon and chemical reaction between the toxic gas and impregnants. Both the external and intraparticle mass transfer effects are included in the model. The model predictions compare reasonably well with available experimental data.
Carcinoma of the Esophagus: Twelve Years' Experience with a Philosophy for Palliation

Abstract Twelve years of experience have now been gained with a new therapeutic approach to carcinoma of the esophagus. In this approach, the primary goal of treatment is palliation, with cure an important but secondary objective. Carcinomas in the upper third of the esophagus are treated by radiation therapy unless there is severe obstruction or tracheal invasion, in which case colon interposition is performed. Limited resection with esophagogastrostomy is performed through a right thoracotomy and midline laparotomy for neoplasms in the middle third of the esophagus and through a left thoracotomy for carcinomas in the lower third. Since 1969, 161 patients have been evaluated, of whom 107 (66%) have been managed according to the new protocol. Twenty patients with carcinomas of the upper third of the esophagus were treated primarily by radiotherapy and 7 by colon interposition. Resection was performed in 78 of the 80 patients with carcinomas of the middle and lower thirds. There were 9 operative deaths (10%). Palliation, of superior quality to that obtained by previous methods, was provided to 95 of the 107 patients. Survival also is at least on a par with that obtained before.
Will Changing Media Change the World? An Exploratory Investigation of the Impact of Digital Advertising on Opportunities for Creative Women

ABSTRACTDigital media has profoundly affected the advertising industry as new channels supplant traditional media and Internet advertising moves beyond rudimentary display ads to the likes of viral video and social networking. Despite research into new creative products, few studies have investigated potential changes in creative work processes as new players nudge out traditional agencies and traditional agencies struggle to reinvent themselves. This study explores how digital media might affect the creative careers of women, who were constrained by the organizational structure dominant in the twentieth century. The findings, from interviews with 27 advertising and marketing communication practitioners, suggest that digital agencies develop their work differently than traditional advertising agencies and that the nature of digital work requires more diverse and specialized project teams. This shift has increased collaboration among creative personnel and led to a more positive workplace experience for women.
Inservice data reporting standards for engineering reliability and risk analysis

Abstract On two recent occasions, structural and mechanical engineers were challenged either to come up with a solution to the data base problem of the reliability analysis methodology or to avoid using the tool as a serious mathematical model to resolve issues of safety and productivity. The two occasions were: (1) The September 1978 publication of an assessment of the 1975 Reactor Safety Study (WASH-1400), by a review panel by H.W. Lewis. (2) The convening in December 1978 of an international symposium on inservice data reporting and analysis, sponsored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and held at San Francisco. This paper is a direct response to the challenge. The notion of an adequate data base is first defined in terms of three essential elements. It is then demonstrated via a medical analogy that an ‘optimal’ plan of data reporting and some national or international standards for such reporting are desirable. A formula for estimating variabilities based on a combination of inservice and failure data is proposed.
Somatomedin in Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

TSomatomedin activity in sera from twelve insulin-dependent diabetics was measured bythe chick embryo cartilage assay system. All patients required insulin for control of hyperglycemia, and had been continuously treated with exogenous insulin for 3 to 25 years. Mean fasting somatomedin activity was elevated in this group of diabetics, and activity did not correlate with the simultaneous blood glucose concentrations. No significant differences were demonstrable between levels in diabetics with and without retinopathy or in patients with and without proteinuria.
Immunospecificity and localization of radiolabeled human growth hormone in the mouse

Bei mannlichen Mausen wurde die Bindung von125I-HGH untersucht. Im Vergleich zur Bindung an andere Gewebe derselben Tiere konnte eine zellspezifische Bindung im Bereich der Samenblasen festgestellt werden. Die Befunde werden in Hinblick auf eine Steroid-erganzende Tatigkeit des HGH diskutiert.
Leukemias, myeloma, and other lymphoreticular neoplasms.

