cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Contribution to Reconfigured Multi-Level Inverter Fed Double Stator Induction Machine DTC-SVM Control

The Dual Stator Induction Machine (DSIM) meets well with the need for high power applications. In the recent years, it has been increasingly used for variable speed drives. However, its control strategy is still a subject of research due to its complex structure, though it offers more reliable application in use due to the presence of double stators. The fault detection and localization in an inverter are profitable for better diagnosis and the inverter reconfiguration is the most required process to ensure acceptable service continuity. This paper tackles, on the one hand, a control strategy based on the Direct Torque Control combined with the Space Vector PWM of a DSIM (DTC-SVM-DSIM) and on the other hand, a three-level inverter fault detection and localization, reconfiguration of the inverter when operating under open-circuit IGBT switch faults. Several results are presented to illustrate the enhancement of torque and flux quality owed to the proposed control strategy and also to show the improvement of the open-circuit fault detection and localization method for better diagnosis as well as the inverter reconfiguration impact on the drive system service continuity.
DOES THROMBOLYSIS REDUCE MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH INTERMEDIATE RISK PULMONARY EMBOLISM? A TRIAL SEQUENTIAL ANALYSIS

Background: Trial sequential analysis (TSA) is a technique used to establish the threshold when firm evidence is reached in meta-analyses. We performed a TSA of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing thrombolysis to anticoagulation alone for all-cause mortality in patients with intermediate-
Multiplex testing of driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLCs) of African-American (AA) patients.

7561 Background: Recently driver genetic alterations have been identified in NSCLC that can be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Previous reports have suggested that rates of certain mutation...
Blend configuration in functional polymeric materials with a high lignin content.

Lignins upgrade the lignocellulosic cell-wall domains in all vascular plants; they embody 20–30% of terrestrial organic carbon. For 50 years, mistaken assumptions about the configuration of lignin have hindered the development of useful polymeric materials with a lignin content above 40 wt%. Now, polymeric materials composed only of methylated softwood lignin derivatives can exhibit better tensile behavior than polystyrene. Marked improvements may be achieved with small quantities (5–10 wt%) of miscible blend components as simple as poly(ethylene glycol). These observations contradict commonly held views about crosslinking or hyper-branching in lignin chains. The hydrodynamic compactness of the macromolecular lignin species arises from powerful noncovalent interactions between the lignin substructures. Individual lignin components undergo association to form macromolecular complexes that are preserved in plastics with a very high lignin content. Material continuity results from interpenetration between the peripheral components in adjoining lignin complexes. Through interactions with the peripheral domains, miscible blend components modulate the strength and ductility of these utterly original lignin-based plastics.
Abiotic and biotic controls of phytoplankton biomass dynamics in a freshwater tributary, estuary, and large lake ecosystem: Sandusky Bay (Lake Erie) chemostat

The classic view of tributary–lake interactions solely considers tributaries as sources of nutrients for phytoplankton growing offshore. We tested how river input of phytoplankton affected dynamics...
Influence of intergenotypic competition on multigenerational persistence of abiotic stress resistance transgenes in populations of Arabidopsis thaliana

Reducing crop losses due to abiotic stresses is a major target of agricultural biotechnology that will increase with climate change and global population growth. Concerns, however, have been raised about potential ecological impacts if transgenes become established in wild populations and cause increased competitiveness of weedy or invasive species. Potential risks will be a function of transgene movement, population sizes, and fitness effects on the recipient population. While key components influencing gene flow have been extensively investigated, there have been few studies on factors subsequent to transgene movement that can influence persistence and competitiveness. Here, we performed multiyear, multigenerational, assessment to examine fitness effects and persistence of three mechanistically different abiotic stress tolerance genes: C-repeat binding factor 3/drought responsive element binding factor 1a (CBF3/DREB1a); Salt overly sensitive 1 (SOS1); and Mannose-6-phosphate reductase (M6PR). Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana overexpressing these genes were grown in pure populations and in competition with wild-type (WT) parents for six generations spanning a range of field environment conditions. Growth, development, biomass, seed production, and transgene frequency were measured at each generation. Seed planted for each generation was obtained from the previous generation as would occur during establishment of a new genotype in the environment. The three transgenes exhibited different fitness effects and followed different establishment trajectories. In comparison with pure populations, CBF3 lines exhibited reduced dry weight, seed yield, and viable seed yield, relative to WT background. In contrast, overexpression of SOS1 and M6PR did not significantly impact productivity measures in pure populations. In competition with WT, negative fitness effects were magnified. Transgene frequencies were significantly reduced for CBF3 and SOS1 while frequencies of M6PR appeared to be subject to genetic drift. These studies demonstrate the importance of fitness effects and intergenotype competition in influencing persistence of transgenes conferring complex traits.
STUDIES ON A SWIRLING CIRCULATING FLUIDIZED BED

