cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bioplex™ on Transplant Success of Non-Dormant Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.)

Abstract Biostimulants are used to reduce the stress associated with non-dormant (summer dug) harvest of field-grown nursery stock; however, the effectiveness of biostimulant treatment is uncertain. This study tested the effects of three application methods of Bioplex™ (a commonly used biostimulant) to container-grown red oak seedlings on whole plant transpirational water use and growth before and after root pruning. Root pruning was used to simulate field harvest; it removed 59% of the seedling's total root surface area. Bioplex™ application by foliar spray, soil drench or a combination of foliar spray and soil drench, significantly reduced whole plant transpirational water use by 15% for three days after application, relative to untreated control seedlings. Root pruning significantly reduced whole plant transpiration, compared to non-root-pruned seedlings, and had a greater effect on transpiration than any Bioplex™ treatment. The previous season's Bioplex treatment had no effect on the spring growth flu...
Cognitive Model of E-Learning, E-Business and E-Communication

This article presents a new, four-channel model of E-learning that suggests avenues for improving learning via addressing innovative ways of thinking influenced by digital readiness. The present work has a purpose to analyze existing theoretical foundations of E-learning in order to synthesize the processes by which learning happens today. The new E-learning model and five studies supporting this model, described in this article, can inform policy makers of the importance and possibility of teaching the skills necessary to develop digital readiness. Digital readiness empowers people to use virtual data and participate in online education, business and communication.
Cancer Disease Prediction Using Naive Bayes,K-Nearest Neighbor and J48 algorithm

Cancer is a rising deadly disease which causes the death of 10% among all the diseases in Bangladesh. There are over 100 Types of cancer. Predicting Cancer plays a vital role for progressing data mining applications. Naive Bayes, k-nearest neighbor and j48 algorithm are used in this paper for predicting cancer disease. Naive Bayes is easy to build and really useful for very big dataset. K-nearest neighbor is uses dataset and create a dataset by separated into different classes and also predicting classification of new points. J48 Classifier are based on the decision Tree from training datasets, using the fact that each of them and data sets can be used for decision-making it into smallest subset. Weka tool is used for the purpose of measuring the accuracy of the cancer disease dataset including 09 types of cancer. 10-fold cross-validation is used for predicting cancer disease. In Naive Bayes the accuracy is 98.2%, k-nearest neighbor accuracy is 98.8% and j48 accuracy is 98.5%.
Analysis of Parasitic Capacitances Impact on Estimating Cole-Model Impedances using Tetrapolar Measurements

Electrical impedance measurements of biological tissues are widely used to quantify the electrical behaviour and underlying properties of a tissue under study. Unfortunately, these measurements are sensitive to the presence of parasitic capacitances that can cause estimated tissue impedances from voltage and current measurements to deviate from the true tissue impedance. In this work, the impact of two parasitic capacitances on measurements of impedances represented by the Cole-impedance model are analyzed and a method to reduce the errors using multiple measurements of the excitation current are presented.
Low-latency High-speed Saturable Transformer based Zero-Crossing Detector for High-Current High-Frequency Applications

This paper proposes a simple detection method for zero-crossing events of converter current using a saturable transformer for use in high-current and high-frequency pulse-width-modulated power electronic converter applications. Design goals include attaining high sensitivity, noise immunity, and efficiency with very low latency (≈ 20 ns) which is essential for the implementation of current control methods requiring very high control-bandwidth. The proposed zero-crossing-detector (ZCD) is ideally suited for cycle-by-cycle current control in interleaving and/or soft-switching applications, which overcomes the limitation posed by typical current transducers for such applications. Comparative analysis between three different designs: T46 ferrite, off-the-shelf nanocrystalline core, and a modified nanocrystalline core, has been performed using finite-element-analysis (FEA) to achieve an optimized design with regard to thermal efficiency and sensor latency. A signal conditioning circuit for digital output has also been provided. The proposed analysis and design have been validated through laboratory experiments.
The Impact of the Quiet Classroom Game on On-Task Behavior and Classroom Noise Level in Three Middle School Classrooms

The Quiet Classroom Game (Radley in School Psychological Review 45: 93–108, 2016) is a class-wide behavior intervention involving an interdependent group contingency based on classroom noise level. It has been shown to be effective at increasing academically engaged behavior, decreasing disruptive behavior, and decreasing classroom noise level in three first-grade classrooms. The current study was undertaken to replicate and extend research on the QCG. Using an ABAB design, we investigated the impact of the QCG on on-task behavior, off-task behavior, and classroom noise level across three seventh-grade classrooms. We also investigated a procedure for systematically fading the teacher feedback component of the QCG in a maintenance phase. Results were not supportive of a functional relation between the QCG and on-task behavior and off-task behavior for any of the three classrooms. However, there was a functional relation between the QCG and classroom noise level for two of three classrooms. Implications for researchers and practitioners, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Paternalismo no direito privado

O paternalismo esta profundamente arraigado em nosso ordenamento juridico, em especial no Direito Privado. Ele restringe a autonomia privada de forma “branda”, “dura” e “mista” (junto com outros motivos) e, por isso, levanta constantemente, em diversos contextos, a tradicional questao da legitimidade.
Surgical Exposure for the Nerves of the Back

