cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic potential of producer gas fueled irrigation

Abstract For commercialization of producer gas fueled irrigation to occur there must be an economic potential. To encourage further technical development, the economic potential of fueling a 56 ha center pivot irrigation system with producer gas is evaluated for market conditions in the Southeastern United States. Simulation modeling is used to explore the conditions under which using a downdraft wood gasifier to replace diesel fuel for a 56 kW engine is economically reasonable. Investing in the gasifier is reasonable under most market conditions, even when diesel fuel is decreased from $0·29 to $0·25 litre −1 during the 10-year life.
Peak experiences and strategic IT alignment at Vermont Teddy Bear

In winter 2010 Bob Stetzel, the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Vermont Teddy Bear (VTB), hopes to replace or modernize many of the company's existing systems and invest in some new applications. This catalog marketer (via online and print catalogs) offers three separately managed brands: Vermont Teddy Bear (VTB), PajamaGrams, and Calyx Flowers. Sales are highly seasonal, with peak volumes at Christmas, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Stetzel has spent his first few months on the job cataloging systems and databases, learning about the ‘spider web’ of middleware connecting various applications and platforms, and locating employees with expertise to fix them. The company has survived an economic downturn and several costly strategic missteps. The CEO is seeking new sources of revenue and ways to leverage their well-known brand, while the CIO needs to set Information Technology (IT) priorities: should they invest in a full-featured Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) package or take other steps that would more quickly yield tangible results? Whatever choice he makes, Stetzel will have to convince the CEO and the Board of Directors to provide the necessary resources. This case provides students with an opportunity to place themselves in the shoes of a CIO wrestling with strategic IT alignment challenges at a time when resources are severely constrained and competitive rivalry is fierce.
Synthesis, Electrooxidation, and Characterization of Bis(diphenylamine)naphthalene Diimide

We have synthesized a new poly(imide) precursor for solution electrodeposition onto conducting surfaces. The new monomer, N,N‘-bis[p-phenylamino(phenyl)]-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide (DNTD), contains a central naphthalene diimide moiety flanked by two dimerizable diphenylamine groups. DNTD was oxidatively electrodeposited onto Au-, Pt-, and In-doped SnO2 surfaces from DMSO, CH3CN, and CH2Cl2. The cyclic voltammetry is consistent with initial radical cation formation of diphenylamine groups, and then para C−C coupling of radicals to form dimers and higher order oligomers. IR spectroscopy was used to determine the average degree of polymerization and confirm para coupling. The resulting material shows electrochemically reversible 1e-/ and 2e-/monomer unit reduction waves corresponding to the naphthalene tetracarboxylic diimide radical anion and dianion. Also a quasireversible 1e-/ and 2e-/monomer unit oxidation corresponding to the oxidation of diphenylbenzidine unit is shown. Visible−NIR spec...
Study on Effects of Solar Generation on Power Grid

The climate change and the shortage of energy have made the solar energy as the priority renewable energy in many countries, and solar energy is under the fast development. Since the solar energy has the intrinsic intermittence and fluctuation, its integration into the power grid will lead to the power fluctuations. The paper proposes a method of deploying the photovoltaic generation which is the main solar generation technology in China to meet the load demand in order to reduce the storage investment. The analysis shows that there is a strong correlation between daytime solar generation fluctuations and grid load fluctuations, and it is able to use solar plant instead of some peek-load regulating generator units. Therefore, solar generation technology also has great potential of integration ability even without the use of energy storage, and the purpose of solar generation is to increase the share of solar electriciy at the lowest unit cost rather than to guarantee 100% utilization factor.
Strong and Tough Hi-Nicalon-Fiber-Reinforced Celsian-Matrix Composites

Strong, tough and almost fully dense Hi-Nicalon/BN/SiC fiber reinforced celsian matrix composites have been fabricated by impregnation of the fiber tows with the matrix slurry, winding on a drum, stacking the prepreg tapes in the desired orientation, and hot pressing. The monoclinic celsian phase in the matrix was produced in situ, during hot pressing, from a mixed oxide precursor. The unidirectional composites having approx. 42 volume percent of fibers exhibited graceful failure with extensive fiber pullout in three-point bend tests at room temperature. Values of first matrix cracking stress and strain were 435 +/- 35 MPa and 0.27 +/- 0.01 %, respectively, and ultimate strengths of 900 +/- 60 MPa were observed. The Young's modulus of the composites was 165 +/- 5 GPa.
Surgical Salvage of Cancer of the Oropharynx After Chemoradiation

Advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is treated primarily with chemoradiation, with the goal of excellent disease control and preservation of swallowing and articulation functions of the oropharynx. Disease control rates generally are excellent; however, a significant number of patients do not achieve locoregional control of disease. The importance of human papillomavirus expression in predicting successful tumor response, locoregional control, and survival following chemoradiation is increasingly confirmed. Emerging is a clinical profile, viral expression, and genetic expression pattern that can predict success of chemoradiation and indicate which patients are at higher risk for locoregional failure necessitating surgical salvage. Successful surgical salvage depends on restaging at the time of recurrence and the time interval from chemoradiation to recurrence. Although surgical morbidity and mortality remain a challenge in patients undergoing salvage surgery of the oropharynx after radiation failure with or without chemotherapy, they may be mitigated by liberal application of regional and microvascular free flap reconstruction techniques.
Income taxes and the timing of marital decisions.

