cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occult malignancy in patients with suspected paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes: value of positron emission tomography in diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the value of positron emission tomography (PET) in diagnosing occult malignancies in patients with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNSs) at Mayo Clinic's site in Rochester, MN. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of all 107 patients who underwent PET from January 1, 2000, to July 31, 2006, for the indication of suspected PNS. Three patients did not meet inclusion criteria. PET results were considered positive if increased fludeoxyglucose F 18 uptake indicated malignancy (24 patients). Results from computed tomography were interpreted as positive if any suspect lesion was consistent with malignancy (26 patients). RESULTS One hundred four patients with PNS were identified from the PET central database; 73 patients had at least 1 positive result for paraneoplastic antibody, and 31 had antibody-negative PNS. Malignancy was confirmed pathologically in 10 patients, of whom 8 had positive PET results. There were 2 cases of confirmed malignancy (fallopian tube adenocarcinoma and spindle cell uterine carcinoma) for which PET results were negative. Two patients with positive PET results declined biopsy. Computed tomography was able to identify 3 of the 10 malignancies detected. Five cases of malignancy were detected only by PET. All patients with confirmed malignancy had positive results for at least 1 paraneoplastic antibody. One patient with positive results for PNS antibody and negative PET results was diagnosed as having small cell carcinoma on a follow-up PET scan after 27 months. PET had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 80%, 67%, 53%, and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION PET scan was shown to be more sensitive than computed tomography for detecting occult malignancy (confirmed by positive test results for autoantibody) among patients with suspected PNS. The greatest clinical utility of PET could be in its high negative predictive value.
Leader-following consensus in vehicle platoons with an inter-vehicle communication network

We consider the problem of controlling a platoon of vehicles in which each vehicle tries to maintain a fixed distance from its predecessor, which is an instance of the so-called “string stability” problem. Our model includes a communication network among the platoon of vehicles and an associated leader-following consensus protocol. We derive the sufficient conditions, in terms of communication topology and control parameters, for string stability by using the leader-following consensus algorithm. Comparison of our proposed algorithm with previously proposed control methods in literature shows that ours is a generalization that encompasses previous approaches as special cases obtained by assuming specific communication topologies. Simulation results and performance in terms of disturbance propagation are also given, showing that the proposed leader-following consensus protocol leads to almost the same level of performance as the previous approaches, while the proposed algorithm has additional advantages of scalability, robustness and distributed implementation.
The effects of bilirubin on the thermal properties of phosphatidylcholine bilayers

The thermotropic properties of multilamellar vesicles of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), as a function of the concentration of bilirubin in the range of 0.1 to 1 mol%, were measured. The exact effects of bilirubin depended on the chain length of the polymethylene chains. But the general effects of bilirubin were the same in all systems. At the lowest concentrations tested (0.1 mol bilirubin/100 mol phospholipid (0.1 mol%)), bilirubin broadened and shifted to higher temperatures the main phase transitions of all bilayers. For DPPC and DSPC, but not DMPC, this concentration of bilirubin was associated with a new transition at 25 degrees C (DPPC) or 34 degrees C (DSPC). Bilirubin at 0.2 mol% was required for the detection of a similar transition (at 13.7 degrees C) in DMPC. Higher concentrations of bilirubin (> 0.2 mol%) suppressed completely the main phase transitions in all bilayers but increased the enthalpy of the new transition. Maximal values of delta H for these transitions were reached at 0.5, 0.25, and 0.2 mol% bilirubin in DMPC, DPPC, and DSPC, respectively. Values of delta H and delta S for these transitions were far larger than for the corresponding gel-to-liquid crystal transitions in pure lipid bilayers but were equal to those expected for a transition between crystalline and liquid crystalline phases.
Usefulness of Endothelin-1 as a Predictor of Response to Head-Up Tilt-Table Testing in Children With Syncope

Recurrent syncope in children and adolescents is a frequently encountered problem in the practice of pediatrics. The etiology of syncope in otherwise healthy persons is considered as a neurally mediated vasovagal reaction. It is postulated that neurally mediated syncope occurs during rapid or prolonged upright positioning. This results in decreased preload, increased ventricular contraction, and sudden activation of cardiac mechanoreceptors by way of the afferent unmyelinated C-fibers. l This causes central sympathetic withdrawal and vagal enhancement, thereby promoting vasodilatation, bradycardia and decreased cerebral perfusion, and syncope.
A Collective Interest Model Approach to Explain the Benefit-Cost Expectations of Participating in a Collaborative Institution

What factors explain stakeholder benefit–cost expectations for participating in a collaborative institution? This article examines this question by applying a version of the collective interest model. The case study includes original data from a mail-in questionnaire and in-person interviews of stakeholders’ expectations before the start of a collaborative process to establish marine-protected areas in California. The results provide little support for the traditional variables in the collective interest model with null results for group and personal efficacy. Selective incentives, especially putting in your own time versus company time, are important in explaining stakeholders’ benefit–cost expectations. The results show that ally efficacy is an important factor, suggesting that perceptions of allies compared to opponents shape initial expectations for a collaborative process. This article adds to the research on political participation in environmental management by presenting a rare exploration of ex ante beliefs before the start of a collaborative planning institution.
A randomized phase II study of ifosfamide/mesna/cisplatin plus G-CSF or etoposide/cisplatin plus G-CSF in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a Cancer and Leukemia Group B study.

