cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Developmental effects of estrogenic chemicals are predicted by an in vitro assay incorporating modification of cell uptake by serum

Many estrogenic chemicals found in the environment (xenoestrogens) show a lower affinity for plasma estrogen binding proteins relative to the natural estrogens such as estradiol. These binding proteins, which include alphafetoprotein in rats and mice, sex hormone binding globulin in humans, and albumin in all species, regulate estrogen uptake into tissues. Therefore, the in vivo estrogenic potency relative to estradiol of xenoestrogens that show lower binding to these serum proteins will thus be underestimated in assays that compare the potency of xenoestrogens to estradiol and do not take serum binding into account. We have examined the effects of the binding components in serum on the uptake of a number of xenoestrogens into intact MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Since most estrogenic chemicals are not available in radiolabeled form, their uptake is determined by competition with [3H]estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors (ER) in an 18-h assay. Serum modified access (SMA) of cell uptake of xenoestrogens is calculated as the RBA in serum-free-medium divided by the RBA in serum, and the bioactive free fraction of xenoestrogen in serum is then also calculated. We predicted the concentration of two xenoestrogens, bisphenol A and octylphenol, required to alter development of the prostate in male mouse fetuses. Whereas octylphenol was predicted to be a more potent estrogen than bisphenol A when tested in serum-free medium, our assay predicted that bisphenol A would be over 500-times more potent than octylphenol in fetal mice. The finding that administration of bisphenol A at a physiologically relevant dose predicted from our in vitro assay to pregnant mice from gestation day 11 to 17 increased adult prostate weight in male offspring relative to controls (similar to the effect of estradiol), while the same doses of octylphenol did not alter prostate development, provided support for our hypothesis.
Photoresist ultrafiltration optimization

Advanced semiconductor devices can suffer from a plethora ofdefects, some of which are attributable to the processes used for their manufacture and others which are inherent to the materials used to fabricate the device. As the level of integration in these devices continues to become more sophisticated, so too must the detection techniques and ultimately the control of such defects. One possible method to reduce defects is to monitor and control the purity of chemicals utilized to fabricate advanced devices. This paper will specifically deal with one such chemical, photoresist. The manufacture ofphotoresist chemicals has advanced significantly over the past 5-10 years. The once relatively crude "refmery-like" resist production facilities have been replaced with ultraclean facilities which are constructed and operated in a similar manner as advanced device fabs today. The driving force behind this transformation is to increase wafer yield by limiting defects on product wafers which are caused by particulate contamination in the resist material. Specific particles come in many flavors such as inactive dirt or dust particles to active metallic impurities containing elements such as sodium, calcium or iron. Likewise, there are many new techniques utilized to control specific particulates (e.g. ion exchange for metallic impurities). However, in general, to remove generic particulate contamination, filtration or ultrafiltration has been the mechanism of choice for many years and will probably continue to be so in the foreseeable future. In order to continually improve the efficiency ofthe filtration process, the ability to evaluate new filtration materials and techniques must be acquired. In addition, developing models which allow scaling from pilot systems to large production systems without repeating process optimization is critical in order to deliver leading edge products t the market quickly and efficiently. This study was primarily concerned with developing a technique to evaluate filter systems in an efficient manner. In addition to generating empirical data, mathematical models were utilized to understand the filtration process and to use for future scale up purposes. Additionally, new or improved filtration devices must be studied to determine the effects on the photoresist chemical using advanced analytical techniques. It is with the above information that the photoresist manufacturer will be able to continually drive particulate contamination levels lower and lower in the future.
The human insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-3 inhibits the growth of fibroblasts with a targeted disruption of the IGF-I receptor gene.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are important mitogens that exert their proliferative effects on cells via the type I IGF receptors (IGF-R). The IGFs also associate with IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF-inhibitory, IGF-stimulatory, and IGF-independent effects of IGFBPs on cell growth have been reported. We have asked whether the IGFBP-3 has an effect on cell growth, which is independent of its ability to bind IGF-I and thus inhibit the activation of the IGF-I receptor. For this purpose, we have used a fibroblast cell line (R- cells) derived from mouse embryos homozygous for a targeted disruption of the IGF-R gene. When compared with wild type cells (W), which bind IGF-I with high affinity and specificity, R- cells transfected with a mammalian expression vector containing the human (h) IG-FBP-3 cDNA were selected (R-/BP3) and found to express hIGFBP-3 mRNA (detected by Northern blots) and to secrete hIGFBP-3 protein [detected by Western ligand blotting (WLB), immunoblotting, and immunoprecipitatio...
Perspectives from the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2014 Conference: Breast cancer highlights

50th annual American Society for Clinical Oncology Meeting, Chicago, IL, USA, 30 May–4 June 2014 The meeting included basic science and translational and clinical research in all specialties of hematology and oncology. From the multitude of abstracts presented, we will review the highlights regarding four abstracts discussing breast cancer.
Some effects of exposure to optical disarrangement on adaptation to optical rearrangement.