ABSTRACT In this paper, a novel coal combustor termed “Swirling Circulating Fluidized Bed (SCFB)” has been studied. The SCFB is a circulating fluidized bed with tangential injection of the secondary air. Studies on hydrodynamics using cold model and combustion using a pilot plant have been conducted. The system has also been simulated and good agreement has been achieved with the experimental data. The advantages of the swirling action in the bed over the traditional circulating bed have been discussed.
Capital Accumulation Optimal in the Final State

The turnpike theorem for paths of accumulation in the von Neumann model which optimize final stocks is extended to general convex technologies. It is shown that optimal paths converge to a facet of the production cone, the von Neumann facet, on which there lies a path of maximal balanced growth for certain relevant goods. Then the asymptotic results are extended to a subset of the facet, which in many cases will be the path of maximal balanced growth itself, the von Neumann ray.
A Simultaneous Control Chart

(This paper was presented at the Journal of Quality Technology Session at the 30th Annual Fall Technical Conference of the Chemical and Process Industries Division of the American Society for Quality Control and the Section on Physical and Engineering S..
Temperature-Programmed Retention Indices for GC and GC-MS of Hydrocarbon Fuels and Simulated Distillation GC of Heavy Oils

It is important to clarify the exact chemical composition of various hydrocarbon streams for both fundamental studies of their composition-structure-property relationships and their practical applications for transportation fuels and organic chemical feedstocks. This chapter is a selective review of studies conducted in our laboratory on temperature-programmed retention indices for gas chromatography (GC) and GC coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of distillate fuels, and high-temperature simulated distillation GC analysis of residual oils and their upgrading products. Liquid hydrocarbon fuels derived from petroleum and coal as well as natural gas through various processes contain a broad range of compounds that are different in boiling points, carbon number, molecular weight, compound class and chemical structure.
Estimation of pulp viscosity and grinding mill performance by means of mill noise measurements

It is well known that the density and viscosity of a mill pulp have optimum levels for grinding efficiency, and sophisticated control loops are employed to control pulp density in industry. However, these control loops rely on a number of plant measurements, and often the input data will not permit effective determination and control of the mill pulp density. The use of a single remote pulp density measurement has obvious advantages, and it is suggested and demonstrated for laboratory batch grinding that mill noise measurements can indicate the effective density of the mill pulp. In addition, the mill noise is shown to indicate the actual effective pulp viscosity in the mill and hence permit the identification of the dynamic rheological regime existing in the mill. It is demonstrated that mill noise increases with grind time and, at any given grind time, with increasing pulp density in the pseudoplastic range. This increase in mill noise level with pulp density is interpreted as indicating a decreasing pulp viscosity. The results show that the transition from dilatant to pseudoplastic conditions within the mill, with increasing pulp density, can be identified by this increase in mill noise. When the pseudoplastic pulp started to exhibit yield characteristics, the mill noise fell dramatically. The technique of mill noise analysis is then used to investigate the effect of a grinding additive on the batch grinding of two ores. With a magnetite ore, the additive was shown to increase the mill noise, and hence decrease the pulp viscosity, in the pseudoplastic region and to increase the effective grinding. The molybdenite ore, however, did not show significant noise level changes and did not show improved grinding efficiency.
Understanding Scientific Inquiry

Science is a process of inquiry: a process of asking and answering questions. However, a good question is more than an interrogatory, and a good answer is more than information: there are logical constraints that dictate when a question is answerable and what qualifies as an answer. This paper will provide an understanding of (1) when a question is answerable, (2) when a question is not ready to be asked, (3) when a question is trivial, (4) what is required for a response to be an answer, and (5) what sequence of inquiry is required to identify an answer. Equipped with this understanding, a scientist can better determine an appropriate sequence of study for a research program as well as identify the necessary arguments to warrant claims of understanding, funding, and the publication of research findings.
Peace Up, A-town Down: Exploring the Evolution of Popular Music

People listen to music for a variety of reasons and these reasons are different for everyone. What specifically are the reasons large numbers of people tune into the most popular songs? This qualitative study thematically examined the lyrical changes in popular songs across three decades. Discovering the lyrical characteristics of popular songs over time could give some insight into how people were feeling at a certain point in time, their opinions towards various subjects, or how they enjoyed themselves in their free time. This can be illustrated by which particular song is most popular over a specific year and how this song is structured lyrically. Conceivably, uncovering the lyrical progression and evolution of music over time will provide a better understanding of society in general, how society changes over time, and where society and its preferences are headed towards moving forward.
Complications associated with cement augmentation techniques in spinal surgery

