cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Performance Silicon Bipolar Technology

For over two decades silicon bipolar technology has been the dominant high performance technology for commercial IC applications. While alternative technologies such as GaAs and Josephson have demonstrated performance superior to silicon bipolar, silicon bipolar is itself presently on a very steep learning curve with ECL performance of under 100ps demonstrated at a number of laboratories around the world(1-8). Recently ECL speeds under 50 ps have been demonstrated (9) and projections to 25 ps and below will undoubtedly be realized in the near future. Corresponding simple inventor delays of under 10 ps and base transit times of under 5 ps will require new techniques for measurement and characterization.
Problems in the Management of Opportunistic Infections in Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Opportunistic infections ultimately occur in most patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and are responsible for 90% of deaths. Over the decade since the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first recognized, important advances have been made in reducing the morbidity and mortality of opportunistic infections in patients infected with HIV. These include an improved understanding of the relationship between immunologic parameters and infection, allowing the occurrence of infectious complications to be more predictable; development of prophylactic regimens and chronic suppressive regimens that are effective, well tolerated, and convenient; and emphasis on earlier diagnosis and therapeutic intervention of those infectious processes that are not prevented. These advances have allowed the quality and duration of patient survival to improve during this decade, but they can also be anticipated to alter the spectrum of clinical manifestations that health care providers are going to see during this epidemic's second decade.
X-ray transitions in highly charged neonlike ions

Wavelength measurements of n=3 to n=2 transitions in neonlike ${\mathrm{Xe}}^{44+}$, ${\mathrm{La}}^{47+}$, ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{50+}$, and ${\mathrm{Eu}}^{53+}$ have been made using a high-resolution Bragg-crystal spectrometer on the Princeton Large Torus tokamak. The measurements cover the wavelength regions 2.00--3.00 A\r{} and include the electric dipole and the electric and magnetic quadrupole transitions. The measured wavelengths are compared to energy levels obtained from a multiconfigurational Dirac-Fock calculation. Systematic differences between the experimental and theoretical values are found, which vary smoothly with atomic number. The magnitude of the differences depends on the particular type of transition and ranges from -2.8 eV to +2.2 eV. Inclusion of electron correlation corrections due to ground-state correlations and (super-) Coster-Kronig-type fluctuations in the theoretical energies is shown to reduce the differences for some but not all types of transitions.
Stem cells: To be and not to be

It has long been proposed that stem cells function by dividing to generate an identical daughter cell and a cell that becomes more specialized. New work illustrates such asymmetric division and its molecular basis.
The PEP Quark Search Proportional Chambers

Proportional chambers are used in the PEP Free Quark Search to identify and remove possible background sources such as particles traversing the edges of counters, to permit geometric corrections to the dE/dx and TOF information from the scintillator and Cerenkov counters, and to look for possible high cross section quarks. The present beam pipe has a thickness of 0.007 interaction lengths (λi) and is followed in both arms (each with 45° ≤ θ ≤ 135°. Δ = 90°) by 5 proportional chambers, each 0.0008 λi thick with 32 channels of pulse height readout, and by 3 thin scintillator planes, each 0.003 λi thick. Following this thin front end, each arm of the detector has 8 layers of scintillator (one with scintillating light pipes) interspersed with 4 proportional chambers and a layer of lucite Cerenkov counters. Both the calculated ion statistics and measurements using He-CH4 gas in a test chamber indicate that the chamber efficiencies should be > 98% for q = 1/3. The Landau spread measured in the test was equal to that observed for normal q = 1 traversals. One scintillator plane and thin chamber in each arm will have an extra set of ADC's with a wide gate bracketing the normal one so timing errors and tails of earlier pulses should not produce fake quarks.
Treatment of Listeria monocytogenes Infection with Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole: Case Report and Review of the Literature

A 55-year-old female recipient of an orthotopic liver transplant, who was receiving azathioprine, prednisone and cyclosporin, developed bacteremia due to Listeria monocytogenes. Because of a penicillin allergy, the patient was treated primarIly with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, to which she responded well. The prior literature on use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in listeria infections is reviewed, and future recommendations are considered. On the basis of the experience described in this case report as well as a review of the literature, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole appears to be an effective treatment of listeria infections.
Supramaximal doses of botulinum toxin for refractory blepharospasm.

