cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of the vena cava and of its primary tributaries: A preliminary report***

Abstract Encouraged by results from our research laboratory and from recent clinical reports, we performed reconstructions of the vena cava and/or its major tributaries on 16 patients (11 males and five females). Ages ranged from 8 to 81 years (median, 38 years). Eight patients had superior vena cava syndrome (benign, six; malignant, two). Two other patients had membranous occlusion of the inferior vena cava; four had iliocaval venous thrombosis; one had excision of the iliac veins for pelvic neurilemmoma; and one had inferior vena cava injury during orthotopic liver transplantation. The superior vena cava was reconstructed with spiral saphenous vein grafts in five patients and with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in three. One spiral saphenous vein graft and one expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft required revision; seven of the eight grafts were patent at follow-up, but one bifurcated spiral saphenous vein graft occluded at 3 months. The inferior vena cava and its tributaries were reconstructed with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in five patients, spiral saphenous vein graft in two, and Dacron in one. At follow-up four of the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were patent. In contrast, one of the spiral saphenous vein grafts was occluded, and results of imaging studies of the other were inconclusive. Three of the five expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts had a concomitant temporary arteriovenous fistula at the groin; two had documented patency at follow-up. At the present time, spiral saphenous vein graft is our first choice for superior vena cava replacement. However, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts are good alternatives and in the abdomen appear to perform better than spiral saphenous vein graft. These clinical results encourage us to perform further caval grafting in selected patients. (J VASC SURG 1990;11:373-81.)
The impact of nanoscience on heterogeneous catalysis

Most catalysts consist of nanometer-sized particles dispersed on a high-surface-area support. Advances in characterization methods have led to a molecular-level understanding of the relationships between nanoparticle properties and catalytic performance. Together with novel approaches to nanoparticle synthesis, this knowledge is contributing to the design and development of new catalysts.
Transgene detection during early murine embryonic development after pronuclear microinjection

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to detect a whey acidic protein (WAP) gene and transgene presence in mouse ova cultured to various stages of development after pronuclear microinjection at the one-cell stage. The PCR technique detected an endogenous 442 bp WAP DNA sequence in 78% of one-cell, 88% of two-cell and 94% of four-cell ova, and in 95% of morulae and 97% of blastocysts. The heterologous WAP-human protein C transgene was detected in 88% of one-cell, 88% of two-cell and 44% of four-cell ova, and in 40% of morulae and 29% of blastocysts. For comparison, the integration frequency for transgenic mouse production using the same DNA construct was 22%. After five days ofin vitro culture, embryos that were either developmentally arrested or fragmented were tested for the presence of the transgene. The injected construct was detected in 83% of arrested one-cell, 85% of arrested two-cell, and 85% of fragmented ova. In culture, only 28% of zygotes microinjected with DNA developed to the blastocyst stage compared to 74% of noninjected zygotes, while 63% of zygotes developed to the blastocyst stage after injection of buffer alone. Pronuclear injection of the transgene at concentrations of 1.5, 15 and 50 μg ml−1 resulted in 28, 11 and 9% development to blastocysts and 29, 86 and 88% transgene detection, respectively. Transgene detection was 85, 96 and 97% in degenerate embryos at the respective doses of DNA. These data show that pronuclear microinjection of the transgene is detrimental to subsequent embryonic development. Also, unintegrated copies of the transgene probably exist at least until the blastocyst stage, and thereafter are degraded to the extent that they can no longer be detected by PCR.
A review of diamond CVD utilizing halogenated precursors

Abstract Halogenated carbon–hydrogen diamond chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems have been observed to enhance low temperature growth, nucleation density and quality when compared to the more common carbon–hydrogen system. The most likely explanation for the enhanced low temperature growth and nucleation densities observed in the halogenated system are a product of high surface hydrogen abstraction rates, enabled by the addition of halogenated species. The increase in diamond quality in the halogenated systems can be accounted for by the preferential etching of graphite by Cl, F and HF. The possible participation of halogen containing radical species in the growth process has also been used to explain the observed results in halogenated diamond CVD systems. However, the short lifespan of these species makes their direct participation in the growth process unlikely in most systems. Insufficient data is available at this time to draw conclusions about halogenated diamond CVD systems not involving F or Cl.
Selective CO2 capture in an imine linked porphyrin porous polymer

A new microporous imine-linked porous porphyrin polymer, CuPor-BPDC, has been solvothermally synthesized. The CuPor-BPDC showed high CO2 capture (5.5 wt% at 273 K/1 bar) and very good selectivity for CO2/CH4 adsorption (5.6) at 1.0 bar and 273 K, and exhibited a BET surface area of 442 m2 g−1 with high thermal stability (up to 400 °C), thus showing good potential for CO2 capture.
Opportunities for women: The development of professional women's medicine at Canton, China, 1879–1901