Abstract In this paper we estimate the impact of the federal individual income tax on the timing of marital decisions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the tax penalty often associated with marriage contributes to the decision of when to marry. Using household data from the Panel Study on Income Dynamics, we estimate various models of the probability of delaying marriage as a function of the change in tax burden caused by marriage (as well as several other variables). We find that there is a significant positive relationship between the marriage penalty in a year and the probability of delaying marriage until the following year. The magnitude of the effect, however, is small.
Minority representation, election method, and policy influence

Recently a number of legal scholars have advocated jurisdiction-wide cumulative voting as a mechanism to promote minority representation. Among other benefits, they claim minority representatives will have greater policy influence if they are elected in at-large contests rather than from single-member districts. We test this proposition by estimating the deter-minants of minority hiring practices. We find increases in the proportion of black representatives on a city council are positively correlated with the percentage of black police recruits. However, holding constant black representation, the impact of black councilors on municipal hiring is enhanced when councilors are elected at-large rather than by district.
Semi-automated curation of metabolic models via flux balance analysis: a case study with Mycoplasma gallisepticum.

Primarily used for metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, genome-scale metabolic modeling shows tremendous potential as a tool for fundamental research and curation of metabolism. Through a novel integration of flux balance analysis and genetic algorithms, a strategy to curate metabolic networks and facilitate identification of metabolic pathways that may not be directly inferable solely from genome annotation was developed. Specifically, metabolites involved in unknown reactions can be determined, and potentially erroneous pathways can be identified. The procedure developed allows for new fundamental insight into metabolism, as well as acting as a semi-automated curation methodology for genome-scale metabolic modeling. To validate the methodology, a genome-scale metabolic model for the bacterium Mycoplasma gallisepticum was created. Several reactions not predicted by the genome annotation were postulated and validated via the literature. The model predicted an average growth rate of 0.358±0.12, closely matching the experimentally determined growth rate of M. gallisepticum of 0.244±0.03. This work presents a powerful algorithm for facilitating the identification and curation of previously known and new metabolic pathways, as well as presenting the first genome-scale reconstruction of M. gallisepticum.
Low-Velocity Impact Response of Foam-Core Sandwich Composites

The low-velocity impact response of foam-core sandwich composites with fiberglass/epoxy face sheets is treated by a combination of computational and experimental methods. Linear elastic constitutive models are used for the face sheets and epoxy bond layer in conjunction with a foam constitutive model that includes nonlinear hardening plasticity and coupling between volumetric and deviatoric deformation. A transient finite- element code, utilizing four-noded uniform strain quadrilaterals, is used to explicitly solve the equations for balance of mass and momentum. The resulting deformation histories are compared to the experimental results and show qualitative agreement. The computed transverse shear stresses are used to correlate ultrasonic measurement of damage in the core/epoxy interface. Comparison of the plate stiffness prior to and after impact illustrates the effect of damage on subsequent behavior.
Up a Creek Without a Paddle: Idealized Aquatic Locomotion via Forward Vortex Shedding

We present a model for the self-propulsion of a circular cylindrical vehicle through a planar ideal fluid. The input to the system is the relative angular velocity of a balanced rotor mounted above the vehicle’s center of mass. A Kutta condition is enforced regularly in time at a point along the edge of the vehicle, enabling the exchange of momentum between the vehicle and the surrounding fluid through discrete vortex shedding. Between vortex-shedding events, the dynamics of the vehicle and its wake are governed by a system of equations with non-canonical Hamiltonian structure. We present simulation results depicting the translational acceleration of the vehicle from rest as a result of sinusoidal oscillations in the position of the rotor, and we demonstrate that the propulsive efficiency of such oscillations exhibits a relative maximum at a certain driving frequency.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Schechter versus Schechter: Subarcsecond Gravitational Lensing and Inner Halo Profiles

Subarcsecond lensing statistics depend sensitively on the inner mass profiles of low-mass objects and the faint-end slopes of the Schechter luminosity function and the Press-Schechter mass function. By requiring the luminosity and mass functions to give consistent predictions for the distribution of image separation below 1'', we show that dark matter halos with masses below 1012 M☉ cannot have a single type of profile, be it the singular isothermal sphere (SIS) or the shallower "universal" dark matter profile. Instead, consistent results are achieved if we allow a fraction of the halos at a given mass to be luminous with the SIS profile and the rest to be dark with an inner logarithmic slope shallower than -1.5 to compensate for the steeper faint-end slope of the mass function compared with the luminosity function. We quantify how rapidly the SIS fraction must decrease with decreasing halo mass, thereby providing a statistical measure for the effectiveness of feedback processes on the baryon content in low-mass halos.
Distillation Sieve Trays without Downcomers: Prediction of Performance Characteristics