Although optical rearrangement has been extensively investigated, disarrangement has received far less attention. It is quite possible that the response of the perceptual system to the latter state, which entails a decorrelation of the normal relationship between vision and motor behavior, will lead to a better understanding of the nature of visual spatial localization.Two studies are described in which exposure (and adaptation) to prism-displaced vision is preceded by a period of exposure to disarrangement. In the first study, concurrent exposure with a target was used. No increase in localization variability resulted from preexposure to disarrangement. However, it was found that this experience retarded the subsequent adaptation to rearrangement, relative to a condition of preexposure to normal viewing. It is argued that this result supports the existence of a cross-correlator comparator mechanism in sensorimotor coordination.The second study was similar to the first except that there was no target-erro...
Optically detected 35Cl and 37Cl hyperfine and nuclear quadrupole interactions in excited triplet states in zero field

Abstract The zero field optical detection of the electron spin resonance and Cl ENDOR of 8-chloroquinoline in its 3 (π,π 1 ) state is reported. The observed data is interpreted in terms of a spin-hamiltonian which includes the 14 N, 35 Cl, and 37 Cl nuclear-electron hyperfine and nuclear quadrupole interactions. Values for these parameters are obtained for the excited triplet state.
Nonparametric spatial regression under near-epoch dependence

Abstract This paper establishes asymptotic normality and uniform consistency with convergence rates of the local linear estimator for spatial near-epoch dependent (NED) processes. The class of the NED spatial processes covers important spatial processes, including nonlinear autoregressive and infinite moving average random fields, which generally do not satisfy mixing conditions. Apart from accommodating a larger class of dependent processes, the proposed asymptotic theory allows for triangular arrays of heterogeneous random fields located on unevenly spaced lattices and sampled over regions of arbitrary configuration. All these features make the results applicable in a wide range of empirical settings.
Sex differences in implicit punishment sensitivity: Evidence from two cognitive paradigms

Abstract Men, relative to women, are more likely to engage in disinhibited behaviors – such as excessive alcohol consumption or violent crimes – that implicate lower levels of punishment sensitivity. The goal of the present two studies (N = 207) was to implicitly model punishment sensitivity in terms consistent with a process-based view of this construct. Study 1 found that women slowed down following error feedback in a cognitive task to a greater extent than men. Study 2 found that women, but not men, altered their predictions following error feedback in a purported precognition task. Results are discussed in relation to theories of sex differences, punishment sensitivity processes, and proneness to disinhibited behaviors.
Disruption of the putative splice acceptor site for SIVmac239 Vif reveals tight control of SIV splicing and impaired replication in Vif non-permissive cells

Vif is dispensable for simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication in some cells, termed permissive (i.e., CEM-SS), but not in others, termed non-permissive (i.e., H9, CEMx174, and peripheral blood lymphocytes). Non-permissive cells express the RNA editing enzyme, APOBEC3G. To determine whether vif mRNA could be alternatively spliced, a mutation altering the putative vif splice acceptor site (SA1) was introduced into SIV(mac239) (SIV(Deltavif-SA)). Despite three consensus splice acceptor sites nearby SA1, SIV(Deltavif-SA) did not efficiently generate alternatively spliced vif mRNA. SIV(Deltavif-SA) was growth attenuated in CEMx174 and H9 cells but not in CEM-SS cells. Following SIV(Deltavif-SA), but not SIV(mac239), infection in either H9 or CEMx174 cells viral cDNA contained numerous G to A mutations; no such differences were observed in CEM-SS cells. This pattern is consistent with mutations generated by APOBEC3G in the absence of Vif. Therefore, efficient splicing of SIV vif mRNA is tightly controlled and requires the SA1 site.
Hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase in the frog, Xenopus laevis

1. 1. Hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidase of the frog, Xenopus laevis appears to be similar to that of fish and mammals. 2. 2. However, the levels of protein in liver microsomes, and specific contents and activity of cytochrome P450, cytochrome c reductase, aldrin and chlordane epoxidase, and naphthalene and chlordene hydroxylase of frog liver are about 30–40% of these of male rats or mice, and about 65% of that of the adult bluegill. 3. 3. The levels are extremely low in frog larvae but keep increasing after metamorphosis reaching the adult levels between 9 and 12 weeks after tail absorption. 4. 4. The levels of enzyme activity correspond to the P450 concentration and not to the level of cytochrome c reductase activity. 5. 5. In adult frogs the enzyme activity can be affected only slightly by diets. 6. 6. Inducers of P450 (hexobarbital) and P448 (β-naphthoflavone) cause about 50% increase in cytochrome P450 concentration but did not increase P450 catalyzed reactions.
The internal compartmentation of rat-liver mitochondria: tomographic study using the high-voltage transmission electron microscope.