Abstract Modern missionary medicine, as practiced and taught at Canton, China during the late 19th century, made possible expanded opportunities for both Chinese and western women. The presence of women physicians meant that larger numbers of traditional Chinese women availed themselves of modern medicine than might otherwise have done so, for reasons of modesty, had only men served as physicians. In order to provide women physicians for these patients, growing numbers of Chinese girls were trained as physicians, thus giving them a modern profession capable of earning them a respectable, independent living, something which was then unavailable to most women within traditional China. In order to train them in the presence of modest women patients, American women physicians were needed. These medical women, themselves very much outsiders within American medicine, thereby found themselves welcomed and accepted in the mission field, where they were often able to found and head separate women's medical institutions, gaining access to professional responsibilities far beyond those usually available to them at home. Within each society medicine acted as a special case, justifying roles which might otherwise have been seen as unwomanly and disruptive to society.
The Crisis in American Archeology

The current crisis in American archeology has been brought about by a combination of the greatly increased rate of destruction of unique, irreplaceable archeological information and material, and the lack of adequate funding for salvage of what is being destroyed. Since World War II, land alteration has increased almost geometrically. Land leveling, urban development, inexperienced or ignorant diggers, commercial dealers in Indian relics—these and many other agents of destruction are obliterating traces of the past. Anything that disturbs the ground where people once lived destroys forever whatever information is left about them and their way of life. Interpretations of man9s cultural development through time, of his ability to cope with and use the environment wisely, and of a long, fascinating, and irreplaceable heritage are only possible if the evidence left in the ground is undisturbed and is properly recorded when it is excavated. The problem of the destruction of archeological sites and information is a complex one, with no single solution. A combination of increased support for archeological research through increased funding, and development of a knowledgeable, interested public will go a long way toward assuring this country that a significant portion of the past will be available for the benefit of future generations. If solutions are not sought and found now, it will be too late—we will have committed ourselves, irretrievably and irreversibly, to the future, without benefit or knowledge of the mistakes and the lessons of the past.
The Sound of Silence in Nohya: A Preliminary Account of Sign Language Use by the Deaf in a Maya Community in Yucatan, Mexico.

Abstract This paper describes the system of manual communication used by the deaf in a small Maya Indian village in Yucatan, Mexico. The SL is analyzed at two levels recommended by Voegelin. First, the lexicon is described in order to show (a) parallels with other SLs; (b) similarities to the folk gestural system of Mexico; and (c) distinguishing aspects. Second, syntax and grammar are partially described by the presentation of a number of examples designed to test the principles given by Stokoe and Kuschel in their field guide. Finally, conclusions are suggested and recommendations for further work presented.
Assessing the history and value of Human Genome Sciences

Human Genome Science (HGS) aspired to dominate the emergent field of genomics by discovering expressed gene sequences and developing therapeutic and diagnostic products based on proprietary genes. While HGS’ accomplishments fell short of their own lofty expectations, by the time HGS was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline, the company had extensive intellectual property and had launched a product with >$1 billion market potential. Nevertheless, HGS’ acquisition price was less than the total capital investments in the company. This work examines HGS’ history and accomplishments in the context of the business plan described by the company at their IPO. We focus specifically on the company’s valuation over time, which was highly correlated with general market indices, but negatively correlated with metrics of technical or clinical progress. The history of HGS points to the challenge of accounting for the value created by a science-based business plan. Earnings-based metrics, present value calculations, and “fair value” assessments did not account for HGS’ progress in executing their stated business plan. This work highlights the critical need for accounting practices that credit value to the progress of translational science and enable investors to profit from such investments.
Viscosities of concentrated polymer solutions. IV. Cellulose tributyrate

Abstract Viscosities of solutions of six fractions of cellulose tributylate in 1,2,3-trichloropropane have been measured over a wide range of concentrations up to a weight fraction of 0.41 and at several different temperatures between −5° and 50°C. The apparent activation energy for viscous flow was a single function of the product of concentration in grams per cubic centimeter ( c ) and molecular weight ( M ) over the range of cM from 0 to 20,000, and in this range it increased by about 5 kcal., but at higher concentrations comparatively little. At 25°C., the relative viscosity was a single function of c 5 M 3.4 , and at high values of this argument was directly proportional to it. The results of these and measurements on other polymers are discussed in relation to the average number of entanglement points per molecule in Bueche's sense. The average molecular weight between entanglement points in cellulose tributylate, extrapolated to the undiluted state, is estimated as about 10,000. It is concluded that the monomeric friction coefficient for translation of a polymer segment is proportional to the solvent viscosity and to the 1.6 power of the polymer concentration.
Balanced-Budget Rules: Welfare Loss and Optimal Policies☆

Abstract Most economic models do not suggest an optimal fiscal policy in which the government's budget is balanced each period. Conventional wisdom suggests that the government run surpluses and deficits to smooth taxes. In this paper, I use an approach which brings together real business cycle theory and the theory of public finance to evaluate the effects of a balanced-budget restriction. Four fiscal policies are investigated in a model with growth. All models are solved numerically using a multidimensional collocation parameterized expectations algorithm. The welfare consequences of each policy are measured, and the optimal Ramsey policies are characterized. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: E62.
Non-activated progesterone receptor extracted from nuclei of hen oviduct.

