cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of Interferons in Melanoma Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Mechanisms of Escape and Therapeutic Implications

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has achieved unprecedented success in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, though its efficacy is often limited by innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance. Type I and type II interferons act as key determinants of checkpoint blockade therapeutic outcome, and tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors that disrupt interferon activity confer resistance to various checkpoint inhibitors. This review highlights our current understanding of the mechanisms by which tumors disrupt interferon function in the context of immune checkpoint blockade, and it discusses therapeutic strategies to overcome these mechanisms of resistance and improve the clinical reach of checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma patients.
Measurement of Unloading Pore Volume Compressibility of Frio Sand Under Uniaxial Strain Stress Path and Implications on Reservoir Pressure Management

The injection of fluids into a compartmentalized formation induces pore pressure buildup and may result in reactivation of sealing faults. Among other variables, the pore volume compressibility (PVC) can affect the amount of pore pressure change during injection. PVC has been traditionally measured with isotropic loading compressibility tests. However, long and thin reservoirs subjected to depletion or injection typically follow a uniaxial strain stress path, rather than an isotropic stress path. Furthermore, injection unloads the reservoir rock by reducing effective stress, whereas depletion causes loading. This paper reports experimental measurements of the uniaxial strain unloading compressibility of Frio sand, a member of Tertiary strata in the Gulf of Mexico Basin. The uniaxial strain unloading compressibility increases nonlinearly from 0.29 to 1.45 GPa−1 (2 to 10 µsip) as the mean effective stress is reduced from 26 to 5 MPa. The uniaxial strain unloading compressibility of Frio sand is about one third of the uniaxial strain loading compressibility at comparable levels of effective stress. The uniaxial strain compressibility of Frio sand is roughly one half of the isotropic compressibility. Reservoir simulation highlights that using incorrect pore compressibility values considerably underestimates the expected increase of pore pressure in a compartmentalized formation during injection. Uniaxial strain unloading compressibility of target reservoir rocks should be accurately estimated or measured to prevent excessive pressure build up in target storage formations during injection of CO2 or any other fluid.
Economical Production of Radiopharmaceuticals for Preclinical Imaging Using Microdroplet Radiochemistry.

The short-lived radiolabeled "tracers" needed for performing whole body imaging in animals or patients with positron-emission tomography (PET) are generally produced via automated "radiosynthesizers". Most current radiosynthesizers are designed for routine production of relatively large clinical batches and are very wasteful when only a small batch of a tracer is needed, such as is the case for preclinical in vivo PET imaging studies. To overcome the prohibitively high cost of producing small batches of PET tracers, we developed a droplet microreactor system that performs radiochemistry at the 1-10μL scale instead of the milliliter scale of conventional technologies. The overall yield for the droplet-based production of many PET tracers is comparable to conventional approaches, but 10-100× less reagents are consumed, the synthesis can be completed in much less time (<30 min), and only a small laboratory footprint and minimal radiation shielding are needed. By combining these advantages, droplet microreactors enable the economical production of small batches PET tracers on demand. Here, we describe the fabrication method of the droplet microreactor and the droplet-based synthesis of an example radiotracer ([18F]fallypride).
Mit dem Klimalotsen Risiken des Klimawandels gezielt umschiffen

Seit Herbst 2010 konnen Unternehmen ein kostenloses Angebot vom Kompetenzzentrum „Klimafolgen und Anpassung“ des Umweltbundesamtes nutzen, um sich uber Risiken und Chancen des Klimawandels zu informieren. In funf Schritten unterstutzt der Internet-Leitfaden „Klimalotse“ interessierte Nutzer, Bausteine fur eine Anpassungsstrategie zu erarbeiten.
A practical solution to the string stability problem in autonomous vehicle following

This work describes an improved autonomous vehicle following control scheme based on inter-vehicle communication. A previously developed autonomous following algorithm uses an on-board laser scanning radar sensor (LIDAR) to measure the ego-vehicle's relative position with respect to its preceding vehicle, and the steering command is calculated for the ego-vehicle to follow the preceding vehicle. In this control scheme, the performance of the following vehicle largely depends on the behavior of the preceding vehicle. String stability becomes a serious issue when this control algorithm is applied to a platoon of vehicles. The deterioration of road tracking performance is another concern. The road tracking error of one vehicle is passed on to following vehicles, and the errors may accumulate as they propagate in the upstream direction. It is shown in the paper that inter-vehicle communication is a practical solution to this problem. Experimental and simulation results are presented.
Enhancement of heat transfer and mass transport in single-phase and two-phase flows with electrohydrodynamics