Purpose To investigate the response to supramaximal doses of botulinum toxin in patients with refractory blepharospasm. Design Prospective, nonrandomized, open-label interventional case series. Participants Eight consecutive patients with blepharospasm requiring injections every 2 months despite receiving 100 U of botulinum toxin per session. Intervention Increasing the dose of botulinum toxin per session above the conventional maximum. Main Outcome Measures Duration of treatment effect and patients’ subjective response to treatment. Results Supramaximal dosages were well tolerated. Seven of 8 patients had a prolonged interval between injections relative to that associated with their previous dosing regimen. Four of the patients elected to continue with the new dosage. Conclusion In select patients with essential blepharospasm who are refractory to standard treatment regimens, increasing the dosage of botulinum toxin above 100 U per session may decrease the interval between injections, improve the patient’s quality of life, or both.
Development of metamaterial based low cost passive wireless temperature sensor

Wireless passive temperature sensors are gaining increasing attention due to the ever-growing need of precise monitoring of temperature in high temperature energy conversion systems such as gas turbines and coal-based power plants. Unfortunately, the harsh environment such as high temperature and corrosive atmosphere present in these systems limits current solutions. In order to alleviate these issues, this paper presents the design, simulation, and manufacturing process of a low cost, passive, and wireless temperature sensor that can withstand high temperature and harsh environment. The temperature sensor was designed following the principle of metamaterials by utilizing Closed Ring Resonators (CRR) embedded in a dielectric matrix. The proposed wireless, passive temperature sensor behaves like an LC circuit that has a resonance frequency that depends on temperature. A full wave electromagnetic solver Ansys Ansoft HFSS was used to perform simulations to determine the optimum dimensions and geometry of the sensor unit. The sensor unit was prepared by conventional powder-binder compression method. Commercially available metal washers were used as CRR structures and Barium Titanate (BTO) was used as the dielectric materials. Response of the fabricated sensor at room temperature was analyzed using a pair of horn antenna connected with a network analyzer.
Management of complications of tracheal surgery

Basic principles of tracheal reconstruction, which were introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, served to reduce the prevalence of many complications. These principles include thorough preoperative assessment (endoscopic and radiologic) of the tracheal anatomy and glottic function, avoidance of excessive anastomotic tension, preservation of tracheal blood supply, and meticulous dissection and anastomosis. The tracheal surgeon should have access to expert help in radiology and anesthesiology, experienced nursing units, and the help and advice of consultants, especially otolaryngologists. The surgical approach should be meticulously planned. No irreversible maneuvers should be performed until one establishes certainty to proceed to resection. The surgeon should not attempt to exceed the limits of what appears to be reasonably possible. It must be remembered that a permanent tracheal T-tube might be the best solution for a patient with extensive tracheal damage that would defy reconstruction.
Competition, niche specialization and the evolution of brain size in the genus Peromyscus

Previous studies of relative brain size in mammals have suggested an association with complex habitats and with low reproductive rate. In order to examine the causal relationships more thoroughly, a detailed examination of relative brain size variation in the genus Peromyscus was undertaken. Endocranial volumes were used to estimate brain weight for 32 species including 161 subspecies, and relative brain size calculated as the species deviation from the allometric relationship between brain and body size. The intrageneric allometric coefficient was higher than most values previously reported from low taxonomic levels, but intraspecific coefficients were generally lower than this. Island species, and relict species isolated on mountain tops, which may be ecological ‘islands’, had consistently small relative brain sizes, but peninsular species were large brained. Among the remaining species there were significant correlations between litter size and relative brain size, and between the number of competitor species and relative brain size. Species with many competitor species have relatively large brains and small litters. It is concluded that the nature of the geographical distribution, the pattern of species formation and habitat complexity all influence relative brain size in existing forms.
536. Charge Switchable Helper Lipids for Gene Delivery

