cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of the thyroid nodule: Patient selection based on the results of fine‐needle aspiration cytology

To determine whether the routine use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology reduces the rate of unnecessary surgery, the surgical pathology of 54 thyroidectomy patients who had preoperative FNA was compared to the results obtained with 24 thyroidectomy patients who did not have preoperative FNA. Twenty-nine (85.3%) of the 34 patients who had a positive FNA were confirmed by histology to have a thyroid neoplasm; in 24 patients, the neoplasm was malignant. Two of the 17 patients who had a negative FNA but underwent thyroidectomy based on other factors were found to have thyroid cancer. Only 8 (33.3%) of the 24 surgical specimens of patients who did not have an FNA were found to be malignant. FNA had a sensitivity of 93.5% and a specificity of 75.0%. The results indicate that the routine use of FNA for patients with thyroid nodules reduces the incidence of unnecessary surgery. Furthermore, FNA alone is sufficient to identify most patients at risk and is, therefore, cost-effective. However, the presence of other findings suspicious of malignancy should preclude clinical decision making based on FNA alone.
Suboptimal technology adoption: The case of computer reservation systems in the travel industry

Abstract Drawing on data from 1200 California travel agencies, this case study applies the theories of path dependence, network externalities, and impacted information to the adoption of computer reservation systems (CRS). Results suggest that the adoption pattern is not explained by path dependence. While network externalities may be present in the case of larger travel agencies, it is the lack of information on the relative merits of CRS that best explains the pattern of adoption across all travel agencies.
GASBOR: A GENETIC ALGORITHM APPROACH FOR SOLVING THE SWITCHBOX ROUTING PROBLEM

A new genetic algorithm for switchbox routing in the physical design process of integrated circuits is presented. Our algorithm, called GASBOR (Genetic Algorithm for SwitchBOx Routing), is based on a three-dimensional representation of the switchbox and problem-specific genetic operators. The performance of the algorithm is tested on different benchmarks and it is shown that the results obtained using the proposed algorithm are either qualitatively similar to or better than the best published results.
Implantation, early placentation, and the chronology of embryogenesis in Tupaia belangeri

Ten developmental stages of Tupaia belangeri are described. On day 6 post conception expanded bilaminar blastocysts were found in the uterine lumen. Implantation occurs on day 7 p.c.: the blastocyst lies in an antimesometrial implantation chamber. Implantation, therefore, is eccentric and not centric as previously described. The implantation chamber is sealed off from the rest of the uterine lumen by the two gland-free longitudinal endometrial pads apposed to each other in the midline. These pads form a “decidua reflexa” (Hubrecht). Orientation of the embryoblast is antimesometrial. The blastocyst is firmly attached by its abembryonic pole to the smooth surface epithelium of the two apposed endometrial pads. The initial attachment only involves the epithelium of the antimesometrial surface of the endometrial pads. Thus implantation is initially abembryonic and not bilateral. In the next stage the two endometrial pads have separated again, so that the primary site of attachment on them has also been divided. Inside the implantation chamber the trophoblast develops plugs which penetrate into the openings of the uterine glands. Endometrial crypts develop on the surface of the endometrial pads where these are free of the trophoblast. Late on day 9 p. c. the abembryonic pole of the blastocyst has further expanded towards the mesometrium and now fills the entire lumen of the uterus. The attachment plaques have expanded over the entire surface of the endometrial pads due to giant cell activity. Thus implantation has become centric and para-embryonic (bilateral). This condition, previously described for Tupaia in the literature, is only reached secondarily. The giant cells disappear when the maternal basement membrane has broken down. The multilayered cytotrophoblast and the primary villi come into contact with maternal vessels, as has been previously described by Luckett (1968). There is an antimesometrial to mesometrial gradient in the development of the placental discs; the antimesometrial side is always slightly more advanced.
Effect of oral nutritional supplementation on weight loss and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube rates in patients treated with radiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Goals Malnutrition in the head and neck cancer population is a widely recognized factor contributing to negative outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine if providing complimentary oral nutritional supplementation for patients undergoing definitive radiation therapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma reduced weight loss and the need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement.
Effects of Constant and Non-Constant Velocity Motion on Judgments of Collision-Avoidance Action Gap

Twenty-five percent of traffic accidents are rear-end collisions. An important factor that may contribute toward such collisions is the collision-avoidance action gap. Prior studies have failed to ...
Subchronic feeding study of high oleic acid soybeans (Event DP-3Ø5423-1) in Sprague-Dawley rats.