Abstract When the progesterone receptor was extracted from nuclei of laying hen oviduct with 0.5 M sodium molybdate, a large, 7–8 S, form of the receptor was observed. This receptor form resembled non-activated cytoplasmic receptor not only in displaying the same sedimentation coefficient, but also in rapid dissociation rate of the hormone-receptor complex. This finding suggests that either activation may occur within the nuclear compartment, or that activation may be reversed under certain conditions.
The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) system in women with intraamniotic infection and inflammation.

Objective Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand cell-surface receptor part of the immunoglobulin superfamily with crucial roles in inflammation. S100A12/ENRAGE, a biomarker of amniotic fluid (AF) inflammation, is a ligand for RAGE. sRAGE, a competitive soluble RAGE receptor, inhibits RAGE ligands. Here we aimed to investigate the presence and changes in components of the RAGE system in women with intra-amniotic infection and inflammation. Study design AF was retrieved by amniocentesis in 113 women stratified as follows: (1) positive AF culture (+AFC; GA=27 [20-33] wk; n=27); (2) negative AF culture (−AFC; GA=30 [20-36] wk; n=27); (3) second trimester control (2T-CRL; GA=19 [15-25] wk; n=31); (4) third trimester control (3T-CRL; GA=36 [31-38] wk; n=28). We used mass spectrometry (SELDI) to detect S100A12/ENRAGE in AF. sRAGE levels were measured using specific immunoassays. Placental pathology was interpreted in relationship to the presence or absence of histologic acute inflammation and immunoreactivity of S100A12/ENRAGE and RAGE. mRNA expression of S100A12/ENRAGE, sRAGE, and RAGE in amniochorion and placental villous tissue was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Presence of the S100A12/ENRAGE biomarker SELDI peak was confirmed in 70% of the +AFC but in only 10% of the −AFC samples ( P Conclusion The S100A12/ENRAGE system is markedly upregulated in women with intra-amniotic infection and correlates with the degree of inflammation. Further studies remain to elucidate whether the gestational age dependence of the inhibitor molecule sRAGE may explain the higher incidence of infection-related preterm deliveries and especially rupture of the membranes at earlier gestational age.
Improving SDRAM access energy efficiency for low-power embedded systems

DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) energy consumption in low-power embedded systems can be very high, exceeding that of the data cache or even that of the processor. This paper presents and evaluates a scheme for reducing the energy consumption of SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) memory access by a combination of techniques that take advantage of SDRAM energy efficiencies in bank and row access. This is achieved by using small, cachelike structures in the memory controller to prefetch an additional cache block(s) on SDRAM reads and to combine block writes to the same SDRAM row. The results quantify the SDRAM energy consumption of MiBench applications and demonstrate significant savings in SDRAM energy consumption, 23p, on average, and reduction in the energy-delay product, 44p, on average. The approach also improves performance: the CPI is reduced by 26p, on average.
Depositional and diagenetic factors in the generation of the Santiago arenite reservoirs (lower cretaceous): Araçás oil field, Recôncavo Basin, Brazil

Abstract The Santiago Member of the Pojuca Formation in the Aracas oil field consists of deltaic sandstone bodies interbedded with shales which were deposited in an interdistributary bay area through breaching of channel levees. The best reservoirs occur in crevasse mouth bar deposits and consist of quartzose feldspathic arenites and feldspathic arenites. The diagenetic evolution of the reservoir arenites consists of: destruction of primary porosity by compaction and burial calcite cementation; development of 35% secondary porosity by leaching of calcite cement; decrease in secondary porosity to 20% by late cementation (kaolinite, chlorite, pyrite); and preservation of secondary porosity by oil migration which halted further diagenesis. Framework grains display distribution patterns controlled by features of the depositional environments. Diagenetic processes in pure arenites, controlled by a dome-like compaction structure, directed the dissolution of cement and the generation of secondary porosity. Both cement and secondary porosity are concentrated in the dome center and display closed area patterns of distribution in which values vary in opposition to each other. Intercalation of matrix-rich microfacies in any reservoirs inhibits dissolution. This leads to a reverse situation in which porosity still displays a closed areal pattern of distribution but concentrates in the dome periphery. In all reservoirs, permiability distribution follows neither the distribution of framework grains, nor of cement, nor of porosity, indicating that it results from a complex and as yet not understood interaction of factors.
Multichannel Swept Sonic Tester for Casting Quality Control

