cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract Background Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has shown promise in identifying subclinical nodal metastasis in patients with high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. However, low metastasis rates may indicate that performing such a procedure in all patients may be unnecessary and costly. Materials and methods A decision model was developed to analyze costs and survival in patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma based on their tumor and nodal metastasis staging and whether or not they received an SLNB. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated based on the change in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs (US$) between the different options, with a threshold of $100,000 to determine the most cost-effective strategy. One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the results. Results Not performing an SLNB results in 12.26 QALYs and a cost of $3712.98. Performing an SLNB resulted in a 0.59 decrease in QALYs and an increase in cost of $1379.58 for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of -2338.27. This trend remained the same across all tumor stages and remained consistent within most sensitivity analyses. Conclusions In patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the most cost-effective strategy is to not perform SLNBs, regardless of the patient’s stage. Low rates of nodal metastasis in addition to low disease-specific death rates were the significant factors in this outcome. Increasing the sensitivity of SLNB would not impact this recommendation unless the rate of nodal metastasis was significantly higher.
Contested text, contested identity: an author and an autobiography from Georgian England and Imperial India

Theorists and historians of autobiography have been profoundly influenced by the post-modern assault upon the idea of the author. Although few have fully embraced the notion of the death of the aut...
Risk stratification of ER-positive breast cancer patients: A multi-institutional validation and outcome study of the Rochester Modified Magee algorithm (RoMMa) and prediction of an Oncotype DX® recurrence score <26.

The skyrocketing cost of health-care demands that we question when to use multigene assay testing in the planning of treatment for breast cancer patients. A previously published algorithmic model gave recommendations for which cases to send out for Oncotype DX® (ODX) testing. This study is a multi-institutional validation of that algorithmic model in 620 additional estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cases, with outcome data on 310 cases, named in this study as the Rochester Modified Magee algorithm (RoMMa). RoMMa correctly predicted 85% (140/164) and 100% (17/17) of cases to have a low- or high-risk ODX recurrence score, respectively, consistent with the original publication. Applying our own risk stratification criteria, in patients who received appropriate hormonal therapy, only one of the 45 (2.0%) patients classified as low risk by our original algorithm have been associated with a breast cancer recurrence over 5-10 years of follow-up. Eight of 116 (7.0%) patients classified as low risk by ODX have been associated with a breast cancer recurrence with up to 11 years of follow-up. In addition, 524 of 537 (98%) cases from our total population (n = 903) with an average modified Magee score ≤18 had an ODX recurrence score 30 may not need to be sent out for ODX testing. By avoiding these cases sending out for ODX testing, the potential cost savings to the health-care system in 2018 are estimated to have been over $100,000,000.
Richardson and the Study of Dynamic Conflict Processes

Lewis Fry Richardson made foundational contributions to the study of international relations. In this chapter, we examine his agenda-setting impact on the study of dynamics, time, and processes, especially conflict processes. We highlight the presence of Richardsonian dynamics in various formal and empirical models of peace and conflict. In so doing we emphasize the role of feedback and interactions in Richardson’s models as well as other dynamic models, game-theoretic models, evolutionary game-theory and agent-based models, and quantitative empirical analyses. To show how these early foundations still inform research today, we then demonstrate how current research leverages dynamics to yield important insights concerning the origins and evolution of conflict such as when to expect norms of reciprocity to be present and to enable peace or exacerbate violence.
Clinical analysis of 96 cases of congenital cystic lung lesions in children

Objective: To summarize the diagnosis, clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis of congenital cystic lung lesions. Methods: A retrospective study described the clinical course of 96 patients (46 female and 50 male) diagnosed with congenital cystic lung lesions treated at the Tianjin Children's Hospital from January 2010 to March 2019. The clinical findings, imaging examinations, pathological findings, treatment and follow-up were analyzed. Results: Totally 96 patients (aged from 4 days to 13 years) with congenital cystic lung lesions were included in this study. Eighty-six patients (90%) were diagnosed when they had cough and fever symptoms. Forty (42%) patients exhibited congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, 30 underwent surgical excision, two were at emergency operations and one dead. There were 12 (13%) patients with pulmonary sequestration and four were surgical treated. Twelve (13%) patients with bronchogenic cyst were included and 4 were surgically treated. There were 3 (3%) patients with congenital lobar emphysema and one was surgically treated. Another patient with pneumothorax was operated in other hospital 2 months after discharge. Twenty-nine (30%) patients with unclassified congenital cystic lung lesions could not be definitively diagnosed by CT. Some of them were difficult to be distinguished from necrotizing pneumonia. Finally, 2 patients were diagnosed as necrotizing pneumonia after 6, 10 months follow-up. After operation 37 out of 39 patients recovered well. Conclusions: The diagnosis of congenital pulmonary cystic disease depend on imaging and pathological examination. Most patients are diagnosed when they have respiratory tract infection. The main clinical manifestations are cough and fever. The prognosis of operative management is good.
Rising Incidence and Incidence-Based Mortality of Thyroid Cancer in California, 2000-2017.