DP-3O5423-1 (305423) is a genetically-modified (GM) soybean that was produced by biolistic insertion of a gm-fad2-1 gene fragment and the gm-hra gene into the germline of soybean seeds. The gm-fad2-1 gene fragment cosuppresses expression of the endogenous FAD2-1 gene encoding the seed-specific omega-6 fatty acid desaturase resulting in higher concentrations of oleic acid (18:1) relative to linoleic acid (18:2). The gm-hra gene encoding a modified acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme was used as a selectable marker. In the current study, processed fractions (meal, hulls, and oil) from 305423 soybeans, non-GM soybeans with a similar genetic background (near isoline control) and three commercially-available non-GM varieties were used to formulate diets that were nutritionally comparable to PMI® Certified Rodent LabDiet® 5002. Diets were fed to young adult Crl:CD(SD) rats (12/sex/group) for approximately 90 days. Compared with rats fed the non-GM control diet, no biologically relevant differences were observed in rats fed the 305423 diet with respect to body weight/gain, food consumption/efficiency, mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, or ophthalmological observations. No test diet-related effects were observed on neurobehavioral assessments, organ weights, or clinical or anatomic pathology. These results demonstrated that 305423 soybeans are as safe and wholesome as non-GM soybeans.
Differential effects of bFGF on development of the rat retina.

A variety of growth factors can influence the expression of differentiated properties by cell types of the developing retina. One unresolved question has been whether these factors can direct the differentiation pathway of uncommitted precursors or whether they act to help the expression of properties by already committed cells. To address this question we have studied the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the differentiation of ganglion cells and rod photoreceptors in explant cultures of embryonic rat retinas. Incubation of retinas in the presence of bFGF accelerated the appearance of differentiated ganglion cells and incubation in the presence of anti-bFGF antibodies delayed the appearance. bFGF had no effect on the appearance of differentiated rod photoreceptors as judged by expression of opsin, although all-trans-retinoic acid did increase the number of cells expressing opsin. bFGF inhibited the formation of rod photoreceptor rosettes suggesting that it does influence some properties of rods or the adjacent Muller glial cells. The results suggest that bFGF can alter the timing of differentiation of retinal ganglion cells but not direct their production from retinal precursors.
Cyclotron resonance in low-dimensional molecular metals

Abstract We examine cyclotron resonance (CR) behavior in low-dimensional molecular metals. Using a semiclassical model, we show how the conductivity in the least dispersive directions can dominate the CR response, and how this response is highly sensitive to the Fermi surface topology in both quasi two and quasi one-dimensional systems. We also discuss recent experimental progress.
DETERMINATION OF EARLY PREGNANCY IN EWES UTILIZING TRANSRECTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Transrectal ultrasonography was used in ewes to determine the earliest day at which pregnancy could be detected, the number of embryos present, and the pattern of growth of the embryos. Twenty-one ewes were placed with 2 fertile rams and 20 ewes with 2 vasectomized rams. All ewes were treated to synchronize estrus and were observed for estrus twice daily. The 36 ewes that showed synchronized estrus were separated from the rams following mating. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily from estrus (Day 0) to Day 25 for all ewes and on Days 30, 35 and 40 post breeding for the 20 ewes mated to fertile rams. A 7.5 MHz transducer (human prostate, linear array) was utilized, with the ewes in dorsal recumbency in a tilting squeeze chute. Extraembryonic fluid and membranes were observed in the uterine horns ipsilateral to corpora lutea by Day 15 post breeding in all 17 ewes subsequently diagnosed as pregnant. Rhythmic pulsations (heartbeat) within the embryonic vesicles were first detected on Day 18 or 19. At least 1 embryo was detected by Day 20 in all the pregnant ewes, but not all the embryos were counted accurately until Day 25 (main effect of day; P < 0.05). Two ewes each had an embryo which died (absence of previously observed heartbeat) by Day 25 or Day 40, respectively, but each maintained the remaining embryos to term. The pattern of embryonic growth, as determined by crown-rump lengths on Days 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40, did not differ with the number of embryos carried (n = 1 to 4). In conclusion, transrectal ultrasonography was found to provide a rapid, accurate means for the early detection of pregnancy in ewes.
Hybrid transfinite element modelling/analysis of non‐linear heat conduction problems involving phase change

The present paper describes the applicability of hybrid transfinite element modelling/analysis formulations for non‐linear heat conduction problems involving phase change. The methodology is based on application of transform approaches and classical Galerkin schemes with finite element formulations to maintain the modelling versatility and numerical features for computational analysis. In addition, in conjunction with the above, the effects due to latent heat are modelled using enthalpy formulations to enable a physically realistic approximation to be effectively dealt computationally for materials exhibiting phase change within a narrow band of temperatures. Pertinent details of the approach and computational scheme adapted are described in technical detail. Numerical test cases of comparative nature are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed formulations for numerical modelling/analysis of non‐linear heat conduction problems involving phase change.
Exascale computer architecture adjusting to the “New normal” for computing