Abstract For the last twenty years significant work on electrohydrodynamically (EHD) enhanced heat transfer and mass transport, with a focus on industrial applications, especially with respect to evaporators and condensers, has been performed by researchers around the world. The rapid control of performance by varying the applied electric field, the simple design, and low power requirements are all advantages of the application of EHD. A significant amount of applied and fundamental research is still required before the EHD phenomena can be utilized in an industrial setting. However, it is expected that within the next decade some EHD-enhanced industrial applications will become a reality. The intent of this chapter is not to provide an exhaustive published bibliography of research on EHD-coupled heat transfer or mass transport. Such comprehensive reviews of past research on EHD-enhanced single- and two-phase heat transfer and EHD-induced flow were published in 1978 and 1995. The purpose of this chapter is to provide prospective researchers with an initial background on EHD-enhanced heat transfer and mass transport and information and approaches to studying electric field, fluid flow field, and heat transfer coupled problems.
The activation of arginyl transfer ribonucleic acid synthetase by transfer ribonucleic acid.

Abstract The arginine-activating enzyme of Escherichia coli requires transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) for catalysis of the ATP-pyrophosphate exchange reaction. Only the specific arginine-accepting tRNA is effective, and the terminal adenylic acid residue is essential for the reaction. A previously described isotope-trapping experiment led to the suggestion that an arginyl-tRNA ester was not formed during the pyrophosphate exchange. The specific tRNA has now been shown to be required for reaction of this enzyme system with hydroxylamine and for the enzymatic pyrophosphorolysis of arginyl adenylate.
STEM mentoring and the use of the principles of Adult Mentoring Inventory

Purpose – The purpose of this convergent parallel mixed methods paper is to explore the mentoring experience within the context of a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) specific mentoring program for urban, at risk, high school youth, using the Principles of Adult Mentoring Inventory (PAMI) as an instrument that modeled effective mentoring behavior. The study took place at a large, urban, Midwestern university in the USA. Design/methodology/approach – A research design was developed and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in parallel, analyzed separately and then merged to determine results. The PAMI instrument that measures six constructs of mentor effectiveness was administered to STEM mentors as a pre/post-test and enabled researchers to collect quantitative data. Researchers used focus groups to collect qualitative data in the form of transcribed interviews. This study sought to inform STEM mentoring program development by collecting both qualitative and quantitative dat...
Patent Pools and Innovation in Substitutes - Evidence from the 19th Century Sewing Machine Industry

Patent pools, which combine complementary patents of competing firms, are expected to increase overall welfare – but potentially discourage innovation in substitutes for the pool technology. This paper exploits a new historical data set on changes in patenting and firm entry for a clearly defined pool technology and substitutes in the 19th century sewing machine industry to investigate the effects of a pool on innovation in substitutes. This analysis reveals a substantial increase in innovation for an – albeit technologically inferior – substitute technology. Historical evidence suggests that the creation of a pool diverted innovation towards an inferior substitute by creating differential license fees and litigation risks, which made it more difficult for outside firms to compete directly with the pool technology.
Alpha 3 beta 1 integrin has a crucial role in kidney and lung organogenesis

A mutation was targeted to the murine alpha3 integrin gene. Homozygous mutant mice survived to birth, but died during the neonatal period. The mutation caused abnormal kidney and lung development. Mutant kidneys displayed decreased branching of the medullary collecting ducts, although the number of nephrons was not altered. Proximal tubules exhibited two distinct subsets of abnormalities, with the epithelial cells either containing excess lysosomes or becoming microcystic. In addition, glomerular development was markedly affected. In mutant kidneys, the extent of branching of glomerular capillary loops was decreased, with capillary lumina being wider than normal. The glomerular basement membrane was disorganized and glomerular podocytes were unable to form mature foot processes. Branching of the bronchi in lungs of mutant mice was also decreased and the large bronchi extended to the periphery. These results indicate a role for integrin receptors in basement membrane organization and branching morphogenesis.
An application of Berman's work on pool-model invariants in analyzing indistinguishable models for whole-body cholesterol metabolism

Berman and Schoenfeld used matrix transformations to study unidentifiable pool models. It is possible to use the method to examine if two models are output-indistinguishable, that is, if given the nature of tracer injections and observations, the two models have the same responses. The method is applied to two three-pool models for whole-body cholesterol metabolism. The indistinguishabilily of a mammillary model from a catenary model is proved using matrix transformations. The method is used in two ways, directly as well as after simplifying the problem. The two ways, as well as an analysis of the converse, help to show how the method is to be applied as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the method.
Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase Gene Is Stably Maintained and Expressed in Cells Transformed by Protoplast Fusion