Abstract In order to provide a complete reference for the surgical anatomy and exposure of the peripheral nerves of the back, a thorough literature search was performed. Peer-reviewed articles and anatomy atlases were consulted in order to provide a clear description of the surgical anatomy of the suboccipital nerve, the greater occipital nerve, the suprascapular nerve, the thoracic spinal nerves, the lumbar plexus, and the superior cluneal nerves. The nerve root contributions, the course, and the actions of each nerve were researched and documented. General operative exposures for each nerve were then researched utilizing operative atlases and peer-reviewed articles. The approaches were summarized and condensed into a step-by-step guide for the surgical exposure of each nerve.
Water Quality at Loch Raven Reservoir

idea by showing how a new reservoir, subjected to initial conditions different from those at the Hanson Reservoir, did influence water quality significantly. The impoundment in question is Loch Raven Reservoir, at present the principal source of water supply for Baltimore, Md. In 1922, the dam was raised 52 ft, giving the reservoir a capacity of 72,700 acre-ft, as compared with its original volume of about 6,000 acre-ft. The water surface reached the new crest in 1923. Unlike Hanson Reservoir, the Loch Raven site was not thoroughly stripped, the reservoir was not drained and filled during early years of operation, and the reservoir does exhibit strong thermal stratification.2' 3
Illusions of Freedom: Thomas Merton and Jacques Ellul on Technology and the Human Condition/Returning to Reality: Thomas Mertons' Wisdom for a Technological World

Illusions of Freedom: Thomas Merton and Jacques Ellul on Technology and the Human Condition. By Jeffrey M. Shaw. Eugene, Ore.: Pickwick Publications, 2014. xiv + 193 pp. $23.00 (paper).andReturning to Reality: Thomas Merton's Wisdom for a Technological World. By Phillip M. Thompson. Eugene, Ore.: Cascade Books, 2012. xxii + 112 pp. $17.00 (paper).This year marks the centenaiy of the birth of the famous Trappist monk, poet, and peace activist Thomas Merton. Often called the most significant Catholic spiritual writer of the twentieth century, Merton has acquired an increasing reputation as a wise and prescient commentator on many issues of contemporary life with the gradual publication of his journals and letters beginning in the early 1990s (a quarter-century after his untimely death in 1968, as stipulated by his literary estate). In anticipation of this Merton anniversary year a number of books have examined various aspects of Merton's life and work.Two of these focus on Merton's disparate writings on technology. Merton left no single comprehensive account of his philosophy of technology, but the topic came up often in his letters and his extensive private journals. Jeffrey Shaw and Phillip Thompson each have skillfully woven the disparate threads of Merton's philosophy of technology into a coherent fabric.Shaw discusses Merton alongside French Protestant philosopher and theologian Jacques Ellul (1912-1994), and the pairing makes for a richer discussion than Thompson manages in his slimmer but also fine volume. Merton and Ellul never met and had no known correspondence, but Merton read Ellul enthusiastically and mentioned him several times in his journals.What excited Merton about Ellul's theory of technology was the concept of technique, by which Ellul meant something beyond the standard meaning of that word in English. In his most well-known book, La Technique (The Technological Society), Ellul defined technique as "the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency (for a given stage of development) in every field of human activity." Put differently, technique is that inherent characteristic of technology that enforces efficiency and technological progress at the expense of the natural world and of other, arguably higher, humanistic concerns. The classic example of this is Henry Ford's replacement of craftsmanship with efficient but mind-numbing and spiritually empty assembly-line work.Shaw's book began as a doctoral dissertation, and it retains both the advantages and disadvantages of that genre. The advantages are its comprehensiveness and clear organization, with nicely self-contained chapters dedicated to a comparison of the two men's worldviews; their theology, sociology, and politics of technology; and the relationship between their philosophies of technology and their literary work. …
Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs: Mechanism of Action

Most atypical antipsychotic drugs (including clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone) share in common more potent serotonin (5-HT)2A than dopamine (DA) D2 receptor, antagonism/inverse agonism. They are also direct- or indirect-acting 5-HT1A receptor partial agonists. These features contribute to their low extrapyramidal adverse effects as well as their ability to improve cognition (perhaps via enhanced cortical and hippocampal DA release). Aripiprazole and bifeprunox are D2 partial agonists rather than D2 receptor antagonists. Some of these agents also act on multiple other receptors which may relate to efficacy (e.g., 5-HT2C receptor inverse agonists, M1 muscarinic agonists, alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonists) or side effects (e.g., H1 receptor antagonism), or both. Thus, D2 receptor blockade is no longer the exclusive means to treat psychosis. Keywords: atypical antipsychotic; typical antipsychotic; serotonin; dopamine; acetylcholine; glutamate; clozapine; muscarinic; schizophrenia; cognition
A randomized trial of washed red blood cell and platelet transfusions in adult acute leukemia [ISRCTN76536440].

