cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with delivery of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with advanced stage ovarian cancer.

Abstract Purpose To identify clinical and non-clinical factors associated with utilization of primary cytoreductive surgery (PCS) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in women with advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods Using the National Cancer Database, we identified women with stage IIIC and IV EOC diagnosed from 2012 to 2014. The primary outcome was receipt of NACT, defined in the primary analysis as utilization of chemotherapy as the first cancer-directed therapy, irrespective of whether interval surgery was performed. Univariable and multivariable associations between clinical and non-clinical factors and receipt of NACT were investigated using mixed-effect logistic regression models. A secondary analysis excluded women who received primary chemotherapy but did not receive interval cytoreductive surgery. Results Among 17,302 eligible women, 10,948 (63.3%) underwent PCS and 6354 (36.7%) received NACT. Older age, stage IV disease, high-grade, and serous histology were associated with receipt of NACT in univariate (p 0.05). In multivariable analysis, African-American race/ethnicity (p=0.04), low-income level (p=0.02), treatment in high-volume centers (p Conclusions Non-clinical factors were associated with the use of NACT at a magnitude similar to that of clinically relevant factors.
Cervical Epidural Injection in the Management of Refractory Pain and Stiffness in Spondyloarthropathy: A Case Report Series.

Objectives The primary objective of this case series was to report the use of cervical epidural steroid injection in the management of neck pain and stiffness secondary to spondyloarthropathy in cases refractory to conservative therapy. Methods This was a case report series on three patients with diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy who presented with severe stiffness and non-radicular axial neck pain refractory to conservative therapy. All patients received cervical epidural steroid injections with significant improvement of their axial neck pain and stiffness. Results Cervical epidural steroid injections may be effective to improve the axial neck pain and stiffness in patients with diagnosis of spondyloarthropathy refractory to conservative management. Thus, we believe that epidural steroid injections should be considered in the management of patients with spondyloarthopathies.
Viewpoints on Interventions for Students with Extensive and Pervasive Support Needs

Abstract This chapter provides “viewpoints” on the education of learners with extensive and pervasive support needs. That is, students who require the most support to learn, often categorized as having intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related disabilities. The lenses through which we provide these viewpoints are historical and future-oriented; we begin with historic perspectives on the education of students with extensive and pervasive support needs, and then provide 21st century viewpoints for these learners. We interpret the notion of viewpoints in two ways: first, consistent with a viewpoint as indicating an examination of objects (in this case, practices and interventions) from a distance so as to be able to compare and judge; and, second, viewpoint as indicating our perspective on said interventions and practice.
Formal and Natural Languages

This chapter discusses formal and natural languages. An algebra or algebraic system is a set S together with a set F of finitary operators defined on S . Because of the simplicity of definition, semigroups form a large and complex class of objects with little structure. The simplest of algebraic systems are those having only a single binary operator. A formal language can be specified in terms of an alphabet and a grammar. An alphabet is a finite set of symbols. A natural language develops and grows through daily use by many people. A grammar for a natural language is subsequently developed to codify rules for the language. Thus, the language comes first and the grammar follows it. However, for a formal language, the grammar is developed first and firmly fixed. Thus, the formal language grows out of its grammar rather than the grammar arising from the already developed language. The formal languages are called phrase structure languages. A grammar for a language can be either generative, starting with the concept sentence and generating particular sentences, or descriptive, starting with a particular string of words and describing exactly how it can be deemed a sentence.
Reimbursement of medical care for immigrants.

Physicians face challenges in getting reimbursed for the care they provide to immigrants. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Epidemiology of Upper Extremity Injuries in NCAA Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey:

Background:Ice hockey is a physically demanding sport where athletes are susceptible to a variety of injuries. Several studies reported the overall injury rates in ice hockey; however, there is a paucity of information on upper extremity (UE) injuries among collegiate ice hockey players.Purpose:To describe the epidemiology of UE injuries among collegiate male and female ice hockey players with NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) injury surveillance data from 2004-2005 to 2013-2014.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Data were obtained from the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program for all UE injuries sustained during the academic years 2004-2005 to 2013-2014. Injury rates, rate ratios (RRs), and injury proportion ratios were reported with 95% CIs.Results:During the 10 years studied, the overall rate of UE injuries for men was higher than that for women (236 vs 125 injuries per 100,000 athlete-exposures [AEs]; RR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.67-2.15). UE injuries sustained during either pre- or ...
Origin of the Gran Desierto Sand Sea, Sonora, Mexico: Evidence from Dune Morphology and Sedimentology

Studies of dune morphology and sediments in the Gran Desierto sand sea show that it is comprised of a wide variety of dune types, each of which appears to have formed as a result of a genetically distinct episode of sediment input and/or reworking of preexisting dunes. Formation of different dune generations was probably the result of fluctuations in sediment supply from source zones which were controlled by tectonic reorganizations of the Colorado River delta region and eustatic changes in sea levels. Climatic changes favored the stabilization and preservation of older generations of dunes.
Pursuit of the Best Result

