cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Prescribing for Adults With Acute Bronchitis in the United States, 1996-2010

Acute bronchitis is a cough-predominant acute respiratory illness of less than 3 weeks’ duration. For over 40 years, trials have shown that antibiotics are not effective for acute bronchitis.1 Despite this, between 1980 and 1999, the acute bronchitis antibiotic prescribing rate in the United States was between 60% and 80%.2 Over the past 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has spearheaded efforts to decrease antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis.3,4 Since 2005, a Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measure has stated that the antibiotic prescribing rate for acute bronchitis should be zero.5 To assess the effectiveness of ongoing CDC efforts and the implementation of the HEDIS measure, we estimated the antibiotic prescribing rate for acute bronchitis in the United States between 1996 and 2010.
Accelerator Vibration Issues

Vibrations induced in accelerator structures can cause particle-beam jitter and alignment difficulties. Sources of these vibrations may include pump oscillations, cooling-water turbulence, and vibrations transmitted through the floor to the accelerator structure. Drift tubes (DT) in a drift tube linac (DTL) are components likely to affect beam jitter and alignment because they normally have a heavy magnet structure on the end of a long and relatively small support stem. The natural vibrational frequencies of a drifttube have been compared with theoretical predictions. In principle, by knowing natural frequencies of accelerator components and system vibrational frequencies, an accelerator can be designed that does not have these frequencies coinciding.
On the physical reality of torque stresses in continuum mechanics

Abstract After plastic bending or torsion a body contains excess dislocations of a definite sign which give rise to a grain boundary type lattice curvature. In Section 2 the microscopical fluctuations of the appertaining residual stress field are described macroscopically by the introduction of a torque stress tensor which is defined by torques acting through an area element. A material constant can be derived which gives the ratio of the torque stress to the dislocation density or lattice-curvature. The characteristic quantity which goes into this constant is the glide plane distance of the dislocations. Finite torque stresses also arise as reactions against ordinary lattice-bending or torsion (without participation of dislocations) if the range of the atomic forces which try to resist the deformation is finite. The introduction of such torque stresses represents the first step in a transition from a local to a non-local elasticity theory. This is shown in Section 3. In the discussion of Section 4 two possibilities are mentioned to measure the new material constants experimentally. Finally the equilibrium conditions for force and torque stresses are satisfied identically by the introduction of a stress function tensor. This leads to a formulation of a system of simultaneous differential equations which is basic for the actual determination of the residual stress state.
Recent developments in latency and recombination of Aujeszky's disease (pseudorabies) virus

Latency is a characteristic and fascinating part of the biology of alphaherpesvirinae, including ADV. Tissue explanation, blot hybridization, in situ hybridization and more recently PCR are the experimental methods used to demonstrate that latent infections consistently occur in ganglionic neurons and, at a lower level, in tonsillar and possibly other cells. In vivo reactivation of ADV, resulting in shedding of virulent ADV, has been demonstrated experimentally following administration of high doses of corticosteriods. To determine the influence of vaccination with currently used gene deleted vaccines on field virus latency load, it is essential to use quantitative latency detection methods. We have developed chemiluminescence-based quantitative PCR assays specific for gG and gE, and are currently using these to determine field virus latency loads in tissues of pigs vaccinated with one of several gene deleted vaccines. Recombination between ADV strains has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo and has raised concerns about the generation of gene deleted virulent ADV strains. Recent studies in a mouse model have shown that high concentrations of both strains have to be present at the same anatomical site for recombination to take place. This led to the conclusion that ongoing ADV eradication programs, based upon the use of gene deleted vaccines and differential serological testing, are not likely to be threatened by recombination between virulent ADV and gene deleted vaccine strains.
Mechanisms of hypercalcemia in patients with head and neck cancer

Hypercalcemia associated with head and neck malignancy is not an uncommon occurrence; its causes are multiple. Eight hypercalcemic patients with head and neck malignancy were studied. Serum calcium, serum phosphorus, tubular phosphorus threshold, fasting calcium excretion, plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, nephrogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP), and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone were measured. Excessive dietary calcium administration in the form of an oral hyperalimentation preparation appeared to be the cause of hypercalcemia in 2 patients. Six patients demonstrated humorally mediated hypercalcemia. These patients resembled patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in having elevated nephrogenous cyclic AMP excretion and reduced proximal tubular phosphorus reabsorption, but they differed from patients with primary hyperparathyroidism by having normal levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, MA rkedly increased fasting calcium excretion, and strikingly reduced mean plasma levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. These data strongly suggest that the humoral factor responsible for hypercalcemia in patients with head and neck cancer is not parathyroid hormone, and that patients with hyperparathyroidism can now be distinguished with confidence from those with malignancy-associated hypercalcemia.
Fluorescent ringing in a thick medium

Abstract The ringing response of a resonant medium that has been excited by a short light pulse is calculated for the case of finite relaxation times and a medium of arbitrary thickness. The possibility of experimentally observing this oscillating fluorescence and using the observation to deduce a value for the dipole matrix element of the resonant transition is discussed.
Water imbibition in the rat prostate during castration-induced regression.

