cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A generalized homogeneous domination approach for global stabilization of inherently nonlinear systems via output feedback

In this paper, we introduce a generalized framework for global output feedback stabilization of a class of uncertain, inherently nonlinear systems of a particularly complex nature since their linearization around the equilibrium is not guaranteed to be either controllable or observable. Based on a new observer/controller construction and a homogeneous domination design, this framework not only unifies the existing output feedback stabilization results, but also leads to more general results which have been never achieved before, establishing this methodology as a universal tool for the global output feedback stabilization of inherently nonlinear systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Process of Discovery

This paper argues that all discoveries, if they can be viewed as autonomous learning from the environment, share a common process. This is the process of model abstraction involving four steps: act, predict, surprise, and refine, all built on top of the discoverer’s innate actions, percepts, and mental constructors. The evidence for this process is based on observations on various discoveries, ranging from children playing to animal discoveries of tools, from human problem solving to scientific discovery. Details of this process can be studied with computer simulations of discovery in simulated environments.
Technology's role in fostering transformational educator mentoring

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to expand the current conversation on and research into the potential use of technology as a means of transforming mentoring processes and those engaged in them. The authors examine the manner in which technology is being integrated into mentoring endeavors and the advantages and disadvantages of this tool, arguing that the particular attributes of e-mentoring make it an ideal platform for enhancing mentoring processes and outcomes through the use of new mentoring perspectives. They describe a specific mentoring perspective that could be adopted as a means of critically examining some of the opportunities and challenges of using technology as a tool for transformational mentoring, with an emphasis on mentoring in educational environments. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper uses a constructionist perspective to mentoring as a lens to examine how technology influences the mentoring process and investigates the implications of transformational e-mentori...
Global Uniqueness in the Inverse Scattering Problem¶for the Schrödinger Operator¶with External Yang–Mills Potentials

We consider the Schrodinger equation in Rn, n≥ 3, with external Yang–Mills potentials having compact supports. We prove the uniqueness modulo a gauge transformation of the solution of the inverse boundary value problem in a bounded convex domain. A similar uniqueness result holds for the inverse scattering problem at a fixed energy.
Verifying Collaborative Behavior in Component-Based DEVS Models

Construction of models from reusable components requires clear and precise understanding of design and integration dependencies. Formalization of the semantics of such dependencies is a prerequisite for reasoning about compositional consistency. DEVS formalism provides a sound and powerful framework under which discrete event behavior and component coupling can be precisely defined. Reasoning about the interaction behavior of components to ensure that they are coordinated around specific collaboration constraints is a serious problem inherent in coupled DEVS models. At least two major complications arise: (1) analytically identifying components that violate required interaction constraints is difficult, and (2) the evolution and substitution of new participants in coupled models give rise to unanticipated behavioral conflicts. This article presents a solution technique that addresses both of these problems. Local consistency conditions are formalized, and decidable inference mechanisms are developed to facilitate determining the compositional consistency and safe refinement of DEVS models.
Use of an antiretropulsion device to prevent stone retropulsion significantly increases the efficiency of pneumatic lithotripsy: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficiency of pneumatic lithotripsy with and without the Accordion antiretropulsion device (PercSys, Palo Alto, CA, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study comprised two in vitro experiments: in experiment 1, 10 trials were conducted using stone phantoms (6 × 6 × 10 mm), placed in a horizontal acrylic tube submerged in normal saline. Pneumatic lithotripsy was applied using a Swiss LithoClast (Boston Scientific Corporation, Natick, MA, USA). Each phantom was hit with repeated single firings of the LithoClast until it had travelled 20 cm (control group). The same experiment was then repeated with the Accordion antiretropulsion device positioned proximal to a new stone phantom. In experiment 2, stone phantoms (5 × 5 × 5 mm) were placed in a model ureter made of silicone and submerged in normal saline. Pneumatic lithotripsy was applied continuously on 10 stones for 20 s (200 strikes) without the Accordion device (control group) and on 10 stones with the Accordion device in place (experimental group). The distance of retropulsion was recorded. All stone phantoms were weighed before and after pneumatic lithotripsy. RESULTS In both experiments the Accordion group had a significantly greater percentage weight loss than the control group (experiment 1; 11% vs 3%; experiment 2, 53% vs 16%, both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The Accordion device significantly increased the fragmentation efficiency in both in vitro models. Preventing retropulsion and increasing fragmentation efficiency has the potential to increase the success rate, decrease secondary procedures for migrated stones, and shorten operative times.
Effect of a rapid intra-arterial infusion of dextrose 5% prior to coronary angiography on frequency of contrast-induced nephropathy in high-risk patients.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication of coronary angiography that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Preexisting renal dysfunction is the most important risk factor for the development of CIN. A novel strategy of infusing 1 L of 5% dextrose immediately before catheterization is associated with a lower rate of CIN in those at high risk (creatinine clearance ≤60 ml/min). CIN occurred in 47 patients (5.7%) in the control group and 2 patients (1.4%) in the group treated with 5% dextrose. The relative risk decrease was 73% (p = 0.03). This is an effective, quick, and inexpensive method of improving outcomes in patients who undergo percutaneous coronary interventions.
The TOR signaling cascade regulates gene expression in response to nutrients