What do you think about when you look at Figure 7.1? Me, I am not particularly in love with this textbook illustration. And yet, it was the inspiration of Grand Problems I and II–and not only them!
Natural history of postterm choriocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To review the 32-year experience of the New England Trophoblastic Disease Center (NETDC) with choriocarcinoma occurring after a term gestation and to evaluate potential prognostic factors using the World Health Organization (WHO) prognostic score. STUDY DESIGN: The charts of 44 women who were treated for postterm choriocarcinoma at the NETDC from August 1964 to January 1996 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data and details of the clinical course were determined. Potential risk factors, including disease duration, pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level, sites of metastases and stage, as well as data regarding the infants and previous and subsequent pregnancies, were evaluated. RESULTS : Five (11%) of the infants suffered significant complications secondary to maternal choriocarcinoma. The time interval from delivery to diagnosis, pretreatment hCG level and sites of metastatic disease were all significant risk factors in predicting outcome. All 31 patients with a WHO score ≤8 survived, and 6/13 (46%) patients with a WHO score > 8 died. CONCLUSION: Disease duration greater than four months from delivery, pretreatment hCG level > 100,000 mIU/mL, presence of liver or brain metastases, and a WHO score > 8 were all important predictors ofoutcome in patients with postterm choriocarcinoma.
Catheter Based Local Drug and Gene Delivery

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was introduced into clinical medicine in 1980 and in the ensuing years there has been an explosive growth in the number of procedures performed. Until just recently, however, there has been little advancement in reducing the frequency of restenosis and the incidence of angiographic restenosis, broadly defined as the partial or total reocclusion of the artery to 50% of the original lumen, has remained 50%. Although the use of the Palmaz-Schatz intracoronary stent [1,2] has reduced the angiographic restenosis rate to 30% this device is impractical in arteries with a diameter <3.0 mm and in arteries with unsuitable anatomy. In addition, stents actually elicit increased intimal accumulation. The clinical ramifications of restenosis include increased mortality, morbidity and health costs associated with repeat angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery. Therefore, recognition by both clinical cardiologists and vascular biologists that restenosis is a major clinical problem has lead to the evaluation of local drug or gene delivery as a therapeutic approach. Restenosis appears to be particularly well-suited for site-specific treatment as it has a defined initiation point, i.e. the angioplasty procedure, the process is completed within 6 months and the focal restenotic arterial segment. Other potential applications for local delivery include treatment of intracoronary thrombus formation and modification of the atherosclerotic plaque making it less suseptable to rupture.
Exchange Rate Volatility in the Artificial Foreign Exchange Market

This paper studies co-evolution of different decision rules in an artificial foreign exchange market. The behavior of the exchange rate depends on the type of decision rules that agents use. Evolution of the moving average and least squares forecasting techniques results in a speculative attack on one of the currencies and that currency’s eventual collapse. Addition of the rules that evolve the portfolio fractions directly brings in persistent volatility of the exchange rate that resembles the actual exchange rates time series.
Biosynthesis of Sterols, Carotenoids, and Polyprenols

Since the demonstration that acetate is the source of carbon for cholesterol produced by rat liver tissue (Bloch, 1951) and ergosterol in fungi (Neurospora) (Ottke et al., 1950), a large volume of information concerning sterol biosynthesis has been published, and various aspects have been reviewed on several occasions (Cornforth, 1959; Wolstenholme and O’Connor, 1959; Popjak and Cornforth, 1960; Heftmann and Moseltig, 1960; Bloch, 1965; Clayton, 1965; Frantz and Schroepfer, 1967; Goad, 1967; Goodwin, 1971). Early progress (1950’s) in establishing the pathway of sterol synthesis was greatly facilitated by the availability of [14C] labeled substrates, and an understanding of the reaction mechanisms was made possible with the more recent synthesis of stereospe-cifically labeled mevalonic acid. The early studies were conducted mainly with mammalian (rat liver) and fungal (yeast and Neurospora) systems.
MANAGING A “KNOTTY” LEAD

As the number of ICD implantations increases, so do device complications. Implanters need a variety of approaches to deal with the different possibilities. A 64-year-old woman who underwent initial biventricular ICD placement in 2012 presents with atrial lead fracture. Venography revealed a mildy
Acquired Cystic Disease-associated Renal Cell Carcinoma (ACD-RCC): A Multiinstitutional Study of 40 Cases With Clinical Follow-up.