The three-dimensional organization of the internal compartments of conventionally fixed and embedded rat-liver mitochondria has been determined by tomographic reconstruction from tilt-series images collected on the Albany high-voltage electron microscope. The results indicate that the inner membranes of these organelles are predominantly tubular in the orthodox (expanded matrix) conformation, as previously suggested by scanning electron microscopy. In the condensed (contracted matrix) conformation, the intracristal space opens up into large irregularly shaped compartments which are connected to each other and to the external (intermembrane) space by tubes with approximately the same diameter (20 nm) as those observed in the orthodox state. These results raise several questions, in particular about the nature of the structural transitions that occur in the cristae during matrix expansion and contraction, and about the influence of inner-membrane shape on the diffusion of ions and metabolites between the intracristal and intermembrane compartments. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Energy scavenging for body sensor networks

For small, inexpensive, ubiquitous wireless sensors to be realized, all constituents of the device, including the power source, must be directly integratable. For long term application the device must be capable of scavenging power from its surrounding environment. An apparent solution lies in conversion of mechanical energy to electrical output via the growth and direct integration of piezoelectric thin films unimorphs with the wireless electronics. Current devices are limited by both their design and material selection. This paper will address optimizing the design of microscale devices by showing how the device strains under input vibration are directly proportional to its power output, and by proposing some designs which increase the strain distribution over more of the device volume. Finite element modeling (ANSYS®) was used to determine the strain distribution in a cantilever, modified cantilever, trapezoid, and spiral shaped piezoelectric microscale energy scavenging system. The devices have been fabricated and initial results are presented.
TH-E-BRF-08: Subpopulations of Similarly-Responding Lesions in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Purpose: In patients with multiple lesions, resistance to cancer treatments and subsequent disease recurrence may be due to heterogeneity of response across lesions. This study aims to identify subpopulations of similarly-responding metastatic prostate cancer lesions in bone using quantitative PET metrics. Methods: Seven metastatic prostate cancer patients treated with AR-directed therapy received pre-treatment and mid-treatment [F-18]NaF PET/CT scans. Images were registered using an articulated CT registration algorithm and transformations were applied to PET segmentations. Midtreatment response was calculated on PET-based texture features. Hierarchical agglomerative clustering was used to form groups of similarly-responding lesions, with the number of natural clusters (K) determined by the inconsistency coefficient. Lesion clustering was performed within each patient, and for the pooled population. The cophenetic coefficient (C) quantified how well the data was clustered. The Jaccard Index (JI) assessed similarity of cluster assignments from patient clustering and from population clustering. Results: 188 lesions in seven patients were identified for analysis (between 6 to 53 lesions per patient). Lesion response was defined as percent change relative to pre-treatment for 23 uncorrelated PET-based feature identifiers. . High response heterogeneity was found across all lesions (i.e. range ΔSUVmax =−95.98% to 775.00%). For intra-patient clustering, K ranged from 1–20. Population-based clustering resulted in 75 clusters, of 1-6 lesions each. Intra-patient clustering resulted in higher quality clusters than population clustering (mean C=0.95, range=0.89 to 1.00). For all patients, cluster assignments from population clustering showed good agreement to intra-patient clustering (mean JI=0.87, range=0.68 to 1.00). Conclusion: Subpopulations of similarly-responding lesions were identified in patients with multiple metastatic lesions. Good agreement was found between population- and patient-level clustering, indicating that PET-based response features may be used to quantify disease heterogeneity in advanced metastatic disease. This method for categorizing lesion response could help in identifying lesions with similar phenotypic- or genetic-based resistances to therapy. Research Supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Erbium laser ablation of bone: effect of water content

Er:YSGG laser ablation of fresh and oven-dried bone was quantified by measuring the mass lost during single pulse irradiation of tissue. The results indicate a statistically significant difference between the ablation of fresh and oven-dried bone. The difference is, however, not as great as would be expected from the difference in 2.78-micrometers absorption as measured using attenuated total reflectance.
Bedeutung und Wert epilepsietypischer Aktivität im Routine-EEG in Praxis und Klinik

Zusammenfassung Seit seiner Entwicklung durch Berger Anfang des 20sten Jahrhunderts kommt dem Oberflachen-EEG eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Diagnose und Therapie von Epilepsie zu. Bis heute ist es die einfachste, sicherste und kostengunstigste diagnostische Methode, die pathophysiologischen Basismechanismen des Gehirns zu registrieren, die den Epilepsien zugrunde liegen. Die Spezifizitat und Sensitivitat so genannter epilepsietypischer Potentiale wie Spitzen, scharfe Wellen und Spitze-Wellen-Komplexe liegen bei ungefahr 90%, so dass ihr interiktales Auftreten im Oberflachen-EEG die Diagnose Epilepsie nahe legt, eine Ableitung wahrend eines Ereignisses, die ein Anfallsmuster zeigt, dessen epileptische Natur sogar beweist. Masnahmen wie Hyperventilation, intermittierende Photostimulation, Schlafableitung, wiederholte oder langere Registrierungen erhohen die Sensitivitat, wahrend von Seiten des Befunders die Kenntnis epilepsieahnlicher Potentiale -die so genannten benignen Varianten- die Spezifizitat erhoht. Dies berucksichtigt, ist die Analyse epilepsietypischer Aktivitat im Oberflachen-EEG hinsichtlich Lokalisation, Verhalten und Morphologie auserst hilfreich bei der Diagnosesicherung Epilepsie und daruber hinaus bei der Bestimmung des Epilepsiesyndroms.
Polycrystalline techniques for conductivity studies of organic charge transfer salts.