This Phase II study was designed to determine the efficacy of two chemotherapy regimens with G-CSF support for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). One-hundred and one patients with Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC and performance status 0-1 were randomized to receive ifosfamide 2.0 g/m2 days 1-3, mesna 400 mg/m2 at 0, 4, 6 h days 1-3, cisplatin 33 mg/m2 days 1-3 or etoposide 200 mg/m2 days 1-3, cisplatin 35 mg/m2 days 1-3. Both groups received G-CSF 5 micrograms/kg SQ day 4 to the post day 11 absolute neutrophil count > 10 000. For the 47 eligible patients receiving ifosfamide/mesna/cisplatin, the response rate was 26% (95% confidence interval: 14-40%) and the median survival 7.5 months (95% confidence interval: 5.8-11.0 months). Grade 3 or worse toxicities were: neutropenia 75%, thrombocytopenia 70%, infection 21%. There were two treatment-related deaths due to infection. For course 1, the median absolute neutrophil count nadir was 1.3, platelet nadir 96 000 and incidence of febrile neutropenia 16%. For the 48 eligible patients receiving etoposide/cisplatin, the response rate was 21% (95% confidence interval: 11-35%) and median survival 5.8 months (95% confidence interval: 4.5-9.7 months). Grade 3 or worse toxicities were: neutropenia 90%, thrombocytopenia 58%, infection 29%. There were three treatment-related deaths due to infection. For course 1, the median absolute neutrophil count was 0.2, platelet nadir 80 000 and incidence of febrile neutropenia 33%. For both ifosfamide/mesna/cisplatin and etoposide/cisplatin, median duration of Grade IV neutropenia was short ( 95% of planned dose. Although G-CSF allowed full doses of drugs to be delivered on schedule, both ifosfamide/mesna/cisplatin and etoposide/cisplatin produced response rates and survival similar to other cisplatin-based regimens. In view of the significant cost of G-CSF and no obvious improvement in response rate, survival or toxicity profile, G-CSF cannot be recommended with these chemotherapy regimens for patients with advanced NSCLC.
Crossing the Line? Freedom of Speech and Religious Sensibilities

On September 30, 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten printed 12 editorial cartoons, several of which contained caricatures of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. This publication sparked a controversy that began in Denmark and spanned the globe. The cartoon publications stemmed from an article discussing the difficulty in finding illustrators for a book on the life of the Prophet Muhammad. According to the book's author, cartoonists refused contract out of fear of retaliation from the Muslim community, citing the example of the 2004 murder of Theo Van Gogh, a Dutchman, for making the documentary Submission, a film focused upon the position of women in Islam. In addition to the article, nationwide debate discussed the right to freedom of speech and the problems surrounding self-censorship. It was within this context that Flemming Rose, the cultural editor at Jyllands-Posten, asked Danish cartoonists to depict the Prophet Muhammad as they saw him with the underlying purpose to raise the issue of self-censorship and fuel further debate. The cartoons ran alongside an article on free speech and self-censorship.
cAMP enhances Cx43 gap junction formation and function and reverses choline deficiency apoptosis.

Previously, it had been shown that acute choline deficiency (CD) induced apoptosis in cultured rat liver epithelial cells, whereas cells that are adapted to survive in low-choline-containing medium acquire resistance to CD apoptosis and undergo malignant transformation. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of action of CD could increase our understanding of the role of choline, an essential nutrient, in the process of malignant transformation. The present experiments were designed to test the hypothesis that CD might function as a pro-apoptotic trigger by altering the localization of connexin 43 gap junction protein and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Established liver epithelial cells (WB cells; Hep3B cells) were maintained in a defined, serum-free medium control (70 microM choline) or choline deficient medium (CD, 5 microM choline) and the localization of connexin 43 protein (Cx43) was studied by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. In nontumorigenic WB cells, CD apoptosis was associated with retention of Cx43 in the golgi/ER region of the cytoplasm and decreased GJIC as measured using a preloading fluorescent dye transfer method (calcein AM/DiIC(18)). Cells maintained in CD in the presence of 8-bromoadenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate exhibited restoration of Cx43 at the plasma membrane and increased GJIC and inhibition of apoptosis. These studies show that CD apoptosis in nontumorigenic liver epithelial cells is associated with alterations to Cx43 and GJIC and that an uncoupling of Cx43 localization and GJIC is related to resistance to CD apoptosis in transformed liver epithelial cells.
Inertial effects and diffusion