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known to be higher in patients with end-stage renal disease, including those with acquired cystic kidney disease due to dialysis. Acquired cystic disease (ACD)-associated RCC was recently incorporated into the 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Ur
Differentiated Foundry Solutions for a Connected Future

We are entering an exciting new era of domain-specific compute and connected systems driven by emerging applications in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, mobility (including 5G), augmented reality, hybrid/private Cloud, and industrial automation. In this manuscript, an overview of key technologies needed to enable these emerging applications and new markets will be detailed.
A panel data analysis of Latin American populism

This paper provides new estimates of the effects of left-of-center populist regimes on economic developments in the 21st century in Latin America. In contrast to earlier research, we take account of the price shocks that may also have affected economic development during these regimes’ time in office. In general, we find that left-populist regimes reduced per capita real income in both the short and long run, after accounting for those price shocks.
DREAM: An Algorithm for Mitigating the Overhead of Robust Rescheduling.

Generating and executing temporal plans is difficult in uncertain environments. The current state-of-the-art algorithm for probabilistic temporal networks maintains a high success rate by rescheduling frequently as uncertain events are resolved, but this approach involves substantial resource overhead due to computing and communicating new schedules between agents. Aggressive rescheduling could thus reduce overall mission duration or success in situations where agents have limited energy or computing power, and may not be feasible when communication is limited. In this paper, we propose new approaches for heuristically deciding when rescheduling is most efficacious. We propose two compatible approaches, Allowable Risk and Sufficient Change, that can be employed in combination to compromise between the computation rate, the communication rate, and success rate for new schedules. We show empirically that both approaches allow us to gracefully trade success rate for lower computation and/or communication as compared to the state-of-the-art dynamic scheduling algorithm.
Potent trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulfonyl, trifluoromethylthio and pentafluorosulfanyl containing (1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzamides against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) affects about 80 000 patients in the US annually and directly causes about 11 000 deaths. Therefore, despite the fact that there are several drugs available for the treatment of MRSA, there is a need for new chemical entities. We previously reported that 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl sulfonamide F6 was bacteriostatic and inhibited MRSA strains with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 μg mL−1. Here, we report the discovery of trifluoromethoxy (OCF3), trifluoromethylsulfonyl (SO2CF3), trifluoromethylthio (SCF3) and pentafluorosulfanyl (SF5) containing (1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)benzamides exhibiting potent antibacterial activities against MRSA [MIC values as low as 0.06 μg mL−1 against linezolid-resistant S. aureus (NRS 119)]. Interestingly, whereas the OCF3 and SO2CF3 containing oxadiazoles were bacteriostatic, the SCF3 and SF5 containing oxadiazoles were bactericidal. They exhibited a wide spectrum of activities against an extensive panel of Gram-positive bacterial strains, including MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) and methicillin-resistant or cephalosporin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Furthermore, compounds 6 and 12 outperformed vancomycin in clearing intracellular MRSA in infected macrophages. Moreover, the tested compounds behaved synergistically or additively with antibiotics used for the treatment of MRSA infections.
Selenium-associated DNA methylation modifications in placenta and neurobehavioral development of newborns: An epigenome-wide study of two U.S. birth cohorts

Abstract Background/Aim Selenium (Se) levels in pregnancy have been linked to neurobehavioral development of the offspring. DNA methylation is a potential mechanism underlying the impacts of environmental exposures on fetal development; however, very few studies have been done elucidating the role of DNA methylation linking prenatal Se and child neurobehavior. We aimed to investigate the associations between placental Se concentration and epigenome-wide DNA methylation in two U.S. cohorts, and to assess the association between Se-related DNA methylation modifications and newborns’ neurobehavior. Methods We measured placental Se concentrations in 343 newborns enrolled in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study and in 141 newborns in the Rhode Island Child Health Study. Genome-wide placental DNA methylation was measured by HumanMethylation450 BeadChip, and newborn neurobehavioral development was assessed by the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS). We meta-analyzed the associations between placental Se concentration and DNA methylation in each cohort, adjusting for covariates. We also fit multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression for methylation and newborn NNNS summary scores. Results We identified five Se-related differentially methylated CpG sites. Among them was cg09674502 (GFI1), where selenium concentration was positively associated with methylation (β-coefficient = 1.11, FDR-adjusted p-value = 0.045), and where we observed that a one percent methylation level increase was associated with a 15% reduced odds of higher muscle tone in the arms, legs and trunk of newborns, (OR [95% Confidence Interval, CI] = 0.85 [0.77, 0.95]). We also observed for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in selenium concentration in the placenta, there was 1.76 times greater odds of higher hypotonicity (OR [95% CI] = 1.76 [1.12, 2.82]). Conclusions Placental selenium concentration was inversely associated with muscle tone of newborns, and hypermethylation of GFI1 could be a potential mechanism underlying this association.
Thermochemical studies of X(NpO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 (X = K+, Rb+), neptunium analogs of the autunite/meta-autunite group