CONTEXT The increased incidence of thyroid cancer globally over the past several decades is principally attributed to small, indolent papillary thyroid cancers. A possible concomitant increase in thyroid cancer-specific mortality remains debated. OBJECTIVE The changes in thyroid cancer incidence and incidence-based mortality were assessed using a large population-based cohort over an 18-year period. DESIGN & PATIENTS A retrospective analysis of all thyroid cancers reported in the California Cancer Registry was performed (2000-2017). Age-adjusted incidence and incidence-based mortality rates were analyzed using a log-linear model to estimate annual percent change. RESULTS We identified 69 684 individuals (76% female, median age 50 years) diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The incidence of thyroid cancer increased across all histological subtypes (papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic) and all tumor sizes. The incidence increased from 6.43 to 11.13 per 100 000 person-years (average increase 4% per year; P < 0.001) over the study period. Thyroid cancer-specific mortality rates increased on average by 1.7% per year (P < 0.001). The increased mortality rates were greater in men (2.7% per year, P < 0.001) and patients with larger tumors (2-4 cm) (3.4% per year, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Data from this statewide registry demonstrate that the incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing, and that this phenomenon is not restricted to small papillary thyroid cancers. Rising incidence in thyroid cancers of all sizes with concurrent increase of incidence-based mortality in men and those with larger tumors suggest a true increase in clinically significant disease.
Making the Case for Diversity: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Alternatives to the Business Case

In recent years the ""business case"" for diversity has been one of the main arguments used in the attempt to promote demographic diversity in businesses and organizations. The business case focuse...
Hippocampal representations of distance, space, and direction and their plasticity predict navigational performance

The hippocampus is implicated in episodic memory and allocentric spatial navigation. However, spatial selectivity is insufficient to navigate; one needs information about the distance and direction to the reward on a specific journey. The nature of these representations, whether they are expressed in an episodic-like sequence, and their relationship with navigational performance are unknown. We recorded single units from dorsal CA1 of the hippocampus while rats navigated to an unmarked reward zone defined solely by distal visual cues, similar to the classic water maze. The allocentric spatial selectivity was substantially weaker than in typical real world tasks, despite excellent navigational performance. Instead, the majority of cells encoded path distance from the start of trials. Cells also encoded rat allocentric position and head angle. Often the same cells multiplexed and encoded path distance, head direction and allocentric position in a sequence, thus encoding a journey-specific episode. The strength of neural activity and tuning strongly correlated with performance, with a temporal relationship indicating neural responses influencing behavior and vice versa. Consistent with computational models of associative Hebbian learning, neural responses showed increasing clustering and became better predictors of behaviorally relevant variables, with neurometric curves exceeding and converging to psychometric curves. These findings demonstrate that hippocampal neurons multiplex and exhibit highly plastic, task- and experience-dependent tuning to path-centric and allocentric variables to form an episode, which could mediate navigation.
ALSET Lab: Designing Precise Timing and Communications for a Digital Power Grid Laboratory

This paper describes the design and implementation of the ALSET Lab, a simulator-based laboratory that can host real-time hardware-in-the-loop experiments on time-critical applications for cyber-physical power networks. The paper makes emphasis on precise timing and communication networks, which can be used as a guide to build similar facilities.
AMQP and beyond

Diverse heterogeneous systems that process digital information are critical factors behind an industry’s success. However, their diversity calls for standard protocols to pass massive, sometimes complex data sets through them. For years now, an open middleware protocol, called the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), is available to manage the messaging needs of non-compatible digital systems. However, AMQP appears to be less exploited than its potential in the industry now. Hence, this study explores emboldening interest, innovation, and investment by accentuating the core principles, success stories, and numerous integration possibilities with AMQP. The study reaches the background, overview, architecture patterns, and working methodology of AMQP. It describes the successful solutions built around AMQP and suggests further integration opportunities using AMQP based messaging. The study highlights AMQP solutions in practice and potential integration strategies using AMQP. With ongoing innovation, a flood of devices and systems have become ready to integrate and feed the cloud. The ubiquitous cloud is the place for all-size businesses, provided the connectivity comes cheaper, better, and quicker. Turning their focus onto the AMQP, the organizations can position themselves for better trade and commoditize their offerings competitively.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Acceptability Among Homeless-Experienced Adults: Qualitative Data from Two Samples.