Polycrystalline compaction conductivity measurements are extensively used to characterize newly synthesized quasi‐one‐dimensional organic charge transfer salts. This technique, however, can be both quantitatively and qualitatively misleading. Studies of the polycrystalline compaction and single crystal conductivities of a variety of tetracyanoquinodimethan (TCNQ) salts allow us to define the limits of reliability of the polycrystalline compaction technique, and denote its shortcomings. A new polycrystalline technique, the voltage shorted compaction (VSC), is described. The VSC has proven to be a valuable aid in characterizing the electrical properties of new materials where single crystals are difficult to produce.
Implementing the U.S. legalization program: the influence of immigrant communities and local agencies on immigration policy reform

The legalization program of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act was influenced by the behaviors of three local actors in the implementation process: immigrant communities, community-based o...
Study of phase behavior in the YBa2Cu3O7−x−BaCuO2+y−CuO−Ag system

Abstract The temperature ( T ) and oxygen pressure ( p O 2 ) conditions were determined from 6 Pa to 0.1 MPa O 2 for several equilibria in the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− x −BaCuO 2+ y −CuO−Ag system. These included the y − T − p O 2 interrelationships, the T - p O 2 conditions for decomposition of BaCuO 2+ y , and the effects of Ag on several eutectic and peritectic temperatures.
Convergent regulation of locus coeruleus activity as an adaptive response to stress

Although hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation is generally considered to be the hallmark of the stress response, many of the same stimuli that initiate this response also activate the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system. Given its functional attributes, the parallel engagement of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis serves to coordinate endocrine and cognitive limbs of the stress response. The elucidation of stress-related afferents to the locus coeruleus and the electrophysiological characterization of these inputs are revealing how the activity of this system is fine-tuned by stressors to facilitate adaptive cognitive responses. Emerging from these studies, is a picture of complex interactions between the stress-related neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), endogenous opioids and the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter, glutamate. The net effect of these interactions is to adjust the activity and reactivity of the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system such that state of arousal and processing of sensory stimuli are modified to facilitate adaptive behavioral responses to stressors. This review begins with an introduction to the basic anatomical and physiological characteristics of locus coeruleus neurons. The concept that locus coeruleus neurons operate through two activity modes, i.e., tonic vs. phasic, that determine distinct behavioral strategies is emphasized in light of its relevance to stress. Anatomical and physiological evidence are then presented suggesting that interactions between stress-related neurotransmitters that converge on locus coeruleus neurons regulate shifts between these modes of discharge in response to the challenge of a stressor. This review focuses specifically on the locus coeruleus because it is the major source of norepinephrine to the forebrain and has been implicated in behavioral and cognitive aspects of stress responses.
Cranial suture biology of the Aleutian Island inhabitants.

Research on cranial suture biology suggests there is biological and taxonomic information to be garnered from the heritable pattern of suture synostosis. Suture synostosis along with brain growth patterns, diet, and biomechanical forces influence phenotypic variability in cranial vault morphology. This study was designed to determine the pattern of ectocranial suture synostosis in skeletal populations from the Aleutian Islands. We address the hypothesis that ectocranial suture synostosis pattern will differ according to cranial vault shape. Ales Hrdlicka identified two phenotypes in remains excavated from the Aleutian Island. The Paleo-Aleutians, exhibiting a dolichocranic phenotype with little prognathism linked to artifacts distinguished from later inhabitants, Aleutians, who exhibited a brachycranic phenotype with a greater amount of prognathism. A total of 212 crania representing Paleo-Aleuts and Aleutian as defined by Hrdlicka were investigated for suture synostosis pattern following standard methodologies. Comparisons were performed using Guttmann analyses. Results revealed similar suture fusion patterns for the Paleo-Aleut and Aleutian, a strong anterior to posterior pattern of suture fusion for the lateral-anterior suture sites, and a pattern of early termination at the sagittal suture sites for the vault. These patterns were found to differ from that reported in the literature. Because these two populations with distinct cranial shapes exhibit similar patterns of suture synostosis it appears pattern is independent of cranial shape in these populations of Homo sapiens. These findings suggest that suture fusion patterns may be population dependent and that a standardized methodology, using suture fusion to determine age-at-death, may not be applicable to all populations. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Teaching Nursing and Allied Health Care Students How to “Communicate Care” to Older Adults