Abstract Metabolic conditions can compromise the integrity of the spine, placing patients at risk of pain, progressive spinal deformity, and failure of instrumentation used in treatment of spinal pathology. Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, sacroplasty, and augmented pedicle screws are frequently performed procedures developed to help combat these issues. These procedures are infrequently associated with significant issues, but serious complications from these surgeries can occur. Consequently, it is critical that treating surgeons be aware of the most common complications associated with cement augmentation procedures, as well as understand how to minimize their occurrence, diagnose them swiftly, and manage them appropriately when needed.
An Enriched Time-Series Forecasting Framework for Long-Short Portfolio Strategy

Stock return forecasting typically requires a large number of factors and these factors usually exhibit nonlinear relations with each other. Conventional methods of stock return forecasting mainly fall into two categories: Technical Analysis and Fundamental Analysis. Technical Analysis focuses on time-series data, while Fundamental Analysis explores low-frequency fundamental variables. Although there are substantial works on either time-series analysis or fundamental analysis, few studies have enriched the time-series forecasting with fundamental variables, as the features are characterized by different frequencies, scales and types. In this paper, we propose a Long Short-Term Memory and Deep Neural Network (LSTM-DNN) hybrid model to integrate the fundamental information into time-series forecasting tasks. We demonstrate how investors can benefit from the superior performance of LSTM-DNN by constructing a long-short portfolio that takes long positions in stocks with the highest forecasting returns and short positions in stocks that are expected to decline. Extensive experimental results on real data show that our novel framework could improve the profitability of long-short portfolio strategies compared to the state-of-the-art approaches. We also find evidence indicating that the outperformance of LSTM-DNN model comes from its enhanced ability to extract information from the nonlinear relations among various features, rather than bearing more market risks. Besides the novel framework, we propose a cross-section normalization method, which benefits the framework by providing enriched cross-section signals.
Educational needs, perception, and perspectives of oncologists regarding compassionate use programs in Asia

This study was conducted to capture the educational needs, perceptions, and perspectives of oncologists towards Compassionate Use Programs (CUPs) in Asia, with the aim of gathering insights related...
Espionage, Espionage-Related Crimes, and Immigration: A Risk Analysis, 1990-2019

Espionage poses a threat to national security and the private property rights of Americans. The government should address the threat of espionage in a manner whereby the benefits of government actions taken to reduce it outweigh the costs of those actions. To aid in that goal, this policy analysis presents the first combined database of all identified spies who targeted both the U.S. government and private organizations on U.S. soil. This analysis identifies 1,485 spies on American soil who, from 1990 through the end of 2019, conducted state or commercial espionage. Of those, 890 were foreign‐​born, 583 were native‐​born Americans, and 12 had unknown origins. The scale and scope of espionage have major implications for immigration policy, as a disproportionate number of the identified spies were foreign‐​born. Native‐​born Americans accounted for 39.3 percent of all spies, foreign‐​born spies accounted for 59.9 percent, and spies of unknown origins accounted for 0.8 percent. Spies who were born in China, Mexico, Iran, Taiwan, and Russia account for 34.7 percent of all spies. The chance that a native‐​born American committed espionage or an espionage‐​related crime and was identified was about 1 in 13.1 million per year from 1990 to 2019. The annual chance that a foreign‐​born person in the United States committed an espionage‐​related crime and was discovered doing so was about 1 in 2.2 million during that time. The government was the victim in 83.3 percent of espionage cases, firms were the victims of commercial espionage in 16.3 percent of the cases, and hospitals and universities were the victims of espionage in 0.1 percent and 0.3 percent of the cases, respectively. The federal government should continue to exclude foreign‐​born individuals from entering the United States if they pose a threat to the national security and private property rights of Americans through espionage. A cost‐​benefit analysis finds that the hazards posed by foreign‐​born spies are not large enough to warrant broad and costly actions such as a ban on travel and immigration from China, but they do warrant the continued exclusion of potential spies under current laws.
Polymer Physics for Understanding Bacterial Chromosomes

This chapter presents polymer physics that is relevant for an understanding of bacterial chromosome segregation. I first show that polymers have a natural tendency for segregation, which can be very strong in the presence of confinement. I then discuss segregation of duplicating chromosomes using the concentric-shell model, which predicts that newly synthesized DNA will be found in the periphery of the chromosome during replication. I sketch implications of these results, e.g., on the role of proteins, segregation mechanisms for bacteria of diverse shapes, cell cycle of an artificial cell, and evolution. Finally, I remind the reader of the robust nature of the bacterial cell cycle by presenting experimental results of Escherichia coli growing in a nano-fabricated slab of thickness under 300 nm.
Random Walks on Generalized Euclidean Graphs

Graphs are attached to the additive group of F\({\text{F}}_{q}^{n}\), where q = p r, p an odd prime, using a generalized analogue of Euclidean distance. The resulting generalized Euclidean graphs are k-regular Cayley graphs. We study the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplacian kI- A, where A is the adjacency operator of the graph. The eigenvalues are shown to be generalized Kloosterman sums, having the bound \(|\lambda |2{{q}^{{\frac{{n - 1}}{2}}}}\). Random walks on these Euclidean graphs are shown to go to Random after one step (as q → ∞). We also show some Euclidean graphs and List Density Plots.
Clostridium novyi -NT can cause regression of orthotopically implanted glioblastomas in rats