Background. The purpose of this study was to assess, the occurrence of various morphologic types of leukemia ) and myeloma within patient demographic groups and to correlate findings with data-reporting periods and other variables, such as 5-year relative survival. Methods. Data from 31,850 cases of multiple subgroups of acute and chronic leukemia, 12,237 cases of myeloma, and 321 cases of “other” lymphoreticular neoplasms were collected by the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. The data were examined by age, sex, race, age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rate, and patient 5-year relative survival during three reporting periods: 1973-1977, 1978-1982, and 1983-1987. Results. The age-adjusted incidence rate for all categories of leukemia combined has been constant, but there has been an increase in the relative frequency (percentage) of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) in the general population and a rising incidence rate of myeloid leukemia in the black population. The increase of ALL is offset by a decline of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) and acute leukemia, not otherwise specified. The age-adjusted rate of ALL in whites, 1.5 per 100,000 per year, is twice that of blacks, 0.8. The rates for each of the major categories of leukemia are considerably higher in males than in females. Five-year survival rates changed very little for leukemias over the 15 years of the study except for ALL, in which there was a marked improvement between the first (1973-1977) (39.1%) and second (1978-1982) (51.3%) reporting period. The SEER data confirm that multiple myeloma is predominantly a disease of late adulthood and occurs more frequently in blacks and males. The incidence rate of multiple myeloma has not changed during the 15 years surveyed. The 5-year relative survival rate has remained nearly constant for multiple myeloma. There is a marked difference in 5-year relative survival rates for patients with plasmacytoma of bone marrow (45.7%), multiple myeloma (25.9%), and plasma cell leukemia (13.0%). Conclusions. Shifts in the relative frequencies of leukemia types may have been affected by changes in classification criteria, changes in the use of histologic terms over time, and the expanded use of immunophenotyping and other technology to characterize acute leukemias. Incidence rates and 5-year relative survival rates for myeloma have remained stable.
Stellar evolution at high mass with convective core overshooting

The transition from stellar evolution models with no convective core overshooting (CCO) at all to models in which homogeneous mixing due to CCO reaches far beyond the formal convective core boundary is systematically explored. Overshooting is parameterized in terms of the ratio d/H(p), where d is the distance of convective overshoot beyond the formal convective core boundary and H(p) is the local pressure scale height. It is concluded that CCO in very massive main sequence stars produces a great expansion of the stellar envelope if d/H(p) is large but not excessively large. CCO does not entirely suppress convective instability above the overshoot zone in the envelopes of main sequence stars more massive than about 15 solar masses. A general comparison of theoretically constructed isochrones for young stars with observed main sequence turnups indicates that the observed turnups are longer, brighter, and cooler at the tip than those expected on thfe basis of standard evolutionary theory.
Sports Events as a Form of Tourist Product, Relating to the Volume and Character of Demand

Sport is, in itself, attractive, but this attractiveness is realized through competitions – events – which have to be organized at a particular time and place, in accordance with specific rules. Competitive sport differs from recreation mainly because it is a sort of ritual, it is standardized, and does not tolerate other, new and free forms of activity. If a competition, conducted in one or several locations, turns into a system accompanied by activities characteristic of the formation of an integral tourist product, then a sportstouristic event is created. The sport will be the primary component, the main value of the offer, but the other values and forms of the offer should be there, and should be stimulating and complementary. However, there is also the possibility that in some tourist products the sport will be an accompanying event, but so strongly visible that it will decisively influence the overall impression. For this reason, this paper is devoted to both possibilities: sports events that are ev...
Probabilistically safe motion planning to avoid dynamic obstacles with uncertain motion patterns

This paper presents a real-time path planning algorithm that guarantees probabilistic feasibility for autonomous robots with uncertain dynamics operating amidst one or more dynamic obstacles with uncertain motion patterns. Planning safe trajectories under such conditions requires both accurate prediction and proper integration of future obstacle behavior within the planner. Given that available observation data is limited, the motion model must provide generalizable predictions that satisfy dynamic and environmental constraints, a limitation of existing approaches. This work presents a novel solution, named RR-GP, which builds a learned motion pattern model by combining the flexibility of Gaussian processes (GP) with the efficiency of RRT-Reach, a sampling-based reachability computation. Obstacle trajectory GP predictions are conditioned on dynamically feasible paths identified from the reachability analysis, yielding more accurate predictions of future behavior. RR-GP predictions are integrated with a robust path planner, using chance-constrained RRT, to identify probabilistically feasible paths. Theoretical guarantees of probabilistic feasibility are shown for linear systems under Gaussian uncertainty; approximations for nonlinear dynamics and/or non-Gaussian uncertainty are also presented. Simulations demonstrate that, with this planner, an autonomous vehicle can safely navigate a complex environment in real-time while significantly reducing the risk of collisions with dynamic obstacles.
Two-dimensional scattering of SH waves in a soil layer underlain with a sloping bedrock