This study evaluated baccalaureate nursing (n = 35) and allied health care (AHC) (n = 25) students' perceptions of a 5-week Therapeutic Communication (TC) module that was part of their foundations coursework. The module allowed students to practice communication skills using iView©, an innovative computer-based simulation of clinical encounters. The module also utilized other pedagogical tools. Results indicate that after taking the course nursing students were significantly more likely to report increased confidence and competence and future practice intent in using TC skills with various populations, including older adults. The implications of these findings for TC skills education among all types of health care students are discussed.
SU-GG-T-40: A Monte Carlo Based Treatment Optimization Technique for the Xoft Electronic Brachytherapy System

Purpose: Currently, treatment optimization and dosimetry for miniature x‐ray sources, such as the Xoft Axxent, are performed through a point source model based on an extension of TG‐43U1. We present the development of a Monte Carlo based treatment optimization algorithm that can more accurately address the issues relating to source anisotropy,tissue inhomogeneity, and specifically, automated dwell time optimization.Method and Materials:MCNPX was utilized to model the Xoft electronic brachytherapy source, from which dose kernels were produced at different voltage potentials and locations in a lattice structure representing the patient. Given a prescribed PTV, the optimization problem was mathematically formulated through a set of linear equations derived from the superposition of different kernels weighted by unknown dwell times. Using constrained least square optimization, the optimum relative dwell times were calculated for the prescription PTV. A verification Monte Carlo calculation from the outputted dwell times was used to calculate the resulting dose distribution and to quantify its agreement with the input PTV. Results: The procedure was performed for an ideal GYN treatment plan with a cylindrical endometrial PTV, measuring 4 cm in diameter, and axial dwell positions with a separation of 0.5 cm across a 5 cm region. The profiles of the resulting dose distribution from the optimum dwell times were quantified with plots against the input PTV. The mean deviation of the optimized plan from the prescribed PTV edge was measured to be 1.2%, with a maximum deviation less than 5%. Conclusions: We have developed a Monte Carlo treatment planning technique which enables for the automatic determination of optimum dwell times for user‐prescribed PTVs, with high accuracy. The work can be readily extended to incorporate RBE and generalized to other treatment locations. Conflict of Interest: This work is partially supported by a Xoft Corporation research grant.
Silent myocardial ischemia: Clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and implications for treatment

A great deal of interest is being generated by the possibility that patients with coronary artery disease and typical angina pectoris may also experience periods of ischemia during activities of daily living that are not necessarily associated with angina or increased myocardial oxygen demand. It might be that the majority of ischemic episodes during daily life are not preceded by increases in myocardial oxygen demand, and are probably related to dynamic changes in coronary blood flow. Questions still remain, however, regarding the prevalence of asymptomatic ischemia in patients who present with effort angina and positive results on exercise tolerance tests. Therefore, in susceptible patients with coronary artery disease, calcium channel blockers, especially nifedipine, may be of particular benefit since they decrease myocardial oxygen demand during effort and may increase coronary blood flow, thereby aborting asymptomatic ischemia, which tends to occur at low levels of cardiac oxygen demand. It appears that a greater awareness of the total ischemic burden, i.e., the sum total of symptomatic and asymptomatic and exertional and nonexertional ischemia, may facilitate individualization of therapy for patients with coronary artery disease. Agents that both reduce myocardial oxygen demand and improve coronary blood flow, such as nifedipine, may particularly benefit individuals whose ischemia may be both asymptomatic and symptomatic, and who seem to constitute the majority of patients with coronary artery disease.
Intrahepatic tumor recurrence after partial hepatectomy: value of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.

PURPOSE To determine the risks and benefits of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of recurrent hepatic tumors in patients who have undergone hepatic resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective review of the institutional RF ablation database yielded 35 patients with recurrent hepatic tumor after hepatectomy. Sixty-one recurrent hepatic tumors (mean diameter ± SD, 1.7 ± 1.1 cm; range, 0.5–5.3 cm) were ablated percutaneously under sonographic guidance or combined guidance with sonographic and fluoroscopic computed tomography (CT). Follow-up CT, magnetic resonance imaging, or both were used for assessment of the primary and secondary therapeutic effectiveness rate and failure of RF ablation. Patients' survival status was determined by contacting the primary care physician or searching the Social Security Death Index. RESULTS Complete ablation was accomplished in 54 of 61 hepatic tumors (primary therapeutic effectiveness rate, 88.5%). During a mean follow-up time of 18 months (range, 1–65 months), 14.8% of the tumors ( n = 9 ) were incompletely ablated. Three of the nine incompletely ablated tumors were treated with a second RF ablation, all three of which failed (secondary therapeutic effectiveness rate, 0%). Distant intrahepatic tumor progression appeared in 23 of 35 patients (65.7%). One major complication (2.1%, one of 48 sessions) and eight minor complications (16.7%, eight of 48 sessions) were reported. The major complication was hepatic abscess formation. The overall survival rates for all patients at 1, 2, and 3 years were 76%, 68%, and 45%, respectively. For patients with metastases from colorectal cancer ( n = 14 ), the overall survival rates were 72%, 60%, and 60% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively; and for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( n = 8 ), the overall survival rates were 72%, 58%, and 44% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSION Percutaneous RF ablation offers a safe and effective treatment option for recurrent hepatic tumors after previous partial hepatectomy.
Modeling Kinetic Shifts and Competition in Threshold Collision-Induced Dissociation. Case Study: n-Butylbenzene Cation Dissociation

A threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) study was performed on the n-butylbenzene cation, investigating the competitive dissociation leading to propyl and propene elimination. Ab initio calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-31G* level were performed on the system. Reaction path calculations were performed for both dissociation channels to provide details of the dissociation mechanisms and to identify rate-determining transition states. Unimolecular dissociation rates as a function of energy from literature PEPICO and PD-MIKES experiments are modeled using RRKM statistical unimolecular decay theory to select the best calculated transition states for the two dissociation channels. The effects of kinetic and competitive shifts on the CID threshold determinations are investigated and explained using a model that incorporates RRKM theory. Final analysis of the TCID data yields 0 K dissociation energies of 1.70 ± 0.09 eV for the propyl elimination channel and 1.28 ± 0.06 eV for the propen...
Control of the Northern Fowl Mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (C. & F.), with Ronnel, Bayer L13/59 and Bayer 21/199

Five hundred ninety-four hens and 100 roosters were used to test three organic phosphorous insecticides for control of the northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (C & F.). Bayer 21/199 ( O -(3-chloro-4-methylumbelliferone, O, O -diethyl thiophosphate) as 0.5 and 0.25% dusts and Bayer L13/59 (O, O- dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydrdxyethylphosphonate) and ronnel as 1% dusts were applied to individual birds on four body areas at the rate of 3 to 4 grams per bird. Each gave satisfactory control up to 28 days after treatment and apparently anyone of the insecticides would virtually eradicate the mites if no birds were left untreated. No detectable residue could be found in the eggs of hens treated with Bayer 21/199 or ronnel and no off-flavor of eggs was detected.
Regional role of catecholamines in alpha methyl-m-tyrosine- induced electroencephalographic arousal.

Abstract Acute injections of alpha methyl-m-tyrosine (AMMT), 100 mg/kg, iv, had previously been shown to produce prolonged EEG arousal in cats. The site and possible mechanism of this response has now been examined in cats with brain stem transections at the intercollicular, pretrigeminal, and cervical levels. The data indicate that AMMT does not produce arousal through an action on the catecholamine systems rostral to the midcollicular level. The site of AMMT-induced arousal has been identified as being most probably at the pontine level with the noradrenergic system being strongly implicated. These data have been used to draw together current knowledge of the aminergic systems with concepts of EEG arousal. As a result, it has been proposed that the noradrenergic system, acting at the pontine level, is an integral part of a larger interactive system of structures located in the immediate vicinity of the pons which function to regulate the continuum of EEG states from arousal to deep sleep.
Direction-of-arrival estimation using signal subspace modeling

A computationally viable algorithm for estimating the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of multiple wavefields that are incident on an array of sensors is developed. The geometry of the array is unrestricted and the incident wavefields may be generated by mixtures of incoherent and coherent emitting sources. In the approach taken, the sensor signals are modeled as a noise-contaminated linear combination of steering vectors which are functionally dependent on a set of DOA parameters. These parameters are to be chosen so that this sensor signal model is most compatible with empirically measured data (i.e., snapshot data). An iterative procedure is developed for selecting the most data compatible set of DOA parameters in both the snapshot domain and the array covariance matrix domain. Critical to the success of such iterative solution procedures is the generation of quality DOA parameters to initialize the algorithm. A sequential beamforming method for this initialization is presented. Numerical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithmic approach are given. >
Rate of convergence analysis of discrete simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation algorithm

A middle point discrete version of simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation (DSPSA) algorithm was previously introduced to solve the discrete stochastic optimization problem. We consider the rate of convergence of DSPSA in this paper. This rate will allow for objective comparisons with other discrete stochastic optimization methods.
Hamilton–Jacobi equations in space of measures associated with a system of conservation laws

Abstract We introduce a class of action integrals defined over probability measure-valued path space. We show that extremal point of such action exits and satisfies a type of compressible Euler equation in a weak sense. Moreover, we prove that both Cauchy and resolvent formulations of the associated Hamilton–Jacobi equations, in the space of probability measures, are well-posed.
Can Nitrogen Sequestration Explain the Unexpected Nitrate Decline in New Hampshire Streams