Abstract Fick’s law of diffusion is equivalent to an equation of motion for an ideal substance in which the thermodynamic driving force is assumed to be balanced by a drag force proportional to drift velocity. Neglect of the inertial force required by Newton’s second law leads to anomalous short-time predictions such as infinite speeds of propagation. Resolution of the propagation anomaly for chemical diffusion is considered for three applications: Knudsen flow in porous materials, interstitial diffusion in elastic solids, and interstitial diffusion in viscoelastic solids. The transients associated with inertial effects for the first two cases occur at very short-times and are typically of little practical significance. Diffusion in viscoelastic solids appears as a possible exception based on observations of linear transport kinetics in ordinary timescales. The constitutive equations for the Maxwell model lead to the prediction that solute-induced dilatations propagate according to the telegraph equation, a widely proposed correction for avoiding the propagation anomaly in standard diffusion theory. The telegraph equation is not universally valid, however. In the case of Knudsen flow, for example, inertial effects give rise to an additional term related to material convection.
Combining Shared State with Speculative Parallelism in a Functional Language

Purely functional programming languages have proven to be an attractive option for implementing parallel applications. The absence of mutable state eliminates the possibility for race conditions, which relieves programmers from reasoning about the exponential interleavings of threads and nondeterministic behavior. Unfortunately, there are applications that, by making use of shared state, can achieve significant constant factor speedups compared to their purely functional counterparts.IVars have been proposed as a possible solution, allowing threads to share information via write-once references, while preserving a deterministic semantics. However, in the presence of speculative parallelism (cancelation), this determinism guarantee is lost. In this work we show how to go about combining these two features by proposing a dynamic rollback mechanism for enforcing determinism. We have formalized the semantics of a parallel functional language extended with IVars, speculative parallelism, and our proposed rollback mechanism using the Coq proof assistant and have proven that it preserves determinism. Additionally, we describe a preliminary implementation in the context of the Manticore project and give some initial performance results.
Remote processing, delivery and injection of H2[15O] produced from a N2/H2 gas target using a simple and compact apparatus

Abstract We report here a simple apparatus for remote trapping and processing of H2[15O] produced from the N2/H2 target. The system performs a three step operation for H2[15O] delivery at the PET imaging facility which includes the following: (i) collecting the radiotracer in sterile water; (ii) adjusting preparation pH through removal of radiolytically produced ammonia, while at the same time adjusting solution isotonicity; and (iii) delivery of the radiotracer preparation to the injection syringe in a sterile and pyrogen-free form suitable for human studies. The processing apparatus is simple, can be remotely operated and fits inside a Capintec Dose Monitoring Chamber for direct measurement of accumulated radioactivity. Using this system, 300 mCi of H2[15O] (15 μA of 8 MeV D+ on target) is transferred from target through 120 m × 3.18 mm o.d. Impolene tubing to yield 100 mCi of H2[15O] which is isotonic, neutral and suitable for human studies. A remote hydraulically driven system for i.v. injection of the H2[15O] is also described. The device allows for direct measurement of syringe dose while filling, and for easy, as well as safe transport of the injection syringe assembly to the patient's bedside via a shielded delivery cart. This cart houses a hydraulic piston that allows the physician to “manually” inject the radiotracer without directly handling the syringe.
Radiation hydrodynamics modeling of the highest compression inertial confinement fusion ignition experiment from the National Ignition Campaign

The recently completed National Ignition Campaign (NIC) on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) showed significant discrepancies between post-shot simulations of implosion performance and experimentally measured performance, particularly in thermonuclear yield. This discrepancy between simulation and observation persisted despite concerted efforts to include all of the known sources of performance degradation within a reasonable two-dimensional (2-D), and even three-dimensional (3-D), simulation model, e.g., using measured surface imperfections and radiation drives adjusted to reproduce observed implosion trajectories [Clark et al., Phys. Plasmas 20, 056318 (2013)]. Since the completion of the NIC, several effects have been identified that could explain these discrepancies and that were omitted in previous simulations. In particular, there is now clear evidence for larger than anticipated long-wavelength radiation drive asymmetries and a larger than expected perturbation seeded by the capsule support tent. This paper describes an updated suite of one-dimensional (1-D), 2-D, and 3-D simulations that include the current best understanding of these effects identified since the NIC, as applied to a specific NIC shot. The relative importance of each effect on the experimental observables is compared. In combination, these effects reduce the simulated-to-measured yield ratio from 125:1 in 1-D to 1.5:1 in 3-D, as compared to 15:1 in the best 2-D simulations published previously. While the agreement with the experimental data remains imperfect, the comparison to the data is significantly improved and suggests that the largest sources for the previous discrepancies between simulation and experiment are now being included.
Immunohistochemical and clinicopathological correlation of the metastasis-associated gene 1 ( MTA1 ) expression in benign and malignant pancreatic endocrine tumors

