cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of spatial smoothing on the performance of MUSIC and the minimum-norm method

The effect of using a spatially smoothed forward-backward covariance matrix on the performance of MUSIC and the minimum-norm method for estimating the direction of arrival of plane waves in white noise using a uniformly spaced linear array (ULA) is analysed. In particular, asymptotic results for the mean squared error in the estimates of the signal zeros and the direction of arrival are derived. It is shown that in general for subspace methods a forward-backward smoothing approach is preferable to a forward smoothing approach. An important outcome of this analysis is that for MUSIC, the error in the signal zeros is shown to exhibit a different trend compared to the error in the DOA estimates and this leads to difficulty in interpreting the spatial spectrum. For instance, when smoothing is used, the peaks in the spatial spectrum become sharper, giving the impression of higher resolution, whereas in reality the estimates of the DOA may in fact have deteriorated compared with the ones obtained using minimal or no smoothing. With regard to the minimum-norm method, the errors in the signal zeros exhibit the same trend as the DOA estimates so that no such problem is created. As to the relative comparison of the methods, it is shown that proper spatial smoothing enables the performance of the minimum-norm method to be made comparable to MUSIC.
From humanitarian exceptionalism to contingent care: Care and enforcement at the humanitarian border

Abstract Throughout the world, increasingly securitized and militarized border enforcement efforts have made transnational migration an increasingly deadly endeavor for unauthorized migrants. The deadly consequences of unauthorized migration has compelled the emergence of what William Walters refers to as the humanitarian border—the concentration of humanitarian aid and services along the edges of the global North. This paper expands on Walters work through an in-depth analysis of the emergence and transformation of the humanitarian border in southern Arizona, USA. Through an examination of transformations in how migrant care is provisioned, overseen, and regulated in southern Arizona, this paper traces a shift from humanitarian exceptionalism to contingent care whereby care is increasingly linked with enforcement efforts. In doing so, this analysis illustrates how care functions as a technology of border enforcement, increasing the reach of the state to govern more bodies and more spaces.
Phase-plane based feedback scheme for negative amplitude shapers

In this note we extend the phase-plane based closed-loop scheme of implementing commands shaped with vibration-reduction filters. A generalized shaping filter is considered in this work which can have negative impulse intensities and different acceleration and deceleration limits. Switching conditions are derived in terms of the filter parameters for both convolution-based and closed-form based shaping techniques. Analytical expressions are provided for the switching curves and various schemes are discussed for selecting appropriate phase-planes and implementing shaped-commands on real-time servomechanisms.
Automatic whiteout++: correcting mini-QWERTY typing errors using keypress timing

By analyzing features of users' typing, Automatic Whiteout++ detects and corrects up to 32.37% of the errors made by typists while using a mini-QWERTY (RIM Blackberry style) keyboard. The system targets "off-by-one" errors where the user accidentally presses a key adjacent to the one intended. Using a database of typing from longitudinal tests on two different keyboards in a variety of contexts, we show that the system generalizes well across users, model of keyboard, user expertise, and keyboard visibility conditions. Since a goal of Automatic Whiteout++ is to embed it in the firmware of mini-QWERTY keyboards, it does not rely on a dictionary. This feature enables the system to correct errors mid-word instead of applying a correction after the word has been typed. Though we do not use a dictionary, we do examine the effect of varying levels of language context in the system's ability to detect and correct erroneous keypresses.
Antiestrogen Resistance and the Application of Systems Biology.

Understanding the molecular changes that drive an acquired antiestrogen resistance phenotype is of major clinical relevance. Previous methodologies for addressing this question have taken a single gene/pathway approach and the resulting gains have been limited in terms of their clinical impact. Recent systems biology approaches allow for the integration of data from high throughput ‘-omics’ technologies. We highlight recent advances in the field of antiestrogen resistance with a focus on transcriptomics, proteomics and methylomics.
Stability analysis of shells of revolution by the finite-element method.

An extension of the finite-element displacement method to the analysis of linear bifurcation buckling of general shells of revolution under static axisymmetric loading is presented. A systematic procedure for the formulation of the problem is based upon the criterion that the condition for neutral stability of a system is the vanishing of the second variation of the total potential energy from the stable equilibrium state to the perturbed bifurcation state; this results in an eigenvalue problem. For solution, the shell is discretized into either a series of conical frusta or of frusta with meridional curvature. The prebuckling equilibrium solution is axisymmetric, but the perturbation-displacement field within each element is represented by Fourier circumferential components of the generalized displacements which are defined at the nodal circles. The present formulation is applied to a number of shells of revolution with arid without meridional curvature, and comparisons are made with other theoretical and available experimental results.
Gene expression in adeno-associated virus vectors: The effects of chimeric mRNA structure, helper virus, and adenovirus VA, RNA