A large amount of performance data on larger-scale trays without downcomers has become available recently, and the data have been examined with a view toward understanding and modeling the contacting mechanisms under distillation conditions. The objective of this paper is to describe new predictive models for efficiency, pressure drop, and flooding of trays without downcomers and to show how they can be applied to distillation separations. Such an effort has not been reported previously. The contacting devices are assigned the generic name of dual-flow trays. The models are shown to give reasonable estimates of the performance of these trays in larger columns with open areas in the range of 15−25%, hole diameters in the range of 12−25 mm, and tray spacings in the range of 0.3−0.6 m.
Smoothing of diamond-turned substrates for extreme ultraviolet illuminators

Condenser optics in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) systems are subjected to frequent replacement as they are positioned close to the illumination source, where increased heating and contamination occur. In the case of aspherical condenser elements made by optical figuring/finishing, their replacement can be very expensive (several hundred thousand dollars). One approach to this problem would be to manufacture inexpensive illuminator optics that meet all required specifications and could be replaced at no substantial cost. Diamond-turned metal substrates are a factor of 100 less expensive than conventional aspherical substrates but have insufficient finish, leading to unacceptably low EUV reflectance after multilayer coating. We show that by applying a smoothing film prior to multilayer coating, the high-spatial-frequency roughness of a diamond-turned metal substrate is reduced from 1.76 to 0.27 nm root mean square (rms), while the figure slope error is maintained at acceptable levels. Metrology tests performed at various stages of the fabrication of the element demonstrate that it satisfies all critical figure and finish specifications as an illuminator. Initial experimental results on the stability and performance of the optic in a real EUVL plasma source environment show no accelerated degradation when compared to conventional substrates.
The permissive effect of glucocorticoids in the induction of liver alcohol dehydrogenase by ethanol.

Abstract After continuous administration of ethanol in liquid diet to mice for 2 weeks, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity in the liver was increased by 60%. Adrenalectomized mice receiving similar ethanol treatment showed no such increase of liver ADH activity. The effect of ethanol on ADH could be fully restored in adrenalectomized mice by hormonal replacement with daily injections of corticosterone. These results indicate that the induction of liver ADH by ethanol requires glucocorticoids as a permissive factor. The activity of liver microsomal ethanol-oxidizing system (MEOS) was also increased by chronic ethanol treatment, but the increase was not abolished in adrenalectomized mice. The induction of ADH and MEOS in the liver by ethanol may, therefore, involve different regulatory events.
Effect of Dipolar Interactions on the Spin-Wave Spectrum of a Cubic Antiferromagnet

The effect of dipolar interactions on the spin-wave spectrum of a cubic antiferromagnet is studied. The spin-wave spectrum is found to consist of two branches whose frequencies are ${(\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega})}^{2}={(g\ensuremath{\beta})}^{2}[{H}_{A}+{H}_{E}{a}^{2}{k}^{2}][{H}_{A}+{H}_{E}(2\ensuremath{-}{a}^{2}{k}^{2})\ensuremath{-}\frac{8\ensuremath{\pi}M}{3}+8\ensuremath{\pi}M{sin}^{2}{\ensuremath{\partial}}_{k}]$ and ${(\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega})}^{2}={(g\ensuremath{\beta})}^{2}[{H}_{A}+{H}_{E}{a}^{2}{k}^{2}][{H}_{A}+{H}_{E}(2\ensuremath{-}{a}^{2}{k}^{2})\ensuremath{-}\frac{8\ensuremath{\pi}M}{3}].$ Here $a$ is the lattice constant, $M$ the magnetic moment per unit volume, $k$ the wave vector, ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{k}$ the angle between the magnetization and the wave vector, and ${H}_{A}$ and ${H}_{E}$ the anisotropy and exchange fields. The reasons for discrepancies between these formulas and those given previously by other authors are discussed.
Methylation effects on the microdomain structures of phosphatidylethanolamine monolayers

Increasing methylation of the headgroup in DPPE results in an increase of minimum area per molecule in highly compressed monolayers at the air-water interface. The shape of solid domains, as observed by epifluorescence microscopy, also exhibits marked changes upon increasing headgroup methylation. Branching domains are observed in DPPE and DP(Me)PE, whereas U-shaped or round domains are observed in DP(Me)2PE and DPPC under our experimental conditions. The domain shape is determined more by the headgroup methylatin than by the corresponding shift in critical temperatures, as shown by the study of PCs of different acyl chain moieties. In mixed lipid monolayers, PC (phosphatidylcholine) and PE (phosphatidylethanolamine) do not mix ideally, as indicated by the non-linear variation of the average area per molecule with composition, and by distinct domain shapes in LE/LC (liquid expanded/liquid condensed) coexisting phases representing PE-enriched or PC-enriched domains in those mixed monolayers.
Reconstruction of electrical burns of the oral commissure with a ventral tongue flap