Background Platelet transfusion is universally employed in acute leukemia. Platelet concentrate supernatants contain high concentrations of biologic mediators that might impair immunity. We investigated whether washed platelet and red cell transfusions could improve clinical outcomes in adult patients with acute leukemia.
Response of a glass melter to steam explosion

The U.S. Department of Energy is proposing to build the nation’s first Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) at the Savannah River Plant (SRP) for large-scale immobilization of high-level radioactive wastes. The SRP is the primary producer of radionuclides in the country for nuclear weapons. In the past 26 years of SRP operations, 28 million gallons of nuclear wastes have been generated, and waste generation is expected to continue at a rate of greater than 1.5 million gallons per year. This waste is currently stored in large underground tanks at the SRP: the DWPF will provide a timely solution to the problem of nuclear waste disposal. The method of waste immobilization calls for a two-stage process that will solidify the sludge and salt fractions of the waste separately. In the first stage, the sludge fraction of the waste is solidified with a borosilicate-type glass frit in a joule-heated ceramic melter at temperatues of about 1150°C. The molten glass is then poured into stainless-steel canisters for interim storage. The stage 1 project will include interim storage facilities at the SRP; thus making operation of the DWPF independent of the eventual selection and timing for a federal repository.
Social Relationships and Health in Older Adulthood

Older adults make up a larger proportion of the population and are living longer than in any time in previous history, which has important implications for their social relationships. This essay reviews key theory and research on changes in social networks over the lifespan, the benefits (and costs) of social relationships for physical health, and the health impact of loss of social relationships during older age. Methodological innovations are shedding new light on the specific biological mechanisms that explain how high and low quality social relationships can impact health, and we review these innovations in different contexts: marriage and loneliness. While social networks generally decrease in size across the lifespan, there is considerable potential for expanding social networks and forming new relationships in later life. However, the research literature on forming new friendships and intimate relationships in older adults is quite limited. Thus, this essay concludes by describing key issues and methodological challenges involved in studying new relationship formation in older adults. Keywords: social relationships; health; aging; older adults; close relationships; friendship; dating; loneliness; marriage; social support
Are Reputational Costs a Determinant of Tax Avoidance

We expect firms with the greatest exposure to reputational damage among consumers will engage in lower levels of tax avoidance to minimize unwanted scrutiny that could impair the firms’ reputation. We identify a set of firms with valuable consumer reputation using Harris Interactive’s EquiTrend survey, which surveys consumers about their perceptions of valuable and prominent brands. We find mixed evidence in support of our hypothesis that firms with valuable brands will engage in less tax avoidance. Specifically, we find firms with valuable consumer brands exhibit higher effective tax rates and industry adjusted cash effective tax rates than a set of matched control firms. We also find firms with valuable consumer brands are less likely to report effective tax rates below salient cutoff points (30, 25, 20 and 10 percent). However, we find no evidence firms with valuable brands are less likely to operate in a tax haven.
Comparison of Pd–Ni–Mg/Ceria–Zirconia and Pt–Ni–Mg/Ceria–Zirconia Catalysts for Syngas Production via Low Temperature Reforming of Model Biogas

Low temperature dry reforming of methane was studied over (0.13–0.51 wt%) Pd and (0.16–0.64 wt%) Pt doped 1.4 wt%Ni–1.0 wt%Mg catalysts on a ceria–zirconia oxide support, as well as control catalysts containing Pt or Pd, but not Ni and Mg. Temperature-programmed reduction studies showed Pd catalysts having initial reduction peaks at lower temperatures compared to Pt catalysts. Reaction studies showed the lowest 10 % conversion of methane at 383 °C for the 0.13%Pd–1.39%Ni–1.0%Mg/(Ce0.6Zr0.4)O2 catalyst. The same catalyst also had the lowest 10 % conversion temperature (366 °C) for carbon dioxide. Syngas ratios (H2:CO) for Pd catalysts (0.24–0.41) were better than Pt catalysts (0.22–0.30) at 450 °C, however still not close to the stoichiometric ratio as a result of the RWGS reaction simultaneously occurring at the low operating temperatures studied. Turnover frequencies were calculated from steady-state reaction experiments done in the temperature range of 430–470 °C. Both catalysts’ TOFs increased with increasing temperature, however overall Pt catalysts had marginally higher TOFs (2.69–4.74 s−1) compared to Pd catalysts (2.40–4.58 s−1). Although both Pd and Pt catalysts had comparable activities and rates, the 0.13 %Pd–1.39 %Ni–1.0 %Mg/(Ce0.6Zr0.4)O2 catalyst was selected as the most promising one because of its higher H2:CO ratios, negligible changes during reaction as evidenced in post-reaction characterization, more basic sites that may decrease coking, and its lower cost.
USING A SPATIAL ENDOGENOUS METHOD TO DETECT HOUSING SUBMARKETS: AN APPLICATION TO TUCSON