Abstract We used a recombinant plasmid containing an adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome to construct several vectors which express the gene for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase[dCAT[tiWe transfected four different AAV-CAT vectors into human 293[dadenovirus-transformed) cells and analyzed CAT activity. We show that, for vectors using the AAV p40 and p19 promoter, the chimeric AAV-CAT transcripts began from the correct 5' position but the basal level of CAT expression depended in part on the structure of the transcript. We also examined the effects of coinfection of the cells with the helper adenovirus or cotransfection with a plasmid which expressed the adenovirus translational control RNA, VAI RNA. Cotransfection with plasmids containing the gene for VAI RNA resulted in elevated levels of CAT activity. VAI RNA stimulated translation of the chimeric mRNA. However, in two cases, the VAI RNA apparently decreased the level of mRNA. These results suggest that in addition to its function in translation, VA, RNA acts at a second site to alter cytoplasmic accumulation of some mRNAs. Infection with adenovirus increased CAT activity several-fold by increasing the cytoplasmic levels of the chimeric AAV-CAT transcript. When the CAT gene is inserted down stream of the AAV intron, adenovirus and not VA, RNA alone increased CAT activity by promoting accumulation of a spliced transcript.
Activation of Rat Frizzled-1 Promotes Wnt Signaling and Differentiation of Mouse F9 Teratocarcinoma Cells via Pathways That Require Gαq and Gαo Function

Abstract The frizzled gene family of putative Wnt receptors encodes proteins that have a seven transmembrane-spanning motif characteristic of G-protein-linked receptors, although no loss-of-function studies have demonstrated a requirement for G-proteins for Wnt signaling by the gene product of frizzled-1. Medium conditioned by mouse F9 teratocarcinoma stem cells stably transfected to express either Xenopus Wnt-5a or Wnt-8 was used to test primitive endoderm formation of F9 stem cells. F9 stem cells expressing the rat Frizzled-1 receptors demonstrated endoderm formation in response to conditioned medium containing Wnt-8 but not to medium containing Wnt-5a. Primitive endoderm formation stimulated by Wnt-8 acting on the rat Frizzled-1 receptor was blocked by treatment with pertussis toxin by depletion of either Gαo or Gαq via antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, as well as by inhibitors of protein kinase C (bisindoylmaleimide) and of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (PD98059). Our results demonstrate the requirement for G-protein subunits Gαo (a pertussis toxin substrate) and Gαq for signaling by Frizzled-1, and an obligate role for the protein kinase C (likely mediated through stimulation of Gαq) and mitogen-activated protein kinase network at the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase.
A uniform geometrical theory of diffraction and its extensions for a curved edge illuminated by a complex source point beam

An extended uniform geometrical theory of diffraction solution is presented in closed form for predicting the radiation from an arbitrary curved reflector antenna illuminated by an electromagnetic complex source beam. Numerical examples serve to indicate the utility of this solution.
Ultrasound localization for percutaneous renal biopsy in children

incidence is much higher: 16 in 123 (1:7) in the series of Whitaker and Danks, 9 and 32 in 101(1:3) in the series of Atwell and associates TM (or 11 in 101, i.e., 1:9 if bifid renal pelvis is excluded), The incidence in our patients with HOODS of nine of 12 pyelograms (1:1.3) showing duplications of the urinary collecting system exceeds by far the incidence in the general population and also the expected incidence in families in which a member was discovered to have a double collecting system. Deteriorating kidney function and renal failure have been described in HOODS, in relation with the microscopic and ultramicroscopic lesions found? 7 The recognition of urinary tract duplication as being a part of HOODS will lead to an alertness toward a correctible situation which may be the cause of renal damage through deranged urinary drainage, stasis, and infection. Although the fortuitous concurrence of these two autosomal dominant traits cannot be ruled out with certainty, the findings in our series suggest that duplications of the renal collecting system pertain to the array of anomalies that may occur in the hereditary osteo-onycho-dysplasia syndrome.
Reexpression of morphine-induced oral stereotypy six months after last morphine sensitizing dose

Abstract We describe three experiments, two of which were designed to determine the duration of the sensitization to morphine-induced oral Stereotypy caused by three high doses of morphine (MS) administered 12 h apart (10, 20, and 20 mg/kg). In one of these experiments, we also administered an additional 40 mg/kg. The third experiment was designed to determine the role of mode of drug administration in the development of MS-induced sensitization; drug was delivered by an implanted minipump. By the third high dose, all rats manifested marked repetitive gnawing and biting behavior. The Stereotypy was reexpressed up to over 300 days in repeatedly challenged animals and up to at least 180 days in animals receiving only one MS challenge. The development of sensitization was not altered by the mode of drug administration.
The TWEAK Receptor Fn14 Is an Src-Inducible Protein and a Positive Regulator of Src-Driven Cell Invasion.