Automatic, production-type, sonic inspection based on the measurement of the fundamental vibrating frequency and/or decrement of a mechanically shocked casting has been in operation in our foundries for several years. The method has been suitable for the detection of cracks, voids, porosity, mottle, shrink, etc., on many of the parts having simple geometries. However, the more complex castings can vibrate in many basic modes and these modes upon shock excitation may interact indistinguishably. Swept-frequency, continuous-wave, forced vibration obviates mode interaction and permits casting evaluation by comparison of the sonic energy absorption spectra. Center frequencies, bandwidths, and amplitudes of certain of the absorption peaks usually establish overall quality. The multichannel Swept Sonic Tester evaluates a given casting by determining the presence of a response within each of several preselected bands. These channels have very sharp limits which are established by active, tunable, twin-T networks. Each channel is self-contained permitting the system to be extended to accommodate any degree of casting complexity by adding channels in building block fashion. The spectrum sweep, having an adjustable sweep width, sweep rate, and starting frequency, is accomplished by heterodyning a crystal oscillator with a reactance-controlled frequency-swept oscillator and approximately follows the derived ideal frequency vs. time characteristic for conserving inspection time.
Carpetbaggers, Reprobates, and Liars: Federal Judges and the Utah War (1857–58)

On 8 December 1857, President James Buchanan sent his first State of the Union message to Congress.1 In a pattern followed by every president from Thomas Jefferson through William Howard Taft, a cl...
Engines of progress: Designing and running entrepreneurial vehicles in established companies; Raytheon's new product center, 1969–1989

T HE PROBLEM OF GENERATING AND SUSTAINING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ESTABLISHED companies contains a major paradox: how to routinize and manage a process often assumed to be spontaneous and opportunistic. Scholars of entrepreneurship and innovation stress the emergent, chaotic, and unpredictable character of new ventures and innovation projects (e.g., Quinn 1985; Kao 1989)-termed “newstream” activities (Kanter 1989), or activities producing a new revenue flow. Such newstream chaos and uncertainty pose a sharp contrast to the more orderly management process for on-going operations in the organizational “mainstream,” because of necessary differences in outlook between entrepreneurs and administrators/bureaucrats as well as differences in the kinds of tasks they face (Kanter 1985; Stevenson and Gumpert 1986; Kanter 1989, pp. 201-214). Thus, research has tended to demonstrate that entrepreneurship is difficult for established companies to tolerate, let alone manage, for more than a short period of time. Of course, established companies can organize in ways that promote more innovation in their mainstream businesses, and even occasionally spawn new businesses (Kanter 1983, Peters and Waterman 1982); and an occasional major, strategic new venture with large investment can succeed (Burgelman and Sayles 1986). But many documented efforts to systematically produce new ventures on a large scale over a long period of time, such as new venture
Lubrication theory for electro-osmotic flow in a non-uniform electrolyte

A lubrication theory has been developed for the electro-osmotic flow of non-uniform buffers in narrow rectilinear channels. The analysis applies to systems in which the transverse dimensions of the channel are large compared with the Debye screening length of the electrolyte. In contrast with related theories of electrokinetic lubrication, here the streamwise variations of the velocity field stem from, and are nonlinearly coupled to, spatiotemporal variations in the electrolyte composition. Spatially non-uniform buffers are commonly employed in electrophoretic separation and transport schemes, including iso-electric focusing (IEF), isotachophoresis (ITP), field-amplified sample stacking (FASS), and high-ionic-strength electro-osmotic pumping. The fluid dynamics of these systems is controlled by a complex nonlinear coupling to the ion transport, driven by an applied electric field. Electrical conductivity gradients, attendent to the buffer non-uniformities, result in a variable electro-osmotic slip velocity and, in electric fields approaching 1kV cm -1 , Maxwell stresses drive the electrohydrodynamic circulation. Explicit semi-analytic expressions are derived for the fluid velocity, stream function, and electric field. The resulting approximations are found to be in good agreement with full numerical solutions for a prototype buffer, over a range of conditions typical of microfluidic systems. The approximations greatly simplify the computational analysis, reduce computation times by a factor 4-5, and, for the first time, provide general insight on the dominant fluid physics of two-dimensional electrically driven transport.
The importance of the cost of swimming to the foraging behavior and ecology of larval cod (Gadus morhua) on Georges Bank

Abstract Energy expenditure by larval cod, Gadus morhua , during foraging was quantified based upon laboratory observations of search behavior and measurements of the cost of swimming. A large-volume (250-L) observation system employing stereo-paired video cameras was developed to record foraging behavior in three dimensions, and a respirometry system was developed to measure the cost of swimming of individual larvae. Application of the derived cost of swimming model to activity levels observed within the large observation tank showed that activity was a substantial and variable component of a larval cod's total bioenergetic budget. The estimated routine metabolic rate of the freely swimming larvae was 3.8–5 times greater than the measured basal rate depending upon their activity level. This is greater than the range of routine factorial scopes previously reported for larval fish in general. Future trophodynamic models developed for small marine fish larvae should consider these greater scaling factors when estimating the active metabolic rate of larvae foraging in the ocean. A trophodynamic model for larval cod on Georges Bank was developed incorporating observed foraging behavior, measured swimming costs, and the theoretical effect of turbulence on predator–prey contact rates. This model was used to estimate the prey density required to meet the estimated minimum daily metabolic demand. The estimated nauplius and copepodite concentrations required for the survival of small larvae were within the range of mean homogeneous springtime concentrations observed on Georges Bank. However, for the smallest post-yolk-sac larvae (5 mm), favorable low-turbulence foraging conditions, encountering patches of high prey density, or exploitation of alternative prey sources such as protozoans may be necessary.
Hematologic and cytogenetic remission of 5q- refractory anemia after syngeneic bone marrow transplantation