While tools modelling spatial autocorrelation have been unanimously adopted in the housing prices literature, there is still no consensus on the appropriate methodology to identify submarkets, i.e. on how to count for spatial heterogeneity. In this paper we propose an innovative methodology that endogenously detects submarkets while counting for spatial autocorrelation across housing prices. The advantage of an endogenous detection is to avoid arbitrariness in the sense that submarkets are defined by the variables of our model only. We apply our methodology to Tucson’s housing market for which our results provide a strong evidence of spatial heterogeneity.
Early Fine Structural Changes in the Human Liver Induced by Alcohol

Summary The early ultrastructural changes induced by isocaloric substitution of ethanol for carbohydrate in the livers of 2 human subjects were studied. Mitochondrial alterations and focal cytoplasmic degradation were noted within 1 day of the full dose of ethanol (46 % of total calories), at a time when fat accumulation was minimal. Fatty metamorphosis was prominent within 3 to 10 days of the full dose of ethanol and was associated with alterations of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, autophagic vacuoles, microbodies, and ductular cells. It is concluded that alcohol exerts a direct toxic action on the liver which precedes or is concomitant with fatty metamorphosis.
ENERGY EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE COUPLED MEDIA OF IMPULSIVELY EXCITED, FLUID-FILLED, ELASTIC CYLINDERS

Abstract The time domain response of an infinite fluid-filled pipe to an impulsive line force of various azimuthal distributions is derived, based on the Kennard shell equations fully coupled to the interior acoustic field and computing a double Fourier integration in the wavenumber and frequency domain. the transient radial velocity of the shell is used to compute the coupled pressure field in the fluid and investigate the instantaneous intensity vectors in the fluid field. These vectors, evaluated in the near field of the shell wall at several distances form the input force for increasing time, give insight into the exchange of energy between the structure and the fluid as the various waves propagate through the system.
Some comments concerning the microscopic theory of Raman scattering by adsorbed molecules

Abstract We discuss qualitatively the implications of a microscopic model for Raman scattering by adsorbed molecules. Possible causes for the enhancement of the Raman cross-section are analyzed.
The importance to males and females of physical attractiveness, earning potential, and expressiveness in initial attraction

In an experimental study, male and female university students were asked to indicate how attracted they were to an opposite gender stimulus person after being presented information about the person's physical attractiveness, earning potential, and expressiveness. As hypothesized, subjects were more attracted to a physically attractive person than to a physically unattractive person, more attracted to a person with high earning potential than to a person with low earning potential, and more attracted to a high-expressive person than to a low-expressive person. Of these three characteristics, physical attractiveness had the greatest effect on attraction. Contrary to sex role stereotypes, males and females were similarly affected by these partner characteristics. Gender differences, however, did emerge in the subjects' estimates of the effects of these characteristics on their attraction. Consistent with sex role stereotypes, males placed greater emphasis than females on physical attractiveness, and females placed greater emphasis than males on earning potential and expressiveness. The discrepancy between the experimental results and the subjects' perceptions of how the factors affected their attraction were interpreted to indicate that people may not be aware of what attracts them to another and may use “implicit causal theories” provided by the culture to explain their attraction responses.
EFFECTS OF HANTAVIRAL INFECTION ON SURVIVAL, GROWTH AND FERTILITY IN WILD RAT (RATTUS NORVEGICUS) POPULATIONS OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

Survival, growth rates, body size and fertility of wild caught Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), infected and uninfected with a Hantavirus (antigenically related to Seoul virus), were compared. No differences were found in the survival of seronegative versus seropositive rats, as measured by mark–recapture experiments. Growth rates, as measured by weight gain but not by increased body length, were slower in seropositive, sexually mature (>200 g) rats, although no differences in the ultimate body size of infected versus uninfected rats were found. No differences in external measures of sexual maturity, or in embryo counts or testes sizes, were found for infected versus uninfected rats. We conclude that hantaviral infections have little or no impact on demographic processes in Norway rat populations.
The Florida State University quadrupole spectrometer

Abstract A quadrupole doublet lens refocuses particles of rigidities up to 400 MeV/c per unit charge scattered within an angular range of −15° to +140° from a 30 cm chamber onto a detection surface 3.0 m removed from the target. This system, herein to be called the quadrupole spectrometer, has been developed for the purpose of (1) reduction of noise and background during detection of charged particles, (2) magnetic rigidity band pass filtering and reduction of unwanted or overprolific beam species, (3) small-angle cross section measurements, (4) charge state determinations, and (5) time-of-flight measurements. A general description of the quadrupole spectrometer, discussion of its intended uses and examples of data obtained are presented.
The right to contraception and the wrongs of restrictive services

Rights come with responsibilities for individuals, service providers, and purveyors. The operationalization of the right to contraception, for universal access to a wide range of effective methods, necessitates very different but complementary interventions. A rights-based approach should aim to respect, protect, and fulfill rights. The wishes of individuals concerning childbearing necessitate informed choice, access to services, and lack of prejudice. Equity should be addressed through the strengthening of health systems, especially primary health care, with emphasis on the needs of underserved populations. Official pronouncements on population issues necessitate commitments. A philosophy of rights is particularly useful for service implementation, including the introduction of new contraceptive methods, by addressing the responsibilities of duty bearers and the claims of right holders. With the rights to and overwhelming health benefits of contraception, it is imperative to reverse the wrongs of limited reproductive health services.
Colorimetric micro-assay for accelerated screening of mould inhibitors