Abstract The present study was conducted to examine changes in water concentration in the ventral prostate of adult rats at different intervals following castration. The prostatic dry weight was obtained by drying the fresh prostate at 70 degrees C for at least 110 hr and the prostatic water content was calculated from its wet and dry weight. Under normal conditions, the prostatic water concentration ranges from 81.9 to 82.7% in uncastrated rats. The prostatic water concentration started to increase at 8 hr postcastration (83.1%) but this increase was not statistically significant. By 16 hr postcastration, the prostatic water concentration (83.8%) became significantly higher than that of the uncastrated animals. In rats of day 1 to day 10 postcastration, the prostate contained significantly more water (84.4%-84.7%) than those in uncastrated animals. By day 21 postcastration, the prostatic water concentration (81.5%) was not significantly different from that of uncastrated rats. Unlike the prostate, the skeletal muscle did not significantly change the water concentration following castration. The 51Cr-EDTA space in the prostate was not significantly different in rats before and after castration. These results indicate that water imbibition in the rat prostate is associated with an active period of prostatic regression and that the change in the 51Cr-EDTA space during prostatic regression is not the major cause of water imbibition in the tissue. Therefore, the present findings suggest that castration-induced water imbibition in the rat prostate is caused by an increase in the intracellular water space.
The Development and Function of Regulatory T Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a critical subset of T cells that mediate peripheral tolerance. There are two types of Tregs: natural Tregs, which develop in the thymus, and induced Tregs, which are derived from naive CD4(+) T cells in the periphery. Tregs utilize a variety of mechanisms to suppress the immune response. While Tregs are critical for the peripheral maintenance of potential autoreactive T cells, they can also be detrimental by preventing effective anti-tumor responses and sterilizing immunity against pathogens. In this review, we will discuss the development of natural and induced Tregs as well as the role of Tregs in a variety of disease settings and the mechanisms they utilize for suppression.
Populations with sinusoidal birth trajectories.

In the past 20 years cycling populations have received much attention from economic and mathematical demographers. The current knowledge of cycling populations is advanced by relating a sinusoidal birth wave to its accompanying wave of age-specific net maternity. Explicit relationships are provided for the effects of amplitude and period length on the phase shift and relative amplitudes of the net maternity and population waves. However the feedback mechanism that generates the cyclic vital rates is not dealt with. The customary practice is examining the birth function that results from a given form of cyclicity in the vital rates. Here instead the birth function is assumed to be sinusoidal with a given period and amplitude and the net maternity function is examined that is consistent with the given birth function. In previous work the resulting models were referred to as hyperstable population models and exact solutions were obtained for the net reproduction rate (NRR) and the net maternity function that generates the birth function. The general model equation states that the level of net maternity at a certain time and the NRR at a certain time is given by the ratio of the scaled birth function to the arithmetic mean of the scaled birth function minus age weighted by the net maternity function. The analysis of the sinusoidal birth function consists of: the NRR phase differences between the NRR function and births the relative amplitude of the NRR and births further specifications of the NRR function the age distribution of the model population non-normal net maternity functions and cyclicity accompanied by growth. The phase shift and relative amplification of the NRR at a certain time depend heavily on the cycle length of oscillation relative to the mean age of net maternity and on the amplitude of oscillation of the birth function.
The effect of evisceration on visible contamination and the microbiological profile of fresh broiler chicken carcasses using the Nu-Tech Evisceration System or the conventional Streamlined Inspection System

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of evisceration on visible contamination and the microbiological profile of fresh broiler chicken carcasses using the Nu-Tech System or the Streamlined Inspection System (SIS). Visible contamination was evaluated on the inside cavity and outside surface of 1,000 and 7,825 carcasses from Plants A and B, respectively, during 5 d of processing. For the microbiological study, in five separate trials, 80 broiler carcasses were collected each day from two processing plants (A and B). Two groups of 20 carcasses each were collected immediately prior to entering the Nu-Tech eviscerator, bagged separately, and 20 were labeled as NT1 and 20 as SIS1. The third group of 20 carcasses was collected immediately after the cropper on the Nu-Tech line and labeled NT2. For the fourth group, 20 carcasses were aseptically transferred from the Nu-Tech line just prior to evisceration, placed on the SIS line prior to evisceration, allowed to be eviscerated by the SIS eviscerator, collected immediately after the cropper, and labeled SIS2. Whole carcass rinses were conducted and aerobic plate counts (APC), total coliform counts (TC), total Escherichia coli counts (TEC), aerobic mesophilic impedance detection times (DT), and coliform impedance detection times (CDT) were determined within 30 h of collection. The Nu-Tech System was superior to SIS with regard to visible carcass contamination. For Plant A, evisceration using the Nu-Tech System or SIS did not significantly affect APC, TC, or TEC; however, evisceration using the Nu-Tech System resulted in an increase in DT and CDT (indicating a reduction in bacteria); whereas evisceration using SIS resulted in no significant decrease in bacterial levels. For Plant B, evisceration using the Nu-Tech resulted in lower APC, TC, TEC, and higher DT and CDT (indicating a reduction in bacteria); whereas evisceration using SIS resulted in no significant decrease in bacterial levels. Evisceration using the Nu-Tech System was at least equal to or in some cases better than SIS with regard to APC, TC, TEC, DT, and CDT.
Platelet-Activating Factor in Brain Regions After Transient Ischemia in Gerbils