The current gene delivery approaches in use include viral vectors, synthetic cationic vectors, or physical methods such as electroporation or gene gun. Of these, synthetic cationic vectors offer the advantages of low toxicity, nonimmunogenicity, large nucleic acid payloads, and ease of synthesis; but suffer from low transfection activities. This low activity likely reflects inefficiencies in the overall transfection pathway that includes DNA-synthetic vector complexation, endocytosis, endosomal escape, nuclear entry, and finally expression. Today synthetic cationic vectors are used in conjunction with |[ldquo]|helper|[rdquo]| phospholipids to obtain greater gene transfection levels. The helper lipids are typically zwitterionic lipids such as dioleylphosphatidyl choline (DOPC) or dioleylphosphatidyl ethanolamine (DOPE). These lipids promote fusion with the membrane of the endosome, which leads to the disruption of the endosome and release of the DNA, increasing transfection efficacy. Fortunately, several research groups have recognized the importance of designing and evaluating new synthetic vectors that respond to local environmental effects in an effort to increase gene transfection efficiency. To determine if a charge-reversal or charge-switchable concept translates to a more efficient helper phospholipid, we prepared a zwitterionic charge-switchable phospholipid. Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a functional phospholipid that undergoes an electrostatic transition from neutral to di-anionic that shows enhanced gene transfection when used with DOTAP. (See Figure)
Active frequency selective surfaces

Split ring resonator arrays are investigated for use as active elements for the realization of voltage controllable frequency selective surfaces. Finite difference time domain simulations suggest the absorptive and reflective properties of such surfaces can be externally controlled through modifications of the split ring resonator gap impedance. In this work, such voltage-controlled resonance tuning is obtained through the addition of an appropriately designed high electron mobility transistor positioned across the split ring resonator gap. It is shown that a 0.5μm gate length high electron mobility transistor allows voltage controllable switching between the two resonant conditions associated with a split ring resonator and that of a closed loop geometry when the surface is illuminated with THz radiation. Partial switching between these two resonant conditions is observed at larger gate lengths. Such active frequency selective surfaces are proposed, for example, for use as modulators in THz detection schemes and as RF filters in radar applications when scaled to operate at GHz frequencies.
Management of human and animal bite wound infection: an overview.

Animal and human bite wounds can lead to serious infections. The organisms recovered generally originate from the biter’s oral cavity and the victim’s skin flora. Anaerobes were isolated from more than two thirds of human and animal bite infections. Streptococcus pyogenes is often recovered in human bites, Pasteurella multocida in animal bites, Eikenella corrodens in animal and human, Capnocytophaga spp, Neisseria weaveri, Weeksella zoohelcum, Neisseria canis, Staphylococcus intermedius, nonoxidizer-1, and eugonic oxidizer-2 in dog, Flavobacterium group in pig, and Actinobacillus spp in horse and sheep bites. Vibrio spp, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Pseudomonas spp can cause infections in bites associated with marine settings. In addition to local wound infection, complications include lymphangitis, local abscess, septic arthritis, tenosynovitis, and osteomyelitis. Uncommon complications include endocarditis, meningitis, brain abscess, and sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulation especially in immunocompromised individuals. Wound management includes administering local care and using proper antimicrobial therapy when needed.
Abstract 4528: Genotoxic and estrogenic properties of new antiestrogens

Long-term administration of tamoxifen (TAM) to breast cancer patients and women at high risk of developing this disease gives serious side effects, including endometrial cancer. These side-effects are due to the DNA damaging and/or estrogenic action of the drug. Several antiestrogens have been developed in last three decades, but were dropped out from the clinical trials due to their undesirable effects on the uterus. To avoid this serious side-effect, we have synthesized a new triphenylethylene antiestrogen, E-3-{4-[(E)-4-chloro-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-phenylbut-1-enyl]-phenyl} acrylic acid (SS1020) and a new benzopyran antiestrogen, 2E-3-{4-[(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-3-phenyl-2H-chromen-4-yl)-methyl]-phenyl}-acrylic acid (SS5020). SS1020 and SS5020 had antitumor potential much higher than that of TAM or other antiestrogens at the human equivalent doses (TAM 0.3-1.0 mg/kg/day), against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mammary tumors in rats or human MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft implanted into athymic nude mice. To evaluate their genotoxic activity, the capability of forming hepatic DNA adducts in rats was determined. When rats were treated orally at a dose molar equivalent to TAM (20 mg/kg/day), a high level (∼1 adduct/105 nucleotides) of DNA adducts was detected in TAM-treated rats whereas no DNA adducts were observed in rats treated with SS1020 or SS5020. To evaluate the estrogenic potential, the uterotrophic activity of our compounds was determined in ovariectomized (OVX) rats at a dose molar equivalent to TAM (10 mg/kg/day), which is 30 times higher than the human equivalent dose of TAM. TAM had high uterotrophic activity while SS1020 and SS5020 did not present significant uterotrophic activity. Therefore, SS1020 and SS5020, lacking estrogenic and genotoxic actions, are expected not to induce reproductive cancers. Interestingly, the antitumor activities of several antiestrogens examined were, rather, increased significantly to the lowering uterotrophic activity evaluated with OVX-rats, but not to their antiproliferative activities against cultured estrogen receptor positive human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The use of uterotrophic assay, not antiproliferative assay, may be a suitable screening system to exploit antiestrogen alternatives. Non-genotoxic and non-estrogenic SS1020 and SS5020, having strong antitumor potency superior to that of TAM, could be safer alternatives for breast cancer therapy and prevention. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4528. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4528
The Aesthetics of Management Storytelling A Key to Organizational Learning