Pancreatic endocrine tumors are rare tumors with unpredictable clinical behavior. No histological features or immunohistochemical markers reliably predict malignant progression and the molecular basis of progression of pancreatic endocrine tumors remains unknown. The metastasis-associated gene 1 is thought to play a role in transcription repression and estrogen receptor interaction and is overexpressed in several human cancers, including endocrine neoplasms. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of metastasis-associated gene 1 in pancreatic endocrine tumors for its possible role in malignant progression. Twenty-seven pancreatic endocrine tumors were identified from our archive. The mean age at presentation was 57 years (range 28-86); the male/female ratio was 1.25 to 1, and the mean size was 4.5 cm (0.1-18 cm). The clinical follow-up data were examined and tumors were classified according to the 2004 World Health Organization criteria as benign behavior (WHO 1.1), uncertain behavior (WHO 1.2), well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma (WHO 2), and poorly differentiated endocrine carcinoma (WHO 3). Histopathological and immunohistochemical stains were evaluated and metastasis-associated gene 1 expression scored semiquantitatively as absent (1+), weak (2+), moderate (3+), or strong (4+). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.05. Metastasis-associated gene 1 expression was significantly higher in malignant tumors (n=17) with a mean staining intensity of 3.8 compared with 2.9 in benign tumors (n=10, P=0.046). The expression levels were significantly associated with WHO class (P=0.028), as well as size of tumor (P=0.029), and mitotic rate (P=0.035). Metastasis-associated gene 1 expression was associated with local invasion with borderline significance (0.062). We show that metastasis-associated gene 1 expression is significantly associated with malignant behavior in pancreatic endocrine tumors. This may suggest a potential role for metastasis-associated gene 1 in the malignant progression and metastasis and its use as biomarker for malignant pancreatic endocrine tumors.
Activity Coefficients at Infinite Dilution of Organic Compounds in Trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide Using Inverse Gas Chromatography

Activity coefficients at infinite dilution γ∞ of organic compounds in the ionic liquid (IL) trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide were determined using inverse gas chromatography at three temperatures, T = (302.45, 322.35, and 342.45) K. Linear free energy relationship (LFER) correlations have been obtained for describing the gas-to-IL and water-to-IL partition coefficients.
A New 9-DoF Mobile Robotic Device to Enhance the Capabilities of People With Disabilities

A wheelchair-mounted robotic arm (WMRA) system was designed and built to meet the needs of mobility-impaired persons with limitations of upper extremities, and to exceed the capabilities of current devices of this type. The control of this 9-DoF system expands on the conventional control methods and combines the 7-DoF robotic arm control with the 2-DoF power wheelchair control. The 3-degrees of redundancy are optimized to effectively perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and overcome singularities, joint limits and some workspace limitations. The control system is designed for teleoperated or autonomous coordinated Cartesian control, and it offers expandability for future research, such as voice or sip and puff control operations and sensor assist functions.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Many-body perturbation theory and the variational pairs of quantum chemistry

Abstract The higher order EPV diagrams and the simple two body diagrams that Kelly found were important in the calculation of the correlation energy of closed shell atoms are summed formally to show that Kelly's calculation of pair energies is formally equivalent to a calculation of Sinanoǧlu's “exact pair” energies.
A high resolution and high accuracy R-2R DAC based on ordered element matching

Random mismatch errors in the resistor networks are one of the dominant nonlinearity sources for high resolution and high accuracy resistor DACs. This paper applies the theory of ordered element matching in a high resolution segmented R-2R DAC. It can achieve high matching accuracy by regrouping the resistors in the MSB array according to their resistance ranks obtained by the INL test. The implementation only requires adding some additional digital circuits to the typical design. A behavioral model of 18-bit segmented R-2R DAC is created in MATLAB. The statistical results show a significant resistor area reduction compared with state of the art.
Investigating the Evolution of Multifragmenting Systems with Fragment Emission Order.

Multifragment decays of central collisions in ${}^{84}\mathrm{Kr}{+}^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ at $E/A\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}70\mathrm{MeV}$ are studied. By utilizing a technique sensitive to the emission order of fragments, it is deduced that carbon fragments are emitted prior to beryllium fragments when these fragments have the same velocity. This observation is consistent with the cooling of a thermally decaying source.
Prospects and challenges in the electromagnetic follow-up of LIGO-Virgo gravitational wave transients

The kilometer-scale ground based gravitational wave (GW) detectors, LIGO and Virgo, are being upgraded to their advanced configurations. We expect the two LIGO observatories to undertake a 3 month science run in 2015 with a limited sensitivity. Virgo should come online in 2016, and join LIGO for a 6 month science run. Through a sequence of science runs and commissioning periods, the final sensitivity should be reached by ~2019. LIGO and Virgo are expected to deliver the first direct detection of gravitational wave transients in the next few years. Most of the known sources of GWs targeted by LIGO and Virgo will likely be luminous in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum as well. Compact binary coalescences are thought to be progenitors of short gamma-ray bursts, while long gamma-ray bursts are likely to be associated with core collapse supernova. A joint detection of gravitational and EM radiation may help confirm these associations, and expand our understanding of those astrophysical systems. Due to the transient nature, a search for the EM counterparts to GW events should be done with the shortest latency. In this paper we describe the EM follow-up program of Advanced LIGO and Virgo, from the search for GWs to the production of sky maps. Furthermore, we quantify the expected sky localization errors in the first two years of operation of the advanced detectors network.
Building e-commerce systems using semantic application framework