Goodale and others (2003) pose an intriguingquestion: How can we explain the unexpected de-cline in nitrate concentration in New Hampshire’sstreams? Theory of forest nitrogen (N) biogeo-chemistry suggests that retention of atmospheri-cally deposited N can occur through vegetationuptake, accumulation in soil organic matter, abioticimmobilizaton, and accumulation in coarse woodydebris including roots and stumps. The lattermechanism occurs through microbial processesthat narrow the C:N ratios of this pool and may beunderappreciated, but is well documented (Har-mon and others 1986; Fahey and others 1988; Fa-hey and Arthur 1994). The relative strength ofthese sinks depends upon site conditions and, inparticular, on historical land use (Dise and others1998; Gundersen and others 1998a; Goodale andothers 2000). In general, the greater the previousdisturbance and resulting soil N depletion, thegreater the soil N sequestration potential. Forest Nsinks are limited, thus, N sequestration will notcontinue indeﬁnitely (Stoddard 1994; Aber andothers 2003), but the capacity of this N sink and itsdynamics over time are uncertain. As an exampleof the uncertainty in the temporal dynamics of thisN sink, consider the lag between N additions andmeasurable effects on process. There can be a sig-niﬁcant delay between the initiation of inorganic Nadditions and the induction of detectable increasesin net nitriﬁcation (Magill and others 2000).The unexpected decline in nitrate concentrationsin New Hampshire streams cannot be explained bytrends in forest maturation or atmospheric deposi-tion of N (Goodale and others 2003). Likewise,mechanisms for the decline, based on a re-equili-bration following recovery from insect defoliationand severe drought in the 1960s (Aber and others2002), and soil frost dynamics, were provisionallyruled out based on their failure to explain theregional nature of the stream water nitrate decline(Goodale and others 2003). Potential explanationbased on enhanced N uptake through growth in-creases caused by CO
Molecular dynamics study of flow at a fluid-wall interface

A novel wall model, including inelastic fluid-wall collisions, molecular structure of the wall, and a long-ranged fluid-wall interaction, is used in molecular dynamics simulations of flow in two dimensions. For strong fluid-wall attraction the fluid velocity goes smoothly to zero at the wall; there is no velocity slip. In less dense fluids the velocity drops to zero in an ever-narrower region. Our results differ from standard kinetic theory but agree with Eu's theory [Phys. Rev. A 36, 400 (1987)]. The nature of the fluid-wall interaction is important; repulsive walls give velocity slip.
Electrosteric Stabilization of Colloidal Dispersions

The electrosteric stabilization of model colloidal dispersions is quantified through high-frequency rheometry and complementary techniques. Model aqueous dispersions with a poly(butyl acrylate)−pol...
Art history meets archaeology: considering cultural context in American museums

The recent heightened international sensitivity to cultural property issues has affected how antiquities are presented in museums in the United States, not just by diminishing the number of works i...
Pharmaceutical advertising in emergency departments.

Objectives: Promotion of prescription drugs represents a growing source of pharmaceutical marketing expenditures. This study was undertaken to identify the frequency of items containing pharmaceutical advertising in clinical emergency departments (EDs). Methods: In this observational study, emergency physician on-site investigators quantified a variety of items containing pharmaceutical advertising present at specified representative times and days, in clinical EDs. Results: Measurements were obtained by 65 on-site investigators, representing 22 states. Most EDs in this study were community EDs (87% community and 14% university or university affiliate), and most were in urban settings (50% urban, 38% suburban, and 13% rural). Investigators measured 42 items per ED (mean = 42; median = 31; interquartile range of 14-55) containing pharmaceutical advertising in the clinical area. The most commonly observed items included pens (mean 15 per ED; median 10), product brochures (mean 5; median 3), stethoscope labels (mean 4; median 2), drug samples (mean 3; median 0), books (mean 3.4), mugs (mean 2.4), and published literature (mean 3.1). EDs with a policy restricting pharmaceutical representatives in the ED had significantly fewer items containing pharmaceutical advertising (median 7.5; 95% CI = 0 to 27) than EDs without such a policy (median 35; 95% CI = 27 to 47, p = 0.005, nonparametric Wilcoxon two-sample test). There were no differences in quantities of pharmaceutical advertising for EDs in community compared with university settings (p = 0.5), rural compared with urban settings (p = 0.3), or annual ED volumes (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Numerous items containing pharmaceutical advertising are frequently observed in EDs. Policies restricting pharmaceutical representatives in the ED are associated with reduced pharmaceutical advertising.
Examining the effects of cognitive style in individuals' technology use decision making

In this study, we examine individuals' acceptance of a new technology by proposing and testing a factor model that incorporates cognitive style and specifies its plausible effects on essential acceptance determinants. The data from 428 subjects fit the model satisfactorily and support all of its suggested hypotheses. Cognitive style shows significant direct effects on perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and subjective norms. Both perceived usefulness and subjective norms affect actual technology usage significantly. People with innovative cognitive styles are more likely to perceive a new technology as useful and easy to use than are those with adaptive cognitive styles.
The monocular shimmers--your patient isn't deluded!