Abstract Actinide phosphate materials with autunite or meta-autunite type sheets consisting of vertex-sharing actinyl square bipyramids and phosphate tetrahedra have low aqueous solubility and potential applications for actinide immobilization in the environment. Neptunyl phosphates, X(NpO2)(PO4)(H2O)3, X ​= ​K+ and Rb+, have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and characterized for their structures and purities. Direct thermochemical studies were performed using high temperature oxide melt drop solution calorimetry. After correcting for the presence of residual fluorapatite from the synthesis, the formation enthalpies of K(NpO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 and Rb(NpO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 are determined to be −3235 ​± ​21 ​kJ/mol and −3270 ​± ​11 ​kJ/mol, respectively. The thermodynamic data presented here may be important for understanding neptunium mobility after disposal of nuclear waste in a geological repository.
Abstract 15937: Gender Disparities in Presentation and Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Endovascular Lower Extremity Interventions for Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Although data suggests higher rates of functional decline and inferior outcomes in women compared to men after interventions for peripheral artery disease (PAD), women remain underrep...
Viability of Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 immobilized in a cereal-legume complementary food “weanimix” with simulated gastrointestinal conditions

Abstract Three cereal-legume complementary foods (weanimix) were formulated and evaluated for their ability to enhance the survival of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum NCIMB 8826 in simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions. The three different blends of weanimix: MCPPM (maize:cowpea:peanut:powdered milk), MCP (maize:cowpea:peanut) and MC (maize:cowpea) were used. L. plantarum was inoculated and cultured in the weanimix slurry media to immobilize the cells. L. plantarum free cells in MRS broth were used as a control. Simulated gastric fluid (SGF) of pH 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5, and bile salt (0.3 and 1 g/100 ml of ox gall) were used to simulate the gastrointestinal conditions. The three complementary blends offered a protective shield, which improved cell viability in SGF at all pH levels. L. plantarum survived well in MCPPM, MCP and MC with
Mental Health Conditions Among Community College Students: A National Study of Prevalence and Use of Treatment Services.

Objective:This study estimated the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of mental health problems and treatment utilization in a U.S. national sample of community college students and made comparis...
Erythropoietin administration expands regulatory T cells in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

Abstract Objective Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease associated with impaired regulatory T cell (Treg) number and function. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a kidney-produced erythropoietic hormone that has known immune-modulating effects, including Treg induction. Whether EPO administration increases Treg in patients with AIH is unknown. Methods We treated six stable AIH patients with a single 1000 IU dose of EPO and comprehensively characterized changes in Treg overall and in Treg subsets before and at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment using mass cytometry (CyTOF) combined with an unbiased clustering approach (Phenograph) based on 22 Treg-relevant cell-surface markers. Results EPO was well-tolerated and no patients showed significant changes in hematological parameters, liver enzymes, or IgG levels from baseline to 12 weeks following EPO administration. Total Treg and Treg/CD8+ T cell ratios significantly increased at 4 weeks and returned to baseline levels at 12 weeks after EPO injection. We identified 17 Treg subsets of which CD4+CD25HICD127NEG HLADR+ Treg had the highest increase and the most favorable Treg/CD8+ ratio upon EPO treatment. At 12 weeks after EPO administration, the HLADR+ Treg subset also returned to values comparable to those at baseline. Ex vivo assays documented that Treg were functional and the ones isolated at 12 weeks after EPO injection were significantly more suppressive than the ones isolated at baseline. In Treg-depleted assays, EPO did not show a significant effect on IFN-γ+, IL-2+, and IL-17+ CD4+ T cells. Conclusion In stable AIH patients, EPO increases overall Treg and particularly those expressing the high function marker HLA-DR. These results provide the rationale for future studies testing the hypothesis that EPO or EPO analogues improve outcomes of AIH patients by increasing Treg.
Nitrous Oxide Gas May be a Promising Therapy for Acute Priapism in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report

Abstract Background : Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an inhalational medication that has anxiolytic, amnestic, potent venodilatory and mild-to-moderate analgesic properties commonly used in the emergency department (ED) setting. N2O has a rapid onset of action ( Objective: To describe the effects of N2O for the treatment of acute priapism associated with SCD in a pediatric ED. Methods: This is a case report of a child with Hb-SS who on 2 separate occasions presented to the ED with acute priapism that failed oral therapy (pseudoephedrine and opioids). On each occasion he received standard treatment for VOE pain based on institutional guidelines for SCD that included oral opioids and intranasal fentanyl prior to IV access. N2O gas was utilized to help facilitate IV catheter placement. Results: In each presentation (at ages 8 and 10 years) the patient experienced complete resolution of the priapism within 5-15 min of receiving N2O (max 60%). The patient was discharged from the ED following each presentation and had no recurrence during the subsequent week. Conclusions: Priapism is a challenging complication of SCD associated with long-term morbidity and a paucity of treatment options. Given the risks and inconsistent results of current recommended therapy, N2O may represent a potentially superior treatment option for priapism presenting to the ED that warrants further investigation. Although anecdotal, N2O inhalation is a safe consideration during a time when a treating ED physician has few alternatives. Disclosures Morris: Pfizer: Consultancy; Lifetrients: Patents & Royalties: I am inventor of IP owned by USCF-Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, licensed to Lifetrients, generating royalties; Nestle: Consultancy; Calithera Biosciences: Consultancy; MAST Therapeutics: Research Funding.
An ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (IC-MS/MS) method for glyphosate and amino methyl phosphoric acid in serum of occupational workers