We examined a series of transformed cell lines resulting from transfer of the herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase gene to Ltk− cells by protoplast fusion gene transfer. We show that multiple copies of the transforming plasmid DNA, ranging from a minimum of two to greater than 20, were present in one or at most a few integration sites in each cell line. The TK+ phenotype was stable in five independent transformed cell lines after growth in nonselective medium for over a year. Transforming plasmid DNA was stable in one cell line containing from two to five copies after a year of growth in nonselective medium. In another cell line initially containing about 20 copies, the transforming DNA became rearranged soon after growth to mass culture, resulting in a decrease to two to five copies which then remained stably maintained. This suggests that TK+ transformants resulting from protoplast fusion are stable when the input DNA has integrated in a relatively low copy number.
Effects of mixing variables and talc fillers on tensile and impact fatigue properties of some thermoplastic blends of poly(vinyl chloride) with acrylonitrile‐butadiene copolymer rubber

An apparatus is described which measures simultaneously a relative change in vibrational damping and in transient electrical charging of a wafer specimen of plastic during the interval immediately following an impact blow. When impacting cycles are repeated regularly (at an energy less than the destructive level for nonfatigued specimen), the curves relating either electrical or mechanical responses to the number of impact blows show significant changes of slope at coincident intervals of the impact fatigue history, and either of these correlated effects can be used to indicate successive changes in microstructure which lead to the ultimate fracture endpoint of the fatigue test. These fatigue tests were used to study the effect of compositional and mixing variables on the properties of some heterophase thermoplastics. This study demonstrated that impact fatigue resistance can be poor in some plastic compositions which are rated to have superior impact resistance by tensile testing. Also, some special fillers in the correct quantity may improve fatigue resistance even though such filler loading will degrade other desirable tensile properties.
Spin-dynamics of the spin-correlated radical pair in photosystem I. Pulsed time-resolved EPR at high magnetic field

Spin-dynamics of the spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) P700+A1A− in the photosystem I (PSI) reaction center protein have been investigated with high-frequency (HF), time-resolved EPR spectroscopy. The superior spectral resolution of HF EPR enables spin-dynamics for both the donor and acceptor radicals in the pair to be monitored independently. Decay constants of each spin were measured as a function of temperature and compared to data obtained at X-band EPR. Relaxation times, T1, and decay rates, kS, are the same at both X- and D-band magnetic fields. The spin-dynamics within the radical pair were determined from theoretical simulation of experimental time-resolved HF EPR spectra. At low temperatures, T 130 K, the T1 relaxation is much faster than kS. The recombination rate kS was observed to decrease as the temperature is increased. These EPR spectral results are in agreement with previously reported optical measurements of P700+A1− radical pair recombination.
Cytochrome oxidase: structural insights from electron microscopy and from secondary structure prediction

Electron microscopic images of selectively contrasted cytochrome oxidase dimer crystals are interpreted in a manner consistent with the structure of monomers determined by Fuller et al. (J. Molec. Biol. 134, 305-327). The arms of the y-shaped monomers lie within and perpendicular to the lipid bilayer protruding approximately 25 A on the matrix side of the membrane. The cytoplasmic-side tails of two monomers spread apart in a dimer forming a large cleft. Decoration of the exposed matrix side of vesicle crystals with antisubunit IV antibody fragments indicates that subunit IV lies along the a-crystal axis roughly 20 A from the center of the dimer. A membrane propensity algorithm applied to the sequences of cytochrome oxidase subunits predicts a total of 19 transmembrane alpha-helices per monomer.
Engineered magnetic shape anisotropy in BiFeO3-CoFe2O4 self-assembled thin films.

We report growth of various phase architectures of self-assembled BiFeO3–CoFe2O4 (BFO–CFO) thin films on differently oriented SrTiO3 (STO) substrates. CFO forms segregated square, stripe, and triangular nanopillars embedded in a coherent BFO matrix on (001)-, (110)-, and (111)-oriented STO substrates, respectively. Nanostructures with an aspect ratio of up to 5:1 with a prominent magnetic anisotropy were obtained on both (001) and (110) STO along out-of-plane and in-plane directions. Magnetic easy axis rotation from in-plane to out-of-plane directions was realized through aspect ratio control. An intractable in-plane anisotropy was fixed in CFO on (111) STO due to the triangular shape of the ferromagnetic phase nanopillars. These studies established a detailed relationship of magnetic anisotropy with specific shape and dimensions of ordered magnetic arrays. The results suggest a way to effectively control the magnetic anisotropy in patterned ferromagnetic oxide arrays with tunable shape, aspect ratio, and...
Mammography: Breast implants—types, complications, and adjacent breast pathology

Abstract Approximately 1.5 million women in the United States currently have breast implants. The majority were placed for cosmetic augmentation, but 20% were placed for reconstruction after the loss or deformity of a breast. The augmented breast is a challenge to the mammographer. Many of the palpable and mammographically detected abnormalities in these patients are related to the implant itself. Since, however, there is breast tissue present with cosmetic augmentation, the full range of fibrocystic and neoplastic conditions that can affect the breast may be seen. The presence of the implant makes imaging the breast more difficult because the implant obscures the nearby breast tissue. This paper reviews the history and evolution of various breast prostheses. The surgical approaches to placement of implants and complications associated with their use will be discussed. Examples of concomitant pathologies and a review of imaging strategies will be given.
Aerodynamic Performance of Preferred Wind Turbine Airfoils