Rapamycin inhibits the TOR kinases, which regulate cell proliferation and mRNA translation and are conserved from yeast to man. The TOR kinases also regulate responses to nutrients, including sporulation, autophagy, mating, and ribosome biogenesis. We have analyzed gene expression in yeast cells exposed to rapamycin using arrays representing the whole yeast genome. TOR inhibition by rapamycin induces expression of nitrogen source utilization genes controlled by the Ure2 repressor and the transcriptional regulator Gln3, and globally represses ribosomal protein expression. gln3 mutations were found to confer rapamycin resistance, whereas ure2 mutations confer rapamycin hypersensitivity, even in cells expressing dominant rapamycin-resistant TOR mutants. We find that Ure2 is a phosphoprotein in vivo that is rapidly dephosphorylated in response to rapamycin or nitrogen limitation. In summary, our results reveal that the TOR cascade plays a prominent role in regulating transcription in response to nutrients in addition to its known roles in regulating translation, ribosome biogenesis, and amino acid permease stability.
Rallying the Qaum: The Muslim League in the United Provinces, 1937–1939

This paper re-examines the nature of the Muslim League's mobilization of the UP Muslims during the period of Congress party rule and the extent to which it was successful in emerging as their ‘authoritative, representative organization’. In the light of such a re-examination, the paper makes two arguments. First, in contrast to the existing historiography which highlights the role of Jinnah in the ML's revival, this paper underlines the agency of the local leadership of the ML in this process. Second, the paper argues that even though the ML emerged as a popular political party among the UP Muslims in this period, its strength still remained uncertain. This became evident during the Madhe Sahaba agitation between 1938 and 1939 that led to serious tensions and riots between Shias and Sunnis in the city of Lucknow. These tensions threatened to fracture the political base of the ML in the UP besides snowballing into a wider all-India conflict. During this crisis the ML stood aside helplessly, unable to exert its authority as the ‘premier’ organization of the Indian Muslims. These divisions within the Muslim community in the ML's putative bastion in the UP demonstrate that the party still had a task ahead in terms of rallying the Qaum.
No-Regret Learning in Collaborative Spectrum Sensing with Malicious Nodes

In cognitive radio network, spectrum sensing is a key component to detect spectrum holes (i.e., channels not used by any primary users). Collaborative spectrum sensing among the cognitive radio nodes is expected to improve fidelity of primary user detection. However, malicious nodes can significantly impair the collaborative spectrum sensing by sending the wrong reports to the fusion center. To overcome this problem, in this paper we propose non- regret learning algorithms to study the non-constructive secondary users caused either by evil-intention or altruistical incapability. Both perfect observation and partial monitoring are investigated, and two algorithms are proposed respectively. Some convergence properties are also shown. Moreover, we also analyze the case in which the nature is assumed to be a player. Illustration example and simulation results demonstrate the proposed schemes can automatically pick the malicious nodes in a distributed way.
Experimental evaluation and computational modeling of tissue damage from low-flow push–pull perfusion sampling in vivo

Background Neurochemical monitoring via sampling probes is valuable for deciphering neurotransmission in vivo. Microdialysis is commonly used; however, the spatial resolution is poor.
Elucidation of Molecular Events Leading to Neutrophil Apoptosis following Phagocytosis CROSS-TALK BETWEEN CASPASE 8, REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES, AND MAPK/ERK ACTIVATION

Phagocytosis of complement-opsonized targets is a primary function of neutrophils at sites of inflammation, and the clearance of neutrophils that have phagocytosed microbes is important for the resolution of inflammation. Our previous work suggests that phagocytosis leads to rapid neutrophil apoptosis that is inhibited by antibody to the beta2 integrin, Mac-1, and requires NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during phagocytosis. Here we report that phagocytosis-induced cell death (PICD) does not occur in Mac-1-deficient murine neutrophils, suggesting that PICD proceeds through a bona fide Mac-1-dependent pathway. A sustained, intracellular oxidative burst is associated with PICD. Furthermore, PICD does not require traditional death receptors, Fas, or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor. TNF but not Fas synergizes with phagocytosis to enhance significantly PICD by increasing the oxidative burst, and this is Mac-1-dependent. Phagocytosis-induced ROS promote cleavage/activation of caspases 8 and 3, key players in most extrinsic ("death receptor") mediated pathways of apoptosis, and caspases 8 and 3 but not caspase 9/mitochondria, are required for PICD. This suggests that ROS target the extrinsic versus the intrinsic ("stress stimulus") apoptotic pathway. Phagocytosis also triggers a competing MAPK/ERK-dependent survival pathway that provides resistance to PICD likely by down-regulating caspase 8 activation. The anti-apoptotic factor granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) significantly enhances ROS generation associated with phagocytosis. Despite this, it completely suppresses PICD by sustaining ERK activation and inhibiting caspase 8 activation in phagocytosing neutrophils. Together, these studies suggest that Mac-1-mediated phagocytosis promotes apoptosis through a caspase 8/3-dependent pathway that is modulated by NADPH oxidase-generated ROS and MAPK/ERK. Moreover, TNF and GM-CSF, likely encountered by phagocytosing neutrophils at inflammatory sites, exploit pro-(ROS) and anti-apoptotic (ERK) signals triggered by phagocytosis to promote or suppress PICD, respectively, and thus modulate the fate of phagocytosing neutrophils.
Evidence for the existence of a diverse family of immunoglobulin-related recognition molecules.