Abstract A non-suppressed ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (IC-MS/MS) has been established to measure glyphosate (GLY) and amino methyl phosphoric acid (AMPA) in serum of the occupational workers. After the inhibition of metal-chelating with EDTA aqueous solution and protein precipitation with acetonitrile, the samples were purified with a modified liquid–liquid extraction method and separated on an ion chromatographic column (250 mm × 2.1 mm) by using a gradient program of 0.4 mol/L methylamine aqueous solution and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) model was used to obtain the sensitivity of the method, and the isotopically labelled internal standards were applied in the calibration process. Good linearities and recoveries were obtained in the validation process. The recovery experiment provided satisfied results with a range of 91%~101% for GLY and 92%~99% for AMPA in human serum and RSD values for both two analytes were
On the use of a trilinear traction-separation law to represent stitch failure in stitched sandwich composites:

Modern aircraft employ the use of lightweight engineering materials such as sandwich composites to increase the flexural rigidity of their structural components. These sandwich composites are limit...
Does Endovascular Repair for Blunt Traumatic Aortic Injuries Provide Better Outcomes Compared to Its Open Technique? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION Traumatic aortic injuries are devastating events in terms of high mortality and morbidity in most survivors. We aimed to compare the outcomes of endovascular repair (ER) vs. open repair (OR) in the treatment of traumatic aortic injuries. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Postoperative mortality was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, hospital length of stay, operating time, paraplegia, stroke, acute renal failure, and reoperation rate. The Mantel-Haenszel method (random-effects model) with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR (95% CI)), and the inverse variance method with the mean difference (MD (95% CI)), were used to measure the effects of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. RESULTS A total of 49 studies involving 12,857 patients were included. Postoperative mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.459). Among secondary outcomes, the paraplegia rate was significantly lower after ER (p=0.032). Other secondary endpoints such as ICU length of stay (p=0.329), hospital length of stay (p=0.192), operating time (p=0.973), stroke rate (p=0.121), ARF rate (p=0.928), and reoperation rate (p=0.643) did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis found that ER was associated with a reduced paraplegia rate compared to OR for the management of traumatic aortic injury.
A Positively Charged Liquid Crystalline Medium for Measuring Residual Dipolar Couplings in Membrane Proteins by NMR

Residual Dipolar Couplings (RDCs) are integral to the refinement of membrane protein structures by NMR since they accurately define the orientation of helices and other structural units. Only a small set of liquid crystals used for RDC measurements are compatible with the detergents needed in membrane protein studies. The available detergent-compatible liquid crystals are negatively charged, thus offering effectively only one of five orthogonal components of the alignment Saupe matrix. In this communication, we present a robust liquid crystalline medium that is positively charged, pinacyanol acetate (PNA), for the determination of orthogonal sets of RDCs in membrane proteins. This new medium promises to enhance the accuracy of membrane protein structures and the measurement of dynamics based on RDCs.
SU-E-P-28: Mammography System Collimation Assessment Using Unfors/RaySafe DXR+: How to Increase the Measurement Accuracy

Purpose: Unfors DXR rulers (Hopkinton, MA) are used to measure the X-ray field to light field coincidence for mammography systems with a small SID of approximately 66cm. However, due to its bulky size (14.5mm thick with 2.5mm sensors) thickness correction is needed. Methods: Unfors DXR rulers were used to evaluate the collimation of three mammography systems: GE Essential, GE 2000D, and Hologic Selenia with various compression paddles. When measuring the X-ray field to light-field coincidence using DXR rulers, the light-field is aligned to the zero mark on top of the ruler which is 14.5mm from the base of the ruler, while the X-ray sensor inside the ruler is at 7mm from the base of the ruler. Error occurs because of this 7.5mm difference. To resolve this problem, the error is projected to different reference planes for GE and Hologic mammography systems and the correction factors (CFs) are generated. In order to generate the CFs, the image size at the image receptor is measured/calculated for GE and Hologic mammography systems with various compression paddles using the images stored in PACS. For the shifting compression paddle, the movement is also measured at the image receptor plane and CFs are generated based on the X-ray field locations. Results: The generated CFs were used to calculate the X-ray field to light field coincidence. The CFs ranges from 1.0mm for Hologic Selenia with 18×24cm compression paddle to 2.9mm for GE Essential with 24×30.7cm compression paddle. Conclusion: CFs were generated for 3 mammography systems with various compression paddles when measuring the X-ray field to light field coincidence using Unfors DXR rulers. The application of these correction factors adjusts the X-ray field to light field misalignment calculation up to 0.55% of the SID which is over a quarter of the 2% SID pass/fail criteria for mammography systems.
Discrete Element Analysis for Discontinuous Plates