// Verena Staedtke 1,* , Ren-Yuan Bai 1,* , Weiyun Sun 1 , Judy Huang 1 , Kathleen Kazuko Kibler 3 , Betty M. Tyler 1 , Gary L. Gallia 1 , Kenneth Kinzler 2 , Bert Vogelstein 2 , Shibin Zhou 2 and Gregory J. Riggins 1 1 Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 2 Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 3 Department of Pediatrics-Anesthesiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Gregory J. Riggins, email: // Keywords : Clostridium novyi -NT, bacterial therapy, glioblastoma multiforme, stroke Received : February 11, 2015 Accepted : February 12, 2015 Published : March 18, 2015 Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor that is especially difficult to treat. The tumor’s ability to withstand hypoxia leads to enhanced cancer cell survival and therapy resistance, but also yields a microenvironment that is in many aspects unique within the human body, thus offering potential therapeutic opportunities. The spore-forming anaerobic bacterium Clostridium novyi- NT( C. novyi- NT) has the ability to propagate in tumor-generated hypoxia, leading to oncolysis. Here, we show that intravenously injected spores of C. novyi- NT led to dramatic tumor destructions and significant survival increases in implanted, intracranial syngeneic F98 and human xenograft 060919 rat GBM models. C. novyi -NT germination was specific and confined to the neoplasm, with sparing of the normal brain parenchyma. All animals tolerated the bacteriolytic treatment, but edema and increased intracranial pressure could quickly be lethal if not monitored and medically managed with hydration and antibiotics. These results provide pre-clinical data supporting the development of this therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with GBM.
Responses of Motor- and Nonmotor-Related Neostriatal Neurons to Amphetamine and Neuroleptic Drugs

The neostriatum has been implicated in the behavioral response to amphetamine and in the ability of neuroleptic drugs to attenuate this response (e.g., Rebec and Bashore, 1984). Recent efforts to identify the mechanisms underlying amphetamine-induced behavioral effects have focused on single-unit recordings of neostriatal activity in freely moving animals. When such recordings are obtained exclusively from neurons that are active in rats performing a locomotor task, amphetamine causes a further increase in firing rate (West et al., 1987). In contrast, neurons sampled when animals are resting quietly show a heterogeneous response to amphetamine that includes both excitations and inhibitions (Gardiner et al., 1988; Ryan et al., 1989). These divergent results may reflect a differential action of amphetamine on motor- and nonmotor-related neurons. In an initial test of this hypothesis, we found that cells activated during movement were significantly more likely to increase their firing rate to amphetamine than neurons showing activity unrelated to movement (Haracz et al., 1989). In this report, we extend this research and also compare the ability of haloperidol, a classical neuroleptic that blocks virtually all components of the amphetamine behavioral response, and clozapine, an atypical drug that reverses relatively few amphetamine-induced behaviors (Tschanz and Rebec, 1989), to block the neuronal response to amphetamine.
Development of Zirconium-based Conversion Coatings for the Pretreatment of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy Prior to Electrocoating

This work examines the use of hexafluorozirconic acid based solutions at concentrations from 0.025 M to 0.100 M and pH values of 2.0 to 4.0 for the creation of a zirconia-based conversion coating less than 1 micron thick to protect magnesium alloy AZ91D. Similar coatings have been found to give excellent protection for steel and aluminum alloys, but little research has been conducted on its application to magnesium. Work was performed to gain an understanding of the film formation mechanisms and related kinetics using x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and open circuit potential monitoring techniques. A design of experiments approach was taken to determine the effects of acid concentration, pH, and soak time on the corrosion properties both as-deposited and with an application of electrocoat. It was found that the application of the zirconia-based coating significantly increased corrosion resistance, and allowed for an acceptable e-coat application with excellent adherence.
The communication journal collection : Issues and strategies

Building and maintaining a journal collection in communication studies is complicated by a lack of agreement on what communication is, what constitutes a communication journal, and the subsequent inconsistencies in the indexing and abstracting tools for the discipline. This paper provides an overview of the issues and controversies within the discipline and offers practical strategies for managing communication journal collections.
Human papillomavirus vaccine awareness, uptake, and parental and health care provider communication among 11- to 18-year-old adolescents in a rural Appalachian Ohio county in the United States.