SUMMARY All classes of molecule postulated to play a role in recognition or to have some structural homology to immunoglobulins were compared by the SΔQ index of differences in amino acid composition. The results suggest that there is a wide family of immunoglobulin-related molecules that includes vertebrate immunoglobulins, T cell receptors, MHC products, C-reactive proteins, and (some) invertebrate lectins.
Affective changes in chronic opiate use.

Summary As part of a programme to investigate the therapeutic potential of narcotic antagonists, thirteen detoxified heroin addicts were studied in an experimental situation where using operant techniques they were allowed largely self-regulated access to heroin for a ten day period. Changes in psychiatric status were assessed using a structured interview schedule. The early effect of the heroin was to produce a decrease in somatic concern, anxiety and depression, but continuing use of the opiate produced significant increases in these variables and also an increase in social isolation and retardation. Heroin in the short term may relieve an addict's inner tensions as commonly assumed, but chronic use is a predominantly dysphoric experience.
Optical Trapping and Manipulation of Carbon Nanotubes Decorated with Silver Nanoparticles

Manipulating carbon nanotube (CNT) bundles through optical trapping of attached silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and light-induced agglomeration of SNPs/CNTs were demonstrated which could be exploited for fabricating patterned CNT films for nanoscale devices and other applications.
Chromosome 5q deletion is extremely rare in patients with myelofibrosis

Chromosome 5q deletion can be found in rare cases of myelofibrosis (MF) but the incidence, clinical significance and response to therapies are not well studied. We retrospectively reviewed charts of 939 patients with MF and identified 8 patients [0.8%] who carried 5q deletion. Of the 8, seven had complex cytogenetic abnormalities and one had additional clone with different cytogenetic abnormality. All 8 had significant three-lineage pancytopenia. Three patients took lenalidomide and one (patient with 5q-clone) achieved long-lasting hematologic response. Two patients responded to JAK2 inhibitor therapy. MF patients with 5q deletion often have complex karyotype and poor outcome.
Aerobic exercise and resting blood pressure among women: a meta-analysis.

Abstract Purpose. The aim of this study was to use the meta-analytic approach to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure among adult women. Methods. Studies were retrieved from computer searches (MEDLINE, Sport Discus, Current Contents) and bibliographies of retrieved articles were cross-referenced. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) randomized trials, (2) aerobic activity as the primary exercise intervention, (3) comparative nonexercise control group included, (4) changes in resting systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure assessed for women ages 18 and older, and (5) studies published in English-language journals between January 1966 and January 1998. The primary outcomes retrieved in this study were changes in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure calculated as the difference (exercise minus control) of the changes (initial minus final) in these mean values. Results. Ten studies representing 732 subjects and 36 primary outcomes (19 systolic, 17 diastolic) met the criteria for inclusion. Overall, an approximate 2% decrease in resting systolic and 1% decrease in resting diastolic blood pressure were observed (systolic, x ± SD = −2 ± 2.6 mm Hg, 95% bootstrap confidence interval −3 to −1 mm Hg; diastolic, x ± SD = −1 ± 1.9 mm Hg, 95% bootstrap confidence interval −2 to −1 mm Hg). Conclusion. Aerobic exercise results in small reductions in resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure among adult women. However, a need exists for additional, well-designed studies on this topic, especially among hypertensive adult women.
EARLY FACTORS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTERIOSCLEROSIS: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL FACTORS

It is now accepted that prevention of atherosclerosis should start early. Habits, both healthy and harmful, become engrained early; from this point of view alone, “early” probably means “pre-school” and by parental precept. In terms of the genesis of the lesions, the matter is less simple because differences in the extent of arterial involvement between geographic areas which may be related to environmental influences become marked only beyond the teens. The timing of conversion from fatty streaks to early plaques is therefore critical, as is the disputed question of plaque formation de novo. The time course of “risk factor” levels in childhood (lipids, glucose, blood pressure, obesity) is, presumably, intimately and causally related to the events in the arterial intima. These temporal trends and the difficult question of what constitutes risk factor elevation in youth may be studied by geographic comparisons, longitudinal observations on cohorts of children or measuring the degree of resemblance in risk factor levels between parents and their offspring. Demonstrating that children with upper-range risk factor levels are more apt to have parents with coronary heart disease would also help in the early recognition of risk. Data to be presented & discussed.
The natural history of portal hypertension after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts

Abstract BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effects of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) on portal hemodynamics, esophageal and gastric varices, and hepatic function have not been fully defined. The aim of this study was to define prospectively the effects of TIPS on portal pressures and flow, variceal resolution, and hepatic function. METHODS: Pressure and flow measurements were made by angiography and Doppler sonography, respectively. Varices were assessed by endoscopy and angiography. Liver functions were evaluated by a battery of tests. RESULTS: In 100 consecutive subjects, mean portosystemic gradient decreased from 24 to 11 mm Hg (means) (P 15 mm Hg, stent dysfunction, and continued alcoholism were risk factors for recurrent hemorrhage. Angiography was superior to endoscopy, which was superior to Doppler sonography for detection of recurrent portal hypertension. Progressive liver failure occurred in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent portal hypertension caused by stent stenosis occurs commonly in the first 2 years after TIPS. Fundic gastric varices often fail to disappear after TIPS. The effects of TIPS on liver function are unpredictable. (Gastroenterology 1997 Mar;112(3):889-98)
Comment on "Cryptanalysis and improvement of the secure quantum sealed-bid auction with post confirmation"

In a recent paper, an improvement of quantum sealed-bid auction protocol is proposed by introducing hash function. However, in this comment, it is shown that the improvement brings in other problems which would not complete the task of a sealed-bid auction fairly.
Effect of a Risk-stratified Grade of Nerve-sparing Technique on Early Return of Continence After Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Abstract Background The impact of nerve sparing (NS) on urinary continence recovery after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) has yet to be defined. Objective To evaluate the effect of a risk-stratified grade of NS technique on early return of urinary continence. Design, setting, and participants Data were collected from 1546 patients who underwent RALP by a single surgeon at a tertiary care center from December 2008 to October 2011. Patients were categorized preoperatively by a risk-stratified approach into risk grades 1–4, with risk grade 1 patients more likely to receive NS grade 1 or complete hammock preservation. This categorization was also conducted for risk grades 2–4, with grade 4 patients receiving a non-NS procedure. Intervention Risk-stratified grading of NS RALP. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Univariate and multivariate analysis identified predictors of early return of urinary continence, defined as no pad use at ≤12 wk postoperatively. Results and limitations Early return of continence was achieved by 791 of 1417 men (55.8%); of those, 199 of 277 (71.8%) were in NS grade 1, 440 of 805 (54.7%) were in NS grade 2, 132 of 289 (45.7%) were in NS grade 3, and 20 of 46 (43.5%) were in NS grade 4 ( p p p p =0.001; OR: 0.29). Lower preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score ( p =0.001; OR: 0.97) and higher preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men score ( p =0.002; OR: 1.03) were indicative of early return of urinary continence. Positive surgical margin rates were 7.2% (20 of 277) of grade 1 cases, 7.6% (61 of 805) of grade 2 cases, 7.6% (22 of 289) of grade 3 cases, and 17.4% (8 of 46) of grade 4 cases ( p =0.111). Extraprostatic extension occurred in 6.1% (17 of 277) of NS grade 1 cases, 17.5% (141 of 805) of NS grade 2 cases, 42.5% (123 of 289) of NS grade 3 cases, and 63% (29 of 46) of NS grade 4 cases ( p Conclusions Our study reports a correlation between risk-stratified grade of NS technique and early return of urinary continence as patients with a lower grade (higher degree) of NS achieved an early return of urinary continence without compromising oncologic safety.
Thermodynamics of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Solutions. Combinatorial Entropy and Molecular Interactions