The mathematical details are applicable for plates and slabs with freely variable foundation support including holes in the subgrade. Anisotropic elasticity which governs the behavior of orthotropic plates is used to develop the necessary equations. The method is not limited by discontinuities, and uses an efficient alternating-direction iteration means of solving the resulting equations. The method allows considerable freedom in configuration, loading, flexural stiffness, and boundary conditions. Three principal features are incorporated into the method: (1) The plate is defined by a discrete-element model consisting of bars, springs, elastic blocks, and torsion bars, which are further grouped for analysis into orthogonal systems of beam-column elements and forces; (2) each individual line-element of the two dimensional system is solved rapidly and directly by recursive techniques; and (3) an alternating-direction iterative method is utilized for coordinating the solution of the individual line-elements into the slab solution. The computer program utilizes the developed equations and techniques. Several sample problems illustrate the generality of the method, and the use of the computer program. The results compare well with closed-form solutions.
Vector memory expansion system for T33XX logic tester

This paper describes a low-cost memory expansion system for the Advantest T33XX logic tester series. Using this system, the T33XX tester has the same capability as the T6672 tester. This system allows the T33XX to be used for ASIC wafer testing until 2010.
Selective insecticides: The potential for improved control of the soybean aphid as a result of a bioresidual

Natural enemies of the invasive pest Aphis glycines can prevent its establishment and population growth. Regardless, the common form of control that is used against A. glycines is the application of broad-spectrum insecticides, which not only affect the populations of the pest, but also the natural enemies that are present in the field at the time of application. An alternative is the use of selective insecticides that affect the targeted pest species, while having a reduced impact on the natural enemy community. We tested the effects of broad-spectrum and selective insecticides on the populations of natural enemies in soybean fields during the 2009 and 2010 field seasons to determine the impacts that each class had on the abundances of the natural enemies. The insecticides that were used for the study included esfenvalerate, spirotetramat, imidacloprid, and CMT-560. We compared the abundances of natural enemies at a pre-application date and a post-application date to determine if the insecticides that were used affected natural enemies. We determined that selective insecticides have a reduced impact on the natural enemy communities, but the individual selective insecticides have different impacts on individual species of natural enemies.
A parallel architecture for stock cutting problem

The problem of allocating irregular patterns arises frequently in applications where it has to be determined how a set of two-dimensional shapes will fit onto a stock sheet of finite dimensions with minimum waste. The use of the simulated annealing approach for the solution of this problem is described. >
A clinical measure of suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and associated symptoms in bipolar disorder: Psychometric properties of the Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR)

Abstract Objective People with bipolar disorder are at high risk of suicide, but no clinically useful scale has been validated in this population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties in bipolar disorder of the 7- and 12-item versions of the Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR), a scale measuring suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, and associated symptoms. Methods The CHRT was administered to 283 symptomatic outpatients with bipolar I or II disorder who were randomized to receive lithium plus optimized personalized treatment (OPT), or OPT without lithium in a six month longitudinal comparative effectiveness trial. Participants were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews, clinician-rated assessments, and self-report questionnaires. Results The internal consistency (Cronbach α) was 0.80 for the 7-item CHRT-SR and 0.90 for the 12-item CHRT-SR with a consistent factor structure, and three independent factors (current suicidal thoughts and plans, hopelessness, and perceived lack of social support) for the 7-item version. CHRT-SR scores are correlated with measures of depression, functioning, and quality of life, but not with mania scores. Conclusions The 7- and 12-item CHRT-SR both had excellent psychometric properties in a sample of symptomatic subjects with bipolar disorder. The scale is highly correlated with depression, functioning, and quality of life, but not with mania. Future research is needed to determine whether the CHRT-SR will be able to predict suicide attempts in clinical practice.
Absorption of phosphate in the jejunum of patients with chronic renal failure before and after correction of vitamin D deficiency