To investigate possible increases of the capacity factor of wind turbines, six airfoils are chosen for evaluation, three based on high Cl, low Cd/Cl, and wide operational range, and three others simply based on low Cd. Aerodynamic performance of the chosen airfoils is projected for a 45 m radius turbine using Blade Element Theory (BET) as translated in an existing computer program. Even though the airfoils do not differ significantly in shape, their performance is projected to differ in turbine performance calculations, with some generating more power than others at the same wind speed and air density. The aerodynamic performance obtained with the numerically tested airfoils is compared to that of an actual wind turbine of equal dimensions. Wind speed and directional changes can be large, and assessing their effect is complicated. Using data from the literature, a simple evaluation of the effect of wind speed can be incorporated into the power curve, and shown to be dependent on the airfoil type. Directional changes could lead to reduced output power, but they are more significant for BEs close to the hub than to the tip. The optimal incidence angle calculated with the program shows little variability with wind speed for all airfoils.© 2012 ASME
Vestibular dysfunction in chronic inflammatory demyelinating Polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) has occasionally been associated with clinical or laboratory evidence (magnetic resonance imaging,[MRI], visual evoked response, and brainstem auditory evoked response [BAER] of cranial neuropathy. In most cases, the relationship of cranial nerve involvement to CIDP remains unclear. A 45-year-old woman noted foot numbness, limb weakness, gait and postural instability, and oscillopsia. An IgG kappa monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was found. Bilateral vestibulopathy was documented by clinical examination, bithermal calorics, rotary chair testing, BAERs, and dynamic posturography. MRI with gadolinium demonstrated enhancement of cranial nerve VIII bilaterally. Over the next 6 years, the patients's relapsing and remitting course of CIDP and vestibulopathy was assessed by quantitative muscle and vestibular function testing (clinically and neurophysiologically), and dynamic visual acuity. There was a striking synchronization between her CIDP and vestibulopathy with respect to clinical course including relapses and responses to immune therapy. The response to therapy, and evidence derived from clinical and laboratory investigations, suggest that the vestibular dysfunction was immune mediated.
Effect of Fuel System Impedance Mismatch on Combustion Dynamics

Combustion dynamics are a challenging problem in the design and operation of premixed gas turbine combustors. In premixed combustors, pressure oscillations created by the flame dynamic response can lead to damaging pressure oscillations. These dynamics are typically controlled by designing the combustor to achieve stable operation for planned conditions, but dynamics may still occur with minor changes in ambient operating conditions, or fuel composition. In these situations, pilot flames, or adjustment to fuel flow splits can be used to stabilize the combustor, but often with a compromise in emissions performance. As an alternative to purely passive design changes, prior studies have demonstrated that adjustment to the fuel system impedance can be used to stabilize combustion. Prior studies have considered just the response of individual fuel injector and combustor. However, in practical combustion systems, multiple fuel injectors are used. In this situation, individual injector impedance can be modified to produce a different dynamic response from individual flames. The resulting impedance mismatch prevents all injectors from strongly coupling to the same acoustic mode. In principle, this mismatch should reduce the amplitude of dynamics, and may expand the operating margin for stable combustion conditions. In this paper, a 30 kW laboratory combustor with two premixed fuel injectors is used to study the effect of impedance mismatch on combustion stability. The two fuel injectors are equipped with variable geometry resonators that allow a survey of dynamic stability while changing the impedance of the individual fuel systems. Results demonstrate that a wide variation in dynamic response can be achieved by combining different impedence fuel injectors. A baseline 7% RMS pressure oscillation was reduced to less than 3% by mismatching the fuel impedance.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Performance analysis of ad hoc routing protocols based on selective forwarding node algorithms

Network resources are essential in resource critical environments as ad hoc wireless networks (AWNs) due to their dynamic topology and broadcasting of packets over the wireless medium without a central controller. In order to perform a routing algorithm with minimum resource consumption, an ideal ad hoc routing protocol should be designed for low consumed resources such as low power consumption. In this paper focus on ad hoc routing protocols, Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OLSR) and gossip-based routing protocols, based on selective forwarding node algorithms that reduce the control message overheads. Thus, we present performance analytical results to thoroughly evaluate the routing protocols and demonstrate our Adaptive-Gossiping method advantages over Static-Gossiping routing and OLSR protocols in densely deployed networks. This paper is an extended version of ICISA 2013 conference paper [12].
Delayed Fluorescence Wave Form from Free-Deep Trapped Triplet Exciton Annihilation