The TNF receptor superfamily member Fn14 (TNFRSF12A) is the sole signaling receptor for the proinflammatory cytokine TWEAK (TNFSF12). TWEAK:Fn14 engagement stimulates multiple signal transduction pathways, including the NF-κB pathway, and this triggers important cellular processes (e.g., growth, differentiation, migration, and invasion). The TWEAK–Fn14 axis is thought to be a major physiologic mediator of tissue repair after acute injury. Various studies have revealed that Fn14 is highly expressed in many solid tumor types, and that Fn14 signaling may play a role in tumor growth and metastasis. Previously, it was shown that Fn14 levels are frequently elevated in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and cell lines that exhibit constitutive EGFR phosphorylation (activation). Furthermore, elevated Fn14 levels increased NSCLC cell invasion in vitro and lung metastatic tumor colonization in vivo . The present study reveals that EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells that express high levels of Fn14 exhibit constitutive activation of the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Src, and that treatment with the Src family kinase (SFK) inhibitor dasatinib decreases Fn14 gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Importantly, siRNA-mediated depletion of the SFK member Src in NSCLC cells also decreases Fn14 expression. Finally, expression of the constitutively active v-Src oncoprotein in NIH 3T3 cells induces Fn14 gene expression, and NIH 3T3/v-Src cells require Fn14 expression for full invasive capacity. Implications: These results indicate that oncogenic Src may contribute to Fn14 overexpression in solid tumors, and that Src-mediated cell invasion could potentially be inhibited with Fn14-targeted therapeutics. Mol Cancer Res; 13(3); 575–83. ©2014 AACR .
Factors affecting aerosol production from a modified sinclair-la mer aerosol generator

Abstract A systematic study was made of the aerosol output from a Sinclair-LaMer aerosol generator incorporating a modified nuclei source, a polydisperse aqueous aerosol. This system makes monodisperse aerosols with biologically active nuclei and can be used in studies of lung physiology. Using radiolabelled nuclei and cascade impaction we found that aerosols were generated in keeping with the same concepts that apply to the classic Sinclair-LaMer system. That is, a balance exists between the amount of oil vapor and the number of nuclei in the system, and that this balance influences the size and distribution of the aerosol particles. The influence of boiler temperature (T-B), reheater temperature (T-R), gas flow (V), and solute concentration (SC) on aerosol particle size, distribution, and concentration was studied. We found that when monodisperse, T-B, T-R, V, and SC did not significantly affect distribution but did affect particle size. Aerosols produced under conditions of oil vapor or nuclei excess were also characterized. When nuclei were in overabundance (low T-B,T-R; high V, SC) the aerosol was polydisperse but concentration was unaffected. With excess oil vapor (high T-B, T-R; low V, SC) the polydisperse distribution was associated with a marked increase in concentration due to autocoagulation.
Causes of death and the components of mortality: Testing the biological interpretations of a competing hazards model

Biological interpretations of a competing hazards model intended to express the age pattern of mortality throughout the life span are evaluated using cause of death data. The model examined is the Siler model which consists of three competing hazards immature residual and senescent. The data employed are the worldwide sample of life tables and decremented life tables that is life tables with a cause of death eliminated assembled by Preston et al....The results indicate that causes of death are accounted for by the model in a manner consistent with the biological interpretations of the hazard functions....It is concluded that the Siler model is a useful framework for studying historical and/or cross-national trends in mortality. (EXCERPT)
The outcomes and complications of 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicled vascularized bone grafting of scaphoid nonunions.

Purpose Over the past decade vascularized bone grafts that use a 1,2-intercompartmental supraretinacular artery (1,2-ICSRA) pedicle have gained popularity in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate critically the outcome, complications, and failures of 1,2-ICSRA–based vascularized bone grafting at our institution to understand better the appropriate indications, methods, and possible contraindications. Methods From January 1994 through July 2003, 50 scaphoid nonunions in 49 patients were treated with 1,2-ICSRA–based vascularized bone grafts. A retrospective review of the clinical and radiographic information was performed. Two patients were lost to follow-up study. Nine female and 38 male patients averaging 24 years of age were followed-up for an average of 7.8 months. Results Thirty-four scaphoid nonunions went on to union at an average of 15.6 weeks after surgery. Complications occurred in 8 patients and consisted of graft extrusion, superficial infection, deep infection, and failure of fixation. Univariate risk factors for failure included older age, proximal pole avascular necrosis, preoperative humpback deformity, nonscrew fixation, tobacco use, and female gender. Conclusions Although previous researchers have concluded that vascularized bone grafts based on the 1,2-ICSRA are efficacious in the treatment of scaphoid nonunions, we determined that a successful outcome is not universal and depends on careful patient and fracture selection and appropriate surgical techniques. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic, Level IV.
High levels of doxorubicin in the tissues of a patient experiencing extravasation during a 4-day infusion.