To examine the role of vitamin D in human phosphate absorption, we studied patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis, before and after correction of vitamin D deficiency. Thirty-centimeter segments of jejunum were perfused with test solutions containing varying concentrations of phosphate; phosphate absorption rate and electrical potential difference were measured. The data reveal that dialysis patients have depressed phosphate absorption, but the degree of this depression is modest, compared to the extent of their depressed calcium absorption. Therapy with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 1 wk restored phosphate absorption rate to near normal. With or without 1,25-(OH)2D3 therapy, phosphate absorption was not influenced by calcium in the perfused test solutions. Examination of kinetic data suggests that the vitamin D deficiency of chronic renal failure causes a reduction by half in the rate of active phosphate absorption. By contrast, our data suggest that vitamin D deficiency does not alter passive phosphate absorption. By aspirating jejunal contents after ingestion of different foods, with and without aluminum hydroxide, the physiologic luminal phosphate concentration was found to vary between 0.7 and 12.2 mM. At the lower end of this range, phosphate absorption would be mediated entirely by active transport; at the higher phosphate concentrations, phosphate absorption would be mainly mediated by passive transport.
Procedures for measurement of carbonate ion concentrations in seawater by direct spectrophotometric observations of Pb(II) complexation

Abstract The health of coral reefs and calcareous plankton is strongly influenced by the carbonate saturation state of seawater. Calculations of carbonate saturation states currently require measurements of two CO 2 system parameters, such as pH and total dissolved carbon, plus thermodynamic calculations that relate carbonate ion concentrations to directly measured parameters. In this work we report novel procedures for direct measurements of carbonate ion concentrations and saturation states in seawater. Measurements are obtained via ultraviolet spectroscopic observations of Pb(II) spectra as the relative concentrations of PbCO 3 0 and an ensemble of lead chloride complexes vary in response to dissolved CO 3 2− . Measurement precision is enhanced by parameterization in terms of absorbance ratios. The PbCO 3 0 stability constant, and Pb(II) molar absorbance ratios in seawater, were determined at 25 °C over a range of salinity between 36 and 20. The procedures described in this work are well suited to measurements throughout the normal range of carbonate ion concentrations in the oceans. Rapid equilibration rates for Pb(II) carbonate complexation make the procedures described in this work well suited to rapid direct analysis in situ.
Host range and implications of plant infection by Agrobacterium rhizogenes

Abstract Agrobacterium rhizogenes is the bacterial agent of “hairy root”; disease of many higher plants. This bacterium has been used for insertion of selectable markers into host plants, the culture of immortal root lines for secondary metabolite production, and studies of root physiology and plant‐fungal and plant‐nematode interactions. This review reports the results of infection trials, including 36 in the author's laboratory, of 183 varieties, 463 species, 109 families, 49 orders, 5 classes, and 2 divisions. Contrary to earlier reports, A. rhizogenes is infectious on a high percentage (57%) of those plants tried, and neither primitive nor advanced plants are, as a rule, resistant. Four families have been identified which should be considered resistant from the number of unsuccessful trials on several species inoculated with multiple bacterial strains. These are the Cactaceae, Ges‐neriaceae, Lamiaceae, and Liliaceae. However, the latter two families may be revised on further work. The Solanaceae, Rosa...
Readability of High School Text Passages before and after Revisiona

Reading specialists at the secondary school level have been concerned for a long time about improved reading in the subject matter areas. Recently, there has been growing concern for qualitatively analyzing some of the difficulties students encounter in reading subject matter materials. Hopefully, analyses of the difficulties the materials present to students will provide information for restructuring or rewriting the materials so they will be easier to read.
An assessment of spectral analysis of amphetamine-induced behavior☆

Abstract Testing of a new radio frequency capacitance field type transducer and power spectrum analysis system for assessment of rat behavior is described. Power spectrum estimates of amphetamine-induced behavior had an orderly relationship with behavior ratings ranging from inactive to intense stereotypy. The effects of thorazine dose-response blocking on amphetamine-indcued behavior were linear. Separation between adjacent doses could not be accomplished with a single frequency, but required differential frequency-time period information.
Coagulase-negative staphylococcal bloodstream infections: Does vancomycin remain appropriate empiric therapy?

Summary Objectives It is unknown if vancomycin minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) have increased in coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) or whether vancomycin remains appropriate empiric therapy. Methods We performed a retrospective study at a single tertiary care center over 8 years. Adult inpatients with ≥2 positive blood cultures for CoNS within a 48-h period were eligible. Susceptibilities were performed by automated broth based-microdilution. Changes in antimicrobial susceptibility were analyzed using logistic regression. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) were compared by MIC. Results Of 308 episodes of possible CoNS bacteremia, the vancomycin MIC was ≤1 μg/mL in 80 (26%) isolates, 2 μg/mL in 223 (72.4%) isolates and 4 μg/mL in 5 (1.6%) isolates. No isolates were resistant. We observed an 11-fold increased chance of having an isolate with a vancomycin MIC ≤1 μg/mL in 2009–2011 compared with 2004–2008 (OR 10.8, 95% CI 6.0–19.5, p Conclusions We conclude vancomycin is still appropriate empiric therapy for CoNS BSIs. CoNS vancomycin MICs decreased over the study period despite widespread use of vancomycin.
Numerical Simulations: Some Results for the 2- and 3-D Hubbard Models and a 2-D Electron Phonon Model