Gas-liquid chromatography (glc) was used to measure activity coefficients of 22 solvents at infinite dilution in poly(dimethylsiloxane) in the temperature range 2570 °C. Flory χ parameters from glc are close to, but generally a little lower than, those extrapolated to infinite dilution from static measurements at finite solvent concentrations. The new measurements, coupled with previously published heat-of-mixing data and with volumetric data for the pure components, were used to establish an empirical test of the Flory-Huggins approximation for the combinatorial entropy of mixing. In this test, the effect of intermolecular forces on solvent activity is obtained from heats of mixing and the effect of differences in free volume is calculated from an equation of state. The test indicates that errors in this approximation are sufficiently large to account for apparent inconsistencies when all the data for a binary system are examined simultaneously. These inconsistencies can be eliminated if the Flory-Huggins entropy formula is replaced by an exteneded combinatorial formula which takes into account differences in molecular size and shape between polymer segments and solvent molecules. Mittels Gas-flussig-Chromatographie (glc) wurden Aktivitatskoeffizienten von 22 Losungsmitteln bei unendlicher Verdunnung in Poly-dimethylsiloxan im Temperaturbereich von 2570 °C gemessen. Die Flory-χ-parameter aus glc liegen nahe bei, aber im allgemeinen unter den auf unendliche Verdunnung extrapolierten Werten aus statischen Messungen bei endlichen Solvenskonzentrationen. Gekoppelt mit vorher veroffentlichten Mischungswarmedaten und mit volumetrischen Daten fur die reinen Komponenten wurden die neuen Messungen zu einem empirischen Test fur die Flory-Huggins-Approximation fur die kombinatorische Mischungsentropie benutzt. Der Einflus der zwischenmolekularen Krafte auf die Solvensaktivitat wird aus Mischungswarmen ermittelt, der Einflus von Differenzen im freien Volumen wird aus einer Zustandsgleichung bestimmt. Der Test zeigt an, das die Fehler dieser Approximation genugend gros sind. um offensichtliche Inkonsistenzen hervorzurufen, wenn alle Daten fur ein binares Gemisch gleichzeitig herangezogen werden. Diese Inkonsistenzen konnen beseitigt werden, wenn die Flory-Huggins-Entropieformel durch eine erweiterte kombinatorische Formel ersetzt wird, welche Unterschiede in Molekulgrose und -form zwischen Polymersegmenten und Solvensmolekulen in Betracht zieht.
FDTD microcavity simulations: design and experimental realization of waveguide-coupled single-mode ring and whispering-gallery-mode disk resonators

We investigate the properties of high-Q, wide free-spectral-range semiconductor microcavity ring and disk resonators coupled to submicron-width waveguides. Key optical design parameters are characterized using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) solutions of the full-wave Maxwell's equations. We report coupling efficiencies and resonant frequencies that include the effects of waveguide dispersion and bending and scattering losses. For diameters of 5 /spl mu/m, the microcavity resonators can have Q's in the several thousands and a free spectral range of 6 THz (50 nm) in the 1.55 /spl mu/m, wavelength range. Studies of the transmittance characteristics illustrate the transition from single-mode resonances to whispering-gallery-mode resonances as the waveguide width of the microring is increased to form a solid microdisk. We present nanofabrication results and experimentally measured transmission resonances of AlGaAs/GaAs microcavity resonators designed in part with this method.
Comparison of effective stiffness and compliance for characterizing cracked rocks

The noninteraction approximation (NIA) is commonly used for prediction of the anisotropic elastic stiffnesses of cracked rocks. At large crack density, the NIA has a desirable nonlinear stiffness behavior; however, this is inconsistent with the dilute crack assumption. The nonlinear behavior of stiffness predicted by the NIA at high crack density is produced by defining compliance to be a linear function of crack density and then inverting the compliance tensor to stiffness. The linear behavior of compliance is strictly valid only when there is no crack interaction (at low crack density), so the resulting nonlinear stiffnesses at high crack density are unconstrained extrapolations. Comparison of results from the NIA method, an effective stiffness (T-matrix) method, and numerical modeling shows that: (1) first-order compliance methods are not better than first-order stiffness methods; they are equivalent and valid only under the noninteraction (or dilute crack) assumption; and (2) it is misleading to use t...
Molecular analysis of phosphate limitation in Geobacteraceae during the bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer

Nutrient limitation is an environmental stress that may reduce the effectiveness of bioremediation strategies, especially when the contaminants are organic compounds or when organic compounds are added to promote microbial activities such as metal reduction. Genes indicative of phosphate-limitation were identified by microarray analysis of chemostat cultures of Geobacter sulfureducens. This analysis revealed that genes in the pst-pho operon, which is associated with a high-affinity phosphate uptake system in other microorganisms, had significantly higher transcript abundance under phosphate-limiting conditions, with the genes pstB and phoU upregulated the most. Quantitative PCR analysis of pstB and phoU transcript levels in G. sulfurreducens grown in chemostats demonstrated that the expression of these genes increased when phosphate was removed from the culture medium. Transcripts of pstB and phoU within the subsurface Geobacter species predominating during an in situ uranium-bioremediation field experiment were more abundant than in chemostat cultures of G. sulfurreducens that were not limited for phosphate. Addition of phosphate to incubations of subsurface sediments did not stimulate dissimilatory metal reduction. The added phosphate was rapidly adsorbed onto the sediments. The results demonstrate that Geobacter species can effectively reduce U(VI) even when experiencing suboptimal phosphate concentrations and that increasing phosphate availability with phosphate additions is difficult to achieve because of the high reactivity of this compound. This transcript-based approach developed for diagnosing phosphate limitation should be applicable to assessing the potential need for additional phosphate in other bioremediation processes.
Skin necrosis in smoking patients receiving partial breast irradiation: two case reports