Purpose This study examined human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine awareness and uptake, and communication with a parent and/or a health care provider among 11- to 18-year-old male and female adolescents in an Appalachian Ohio county. Methods Five questions regarding the HPV vaccine were added to the 2012 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) surveys administered to middle and high school students in the county. The YRBSS surveys are school-based, anonymous, and voluntary. The questions added were about vaccine awareness and uptake, and communication with a parent or health care provider about the vaccine. Results Of the 1,299 participants, 51.9% were male and 90.3% were white. Overall, 49.2%, 23.5%, 19.2%, and 24.6%, respectively, reported vaccine awareness, uptake of at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine, communication with a parent, and communication with a health care provider. Females and adolescents ≥15 years were significantly more likely to report awareness, uptake, and parental and provider communication than males and adolescents ≤14 years. Adolescents receiving any dose of the vaccine were significantly more likely to have had a parent (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 2.30-6.06) or a health care provider (OR: 10.91; 95% CI: 6.42-18.6) discuss the vaccine than those who had not received any dose. Conclusions Despite the strong link between parental and health care provider communication and HPV vaccine uptake, the levels of communication remain low in this Appalachian population. These findings suggest the need for public health education programs targeting the health care providers, the parents, and the adolescents to improve awareness, knowledge, and HPV vaccine uptake.
Geographies of Globalization: A Critical Introduction – By Andrew Herod

Andrew Herod’s Geographies of Globalization is one of the newest entries in Wiley-Blackwell’s Critical Introductions to Geography series, intended as texts for undergraduate courses. The title is a...
The Ethnic Economy: Cubans and Chinese Reconsidered

Using 1980 PUMS data for Miami Cuban and Bay Area Chinese immigrant males, this study operationalizes and tests three theories about the earnings of employees in ethnic economies. The results consistently show that the allocation of financial rewards in the ethnic economy closely resembles that found elsewhere. Although this finding merits more extensive confirmation in primary data, it implies that ethnic economy theories contribute little to the understanding of contemporary ethnic inequality within the working class.
Comparative study of same sitting hybrid coronary artery revascularization versus off-pump coronary artery bypass in multivessel coronary artery disease

Objective: We compared the outcomes of same sitting robotic-assisted hybrid coronary artery revascularization (HCR) with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in similar patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Background: HCR is a novel procedure in selected patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Although there are some data on staged HCR, the data on same sitting HCR are limited. Methods: We conducted a prospective study comparing same sitting robotic-assisted HCR patients (n = 25) to a group of consecutive low to moderate risk OPCABG patients (n = 27) during the study period. HCR patients underwent robotic internal mammary artery takedown followed by OPCABG via minithoracotomy. After confirming graft patency, immediate percutaneous coronary intervention on the nonbypass arteries was performed. Comparative analyses were performed on in-hospital and 30 day outcomes. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar for both groups including the severity of CAD (Syntax score 33.5+/−8.2 vs. 34.9+/−8.2, P = 0.556). Overall MACE was similar between both groups; however, the HCR group showed improved hospital outcomes with lower need for postoperative transfusions (12% vs. 67%, P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (5.1+/−2.8 vs. 8.2+/−5.4 days, P < 0.01). Despite lower postoperative costs, the HCR group had higher overall hospital costs due to higher procedural costs ($33,984 +/−$4,806 vs. $27,816+/−$11,172, P < 0.0001). Propensity model analysis showed similar findings. The HCR group showed improved quality of life measures with shorter time to return to work (5.3+/−3.0 vs. 8.2+/− 4.6 weeks, P = 0.01). Conclusions: Same sitting HCR appears to be feasible and may offer superior outcomes to standard OPCABG, further studies are warranted. (J Interven Cardiol 2012;25:460–468)
Variation in Experience and Team Familiarity: Addressing the Knowledge Acquisition-Application Problem

Prior work in organizational learning has failed to find a consistent effect of variation in experience on performance. While some studies find a positive relationship between these two variables, others find no effect or even a negative relationship. In this paper, we suggest that the differences in prior findings may be due to the failure to separate the processes of knowledge acquisition and knowledge application. While variation in experience may permit the acquisition of valuable knowledge, additional mechanisms may be necessary to enable the subsequent application of that knowledge in a team setting. We hypothesize that team familiarity - prior experience working with team members - may be such a mechanism. We use detailed project- and individual-level data from an Indian software services firm to examine the effects of team familiarity and variation in market experience on multiple measures of performance for over 1,100 software development projects Consistent with prior work, we find mixed results for the effect of variation in experience on performance. We do, however, see evidence of a moderating effect of team familiarity on the relationship between these two variables. Our paper identifies one mechanism for uniting knowledge acquisition and knowledge application and provides insight into how the management of experience accumulation affects the development of organizational capabilities.
Glaukon's Challenge (Republic 2)

Translation of Glaukon's challenge, including the so-called "Ring of Gyges" story, at the opening of Republic 2. (Formatted for printing on 4 pages, 2 double-sided sheets.)
Novel Agents in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are a diverse group of tumors that derive from epithelial cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a subset of NET that arises in the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms and presentations vary depending on the location and hormones produced by the tumor. Treatment of advanced and metastatic gastroenteropancreatic NETs has traditionally been difficult with few systemic treatment options. In 2011, two new targeted therapies, everolimus and sunitinib were approved for treatment of pancreatic NET leading to increased interest in novel agents active in gastroenteropancreatic NETs. At the 2013 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium two abstracts presented new data regarding novel therapies. Lombard-Bohas et al. (Abstract #224) presented new data from the RADIANT-3 trial and Shen et al. (Abstract #322) looked at the use of octreotide in elderly patients with carcinoid syndrome.
CELLULAR ASPECTS OF PROSTAGLANDIN SYNTHESIS AND TESTICULAR FUNCTION.