Reconstruction of the oral commissure following electrical burn injury is a challenging problem. The commissure is a thin, delicate structure that is highly mobile and essential to normal facial appearance and expression. When there is full-thickness destruction of vermilion, mucosa, skin, and orbicularis muscle, the resulting contracture alters adjacent structures, displaces the commissure, and distorts facial animation. Utilizing a composite ventral tongue flap of mucosa and muscle in the reconstruction of the commissure permits effective release of scar contracture and replaces destroyed mucosa and muscle bulk. Remaining structures can be returned to their normal location, and the three-dimensional contours of the oral commissure can be better restored. The use of this flap in 21 patients has resulted in improved mobility, more normal facial expression, and more consistent results in the reconstruction of a wide range of commissure deformities.
Design and Performance of a High Spatial Resolution, Time-of-Flight PET Detector

This paper describes the design and performance of a high spatial resolution positron emission tomography (PET) detector with time-of-flight capabilities. With an emphasis on high spatial resolution and sensitivity, we initially evaluated the performance of several $1.5 \times 1.5$ and $2.0 \times 2.0~\hbox{mm}^2$ and 12–15 mm long LYSO crystals read out by several appropriately sized PMTs. Experiments to evaluate the impact of reflector on detector performance were performed and the final detector consisted of a $32 \times 32$ array of $1.5 \times 1.5 \times 15~\hbox{mm}^3$ LYSO crystals packed with a diffuse reflector and read out by a single Hamamatsu 64 channel multi-anode PMT. Such a design made it compact, modular and offered a cost-effective solution to obtaining excellent energy and timing resolution. To minimize the number of readout signals, a compact front-end readout electronics that summed anode signals along each of the orthogonal directions was also developed. Experimental evaluation of detector performance demonstrates clear discrimination of the crystals within the detector. An average energy resolution (FWHM) of $12.7 \pm 2.6\% $ and average coincidence timing resolution (FWHM) of 348 ps was measured, demonstrating suitability for use in the development of a high spatial resolution time-of-flight scanner for dedicated breast PET imaging.
Effects of combined diffusion treatments and cold working on the sliding friction and wear behavior of Ti–6Al–4V ☆

Abstract Titanium (Ti) alloys have been used for a variety of structural applications, particularly in aerospace, but their relatively high wear rates and friction coefficient are shortcomings that reduce their potential use in tribological applications like lightweight bearings or rubbing parts in internal combustion engines. Experiments were conducted to determine the possible benefits on the friction and wear characteristics of titanium alloy Ti–6Al–4V of combining mechanical working of the surface with two different diffusion treatments. Mechanical working was used to harden the surfaces in two ways: planishing (repetitive peen hammering) and shot peening under controlled conditions. The tribological effects of work hardening alone were compared to a duplex process in which work-hardening was done after either nitriding or oxygen diffusion treatments were first applied. Hardness and X-ray micro-strain measurements were made to characterize the effects of these treatments on the near surface regions. Reciprocating ball-on-flat sliding friction and wear tests were performed using standard test method ASTM G133, Procedure A, with stainless steel 440C and silicon nitride sliders under non-lubricated conditions. The ceramic was used to minimize metal-on-metal transfer, but it was also considerably harder than the stainless steel. Under the test conditions used here, the primary effect of the duplex surface treatment was to create a short period of low friction that preceded a pronounced transition to a higher friction and wear period similar to that observed for non-diffusion-treated, but work hardened surfaces.
Adsorption of Benzene on Coinage Metals: A Theoretical Analysis Using Wavefunction-Based Methods†

The interaction of benzene with a Ag(111) surface has been determined using reliable ab initio electronic structure calculations. The results are compared to a recent detailed analysis of the interaction of benzene with copper and gold surfaces, thus making it possible to derive a consistent picture for the electronic structure changes encountered when benzene is brought into contact with the densely packed coinage metal surfaces. To avoid the problems encountered when the presently most frequently employed computational approach, density functional theory (DFT), is applied to adsorbate systems where dispersion (or van der Waals) forces contribute substantially, we use a wavefunction-based approach. In this approach, the weak van der Waals interactions, which are dominated by correlation effects, are described using second-order perturbation theory. The surface dipole moment and the work function changes induced upon adsorption are also discussed.
Cu, Al and Ga based metal organic framework catalysts for the decarboxylation of oleic acid