Background and Purpose Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been reported to be an active mediator in ischemic brain damage on the basis of indirect pharmacological data from PAF antagonists. The direct measurement of PAF in neuronal tissues has not been reported previously in analogous animal models. We have examined regional brain PAF concentration changes during the reperfusion period after ischemia in gerbils to obtain direct evidence for the involvement of PAF with ischemic brain damage and reported gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods of PAF quantitative analysis in brain tissues. Methods After transient (10 minutes) ischemia followed by controlled periods (0 to 96 hours) of reperfusion and recovery, regional PAF concentrations were determined in gerbil brain tissue. Quantitative analysis of PAF in brain regions is performed using an electron-capture negative chemical ionization GC/MS method, modified for brain tissue. Results The level of PAF was increased significantly and maximall...
Sporadic effect of leadscan machine to CMOS ESD low yielding lots

Integrated circuit manufacturing data history shows that Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor(CMOS) is one of the most Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) susceptible product technology. Sporadic low yielding lots on CMOS devices were analyzed as ESD failure related. After narrowing down the potential sources of ESD failures on the manufacturing process and identified the Back-End leadscan process as the most probable source of failure, further studies were conducted in this area to zero-out the "red-x". Process mapping, B vs C comparative study and a factorial experiment were performed, statistical tools were utilized and the root cause was identified and corrected. Implementation of the recommended corrective action resulted in elimination of sporadic ESD low yielding lots on CMOS devices and 62% reduction on ESD electrical gate failures.
Model for dynamic self-assembled magnetic surface structures

We propose a first-principles model for the dynamic self-assembly of magnetic structures at a water-air interface reported in earlier experiments. The model is based on the Navier-Stokes equation for liquids in shallow water approximation coupled to Newton equations for interacting magnetic particles suspended at a water-air interface. The model reproduces most of the observed phenomenology, including spontaneous formation of magnetic snakelike structures, generation of large-scale vortex flows, complex ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic ordering of the snake, and self-propulsion of bead-snake hybrids.
Compartment syndrome of the forearm as the initial symptom of systemic Vibrio vulnificus infection.

Sepsis, cellulitis, and necrotizing fasciitis rarely have been described as causes of compartment syndrome. We report a case in which forearm compartment syndrome presented as the initial symptom of systemic infection. Vibrio vulnificus, the etiologic pathogen of the compartment syndrome, was isolated from wound and blood cultures. The patient was treated with systemic antibiotic treatment and multiple forearm fasciotomies. The infectious process progressed rapidly, however and due to underlying liver insufficiency, the patient died of hepatorenal syndrome. This case illustrates the nature of V vulnificus infections, which are characterized by shellfish transmission, predilection for soft tissue seeding, and a fulminant course in the compromised host.
Use of the Overturn End Point for the Estimation of Absorption and Elimination Kinetics in Goldfish

The advantages of overturn time as a pharmacologic end point for studies of biologic membrane permeation in goldfish are presented. Studies with both pentobarbital and ethanol showed good reproducibility. Redeterminations of overturn time after 18 hr. provided excellent agreement with initial determinations with both drugs. Evidence is presented to suggest a complex mechanism of action of ethanol in goldfish. A kinetic model is derived which relates overturn time and recovery time and permits the estimation of an elimination rate constant from pharmacologic response data alone.
SPINNING FIBERS FROM POWDER SUSPENSIONS

ABSTRACT Green ceramic fibers from Al2O3, Si3N4, Ce-ZrO2, SiC, and other ceramics can be prepared by dry spinning of powder-loaded suspensions. The green fibers contain 54 to 64 vol. % ceramic powder in an ethyl methacrylate polymer base. Continuous fibers with an average diameter of 60 to 175 µm were spun at rates of 10 to 40 meters/minute. Spinnable dope compositions are defined for simple ternary powder + polymer + solvent systems, and are compared for several powders in MEK-based solvents. Spinnability is related to extrusion pressure, and drying conditions, and the shear rheological behavior of the dope. Fiber preparation by suspension dry spinning is compared with melt spinning of powder-loaded thermoplastics.
Intracellular mammalian DNA stimulates myeloid dendritic cells to produce type I interferons predominantly through a toll-like receptor 9-independent pathway.