It is somewhat surprising that testicular prostaglandin synthesis and the relationship of prostaglandins to testicular function have been neglected for so long though evidence for the existence of this class of hormones was first associated with human seminal fluid (Kurzrok and Lieb, 1930). Investigations in our laboratory on prostaglandin synthesis and their actions on the testis were initiated after preliminary studies showed that lipid peroxidation had a direct relationship to androgen synthesis (Ellis and Baptista, 1969) and possibly served some endocrine function in the testis. Reports by other workers (Samuelsson et al, 1966; Euler and Eliasson, 1967) that lipid peroxidation was involved in prostaglandin synthesis in other organs, added impetus to our studies.
Amygdaloid-lesion hyperphagia: impaired response to caloric challenges and altered macronutrient selection

Lesions of the most posterodorsal aspects of the amygdala in female rats result in hyperphagia and moderate obesity. In the present study, rats with amygdaloid lesions did not increase their daily food intake when their powdered diet was diluted with 25 or 50% nonnutritive bulk. Control animals adjusted their food intake appropriately. In a second study, rats with lesions ate less food (lab chow pellets) than controls when allowed to eat for only 1 h/day for 10 days. In experiment 3, rats were offered a three-choice macronutrient diet. Whereas four of six control animals preferred the high-fat diet, all eight of the rats with amygdaloid lesions displayed a distinct preference for the high-carbohydrate diet, including those that had preferred the high-fat diet before surgery. These results, along with the previous finding that identical lesions result in hyperinsulinemia, indicate that the amygdala is involved in both the homeostatic regulation of food (caloric) intake and the selection of macronutrients.
Modification of the Fiske and SubbaRow Method for Total Phospholipid in Serum

Many of the difficulties encountered in the original Fiske and SubbaRow method for estimating serum phospholid were corrected through the use of vanadium pentoxide, a catalyst used in sample digestion, and through other minor modifications. Results obtained by the modified method agree well with those obtained by three other established phospholipid procedures. The greatly improved speed, simplicity, accuracy, and precision now makes the modified Fiske and SubbaRos method ideal for clinical or research use.
Monte Carlo analysis on a large pedigree

Monte Carlo methods for linkage and segregation analysis are applied to the HGAR1 pedigree. To address these data, the methods are extended in several ways. The results are compared with those provided by PAP
DRUG-INDUCED VASCULITES

DIV is a relatively common cause of inflammatory vasculitis. Drugs from almost every pharmacologic class have been implicated in causing vasculitis in sporadic cases. The level of certainty and quality of evidence for these associations between specific agents and vasculitis vary greatly. The clinical manifestations of DIV range from single organ involvement (most commonly, skin) to life-threatening multiorgan disease. The recently described subset of cases of DIV associated with positive tests for ANCA are an interesting subset of DIV. The diagnosis of DIV is usually one of exclusion. The treatment of DIV is dependent on the severity of disease activity but should always include withdrawal of the suspected drug. If no agent can be implicated, as many drugs as feasible should be discontinued. The necessity of prescribing glucocorticoids or immunosuppressive agents depends on the disease severity and other case-specific information. Increasing understanding of the pathophysiologic characteristics of all inflammatory vasculitides should lead to better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to DIV.
Near-complete transmission through subwavelength hole arrays in phonon-polaritonic thin films

We report that phonon-polaritonic thin films with a periodic array of subwavelength holes allow near-complete transmission in the polariton gap where a homogeneous film completely suppresses transmission. We find that both propagating modes inside the subwavelength holes and surface resonances on the film interfaces play a crucial role in the transmission behavior. In the frequency range where both occur simultaneously, they interfere destructively and completely suppress transmission. When both mechanisms are spectrally separated, each individually results in enhanced transmission.
Test-retest reliability of the multifocal electroretinogram and Humphrey visual fields in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

We examined the reliability of Humphrey visual field thresholds and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) amplitudes and timing in a group of patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Eight patients with RP and seven control subjects were tested five times: at baseline (visit #0), at three weekly follow-up visits (visits #1 - #3), and at three months (visit #4). For the Humphrey thresholds, differences between dB values on repeat visits were obtained. Differences between log values on repeat visits were calculated for mfERG amplitude and implicit time. We used the standard deviations of these difference scores as a measure of reliability and the means of the difference scores as a measure of progression. We found that the majority of the patients' repeat data were more variable than that of the control subjects for both the Humphrey and mfERG. We found no single factor that predicted the magnitude, or the variance, of the SD of differences scores for the patients. We recommend that each patient's reliability be assessed individually. Ultimately, the choice of an outcome measure must be guided by its reliability, as well as its ability to assess the visual function of interest.
HIGHER-ORDER BUBBLE CORRECTIONS TO TWO-BODY MATRIX ELEMENTS IN THE 1s 0d SHELL.