Abstract A two-dimensional analysis is applied to examine the effect that a sloping bedrock half-space has on the amplification of an anti-plane shear wave. The direct boundary integral equation method is used for the two-dimensional analysis. The particular soil–rock configuration investigated includes a homogeneous soil layer underlain by a sloping rock half-space. The rock half-space dips for a horizontal distance L and then becomes horizontal so that the overlying soil layer has a thickness H that remains constant from this point to infinity. The materials in the soil–rock configuration are considered viscoelastic except in the rock half-space below soil layer thickness H , which is considered elastic. This limitation in damping is due to the correction used for the truncation of the half-space boundary. Four cases are used to study the relationship between rock slope and surface displacement, vertical, 1:2, 1:4, 1:8. Surface displacements are determined for each of these cases for half-space incidence angles of 90, 75, and 60°. To allow for applicability to a wide range of problems, results are determined as a function of dimensionless parameters. In addition, solutions from a one-dimensional analysis are compared with the results of the two-dimensional analysis to establish limits outside of which a one-dimensional analysis suffices.
Temperature sensitive contact lenses for triggered ophthalmic drug delivery

Ophthalmic drug delivery through eye drops is inefficient because of low corneal bioavailability and short residence time in tears. Contact lenses are ideally suited for extended and targeted drug delivery to cornea, but commercial contact lenses release ophthalmic drugs for only 1-2 h. This study focuses on dispersing timolol encapsulating highly crosslinked nanoparticles in contact lenses to increase the duration of drug release from 1 to 2 h to about 2-4 weeks. The highly crosslinked particles were prepared from monomers with multivinyl functionalities such as EGDMA (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and PGT (propoxylated glyceryl triacylate). The nanoparticles were about 3.5 nm in size and encapsulated 48-66% of the drug depending on the composition. Drug release studies in a diffusion cell showed that the particles released the drug for a period of about 4 weeks. The drug loaded particles were dispersed in hydroxy methyl methacrylate (HEMA) gels, which are common contact lens materials. The particle loaded gels release timolol in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 2-4 weeks at therapeutic dose, which is promising for extended drug release applications. The proposed mechanism of drug transport is hydrolysis of ester bonds that link timolol to the particle matrix which form during the particle formation process. The drug release profiles can be described by a first order reaction model with a temperature dependent rate constant. The rate constant of ester hydrolysis was significantly smaller than that in previous studies on timolol esters possibly due to steric effects and the low water content of the highly crosslinked hydrophobic particles. The results of this study provide evidences that contact lenses loaded with nanoparticles could be very useful for extended delivery of ophthalmic drugs.
THE DIAGNOSIS OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