Homeless-experienced populations are at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 due to their living environments and face an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease due to underlying health conditions. Little is known about COVID-19 testing and vaccination acceptability among homeless-experienced populations. To understand the facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 testing and vaccine acceptability among homeless-experienced adults. We conducted in-depth interviews with participants from July to October 2020. We purposively recruited participants from (1) a longitudinal cohort of homeless-experienced older adults in Oakland, CA (n=37) and (2) a convenience sample of people (n=57) during a mobile outreach COVID-19 testing event in San Francisco. Adults with current or past experience of homelessness. We asked participants about their experiences with and attitudes towards COVID-19 testing and their perceptions of COVID-19 vaccinations. We used participant observation techniques to document the interactions between testing teams and those approached for testing. We audio-recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed all interviews and identified major themes and subthemes. Participants found incentivized COVID-19 testing administered in unsheltered settings and supported by community health outreach workers (CHOWs) to be acceptable. The majority of participants expressed a positive inclination toward vaccine acceptability, citing a desire to return to routine life and civic responsibility. Those who expressed hesitancy cited a desire to see trial data, concerns that vaccines included infectious materials, and mistrust of the government. Participants expressed positive evaluations of the incentivized, mobile COVID-19 testing supported by CHOWs in unsheltered settings. The majority of participants expressed a positive inclination toward vaccination. Vaccine hesitancy concerns must be addressed when designing vaccine delivery strategies that overcome access challenges. Based on the successful implementation of COVID-19 testing, we recommend mobile delivery of vaccines using trusted CHOWs to address concerns and facilitate wider access to and uptake of the COVID vaccine.
Effect of Micelle Formation on the Absorption of Neutral Fat and Fatty Acids by the Chicken

Experiments were conducted to determine the absorption of various dietary fatty acids and glycerides singly and in mixtures. Chickens with or without cannulated bile ducts or ligated pancreatic ducts were used to evaluate the absorption of fatty acids or mixtures of fatty acids and the absorption patterns of several classes of lipids and their effect on the absorption of palmitic acid under in vivo conditions. In spite of wide melting point differences, isomers of various monoglycerides or 18-carbon unsaturated fatty acids exhibited identical absorption and solubility patterns. A homologous series of saturated monoglycerides showed a maximum absorption value for the monoglycerides with fatty acids of 12 and 14 carbons. Absorption decreased with increasing chain lengths of the fatty acid in the monoglyceride. Conversely, the absorption of palmitic acid when fed with the various monoglycerides progressively increased to a maximum in the mixture containing monomyristin and then decreased when fed with monopalmitin or monostearin.
De novo expression of transfected human class 1 aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) causes resistance to oxazaphosphorine anti-cancer alkylating agents in hamster V79 cell lines. Elevated class 1 ALDH activity is closely correlated with reduction in DNA interstrand cross-linking and lethality.

Human class 1 aldehyde dehydrogenase (hALDH-1) can oxidize aldophosphamide, a key aldehyde intermediate in the activation pathway of cyclophosphamide and other oxazaphosphorine (OAP) anti-cancer alkylating agents. Overexpression of class 1 ALDH (ALDH-1) has been observed in cells selected for survival in the presence of OAPs. We used transfection to induce de novo expression of human ALDH-1 in V79/SD1 Chinese hamster cells to clearly quantitate the role of hALDH-1 expression in OAP resistance. Messenger RNA levels correlated well with hALDH-1 protein levels and enzyme activities (1.5-13.6 milliunits/mg with propionaldehyde/NAD+ substrate, compared to
WNT signalling pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer

Since the initial discovery of the oncogenic activity of WNT1 in mouse mammary glands, our appreciation for the complex roles for WNT signalling pathways in cancer has increased dramatically. WNTs and their downstream effectors regulate various processes that are important for cancer progression, including tumour initiation, tumour growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. Although WNT signalling pathways have been difficult to target, improved drug-discovery platforms and new technologies have facilitated the discovery of agents that can alter WNT signalling in preclinical models, thus setting the stage for clinical trials in humans.
Telescope Alignment With The Absolute Distance Interferometer

Achieving optimal performance from a multiple element telescope is critically dependent on an element position sensing and control system. We first discuss the design of a novel absolute distance measuring interferometer with performance suitable for such a sensing system, and secondly describe how it can be simply integrated into the telescope. Features of the interferometer include an extended ambiguity range, high temporal bandwidth, and very high accuracy. The concept for the overall optical alignment system is expected to compensate in part for local atmospheric distortions as well as mechanical vibrations while not interfering with the optical performance of the telescope.
Elevated temperature mechanical properties of a reactor pressure vessel steel