Numerical simulations on the half-filled three-dimensional Hubbard model clearly show the onset of Neel order. Simulations of the two-dimensional electron-phonon Holstein model show the competition between the formation of a Peierls-CDW state and a superconducting state. However, the behavior of the partly filled two-dimensional Hubbard model is more difficult to determine. At half-filling, the antiferromagnetic correlations grow as T is reduced. Doping away from half-filling suppresses these correlations, and it is found that there is a weak attractive pairing interaction in the d-wave channel. However, the strength of the pair field susceptibility is weak at the temperatures and lattice sizes that have been simulated, and the nature of the low-temperature state of the nearly half-filled Hubbard model remains open.
Kaleidoscope: using design patterns in CS1

Most computer science curricula include design patterns during the junior/senior software development sequence. We present a simplified application of two classic design patterns that is specifically targeted at students in their first programming course. We also include suggested pedagogy on how to develop the concepts necessary to implement and appreciate the application.
Measured and estimated methane and carbon dioxide emissions from sawdust waste in the Tennessee Valley under alternative management strategies.

Abstract Wood waste is a potential source of methane production due to its high degradable organic carbon content and an on-site storage method that is conducive to development of anaerobic conditions. Future emissions from wood waste could be even higher if waste piles must be converted to landfills by soil capping in order to comply with national criteria for solid waste disposal. In order to estimate current and potential methane emission rates a set of field and laboratory measurements were undertaken. Gas samples for analysis of methane and CO 2 were collected from the surface of sawdust piles using chambers placed on the pile surface, and at depths of 1.5, 3.0 and 4.6 m using a sampling probe. Two piles in each of the following age ranges were sampled: 0–1, 1–4, 3–5, and 5–8 years. In the laboratory study, sawdust samples from the 3.0 m depth were incubated under 20% CO 2 in nitrogen at 32, 40 and 48°C to simulate the temperature range and anaerobic conditions occurring in typical sawdust piles. Field measurements indicated that methane comprised 20% of the biogas generated from sawdust piles. Emissions from the pile surface averaged 1.68 mg m −2 h −1 compared to literature estimates from landfills on the order of 0.125-125,000 mg m −2 h −1 (Bogner and Scott, 1995), with the low emission rates suggesting that a large percentage of the methane produced was either oxidized or otherwise consumed before reaching the pile surface. Emissions to the atmosphere estimated from annual sawdust production in the Tennessee Valley range from 15–44 metric tons per year. Incubation studies indicated highest methane generation at 32°C with a reduction in emissions in excess of 70% when the temperature was increased to 48°C. Estimates of methane production indicate that soil capping of disposed sawdust could increase methane production by 2–2.5 times over the biodegradation lifetime of the sawdust stored on-site. Assuming the global warming potential of methane is 21 times that of CO 2 , combustion of wood waste rather than on-site storage or capping would provide a CO 2 offset of 1.2 or 3.8 tons, respectively, for each ton of sawdust burned.
Divisibility criteria for class numbers of imaginary quadratic fields

In a recent paper, Guerzhoy obtained formulas for certain class numbers as p-adic limits of traces of singular moduli. Using earlier work by Bruinier and the second author, we derive a more precise form of these results using results of Zagier. Specifically, if −d < −4 is a fundamental discriminant and n is a positive integer, then Tr(pd) ≡ 24 p− 1 · ( 1− (−d p )) ·H(−d) (mod p) provided that p ∈ {2, 3} and (−d p ) = −1, or p ∈ {5, 7, 13} and (−d p ) 6= 1.
Female mate choice of large male broad-headed skinks

Abstract Abstract. Male broad-headed skinks, Eumeces laticeps, found in close proximity with females during the breeding season are larger than other adult males, suggesting that male reproductive success increases with body size. Staged encounters revealed a distinct mating preference by females for large males. Females actively rejected courtship by small adult males, which were excluded from mating in the field. No preference by females was detected for males having the bright orange head coloration normally present during the breeding season. However, the existence of such a preference was not disproven. These findings are consistent with those for other lizards in that male reproductive success increased with male size and that no female choice favouring bright mate breeding coloration could be demonstrated. The preference for large males best supports the good genes hypothesis because E. laticeps males do not defend resources and large males demonstrated an ability to survive for several years. Previous studies suggest that large male body size is also favoured by intra-sexual selection because larger males aggressively exclude smaller males from mating opportunities. Other aspects of sexual selection on male body size are discussed.