Abstract Superior oblique myokymia is a benign entity that causes intermittent, brief, recurring episodes of monocular shimmering oscillopsia. These episodes may be accompanied by torsional diplopia (unusual) or more likely by the awareness of an ocular tremor of the involved eye. Observation with adequate magnification is necessary to establish the diagnosis.
The emotional and psychological impact of multiple sclerosis relapses

Acute relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS) are experienced as crises that disrupt the status quo for individuals with MS and their families. These unpredictable--and always unexpected--events elicit strong reactions, including grief, anxiety, anger, and guilt, as people struggle to understand why they occur. Although early relapses are a signal for most MS specialists to recommend treatment with one of the approved disease-modifying therapies, the remissions that follow contribute to patient and family denial about the realities of the disease, making it difficult for patients to begin and to adhere to ongoing treatment. Each ensuing attack confronts this denial, forcing patients and families to acknowledge the MS diagnosis and begin adapting to the demands of the illness in their daily lives. This paper discusses the meaning attributed by individuals and families to relapses leading to the MS diagnosis and the recommendation for disease-modifying therapy, the adjustments that are made by patients and their families to residual deficits following acute episodes, and suggestions for clinicians on how they might facilitate the adjustment process.
Structural and Kinetic Studies of Phosphorylation-dependent Regulation in Smooth Muscle Myosin

In this study, we have examined the mechanism of phosphorylation-dependent regulation in smooth muscle myosin through the use of structural and kinetic methodologies applied to several myosin fragments. Fluorescence anisotropy decay measurements demonstrate that regulatory light chain phosphorylation significantly reduces the rotational correlation time of regulatable myosin preparations, whereas minimally regulated ones show little effect in this assay. Sedimentation equilibrium studies show that the regulatory domain can dimerize with a dissociation constant that is unaffected by regulatory light chain phosphorylation. Finally, kinetic studies on the interactions of myosin-ADP constructs with actin are also consistent with a model in which interactions occur between the two heads, which are lost with regulatory light chain phosphorylation. We propose that in the absence of regulatory light chain phosphorylation, the two heads of myosin interact with each other, due to a weak intrinsic dimerization of the regulatory domains that is significantly stabilized by the proximal rod. Regulatory light chain phosphorylation abolishes the stabilizing effect of the proximal rod, leading to a loss of this interaction.
Overview of the TriBITS lifecycle model: A Lean/Agile software lifecycle model for research-based computational science and engineering software

Software lifecycles are becoming an increasingly important issue for computational science & engineering (CSE) software. The process by which a piece of CSE software begins life as a set of research requirements and then matures into a trusted high-quality capability is both commonplace and extremely challenging. Although an implicit lifecycle is obviously being used in any effort, the challenges of this process-respecting the competing needs of research vs. production-cannot be overstated. Here we describe a proposal for a well-defined software life-cycle process based on modern Lean/Agile software engineering principles. What we propose is appropriate for many CSE software projects that are initially heavily focused on research but also are expected to eventually produce usable high-quality capabilities. The model is related to TriBITS, a build, integration and testing system, which serves as a strong foundation for this lifecycle model, and aspects of this lifecycle model are ingrained in the TriBITS system. Indeed this lifecycle process, if followed, will enable large-scale sustainable integration of many complex CSE software efforts across several institutions.
Imposing Linear Homogeneity on Box–Tidwell Flexible Functional Forms

We consider two forms of the Box–Tidwell cost function, which uses the increasingly popular Box–Cox metric. If the dependent variable is the logarithm of cost, the function violates the regularity condition of homogeneity in factor prices, globally and locally. If cost is transformed by the Box–Cox metric, global homogeneity requires highly restrictive parameter constraints such that the model is no longer flexible, and local homogeneity is satisfied at only the base point of approximation. We demonstrate that normalizing the first model by the deleted factor price alters the model so that estimates are no longer invariant.
226Ra distribution in the Antarctic Ocean

226Ra data on eleven vertical profiles taken during the GEOSECS program from the Antarctic Ocean and its vicinity in both the Atlantic and the Pacific are presented. Replicate measurements were made on each sample using the Rn-emanation method. The precision (1 σ) based on triplicate analyses averages about ±2.5%. Waters all around the Antarctic continent below 2 km depth appear to exhibit a uniform226Ra concentration of 21.5 ± 1dpm/100kg, except perhaps locally such as the Ross Sea and the Drake Passage where small variations may be present. Higher in the water column, the226Ra contents decrease toward the surface with gradients which vary as a function of the influence exerted by the Antarctic Convergence. Across this oceanic front, a north-to-south increase of226Ra occurs (the increase being the largest near the surface: from 8 to 18 dpm/100 kg), reflecting the combining effect of deep-water upwelling and meridional water mixing. The core layer of the Antarctic Intermediate Water contains about 14 dpm/100 kg of226Ra and that of the Circumpolar Intermediate Water (O2 minimum and local T maximum) about 18 dpm/100 kg. To a first approximation,226Ra covaries with Si in the circumpolar waters.