Abstract A testing program is in progress to define the tensile and creep properties of SA533 Grade B Class 1 steel at temperatures from 371 to 538 °C. The overall objective is to provide the data necessary to obtain ASME Code approval for use of this material for the Modular High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (MHTGR) vessel during short-term temperature excursions above 371 °C. Testing and evaluation involve three heats of base metal, two submerged arc welds, and a shielded metal arc weld. The creep strengths of the base metal heats and the weldments were found to be equivalent; the weld metal itself is slightly stronger. The data obtained indicate that stress to produce 1% strain will likely be the controlling factor in setting the allowable stresses for design.
Creating consumer attachment to retail service firms through sense of place

Fostering attachment between consumers and organizations is developing into a cornerstone of relationship marketing strategy. However, little is known about how an organization can develop strong emotional ties with consumers. Our research addresses one aspect of this gap by showing that in atmosphere dominant service firms, sense of place leads to place attachment, which in turn plays a critical role in driving desirable customer behaviors. In Study 1 we demonstrate that sense of place influences the strength of consumers’ attachment to a service location, which ultimately has positive effects on consumers’ behaviors. In Study 2, we identify characteristics that influence the sense of place dimensions and extend the model to better account for the dynamics of social relationships that develop within a service firm. This research provides an initial investigation into how organizations can better manage the service place and provides a rich framework for future research on managing attachment with service consumers.
Partially relaxed cocoercive variational inequalities and auxiliary problem principle

Let T:K→H be a mapping from a nonempty closed convex subset K of a finite-dimensional Hilbert space H into H. Let f:K→ℝ be proper, convex, and lower semicontinuous on K and let h:K→ℝ be continuously Frechet-differentiable on K with h′ (gradient of h), α-strongly monotone, and β-Lipschitz continuous on K. Then the sequence {xk} generated by the general auxiliary problem principle converges to a solution x* of the variational inequality problem (VIP) described as follows: find an element x*∈K such that 〈T(x*),x−x*〉
Nitrile elimination and hydrogen rearrangement upon electron impact in schiff base peptide esters

A series of Schiff base peptide esters were examined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Electron impact induced elimination of aryl nitriles (ArCN) from Schiff bases , where R, R′ …are amino acid sidechains formed from aromatic aldehydes and peptide esters was shown to be associated with formation of C-terminal peptide fragments. Schiff base derivatives prepared from benzaldehyde and α-deuterobenzaldehyde with several peptide esters indicated that aryl nitrile elimination was accompanied by H(D) transfer to the α-C of the N-terminal amino acid residue. Of the many Schiff base peptide esters of different aldehydes studied, HCN elimination of the type observed in some nonpeptide Schiff bases could only be found among N-methyl pyrrolemethylidene derivatives.
Mobilization of a peptide neurohormone for release during a physiological secretion cycle.

Abstract Previous studies of neurosecretory cells in the ventral ganglion of the hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus have shown that rapid secretion of a diuretic hormone (DH) occurs only for a 5-hr period following ingestion by fifth-instar larvae of a blood meal, and that the cells are relatively quiescent during the succeeding 20 days leading to a moult. The amount of DH that can be released from neurohemal areas of isolated ganglia by two nonphysiological treatments, sustained potassium depolarization or exposure to a calcium ionophore, increases shortly after feeding, and is larger immediately after the period of physiological release than before. Evidence is presented from experiments using microtubule inhibitors vinblastine and colchicine that the mobilization of releasable hormone at the terminals after feeding is in part dependent on axonal transport. The rapid decline of release observed during sustained depolarization is apparently due to an inactivation process in the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanism (possibly involving a depolarization-dependent decline in Ca2+ influx), rather than to a depletion of terminal pools of hormone. Rapid release rates can be restored in inactivated terminals by making Ca2+ ions available to the cytoplasm with an ionophore.
The determinants of acquisition of outside investment management service providers in public and corporate pension plans and endowments

This study of investment management service providers examines Performance-related and Business Relationship factors important to pension plan and endowment managers purchasing outside investment management services. These characteristics are examined across four asset categories: Equities, Fixed Income, Real Estate and Derivative/Commodities/Currencies. The results discuss the importance of the factors in the initial hiring decision and examine implications and applications for both buyers and sellers of investment management services providers..
Diabetes: HOME reveals new data on a cornerstone of treatment.