Abstract Since current standard laboratory methods are time-consuming macro-assays that rely on subjective visual ratings of mould growth, rapid and quantitative laboratory methods are needed to screen potential mould inhibitors for use in and on cellulose-based products. A colorimetric micro-assay has been developed that uses XTT tetrazolium salt to enzymatically assess metabolic activity in mould spores, saving significant time and resources (i.e. wood specimens). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC 90 ) of isothiazolinone, a known mould inhibitor, in the XTT assay was the same or within a two-fold dilution of the MIC 90 for two methods currently used to determine mould resistance of cellulose-based products. An ATP assay corroborated XTT assay findings; isothiazolinone appeared to be fungicidal rather than fungistatic to the spores of fungi used in this study. After 24 h exposure to the chemical, spores remained inactive indefinitely. The XTT assay would be a useful tool for screening mould inhibitors for numerous applications in addition to those of the forest products industry.
Protection of repetitive DNA borders from self-induced meiotic instability

Breakages in repetitive ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences can lead to rearrangements through non-allelic homologous recombination, a common source of genomic instability and human disease. Programmed breaks are an essential event in meiosis, however. Vader et al. have identified two proteins, Pch2 and Orc1, that protect the repetitive rDNA array from inappropriate breakages. Surprisingly, Sir2, which establishes the protective heterochromatin environment at rDNA, also makes the border between this heterochromatin and the neighbouring euchromatin susceptible to breaks. Such junctions are therefore at high risk for non-allelic homologous recombination in meiosis. DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in repetitive sequences are a potent source of genomic instability, owing to the possibility of non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR). Repetitive sequences are especially at risk during meiosis, when numerous programmed DSBs are introduced into the genome to initiate meiotic recombination1. In the repetitive ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, meiotic DSB formation is prevented in part through Sir2-dependent heterochromatin formation2,3. Here we show that the edges of the rDNA array are exceptionally susceptible to meiotic DSBs, revealing an inherent heterogeneity in the rDNA array. We find that this localized DSB susceptibility necessitates a border-specific protection system consisting of the meiotic ATPase Pch2 and the origin recognition complex subunit Orc1. Upon disruption of these factors, DSB formation and recombination increased specifically in the outermost rDNA repeats, leading to NAHR and rDNA instability. Notably, the Sir2-dependent heterochromatin of the rDNA itself was responsible for the induction of DSBs at the rDNA borders in pch2Δ cells. Thus, although the activity of Sir2 globally prevents meiotic DSBs in the rDNA, it creates a highly permissive environment for DSB formation at the junctions between heterochromatin and euchromatin. Heterochromatinized repetitive DNA arrays are abundant in most eukaryotic genomes. Our data define the borders of such chromatin domains as distinct high-risk regions for meiotic NAHR, the protection of which may be a universal requirement to prevent meiotic genome rearrangements that are associated with genomic diseases and birth defects.
New actualistic data on the ecology and energetics of hominin scavenging opportunities

Abstract For decades, the ‘hunting-scavenging debate’ has been an important research focus in Plio-Pleistocene hominin behavioral ecology. Here I present new data on potential scavenging opportunities from fresh carnivore kills on a conservancy in central Kenya. This ecosystem is dominated by felids (mainly lions) and has a different carnivore guild than in many earlier studies of scavenging opportunities that took place in areas such as Ngorongoro and Serengeti in Tanzania and Maasai Mara in Kenya, where lions face high levels of inter-specific competition from bone-crunching hyenas. I found that while scavenging opportunities vary among carcasses, most carcasses retained some scavengeable resources. Excluding within-bone resources, even the scavengeable meat on ‘defleshed’ larger sized prey carcasses is usually substantial enough to meet the total daily caloric requirements of at least one adult male Homo erectus individual. I argue, as others have before me, that scavenging opportunities in a particular ecosystem will vary in part due to carnivore taxon, density and guild composition; prey size, biomass and community structure; and habitat (e.g., vegetation, physiography). We should expect variability in scavenging opportunities in different locales and should focus our research efforts on identifying which variables condition these differences in order to make our findings applicable to the diversity of ecological settings characterizing the past.
Lymph node involvement in immunohistochemistry-based molecular classifications of breast cancer

Abstract Background Prognosis and treatment options differ for each molecular subtype of breast cancer, but risk of regional lymph node (LN) metastasis for each subtype has not been well studied. Since LN status is the most important predictor for prognosis, the aim of this study is to investigate the propensity for LN metastasis in each of the five breast cancer molecular subtypes. Methods Under an institutional review board–approved protocol, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of all pathologically confirmed breast cancer cases from January 2004 to June 2012. Five subtypes were defined as luminal A (hormone receptor positive, Ki-67 low), luminal B (hormone receptor positive, Ki-67 high), luminal human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), HER2-enriched (hormone receptor negative), and triple negative (TN). Results A total of 375 patients with complete data were classified by subtype: 95 (25.3%) luminal A, 120 (32%) luminal B, 69 (18.4%) luminal HER2, 26 (6.9%) HER2-enriched, and 65 (17.3%) TN. On univariate analysis, age ( 2 ; P = 0.0004); therefore, multivariable logistic regression did not identify molecular subtype as an independent variable to predict LN positivity. Conclusions Luminal A tumors have the lowest risk of LN metastasis, whereas luminal HER2 subtype has the highest risk of LN metastasis. Immunohistochemical-based molecular classification can be readily performed and knowledge of the factors that affect LN status may help with treatment decisions.
The Prospects of Using Large Vacuum Photodiodes with Gas Scintillation Proportional Counters