''The diversity of symptoms, signs, and course of multiple sclerosis that continues to astonish even the most experienced physician, affords almost unlimited opportunities for misdiagnosis." W. B. MATTHEWS 15 A patient presenting with symptoms of possible multiple sclerosis (MS) should be thought of in the same manner as a defendant in a court of law accused of committing a crime. The process a neurologist uses to diagnose MS greatly resembles that which a juror uses to convict a criminal. Because there is no definitive test for MS, the diagnosis must be reached by careful examination of all the evidence in each case, both for and against the disease, and through questioning, examining, and testing, the neurologist must assemble this evidence until it is sufficiently compelling to find the patient ''guilty" or ''not guilty" of having MS. Even using great care, the diagnosis may be made in error (innocent people found guilty), or inappropriately dismissed (guilty people found innocent), and expert neurologists may disagree among themselves (hung juries). 33 And, as in all such endeavors so heavily dependent upon human judgment, some doubt often exists as to whether justice was done. This inability to conclusively prove the diagnosis ''beyond a shadow of a doubt" (short of autopsy), combined with the many nuances and pitfalls in the history, physical examination, and testing for MS, make it one of the most challenging of all neurologic diseases to diagnose. Many physicians therefore show great reluctance to commit themselves to a definite diagnosis, especially because the implications for the patient (and for themselves if they are wrong) are so great. Nevertheless, it is important to establish a diagnosis as early as possible because the stakes are high indeed. When given a diagnosis of MS, a patient may lose his present job and his future employability. It may be impossible to obtain life or health insurance, to donate blood, or to adopt a child. Divorce is a common sequel of the diagnosis, often with loss of child custody. Peace of mind certainly is lost— the diagnosis of a chronic, relapsing, often disabling but unpredictable disease can crumble even the sturdiest psychological defenses, especially in young people. Although these are sufficiently compelling reasons to establish a definite diagnosis of MS, there now also are strong medical reasons for doing so. Proved therapies are available (including β-interferon and copolymer-1), with new ones pending approval in the immediate future, capable of altering the natural history of MS by minimizing attacks, decreasing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of MS, and possibly slowing its progression. The data strongly suggest that these therapies all are most effective when initiated as early as possible in the course of the disease. The three essential pieces of ''evidence" the neurologist should examine when attempting to arrive at a diagnosis are the history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Any of these may be convincing alone, but all may need scrutiny before rendering a final verdict.
Supporting the Distance Learning Community with Interlibrary Loan and Collection Management at the University of Florida Libraries

An overview of the ways in which interlibrary loan and document delivery statistics can assist in collection building and refinement. Included are how statistics can assist in the purchasing of new books and journals, in format selection and the purchase of backfiles, and how they assist in journal cuts and the selection of print materials to be digitized.
The CDF SVX II upgrade silicon detector: Silicon Sensors Performances for the CDF SVX II Upgrade Group

Abstract A microstrip silicon detector SVX II (The CDF II Technical Design Report, CDF Collaboration, FERMILAB-Pub-96/360-E) has been proposed for the upgrade of CDF to be installed in 1999 for Run II of the Tevatron. Three barrels of five layers of double-sided silicon microstrip detectors will cover the interaction region. Beginning with a description of the project the attention will be focused on the silicon sensors performances. The prototypes studies (D. Bortoletto, Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A 386 (1997) 87 ) led to the final choice that is investigated here. Full characterization of the production Hamamatsu sensors is presented including probe station measurements and test beam results before and after irradiation. Analysis of data taken during the CDF beam test at the FNAL Meson Beamline and related S/N, resolution and charge collection measurements are reported.
Capitalizing on the “teachable moment” to promote healthy dietary changes among cancer survivors: the perspectives of health care providers

Purpose Although cancer is often thought of as a teachable moment, many cancer survivors do not adhere to behavioral recommendations that might improve their health. This study explored health care providers’ perspectives on the importance and feasibility of addressing behavior change, specifically healthy diet, with cancer survivors.
Atrial Fibrillation: Antiarrhythmic Therapy Versus Rate Control With Antithrombotic Therapy

Atrial fibrillation is a major health problem in the United States, but the best strategies for treating it have not been rigorously determined in clinical studies. Specifically, there is a paucity of data comparing the approach of maintaining sinus rhythm using prophylactic antiarrhythmic drug therapy with the approach of controlling the ventricular response to atrial fibrillation while reducing embolic events with concomitant antithrombotic therapy. Until ongoing randomized trials are completed, which patients benefit most from a specific approach cannot be determined with certainty. In general, the most reasonable strategies include (1) the restoration of sinus rhythm (without prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy) after the patient’s first episode of atrial fibrillation; and (2) the maintenance of sinus rhythm (including the use of prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy) in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate rate control, and who are not at high risk for proarrhythmia and/or are unlikely to maintain sinus rhythm. The risks and benefits need to be carefully weighed in patients with truly asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Many patients may require multiple attempts to maintain sinus rhythm. Current investigative treatment modalities (e.g., ablation techniques, atrial implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, new antiarrhythmic agents) are likely to alter the current approaches to atrial fibrillation. Q1997 by Excerpta Medica, Inc. Am J Cardiol 1997;80(8A):74G‐ 81G
Fourth-Grade Students' Motivational Changes in an Elementary Physical Education Running Program