A question often asked by health-care providers is whether metformin has added benefits if continued after patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus switch to insulin. Beneficial effects on macrovascular end points observed in response to sustained metformin therapy argue in favor of this approach, according to new research from The Netherlands.
Antibody to Hepatitis B Core Antigen in Blood Donors with a History of Hepatitis

Sera and questionnaires from 3,230 prospective U.S. volunteer blood donors were obtained in an earlier study to determine the prevalence of serologic markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) among prospective blood donors with or without a history of either hepatitis or blood transfusion. These sera were reevaluated using a radioimmunoassay for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). Anti-HBc in the absence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or its antibody (anti-HBs) was detected in 30 of 1,151 (2.6%) prospective donors with a history of hepatitis, compared to four of 1,086 (0.4%) with no history of hepatitis (p less than 0.001). Although end-point dilution titers of anti-HBc greater than or equal to 1:100 and the presence of IgM anti-HBc were more frequently detected among donors with a history of hepatitis than among donors with no history of hepatitis, the difference was not statistically significant. Unlike a history of hepatitis, a history of transfusion or a history of exposure to persons with hepatitis had no significant association with the detection of anti-HBc in the absence of other HBV serologic markers.
Broad or Narrow Affect Scores for the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List? Comment on Hunsley's "Dimensionality of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List- Revised"

Hunsley's paper constitutes the second independent replication of four of the five factors in the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List-Revised (MAACL-R), even though he used the trait instead of the state form used to construct the scales and a more stringent factor loading criterion than Zuckerman and Lubin. Hunsley also did a two-factor analysis (positive and negative affects) of the MAACL items and concluded on the basis of the scree test that this was a more optimal solution than the five-factor one. This conclusion is questioned on the basis that the scales were devised to improve discriminant validity of the subscales, which they have done, particularly if standard scores are used. Since four of the five factors are replicable in state and trait versions of the MAACL-R and clinical studies show discriminant validity for the subscales, there is no reason to ignore the components of the two broader affect factors. Such factors can be assessed through use of the two standard summary scores for the MAACL: Dysphoria (A + D + H) and Positive Affect plus Sensation Seeking (PA + SS).
Effects of salinity and sedimentation on the Gorgonian Coral, Leptogorgia virgulata (Lamarck 1815)

Abstract Construction of jetties along the Texas coast has provided hard substrate biota with suitable habitats for attachment that is otherwise scarce. Although similar to natural hard bottom environments such as coral reefs or offshore banks, jetties in temperate or subtropical areas are subjected to substantially more environmental instability including swift channelized currents, terrestrial runoff, maintenance dredging, fluctuating temperatures, and swells from ship and recreational boat traffic. The gorgonian coral Leptogorgia virgulata, found on south Texas jetties, is constantly exposed to the variable salinity and sediment loads associated with these jetty systems. In this study, L. virgulata was collected from the Aransas Pass jetties near Corpus Christi, Texas and experimentally tested to determine their ability to tolerate a range of salinities and sediment loads over 14 days. In response to salinity, L. virgulata showed significant tissue loss (p
Thermal Destruction of Vitamin B6 Vitamers in Buffer Solution and Cauliflower Puree

Thermal degradation rates of pyridoxal (PL-HCl), pyridoxine (PN-HCl) and pyridoxamine (PM-2 HCl) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.20) were determined over the temperature range 110-145°C using HPLC procedures. Thermal degradation of PM-2 HCl was modelled by a pseudo-first order rate constant. Thermal degradation of PN-HCl and PL-HCl was modelled by a 1.5 order and second order model, respectively. The temperature dependence of all three rate constants could be described by the Arrhenius equation. None of the degradation products from any of the vitamers exhibited antivitamin activity. Thermal degradation rates of vitamin B6 in cauliflower puree were measured over the temperature range 106-138°C and found not to be described by a first-order model. The activation energy was markedly lower in this food system than in the model system and emphasizes the importance of conducting experiments on real food systems. The activation energy is in the range reported for several other water soluble nutrients.
Higher derivative quantum gravity on a simplicial lattice

Abstract We generalize the action of Regge calculus to include the equivalent to both a cosmological constant term and a higher derivative term involving the integral of R 2 . We compare our expression for these terms with the continuum values for the regular tessellations of 2-, 3- and 4-dimensional spheres, and describe how the formalism may be applied to calculations in quantum gravity.
Growth of 3C-SiC on Si Molds for MEMS Applications

A hetero-epitaxial 3C-SiC growth process in a low-pressure hot-wall CVD reactor has been developed on planar Si (100) substrates. The growth rate achieved for this process was about 10 μm/h. The process consists of silane/propane/hydrogen chemistry with HCl used as a growth additive to increase the growth rate. 3C-SiC has also been grown on 22, 52 and 123 +m deep etched MEMS structures formed by DRIE of (100) Si at a rate of about 8 +m/h. Secondary electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the quality of the 3C-SiC films.
A self-backgating GaAs MESFET model for low-frequency anomalies