Calculations have been made that indicate that large area vacuum photodiodes, particularly with Cs2Te photocathodes, offer great advantages over photomultiplier tubes as the light sensing element in a gas scintillation proportional counter. Expected quantum efficiencies for Cs2Te and CsI photocathodes are calculated for Xe, Kr, and Ar spectra.
The effects of therapeutic back massage on psychophysiologic variables and immune function in spouses of patients with cancer.

" Background: Spouses of patients with cancer are at risk for stress-related disorders and may experience a reduction in immune function. Therapeutic back massage (TBM) has been shown to enhance relaxation and thus, may reduce stress associated with caring for an ill partner. " Objectives: To determine if TBM's influences on psychosocial, physiologic, and immune function variables in spouses of patients with cancer, and explore the relationships between psychosocial variables and immune function in spouses of patients with cancer. " Methods: This group experimental design measured the effects of a 20-minute TBM at three time points (preintervention, immediately postintervention, 20 minutes postintervention) on spouses of patients with cancer (N = 42) randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The major dependent variables including natural killer cell activity (NKCA), heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mood, and perceived stress were measured at the three time points to examine the effects of TBM. Data colt lected on measures of mood and perceived stress were correlated with NKCA to examine their relationships. Prior to hypotheses testing. data collected on measures of depressive mood, loneliness, marital disruption, and health practices were also correlated with NKCA to ascertain any possible confounding variables. " Results: Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance tests determined the effects of TBM over the two postintervention time points and resulted in significant group x time interactions on mood (F [2, 40] = 14.61, p =.0005) and per:: ceived stress (F[2, 40] = 28.66, p =.001). Significant inverse relationships were found between mood and NKCA (r= -.41, p =.009, N = 42) and perceived stress and NKCA (r = -.37, p =.017, N = 42). " Discussion: Findings suggest that TBM may enhance mood and reduce perceived stress in this population. Insight was gained into the psycho-immunologic relationships studied.
7067 Esophageal fistulae–natural history of untreated candida esophagitis?

There are rare case reports of esophageal fistulae arising in the setting of esophageal candidiasis (Thorax 31:361, 1976; NY State J Med 91:406, 1991). With the advent of more readily available upper endoscopy (EGD) and better oral therapy, esophageal candidiasis is generally treated early in its course and rarely allowed to become a chronic infection. A 60 year old diabetic on renal dialysis presented with a history of recalcitrant hiccups and a long history of dysphagia. On multiple occasions each day his hiccups progressed to wheezing and dyspnea for which he had developed a habit of swallowing a towel. The resulting vagal response effectively resolved his bronchospasm. He had had no pyrosis, odynophagia or hematemesis. Over 5 years he had undergone multiple EGDs showing nodularity with a shaggy white membrane and "apparent pseudodiverticula" involving the esophagus at a level of 20-45 cm. Biopsies had repeatedly revealed only keratinization, and acute and chronic inflammation. CT evaluation at our institution revealed marked thickening of the entire esophageal wall with penetration of contrast into the submucosa. On esophageal manometry there were multi-peaked simultaneous contractions in the esophageal body and the lower esophageal sphincter had a mean resting pressure of 35-50 mm Hg with little evidence of relaxation. However, on UGI X-ray there was free gastroesophageal reflux, as well as diffuse ulceration with striking intramural fistulae which were suggestive of diffuse severe and longstanding inflammation. In addition there was aspiration of contrast with spontaneous cough. Biopsies and brushing of the esophageal mucosa revealed Candida glabrata and Candida albicans. Mycobacteria culture was negative. Initially, treatment is being directed at decreasing reflux of gastric content between meals via a venting gastrostomy and at decreasing bronchospasm with bronchodilators. This case of multiple esophageal intramural fistulae in the setting of positive fungal cultures raises the question of whether this is the natural history of long-standing untreated esophageal candidiasis. The role of the Candida esophagitis in causing the achalasia-like picture is uncertain, but also relevant.
Effects of magnesium ions on near-equilibrium calcite dissolution: Step kinetics and morphology