This paper proposes a novel approach to implement automatic business process compositions (ABPC), which are based on the Semantic Application Framework (SAF) and the Semantic Application Template (SAT). To build an e-Commerce system using SAF, three problems need solving: developing a new semantic application, converting an existing application to a semantic application, and composing a new business process with existing semantic applications. The vocabulary-oriented business logic makes requirement specifications comparable. A business composer works over a distributed techniques independent platform and matches requirement specifications in SAT with SATs of existing legacy systems to construct a new business process.
Spectral Domain Immittance Approach for Dispersion Characteristics of Shielded Microstrips with Tuning Septums

A method for deriving dispersion relations in a new versatile MIC transmission line, a microstrip line with tuning septums, is developed based on the spectral domain immittance matrix. Formulation is accomplished almost by inspection. Some examples of numerical results are included.
Tests of bromophos for house fly control in New Jersey.

Bromophos gave control of house flies, Musca domestica L., in dairy barns 6 to 21 and 16 to 46+ days when applied at 0.5 and 1.0% as a residual spray. Resistance to bromophos increased during the season at the 4 barns treated and was detected in other barns in the area having a history of organophosphorus insecticide application. Flies collected from treated barns were compared with laboratory strains, log dosage-probit curves are presented for 6 laboratory-reared strains. At the LD50 level the resistant strains showed 6- to 14-fold resistance over the susceptible strains.
Characterization of Erbium Doped SiO2 Layers Formed On Silicon By Spark Processing

Deposition of a rare earth salt layer on a silicon substrate with subsequent spark processing yields a porous Si layer and SiO 2 cap doped with the rare earth ion. We have characterized luminescent Er-doped porous SiO2 on Si by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy, as well as visible and near IR photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. Energydispersive x-ray maps indicate that the erbium concentration in the porous layer can be controlled by varying the molarity of the erbium solution deposited on the substrate prior to spark processing. Visible PL measurements reveal that the concentration of Er3+ is proportional to the resultant intensity of the visible fluorescence transitions; however, for the near IR fluorescence peak at 1.54 gim, self-quenching due to erbium clustering occurs at higher concentrations. Erbium-doped porous silicon layers can also be obtained by diffusion of an erbium salt into porous silicon formed by anodic etching of Si in hydrofluoric acid. Densification of the porous Si layers through high temperature oxidation after erbium diffusion forms erbium-doped SiO2 layers.
Compact Blue Lasers For Optical Recording Applications

ABSTRACT Compact blue laser sources with output powers of 10 and 40 mW at 473 and 428 nm have been developed using non-linear frequency upconversion of GaAlAs diode lasers. These devices are attractive for application to high—densityoptical data storage. 1. INTRODUCTION Compact blue laser sources offer the potential for optical recording at area! storage densities ofseveral gigabit/sq. inch.!The development ofwide—bandgap semiconductor injectionlasers is hamperedby severe material fabrication problems.However, nonlinear optical processes can be utilized to convert the near—infrared output of the presently availableGaA1As diode lasers to wavelengths in the blue spectral region. We have used such techniques for the development oftwo blue laser sources with output powers that are attractive for optical recording applications. The first device is basedon intracavity frequency doubling of a diode—pumped 946—nm Nd:YAG laser. Another device uses direct frequencydoubling of a GaAlAs diode laser by coupling its output to a resonator containing a nonlinear crystal.2. FREQUENCY DOUBLING OF A DIODE—PUMPED 946-nm Nd:YAG LASERDiode—laser pumping of miniature Nd:YAG lasers offers several advantages for the generation of short—wavelengthradiation by nonlinear frequency upconversion. High—powerlaser diode arrays can be used to pump the Nd:YAG laser,and the relatively poor spatial and spectral mode properties ofthese laser arrays are thus converted to the TEMoo spatialmode and narrow spectrum ofthe solid—state laser. In addition, the nonlinear crystal can be placed inside the solid—statelaser cavity to take advantage of the high circulating intensity of the internal laser field for efficient intracavity secondharmonic generation (SHG).In order to generate blue radiation we have developed a diode—pumped Nd:YAG laser that operates on the 946—nm lasertransition.234 This transition has a lower gain cross section than the standard 1064—nm laser line, and in addition,exhibits a reabsorption loss. A comprehensive modeling analysis was used for designing the cavity and pump geome-tries and optimizing the length of the Nd:YAG crystal.45 The experimental configuration is shown in Figure 1 .
An Assessment of Influence Tactics Used by Project Managers