Refractory macrocytic anemia with hypolobulated megakaryocytic nuclei and partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 has been termed the 5q- syndrome. Although long survival has been reported in a few cases of 5q- refractory anemia, accumulating evidence suggests that this syndrome is a preleukemic state with risk of transformation to acute nonlymphocytic leukemia as well as complications of bone marrow failure. This report describes the first apparently successful therapy for this disorder in a young man who originally presented with a clinical picture consistent with pure red cell aplasia and normal marrow chromosomes but with hypolobulated megakaryocytic nuclei. He was treated with vitamins, androgens, and sequential trials of immunosuppressive therapy, all without response. Two years after diagnosis, repeated marrow cytogenetic studies showed a 5q- abnormality in 70 percent and later in 100 percent of marrow metaphases. Because of transfusion-induced hemosiderosis and the availability of a cytogenetically normal monozygotic twin, bone marrow transplantation was undertaken. In light of the clonal (and suspected preleukemic) nature of the 5q- syndrome, the patient's marrow was ablated with a busulfan plus cyclophosphamide regimen used for patients with nonlymphocytic leukemia. Sustained engraftment of cytogenetically normal marrow ensued. Two years after transplantation, and following six months of regular phlebotomy, the patient was hematologically normal with a normal serum ferritin level.
α‐Actinin is a potent regulator of G protein‐coupled receptor kinase activity and substrate specificity in vitro

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) phosphorylate G protein-coupled receptors, thereby terminating receptor signaling. Herein we report that alpha-actinin potently inhibits all GRK family members. In addition, calcium-bound calmodulin and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), two regulators of GRK activity, coordinate with alpha-actinin to modulate substrate specificity of the GRKs. In the presence of calmodulin and alpha-actinin, GRK5 phosphorylates soluble, but not membrane-incorporated substrates. In contrast, in the presence of PIP2 and alpha-actinin, GRK5 phosphorylates membrane-incorporated, but not soluble substrates. Thus, modulation of alpha-actinin-mediated inhibition of GRKs by PIP2 and calmodulin has profound effects on both GRK activity and substrate specificity.
Role of intrinsic width in fragment momentum distributions in heavy ion collisions

It is demonstrated that the intrinsic widths incorporating correlations in conjunction with dynamical contributions give better agreement with experiments for collisions in the energy range of 200 A MeV to 2.4 GeV than using only intrinsic widths without correlations. The sensitivity of the intrinsic width decreases with increasing projectile mass. A simple recipe for calculating intrinsic width correlations is presented.
Flexible exchange rates, unemployment and stabilization policy effectiveness

Abstract The paper presents a general equilibrium model of a small flexible exchange rate economy comprising asset, goods, and labor markets. Viewing the exchange rate as determined proximately in asset markets, the study examines its influence on the excess demand for labor and for output and, correspondingly, its impact on the level of unemployment and external imbalance. The role of exchange rate expectations is central to the present analysis, which reconsiders, in that light, the conventional conclusions about monetary and fiscal policy effectiveness under flexible exchange rates.
Orthotropic rescaling for crack tip fields in linear piezoelectric materials

Abstract Analysis of stress fields in a linear elastic–piezoelectric–dielectric medium requires use of anisotropic elasticity theory. Many researchers employ the Stroh formalism, which requires the solution of a sixth order characteristic equation involving material coefficients. This equation must be solved numerically for each material composition to obtain the eigenvalues and eigenvectors that give the resulting field quantities. The focus of this work is the development of a closed form solution for the electro-mechanical crack tip fields in piezoelectric materials using orthotropic rescaling to reduce the governing field equations to the biharmonic equation and the Poisson equation. Solutions for an isotropic linear elastic material are utilized to obtain solutions for the anisotropic piezoelectric material. This leads to closed form solutions for the fields in terms of ratios of certain elastic, dielectric, and piezoelectric coefficients. Orthotropic rescaling and the Stroh formalism are compared and recommendations are made for when and when not to use the orthotropic rescaling approach.
Current Surgical Management of Skin Cancer in Dermatology