Abstract Dissolution kinetics at the aqueous solution-calcite ( 1 0 1 ¯ 4 ) interface at 50 °C were investigated using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to reveal the influence of magnesium concentration and solution saturation state on calcite dissolution kinetics and surface morphology. Under near-equilibrium conditions, dissolved Mg 2 + displayed negligible inhibitory effects on calcite dissolution even at concentrations of 10 - 4 molal ( m ) . Upon the introduction of 10 - 3 m Mg 2 + , the solution saturation state with respect to calcite, Ω calcite ( = a Ca 2 + · a CO 3 2 - K sp ( calcite ) ) , acted as a “switch” for magnesium inhibition whereby no significant changes in step kinetics were observed at Ω calcite 0.2 , whereas a sudden inhibition from Mg 2 + was activated at Ω calcite ⩾ 0.2 . The presence of the Ω -switch in dissolution kinetics indicates the presence of critical undersaturation in accordance with thermodynamic principles. The etch pits formed in solutions with 10 - 3 m Mg 2 + exhibited a unique distorted rhombic profile, different from those formed in Mg-free solutions and in de-ionized water. Such unique etch pit morphology may be associated with the anisotropy in net detachment rates of counter-propagating kink sites upon the addition of Mg 2 + .
A note on the sequence of expected extremes

Necessary and sufficient conditions for a sequence to be an expectation sequence of maximal (or minimal) order statistics are obtained. Applications to the study of convergence in distribution are given.
Development and validation of a modified Hybrid-III six-year-old dummy model for simulating submarining in motor-vehicle crashes.

Abstract In motor-vehicle crashes, young school-aged children restrained by vehicle seat belt systems often suffer from abdominal injuries due to submarining. However, the current anthropomorphic test device, so-called “crash dummy”, is not adequate for proper simulation of submarining. In this study, a modified Hybrid-III six-year-old dummy model capable of simulating and predicting submarining was developed using MADYMO (TNO Automotive Safety Solutions). The model incorporated improved pelvis and abdomen geometry and properties previously tested in a modified physical dummy. The model was calibrated and validated against four sled tests under two test conditions with and without submarining using a multi-objective optimization method. A sensitivity analysis using this validated child dummy model showed that dummy knee excursion, torso rotation angle, and the difference between head and knee excursions were good predictors for submarining status. It was also shown that restraint system design variables, such as lap belt angle, D-ring height, and seat coefficient of friction (COF), may have opposite effects on head and abdomen injury risks; therefore child dummies and dummy models capable of simulating submarining are crucial for future restraint system design optimization for young school-aged children.
Magnetic field effect on the luminescence of alkane solutions irradiated with helium ions

Abstract Luminescence decays have been determined in cyclohexane and in isooctane solutions of 2,5-diphenyloxazole, PPO, irradiated with helium ions of 2–22 MeV. For each hydrocarbon the general shape of the luminescence decay curve appears to be approximately the same for fast β-particles and for the various energy helium ions, however, the intensities are very dependent on particle type and energy. The total luminescence yield per helium ion increases with increasing particle energy and at a given energy it is greater in cyclohexane than in isooctane. A small magnetic field effect on the luminescence in both solvents of a few percent is observed with helium ions as compared to about 40% for β-particles. The magnetic field effect with helium ions is attributed to the hyperfine interaction between geminate pairs of radical ions since its temporal dependence closely resembles that found for fast β-particles.
Serum albumin in continuous peritoneal dialysis: Its predictors and relationship to urea clearance

Serum albumin in continuous peritoneal dialysis: Its predictors and relationship to urea clearance. We investigated the predictors of serum albumin and the relationship between serum albumin and urea kinetic indices in continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD). In a training set (TS) of 143 urea kinetic studies performed in 92CPD patients, stepwise logistic regression identified high/high-average peritoneal solute transport, diabetes, advanced age and high daily drain volume normalized by body water as predictors of low serum albumin ( 61 years) to 6.792 (high/high-average transport). The RR with two risk factors present ranged from 5.200 to 9.729. The RR with all three risk factors present was 9.100 (95%CI, range 3.923 to 21.111). A subset of 37CPD patients had a second urea kinetic study 8 ± 5 months after an increase in the amount of dialysis due to low urea clearance and/or uremic symptoms. The weekly KT/V urea increased from 1.40 ± 0.24 to 2.10 ± 0.31 after the increase in the CPD dose. With the increase in dialysis, the protein catabolic rate increased substantially; however, the mean serum albumin remained stable (from 33.9 ± 4.6 to 33.3 ± 6.2 g/liter; decrease 18; increase 15; same 4). In comparison to the subjects who had a decrease in serum albumin after the increase in KT/V, those with the increase in serum albumin were younger (44.2 ± 11.2 vs. 54.3 ± 16.2 years, P = 0.044) and had a higher serum urea after the increase in the dose of CPD (22.4 ± 7.8 vs. 17.0 ± 6.0 mmol/liter, P = 0.037). We conclude that the major predictors of low serum albumin in CPD are advanced age, diabetes, and high/high-average peritoneal solute transport, but not urea kinetic studies. An increase in the dose of dialysis does not cause a consistent rise in serum albumin in underdialyzed CPD subjects. However, a subset of younger patients may be able to increase their serum albumin in response to the increase in KT/V.
Angiodysplasia associated with Meckel's diverticulum: case report.