Abstract Free-deep trapped triplet exciton annihilation leads to an asymmetric behavior in the buildup and decay of the delayed fluorescence wave from excited with low-intensity light in the first triplet exciton band. The kinetic analysis for the case of a single trap shows that the study of the temperature-and frequency-dependence of the complete delayed fluorescence wave form can yield the lifetimes of the free and the trapped triplets, the trapping rate, and the trap depth. Experimental results on the delayed fluorescence wave form from crystalline phenanthrene containing trapping levels at 0.6 eV below the triplet band show the behavior predicted by the kinetics.
Development of a real-time general medicine 30-day readmissions notification system

Hospital readmissions present a costly problem for healthcare systems. Engaging care providers in reviewing readmissions may reveal opportunities for reducing readmissions and improving quality. We developed a real-time alerting method that e-mails providers when a discharged patient returns for care (emergency department [ED] or hospital admission) within 30 days. We analyzed the content of alerts to consider frequency of presentation and demographic characteristics of readmitted patients. From 3/15/2011 to 8/31/2011, 1544 alerts (943 ED returns; 601 inpatient readmissions) were generated, representing 621 unique patients (average return time: 12.8±8.5 days). Forty-eight faculty received alerts; 88.8% of alerts were sent to the correct discharging provider. Real-time alerting allows providers to re-engage with readmitted patients and offers a means for evaluating performance. Such systems may also elucidate reasons for readmission by detailing practice patterns and populations at risk for readmission as well as help to design targeted interventions to reduce hospital returns.
Information technology, the internet, and the future of neurology.

BACKGROUND– This review addresses the impact of information technology and the Internet on the current and future practice of neurology. Information technology is influencing medical practice in ways that could be both beneficial and harmful. Scenarios are presented to depict some of the ways in which the practice of neurology is being influenced by the growth of technology. REVIEW SUMMARY– First, the advantages and disadvantages of e-mail as a means of doctor-patient communication are presented. Some of the ethical and legal issues arising in this context are discussed. REVIEW SUMMARY– Second, the Internet is changing neurologists’ relationships to other professionals in the health care industry. Geographical isolation is less problematic than in the past. Telemedicine, including remote consulting via the Web, has special implications for neurologists in several areas, including stroke management, movement disorders, and epilepsy. REVIEW SUMMARY– Third, the growing availability of large databases, powerful search engines, and online full-text journals is discussed. Skill in navigating and managing these resources will become increasingly important. New computer-assisted decision support systems will continue to be implemented. Applications exist or are being developed for use by clinicians for many specific neurologic disorders. REVIEW SUMMARY– Finally, some of the problematic issues concerning medical use of the Internet are discussed, including availability, portability, security, quality, and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS– Medical information systems, with their attendant advantages and limitations, will become increasingly significant in the practice of neurology. Despite overall improvement in access to information, major barriers still exist to the proper implementation and utilization of truly integrated information systems.
Why Is the Influence of Sunspot Peaks on the Ocean and Atmosphere in Northern Winter Seen Mainly in the Pacific Region

The sun at sunspot peaks enhances the climatological means in the Pacific region from the stratosphere to the surface of the sea. The robust signal is physically consistent and statistically significant in the 14 sunspot peaks for which sea-level pressure and sea-surface temperature data are available. No other place shows such a strong influence of the sunspot peaks in the northern winter. Why in the Pacific and why a cooling of equatorial surface waters at sunspot peaks? I suggest that in the Indonesian region the strong convection, higher and colder tropopause, warmer water, and Indonesian topography are conducive to channel the solar influence mainly to this region, leading to an enhancement of the Walker and Hadley circulations, expansion and intensification of the dry zone, and cooler equatorial surface waters.
Target tracking, approach, and camera handoff for automated instrument placement

This paper describes the target designation, tracking, approach, and camera handoff technologies required to achieve accurate, single-command autonomous instrument placement for a planetary rover. It focuses on robust tracking integrated with obstacle avoidance during the approach phase, and image-based camera handoff to allow vision-based instrument placement. It also provides initial results from a complete system combining these technologies with rover base placement to maximize arm manipulability and image-based instrument placement.
Electric-field modification of magnetism in a thin CoPd film

We report the modification of the magnetization depth profile of an 18.5-nm-thick ${\text{Co}}_{50}{\text{Pd}}_{50}$ film immersed in an electrolyte using an electric field. We find an increase in the surface magnetization that varies linearly with magnitude of the applied potential. The change in magnetization occurs within 7.2 nm of the CoPd surface.
A computer solution for the steady-state behaviour of a PN-junction diode☆