A 56-year-old patient with multiple myeloma experienced an extravasation of doxorubicin (DOX) and vincristine administered as a 96-hour infusion. An unknown quantity of solution (2.1 mg/ml of DOX and 0.1 mg/ml of vincristine) extravasated into the medial aspect of the right upper arm. This was caused by the axillary blockage of a 14-inch, 18-gauge catheter that had been inserted through the antecubital fossa. The only physical complaint mentioned by the patient was a dull muscle ache. No local swelling or redness was apparent until 2 weeks after the extravasation occurred, at which time surgical debridement yielded a 9.2 × 4 × 2-cm section of fascia and thrombosed vein with a normal-appearing margin. A high performance liquid chromatography analysis of different tissue areas in the surgical specimen yielded DOX levels of 1.25 to 7.94 μg/g of wet tissue weight. These levels are approximately tenfold higher than those of any previous extravasation reports. Slightly lower levels of the DOX aglycone (but no doxorubicinol) were recovered from these tissues. An important finding was the DOX level of 2.7 μg/g in the margin of the specimen, predicting a need for further surgery. Indeed, a second debridement was performed 1 week later, followed by a split thickness skin graft. Although the myeloma remains in clinical remission, use of the effected right arm is limited primarily by skin contracture at the graft site. This case demonstrates that high DOX levels can be deposited in soft tissues during prolonged DOX infusions without producing serere acute symptomatology. Furthermore, an analysis of DOX content in excised tissues may help guide the surgical management of the patient experiencing an extravasation. Cancer 64:2462–2464, 1989.
On proving correctness of microprograms

This paper describes the results of an investigation in proving the correctness of microprograms. The vehicle used is the Smachine, which is a very simple "paper" computer. The approach to the proof of correctness is based on formally defining the machineinstruction level and the microprogramming level of the given machine, and then showing that these "interfaces" are equivalent through the use of a concept called algebraic simulation.
The eNOS Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Is Associated with Early Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation

Background: Previous reports have demonstrated the association between eNOS gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated whether eNOS gene variants are associated with AF recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation. Methods: A total of 295 consecutive patients (mean age 56±11 years, 78% male) with drug-refractory paroxysmal (68.7%) or persistent (31.3%) AF who underwent catheter ablation were included. Two SNPs, rs2070744 and rs1799983 were genotyped. Results: Early recurrence (ER) of AF (within 3 months) was observed in 33.7%, whereas late recurrence (LR) of AF (after 3 months) occurred in 23.1% of the patients during the median 12 months follow-up. The patients with persistent AF had more ER (40.8% vs. 26.4%, p=0.012). Genotype frequencies of the rs2070744 variant in patients with ER or LR were similar to those without ER or LR. In contrast, carriers of the variant allele (T) of the rs1799983 had an increased risk of ER (OR 2.357, 95% CI 1.194–4.652, p=0.013). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the rs1799983 variant (OR 2.512, 95% CI 1.245–5.068, p=0.010) and persistent AF (OR 1.938, 95% CI 1.088–3.451, p=0.025) were independent predictors of ER. Conclusions: The variant of rs1799983 in eNOS gene may increase the risk for early recurrence of AF after catheter ablation via decreased eNOS gene activity.
Analytical Model and Numerical Analysis of the Elastic Behavior of Triaxial Braided Composites

AbstractThis paper is concerned with elastic behavior of a triaxial braided composite by using a three-dimensional analytical model and mesoscale finite-element (FE) analysis, in conjunction with experimental observations. The analytical method and FEM take into account the actual fabric structure by considering the fiber undulation and actual architecture parameters. A representative unit cell model of the triaxial braided architecture is first identified based on fiber volume ratio, specimen thickness, and microscopic image analysis. Detailed geometric parameters for axial and bias fiber bundles are obtained, which provide precise information to enable the development of analytical and FE models. A general three-dimensional analytical model based on realistic architecture is developed with consideration of axial and bias fiber undulation. A typical study on the effect of axial fiber undulation is presented through the analytical model and axial tensile test. The prediction of effective elastic constants...
Methodology to Evaluate Oxidation Degradation of High-Density Polyethylene Corrugated Pipe Resin

A methodology is presented to evaluate the oxidative degradation of compression-molded samples made from high-density polyethylene corrugated pipe resin. The test samples contained 2.5 wt% of carbon black and an antioxidant (AO) package that consisted of 0.05% Irganox 1010 and 0.1% Irgafox 168. Samples were incubated in forced-air ovens at temperatures of 65°C, 75°C, and 85°C (149°F, 167°F, and 185°F) and in a water bath at 85°C (185°F). The amount of AOs in the incubated samples was measured by using both the oxidative induction time (OIT) test and the induction temperature (IT) test. It was found that the OIT test was much more sensitive than the IT test in assessing the AO depletion of incubated samples. For the evaluation of oxidation degradation, both melt index (MI) and tensile break elongation were used to detect changes in molecular weight and mechanical property, respectively. For air incubation, AO depletion rates obeyed a first-order reaction at all three temperatures, and the AOs underwent two...
Selecting the Appropriate Data Sampling Approach for Imbalanced and High-Dimensional Bioinformatics Datasets