Herein we demonstrate the catalytic decarboxylation and conversion of oleic acid to paraffins and hydrocarbons over bare and Pt supported Cu, Al and Ga based metal organic frameworks. Moderate degrees of decarboxylation were observed for all metal organic framework catalysts. The incorporation of Pt with the porous frameworks resulted in high degrees of decarboxylation. All MOF catalysts showed high thermal stability, resulting in recyclable catalysts displaying low catalytic activity loss. Of all studied catalysts, Ga-MOF catalysts were the most effective catalysts, displaying moderate to high degrees of decarboxylation. In addition, the Pt–Ga-MOF catalyst displayed selectivity to heptadecane, an important industrial chemical. Octadecane, heptadecane, dodecane, undecane, decane, nonane, octane, and heptane were observed as the main side products. To our best knowledge, the catalytic ability of a metal organic framework both as catalyst and support for the decarboxylation of a model fatty acid molecule is reported for the first time.
Simulation Model of a Ferroelectric Field Effect Transistor

An electronic simulation model has been developed of a ferroelectric field effect transistor (FFET). This model can be used in standard electrical circuit simulation programs to simulate the main characteristics of the FFET. The model uses a previously developed algorithm that incorporates partial polarization as a basis for the design. The model has the main characteristics of the FFET, which are the current hysterisis with different gate voltages and decay of the drain current when the gate voltage is off. The drain current has values matching actual FFET's, which were measured experimentally. The input and output resistance in the model is similar to that of the FFET. The model is valid for all frequencies below RF levels. A variety of different ferroelectric material characteristics can be modeled. The model can be used to design circuits using FFET'S with standard electrical simulation packages. The circuit can be used in designing non-volatile memory circuits and logic circuits and is compatible with all SPICE based circuit analysis programs. The model is a drop in library that integrates seamlessly into a SPICE simulation. A comparison is made between the model and experimental data measured from an actual FFET.
Combined fractionated isotopic and external irradiation of the liver in Hodgkin's disease. A study of 21 patients.

Of 21 Hodgkin's disease patients with laparotomy-documented splenic and/or hepatic involvement (Stages IIIs and IVH) treated with total lymphoid and combined external and internal (198Au) whole liver irradiation, nine patients remain disease-free for 17 to 34 months. All but two of the relapses occurred in patients previously treated to local fields only. One death is directly attributable to the isotope. Another death at 34 months was due to intercurrent disease. About half of the combined whole liver dose of 2,500 rads is delivered by external megavoltage x-ray therapy and half by radioactive colloidal gold (198Au). The usual isotopic dose is 25–30 mCi administered intravenously at a maximum rate of 10 mCi every 2 weeks. Tumoricidal doses can thus be delivered to the critical periportal areas within the liver, whereas dose to the central vein region of the lobule remains within the normal liver tissue tolerance level, thus avoiding the immediate reaction of radiation hepatitis and the remote development of cirrhosis. Thrombocytopenia, the most serious complication, may be prevented or lessened by adjusting the fractionated and total dose of the isotope.
Perioperative comparative effectiveness research

The goal of comparative effectiveness research (CER) is to improve effectiveness, efficacy and efficiency in health care. While CER seems to present a major opportunity to introduce accountability into health care by identifying and promoting best practices in medicine, many issues surrounding CER remain poorly understood by clinicians and researchers, including what study designs are most appropriate for such research and what analytic tools are most helpful. The goal of this review is therefore to provide background and definitions of what constitutes CER and to discuss the various study designs and their strengths and weaknesses in achieving the stated goals of CER, while relating them to examples relevant to perioperative research. We provide a brief outline of the types of analytic methods particularly useful for CER and connect the reader to references for their practice. Finally, we assess the role of CER in perioperative research and provide some thoughts on future paths.
Physics‐based models of ground deformation and extrusion rate at effusively erupting volcanoes

[1] We present a model of effusive silicic volcanic eruptions which relates magma chamber and conduit physics to time-dependent data sets, including ground deformation and extrusion rate. The model involves a deflating chamber which supplies Newtonian magma through a cylindrical conduit. Solidification is approximated as occurring at fixed depth, producing a solid plug that slips along its margins with rate-dependent friction. Changes in tractions acting on the chamber and conduit walls are used to compute surface deformations. Given appropriate material properties and initial conditions, the model predicts the full evolution of an eruption, allowing us to examine the dependence of observables on initial chamber volume, overpressure, and volatile content. Employing multiple data sets in combination with a physics-based model allows for better constraints on these parameters than is possible using kinematic idealizations. Modeling posteruptive deformation provides an improved constraint on the rate of influx into the magma chamber from deeper sources. We compare numerical results to analytical approximations and to data from the 2004–2008 eruption of Mount St. Helens. For nominal parameters the balance between magma chamber pressure and frictional resistance of the solid plug controls the evolution of the eruption, with little contribution from the fluid magma below the idealized crystallization depth. While rate-dependent plug friction influences the time-dependent evolution of the eruption, it has no control on the final chamber pressure or extruded volume.
Effects of auditory and visual stimulus deprivation and satiation on children's performance in an operant task