Partial breast irradiation has become an increasingly popular mode of treatment after excisional biopsy to treat early stage invasive breast cancer. Its main advantage is that treatment can be delivered in five days rather than 30, as is standard for whole breast irradiation. Early reports suggest good to excellent cosmesis in the vast majority of subjects. Herein we report two cases of skin necrosis in women with Stage 1 breast cancer who smoked before and after partial breast irradiation.
Rate-distortion modeling of spherical vector quantization performance in transform excitation audio coding

A block-based Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is used to model the distribution of the transform audio data encoded using spherical vector quantization and lossless coding. The expectation-maximization algorithm is used to design the GMM to model the marginal density of the transform coefficients and the block energy density. A GMM-based rate-distortion function is derived and shown to closely match the observed spherical VQ performance.
Evaluating Dispersal Limitation in Passive Bottomland Forest Restoration

Dispersal limitation can retard natural establishment of desirable species on restoration sites, especially where landscapes are fragmented, but dispersal limitation is assumed to become less critical with time as early colonists become reproductively mature. Distribution patterns of recruiting trees in a 20-year-old passively restored bottomland in northeast Louisiana suggested persistent dispersal limitation in some bottomland hardwood species and influence of dense shrub patches on colonization. To test these hypotheses, we measured seed rain as a function of distance to seed source and association with shrub cover. Seed rain of the wind-dispersed Fraxinus pennsylvanica was highest near the forest edge, except where mature recruits occurred. Although shrub presence did not influence dispersal of F. pennsylvanica, its negative influence on probability of occurrence in the sapling layer suggests that shrub cover may limit its regeneration. The bird-dispersed Crataegus viridis and Ilex decidua were found in the seed rain and as reproductive individuals within the field; neither had a positive relationship with shrub presence. Dispersal of heavy-seeded Quercus spp. and Carya aquatica was limited to within 20 m of the forest edge. These results imply that dispersal limitation is diminishing in wind- and bird-dispersed species with maturation of in-field recruits and that shrub patches may influence these patterns. Heavy-seeded species, however, remain restricted to field edges that directly abut a seed source. If canopy closure by wind- and bird-dispersed species precedes dispersal of heavy-seeded species into the field, establishment of Quercus and Carya spp. may remain low for the foreseeable future.
A new high-directivity fractal antenna based on the Modified Koch Snowflake geometry

A high-directivity microstrip antenna based on the modified Koch Snowflake geometry is presented in this paper. The antenna achieves high-directivity behavior owing to the Fractino-Mode current-density localizations or active regions exhibited by boundary fractal microstrip antennas. The antenna geometry is based on the third-iteration Koch Snowflake and has been modified by introducing a fractal-shaped slot. The presence of this slot is responsible for initiating and sustaining a second level of active regions, in addition to those already existing around the patch boundary. Due to the presence of two levels of active regions, the Modified Koch antenna exhibits an increased directivity and improved sidelobe-level behavior compared to the previously reported high-directivity Koch-Fractal antenna. A peak directivity of 14.15dB has been achieved. The antenna has been fabricated and tested. Simulated and measured results have shown a good level of agreement.
THE NATURE OF GENETIC RECOMBINATION NEAR THE THIRD CHROMOSOME CENTROMERE OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Previous studies have indicated that recombination near the third chromosome centromere is associated with negative chromosome interference, a phenomenon for which Green (1975) and Sinclair (1975) suggested gene conversion as a possible mechanism. In this report, we demonstrate that negative chromosome interference is still observed when deficiencies or translocation breakpoints are scored as the middle markers in recombination experiments and the rate of recombination is increased by interchromosomal effect. We argue that these chromosomal rearrangement breakpoints are not subject to conversion. Since neither successive premeiotic and meiotic exchanges, nor negative chromatid interference, can by themselves account for the negative chromosome interference, we conclude that a greater than expected frequency of multiple exchanges actually occurs. We further suggest that negative chromosome interference may be characteristic of all chromosomal regions normally showing very little exchange in relation to physical length.
Nitridation of Bioresorbable Phosphate Glass

The bioresorbable 10CaO35Na2O55P2O5 glass was nitrided by melting the glass under anhydrous ammonia. The nitrided glasses were fiberized at about 720 °C in air. The dynamic and the equilibrium pH value of the glass increases with the increase of nitrogen content. The incorporation of nitrogen not only increases the glass transition temperature, but also improves the chemical durability and makes it easier to fiberize. Further more, the nitrided glass is more resistant to devitrification.
Parenting and child externalizing behaviors: Are the associations specific or diffuse?

Building upon the link between inadequate parenting and child noncompliance, aggression, and oppositionality, behavioral parent training has been identified as a well-established treatment for externalizing problems in children. Much less empirical attention has been devoted to examining whether inadequate parenting and, in turn, behavioral parent training programs, have specific effects on child externalizing problems or more diffuse effects on both internalizing and externalizing problems. As an initial attempt to examine the specificity of parenting and childhood externalizing problems, this review examines prior research on the association of three parenting behaviors (parental warmth, hostility, and control) with child externalizing versus internalizing problems. Notably, findings revealed relatively little evidence for the specificity of parenting and child externalizing behaviors in the general parenting literature or in the family context of parent depression. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Sharing of noninjection drug-use implements as a risk factor for hepatitis C.