One of the more prevalent problems when working with bioinformatics datasets is class imbalance, when there are more instances in one class compared to the other class (es). This problem is made worse because frequently, the class of interest is also the minority class. A possible solution is data sampling, a powerful tool for combating class imbalance by adding or removing instances to make the dataset more balanced. In addition to the choice of including data sampling, one of the most important decisions when applying data sampling is what the final class ratio should be. Commonly, the final class ratio when data sampling is applied is 50:50, however it is an open question whether other ratios are more appropriate for certain imbalanced datasets (all datasets in this paper have 25.16% minority instances or less) where a 50:50 ratio requires extreme modification to the dataset. In this work we compare six different data sampling approaches (feature selection with the pair wise combinations of three data sampling techniques and two final class ratios) with feature selection without data sampling with the goal of determining if the inclusion of data sampling is beneficial and if so, what should be the final class ratio. In order to test the six data sampling approaches and feature selection alone thoroughly, we utilize seven imbalanced and high-dimensional datasets, three feature selection techniques, and six classifiers. Our results show that for a majority of scenarios, random under sampling along with either 35:65 or 50:50 is the best data sampling approach. Statistical analysis shows that there is no significant difference between the data sampling approaches. However, despite this, we still recommend using random under sampling along with 35:65 as the final class ratio. This is because of the frequency of both random under sampling and 35:65 being the most frequent top performing data sampling technique and class ratio respectively. Additionally, 35:65 will have fewer negative impacts than 50:50 (less data loss or over fitting, which makes it a better choice if all other factors are equal) and random under sampling is more computationally efficient than any other form of sampling, including "no sampling" (both by not requiring any internal calculations and by producing a reduced, easier-to-work-with dataset). To our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive work which focuses on the choice of the inclusion and implementation of data sampling with different final class ratios on bioinformatics datasets which exhibit such large levels of class imbalance.
Robustness of the shrinkage estimator for the relative potency in the combination of multivariate bioassays

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the robustness of the shrinkage Bayesian estimator for the relative potency parameter in the combinations of multivariate bioassays proposed in Chen et al. (1999), which incorporated prior information on the model parameters based on Jeffreys’ rules. This investigation is carried out for the families of t-distribution and Cauchy-distribution based on the characteristics of bioassay theory since the t-distribution approaches the normal distribution which is the most commonly used distribution in the applications of bioassay as the degrees of freedom increases and the t-distribution approaches the Cauchy-distribution as the degrees of freedom approaches 1 which is also an important distribution in bioassay. A real data is used to illustrate the application of this investigation. This analysis further supports the application of the shrinkage Bayesian estimator to the theory of bioassay along with the empirical Bayesian estimator.
Development of a computer-controlled drawbead simulator for sheet metal forming

Summary A multiple-action hydraulic sheet metal strip drawing test device has been constructed for the purpose of studying the effectiveness of feedback controls in sheet metal forming. The apparatus simulates the flow of sheet metal in the blankholder and over the die shoulder during the stamping of sheet metal panels. Its special features consist of the ability to adjust both blankholder force and drawbead penetration while the strip is being drawn. A force transducer was developed to measure the forces in the sheet on either side of the die shoulder. Measurements from this unique transducer determine both the drawbead restraining force in the simulator and friction between the sheet and the die shoulder. Data demonstrating the capabilities of the equipment are presented.
Decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor family receptors involved in humoral immune responses in preterm neonates

Neonates have an increased rate of infection with encapsulated bacteria compared with older children and adults because of diminished antibody responses to T-independent (TI) antigens such as bacterial polysaccharides. Because the interactions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family ligands BAFF and APRIL with the TNF family receptors (TNFRs) TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R are crucial to TI antibody responses, we measured the expression of these receptors on adult and cord blood-derived term and preterm neonatal B cells. Preterm neonatal B cells expressed less TACI, BCMA, and BAFF-R compared with adult B cells and had significantly less proliferation compared with adult B cells after stimulation with human recombinant BAFF and anti-IgM in an assay in which TACI-Fc fusion protein inhibits B-cell proliferation. In addition, neonatal dendritic cells had diminished expression of B7-1, B7-2, and CD40 compared with adult cells. Finally, neonatal B cells, particularly preterm B cells, exhibited markedly decreased production of IgG and IgA in response to CD40L and IL-10. Overall, this study shows that maturational delay in TNFR expression particularly by preterm neonatal B cells may interfere with effective antibody responses to TI antigens, cognate T- and B-cell interactions and normal isotype switching.
The complexity continuum in the radex and hierarchical models of intelligence

Abstract The hierarchical and radex models of ability organization are shown to be parallel. Both models suggest a complexity continuum along which cognitive performance tasks can be arrayed. In our revised radex model, the complexity continuum from the center to the periphery is shown to correspond to the general-to-specific dimension in factor analyses, or to test correlations with the general factor; complexity is redefined as apparent processing complexity. Examination of the theoretical and empirical bases for this continuum indicates its central importance for theories of intelligence.
A phase III trial of ifosfamide with or without cisplatin in carcinosarcoma of the uterus: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Study.