Project managers must be able to effectively influence the behavior of their team members. This article describes a study that examined 19 tactics that project managers can use to influence their t...
A rational approach to drag prediction of spherical and nonspherical particles

In the past, general formulas for calculating the drag coefficient for both spherical and nonspherical particles have involved a dependence on a Reynolds number (Re) and one or more shape descriptors resulting in complicated functions of at least two variables. This paper shows that both the Stokes' shape factor (K1) and the Newton's shape factor or scruple (K2) are important for the prediction of drag. However, instead of requiring a function of three variables (Re, K1, K2) to predict drag, a function only of the generalized Reynolds number ReK1K2 is needed. The shape factors K1 and K2 are then modeled as functions of the geometric shape descriptors' sphericity and the projected area in the direction of motion. Goodness of fit to experimental data is calculated and compared with a recently determined formula.
Hybridization network for the system of woody plant gene pools in the United States

Abstract Hybridization generates similarities among gene pools. This structure can be visualized and analyzed at the systems level using networks. Here we construct a network of the 315 woody plant species native or naturalized in the United States using data compiled by the Forest Service of the US Department of Agriculture (USFS). Each species is represented by a node in the network whose size is proportional to a recent census for live stems in the continental United States. Each of the 416 links between node pairs represents evidence for hybridization compiled from the USFS manual Silvics of North America. The total network resolved into 100 separate connected components or clusters (mean size, 3.15 species), with 44% of species linked to at least one other. Betula had the largest component (18 species) following by the separate Quercus clusters (17 red oaks and 16 white oaks); Q. velutina was the most genetically connected woody plant in the continental US. The number of species held together per com...
The Twilight of the Intellectuals: Culture and Politics in the Era of the Cold War

In these provocative and engaging writings, Mr. Kramer explores, in effect, the intellectual history of the cold war and its divisive impact on our politics and culture. Tracing the critical debate over communism and modernism, he surveys the writers who were in the forefront of that debate and the issues that animated their criticism and controversies. An honest, unsparing, and often devastating analysis. Kirkus Reviews
Sampling household surfaces for pesticide residues: Comparison between a Press Sampler and solvent-moistened wipes

Abstract A modified Press Sampler was evaluated to determine the efficiency of pesticide transfer from household surfaces to collection disks as compared to wiping with a solvent-moistened gauze pad. Organophosphate (OP), pyrazole, and pyrethroid pesticides were applied to three hard flooring materials and carpet at two loading rates. Surfaces were dried and press sampled using C 18 , 100% cotton or polyurethane foam (PUF) for either 2 or 10 min or wiped with isopropanol-moistened gauze pads. Transfer efficiencies (TE, %) were calculated as a fraction of surface loadings captured simultaneously on foil deposition coupons. The highest mean TEs (17–55%) for the Press Sampler were observed for OPs from hard surfaces to C 18 , considering both contact times. Cotton and PUF transferred 6–27% and 5–30% of OPs, respectively. Corresponding mean TEs for pyrazole and pyrethroid pesticides were only 3% (C 18 ), 2–3% (cotton) and 1–2% (PUF). Wipes of hard surfaces removed 84–97% of all pesticides while wipes of carpet removed 31–39%, much higher than transferred to any Press Sampler materials. The mean TEs suggested that the extent of pesticide residue transfer was affected by surface type, pesticide class, and sampling procedure. Wiping was more efficient than press sampling for pesticide surface residue measurements, particularly for loading rates typical of residences.
Kinetic theory of diffusion in liquids: A hydrodynamic approximation

Abstract Diffusion in simple classical liquids is analyzed in terms of the test-particle phase-space density, with emphasis upon its long-time behavior. The Green's function of the generalized Fokker-Planck equation is used to define auxiliary quantities, in particular the transport mean path that enters solutions of the Chapman-Enskog type. Approximations for the lowest eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Fourier- and Laplace-transformed F.-P. operator σks are constructed, and an expansion for the resolvent operator (s + ik · v − σks)-1 proposed. With the additional assumption that branch-points on the negative real axis of s are the only singularities of the transformed F.-P. operator, a Laplace inversion is tentatively carried out, so that the general form of the solution is obtained. This is found to agree with the solution derived by hydrodynamic arguments. Only in a limited sense is the latter method equivalent to that of mode-mode coupling.
The Impact of a Dedicated Trauma Program on Outcome in Severely Injured Patients