Abstract The renormalization of two-body matrix elements in the 1s 0d shell has been considered by explicitly summing to second and all orders the perturbation theory diagrams of the Tamm-Dancoff and random phase approximations. The equivalence to the phonon coupling approach is demonstrated. Large enhancements are found compared to the first order result, and it is shown that difficulties arise due to the instability of the J″ = T″ = 0 phonon. The spectra and γ-transitions in mass 18 are discussed.
Neutron reflectometry at the NCNR

Abstract For more than a decade, neutron reflectometry has been an active part of the research program at NIST and, over the years, a broad range of experiments have been performed on polymeric, magnetic, superconducting, and biomimetic thin film systems. Some examples include studies of diblock copolymer lamellar ordering [1], the magnetic coupling in “Giant Magneto-Resistance” and other multilayers [2,3], the structure of Langmuir-Blodgett films [4], the corrosion of electrode surfaces [5], the oxide layers of semiconductor surfaces, the absorption of macromolecules by biomimetic bilayers, and grazing angle diffraction experiments with polarized neutrons [6].
The OVRO blazar monitoring program

The OVRO 40 m Telescope monitoring program carries out twice-weekly measurements of the 15 GHz flux density of nearly 1600 blazars and other AGN, including all those associated with northern (declination > −20°) Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) detections and a preselected sample ideal for statistical studies. We present some results from the program and describe the statistical method we have developed to assess the intrinsic radio variability of the sources in our sample. We also present a method for assessing the significance of correlations between radio and gamma-ray light curves.
Culture as Applied Ontology

The smallest human isolate is a culture, not an individual. The test for valid isolation is the prospect of survival: the individual cannot live alone, a culture can. Philosophy in the old sense of a subjective study involving supernatural or transcendental knowledge was inimical to the physical sciences; but this is not true of philosophy in the new sense and it is not true of the social sciences. We shall see what these two propositions involve, for they result in the proposal to set forth a certain theory concerning the relations of that part of philosophy named ontology to those large-scale items of the social field called human cultures, more specifically in the use of ontologies as instruments of cultural analysis. The term, ontology, has acquired an unfortunate reputation among scientists because of the theological endorsement by which it has been identified with a particular theory of ontology long considered official in certain quarters. But the field of ontology is wider than any particular theory comprised within it Since the association with theology is not the meaning of ontology intended here, it may be well to begin with a definition and description.
Behavioral effects of toluene are modulated by stimulus control.

Behavior that is strongly controlled by environmental stimuli is less susceptible to disruption by certain chemicals than is such behavior not under strong external control. To determine whether toluene's effects can also be minimized by environmental stimuli, two varieties of a fixed consecutive number schedule were studied. With one, a lever press response was reinforced with milk only if preceded by a minimum of eight consecutive responses on a second lever, no cues indicating that the minimum number had been reached. With the other, a combination of lights and a tone served as a discriminative stimulus signaling the completion of the minimum response number. In an experiment studying these schedules separately, rats were exposed to toluene concentrations up to 3000 ppm for 4-hr periods immediately before their performance was tested. Toluene reduced the accuracy of both types of behavior in a concentration-related fashion. Clear differential effects occurred, with the signaled behavior, i.e., that under stronger stimulus control, showing less disruption by toluene. Similar results were produced after 2-hr exposures with a multiple schedule in which the signaled and unsignaled performances alternated within a single session. Response rate changes were observed at 560 ppm, but changes in rate were independent of effects on the accuracy of performance. The EC50 for significant behavior disruption was 1081 ppm for the unsignaled component of the multiple schedule; the EC10 was 480 ppm. No performance disruption was observed in the signaled component below 1780 ppm. The finding of differential sensitivity could be useful in guiding the development of more sensitive tests of performance impairment.
Valvular Strands and Cerebral Ischemia: Effect of Demographics and Strand Characteristics