Abstract Sixty four boys and girls (about 8–11 years old) experienced a 10-minute pretraining period during which the Satiation (S) group received colors and tones, the Auditory-Satiation (A-S) group received tones, the Visual-Satiation (V-S) group received colors, and the Deprivation (D) group received neither type of stimulus. A 7-minute task was then presented in which turning a disc one way was reinforced with colors, and turning it the other way was reinforced with tones. The A-S and V-S groups made more responses followed by stimuli that were withheld during pretraining than responses followed by stimuli that were presented during pretraining. The D, A-S, and V-S groups' rate of responding increased across the 7 minutes while the S group's rate decreased. During the initial minutes the boys demonstrated a higher rate of responding than the girls.
High Rates of Prostate-specific Antigen Testing in Men with Evidence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract Purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is common among men who may be candidates for prostate cancer screening using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Patterns of PSA testing among men with evidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia have not been studied. Methods: We examined the prevalence and correlates of a self-reported history of PSA testing. In 1994, 33,028 US health professionals without prostate cancer aged 47 to 85 years provided information on prior PSA testing, lower urinary tract symptoms characteristic of benign prostatic hyperplasia, history of prostatectomy, and prostate cancer risk factors. In 1995, a subset of 7,070 men provided additional information on diagnosis and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Results: From 39% of men in their 50s to 53% of men in their 80s reported PSA testing in the prior year ( P Conclusions: These US health professionals reported preferential use of PSA testing among men least likely to benefit from early cancer detection (older men) and among men most likely to have a false-positive PSA result (men with benign prostatic hyperplasia). Physician and patient education are needed to promote more rational and selective use of this screening test.
Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit Ca2+-activated K+-efflux in cultured spinal cord neurons

Abstract The effect of tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors on the Ca2+-activated K+-efflux was studied using86Rb-efflux assay in primary cultured mouse spinal cord neurons. Depolarization of the cultured cells with 100 mM KCl increased the86Rb-efflux significantly in Ca2+-containing buffer, but not in Ca2+-free buffer. All the antidepressants examined, except the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, inhibited the86Rb-efflux. Desipramine exhibited additivity with tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) and quinine sulfate (QSO4), but not with GABAB receptor agonist baclofen. The inhibitory action of antidepressants was not mediated through the GABAB receptors, since GABAB receptor antagonist, phaclofen, was unable to antagonize this effect. The ability of tricyclic antidepressants to inhibit calcium ionophore (A 23187)-induced86Rb-efflux suggests that these drugs do not act at the level of voltage-gated Ca2+-channels. Furthermore, this effect does not seem to involve the G-proteins, adenylate cyclase, or protein kinase C systems, since pertussis toxin (PTX) and the activators of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C did not reverse the effect of tricyclics on86Rb-efflux. Taken together, these results suggest that antidepressants inhibit Ca2+-activated K+-channels at a stage subsequent to the voltage-gated Ca2+-channels.
Infrared laser wavelength dependence of particles ablated from glycerol

Abstract Particles were generated from glycerol that was irradiated at atmospheric pressure using a mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator at wavelengths between 2.6 and 3.8 μm. The size distribution and quantity of ejected particles with diameters larger than 300 nm were measured using an aerodynamic particle sizer. At a given fluence, the particle concentration roughly tracked the infrared absorption spectrum of liquid glycerol. The threshold fluence for particle formation varied between 1000 and 5000 J/m 2 throughout the measured wavelength range and the minimum fluence corresponds to the IR absorption maxima of glycerol. The mean particle size roughly tracks the inverse of the IR absorption and smaller particles are observed at the greatest IR absorption. The material ejection mechanism is interpreted as an explosive boiling process in the stress confinement regime.
Fluctuation rounding of the superconducting transition in the three dimensional regime

Abstract Excess conductivity due to superconducting fluctuations in the three dimensional regime has been observed in high resistivity granular films of aluminum and tin and varied as (T−T c ) - 1 2 for d ≳ ξ (T). The coefficient of proportionality exceeded the theoretical value by about 50%.
The Structure and Evolution of Cold Surges East of the Rocky Mountains

Abstract Northerly surges of cold air often move southward along the eastern side of the Rockies from southern Canada into Mexico. The strongest surges, which generally develop in midwinter, are associated with temperature decreases and pressure rises of 20°–30°C and 15–30 mb, respectively, within 24 h. Surges are usually accompanied by a meridionally elongated pressure ridge and strong low-level ageostrophic winds that parallel the terrain. The width of the pressure ridging is approximately 1000 km over the southern plains but decreases to only a few hundred kilometers when the surge enters Mexico. This paper provides a detailed description of a northerly surge to the east of the Rocky Mountains that occurred on 12–14 November 1986. Using both observational and model data, the structural evolution of the surge is analyzed; in addition, the dynamics of the event is explored by diagnosing the momentum, thermodynamic energy, and vorticity equations. To determine the typical synoptic-scale evolution of these...
Evaluation of interpolation effects on upsampling and accuracy of cost functions-based optimized automatic image registration