Achievement goal theory and the expectancy-value model of achievement choice were used to examine fourth-grade students' motivational changes in an elementary physical education running program. In fall and spring of the school year, participants (N = 113; 66 boys, 47 girls) completed questionnaires assessing achievement goals, expectancy beliefs, subjective task values, and intention for future running participation. They also completed a timed 1-mile (1.6 km) run. The number of laps they ran/walked during the school year was used to assess students' persistence/effort. Results indicated the students improved their run but became less motivated about running while participating in a year-long running program. Children's beliefs about how good they were in the running program (i.e., expectancy beliefs) and their perceptions of how interesting and fun it was (i.e., interest) emerged as the strongest positive predictors of their motivation for running over time. These findings provide strong empirical evide...
A Case of Hemiabdominal Myoclonus

Myoclonus consists of sudden, brief, involuntary jerky muscular contractions. Central and peripheral nervous system lesions are involved in the pathogenesis of this movement disorder. Symptomatic or secondary spinal myoclonus is the most common form. A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed with hemiabdominal spinal myoclonus. Occasional and very mild involuntary repetitive movements of the hemiabdomen began immediately after surgery for uterine cancer. After surgery for laparocele, secondary to the uterine cancer surgery, performed under spinal anesthesia, there was severe worsening of movements. Neuroradiological investigations failed to demonstrate spinal injury, while neurophysiological studies showed impairment of the right central somatosensory pathway. Considering the low resolution of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of thoracic level, we suggest an extensive neurophysiological evaluation in patients with spinal myoclonus.
Meeting High Standards: The Effect of Perfectionism on Task Performance, Self-Esteem, and Self-Efficacy in College Students

Perfectionism is currently believed to be a multidimensional construct. This study focused on the perspective that perfectionism has both positive and negative qualities. Specifically, this study predicted that adaptive perfectionists would perform better on a task and have higher levels of self-esteem and self-efficacy than maladaptive perfectionists. Maladaptive perfectionists, in general, have been found to have lower performance, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Sixty-five university students completed two trials on the O’Conner Tweezer Dexterity Test and completed questionnaires about perfectionism, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. As predicted, the adaptive perfectionists showed the greatest performance increases on the task as well as reporting higher self-esteem and self-efficacy than the other perfectionist styles. This study supports the perspective that perfectionism can be positive and negative.
Harmonic resonant clocking

Distributed inductor-capacitor (LC) resonant clocking is a recent, promising technique to reduce the energy consumption in Clock Distribution Networks (CDNs) by recycling the energy on-chip. Even though the majority of power is saved, resonant clocks distribute a sinusoidal clock signal with a 25% slew which increases short-circuit power in the sequential elements compared to traditional buffered clocks. In this work, we present the first harmonic resonant clock circuit that adds a third harmonic to the fundamental frequency in order to increase the slew rate of resonant clocks and reduce the short-circuit power in the sequential elements. We present two different methods of tuning a secondary tank circuit in a Colpitts oscillator to minimize the slew: one based on the frequency response of the circuit and the other based on matching an ideal square wave clock signal. Both methods provide benefits in slew reduction at a modest cost of components.
The Strength of Weak Enforcement: The Impact of Discrimination Charges, Legal Environments, and Organizational Conditions on Workplace Segregation:

Much research examines the organizational changes brought by equal employment opportunity (EEO) law, but it remains unclear whether establishments formally charged with employment discrimination and found in violation of EEO laws actually improve workplace conditions for women and racial minorities. Building on economic and institutional accounts of organizational responses to legal intervention, this article assesses the effects of discrimination charges and their resolutions on changes in establishment-level occupational segregation by sex and race from 1990 to 2002. Using data from a national random sample of work establishments matched to discriminationcharge data, I examine the direct impact of charges on workplaces, as well as the indirect pressures that establishments experience in their legal and organizational environments. For sex segregation, I find that establishments do not desegregate in the wake of discrimination charges filed directly against them, but they do respond to EEO enforcement in...
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas: treatment variables and survival duration.