Objective Exogenous nucleic acids, including bacterial unmethylated DNA and viral single-stranded RNA, are potent activators of innate immunity through interaction with the Toll-like receptors (TLRs). In contrast, mammalian DNA has been generally thought to have a limited activation effect, or even a suppressive effect, on innate immunity. Since DNA is a major component of dying cells and recent studies indicate that mammalian nucleic acids may be stimulatory under certain conditions, we undertook this study to examine the effect of intracellular mammalian DNA on myeloid dendritic cell (DC) activation. Methods Mammalian DNA was introduced into murine bone marrow–derived DCs (BMDCs) by transfection. BMDC activation was determined by flow cytometry (CD40, CD86). Production of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and production of type I interferons (IFNs) by bioassay. Parallel studies were conducted using BMDCs from mice deficient in myeloid differentiation 88 (MyD88), TLR-9, and IFNα/β receptor. Results Intracellular mammalian DNA activated immature BMDCs, as determined by the up-regulation of CD40 and CD86 as well as by the production of significant quantities of type I IFN. The interferogenic response was shown to be relatively independent of TLR-9, and the TLR adaptor MyD88. The IFN response to intracellular DNA was reduced in BMDCs lacking IFNα/β receptor but was intact in embryonic fibroblasts lacking protein kinase R. Conclusion These results indicate that intracellular DNA stimulates BMDC maturation and IFN production predominantly through a TLR-independent pathway, and support a model whereby inefficient clearance and/or degradation of endogenous DNA may stimulate innate immune responses similar to the TLR-independent response to exogenous (i.e., viral) double-stranded RNA.
Stochastic Modeling of Chemical Transport Through Human Skin

A probabilistic, transient, three-phase model of chemical transport through human skin has been developed to assess the relative importance of uncertain parameters and processes during chemical exposure assessments and transdermal drug delivery. Penetration routes through the skin that were modeled include the following: (1) intercellular diffusion through the multiphase stratum corneum; (2) aqueous-phase diffusion through sweat ducts; and (3) oil-phase diffusion through hair follicles. Uncertainty distributions were developed for the model parameters, and a Monte Carlo analysis was performed to simulate probability distributions of mass fluxes through each of the routes for a hypothetical scenario of chemical transport through the skin. At early times (60 seconds), the sweat ducts provided a significant amount of simulated mass flux into the bloodstream. At longer times (1 hour), diffusion through the stratum corneum became important because of its relatively large surface area. Sensitivity analyses using stepwise linear regression were also performed to identify model parameters that were most important to the simulated mass fluxes at different times.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Torsion of an accessory lobe of the liver in an infant

This report concerns a 6-month-old boy who had omphalocele repair as a newborn and then had torsion of an accessory hepatic lobe, resulting in necrosis. A successful outcome was achieved by resecting the torsed accessory lobe.
Material bodies with uniform symmetry

Abstract A general theory of elastic bodies made up of materials possessing a fixed type of symmetry, such as fluids, isotropic solids, transversely isotropic solids, etc., is formulated in this paper. The specific results include a derivation of the field equations for elastic bodies with uniform symmetry and some statical and dynamical universal solutions for incompressible isotropic solid bodies.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita: concise review and practical considerations

Introduction Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a cutaneous subepi-dermal autoimmune blistering disorder (CSEAIBD) that resultsfrom the effects of IgG autoantibodies directed against the145-kDa noncollagenous amino-terminal (NC-1) domain ofcollagen VII, a major component of anchoring fibrils (Fig. 1).
A note on estimating the cardinality of the projection of a database relation

The paper by Ahad et al. [1] derives an analytical expression to estimate the cardinality of the projection of a database relation. In this note, we propose to show that this expression is in error even when all the parameters are assumed to be constant. We derive the correct formula for this expression.
Compression-based steganalysis of LSB embedded images

We present a new method of steganalysis, the detection of hidden messages, for least significant bits (LSB) replacement embedding. The method uses lossless image compression algorithms to model images bitplane by bitplane. The basic premise is that messages hidden by replacing LSBs of image pixels do not possess the same statistical properties and are therefore likely to be incompressible by compressors designed for images. In fact, the hidden data are usually compressed files themselves that may or may not be encrypted. In either case, the hidden messages are incompressible. In this work, we study three image compressors, one a standard and two we developed. The results are that many images can be eliminated as having possible steganographic content since the LSBs compress more than a hidden message typically would.
The effect of the suspensor and gibberellic acid on Phaseolus vulgaris embryo protein synthesis