Background: In recent years, many trauma centers have been closing or scaling down their operations because of financial losses and lack of commitment by the relevant authorities. Objective: To investigate the effect of commitment to trauma and the establishment of a dedicated trauma program on injury outcome. Design: In 1992, a well-funded dedicated trauma program was implemented at the Los Angeles County—University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles. We analyzed the outcome in severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score [ISS] > 15) before and after implementation of the program (1991 and 1993). Setting: Large, urban, level 1 trauma center. Patients: Patients with trauma and an ISS higher than 15. Results: There were 737 patients with an ISS higher than 15 in 1991 and 812 patients with an ISS higher than 15 in 1993. The overall mortality rate was 30% in 1991 and 24.5% in 1993 ( P =.018), which is a reduction by 18.3%. In patients with blunt trauma and an ISS higher than 15, mortality was reduced by 33% (mortality rate of 31.1% in 1991 vs 20.8% in 1993) ( P P =.019). There was also a trend toward lower permanent disabilities among survivors with an ISS higher than 15 (14.7% in 1991 vs 11.3% in 1993). Conclusion: Commitment of financial and human resources for the establishment of a dedicated trauma program is a sound investment in terms of improved survival and fewer permanent disabilities in critically injured patients. (Arch Surg. 1995;130:216-220)
A prefractal model for predicting soil fragment mass-size distributions

Abstract Models are needed to parameterize and predict soil fragment mass-size distributions created by different tillage operations. Assuming untilled soil can be represented as a random prefractal porous medium, we present a homogeneous fragmentation model for quantifying the cumulative mass-size distribution of fragments produced by a given energy input. The model contains three physically based parameters: the scale-invariant probability of failure ( P ), the length of the porous medium ( x 0 ) and the scale factor ( b ). The model was fitted to 144 mass-size distributions obtained by drop shattering and dry sieving samples collected from two soil types (Maury silt loam and McAfee clay loam) under conditions of varying management, initial water content, and core diameter, with x 0 set equal to the depth of sampling (10 cm), and P and b estimated inversely. The relationship between the predicted and observed distributions was indistinguishable from a 1:1 line with an R 2 =0.97. The estimates of P and b ranged from 0.29 to 0.67, and from 1.76 to 6.25, respectively. The P parameter controls the slope of the cumulative mass-size distribution, while the b parameter determines the length of the largest fragments. The Maury soil had a higher mean b value and a lower mean P value relative to the McAfee soil, indicating differences in fragmentation due to soil type. The P values were more sensitive to the imposed treatments than the b values. For both soils, the most important sources of variation in P were the water content at sampling, and an interaction between core diameter and management. The new prefractal equation has a distinct advantage over other fragment mass-size distribution models in that its parameters are physically based and can potentially be obtained from independent measurements. This predictive capability warrants further research.
Visibility of signal cloth under tropical conditions

Experiments were performed on the visibility of signal cloth used in the tropics for hydrographic and geodetic signals. The cloth tested included the normal muslin and bunting in use by the Hydrographic Office and five brilliant fluorescent cloths. Visibility was checked in a relative sense by two impartial naval observers using fresh and faded cloth under various tropical weather conditions. A scale of relative visibility was devised and the data plotted on histograms for ease of comparison. All fluorescent cloths were found to have a high visibility index under sunlight owing to various colors of the cloths. Ordinary bunting and muslin signal cloth, though of lower visibility under most weather conditions, faded less than fluorescent cloth. Estimates of loss in brilliance by fading are given in tabular form. It is concluded that reduction in signal size is possible, with attendent savings in the smaller construction, if fluorescent cloth is utilized on geodetic projects which can be completed before serious fading obviates its visual advantages.
Assessing the Incremental Role of Novel and Emerging Risk Factors

Many novel and emerging risk factors exhibit a significant association with cardiovascular disease, but few have been found to improve risk prediction. Statistical criteria used to evaluate such models and markers have largely relied on the receiver operating characteristic curve, which is an insensitive measure of improvement. Recently, new methods have been developed based on risk reclassification or changes in risk strata following use of a new marker or model. Associated measures based on both calibration and discrimination have been proposed. This review describes previous methods used to evaluate models as well as the newly developed methods to evaluate clinical utility.
Enhanced image detail using continuity in the MIP Z-buffer: applications to magnetic resonance angiography.

In this paper a new algorithm is presented for the segmentation and display of blood vessels from images obtained with magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and other three-dimensional (3D) angiographic imaging techniques. The algorithm developed is based on the observation that vessels are strongly evident in the maximum intensity projection (MIP) Z-buffer as regions of high continuity and low local roughness. Roughness is measured here by the minimum chi2 value of a low-order local least-squares fit in the principal directions through each point in the MIP Z-buffer. Although some background pixels in the Z-buffer exhibit low local roughness, the size of the connected region is nearly always much smaller than even the very smallest vessels that appear in the MIP image. It is shown that by applying connectivity to the regions of low roughness, there is nearly complete separation between vascular detail and background. When connectivity is further applied in the original 3D image, vascular bed segmentation becomes nearly complete. The algorithm consists of three basic steps: a) determination of the minimum local roughness at each point in the MIP Z-buffer; b) connection of all neighboring points of low local roughness; and c) connection of all points in the original 3D image matrix that are connected to the points determined in the MIP Z-buffer and that are above an intensity threshold. The algorithm as presented is not optimized but demonstrates a very strong potential for improved portrayal of vascular detail.
Quantitative Assessment of Yield, Precision, and Cost-Effectiveness of Three Wetland Invertebrate Sampling Techniques