This study examined sharing noninjection drug implements as a risk factor for hepatitis C (HCV) infection among women drug users (n = 123) with no history of drug injection. Participants were street-recruited from East Harlem, New York City, between October 1997 and June 1999. Participants were administered a survey measuring risk factors for HCV. Prevalence of HCV and HIV infections was 19.5% and 14.6%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression determined significant associations between sharing noninjection drug-use implements and HCV infection. “Ever shared both oral and intranasal noninjection drug implements” was independently associated with HCV infection [Odds ratio (OR) 2.83; Confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 7.72; p = 0.04]; “ever shared noninjected heroin implements with an injector” was a trend (OR 3.06; CI. 85, 10.79; p = 0.08). The strongest association between sharing noninjection drug-use implements and HCV infection was found among HIV positive individuals (χ2 = 8.8, 1 d.f., p < 0.01). These...
Criteria for approval of mining equipment incorporating on-board switching of high-voltage circuits

The US Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently developed criteria to modify the current regulation prohibiting the on-board switching of high-voltage circuits (>1000 V AC). Extensive research conducted by the US Bureau of Mines and MSHA provided the basis for the development of safe and viable criteria. Under the provisions of Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 18.82, experimental permits were issued to high-voltage continuous miners and longwall systems incorporating this new technology. The information gathered from the operation of this equipment in the field along with industry concerns and recommendations were considered during the finalization of these criteria. >
Immune complexes in ovarian cancer.

A polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG) assay has been used to identify immune complexes in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer. Single radial immunodiffusion was used to quantitate the amount of IgG contained in the immune complexes. This study has shown that significantly higher levels of immune complexes were detected in the serum of ovarian cancer patients with known tumor when compared with ovarian cancer patients who were in remission. Values obtained for patients in remission were within the range of the control group. The levels of immune complexes were also noted to rise before the clinical detection of recurrences or progression of disease. It is therefore suggested that the PEG assay may be a useful marker in patients with ovarian cancer.
Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Perceptions of Important Competencies for Handwriting Evaluation and Intervention in School-Aged Children

ABSTRACTObjective. The primary purpose of this study was to identify the practitioner competencies that occupational therapists perceive as important for handwriting evaluation and intervention in school-aged children. A secondary purpose was to compare the practitioner perceptions of those in school-based practice with those from other primary practice settings. Method. A stratified random sample of 376 occupational therapists recruited from a national professional organization database participated by completing a survey instrument containing 80 competency items. Results. A majority of the 80 practitioner competency items were perceived to be of high importance to the respondent groups. A significance difference in perception when comparing the school-based practitioners to all other practitioners was revealed in only 3–12 competency summary categories. Conclusion. Practitioner competency survey items were perceived to be of high importance to the participants. School-based practitioner perceptions of c...
Corporate Risk Management

Abstract This paper establishes a framework within which the costs and the benefits of corporate risk management decisions can be analyzed. The most important conclusion is that risk management strategies should be pursued to enhance shareholder value. Although systematic hedging of all variation in the net cashflows may be in the best interest of the management, such behavior is inconsistent with maximizing firm and shareholder value. The extant empirical evidence cited is supportive of the notion that the strongest motive for risk management behavior is the avoidance of financial distress. However, there are offsetting costs to consider as well. The existence of these costs makes it imperative that shareholders understand the risk management process.
Immunohistochemistry of carotid plaque neovascularization and vasa vasorum

Carotid artery surgical specimens from 15 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were studied in an attempt to identify morphologic differences between carotid artery plaque neovascularization (NV) and normal vasa vasorum (VV). The patients included 12 men and 3 women with an age range of 55-81 years (mean, 67). Nine of them had ischemic symptoms directly related to the plaque being removed. The specimens were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Verhoef-Van Gieson, and factor VIII-related antigen techniques. In addition, normal carotid arteries were obtained for comparison from two autopsies of young individuals, victims of traumatic death. The severity of NV within the plaque was graded based on the appearance and location of new vessels, as they compared to W. Mild NV (Grade I) was found in 3/15, whereas moderate and severe (Grades II and III) were each found in 6/15 cases. Increasing severity of NV was associated with more tortuosity, thicker walls, and location closer to the carotid lumen. The presence and severity of NV did not correlate with plaque thickness (p = 0.2), the presence of symptoms (p = 0.5), or any other risk factors for stroke. Carotid plaque NV seems independent of the degree of atheroma and morphologically different than VV. Its origin, true incidence, and role in the production of carotid intraplaque hemorrhage and increased stroke risk are still uncertain. This is the first immunohistochemical study of carotid plaque neovascularization.
A constrained optimization neural net technique for economic power dispatch