Skin cancer has become a major public health problem in the United States and worldwide. Epidemiologic studies confirm a continued increase in the number of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and malignant melanomas. Dermatologists, the primary caretakers of the skin, manage skin cancer with various modalities that have been time tested and found reliable, including excision, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Extirpative procedures for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are considered with attention to cure, restoration of function, and cosmesis--in that order. The dermatologic management of melanoma is critical because early diagnosis and treatment of thin lesions has been the only effective improvement in melanoma management in the last several decades. Wide excision, with a 1-3-cm margin, of thin stage I melanoma has moved surgical management from the operating room to the outpatient surgical setting. Management of these increasingly common problems, as reviewed here, is principally responsible for the growth of surgical practice as a subspecialty of dermatology.
Molecular properties of somatostatin receptors

The neuropeptide somatostatin is widely distributed in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues and may be involved in the regulation of a number of physiological functions including movement and cognition. Somatostatin may also have a role in the development of the central nervous system, in particular, the cerebellum and spinal cord. Somatostatin induces its actions by interacting with a family of membrane associated receptors. Recently, five somatostatin receptors have been cloned and referred to as SSTR1-SSTR5. The distribution of the expression of the mRNAs for these receptors are distinct but overlapping. Preliminary pharmacological analysis of these receptors may lead to the development of selective ligands at these receptors. These compounds may be useful in identifying the selective functions of these receptor subtypes. Some somatostatin analogues have antiproliferative actions and are used presently to treat carcinoids. Development of subtype selective somatostatin analogues could be helpful in further identifying somatostatin receptor-expressing tumors and in the treatment of cancer. The cloning of these receptors has now opened up the possibility of more clearly investigating the functions of somatostatin in the brain and peripheral tissues and will facilitate the generation of new somatostatin drugs that may be employed for the treatment of a number of diseases.
Vertical performance management: Strategic implications for financial service

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between productivity and customer satisfaction in marketing consumer services. It presents a conceptual framework that highlights four dimensions of productivity measurement: capacity, perceived quality, profitability, and satisfaction. One of the more distinctive aspects of this presentation is its analysis of productivity from the dual perspectives of both the customer and the service provider. A preliminary formulation of the productivity model emphasizes the high degree of interaction between the evaluation of performance from these two perspectives. A recent service innovation in the area of electronic funds transfer illustrates this framework.
An analysis of dose efficiency in image intensified fluoroscopic examinations.

In this paper we have developed expressions for assessing radiographic systems where grids, air gaps, or both are used. The application of these expressions to film‐screen detectors gives predictions in good agreement with data that are found in the literature. Using this analytical tool, image intensified fluoroscopy has been studied. We have shown that under certain circumstances with air gaps there are potential gains in the efficient use of dose in fluoroscopy. The air gaps are of particular value where relatively thin body parts or small lesions are being examined using small focal spot generators. An independent gain control on the image intensifier would be useful for achieving the greatest flexibility when using magnification in fluoroscopy.
Development of a fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for measuring the activity of Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA ligase, an enzyme essential for DNA replication, repair, and recombination.

DNA ligase is an enzyme essential for DNA replication, repair, and recombination in all organisms. Bacterial DNA ligases catalyze a NAD(+)-dependent DNA ligation reaction, i.e., the formation of a phosphodiester bond between adjacent 3'-OH and 5'-phosphate termini of dsDNA. Due to their essential nature, unique cofactor requirement, and widespread existence in nature, bacterial DNA ligases appear to be valuable targets for identifying novel antibacterial agents. To explore bacterial DNA ligases as antibacterial targets and further characterize them, we developed a simple, robust, homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay (TR-FRET) for measuring Streptococcus pneumoniae DNA ligase activity. This assay involves the use of one dsDNA molecule labeled with biotin and another dsDNA molecule labeled with Cy5, an acceptor fluorophore. During ligation reactions, the donor fluorophore europium (Eu(3+)) labeled with streptavidin was added to the assay mixtures, which bound to the biotin label on the ligated products. This in turn resulted in the FRET from Eu(3+) to Cy5 due to their close proximity. The formation of ligation products was measured by monitoring the emission at 665nm. This assay was validated by the experiments showing that the DNA ligase activity required NAD(+) and MgCl(2), and was inhibited by NMN and AMP, products of the ligase reaction. Using this assay, we determined the K(m) values of the enzyme for dsDNA substrates and NAD(+), and the IC(50) values of NMN and AMP, examined the effects of MgCl(2) and PEG(8000) on the enzyme activity, optimized the concentrations of Eu(3+) in the assay, and validated its utilities for high-throughput screening and biochemical characterizations of this class of enzymes.
Visual Analytics to Optimize Patient-Population Evidence Delivery for Personalized Care

Electronic medical records (EMR) can be used to identify cohorts of patients who are clinically comparable to an individual patient. In this paper, we describe an approach that applies visual analytics to EMR data to describe the clinical course for an individual patient, display outcomes for a comparable cohort stratified by treatment, and generate predictions regarding a patient's clinical course based on treatment options. The visual display of information is designed to help clinicians choose among alternative therapies based on the EMR-derived outcomes of the cohort.
Study of Rb 2 long-range states by high-resolution photoassociation spectroscopy