Background:For patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer, the poor outcome associated with resection alone and the survival advantage demonstrated for combined-modality therapy have stimulated interest in preoperative chemoradiotherapy. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of different preoperative chemoradiotherapy schedules, intraoperative radiation therapy, patient factors, and histopathologic variables on survival duration and patterns of treatment failure in patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head. Methods:Data on 132 consecutive patients who received preoperative chemoradiation followed by pancreaticoduodenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head between June 1990 and June 1999 were retrieved from a prospective pancreatic tumor database. Patients received either 45.0 or 50.4 Gy radiation at 1.8 Gy per fraction in 28 fractions or 30.0 Gy at 3.0 Gy per fraction in 10 fractions with concomitant infusional chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine). If restaging studies demonstrated no evidence of disease progression, patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients were evaluated with serial postoperative computed tomography scans to document first sites of tumor recurrence. Results:The overall median survival from the time of tissue diagnosis was 21 months (range 19–26, 95%CI). At last follow-up, 41 patients (31%) were alive with no clinical or radiographic evidence of disease. The survival duration was superior for women (P = .04) and for patients with no evidence of lymph node metastasis (P = .03). There was no difference in survival duration associated with patient age, dose of preoperative radiation therapy, the delivery of intraoperative radiotherapy, tumor grade, tumor size, retroperitoneal margin status, or the histologic grade of chemoradiation treatment effect. Conclusion:This analysis supports prior studies which suggest that the survival duration of patients with potentially resectable pancreatic cancer is maximized by the combination of chemoradiation and pancreaticoduodenectomy. Furthermore, there was no difference in survival duration between patients who received the less toxic rapid-fractionation chemoradiotherapy schedule (30 Gy, 2 weeks) and those who received standard-fractionation chemoradiotherapy (50.4 Gy, 5.5 weeks). Short-course rapid-fractionation preoperative chemoradiotherapy combined with pancreaticoduodenectomy, when performed on accurately staged patients, maximizes survival duration and is associated with a low incidence of local tumor recurrence.
Lessons Learned using CBR for Customer Support

Three CBR systems were created to improve customer support at General Electric Appliances. The first tool helped call takers answer customers’ questions by using a case base of frequent questions and their answers. This has been in use since 1999 and increased the percentage of questions that could be answered without sending a field service technician to the customers’ home. The second tool is a web-based version of the first tool that is designed for customer selfservice. This has been in use since early 2000. The third tool is an email handling system that helps customer service answer email questions by storing previous email with their answers. This has been in use since late 2000 and reduced the average time to answer an email message by 40%. This paper focuses on business aspects of the systems described.
Ethanol Production Using Corn, Switchgrass, and Wood; Biodiesel Production Using Soybean and Sunflower

Energy outputs from ethanol produced using corn, switchgrass, and wood biomass were each less than the respective fossil energy inputs. The same was true for producing biodiesel using soybeans and sunflower, however, the energy cost for producing soybean biodiesel was only slightly negative compared with ethanol production. Findings in terms of energy outputs compared with the energy inputs were: • Ethanol production using corn grain required 29% more fossil energy than the ethanol fuel produced. • Ethanol production using switchgrass required 50% more fossil energy than the ethanol fuel produced. • Ethanol production using wood biomass required 57% more fossil energy than the ethanol fuel produced. • Biodiesel production using soybean required 27% more fossil energy than the biodiesel fuel produced (Note, the energy yield from soy oil per hectare is far lower than the ethanol yield from corn). • Biodiesel production using sunflower required 118% more fossil energy than the biodiesel fuel produced.
Robustness study of the pseudo open-loop controller for multiconjugate adaptive optics.