The role of the suspensor in the early development of the dicot embryo has been described as merely an anchor or, conversely, as the major route of nutrients into the embryo. In order to further elucidate the role of the suspensor we have examined protein synthesis in early 0.2-mm and late heart stage 0.5-mm Phaseolus vulgaris (var. Taylor's Horticultural) embryos in tissue culture. Protein synthesis was examined in embryos and suspensors. Our results showed that in 0.2-mm embryos virtually all protein synthesis was dependent on an attached suspensor. Maximum protein synthesis in 0.5-mm embryos was observed when embryos were cultured attached to the suspensor. The levels were moderately decreased when the embryo was cultured detached from or without the suspensor. Gibberellic acid at 10(-6) to 10(-7) M elicited the same protein diversity and greater [35S]methionine incorporation than did the attached suspensor in 0.2-mm embryos. Embryos of 0.5 mm did not appear to be differentially responsive to various gibberellin concentrations.
Effects of substituents on the electronic properties of polyacetylenes

Abstract Hartree–Fock quantum mechanical calculations [at the RHF(ROHF)/6-31G(d) level] were performed to determine the electronic structure (ionization energies, electron affinities and singlet–triplet transition energies, Δ E (S 0 →T 1 )) in a series of polyacetylenes with terminal substituents (neutral and charged), NH ( NH 2 + ), NH 2 ( NH 3 + ), SH ( S − ), and SO 3 H ( SO 3 − ), for oligomers with between 2 and 30 conjugated double bonds. Neutral substituents had relatively modest effects on the electronic properties, primarily in systems with less than ∼8–10 double bonds. The positively and negatively charged substituents were found to exert profound influences on these properties, which persisted in even the largest species studied. Negative terminal substituents lowered the ionization energies (relative to PA) by as much as 5 eV, even in systems with 30 double bonds, and the positive substituents decreased electron affinities by an equivalent amount. Both positive and negative substituents decreased values of the singlet–triplet transition energy by ∼1–1.5 eV relative to the value in pristine PA. These effects were explained on the basis of a simple model of the effects of electron donors and acceptors on the frontier orbital (HOMO/LUMO) energies and charge distributions.
The M-Sigma Relation Derived from Sphere of Influence Arguments

The observed relation between supermassive black hole (SMBH) mass (M) and bulge stellar velocity dispersion (Sigma) is described by log(M) = alpha + beta*log(Sigma/200 km/s). As this relation has important implications for models of galaxy and SMBH formation and evolution, there continues to be great interest in adding to the M catalog. The "sphere of influence" (r) argument uses spatial resolution to exclude some M estimates and pre-select additional galaxies for further SMBH studies. This Letter quantifies the effects of applying the r argument to a population of galaxies and SMBHs that do not follow the M-Sigma relation. All galaxies with known values of Sigma, closer than 100 Mpc, are given a random M and selected when r is spatially resolved. These random SMBHs produce an M-Sigma relation of alpha=8.3, beta=4.0, consistent with observed values. Consequently, future proposed M estimates should not be justified solely on the basis of resolving r. This Letter shows the observed M-Sigma relation may simply be a result of available spatial resolution. However, it also implies the observed M-Sigma relation defines an upper limit. This potentially provides valuable new insight into the processes of galaxy and SMBH formation and evolution.
Estrogen therapy and breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

During the 6-year period 1972-77 123 postmenopausal women with breast cancer were either diagnosed at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center or referred there for therapy. Their ages ranged from 33-90 (mean 56.6 years); of these women 64.2% had never taken hormones; 25.2% were estrogen users; 4.9% were estrogen-progesterone users; 4.9% had a history of hormone usage; and 1 patient was using estrogen vaginal cream. In a subgroup of 27 clinic patients (1975-77 period) during 14548 patient-years of observation breast cancer was diagnosed for an overall incidence of 185.6:100000 women/year. Among the 27 patients the annual incidence of breast cancer was highest in the untreated group at 410.5:100000 women. In comparison the incidence in the estrogen users was 137.7:100000 women--a significant difference (P < 0.01). The incidence of breast cancer in estrogen-progesterone users was 155.6:100000 compared with the incidence in the untreated patients; this difference was likewise significant statistically (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of breast cancer between the estrogen users (137.7:100000) and the estrogen-progesterone users (155.6:100000). These data indicate that estrogen therapy decreases the risk of breast cancer and that unlike the situation with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium progestogens do not offer additional protection from breast carcinoma. (Authors modified)
The value of real-time clinician feedback during OSCEs.

Dear SirEach year, the University of Washington administers a 9- or 10-station OSCE to approximately 220 second-year students and 220 senior students. Typically, about one-third of those stations a...
Is the therapeutic index better with gemcitabine-based chemoradiation than with 5-fluorouracil-based chemoradiation in locally advanced pancreatic cancer?