Abstract Objective. The aims of this study were to substantiate the previously reported activity of ifosfamide in patients with advanced, persistent, or recurrent carcinosarcoma (mixed mesodermal sarcoma) of the uterus, and to determine whether the addition of cisplatin results in an improved response or survival. Secondarily, we sought to determine the toxicity of ifosfamide–cisplatin in this patient population. Methods. Patients were randomized to receive ifosfamide (1.5 g/m 2 /day) times 5 days every 3 weeks for eight courses with mesna uroprotection, with or without cisplatin (20 mg/m 2 /day) times 5 days. No patient had received previous chemotherapy. Results. Of 224 patients entered on this study, 30 were ineligible for a variety of reasons, leaving 194 evaluable patients. Early in the study, the dose of the combination regimen was reduced by 20% (1 day) because of toxicity. The investigational arms were balanced for age, grade, and Gynecologic Oncology Group performance status. Percentages of adverse effects reported in 191 patients receiving chemotherapy included (ifosfamide/cisplatin–ifosfamide) grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia (36/60), grade 3 or 4 anemia (8/17), grade 3 or 4 central nervous system toxicity (19/14), and grade 3 or 4 peripheral neuropathy (1/12). Treatment may have contributed to the deaths of 6 patients treated with full doses of ifosfamide and cisplatin for 5 days. The proportion of patients responding to ifosfamide alone versus ifosfamide–cisplatin therapy was (0.36 versus 0.54) overall, 0.47 versus 0.61 for pelvic, 0.21 versus 0.54 for lung, and 0.33 versus 0.40 for "other" metastatic sites of measurable disease. The relative odds ratio of response adjusted for measurable sites of disease was 1.82 ( P = 0.03, one-tailed test; 95% lower confidence limit, 1.06). Progression-free survival (PFS) and survival data suggest that the combination offers a slight prolongation of PFS (relative risk, 0.73; 95% upper confidence limit, 0.94; P = 0.02, one-tailed test), but no significant survival benefit (relative risk, 0.80, 95% upper confidence limit, 1.03; P = 0.071, one-tailed test). Conclusion. The addition of cisplatin to ifosfamide appears to offer a small improvement in progression-free survival over ifosfamide alone in the management of advanced carcinosarcoma of the uterus; the added toxicity may not justify the use of this combination.
REDUCTION BUDGETING HITS HOME: THE DALLAS STORY

What was previously only second‐hand knowledge, gleaned from accounts in the professional literature, became a fact of life for the Dallas Public Library when we were thrust, full speed, into reduction budgeting. The library, whose budget had increased from $15 million in FY 1984–85 to $16.5 in 1985–86, with one‐third of that increase going into materials, was forced to adapt its philosophy to a totally new and unexpected set of circumstances. Our response combined participative review and adjustment of library service priorities with political action into, what we believe, was a rational plan for reductions.
Influence of thymectomy on plasma corticosterone in the rat

Abstract The hypothesis that previously reported differences between thymectomized and sham thymectomized rats are related to an influence of thymectomy on adrenocortical secretion was examined. Plasma corticosterone was determined before surgery, 1, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery, and again after 20 IU and 120 IU of ACTH, in thymectomized, sham thymectomized and unoperated control male rats. Corticosterone was elevated throughout the study in all operated animals. No differences between thymectomized and sham thymectomized rats were observed. ACTH reduced weights of accessory reproductive structures of thymectomized, sham thymectomized and unoperated rats.
Rate-Constant Expressions for Nonadiabatic Electron-Transfer Reactions

Abstract Expressions for the rate constants for nonadiabatic electron-transfer reactions are presented. These expressions are valid when the electronic coupling between the two redox sites is small and the energy surfaces for the initial and final states are harmonic with identical force constants. High- and low-temperature limiting forms of the rate equations are presented and closed-form expressions which are good approximations to the Franck-Condon sums appearing in these equations are described. Systems in which the electron transfer causes a displacement in one or more vibrational modes are considered. When several vibrational modes are “active,” the higher frequency modes have different effects on the rate constants in the normal and inverted free-energy regions. In the inverted region nuclear tunneling effects are large when hwf > 2kT. Under these conditions the rate has only a weak dependence on temperature and the rate constants can exhibit “quantum beats.” Nuclear tunneling effects are smaller i...
Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 does not prevent association through physical blockage of the ribosomal subunit-subunit interface