A self-backgating GaAs MESFET model which can simulate low-frequency anomalies has been developed by including deep-level trap effects. These cause transconductance reduction due to electron emission from EL2 in the depletion width change at the edge of the Schottky gate junction and the output conductance to increase due to the time-dependent net negative charge concentration in the semi-insulating substrate as a result of self-backgating with the applied signal frequency. This model has been incorporated in PSPICE and includes a time-dependent I-V curve model, a capacitance model, an RC network describing the effective substrate-induced capacitance and resistance, and a switching resistance providing device symmetry. An analytical capacitance model describes the dependence of capacitance on V/sub gs/ and V/sub ds/ and includes the channel-substrate junction modulation by the self-backgating effect. A transit-time delay is also included in the transconductances, g/sub m/ and g/sub mbs/, for model accuracy and to describe the phase shift of S-parameters. Measured data correspond to simulations by this model of the low-frequency anomalous characteristics, voltage-dependent capacitances, and S-parameters of conventional GaAs MESFETs for linear and microwave circuit design. >
Development of design equations for ferritic alloys in fusion reactors

Abstract Several methods for developing design correlations for ferritic steels are discussed in this paper. Equations which describe swelling, embrittlement, and irradiation creep are reviewed. We develop design equations for use in inelastic structural mechanics applications, for the most important thermal creep parameters. Empirical correlations for creep rupture time and the complete description of elongation vs. time are presented. A phenomenological description of steady-state creep is also developed.
Inflammatory mechanisms contributing to pancreatic cancer development.

Objective:Pancreatic cancer is the most deadly of all gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, yet relatively little is known regarding mechanisms of tumor development including the role of inflammation.Summary Background Data:Chronic pancreatitis (CP) increases the risk of developing cancer by 10- to 20
CRAM: Compact representation of actions in movies

Thousands of hours of video are recorded every second across the world. Due to the fact that searching for a particular event of interest within hours of video is time consuming, most captured videos are never examined, and are only used in a post-factum manner. In this work, we introduce activity-specific video summaries, which provide an effective means of browsing and indexing video based on a set of events of interest. Our method automatically generates a compact video representation of a long sequence, which features only activities of interest while preserving the general dynamics of the original video. Given a long input video sequence, we compute optical flow and represent the corresponding vector field in the Clifford Fourier domain. Dynamic regions within the flow field are identified within the phase spectrum volume of the flow field. We then compute the likelihood that certain activities of relevance occur within the the video by correlating it with spatio-temporal maximum average correlation height filters. Finally, the input sequence is condensed via a temporal shift optimization, resulting in a short video clip which simultaneously displays multiple instances of each relevant activity.
Successful Application of the Key Well Concept to Enhance Formation Evaluation

An integrated system of acquiring data from key wells to calibrate petrophysical models has proven effective in formation evaluation programs. In the key wells, extensive logging, coring and fluid sampling programs provide the data used to develop better predictive models for water saturation, lithology, porosity, and permeability. These enhanced models have reduced uncertainties and resulted in more accurate hydrocarbon-in-place calculations.
Laser-excitation spectrum of gas-phase CCl2

Abstract The gas-phase laser-induced fluorescence—excitation spectrum of dichlorocarbene (CCl 2 ) has been observed in the 498–534 nm spectral region. Sufficient resolution has been obtained to partially resolve the band structure arising from the symmetrical stretching and bending vibrations, which leads to vibrational parameters for these modes.
Transportation into Vivid Media Violence: A Focus on Attention, Emotions, and Mental Rumination

Prior research suggests violent narratives can transport viewers, affecting attitudes and beliefs. This research project explores whether a factor related to a media text —vividness—affects the degree to which audience members become transported into a violent narrative. Furthermore, this study focuses on the various subcomponents of the transportation experience (e.g., attention, emotional involvement, and mental imagery processes) to see if vividness affects some components more than others. In an experiment, 179 participants were exposed to vivid or non-vivid versions of violent television programs. Findings reveal that viewers of vivid violence exhibited stronger emotional reactions and higher attention levels. Vividness did not impact mental imagery processes or excitation levels, however. Implications for transportation, vividness, and media violence research are discussed.
Optimal care of the pediatric end-stage renal disease patient on dialysis

This manuscript is an effort on behalf of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology to provide recommendations designed to optimize the clinical care of pediatric patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although many of the recommendations are evidenced-based with the supporting data being derived from a variety of sources, including patient registries, others are opinion-based and derived from the combined clinical experience of the authors. In all cases, it is recommended that the decision to initiate dialysis should be made only after an assessment of a combination of biochemical and clinical characteristics. Irrespective of the choice of dialysis modality (hemodialysis v peritoneal dialysis), dialysis efficacy should be measured regularly, and the dialysis prescription should be designed to achieve target clearances. Attention to dialysis adequacy, control of osteodystrophy, nutrition, and correction of anemia is mandatory, because all may influence patient outcome in terms of growth, cognitive development, and school performance. Finally, the availability of a multidisciplinary team of pediatric specialists is desirable to provide all facets of pediatric ESRD care, including renal transplantation, in an optimal manner. Future clinical research efforts intended to address topics such as dialysis adequacy, anemia management, and growth should be encouraged.
Increased PRPP synthetase activity in rapidly growing hepatomas.