The current MPI+Fortran ecosystem has sustained HPC application software development for the past decade, but was architected for coarse-grained concurrency largely dominated by bulk-synchronous algorithms. The trends in computer architecture have turned our model for how to get good performance from computing systems upside-down, and will require rethinking our entire programming environment and algorithm design to be better aligned with the new cost metrics for these emerging hardware architectures. There are already promising avenues of exploration underway to mitigate these effects. Future hardware constraints on bandwidth and memory capacity, together with exponential growth in explicit on-chip parallelism will likely require a mass migration to new algorithms and software architecture that is as broad and disruptive as the migration from vector to parallel computing systems that occurred 15 years go. The challenge is to efficiently express massive parallelism and hierarchical data locality without subjecting the programmer to overwhelming complexity. The author covers how changes in hardware (governed by the fundamental physics of Silicon based CMOS technology) are breaking our existing abstract machine models, and DOE's program to overcome these obstacles to continued performance improvements. He examines potential approaches that range from revolutionary asynchronous and dataflow models of computation to evolutionary extensions to existing APIs and OpenMP directives.
Case studies in multivariate-to-anything transforms for partially specified random vector generation

Abstract This paper considers methods for sampling from random vectors characterized by marginal distributions and a correlation matrix, rather than a full joint distribution. The paper begins by describing the normal-to-anything (NORTA) transform for sampling from such random vectors. Limitations of the NORTA transformation motivate the development of a more general framework for partially specified random vector generation, and several alternatives to NORTA are described. NORTA and its alternatives are compared to a previous methodology for generating bivariate gamma random vectors; while each method considered generates random vectors with gamma marginals and appropriate correlations, both NORTA and its alternatives are shown to offer what could be considered to be more desirable joint distributional qualities. Finally, it is demonstrated that in the context of generating multivariate gamma random vectors some of the limitations of NORTA can in fact be overcome by considering its alternatives.
NEONATAL HEALTHCARE CODES. 830

All fifty states and Washington, D.C. were asked to provide regulatory information regarding various aspects of routine newborn care including birth certificates, identification procedures, eye prophylaxis, care of the umbilical cord, vitamin K prophylaxis, metabolic screening and neonatal hearing assessment.
Spectral and spatial analysis of false alarms in background data

A significant amount of background data was collected as part of May 2005 tests at an arid site for airborne minefield detection. An extensive library of the target chips for MSI (four bands) and MWIR sensors for false alarms and mines was created from this data collection, as discussed in another paper in the same proceeding. In this paper we present some results from the analysis of this background data to determine spectral and shape characteristics of different types of false alarms. Particularly, a set of spectral features is identified that can be used for effective false alarm rejection for the benefit of airborne minefield detection programs. A reasonable separation between vegetation and non-vegetation (like rocks) is shown for Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) type metrics. Also, a reasonable separation is shown between different types of false alarms at a given time using Color Contrast feature. The spatial distribution of different types of false alarms, as seen in available airborne background data, is also evaluated and discussed. Such spatial analysis is of interest from the perspective of minefield level detection and analysis. The paper is concluded with a discussion on future directions for this effort.
New efficient and naturally parallelizable time integration algorithm applied to sequential domains for DG-TD

The discontinuous Galerkin time-domain (DGTD) methods are promising in transient analysis of large and multiscale problems. Based on the idea of domain decomposition, the DG method can handle problems too large to be solved by conventional numerical techniques. Basically, the DG method divides an original problem into several well designed subdomains, i.e., split a large system matrix into several smaller and balanced matrices. Thus, once the spatial discretization is defined, an optimal time integration method is crucial.
Ecological genetics and evolution in insect pests: Implications for lower input agriculture

This paper has three goals: (1) to convince ecologists and evolutionary biologists to study the evolution in insects of the ability to overcome crop protection measures, (2) to provide insights into the kinds of data needed to develop methods for retarding the evolution of such traits, and (3) to suggest that the study of these phenomena can further our understanding of evolution. The evolution of resistance to chemical insecticides often results in higher application rates and constant development of new classes of these potentially environmentally degrading toxicants. Moreover, it is important to understand resistance phenomena related to alternative crop protection measures involving plant genetic resistance and biological insecticides so that these less environmentally damaging control measures can be maintained. Insecticide resistance evolves in insect populations in response to selection by chemical compounds. Similarly, selection by host-plant defenses of resistant crops leads to the evolution of virulence to those varieties. The evolution of these traits constitutes an important subject of applied evolutionary biology. In the context of single-gene evolutionary models, this article reviews the most common strategies that have been suggested for retarding the evolution of insecticide resistance. These models are also used to illustrate the effects of ecological factors and genetical properties of insect populations on the evolution of resistance. Where appropriate, the relevance of these models to the evolution of virulence to resistant crop varieties is also described. Durability in the insecticidal effectiveness of a plant protective chemical is not incompatible with the requirement for health safety in the same material.
Using Marginal Structural Measurement-Error Models to Estimate the Long-term Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Incident AIDS or Death