The "native" 40 S ribosomal subunit, in which the protein eukaryotic initiation factor 3 is bound to the 40 S small ribosomal subunit, has been reconstructed to 48 A resolution. Comparison with a previous three-dimensional reconstruction of the "derived" 40 S subunit lacking any non-ribosomal components reveals the attachment site and morphology of the factor. It is a large (approximately 165 to 170 A long), bilobed, elongate structure, attached to the back lobes of the 40 S subunit by two strand-like features. Significantly, the factor is oriented away from the 60 S-subunit-40 S-subunit interface surface of the 40 S particle, suggesting that its anti-association activity is not accomplished via simple physical blockage of that surface.
"It Is as It Was": Feature Film in the History Classroom

(2005). 'It Is as It Was': Feature Film in the History Classroom. The Social Studies: Vol. 96, No. 2, pp. 61-67.
Teaching a Community Organization Practice Course to Non-BSW Masters Students.

Describes the challenges and rewards of teaching social work, noting mistakes and successes in his approach to the task/opportunity. Using a non‐BSW class in community organization practice as the template, he assesses the adaptations needed to teach students with widely diverse academic backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of careful and thorough preparation of both didactic and experiential presentations, noting each step in the process if the teaching is to be successful, with emphasis on individualization.
Resident guideline development to standardize intensive care unit care delivery: a competency-based educational method.

Purpose We developed a system of resident-driven, evidence-based standardization of care in our trauma-surgical intensive care unit (TSICU). Our main purposes are to improve patient care and outcomes and to help the residents develop practical competency in practice-based learning and improvement and in systems-based practice. Development of the Activity Since October 2006, each rotating TSICU resident has chosen a topic to research the available evidence and has developed a guideline, which the resident then presents to the TSICU faculty and residents for discussion, amendments, and acceptance or reevaluation. Evaluation Component Evaluation of proposed guidelines is based on the quality of information presented in support of the recommendations. Ultimately, acceptance of a guideline requires consensus among the TSICU faculty. Immediate feedback is given to the presenting resident by the faculty. The residents evaluate the program via a Web-based evaluation tool. Proposed Outcome Measures We have qualitative data from residents that indicate this experience is positive. We are developing a tool to use both qualitative and quantitative means to evaluate resident, faculty, and nursing staff satisfaction with the process. We will use our clinical database to evaluate whether improved patient outcomes have resulted from standardization of care. Implementation Dates and Experience to Date We implemented this methodology in October 2006 and have thus far implemented 20 guidelines and 2 standardized order sets. Conclusion and or Next Steps We believe competency is achieved and demonstrated by actively participating in a process such as development of care guidelines. Researching and developing standardized guidelines for our TSICU seems to be an effective and practical way for residents to use multiple sources for practice-based learning and improvement. It also requires the resident to advocate for quality patient care and optimal patient care systems. We plan to use outcome and qualitative data to validate this method.
Effects of surface roughness and lubrication on the early stages of fretting of mechanical lap joints

Abstract This paper examines the effects of surface roughness and lubrication on the early stages of fretting response of aluminum and steel lap joint samples. Qualitative and quantitative changes in fretting loops due to changes in loading; roughness characteristics, and contact conditions are analyzed. Roughness is found to influence friction force, tangential joint stiffness, partial slip displacements, and energy dissipation per fretting cycle. Moreover, despite growing weaker, the influence of roughness is shown to prevail under boundary or starved lubrication using a synthetic polyol ester lubricant. Furthermore, galling is shown to complicate the fretting response of the aluminum joints under heavy preloading conditions.
The anatomy of spatial neglect

Spatial neglect is often perceived as a "heterogeneous collection of symptoms" with controversial anatomical correlates. However, a clear framework for core and satellite symptoms exists. Here we review the literature when viewed from the perspective of these different syndromes, and find clear pattern of anatomical injury. Specifically, the combined symptoms of biased gaze direction and search - with no awareness of these symptoms-is seen following structural damage to (particularly right hemisphere) perisylvian regions. Object centered deficits such as biased line bisection are due to more posterior (and possibly inferior) injury. Finally, extinction is associated with damage to the temporo-parietal junction. Further, we describe key choices that must be made to parse the spatial and attentional syndromes that result from right hemisphere injury, including the investigation of both acute and chronic injury as well as the use of functional and structural modalities.
Brachial vessel injuries: high morbidity and low mortality injuries.