Abstract Purpose: To retrospectively compare the toxicity and efficacy of concurrent gemcitabine-based chemoradiation with that of concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiation in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods: Between September 1996 and May 2000, 114 patients with localized unresectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were treated with concurrent chemoradiation. Locally advanced unresectable disease was defined as low-density tumor in contact with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac artery, or occlusion of the superior mesenteric-portal venous confluence. Fifty-three patients were selected to receive gemcitabine in 7 weekly cycles (250–500 mg/m 2 ) with concurrent radiotherapy (median dose 30 Gy, range 30–33 Gy in 10–11 fractions). The remaining 61 patients received continuous-infusion 5-FU (200–300 mg/m 2 ) with concurrent radiotherapy (30 Gy in 10 fractions). Radiotherapy was delivered to the primary tumor and regional lymphatics. Patients receiving gemcitabine and those receiving 5-FU had a similar mean Karnofsky performance status (KPS, 89% vs. 86%), distribution of tumor grade (43% vs. 33% poorly differentiated), and percent weight loss (all p = NS). However, patients treated with gemcitabine had a significantly larger median maximum cross-sectional tumor area (TA, 8.8 cm 2 vs. 5.7 cm 2 , p = 0.046) and were significantly younger (median age 60 vs. 68 years, p Results: Patients receiving gemcitabine developed significantly more ST during treatment (23% vs. 2%, p p = NS). Five patients who received gemcitabine and 1 patient who received 5-FU underwent margin-negative pancreaticoduodenectomy after chemoradiation. Three patients had a short segment (≤ 1 cm in length) of low-density tumor abutting the SMA, 1 had involvement of the common hepatic artery, and 1 had a short-segment occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein, amenable to venous resection and reconstruction. The other patient was thought to have inflammatory changes discontiguous with the tumor surrounding the SMA, which resolved after therapy. TA >10 cm 2 ( p = 0.03) and poor differentiation ( p = 0.07) were associated with a worse survival duration; however, other factors, such as KPS and weight loss >10% and age did not influence OS. Conclusion: Despite the selection of healthier patients to receive gemcitabine, there was a significantly higher severe toxicity rate than with 5-FU. The median and 1-year survivals were not significantly different with the use of concurrent gemcitabine; however, the tumors treated were significantly larger. Additionally, a small number of patients with minimal arterial involvement whose disease met our radiographic definition of unresectable disease had margin-negative resections after treatment with gemcitabine-based chemoradiation. These possible benefits and the high rate of severe toxicity define a very narrow therapeutic index for concurrent gemcitabine-based chemoradiation given by this schedule of administration.
“I Don't Know What They Know”: Knowledge transfer in mandated referral from child welfare to early intervention

Abstract Maltreated children face disproportionate risks for developmental delay and behavior problems. Federal legislation passed in 2003 and 2004 mandates referrals of maltreated children under the age of 3 years to Early Intervention (EI) services. This mandate has been variably implemented within and across states. Knowledge transfer is highlighted in this paper as a conceptual framework to understand mandated referral to EI services for young children with open child welfare cases. In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with child welfare workers, EI providers, and public health department officials. These data were used to examine barriers to and facilitators of referral and service use for this population. Specifically, provider perspectives were solicited on how organizational culture, structures and standard operating procedures, and resources can support the mandated referral process. Findings highlight the importance of facilitating knowledge transfer within and between human service organizations, a process that requires an understanding of the various attributes of each participating system. This paper contributes to current knowledge by considering both intra- and inter-system barriers to knowledge transfer, extending examinations of mandated referral to consider downstream service provision, and informing future actions taken to address the developmental needs of young children in child welfare.
Do erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease have the same mechanism

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is important for both affecting quality of life and being a possible harbinger of cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1–3]. Epidemiological and clinical data on the role of risk factors in vascular dysfunction in the natural history of both ED and CVD are summarized in this month’s European Urology by Gandaglia et al. [4] .T his review summarizes the evidence for a linkage between the two clinical presentations; the paper also highlights key questions yet to be answered. Most practitioners would agree that the connection between these two conditions should be exploited as a screening tool, as Gandaglia et al. and others have suggested; however, the relationship of the two clinical presentations and their underlying causes may be confounded by coexisting metabolic milieus, with the most common the metabolic syndrome [1,3,5]. While men may be unaware of, or unwilling to address, other cardiovascular risk factors such as being overweight, ED is a likely motivator for a visit to the gym or even the physician. In 2005, Ganz clearly described the disruption of nitric
The Tevatron Extraction Pulser

The Tevatron QXR (Quadrupole Extraction Regulator) power supply is a linear current pulser combined with a dc transistor regulator. The pulser produces programmable current pulses of up to 250 amps with a maximum duration of 12 ms and a maximum voltage drive of +200/-250 volts. Its fastest repetition rate is 1 Hz. Between pulses a single power transistor regulator maintains 0 to 50 amps in the quadrupole magnet load. The pulser is an air-cooled 34 FET transistor bank operating in the linear region.
Tennessee plant species screened for renewable energy sources