Interpolation has become a default operation in image processing and medical imaging and is one of the important factors in the success of an intensity-based registration method. Interpolation is needed if the fractional unit ofmotion is not matched and located on the high resolution (HR) grid. The purpose of this work is to present a systematic evaluation of eight standard interpolation techniques (trilinear, nearest neighbor, cubic Lagrangian, quintic Lagrangian, hepatic Lagrangian, windowed Sinc, B-spline 3rd order, and B-spline 4th order) and to compare the effect of cost functions (least squares (LS), normalized mutual information (NMI), normalized cross correlation (NCC), and correlation ratio (CR)) for optimized automatic image registration (OAIR) on 3D spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain acquired using a 3T GE MR scanner. Subsampling was performed in the axial, sagittal, and coronal directions to emulate three low resolution datasets. Afterwards, the low resolution datasets were upsampled using different interpolation methods, and they were then compared to the high resolution data. Themean squared error, peak signal to noise, joint entropy, and cost functions were computed for quantitative assessment of the method. Magnetic resonance image scans and joint histogram were used for qualitative assessment of the method.
Safety of immediate treadmill testing in selected emergency department patients with chest pain: a preliminary report.

Abstract To determine the feasibility and safety of an immediate, symptomlimited, treadmill test on selected emergency department (ED) patients, a convenience sample of 28 patients underwent an exercise treadmill test (ETT) within the first several hours after hospital arrival using the modlified Bruce protocol. Patients were included in the study if they presented with otherwise unexplained chest pain consistent with (but not characteristic for) angina pectoris and had a normal electrocardiogram. A negative ETT was seen in 23 of 28 patients, and five of 28 patients had a positive ETT. No patients had serial enzyme or electrocardiogram evolution suggestive of myocardial ischemia, and all patients with a negative ETT were discharged after a full inpatient evaluation designed to rule out unstable coronary disease. At a mean follow-up period of 6.1 months there has been no cardiac morbidity or mortality in the patients with negative ETTs. It was concluded that early ETTs of selected ED patients with chest pain is safe, and an exercise test administered during the ED visit which is negative can preclude unnecessary hospitalization.
Linearized Theory of Plasma Oscillations

The basic hydrodynamic and Maxwellian equations found in the linearized theory of plasma oscillations are derived. An attempt is made to elucidate the relations between different approaches for investigating linearized theory. The possible basic modes of plasma oscillations are discussed. Longitudinal oscillations are discussed. Longitudinal oscillations and the variation of pressure accompanying the longitudinal waves are considered. The influence of the introduction of damping terms in the equation of motion is discussed. The treatment of plasmas with nonzero magnetic fields is discussed relative tc motios perpendicular to the propagation direction of longitudinal waves and the case of transverse waves and motions parallel and perpendicular to their direction of propagation. The relation between Alfven's magntohydrodynamics and linearized theory of plasma oscillations was established. A kinetic theory treatment of plasma oscillations is given to show what restrictions on the shape of the velocity distribution of electrons are necessary for the hydrodynamic treatment to be valid. The cases treated by kinetic theory include: the distribution function in longitudinal oscillations, velocity distributions for transverse oscillations, and oscillations with a constant magnetic field. (C.J.G.)
3D MRSI FOR RESECTED HIGH-GRADE GLIOMAS BEFORE RT: TUMOR EXTENT ACCORDING TO METABOLIC ACTIVITY IN RELATION TO MRI