To estimate the net effect of imperfectly measured highly active antiretroviral therapy on incident acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or death, the authors combined inverse probability-of-treatment-and-censoring weighted estimation of a marginal structural Cox model with regression-calibration methods. Between 1995 and 2007, 950 human immunodeficiency virus-positive men and women were followed in 2 US cohort studies. During 4,054 person-years, 374 initiated highly active antiretroviral therapy, 211 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or died, and 173 dropped out. Accounting for measured confounders and determinants of dropout, the weighted hazard ratio for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or death comparing use of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the prior 2 years with no therapy was 0.36 (95% confidence limits: 0.21, 0.61). This association was relatively constant over follow-up (P = 0.19) and stronger than crude or adjusted hazard ratios of 0.75 and 0.95, respectively. Accounting for measurement error in reported exposure using external validation data on 331 men and women provided a hazard ratio of 0.17, with bias shifted from the hazard ratio to the estimate of precision as seen by the 2.5-fold wider confidence limits (95% confidence limits: 0.06, 0.43). Marginal structural measurement-error models can simultaneously account for 3 major sources of bias in epidemiologic research: validated exposure measurement error, measured selection bias, and measured time-fixed and time-varying confounding.
Characterization of Entry Mechanisms of Human Herpesvirus 8 by Using an Rta-Dependent Reporter Cell Line

To analyze the mechanisms of entry of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), we established a reporter cell line T1H6 that contains the lacZ gene under the control of the polyadenylated nuclear RNA promoter, known to be strongly activated by a viral transactivator, Rta. We found that infection with cell-free virus, as well as cocultivation with HHV-8-positive primary effusion lymphoma cell lines, activated the lacZ gene of T1H6 in a sensitive and dose-dependent manner. Addition of Polybrene and centrifugation enhanced, but polysulfonate compounds inhibited, the HHV-8 infectivity. RGD-motif-containing polypeptides and integrins did not decrease the infectivity, suggesting the presence of an additional cellular receptor other than the reported one. The entry was dependent on pH acidification but not on the clathrin pathway. Although conditioned media obtained from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cells did not have any effect on the early steps of HHV-8 infection, intracellular expression of a proviral HIV type 1, but not of Tat alone, increased the HHV-8-dependent reporter activation slightly, suggesting a potential of HIV-mediated enhancement of an early step of HHV-8 infection.
Effect of periodic surface roughness on V(z) curves for the line-focus acoustic microscope

A specimen with a periodic surface profile is considered to estimate the effect of surface roughness on the V(z) curve for the line-focus acoustic microscope. The Fourier optics approach is used to obtain the response of the lens and the Rayleigh-Fourier method is used to obtain the reflection coefficients for plane wave incidence from the fluid side on the periodic surface. An integral expression is obtained to calculate V(z) curves for periodic surface profiles. The V(z) curves are used to calculate the leaky Rayleigh wave velocities by applying the fast Fourier technique. Numerical results are presented to display the effect of sinusoidal surface roughness on the V(z) curves and the corresponding leaky Rayleigh wave velocities. >
Low-frequency waves in the Santa Barbara Channel observed by high-frequency radar

are antisymmetric with a mean propagation speed of � 5k m d � 1 and relative vorticity of order 0.1 f. Complex empirical orthogonal function decomposition in the 10–20 day passband partitions variance into two dominant modes. The first mode represents the vortices with an average period of 14.4 days. The second mode represents alongshore fluctuations with an average period of 13.3 days. Amplitude functions of the two modes correlate with in situ current time series at 5 and 45 m depths obtained from moorings at the east and west channel entrances, suggesting coupling with the larger-scale circulation of the northern Southern California Bight. The observations support interpretation of mode 2 as a coastal trapped wave since the period and alongshore flow are consistent with previous observations and predictions. We hypothesize that mode 1 is a resonant response of the Santa Barbara Basin in the form of a trapped topographic Rossby mode. The spatial mode resembles the predicted pattern based on a simplified analytical model of the fundamental mode. The amplitude of mode 1 is consistently large when the frequencies of modes 1 and 2 converge, suggesting that the vortices are a basin-scale resonant response to coastal trapped waves. INDEX TERMS: 4520 Oceanography: Physical: Eddies and mesoscale processes; 4512 Oceanography: Physical: Currents; 4508 Oceanography: Physical: Coriolis effects; 4516 Oceanography: Physical: Eastern boundary currents; 4544 Oceanography: Physical: Internal and inertial waves; KEYWORDS: propagating eddies, Santa Barbara Channel, coastal trapped waves Citation: Beckenbach, E., and L. Washburn (2004), Low-frequency waves in the Santa Barbara Channel observed by high-frequency radar, J. Geophys. Res., 109, C02010, doi:10.1029/2003JC001999.
Total body oxygen stores and physiological diving capacity of California sea lions as a function of sex and age.