Received 27 March 1974 1. Introduction Previous work demonstrated that in a spectrum of hepatomas of different growth rates the key enzymes of glycolysis increased and the key enzymes of glu- coneogenesis decreased in parallel with tumor growth rate [1]. It was also shown that the two enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [2] and transaldolase [3], that are in- volved in the channeling of glycolytic intermediates into pentose phosphate biosynthesis were increased in all hepatomas. The metabolic consequences of these alterations in the reprogramming of gene expression in hepatoma cells should be an increase in glycolysis and ribose-5-phosphate production. Isotope studies demonstrated that in rapidly growing liver tumors there was an increase in the glycolytic and in the direct oxidative pathway [4] and in the incorporation of precursors into the de novo synthesis of purine ribo- nucleotides [5]. A stepping up of ribose-5-phosphate synthesis and utilization in the rapidly growing neoplasms might also entail an increase in certain enzymes involved in channeling this metabolite into purine biosynthesis. In order to test this prediction the first enzyme committed to routing ribose-5-phosphate into de novo purine biosynthesis, phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase was studied. The action of PRPP synthetase (ribosephosphate pyrophosphokinase, EC 2.7.6.1) converts ribose-5-phosphate, in presence of ATP, into PRPP and AMP. In turn, PRPP is a key precursor in purine, RNA and DNA biosynthesis. In this communication we report that PRPP syn- thetase activity was markedly increased in rapidly growing hepatomas, in contrast, the activity was low in the differentiating liver and was in normal range in the regenerating liver. The kinetic properties of PRPP synthetase were compared in tissue extracts of liver the hepatomas and the activity of the enzyme of various organs was contrasted with that observed in liver. 2. Materials and methods
Norasperenals A-D, Unprecedented Trisnorditerpenoids from the Caribbean Gorgonian Eunicea sp.

Abstract Four new trisnorditerpenoids, norasperenals A-D ( 4–7 ), and two previously reported cyclic ketals have been isolated from an undescribed species of the Caribbean gorgonian Eunicea . The structures of the new compounds, determined by combined spectral methods, illustrate a unique loss of a C 3 fragment from a regular diterpenoid precursor.
Domoic acid in benthic flatfish on the continental shelf of Monterey Bay, California, USA

Within Monterey Bay, California, USA, the food web transfer of domoic acid (DA), a neurotoxin produced by diatoms of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia, has led to major mortality events of marine mammals and birds. Less visible, and less well known, is whether invertebrates and fish associated with the benthos are also affected by blooms of DA-producing Pseudo-nitzschia spp. This study examines the presence of DA in benthic flatfish offshore of Davenport, California, (37°0′36″N, 122°13′12″W) and within Monterey Bay, California (36°45′0″N, 122°1′48″W), including species that feed primarily in the sediment (benthic-feeding) and species that feed primarily in the water column (benthopelagic-feeding). Flatfish caught between 10 December 2002 and 17 November 2003 at depths of 30–180 m had concentrations of DA in the viscera ranging from 3 to 26 μg DA g−1 of viscera. Although the DA values reported are relatively low, benthic-feeding flatfish were frequently contaminated with DA, especially as compared with the frequency of contamination of flatfish species that feed in the water column. Furthermore, on days in which both benthic-feeding and benthopelagic-feeding flatfish were collected, the former had significantly higher concentrations of DA in the viscera. Curlfin turbot, Pleuronicthys decurrens, the flatfish with both the highest level and frequency of DA contamination, are reported to feed exclusively on polychaetes, suggesting that these invertebrates may be an important vector of the toxin in benthic communities and may pose a risk to other benthic-feeding organisms.
Pneumococcal vaccination for patients with spinal cord injury

Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for persons with increased risk for pneumococcal disease or its complications. Even though recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination of the spinal cord injury (SCI) population have not been made to date, many SCI patients may qualify for vaccination. The purpose of this study was to examine the antibody response of SCI patients to polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine. Immunoglobulin G antibodies to five commonly infecting pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides were determined in 40 SCI patients and in an age-matched control of 40 able-bodied persons before and 4 to 6 weeks after vaccination. There were no significant differences in the mean antibody levels and the percentage of persons who responded to the five capsular polysaccharides in the SCI versus control groups. Among SCI patients, the antibody response was generally not affected by age, time since injury, or level of lesion. The antibody response to pneumococcal vaccination in SCI patients seems adequate.
Effects of ethanol ingestion on the unsaturated fatty acids from various tissues.