Macroinvertebrates are increasingly used as indicators of wetland integrity and productivity. However, accurate interpretation of biological information depends on effective sampling methods, which are also preferably cost-effective. We compared sampling yield, precision, and cost-effectiveness of two traditional wetland sampling methods (dipnet, stove pipe corer) to a dipnet combined with a dropframe in wetlands in the Platte River Valley, USA. The dropframe method was designed to be more quantitative than standard dipnet techniques and to maximize capture of mobile taxa. We compared measures of macroinvertebrate community structure (e.g., abundance, richness, diversity) and function (functional structure, habitat associations), as well as processing time for each sampling technique in vegetated and non-vegetated habitats. Vegetated habitats harbored higher richness, diversity, abundance, and biomass of most invertebrates. The dipnet consistently yielded the lowest values in vegetated and non-vegetated habitats, suggesting that sampling with a dipnet alone can greatly underestimate macroinvertebrate populations and diversity. The corer and the dropframe yielded similar results, but the dropframe produced significantly higher richness values. While the dropframe appeared to be a good choice for sampling in these wetlands, sample processing times for this method were more than two times longer than the other methods. Results provide a basis for informed decisions regarding quantitative sampling of wetland macroinvertebrates.
Effects of social stress on operant drinking of alcoholics and social drinkers

Abstract The relationship between social stress and alcohol consumption was examined in 10 alcoholics and 10 social drinkers matched on age and education. Drinking was measured via 10 minutes of operant responding whereby lever presses earned alcohol reinforcement on an FR-50 schedule. During stress conditions, subjects were exposed to simulated interpersonal encounters requiring assertive behavior. In terms of autonomie arousal, both groups were equally stressed. The no-stress condition consisted of non-threatening discussions of pleasurable spare time activities. Alcoholics significantly increased their operant responding to obtain alcohol following stress conditions while social drinkers did not.
Time resolved measurements of electroluminescence in XLPE under impulse voltage conditions

Time resolved electroluminescence (EL) measurements were performed on high voltage grade XLPE cable insulation using negative impulse voltages of different shape and duration. To create divergent fields in the insulation, needle electrodes made of semiconductive polymer were used. It is shown that the EL emission probability is independent of the impulse rise time but increases with the impulse fall time and amplitude. Independently of the impulse shape and duration, EL pulses are always grouped into two distinct time intervals between which there is no EL activity. The first EL period begins at the rising portion of the impulse and the second at the falling portion when the impulse voltage drops below 50% of its peak value. EL emission during the first interval is believed to be caused by electron injection and the impact excitation processes, whereas the EL in the second interval is seen to be due to the local electric field reversal and the electron-hole recombination.
Overview of Perforator Imaging and Flap Perfusion Technologies

Breast reconstruction has become an important consideration for women after mastectomy. Over the past decade, there have been a variety of technological advancements that have facilitated the ability to deliver reproducible and predictable outcomes with autologous breast reconstruction. This article chronicles many of the technological advancements and reviews the current toolbox that surgeons now have at their disposal when performing autologous reconstruction. It focuses on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative tools that have enabled the achievement of more reliable and predictable outcomes, especially in the setting of microvascular breast reconstruction.
Population Growth of Rhinocyllus conicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Two Species of Native Thistles in Prairie

The insect Rhinocyllus conicus Froehlich is a flowerhead weevil deliberately intro­ duced into the United States for the biological control of invasive exotic thistles in the genus Carduus. This study documents the course and magnitude of the weevil population expansion onto nontarget host plants. No weevils were reared from either Platte thistle, Cirsium canescens Nuttall, or wavyleaf thistle, C. undulatum (Nuttall) Sprengel, from 1977 to 1993 at 2 Sandhills prairie preserves: Arapaho Prairie and Niobrara Valley. For Platte thistle, the number of both R. conicus adults on plants and the number oflarvae developing in flowerheads increased significantly from 1993 to 1996. Population growth lagged at the northcentral Niobrara Valley site, compared with the southwestern Arapaho Prairie site, but by 1996 the densities attained were similar. For wavyleaf thistle, a later flowering native species, the 1st weevils were also observed in 1993 at both sites. However, weevil densities on wavyleaf thistle grew more slowly and remained significantly lower than those on Platte thistle. The most likely hypothesis to explain the greater use of Platte thistle, compared with wavyleaf thistle at these sites, is greater phenological synchrony of its flowerhead development with R. conicus oviposition activity. The results suggest that inclusion of ecological characteristics, such as phenol­ ogy, in prerelease studies and completion oflong-term, follow-up studies on releases would improve our understanding and evaluation of risk to native species from potential biological control agents.