A linear programming neural network is extended to quadratic programming problems with both linear equality and inequality constraints. It is shown that the equilibrium of the quadratic programming network is asymptotically stable and is in the neighborhood of the minimizer of the objective function. The equilibrium can be made arbitrarily close to the minimizer of the objective function by choosing a parameter sufficiently large. An economic power dispatch problem is simulated to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of the proposed quadratic programming network. >
Geological sequestration capacity of the Dundee Limestone, Michigan Basin, United States

Several Middle Devonian formations in the Michigan Basin are potential targets for geological sequestration of CO2, including the Dundee Limestone and the Rogers City Limestone. The Rogers City and Dundee limestones are disparate carbonate formations but are typically combined in subsurface nomenclature as the Dundee Limestone because they are difficult to differentiate in some areas. In much of the basin, however, the Rogers City and Dundee can be differentiated using wireline logs. Subdivision of the two formations was first accomplished in outcrop and is also straightforward in core on the basis of starkly different lithologic properties. Subsurface subdivision is especially important for reservoir characterization and/or geological sequestration studies because the Rogers City and Dundee differ in lithology, thickness, and reservoir properties. Regional geological sequestration capacity estimates for the undifferentiated Dundee Limestone obscure the relative contributions of the Rogers City and Dundee and oversimplify known geological heterogeneity. When evaluated separately using wireline logs supported by limited conventional core studies and porosity and permeability data, the Rogers City is clearly demonstrated to be only a local sequestration target with an estimated geological sequestration capacity of 0.13 Gt. In contrast, storage capacity in the Dundee is estimated at 1.88 Gt. This analysis indicates that the Dundee is a more laterally extensive, regional sequestration target compared to the Rogers City. Individual geological sequestration capacity estimates for the Rogers City and Dundee reflect differences in reservoir properties for the two units and are therefore more geologically defensible than estimates for the undifferentiated Dundee Limestone.
Five Theses on German Everyday Life after World War II

To order an untidy past, historians identify and interpret significant pivots in the development of nations. One such pivot in the fractured history of twentieth-century Germany was the period between 1945 and 1949. In these brief postwar years, a remarkable “mutation” of German politics and society began under Allied tutelage. In this interregnum between Hitler and Adenauer, a war-devastated West Germany started on the path “from shadow to substance.” As the Bonn Republic endured, historians started to trace its origins back to certain political and economic structures first erected in the postwar years. Increasingly, they emphasized postwar Weichenstellungen, or turning points, which influenced later events. By the 1980s, this structuralist view strongly suggested that contemporaries of the years 1945–1949 had actually lived through the Vorgeschichte, or prehistory, of the Federal Republic, and of affluence.
Theoretical relationships of receptor and delivery sensitivities and measurable parameters in in vivo neuroreceptor-radioligand interactions

In vivo quantification of neuroreceptors in human brains by PET or SPECT is complicated by the fact that a number of variables other than receptor concentration may influence the observed radioactivity in a brain region. This consideration has led the authors to formulate rigorous mathematical definitions of the concepts of receptor and delivery sensitivities. It has been speculated that a neuroreceptor-radioligand system having a high (low) receptor sensitivity would have a low (high) delivery sensitivity, and that the receptor sensitivity of a neuroreceptor-radioligand system can be determined by observing the time-course of the brain radioligand concentration following injection of no carrier added (nca) radioligand. Computer simulation studies of the characteristics of a simple model for in vivo neuroreceptor-radioligand interaction show that, under a set of realistic restrictions, there is a unique and intuitively satisfying relationship between receptor and delivery sensitivities: receptor sensitivity+delivery sensitivity/spl ap/1. In addition, the receptor sensitivity can be computed as a function of the observable parameters of the nca radioligand time course. These straightforward relationships are surprising in light of the complexity of the analytical solutions. >
Misconceptions Of Employee Turnover: Evidence-Based Information For The Retail Grocery Industry

Employee turnover rates are higher in the retail grocery industry in comparison to other industries. This level of turnover produces demoralizing effects on the grocery industry’s profitability. The lack of evidence-based information regarding causes of employee turnover may result in senior level leadership within the retail grocery industry formulating retention strategies based upon conjecture. Basing retention strategies on turnover misconceptions may be costly and actually fail to reduce turnover. For these reasons, this study sought to fill the knowledge gap by providing the grocery industry with evidence-based information on the topic of employee turnover. In an effort to provide a better understanding of the factors that support an engaged workforce, data from 151 frontline retail grocery employees’ gathered perceptions of their work environment, burnout, and turnover intentions. The participating employees represented one grocery chain in Western New York. The key finding was that value conflicts have a strong, statistically significant relationship with cynicism, which in turn increases the likelihood for employee turnover. Making use of this evidence-based information may help in creating strategies for a more engaged workforce and retaining the most valuable employees.
Global synchronization and the challenges of building network awareness

The Internet of Things places new demands on wireless networks that cannot be met with conventional infrastructure, services, and protocols. But there is hope, specifically a new paradigm to enable wireless awareness through global synchronization.