Abstract A computer solution for the transport equations and Poisson's equation has been obtained for the steady-state behaviour in a PN-junction diode. Assuming dopings of 1018/cm3 for acceptors and 1015/cm3 for donors, and using the Hall-Shockley-Read recombination process, we have been able to solve for the currents, concentrations, energy levels, and field in the P-region, N-region, and space-charge region separately. No approximations are made which are not a consequence of the relative doping levels. Our main conclusions are that (a) the potential drop in the N-region causes the forward current to vary as exp(qV/nkt), where n increases with current and (b) the reverse current does not saturate because of recombination in the space-charge region.
Estimating efficacy in a proposed randomized trial with initial and later non-compliance

Summary. A controversial topic in obstetrics is the effect of walking on the probability of Caesarean section among women in labour. A major reason for the controversy is the presence of non-compliance that complicates the estimation of efficacy, the effect of treatment received on outcome. The intent-to-treat method does not estimate efficacy, and estimates of efficacy that are based directly on treatment received may be biased because they are not protected by randomization. However, when non-compliance occurs immediately after randomization, the use of a potential outcomes model with reasonable assumptions has made it possible to estimate efficacy and still to retain the benefits of randomization to avoid selection bias. In this obstetrics application, non-compliance occurs initially and later in one arm. Consequently some parameters cannot be uniquely estimated without making strong assumptions. This difficulty is circumvented by a new study design involving an additional randomization group and a novel potential outcomes model (principal stratification).
On the information content of partial observations

The modified zero order approach to estimating coefficients in the face of missing observations treats them as parameters to be estimated simultaneously with the missing observations. The paper then investigates (in the context of Han's generalized regression model)(i) when parameter estimators don't vary between using the partial data points and using only the complete ones (the informationless result), and (ii) large sample properties of the modified zero order estimator. It's found the sequential cut property is crucial to the informationless result for coefficient estimators; consistency of the modified zero order estimator depends on the percentage of observations with missing elements for large sample sizes or the sequential cut property.
Cure model analysis in cancer: an application to data from the Children's Cancer Group.

The most commonly used statistical methods for evaluating treatment or prognostic effects on cancer outcome--the logrank test and Cox regression analysis--rely on the proportional hazards (PH) assumption in that they have maximal power in this circumstance. Implicitly, these methods emphasize covariate effects on failure times rather than their effects on the proportion of long-term survivors ('cures'), which may be of equal or primary interest. In paediatric cancer, treatment has progressed dramatically in recent decades, and in many diagnoses cures are obtained in a large fraction of patients. A primary focus of clinical research is therefore the achievement of cure. Parametric cure model (PCM) analysis, introduced 50 years ago, is arguably better suited to the analytic requirements of clinical research in paediatric and other cancers where cure is achieved. In this paper two classes of PCMs are described and used to analyse examples from the Children's Cancer Group. These are compared to analyses using Cox regression analysis. Results from PCM analyses are similar or identical to Cox regression analysis when the PH assumption is appropriate. When it is not, PCMs can provide a coherent way to investigate and report covariate effects on the proportion cured separately from their effect on time to failure. Despite their reliance on explicit parametric forms, PCMs often provide a good description of cancer outcome, and are insensitive to lack of fit provided that follow-up is sufficient.
The effects of melanocortin agonists and antagonists on leptin-induced fever in rats

Abstract 1. Over three experiments, separate groups of adult male Sprague–Dawley rats received intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of either vehicle, recombinant rat leptin (1 μg), or leptin (4 μg), then two ICV injections, 30 min apart of vehicle/vehicle, leptin (4 μg)/vehicle, vehicle/ α -MSH (300 ng), or leptin/ α -MSH, and then vehicle/vehicle, leptin (4 μg)/vehicle, vehicle/ SHU-9119 (200 ng; a MC 3/4 receptor antagonist), or leptin/SHU-9119. Core temperatures ( T c ), food intake and body weights were monitored. 2. Four microgram leptin resulted in the induction of fever, an effect blocked by injection of α -MSH. Antagonism of MC 3/4 receptors with SHU-9119 did not augment leptin-induced fever, but did block the inhibitory actions of leptin on food intake. 3. These data demonstrate the inhibitory effects of exogenous α -MSH on leptin-induced fever, but suggest that endogenous melanocortin action at MC 3/4 receptors does not tonically inhibit febrigenesis caused by leptin administration.
Der Lösungsmitteleffekt auf die Isomerisierungsreaktion des trans‐Diaquo‐dioxalato‐chrom(III)‐Anions