SUMMARY A defining physiological capability for air-breathing marine vertebrates is the amount of oxygen that can be stored in tissues and made available during dives. To evaluate the influence of oxygen storage capacity on aerobic diving capacity, we examined the extent to which blood and muscle oxygen stores varied as a function of age, body size and sex in the sexually dimorphic California sea lion, Zalophus californianus . We measured total body oxygen stores, including hematocrit, hemoglobin, MCHC, plasma volume, blood volume and muscle myoglobin in pups through adults of both sexes. Blood and muscle oxygen storage capacity was not fully developed by the end of the dependency period, with blood stores not fully developed until animals were larger juveniles (70 kg; 1.5-2.5 years) and muscle stores not until animals were sub-adult size (125 kg; 4-6 years). Differences in aerobic diving capacity among size classes were reflective of these major milestones in the development of oxygen stores. Male sea lions had greater absolute blood volume than females and reflected the larger mass of males, which became apparent when animals were large juveniles. Adult female sea lions had greater muscle myoglobin concentrations compared to males, resulting in greater mass-specific muscle and total oxygen stores. Delayed development of oxygen stores is consistent with the shallow epi-mesopelagic foraging behavior in this species. We hypothesize that the greater mass-specific oxygen stores of female sea lions compared to males is related to differences in foraging behavior between the sexes.
Uma investigação sobre os estilos de aprendizagem de alunos do programa de mestrado em enfermagem

OBJETIVO: Este estudo objetivou identificar os estilos de aprendizagem dos alunos do programa de mestrado em enfermagem numa universidade publica localizada na regiao nordeste dos Estados Unidos. METODOS: O referencial teorico adotado foi a teoria de construcao individual e social do conhecimento chamada construtivismo. O Inventario do Processo de Aprendizagem - Versao Revisada (ILP-R) e dados demograficos foram codificados e analisados utilizando o Pacote Estatistico das Ciencias Sociais (SPSS). RESULTADOS: Preferencia nos tipos elaborativo, agente e profundo de aprendizagem com menor uso do tipo metodico e de memorizacao literal foi percebido, porem sem significância estatistica. Comprovou-se um relacionamento positivo entre algumas sub-escalas de aprendizagem. CONCLUSAO: O resultado deste estudo sera util para professores universitarios uma vez que o processo de ensinar comeca na maneira como respondemos as necessidades dos nossos alunos.
Mutations at the guanosine-binding site of the Tetrahymena ribozyme also affect site-specific hydrolysis

Self-splicing group I introns use guanosine as a nucleophile to cleave the 5' splice site. The guanosine- binding site has been localized to the G2644311 base pair of the Tetrahymena intron on the basis of analysis of mutations that change the specificity of the nucleophile from G (guanosine) to 2AP (2-aminopurine ribonucleoside) (F. Michel et al. (1989) Nature 342, 391 - 395). We mdied the effect of these mutations (G- U, A-C and A-U replacing G26eC311) in the L-21 Scal version of the Tetrahymena ribozyme. In this enzymatic system (kcln/K,,,)Q monitors the cleavage step. This kinetic parameter decreased by at least 5 x 103 when the G264C311 base pair was mutated to an A-U pair, while (b/K,,,)= increased at least 40-fold. This amounted to an overall switch in specificity of at least 2 x 10s. The nucleophile specificity (G > 2AP for the Ec and GU pairs, 2AP > G for the A-U and A-C pairs) was consistent with the proposed hydrogen bond between the nucleotide at position 264 and N, of the nucleophile. Unexpectedly, the A-U and A-C mutants showed a decmase of an order of magnitude in the rate of ribozyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of RNA, in which H20 or OH- repiaces G as the nucleophile, whereas the G-U mutant showed a decrease of only 2-fold. The low hydrolysis rates were not restored by raising the Mg2+ concentration or lowering the temperatum. In addition, the maant ribozymes exhibited a pattern of cleavage by Fe(l9-EDTA Indistinguishable from that of the wild type, and the (Mg2+lIl2 for folding of the A-U mutant ribezyme was the same as that of the wild type. Therefore the gunnosinebinding site mutations do not appear to have a major effect on RNA folding or stability. Because changing G264 affects the hydrolysis reaction without perturbing the global folding of the RNA, we conclude that the catalytic role of this conserved nucleotide is not limited to guanosine binding.
Turner syndrome: do not miss this diagnosis.