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the presence of residual disease after surgery but before radiotherapy (RT) in patients with high-grade glioma by MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRSI) and to estimate the impact of MRSI on the definition of postoperative target volumes for RT treatment planning. Methods and materials Thirty patients (27 glioblastoma multiforme, 3 Grade III astrocytoma) underwent MRI and MRSI within 4 weeks after surgery but before the initiation of RT. The MRI data were manually contoured; the regions of interest included T2-weighted hyperintensity (T2), T1-weighted contrast enhancement (T1), and the resection cavity (RC). Levels of choline and N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) in the three-dimensional MRSI data were analyzed on the basis of a choline-to-N-acetyl-aspartate index (CNI). The CNI and other metabolic indexes were superimposed on the MRI data as three-dimensional contours. Composite, conjoint, and disjoint volumes were defined for T1 and T2, with/without RC, and within the CNI contour, corresponding to a value of 2. In addition, follow-up MRI studies were examined for new onset contrast enhancement and compared with the initial spectroscopic findings obtained before RT. Results Substantial variation was found in the spatial relationship between the MRI and MRSI volumes. Ten patients had no contrast enhancement after surgery, and MRSI revealed abnormal metabolic activity in 8 of 10, averaging 20 cm3 and extending 11–36 mm beyond the RC. In 20 patients with contrast-enhancing lesions, substantial variation was found between T1 and CNI2; metabolic activity fell outside the contrast enhancement in 19 patients, averaging 21 cm3 and extending 8–33 mm beyond the contrast enhancement. For all patients, the T2 encompassed most of the metabolic volume. However, the CNI2 extended beyond the T2 in 6 of 10 patients without contrast enhancement (mean, 8 cm3; maximum, 15–23 mm) and in 13 of 20 patients with contrast enhancement (mean, 7 cm3; maximum, 8–22 mm), representing an increase in the T2 volume by as much as 180% (median 13%) and 86% (median 14%) for non–contrast-enhancing and contrast-enhancing patients, respectively. Preliminary evaluation of the MRI follow-up examinations revealed correspondence of areas of new contrast enhancement with initial MRSI abnormalities in 8 of 10 non–contrast-enhancing patients. In addition, CNI volumes correlated inversely with the time to onset of new contrast enhancement. Conclusion MRSI is a valuable diagnostic tool for the assessment of residual disease after surgical resection in high-grade glioma. The incorporation of areas of metabolic abnormality into treatment planning for postoperative patients would produce different sizes and shapes of target volumes for both primary and boost volumes. It also may encourage the use of nonuniform margins to define the extent of tumor cell infiltration, rather than the current use of uniform margins.
The CB Handle: An Announcement Of Adult Identity*

The CB handle is used as a means of exploring voluntary identity-making among adult CBers. While only an exploratory study, gender appeared to be the most deeply embedded adult identification. Other, apparently less deeply embedded, identities were found in occupation (white- versus blue-collar workers and truckers versus non-truckers). Sexual identifications seemed to have increased in importance with time, with ethnic identifications decreasing in importance. Finally, Turner's (1976) distinction between impulse and institutional anchoring of the real self was used to suggest that white-collar workers and new CBers had significantly more impulse-based handles than blue-collar workers and “old-timer” CBers.
Freedom and Transparency: Democracies, Non-Democracies, and Conventional Arms Transfers

With freedom and transparency data for more than 150 countries, we find that almost 70 percent of countries with a high degree of internal freedom are also transparent when it comes to reporting data on arms transfers. Comparatively, only 21 percent of countries that protect few individual freedoms report such data. Though robust, our findings are little comfort to scholars who theorize a causal link between democracy and transparency, and attribute international peace and security to this relationship. Our findings also question transparency's status as an international norm and validate standard structural realism's thinking about the limits of security cooperation.
The new American Heart Association cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines: should children and adults have to share?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The latest American Heart Association guidelines for pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were published in December 2005. Changes from the 2000 guidelines were directed toward simplifying CPR. Infants, children, and adults now share the same recommendation for the initial compression:ventilation ratio. This is a significant change for pediatricians trained in the importance of a respiratory etiology of pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest. The present review will focus on the rationale behind these guideline changes. RECENT FINDINGS The new guidelines for single rescuer CPR include a compression:ventilation ratio of 30: 2 for both adult and pediatric victims. The impetus for this recommendation is based on recent appreciation for the deleterious effects of hyperventilation as well as an attempt to increase bystander delivery of CPR. The physiologic results of hyperventilation are discussed. The new pediatric basic life support guideline changes are underscored. Research representing the spectrum of opinions on the optimal compression:ventilation ratio, including compression-only CPR, is presented. SUMMARY Although based primarily on adult, animal, and computational models, the new compression:ventilation ratio, recommended for both initial pediatric and adult CPR, is a reasonable recommendation. The simplified CPR guidelines released in 2005 will hopefully contribute to improved bystander delivery of CPR and improved outcome.
Analysis of the multistep nature of human carcinogenesis utilizing human fibroblasts

We have developed a human fibroblast cell lineage in which, by sequential clonal selection, we have been able to isolate cells that exhibit more and more of the characteristics of tumor-derived cells. The ultimate cells in the lineage form rapidly proliferating sarcomas in athymic mice. Analysis indicates that various “activated” oncogenes, such as ras, sis and myc, can play a causal role in the transformation of human fibroblasts. The evidence suggests that some of the steps in the transformation process that we have not yet been able to associate with a specific gene involve loss of expression of suppressor genes. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On sieve tube function

Several theories of phloem transport are currently being considered in various laboratories on the basis of recent evidence. Proponents of the activated diffusion or protoplasmic theories claim support in the disclosure of fibrils, longitudinally arranged, in the connecting strands passing across sieve plates, and in the close connection between respiratory activity and transport. Those favoring a surface migration theory claim support in the demonstrated systems of sieve element lamellae, along whose surfaces one could imagine solute transport to occur. Proponents of the pressure flow theory point to results of exudation studies, tracer investigations, and to histochemical evidence indicating that sieve elements are relatively inactive, metabolically, as well as to the suggestion that perhaps the connecting strands are more “open” (tubular) than they have been considered to be up to now.