The USDA Northern Regional Research Center (NRRC) has previously studied chemical and botanical characteristics of about 1,000 plant species in efforts to identify potential new plant sources for industrial raw materials. For this report, an additional 51 species were collected from Tennessee and studied. Above-ground plant samples were analyzed for yields of oils, polyphenols, hydrocarbons, protein, and ash. Oils were examined for the presence of seven classes of lipids and analyzed for yields of fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter. Hydrocarbons were examined for the presence of rubber, gutta, and waxes. Rubber and gutta were analyzed for average molecular weight (MW) and MW distribution. Chemical and botanical data are presented for eight of the 51 species. A checklist of the 43 other species is given; data on these are available from NRRC.Lapsana communis yielded the most oil (6.1%; dry, ash-free, plant sample basis).Ilex montana yielded the most polyphenol (21.5%) plus 4.5% oil.Agrimonia parviflora and Catalpa bignonioides gave substantial yields of polyphenol (20.0% and 17.9%, respectively), andPassiflora incarnata contained the most apparent protein (19.8%).Chrysopsis graminifolia, Solidago erecta, andVerbesina alternifolia were identified as rubber-producing species with 0.4-0.7% hydrocarbon.
Carbon footprint of bioplastics using biocarbon content analysis and life-cycle assessment

Bio-based plastics, in which the fossil carbon is replaced by bio/renewable-based carbon, offer the intrinsic value proposition of a reduced carbon footprint and are in complete harmony with the rates and time scale of the biological carbon cycle. Identification and quantification of bio-based content is based on the radioactive C-14 signature associated with (new) biocarbon. Using experimentally determined biocarbon content values, one can calculate the intrinsic CO2 emissions reduction achieved by substituting petrocarbon with biocarbon—the material carbon footprint value proposition. The process carbon footprint arising from the conversion of feedstock to final product is computed using life-cycle assessment methodology. Biodegradability in conjunction with selected disposal systems such as composting and anaerobic digestion offers an end-of-life solution to completely remove the plastic substrate from the environment. Not all bio-based polymer materials are biodegradable, and not all biodegradable polymers are bio-based. Most importantly, complete biodegradability (complete utilization of the polymer by the microorganisms present in the disposal environment) is necessary as per ASTM and ISO standards, otherwise there could be serious health and environmental consequences.
Quantum statistical theory of semiconductor junctions in thermal equilibrium

Free carrier and electric field distributions of one-dimensional semiconductor junctions are evaluated using a quantum mechanical phase-space distribution and its corresponding Boltzmann equation. Attention is given to quantum and exchange corrections in cases of high doping concentrations when carrier densities become degenerate. Quantitative differences between degenerate and classical junction characteristics, e.g., maximum electric field and built-in voltage and carrier concentration within the transition region, are evaluated numerically.
Immediate active range of motion after modified 2-incision repair in acute distal biceps tendon rupture.

Background: Different rehabilitation protocols have been used after repair of distal biceps ruptures.Purpose: This study investigates the safety of immediate active range of motion protocol after modified 2-incision distal biceps tendon repair in acute ruptures.Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were participants in this study. After repair, the upper extremities were placed in a sling for 1 to 2 days and then immediate active range of motion was started. For the first 6 weeks, the elbow was allowed activities of daily living as tolerated by the patient with a 1-lb weight-lifting restriction. Elbow range of motion, isometric and dynamic flexion, and supination strengths were recorded and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were obtained.Results: Mean follow-up extension was 0° and mean follow-up flexion was 141° on the operated side, with supination of 74° and pronation of 75°. The mean DASH sc...
Injection Laryngoplasty with Micronized Dermis: A 10-Year Experience with 381 Injections in 344 Patients

Objective: Micronized Dermis (MD) has been used for injection laryngoplasty for correction of glottic insufficiency since 2000. There is controversy whether the material is temporary or permanent. This is a retrospective review of 381 injections in 344 patients. From this review, we hope to better define the role of MD in injection laryngoplasty. Method: Retrospective chart review from a single surgeon (2000–2010) Results: The indications for MD were for both temporary and permanent correction of glottic insufficiency. The diagnoses were: vocal fold paralysis (n = 216), scar (n = 51), atrophy (n = 42), sulcus (n = 22), and others (n = 13). The material has the best effect when placed into the membranous vocal fold just lateral to the vocal ligament. The operative and postoperative complication was 1.05%. Twenty-nine percent of all injections resulted in unwanted absorption. Overinjection was needed and transcervical approach was preferred to prevent implant extrusion with overinjection. The median volume of injected material has increased from 0.8 cc to 1.0 cc over the decade. In 159 patients with long-term follow-up (>1 year), there was a 14% incidence of reinjection. Despite this, the overall need for open procedures in patients with long-term follow-up was 20%. Conclusions: Despite the problems of inconsistency in preparation, slow absorption and need for overinjection, micronized dermis is a safe allograft material that has long-term (>1 year) stability. The material may reduce the need for open surgery. It can be used for both temporary and permanent vocal fold augmentation. Laryngoscope, 2010
Network processor acceleration for a Linux* netfilter firewall