Die Isomerisierung des trans-[Cr(C2O4)2(H2O)2] -Ions wurde in wasrigen Mischungen von Methanol, Athanol, Isopropylalkohol, tert.-Butylalkohol, Aceton und Dioxan mit bis zu 50 Gew.-% organischer Komponente untersucht. Der deutliche Losungsmitteleffekt auf die Geschwindigkeitskonstante kann nicht anhand eines die Eigenschaften des Losungsmittel-systems charakterisierenden Parameters quantitativ beschrieben werden. Analog der Verwendung des empirischen Y-Parameters von Grunwald und Winstein wird die Isomerisierungs-reaktion des Komplex-Ions mit der Reaktion der Epoxidbildung aus dem Athylenchlorhydrin-Anion verglichen. Aus der gewonnenen Korrelation werden Schlusse auf den Mechanismus der Isomerisierung gezogen. The Solvent Effect on the Isomerization Reaction of the trans-Diaquo-dioxalatochromium(III) Anion The isomerization reaction of the trans-[Cr(C2O4)2(H2O)2] ion was investigated in aqueous mixtures of methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, acetone, and dioxane with up to 50% of the organic component. The distinct solvent effect on the rate constant cannot be described by a parameter characterising the solvent system. By analogy to the use of the empirical Y-parameter of Grunwald and Winstein the isomerization of the complex ion is compared with the formation reaction of epoxide from ethylenechlorohydrin. From the obtained correlation conclusions are drawn with respect to the mechanism of the isomerization reaction.
Genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma: which treatment, how much, and when?

Abstract Objective To review the current management of pediatric genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Methods Studies performed by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group, Children's Oncology Group (COG), International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and others over the past 10 years were reviewed to compare the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy for treatment of RMS and their associated outcomes. Results Equivalent overall survival rates were reported in the last COG and SIOP trials, with worse event-free survival rates for bladder/prostate RMS in SIOP trials. The use of radiotherapy for local control was the main difference between current COG and SIOP protocols. Surgery is used to diagnose RMS, and for local control after chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is used for systemic control of RMS, but metastatic RMS will require new approaches. Conclusion Risk stratification and risk-based therapy are being studied to decrease morbidity from treatment of RMS. The proper role of surgery vs radiotherapy for local control and whether additional treatment with second-line chemotherapy outweighs the avoidance of radiotherapy remain to be defined.
Effects of Estradiol and Progesterone on the Increased Synthesis of Collagen in Atherosclerotic Rabbit Aortas

Abstract The effects of sex hormones on atherosclerosis and collagen synthesis in blood vessels were studied in rabbits fed an atherogenic diet. Ovariectomy without hormone replacement resulted in significantly greater degree of atherosclerosis and collagen synthesis in the aortic arch when compared with the intact state. The administration of estradiol to ovariectomized rabbits resulted in a degree of atherosclerosis and collagen synthesis similar to that of intact rabbits. Ovariectomized rabbits administered progesterone on the other hand resembled the ovariectomized rabbits without hormone replacement. Specific activity of hydroxyproline in individual specimens of the arch correlated strongly with degree of atherosclerosis. An analysis of regional variation demonstrated declining values for collagen synthesis in the caudal direction along the aorta. Collagen synthesis was much higher in the portal vein as compared with the inferior vena cava. Plasma cholesterol values were higher in the ovariectomized rabbits than in the intact rabbits. Tissue deposition of cholesterol paralleled the degree of atherosclerosis.
‘Gettin’ grown’: Notes on gangsta rap music and notions of manhood

Richard Majors and others provide, using the “cool pose” an invaluable way of understanding black manhood. This article expands that category by exploring notions of manhood as presented in gangsta rap music, using the term “gangsta lean.” I suggest that the gangsta lean is in keeping with the historical quest by black men to define themselves in light of and regardless of white America. It is argued that gangsta rap provides a notion of manhood that, on one level, mimics the dangerous norms and principles espoused by white America. On another level, it offers creative ways of surviving against the odds.
Relationships between mechanical behaviour and craze morphology in thin films of polystyrene

A new technique has been developed to study the relationship between mechanical properties and craze microstructure in thin films (1 to 5μm) of polystyrene. Thin film samples of thicknesses in this range could be strained in a conventional testing machine and subsequently examined in the deformed state in an electron microscope. The strain rate was systematically varied and its effect was investigated on both quenched and annealed samples. Correlations were found between craze morphology and ductility. A new “craze parameter” has been defined as the width of a strip of material which is involved in the development of a craze. From this value, the average strain and the average volume fraction of fibrils within a craze can be calculated.
The synthesis of substituted pyrazino[2,3-d]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines

The synthesis of 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines and the unknown ring system, pyrazino[2,3-d]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine, has been achieved. The preparation of the new tricyclic 1,2,4-triazole was accomplished first by ring closure of the triazole ring followed by formation of the pyrazine ring. Substitution of the pyrazino[2,3-d]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine ring system was carried out in order to provide information of its reactivity and to provide a variety of interesting compounds for biological testing.
Interpersonal factors and post‐treatment drinking and subjective wellbeing