We study the states of ${\mathrm{Rb}}_{2}$ that lie within 35 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ of the ${5}^{2}{S}_{\frac{1}{2}}+{5}^{2}{P}_{\frac{3}{2}}$ dissociation limit with photoassociation spectroscopy of laser-cooled Rb atoms. We observe the rotationally resolved bound levels of the novel ${0}_{g}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ "pure long-range" state, which has an inner turning point beyond 25 bohrs. We also identify levels belonging to ${1}_{g}$ and ${0}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$ states and find that the ${0}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$ levels are broadened by predissociation. With our new method, excited molecular states with a binding energy from less than 0.3 to more than 1000 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ can be studied with a resolution better than 0.002 ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
Metabolic Effects of Testosterone Propionate in Addison's Disease12

WHEN TESTOSTERONE propionate is given intramuscularly to man there occurs regularly a depression in the urinary excretion of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, sulfate, sodium, potassium and chloride and a gain in body weight due chiefly to water retained in association with salts and protein. This pattern of response varies little over a wide range of subjects tested including hypogonad men (1, 2, 3, 4) and women (4), normal men (2, 5) and women (2), aged men (6, 7) and the immature boy (8). In Cushing's syndrome in women (9) and in the aged man with osteoporosis (7) calcium is retained with nitrogen and phosphorus. This may not be peculiar to these conditions, however, and more protracted study of other subjects may well demonstrate the same process. The rise in basal heat production with testosterone propionate has thus far been well seen only in eunuchoids (1, 3, 10) but the protracted treatment necessary to establish an indubitable change has not been undertaken in others.
Random anisotropy, exchange fluctuations and phase transitions in rare earth glasses

Abstract Various aspects of the magnetic properties and phase transitions observed in rare-earth-rich metallic glasses are discussed. These include the effect of random magnetic anisotropy on the character of the magnetic transitions, the phase diagram and double transitions seen in glasses in which exchange fluctuations are important, hydrogen absorption in rare earth glasses and its effect on the magnetism, and properties of phase-separated ternary glasses.
Networks within the orbital and medial prefrontal cortex

Abstract The orbital and medial regions of the prefrontal cortex (OMPFC) can be divided into at least 22 architectonic areas, based on differences in staining with a number of methods and on differences in connections. The connections of these areas indicate that they can be divided into two interconnected groups or networks. The orbital network includes most of the areas on the orbital surface, and receives inputs from several sensory modalities that appear to be related to food or feeding. The medial network includes areas on the medial surface, and a few orbital areas. It provides output to visceromotor control areas in the hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray. Both networks have substantial interconnections with limbic structures, including the amygdala and hippocampal formation, suggesting that the OMPFC is involved in affective as well as sensory and visceromotor functions. This is strengthened by imaglng studies of mood disorders in humans, which indicate that areas within the OMPFC have abnormal a...
Scoliosis in the Rett syndrome.

Of 32 patients with classical Rett syndrome, radiographs of the spine could be obtained in 30; two had moved. Five (17%), ranging in age from 3.2–11.5 years, had a curve of 10° or less. Twenty-five (83%) had scoliosis. The age at first diagnosis of scoliosis ranged from 4.3 to 18 years of age. The curves ranged from 10° to 86° at a mean age of 14.9 years. Eight of the 21 curves, 38 percent, showed progression, which was first noticed from just before 5 to after 18 years of age. Bracing was done in five of the younger girls with progressive curves at ages 8.3–10.4 years. Three required surgery, performed at ages 10.9, 16.2 and 17.3 years respectively. Physicians following these patients need to refer them for orthopedic care at the first suspicious sign of scoliosis. Orthopedic surgeons taking care of children with the Rett syndrome (RS) should be aware of the clinical unpredictability of the scoliosis in this condition
Dynamic nesting and the incommensurate magnetic response in superconducting YBa2Cu3O6+y