Network firewalls occupy a central role in computer security, protecting data, compute, and networking resources while still allowing useful packets to flow. Increases in both the work per network packet and packet rate make it increasingly difficult for general-purpose processor based firewalls to maintain line rate. In a bid to address these evolving requirements we have prototyped a hybrid firewall, using a simple firewall running on a network processor to accelerate a Linux* Netfilter Firewall executing on a general purpose processor. The simple firewall on the network processor provides high rate packet processing for all the packets while the general-purpose processor delivers high rate, full featured firewall processing for those packets that need it. This paper describes the hybrid firewall prototype with a focus on the software created to accelerate Netfilter with a network processor resident firewall. Measurements show our hybrid firewall able to maintain close to 2 Gb/sec line rate for all packet sizes, a significant improvement over the original firewall. We also include the hard won lessons learned while implementing the hybrid firewall.
Synthesizing Biofunctionalized Nanoparticles to Image Cell Signaling Pathways

This minireview outlines the synthetic efforts, from our research group, to produce nanomaterials for use as imaging agents to study cell signaling pathways. An overview of our approach to the synthesis and biofunctionalization of metal, semiconductor, and ceramic nanomaterials is presented. The probes investigated include coinage metals, Cd-based, Gedeg, naturally occurring fluorescent (NOF) minerals, and Ln-based nanoparticles which were synthesized from novel metal alkoxide, amide, and alkyl precursors. We illustrate the applications of some of these materials as imaging probes to detect signaling pathway components and cellular responses to signals (apoptosis and degranulation) in inflammatory and cancer cells
A multi-level fuzzy control design for general nonlinear multi-input single-output systems

In this paper, an adaptive fuzzy controller is developed for general multi-input single-output (MISO) nonlinear systems with time-varying characteristics and unknown system uncertainties. The system dynamics is modeled in fuzzy domain and the fuzzy inverse model is automatically constructed, which has the ability of uniquely determining the inverse relationship for each input-output pair. Based on this inverse model, a multi-level fuzzy controller (MLFC) is designed with embedded hierarchical structure for each control variable to compensate for system uncertainties and time-varying parameters. A set of simulation examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller for the multivariable systems under various operating conditions.
Interleukin-1 beta-induced nitric oxide synthase expression by rat pancreatic beta-cells: evidence for the involvement of nuclear factor kappa B in the signaling mechanism.

Recent evidence indicates that overproduction of nitric oxide mediates cytokine-induced inhibition of insulin secretion by pancreatic islets. The current studies were designed to characterize signaling events involving the transcriptional factor NFkappaB in interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by primary and transformed rat pancreatic beta-cells. Due to limitations of cell numbers of purified primary beta-cells, biochemical and molecular studies were performed primarily using the insulinoma cell line, RINm5F. Inhibitors of NFkappaB, diethyldithiocarbamate, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, and N-acetyl cysteine prevent IL-1-induced iNOS expression at the level of messenger RNA, protein, and nitrite generation. IL-1 induces a time-dependent translocation of NFkappaB from cytosol to nucleus, with maximal translocation observed approximately 15-30 min after IL-1 treatment, as determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The specificity of the band containing th...
Reactive power operation analysis of a single-phase EV/PHEV bidirectional battery charger

More battery powered electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) will be introduced to the market in 2011 and beyond. PHEVs/EVs potentially have the capability to fulfill the energy storage needs of the electric grid by supplying ancillary services such as reactive power compensation, voltage regulation, and peak shaving since they carry an on-board battery charger. However, to allow bidirectional power transfer, the PHEV battery charger should be designed to manage such reactive power capability. This study shows how bidirectional four-quadrant operation affects the design stage of a conventional unidirectional charger and the operation of the battery pack. Mainly, the subjects that are discussed are the following: required topology updates, dc link capacitor (voltage and current), ac inductor (current), rectifier (power loss), and battery pack (voltage and current).
Advanced on-tool wafer temperature sensors and integration

The needs for measuring the temperatures of wafers, photomasks or tool hardware under semiconductor process conditions are gaining attentions from both fabs and OEMs in recent years. For wafers and photomasks, the thermal environments during process directly control the reaction rates and reaction equilibrium of the process. For processing tools, any change in temperature within or nearby the process areas can have direct consequences on the device performance and yield rates. [1, 2] To highlight the critical roles that temperature play in modern semiconductor processing, consider the effect of a 3 degree Celsius temperature variation on a 12-inch wafer in the 10 nm node. The change in linear dimension due to such a temperature variation, is approximately 12 in × 25.4 mm/in × 10E-6 × 3, or ∼914 nm. This is over 90 times the transistor length scale over the entire 12 inch wafer. Even if such temperature variation is limited to within a single 5mm × 5mm device area, the resulting shift in dimension is still on the order of 15 nm, significantly greater than the critical feature size that the technology node requires. In an era where multiple-patterning is becoming the standard practice, controlling such temperature-related alignment budget loss is critical.