Reports of arterial injuries from both the civilian and military arenas report the brachial artery as the most frequently injured vessel, accounting for approximately 25–33% of all peripheral arterial injuries. The brachial artery is surrounded by important peripheral nerves —the median, ulnar and radial, and also parallels the humerus and associated veins. Due to its close proximity to these structures, associated nerve and osseous injuries are frequent with residual neuropathy from such nerve injuries, often the main sources of permanent disability. Systematic review of the literature, with emphasis in the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of these injuries, incorporating the authors experience. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with brachial artery injuries depend on the cause of the injury itself, which vein or tendon is injured, and whether musculoskeletal and nerve injuries are also present. During the last 20 years, amputation associated with upper extremity arterial injuries has decreased to a rate of 3% because of advances in the treatment of shock, the use of antibiotic therapy, and increased surgical experience.
Caffeine inhibits checkpoint responses without inhibiting the ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) protein kinases

The ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ATM- and Rad3-related (ATR) kinases regulate cell cycle checkpoints by phosphorylating multiple substrates including the CHK1 and -2 protein kinases and p53. Caffeine has been widely used to study ATM and ATR signaling because it inhibits these kinases in vitro and overcomes cell cycle checkpoint responses in vivo. Thus, caffeine has been thought to overcome the checkpoint through its ability to prevent phosphorylation of ATM and ATR substrates. Surprisingly, I have found that multiple ATM-ATR substrates including CHK1 and -2 are hyperphosphorylated in cells treated with caffeine and genotoxic agents such as hydroxyurea or ionizing radiation. ATM autophosphorylation in cells is also increased when caffeine is used in combination with inhibitors of replication suggesting that ATM activity is not inhibited in vivo by caffeine. Furthermore, CHK1 hyperphosphorylation induced by caffeine in combination with hydroxyurea is ATR-dependent suggesting that ATR activity is stimulated by caffeine. Finally, the G2/M checkpoint in response to ionizing radiation or hydroxyurea is abrogated by caffeine treatment without a corresponding decrease in ATM-ATR-dependent signaling. This data suggests that although caffeine is an inhibitor of ATM-ATR kinase activity in vitro, it can block checkpoints without inhibiting ATM-ATR activation in vivo.
Surfactants as resin modifiers and their effect on sectioning

Ease of cutting thin sections with glass knives is markedly improved if the embedding resin contains a surfactant such as lecithin. With lecithin, it is possible to cut 50–100 thin sections from the same place on the knife edge even after facing off the block with 1–2-μm-thick sections. Image quality is similar to that of the unmodified resin if the resin formula is optimized. If not, some chatter or a “mottled” appearance of the tissue image may be present. Lecithin does not significantly affect sectioning with a diamond knife or the appearance of the section in the microscope. The increased ease of sectioning with glass presumably will be translated to diamond knives in the form of an increased useful life of the cutting edge.
Antisecretory effects of Librax in patients with duodenal ulcer.

The antisecretory effectiveness of a standard dose of Librax—a combination of an anticholinergic agent clidinium bromide, and an ataractic chlordiazepoxide—was determined in 20 patients with duodenal ulcer by a paired, 6-hr., placebo-controlled test. Significant reductions in mean hourly pH, mean hourly secretory volume, hourly total acid output, hourly volume (percentage of control), and hourly acid output (percentage of control) were observed. The magnitude of the antisecretory changes were in that descending order. The results indicate that the antisecretory effect observed was due to a reduction both in volume and in acid concentration. The reduced acid concentration was reflected in change in pH; titratable acidity was altered insignificantly, but in the same direction. The antisecretory effects were of the same magnitude in the highest secretors as compared with the lowest secretors.
Using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing in Lieu of Radiography for Acceptance of Carbon Steel Plate Welds

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is conducting studies for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to assess the capability, effectiveness, and reliability of ultrasonic testing (UT) as a replacement method for radiographic testing (RT) for volumetric examination of nuclear power plant (NPP) components. This particular study focused on evaluating the use of UT on carbon steel plate welds. Welding fabrication flaws included a combination of planar and volumetric types, e.g., incomplete fusion, lack of penetration, cracks, porosity, and slag inclusions. The examinations were conducted using phased-array (PA) UT techniques applied primarily for detection and flaw type characterization. This paper will discuss the results of using UT in lieu of RT for detection and classification of fabrication flaws in carbon steel plate welds.
F tests for the absolute invariance of dominance and composition scales.

Significance tests are developed for evaluating the absolute invariance of the dominance and composition scales presented in a previous paper [Bechtel, 1967]. These tests derive from the multivariate normality of the estimated scale values—this multinormality stemming from that of the observations upon which these estimated scale parameters are based. The scales compared by means of the present techniques will typically be constructed under distinct experimental conditions, which may take the concrete form of treatments, occasions, individuals, or groups. Thus the present tests possess a wide range of applicability including various experimental designs in which scale configuration is the dependent variable. Illustrative data are used in statistically comparing the scale structures of two different individuals.
An empirical evaluation of multidimensional successive intervals

The multidimensional method of successive intervals and the method of complete triads are applied to similarity judgments of Munsell colors varying in brightness, saturation, and hue. Both methods yield configurations that correlate highly with the Munsell color structure. This validation of these scaling methods in an area of known dimensionality indicates their applicability for exploration in areas of unknown dimensionality.