Abstract The dynamic magnetic susceptibility χ ″( q , ω ) of the t – t ′– J -model for YBCO compounds is studied in slave-boson mean-field theory. Within a renormalized random-phase approximation χ ″ is compared for different fixed energies ω in the superconducting state. At the energy ω = ω 0 , where χ ″(( π , π ), ω ) shows a sharp peak (the `41 meV resonance'), the response is commensurate in wave vector space. At lower energies around ω i =0.7 ω 0 , however, we find four peaks at q =( π ± δ , π ) and ( π , π ± δ ). The results are in agreement with inelastic neutron scattering experiments, in particular with the incommensurate response recently observed in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.6 by Mook et al. We argue that dynamic nesting in the dispersion of quasi particles causes this effect.
Concurrent versus Sequential Sorafenib Therapy in Combination with Radiation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Sorafenib (SOR) is the only systemic agent known to improve survival for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, SOR prolongs survival by less than 3 months and does not alter symptomatic progression. To improve outcomes, several phase I-II trials are currently examining SOR with radiation (RT) for HCC utilizing heterogeneous concurrent and sequential treatment regimens. Our study provides preclinical data characterizing the effects of concurrent versus sequential RT-SOR on HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Concurrent and sequential RT-SOR regimens were tested for efficacy among 4 HCC cell lines in vitro by assessment of clonogenic survival, apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, and γ-H2AX foci formation. Results were confirmed in vivo by evaluating tumor growth delay and performing immunofluorescence staining in a hind-flank xenograft model. In vitro, concurrent RT-SOR produced radioprotection in 3 of 4 cell lines, whereas sequential RT-SOR produced decreased colony formation among all 4. Sequential RT-SOR increased apoptosis compared to RT alone, while concurrent RT-SOR did not. Sorafenib induced reassortment into less radiosensitive phases of the cell cycle through G1-S delay and cell cycle slowing. More double-strand breaks (DSBs) persisted 24 h post-irradiation for RT alone versus concurrent RT-SOR. In vivo, sequential RT-SOR produced the greatest tumor growth delay, while concurrent RT-SOR was similar to RT alone. More persistent DSBs were observed in xenografts treated with sequential RT-SOR or RT alone versus concurrent RT-SOR. Sequential RT-SOR additionally produced a greater reduction in xenograft tumor vascularity and mitotic index than either concurrent RT-SOR or RT alone. In conclusion, sequential RT-SOR demonstrates greater efficacy against HCC than concurrent RT-SOR both in vitro and in vivo. These results may have implications for clinical decision-making and prospective trial design.
Positron Emission Tomography for Neck Evaluation Following Definitive Treatment with Chemoradiotherapy for Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objectives: The objective of the current review was to assess published data on the role of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for evaluation of nodal residual disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: Studies were identified by searching PubMed electronic databases. Only studies using a post-chemoradiotherapy PET for nodal residual disease evaluation were included in the present review. Both prospective and retrospective studies were included. Information regarding sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of PET for detecting nodal residual disease after definitive chemoradiotherapy for HNSCC was extracted and analyzed. Results: Twenty published studies were included in the present review. Existing data suggest that a negative postchemoradiotherapy PET scan is associated with a negative predictive value up to 100%. The sensitivity of PET in detecting nodal residual disease is greater for scans performed ≥ 10 weeks after definitive treatment with chemoradiotherapy for HNSCC. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to quantify the reliability of PET in detecting nodal residual disease after chemoradiotherapy for locoregionally advanced HNSCC. The optimal timing of PET imaging after chemoradiotherapy remains to be defined.
The Virtual Wheel Concept for Supportive Steering Feedback During Active Steering Interventions

Active steering systems allow for improved vehicle safety and stability through steering interventions that augment a driver’s steering command. In a conventional steering system, steering feedback torque depends on the tire forces and corresponding moments that act on the roadwheels. During active steering interventions, there are differences between the driver’s command and the actual roadwheel angle. The steering feedback can now be based on either the moments acting on the actual roadwheels or the moments acting on a virtual wheel following the driver’s intended steering command. With small interventions, the difference between these two approaches is negligible. However, when the intervention is large (e.g. obstacle avoidance maneuvers), basing handwheel moments on the actual roadwheel position results in a handwheel torque that acts in opposition to the intervention. The virtual wheel concept produces a more supportive, and potentially more intuitive, handwheel torque. This reduces the discrepancy between the driver command and the active steering system in simulation and experiments.© 2014 ASME
CFH and LOC387715/ARMS2 genotypes and antioxidants and zinc therapy for age-related macular degeneration.

Evaluation of: Klein ML, Francis PJ, Rosner B et al.: CFH and LOC387715/ARMS2 genotypes and treatment with antioxidants and zinc for age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology 115(6), 1019–1025 (2008). The late form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly, with a complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors. Recently, multiple distinct genetic susceptibility loci for AMD have been identified. Specifically, variations in the Complement Factor H (CFH) gene as well as the LOC387715/ARMS2 gene have been shown to be strongly associated with AMD. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) is a large multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial that showed that a combination of zinc and antioxidants reduced progression to late-stage AMD. In the present study, the authors found that within AREDS there was a significant interaction between zinc and CFH genotypes, indicating that CFH genotypes may be predictive of trea...
Heterogeneity in Cancer: Cancer Stem Cells versus Clonal Evolution

The identification and characterization of cancer stem cells might lead to more effective treatments for some cancers by focusing therapy on the most malignant cells. To achieve this goal it will be necessary to determine which cancers follow a cancer stem cell model and which do not, to address technical issues related to tumorigenesis assays, and to test the extent to which cancer cell heterogeneity arises from genetic versus epigenetic differences.