Robustness of the recently proposed “pseudo open-loop control” algorithm against various system errors has been investigated for the representative example of the Gemini-South 8-m telescope multiconjugate adaptive-optics system. The existing model to represent the adaptive-optics system with pseudo open-loop control has been modified to account for misalignments, noise and calibration errors in deformable mirrors, and wave-front sensors. Comparison with the conventional least-squares control model has been done. We show with the aid of both transfer-function pole-placement analysis and Monte Carlo simulations that POLC remains remarkably stable and robust against very large levels of system errors and outperforms in this respect least-squares control. Approximate stability margins as well as performance metrics such as Strehl ratios and rms wave-front residuals averaged over a 1-arc min field of view have been computed for different types and levels of system errors to quantify the expected performance degradation.
Predicting the dynamics of animal behaviour in field populations

Many species show considerable variation in behaviour among individuals. We show that some behaviours are largely deterministic and predictable with mathematical models. We propose a general differential equation model of behaviour in field populations and use the methodology to explain and predict the dynamics of sleep and colony attendance in seabirds as a function of environmental factors. Our model explained over half the variability in the data to which it was fitted, and it predicted the dynamics of an independent data set. Differential equation models may provide new approaches to the study of behaviour in animals and humans.
Constraints from Moho geometry and crustal thickness on the geodynamic origin of the Vrancea Seismogenic Zone (Romania)

Abstract Reprocessing of industry deep seismic reflection data (Ramnicu Sarat and Braila profiles) from the SE Carpathian foreland of Romania provides important new constraints on geodynamic models for the origin of the intermediate depth Vrancea Seismogenic Zone (VSZ). Mantle (70–200 km) earthquakes of the VSZ are characterized by high magnitudes (greater than 6.5), frequent occurrence rates (approximately 25 years), and confinement in a very narrow (30 × 70 × 200 km 3 ) near vertical zone atypical for a Wadati–Benioff plane, located in front of the orogen. These two deep (20 s) seismic reflection profiles (70 km length across the foreland) reveal (1) a high-amplitude, gently east-dipping reflection across most of the section from what we interpret to be the Moho at ∼ 15 s (40–42 km) on the Ramnicu Sarat line to ∼ 16 s (47–48 km) on the Braila line, (2) a thick sedimentary cover increasing in thickness from east (1 s; ∼ 800 m) to west (7.5 s; 14 km), (3) an eastward increase in crustal thickness from 38 km (near VSZ) to ∼ 45 km, (4) seismic and topographic evidence for a newly imaged, possibly seismically active basement fault with a surface offset of 30 m observed on the Ramnicu Sarat line, (5) a lack of notable west-dipping structures in the crust and across the Moho, and (6) variable displacements on Peceneaga–Camena Fault of ∼ 5 km at Moho and ∼ 200 m at the basement–sedimentary cover contact. These observations appear to argue against recent models for west-dipping subduction of oceanic lithosphere at or in the vicinity of the Vrancea Seismogenic Zone given the lack of west-dipping fabrics in the lower crust and across the crust–mantle boundary. Consequently, one possible explanation for the geodynamic origin of VSZ could be partial delamination of the continental lithosphere in an intra-plate setting along a sub-horizontal lithospheric interface in the Carpathian hinterland that likely involves remnant lithospheric coupling between the crust and uppermost mantle in the foreland.
Low Temperature Growth of Horizontal ZnO Nanorods

We report the growth of ZnO horizontal (NRs) on p-Si substrate at low temperature without any assisting mechanism. The NRs were grown at 90°C on a ZnO film previously deposited using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The horizontal nanowires have diameters in the range of 200–500nm and lengths between 1–7 µm, depending upon the duration of the growth and the ratio of the precursors. The density of the NRs was controlled by varying the concentration of zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2) while keeping hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) constant. Density of horizontal NRs increased with lower zinc nitrate concentration (from 11.35 to 3.29 mMol) for a growth duration of 18hrs. Increased zinc nitrate concentration of 3.29mMol resulted in an asymmetric growth along the vertical axis due to oxygen termination giving rise to slower growth rates.
Metabolomic and 13C-metabolic flux analysis of a xylose-consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing xylose isomerase

Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made in the engineering of xylose-consuming Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for production of lignocellulosic biofuels. However, the ethanol productivities achieved on xylose are still significantly lower than those observed on glucose for reasons that are not well understood. We have undertaken an analysis of central carbon metabolite pool sizes and metabolic fluxes on glucose and on xylose under aerobic and anaerobic conditions in a strain capable of rapid xylose assimilation via xylose isomerase in order to investigate factors that may limit the rate of xylose fermentation. We find that during xylose utilization the flux through the non-oxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) is high but the flux through the oxidative PPP is low, highlighting an advantage of the strain employed in this study. Furthermore, xylose fails to elicit the full carbon catabolite repression response that is characteristic of glucose fermentation in S. cerevisiae. We present indirect evidence that the incomplete activation of the fermentation program on xylose results in a bottleneck in lower glycolysis, leading to inefficient re-oxidation of NADH produced in glycolysis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 470–483. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An update on the diagnosis and treatment of early Lyme Disease: "Focusing on the bull's eye, you may miss the mark"

To confidently diagnose and treat Lyme disease, the clinician must first understand the natural history of this disease, especially its protean early manifestations. Emergency physicians, primary care physicians, and other providers need to be vigilant in terms of the timely recognition of erythema migrans (EM), the unique marker of early localized stage 1 disease. The classic EM, originally described as a slowly expanding bull's eye lesion, is now recognized to be present in only the minority of cases (9%); the dominant morphologic lesion of EM is now recognized to be the diffusely homogenous red plaque or patch, which occurs in over 50% of cases. This update will define the current morphologic features of early Lyme disease, the indication for serologic studies, and the most recent treatment guidelines, including therapeutic pitfalls.
Efforts of the United States' National Marrow Donor Program and Registry to improve utilization and representation of minority donors.

SUMMARY: Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is often used as a therapy for patients with certain blood, metabolic or immune system disorders. The United States' National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) works to facilitate such life-saving transplants by coordinating the donor search and match process. However, concern exists that the NMDP Registry is underutilized and under-representative of racial and ethnic minorities. African-Americans and Hispanics are somewhat under-represented within the total number of donors, and it is estimated that the Registry is used by only approximately one-third of patients needing transplants. The NMDP has instituted programmes that address such concerns, resulting in an increase in both the total number of donors and the minority representation on the Registry. It has also increased efforts to recruit donors of umbilical cord blood, often a viable alternative source of haematopoietic stem cells. Over the past 8 years, the Registry has grown by more than 30% to contain over seven million donors, and the proportional distribution of racial and ethnic groups on the Registry has steadily approached their proportional distribution in the US population. Continued efforts on the part of the NMDP to maintain a Registry that is large in number and ethnically diverse should help ensure access to haematopoietic stem cell transplants for all patients who need them. The procedures and experience of the NMDP and its Registry may have implications for registries elsewhere in the world as they confront similar issues of number and diversity.
Simulation of high fluence fast neutron damage with heavy ion bombardment

Abstract 316 stainless steel has been irradiated with 5 MeV Cu ions to a fluence of 2 × 1016 ions/cm2 at 500°C. Transmission electron microscopy of this sample reveals that 6 × 1015 voids/cm2 of average diameter equal to 180 A were produced. A method for correlating the fluence of ions with equivalent neutron fluences is described. This method predicts that the Cu bombardment in this study should produce a microstructure similar to that found in steel irradiated with 2–5 × 1122 neutrons/cm2. A comparison of the ion produced voids with those found after previous neutron irradiation experiments confirms this prediction.
60GHz: opportunity for gigabit WPAN and WLAN convergence

60 GHz is considered the most promising technology to deliver gigabit wireless for indoor communications. We propose to integrate 60 GHz radio with the existing Wi-Fi radio in 2.4/5 GHz band to take advantage of the complementary nature of these different bands. This integration presents an opportunity to provide a unified technology for both gigabit Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN) and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), thus further reinforcing the technology convergence that is already underway with the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi technology. Many open research questions remain to make this unified solution work seamlessly for WPAN and WLAN.
Phylogenies from Molecular Sequences: Inference and Reliability

Article de synthese sur les methodes d'obtention de phylogenese a partir de sequences moleculaires, tests statistiques des phylogeneses et simulations sur ordinateur