Buts: une clarification conceptuelle du domaine des relations sociales definit trois aspects des relations sociales (structure, fonction et qualite), qui ont a la fois des composantes generales et des composantes liees a l'alcool. Les auteurs ont analyse les correlations parmi les indicateurs post-traitement des relations sociales et les liens de ces variables interpersonnelles avec l'alcoolisation apres le traitement et le bien-etre subjectif. Projet: il s'agit d'une analyse secondaire des donnees d'une etude sur les resultats du traitement de l'alcoolisme, dans laquelle les sujets etaient assignes de maniere randomisee a l'une des trois conditions de traitement et suivi pendant dix-huit mois. Cadre: un programme de traitement ambulatoire d'un hopital psychiatrique prive du Nord-Est des Etats-Unis. Participants: 140 sujets ayant rempli, 12 mois apres leur assignation au traitement, un questionnaire concernant le reseau social. Intervention: cette analyse secondaire implique les clients des trois conditions de traitement, lesquelles etaient toutes basees sur la theorie de l'apprentissage social. Mesures: les donnees des entretiens et du questionnaire ont ete recueillies par des enqueteurs qualifies et experimentes. Resultats: les indicateurs de relations sociales se sont reveles etre relativement independants les uns des autres. Seuls les indicateurs des relations sociales liees a l'alcool etaient significativement associes aux resultats d'alcoolisation, et seuls les indicateurs generaux etaient significativement associes au bien-etre subjectif. Les indicateurs fonctionnels abordant le contenu de l'interaction sociale, avaient des effets plus importants sur les resultats que les indicateurs de structure ou de qualite. Le soutien general et le soutien specifique vis-a-vis de l'alcool provenant des amis avaient davantage d'influence que celui de la famille; les deux surpassaient celui des collegues de travail. Conclusions: une meilleure comprehension du role des relations sociales au cours du traitement, de la guerison ou de la rechute peut aider a clarifier la facon dont le traitement personnel peut utiliser le mieux les relations interpersonnelles des clients pour maximiser l'efficacite du traitement.
Thin film organic light emitting devices and lasers

Abstract We describe recent advances in luminescent devices based on Forster energy transfer in vacuum deposited, small molecular weight organic thin films. As examples, we concentrate our discussion on a novel, 12 layer stacked organic light emitting device useful for full color, high resolution flat panel display applications, and optically pumped semiconducting organic thin film lasers. Both devices demonstrate the unusual properties characteristic of these materials which open the door to a wide range of new device possibilities.
Customer Satisfaction Incentives

Customer satisfaction incentive schemes are increasingly common in a variety of industries. We offer explanations as to how and when incenting employees on customer satisfaction is profitable and offer several recommendations for improving upon current practice. Faced with employee groups including managers who may have shorter time horizons than the firm, such systems enable a firm to use customer reaction to monitor implicitly how employees allocate effort between the short and long terms. These systems can be used to encourage employees to make tradeoffs that are in the best interests of the firm. We derive optimal reward systems for an equilibrium in which the firm maximizes profits, employees maximize their expected utility, and customers choose purchase quantities based on initial reputations, employee efforts both ephemeral and enduring, and price. The formal model shows how the reliance placed on customer satisfaction in an incentive scheme should depend upon the precision with which customer satisfaction is measured and the extent to which employees focus on the short term. Recommendations for improving upon current practice include: measure customers, former customers, and potential customers; measure satisfaction with competitors' products; disaggregate satisfaction to reflect better the performance of employee groups, and, when different customer segments have different switching costs or they vary in the precision with which their satisfaction can be measured, then measure the segments separately and assign different weights in the incentive plan. Throughout the paper we interpret the formal results based on our experience with actual firms and the current literature. We close with a brief discussion of on-going research at field sites.
Communication Is More than Language: Adult ESL Classes Foster Parent-School Collaboration.

Abstract Public-school policy and federal law both emphasize parental involvement, yet there is insufficient research guiding meaningful collaboration between school practitioners and immigrant parents. This article reports on results gleaned from a larger study of school-based adult ESL classes, focusing on the role that these classes could play in supporting effective parental involvement. The focal study was quasi-experimental and included Mexican mothers previously enrolled in school-based ESL classes (N = 87). Analysis included mixed-methods data drawn from treatment and control groups (N = 8). This article presents the results of an intervention that guided treatment-group ESL teachers to integrate parent-involvement knowledge and behaviors into instruction, in comparison to a form of ESL classes typically offered in public schools. The final analysis reveals a significant increase in both ESL and parent-involvement skills acquired by the students in the treatment group. It also demonstrates numerou...
Creating school change: discovering a choice of lenses for the school administrator

Proposes a variety of different epistemological lenses for viewing the process of school change, for use by the school administrator. Applies these lenses in an actual case study depicting school change. Analyses the impact on administrative practice and training of using these lenses.