We present a rare case of angiodysplasia associated with a Meckel's diverticulum in a 17-year-old male with intestinal hemorrhage
SoftWAXS: a computational tool for modeling wide-angle X-ray solution scattering from biomolecules

This paper describes a computational approach to estimating wide-angle X-ray solution scattering (WAXS) from proteins, which has been implemented in a computer program called SoftWAXS. The accuracy and efficiency of SoftWAXS are analyzed for analytically solvable model problems as well as for proteins. Key features of the approach include a numerical procedure for performing the required spherical averaging and explicit representation of the solute–solvent boundary and the surface of the hydration layer. These features allow the Fourier transform of the excluded volume and hydration layer to be computed directly and with high accuracy. This approach will allow future investigation of different treatments of the electron density in the hydration shell. Numerical results illustrate the differences between this approach to modeling the excluded volume and a widely used model that treats the excluded-volume function as a sum of Gaussians representing the individual atomic excluded volumes. Comparison of the results obtained here with those from explicit-solvent molecular dynamics clarifies shortcomings inherent to the representation of solvent as a time-averaged electron-density profile. In addition, an assessment is made of how the calculated scattering patterns depend on input parameters such as the solute-atom radii, the width of the hydration shell and the hydration-layer contrast. These results suggest that obtaining predictive calculations of high-resolution WAXS patterns may require sophisticated treatments of solvent.
Si-based two-terminal resistive switching nonvolatile memory

We present recent studies on amorphous silicon (a-Si) based resistive switching nonvolatile memory devices. The devices exhibit excellent performance of high on/off resistance ratio, high yield, fast speed, long retention/endurance and are fully compatible with CMOS processing. High-density crossbar arrays were successfully demonstrated without degradation of the device performance as compared to single cell level devices.
On extremal quasiconformal extensions of conformal mappings

Letf(t, z)=z+tω(1/z) be schlicht for ⋎z⋎>1, ω(z) = Σn= 0/∞anzn,t>0. The paper considers first-order estimates for the dilatation of extremal quasiconformal extensions off ast→0.
Improving the efficiency of UNIX buffer caches

This paper reports on the effects of using hardware virtual memory assists in managing file buffer caches in UNIX. A controlled experimental environment was constructed from two systems whose only difference was that one of them (XMF) used the virtual memory hardware to assist file buffer cache search and retrieval. An extensive series of performance characterizations was used to study the effects of varying the buffer cache size (from 3 Megabytes to 70 MB); I\O transfer sizes (from 4 bytes to 64 KB); cache-resident and non-cache-resident data; READs and WRITEs; and a range of application programs.The results: small READ/WRITE transfers from the cache (≤1 KB) were 5O% faster under XMF, while larger transfers (≥8 KB) were 20% faster. Retrieving data from disk, the XMF improvement was 25% and 1O% respectively, although OPEN/CLOSE system calls took slightly longer in XMF. Some individual programs ran as much as 40% faster on XMF, while an application benchmark suite showed a 7-15% improvement in overall execution time. Perhaps surprisingly. XMF had fewer translation lookaside buffer misses.
Synthesis and biological activity of a cyclic pseudohexapeptide analog of somatostatin.

A cyclic pseudohexapeptide analog of somatostatin, cyclo(Pro[CH2S]Phe-D- Trp-Lys-Thr-Phe) was synthesized by solid phase methods and diphenylphosphoryl azide ring closure. The resulting crystalline compound possessed 23% of the growth hormone inhibitory activity of the parent tetradecapeptide and approximately 6% of the activity of the all-amide cyclic hexapeptide analog inspite of the absence of one of the two postulated intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Novel synthetic rotenoids with blocked B/C ring systems

Abstract The novel cis-12a-methylrotenone is much more potent than its trans epimer as an insecticide and inhibitor of NADH dehydrogenase, establishing the importance of the cis-B/C ring system for biological activity. Blocking the B/C ring fusion of rotenone with either the 12a-methyl or the 6a,12a-cyclopropyl substituent greatly increases the photostability and the 12a-methyl compound also has remarkably enhanced toxicity to houseflies.
A study of the structural basis of the carcinogenicity of tamoxifen, toremifene and their metabolites

An analysis of the chemical structure of tamoxifen, toremifene and their metabolites indicates that metabolism to a DNA-reactive hydroxylamine intermediate is possible. The parent compounds and many of their metabolites are predicted to be rodent carcinogens. Moreover, many of these metabolites contain a 6 A or 8.4 A distance descriptor biphore. These geometric descriptors may be related to an ability of these chemicals to bind to an estrogen receptor. The prediction of the carcinogenicity of toremifene is not in accord with studies published thus far. However, the reports available have not excluded this possibility, since the protocols used have not addressed it systematically.
Mechanism of Inhibition of Gastric Secretion by Fat in the Intestine.

SummaryGastric secretion in the intact rat is inhibited by fat in the small intestine. This inhibitory activity is decreased when bile has been diverted previously from the small intestine. Under these same conditions, addition of bile salts to administered fat results in the same degree of inhibition as in the intact animal.
PKC-α contributes to high NaCl-induced activation of NFAT5 (TonEBP/OREBP) through MAPK ERK1/2.

High NaCl in the renal medullary interstitial fluid powers the concentration of urine but can damage cells. The transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5) activates the expr...