Background and Purpose Valvular strands, thin filamentous material attached to the mitral or aortic valve, are seen during transesophageal echocardiography and have been associated with stroke. Little is known about this association in different age, sex, and race-ethnic subgroups and the effect of various strand characteristics on this association. Methods From patients referred for transesophageal echocardiography, 73 patients with recent ischemic stroke (68) or transient ischemic attack (5) were age matched to 73 stroke- and transient ischemic attack–free control subjects. The association between valvular strands and cerebral ischemia was evaluated for the overall group and demographic subgroups. The effect of strand location, length, number, and valve thickness was also determined. Results An association between cerebral ischemia and valvular strands was observed (odds ratio [OR]=4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.0 to 9.6). The association was found for both men and women and among all three race-ethnic groups. The OR was greater in those who were younger (12.5 [95% CI=2.4 to 64.5] for age Conclusions Valvular strands, whether mitral or aortic, are associated with ischemic stroke, especially among younger persons.
Increased telomerase activity is associated with shorter survival in patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND Significantly elevated telomerase activity (TA) has been found in samples from patients with many malignant hematologic diseases. However, the impact of elevated TA on the course of patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) is unknown. METHODS Using a modified polymerase chain reaction-based telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay, the authors measured TA in bone marrow samples from 93 patients with CP-CML and correlated it with patient characteristics and survival. TA also was measured in bone marrow samples from 29 patients with accelerated/blastic phase CML. RESULTS Patients with accelerated/blastic phase CML were found to have somewhat higher levels of TA compared with patients with CP-CML (P = 0.07). Among patients with CP-CML, those with high TA progressed to advanced stages of disease sooner (P = 0.05) and had a significantly shorter survival (P = 0.04) than patients with low TA. No correlation was found between TA and patient age, hemoglobin, platelet and leukocyte counts, percentage of peripheral or bone marrow blasts or basophils, or bone marrow cellularity. On multivariate analysis, high TA retained its significance as a factor associated with shorter patient survival (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The current study data suggest that TA plays a role in the propagation of CP-CML and that the potential of telomerase inhibitors in patients with CML should be explored, even in those with early phase disease. Cancer 2003;97:1248–52. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11217
Changes in the black-white infant mortality gap from 1983 to 1991 in the United States

Abstract Background: The long-standing difference in infant mortality in the United States between black and white infants has increased in recent years. To help identify the cause, we evaluated changes in birthweight distributions (BDs) and birthweight-specific mortality rates (BSMRs) among black and white infants born in the United States between 1983 and 1991. Methods: Using national linked birth and death certificate data, we limited analyses to singleton births that occurred in the United States to resident, non-Hispanic black and white women. Birthweight data were analyzed in 500 g increments. The black-white gap was partitioned into deaths due to differences in BDs and BSMRs. Results: The black-white infant mortality rate ratio increased from 2.1 in 1983 to 2.4 in 1991. Decreases in BSMRs among infants weighing from 500 to 2499 g occurred in both groups but were smaller among black than white infants; consequently, the percentage of excess deaths to black infants due to differences in BSMRs almost doubled during the study period, from 6.5% to 11.9%. Rates of very low birthweight (VLBW, Conclusions: A significant reduction in the black-white infant mortality gap will require a reduction in VLBW and low birthweight (LBW,
Aqueous alteration on the hydrous asteroids - Results of EQ3/6 computer simulations

The two models of carbonaceous chondrite precursor material presently formulated to study the process of aqueous alteration in hydrous asteroids are based, in the first case, on the anhydrous mineralogy of CM chondrites, while the second is based on that of the CV chondrites. It is noted that the alteration mineralogy of the CM chondrites and their parent asteroids may be produced by starting with the anhydrous mineralogy of the same CM chondrites, at temperatures in the 1-25 C range, with a wide variety of rock/fluid ratios. The mineralogy of the important CI chondrites is reproducible through the alteration of either CM or CV anhydrous material, at temperatures in the 50-150 C.
Positive muon as a probe of magnetization density in ferromagnetic metal vacancies

Abstract The hyperfine field at a positive muon site trapped in a ferromagnetic metal vacancy is calculated and found to be more positive than that in the interstitial position. It is suggested that the muons can be used to enrich our knowledge of the electron spin distributions in metal vacancies that so far has not been possible.
Growth Estimates for Male Stone Crabs along the Southwest Coast of Florida: A Synthesis of Available Data and Methods

Abstract Little is known about the growth of male stone crabs Menippe mercenaria in Florida waters. For the most part, information from laboratory and tagging data has not been analyzed thoroughly to obtain a growth curve for the species. In this paper, I synthesized existing and new methods to construct a growth curve from available data. Two components of growth were estimated in detail: the relationship between postmolt and premolt size and the relationship between intermolt period and premolt size. The first relationship was estimated from data from captive crabs by relating the sizes before and after ecdysis with a segmented regression model. The relationship between intermolt period and premolt size was estimated from data from laboratory studies in which crabs were allowed to molt once and the subsequent intermolt periods were recorded exactly. Because long exposure to laboratory conditions may affect growth rates, the molt–frequency relationship also was estimated with methods that require one of ...