Abstract Chronic ethanol ingestion markedly altered the fatty acid composition of heart, liver and brain. The most consistent observation was a decrease in the arachidonate/linoleate ratio (20:4/18:2). In general, there was a decrease in 20:4 and an increase in 18:2. Further, there were decreases in the other polyenes presnt in these tissues. The time course development of effects on 20:4/18:2 ratio showed a 15% decrease after one day of ethanol feeding, a 21% decrease after 2 days and a 21% decrease after 7 days. The decrease seemed to level off at about a 40% decrease after 76 days. Because there was a decrease in 20:4 and an increase in 18:2, the microsomal desaturase activity was measured. A 70% decrease in the Δ9 desaturase activity was observed after chronic ethanol feeding. Even after 1 day of ethanol feeding, the Δ9 desaturase was inhibited 66–72%. The Δ5 or Δ6 desaturase have not been measured at this time; however, the data from the Δ9 desaturase measurements strongly suggest that the desaturases are involved with the ethanol-induced changes in the 20:4/18:2 ratios and in other unsaturated fatty acids.
Distribution and Microhabitat of the Woodland Jumping Mouse, Napaeozapus insignis, and the White-footed Mouse, Peromyscus leucopus, in the Southern Appalachians

Abstract The distributions of woodland jumping mice (Napaeozapus insignis Miller) and white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus Rafinesque) and their associated microhabitats were examined in four habitat types in the Pisgah National Forest of western North Carolina. A total of 115 jumping mice and 192 white-footed mice were collected using arrays of drift fences with pitfalls in 3 north-facing and 3 south-facing upland plots, and in 3 north- and 3 south-facing streamside plots, during the autumn of 1996 and the spring and summer of 1997. Napaeozapus were strongly associated with cooler, moister habitats with high volume of heavily decomposed logs, but P. leucopus were ubiquitous. Results indicate that P. leucopus is a habitat generalist whereas N. insignis is a habitat specialist. Indirect effects such as the availability of subterranean fungi as food may explain the distribution of Napaeozapus at smaller scales.
On the Role of Mixed Strategies in Elementary Decision Analysis and Related Decision-Support- System Treatments

We first demonstrate that mixed strategies are relevant in decision analysis for a maximin decision-maker quite apart from any game-theory considerations. This rectifies the apparent misconception that results from MS/OR textbooks which discuss mixed strategies only in the game-theory setting. Next we show an example of an implementable mixed strategy, by which we mean a mixed decision strategy which does not require randomization for its implementation. This application is to portfolio construction.
Pseudo Stress Response in Kolsky Tension Bar Experiments

An abnormal stress peak was measured in the specimen response in a Kolsky tension bar experiment. Efforts in changing specimen gage length and applying Teflon tape on the threads of both the specimen and the adapters have been conducted to address this stress peak which was found to be pseudo. The pseudo stress peak was caused by the interfacial impact of the threads on the specimen and the bar ends and must be removed from the intrinsic stress response of the specimen material. Higher impact speeds result in higher amplitudes in the peak stress. The peak stress can be significantly reduced by applying Teflon tape on the threads. At a certain strain rate, it becomes more efficient to minimize the peak stress by simultaneously using a specimen with a shorter gage length and applying Teflon tape on the threads.
Use of Restricted Residuals in SUR Systems: Some Finite Sample Results

Abstract Consider a system of two seemingly unrelated regression equations: , where X2 is a proper subset of X1, i.e., X1≡(X2: L2), and Σ = (σij) is the disturbance covariance matrix. Let be the -estimators based, respectively, on the restricted estimate of Σ and on the unrestricted estimate S of Σ. This paper derives finite sample variances of the , and examines their efficiency with respect to the are identical to the OLS estimator obtained directly from , and are efficient. On the other hand, is more (less) efficient at the lower (upper) end of the scale of . In practical applications, it may be preferable to use when | ρ | ≤ .5 (approximately) and df ≥ 5, and otherwise.
Hearing the Silence: The University of Dayton, the Ku Klux Klan, and Catholic Universities and Colleges in the 1920s

The "second" Ku Klux Klan exploded into national prominence in the 1920s. While the original Klan was based in the South and concentrated its animus against the newly freed slaves, the second KKK was a national organization that expanded its list of social scapegoats to include Catholics, Jews, and immigrants. Ohio perhaps had more Klan members than any other state, and in the 1920s the Dayton KKK chapter targeted the local Catholic university - the University of Dayton (UD) - with crossburnings and a bombing. While the school's administration avoided confrontation, UD students and the UD football team aggressively challenged the Klan. But while similar events at Notre Dame have received extensive attention from historians, the Klan's attacks on the University of Dayton are absent from the school's institutional histories and are virtually non-existent in the school's institutional memory. A review of histories of Catholic universities in states where the Klan was active reveals a similar silence, even though there are good reasons to believe some of these schools were also targeted by the Klan. As the University of Dayton story indicates, just because institutions and institutional histories are silent does not mean nothing happened. In fact, the silence is deafening.