0882 doi:1 As a pediatric nurse, have you ever wondered whether you're missing the diagnosis of a patient? Have you cared for a young girl who has short stature and frequent ear infections or an adolescent girl without breast tissue? Would you be concerned? If so, would you consider the diagnosis of Turner syndrome? It may be problematic for the pediatric nurse to identify this condition due to the wide array of presentation and physical characteristics.
Advances in the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) are a rare and heterogeneous class of neoplasms. While surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, non-surgical therapies play a role in the setting of unresectable and metastatic disease. The goals of medical therapy are directed both at alleviating symptoms of peptide release and shrinking tumor mass. Biotherapies such as somatostatin analogs and interferon can decrease the secretion of peptides and inhibit their end-organ effects. A second objective for treatment of unresectable GEP-NETs is limiting tumor growth. Options for limiting tumor growth include somatostatin analogs, systemic chemotherapy, locoregional therapies, ionizing radiation, external beam radiation, and newer targeted agents. In particular, angiogenesis inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and mTOR inhibitors have shown early promising results. The rarity of these tumors, their resistance to standard chemotherapy, and the excellent performance status of most of these patients, make a strong argument for consideration of novel therapeutic trials.
Sexual Intimacy and Replacement Children after the Death of a Child

The stress on couples who have a child die is tremendous. Fourteen couples who had a short or long preparation time for their child's death were interviewed. All parents expressed guilt. It was also discovered that because of this grief and the accompanying guilt, sexual intercourse was performed only by three couples within the first three days after the death, with sexual guilt occurring with one couple. Hugging and being held, however, became a comforting behavior found in all but one couple. This behavior was a new experience for the men. Although sex was perceived as undesirable, it was again initiated for a specific reason: to produce a replacement child. Although the literature indicates that replacement children could be potentially pathological, the question arises whether a replacement child could be a “normal” need for parents of childbearing years.
The hospital of broken dreams: a systematic investigation of a moribund psychiatric hospital.

This qualitative field research took place in an acute care, private psychiatric hospital. The local psychiatric community believed the hospital to be in severe difficulty because of the chronically low census, high staff turnover, low staff morale, and recurring incidents involving inappropriate and unprofessional staff/stafL stafflpatient behavior. Two models-systems analysis and culture change-are used to examine the empirical data. Systems anabsis appears inadequate to explain some of the data. Two stages of culture change- cultural disequilibrium and cultural distortion-can account for the data. However, the researcher believes neither deductive model is sufficient. A plea is made for fresh creative methods to understand the social, cultural, and psychological realities of patient care.
Adaptive-rate techniques for frequency-hop multiple-access packet-radio networks

The effects of adaptive-rate transmissions and routing on the total throughput of a slow-frequency-hop packet-radio network are considered. Adaptive rates are achieved through the use of error-control coding with perfect side information. Both fixed-length codes and variable-length codes are considered. Performance results are obtained for direct transmission (i.e., no routing), two-hop limited routing, and full routing. Each link metric is a function of the amount of interference caused by using the link. We compare the total network throughput for each of these schemes with both fixed-rate and adaptive-rate coding.
Susceptibility of planktonic rotifers to a toxic strain of Anabaena flos-aquae

Reproduction in Asplanchna girodi, Brachionus calyczjlorus, Keratella cochlearis, and Synchaeta pectinata fed Cryptomonas at 19°C was inhibited by the presence of a strain of Anabaena flos-aquae (IC- 1) producing the neurotoxic alkaloid anatoxin-a. The most susceptible species, B. calycz&!orus, was suppressed at an Anabaena dry mass concentration of 0.5 pg ml-*; the others were suppressed at a concentration of 4 pg ml-‘. Reproduction of all species at 19°C was inhibited by anatoxin-a; the most sensitive species (S. pectinata) was inhibited at a concentration of 0.2 fig ml-l, and the least sensitive species (B. CalyciJorus), was inhibited at a concentration of 5 pg ml-’ but not one of 2 pg ml-‘. In contrast, A. girodi and two clones of B. calyciflorus were not inhibited by filtrates of very dense Anabaena suspensions (1 : 1 and 1 : 3 dilutions of 1 -d-old, 80 pg ml-r suspensions); this showed that the Anabaena did not release extracellular toxin, and thus that it could only inhibit rotifers that ingested it. B. calyczjlorus probably was the most susceptible to the cyanobacterium, even though it was the least sensitive to the soluble toxin, because it ingested the filaments most efficiently. Its relatively low sensitivity to the toxin may reflect an evolutionary response to its greater tendency to ingest toxic cyanobacteria. The effect of a toxic cyanobacterium on the structure of a freshwater zooplankton community should depend on the size and morphology of its colonies. Large colonies should be more readily ingested by daphniids than rotifers, and hence more likely to inhibit competitively dominant daphniids. Small, amorphous colonies or short, thin, nonmucilagecoated filaments should be ingested by, and thus inhibit, some rotifers as well as daphniids.
Unbiased frequency estimation of narrowband signals using Procrustes type subspace rotation

We consider an improved least square algorithm based on subspace rotations using Procrustes approximation. Robust estimation of the poles of a narrowband signal is achieved by reducing the bias of the estimates. The key idea is to consider the signal as a vector in multi-dimensional space, and to separate the “pure signal” and the noise into two mutually orthogonal components lying in different subspaces. Though the quality of the estimated signal is not much improved as compared to the conventional least square based subspace approaches, the advantage of using the proposed algorithm is the asymptotically unbiased nature of the estimates.
Properties of electromagnetic beams generated by ultra-wide bandwidth pulse-driven arrays

Analytical bounds on the characteristics of beams generated by an arbitrary pulse-driven array are derived and supported with numerical calculations. These bounds extend the meaning of near-field distances or diffraction lengths to the situation where the array driving functions can be broad-bandwidth signals. Particular attention is given to transmitting and receiving array systems which consist of elements that are not large in comparison to the shortest wavelength of significance contained in the signals driving them. Their output signals constitute higher-order beams whose coherence properties are degraded more slowly by diffraction than lower-order beams. It is shown that for certain measures of performance involving these beam characteristics, a localized wave pulse-driven array can outperform similar continuous-wave-driven arrays. An array with independent addressable elements is required to realize these localized wave effects. The enhanced localization effects are intimately coupled to the proper spatial distribution of broad-bandwidth signals driving the array. >
Correlation of multiple singular observations and initial state estimation by means of probability distributions of high codimension

Optical observations of Earth-orbiting particles are singular in that multiple observations are required to determine the state of the object. It is generally uncertain, however, whether two arbitrary singular observations are of the same object, and solving this problem can be computationally intensive. In this paper, we propose a technique of correlating multiple singular observations and providing an initial estimate of the observed object's state by means of probability distributions in state space, provided the distributions have high-codimension.
ENVIRONMENTAL FLUCTUATIONS INDUCE SCALE-DEPENDENT COMPENSATION AND INCREASE STABILITY IN PLANKTON ECOSYSTEMS

The temporal stability of aggregate community and ecosystem properties is influenced by the variability of component populations, the interactions among populations, and the influence of environmental fluctuations on populations. Environmental fluctuations that enhance population variability are generally expected to destabilize community and ecosystem properties, but this will depend on the degree to which populations are synchronized in their dynamics. Here we use seminatural experimental ponds to show that reduced synchrony among zooplankton taxa increases the temporal stability of zooplankton density, abundance, and ecosystem productivity in fluctuating environments. However, asynchrony only occurs at long timescales (∼80-day periods) and under recurring environmental perturbations. At shorter timescales (∼10-day periods) and in constant environments, synchronous dynamics dominate. Our findings support recent theory indicating that compensatory dynamics can stabilize communities and ecosystems. They further indicate that environmental fluctuations can enhance the likelihood of long-period asynchrony and thus stabilize community and ecosystem properties despite their short term destabilizing effects.
Using titles and category names from editor-driven taxonomies for automatic evaluation

Evaluation of IR systems has always been difficult because of the need for manually assessed relevance judgments. The advent of large editor-driven taxonomies on the web opens the door to a new evaluation approach. We use the ODP (Open Directory Project) taxonomy to find sets of pseudo-relevant documents via one of two assumptions: 1) taxonomy entries are relevant to a given query if their editor-entered titles exactly match the query, or 2) all entries in a leaf-level taxonomy category are relevant to a given query if the category title exactly matches the query. We compare and contrast these two methodologies by evaluating six web search engines on a sample from an America Online log of ten million web queries, using MRR measures for the first method and precision-based measures for the second. We show that this technique is stable with respect to the query set selected and correlated with a reasonably large manual evaluation.
Methodological issues in estrogen treatment trials for Alzheimer's disease

Over the past two decades, many clinical trials have been conducted using different forms of estrogen therapy with and without progestin supplementation in an effort to treat diagnosed Alzheimer's disease. Design variations among these trials may account for the inconsistent results of these investigations and the persistent gap in knowledge about the appropriate use of estrogen in the treatment paradigm for degenerative diseases.
Chronic kidney disease accelerates endothelial barrier dysfunction in a mouse model of an arteriovenous fistula.

Hemodialysis patients depend on arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for vascular access. Unfortunately, their 2-yr primary patency rate is only 60% because of AVF clog due to intimal hyperplasia at the ve...
Measuring cognitive load with EventStream software framework

We have constructed "EventStream" data collection and analysis software framework to support a wide variety of sensors that measure user physical state. The framework open software architecture allows the software developer to incorporate easily new types of input sensors and new data analysis outputs. The framework has been employed to conduct experiments with a questionnaire and a cognitive game where eye tracking system, emotion mouse, biosensor and oximeter were used as input sensors. The various outputs implemented include a human readable table format that conforms to statistical packages, event-specific XML as well as graphical plotting analysis tool. We offer overview of the framework's functionality and discuss its use for cognitive load experiments.
Identification of anthraquinone dye colourants in red fibres from an Ohio Hopewell mound site by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry

AbstractAmong prehistoric native groups of North America, the Ohio Hopewell was a particularly notable cultural manifestation that prevailed during the Middle Woodland Period (ca. 2100–1500 BP). The group is defined by the construction of elaborate burial mounds, evidence of ritual burning and cremation ceremonies, and a multitude of intricately decorated objects formed from materials obtained through extensive trade networks. While relatively few textile artefacts survive, those that have been preserved reflect a comprehensive knowledge of plant and animal fibre, dye, and pigment sources, and manipulation of those materials to create complex decorated fabric structures. The research reported herein is part of a programme to understand the materials used and the processes of colouration employed prehistorically. To investigate the sources of dye colourants, we applied direct analysis in real time – time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-MS) to both comparative materials and archaeological fibres from thre...
Increased Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Radiographic Hallux Valgus Interphalangeus With Surgical Correction of Hallux Valgus

Background:A previous study has shown an increased radiographic prevalence and severity of hallux valgus interphalangeus (HVIP) after surgical correction of hallux valgus (HV) due to correction of pronation deformity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in pre- and postoperative HVIP deformity with correction of HV with multiple radiographic parameters.Methods:A retrospective chart review identified all bunion surgeries performed at a single center from July 1, 2009, to September 30, 2012. Exclusion criteria included prior bony surgery to the first ray, inadequate films, nonadult bunion, Akin osteotomy, or surgical treatment other than bunion correction. Pre- and postoperative films were reviewed for 2 HV angular measurements and 5 HVIP measurements, which were compared. The angles measured were hallux valgus angle (HVA), first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux interphalangeus angle (HIA), distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA), proximal phalangeal articular angle (PPAA), proximal to ...
Culturally Responsive Strategies Used to Deliver Ethnic-Specific Services to Asian Americans

Studies focused on a continuum of service delivery forms that target Asian Americans are examined: (a) ethnic agencies serving Asian and other ethnic groups, (b) pan-Asian ethnic agencies, and (c) ethnic agencies targeting specific Asian groups. Culturally responsive strategies being used to develop these Asian-specific service programs are identified, as well as assumptions/themes that undergird organizational identity, frame organizational culture, and guide practice.
Repair of the Infarcted Myocardium

The adult mammalian heart has negligible regenerative capacity; thus, sudden death of a large number of cardiomyocytes in the infarcted myocardium leads to replacement of dead cells with collagen-based scar. Repair of the infarcted heart can be divided into three distinct, but overlapping phases: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase and the maturation phase. Cardiomyocyte necrosis and matrix fragmentation in the infarcted myocardium release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that activate innate immune cascades and trigger the inflammatory reaction. Induction of chemokines and cytokines is a hallmark of the post-infarction inflammatory response mediating recruitment of neutrophils and mononuclear cells in the myocardium. As infiltrating leukocytes clear the wound from dead cells and matrix debris, pro-inflammatory signaling is repressed and fibroblasts undergo myofibroblast conversion. Induction of specialized matricellular proteins that modulate growth factor and cytokine responses plays a critical role in activation of reparative cells and in formation of the scar. Cross-linking of the collagen-based matrix marks the end of the proliferative phase, as the scar matures and most fibroblasts and vascular cells in the wound undergo apoptosis. This chapter provides an overview of the phases of repair in the infarcted heart. Moreover, we discuss challenges and opportunities in targeting the inflammatory and reparative response following infarction in order to attenuate adverse remodeling and to prevent progression of post-infarction heart failure.
Assessing barriers to immunization.

Parental barriers to childhood immunizations vary among countries, states and communities. There is a plethora of studies that exist to examine barriers to immunizations including many intervention...
Subclinical hypercortisolism in central serous chorioretinopathy.

Purpose To describe a case of a patient with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy who was found to have an adrenocorticotropin-secreting pituitary microadenoma despite the absence of many clinical signs of Cushing syndrome. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed. This study included a 42-year-old white woman with a history of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. Results The patient was found to have severe osteoporosis; although many of the classic signs of Cushing syndrome were absent, laboratory studies and neuroimaging suggested the presence of a pituitary microadenoma. Ophthalmic evaluation revealed the presence of bilateral submacular fluid because of chronic multifocal central serous chorioretinopathy. The patient underwent bilateral photodynamic therapy and surgical excision of the pituitary lesion. Pathologic evaluation confirmed that the pituitary lesion was a pituitary microadenoma. Conclusion Careful attention to the signs of hypercortisolism in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy may aid in detecting underlying systemic pathology. Endocrinology evaluations in patients presenting with any manifestations of Cushing syndrome may be warranted, even if many classic physical findings are absent.
Application of Air-type Siphon Well in Direct Cooling-water System

The paper analyzes impacts of water-level fluctuation during hydraulic transient change and system pressure-regulation when the siphon well in direct-water supply system of power plant uses air-type structure.A mathematic model of air-type siphon well is established,and air-type and open-type siphon well options are compared in combination with actual engineering example.The calculation results show that air-type siphon well can reduce surging wave amplitude within well obviously,and have little impact on system water hammer pressure change,while a long underground drainage ditch is used.It can improve system safety,reduce work volume and save cost.