An aesthetics perspective on storytelling contributes to an understanding of how and why some stories are more effective than others. Three ideas about the nature of aesthetic experience—that it is (1) felt meaning from abductive reasoning, (2) characterized by feelings of connectedness, and (3) enjoyed for its own sake-supply criteria for identifying story quality and suggest how to make stories more effective. This idea of good and bad stories informs every aspect of management storytelling, which we illustrate by reviewing the functions of management storytelling using Mintzberg's taxonomy of the roles of the manager Furthermore, through Mintzberg's taxonomy, we show the contributions of aesthetically strong management stories to organizational learning.
Metabolic Quotients of the Gravid Uterus of the Chronically Catheterized Guinea Pig

The uptake of substrates by the pregnant uterus defines the "diet" of the uterus and conceptus. In order to determine the uterine substrate uptake, catheters were placed in the femoral artery and uterine veins of guinea pigs at 40-49 days gestation. After at least 2 days recovery from perioperative stress, systemic arterial and uterine venous concentrations of oxygen, glucose, lactate, acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetate, and free fatty acids were measured and metabolic quotients were calculated. The glucose/O2 quotient was 1.22 +/- 0.07 (mean +/- SEM), the lactate/O2 quotient was -0.40 +/- 0.09, the acetoacetate/O2 quotient was 0.03 +/- 0.02, the beta-hydroxybutyrate/O2 quotient was 0.01 +/- 0.006, the acetate/O2 quotient was 0.03 +/- 0.01, and the free fatty acid/O2 quotient was 0.24 +/- 0.21. Among the substrates measured, glucose appears to be the major metabolic fuel of the pregnant guinea pig uterus, but does not account for all of the oxygen consumed by the uterus if adjusted for lactate production, since lactate is produced within the gravid uterus in large quantities. Acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate are utilized in negligible amounts.
Imprinted polymeric materials. Insight into the nature of prepolymerization complexes of quercetin imprinted polymers.

Molecular imprinting techniques have proved to be a highly accessible method for producing molecule-specific recognition materials for a variety of applications, ranging from sensing to catalysis and separations. In noncovalent imprinting, it is anticipated that polymerizable complexes are created in the prepolymerization solution via self-assembly of functional monomers and template molecules resulting from inherent chemical complementarity, which will ideally form binding sites within the cross-linked matrix after polymerization. On the basis of 1H NMR data and X-ray crystallographic evidence, we now infer a more important role for template self-association for the recognition properties of quercetin-imprinted polymers. While directly applicable to fundamental understanding of the molecular imprinting mechanism of this polyphenol, on a more generic scale, this work also demonstrates the utility of this strategy toward analyzing complex noncovalent interaction mechanisms between small molecules. These in...
Kidney-specific enzyme expression by human kidney cell lines generated through oncogene transfection

The human kidney cell line 293 was generated by transfection of adenovirus DNA into normal human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells (Graham et al., 1977), whereas the human kidney cell lines ST-1i and STt-4i were generated by transfection of HEK cells with plasmids encoding SV40 viral oncogenes (Abcouwer et al., 1989). In this study, we examined kidney-specific enzyme activity levels in 293, ST-1i, and STt-4i cells to determine their ability to exhibit kidney-specific gene expression. Enzymes examined were leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP), and the disaccharidases trehalase and maltase. Enzymatic activity levels were compared to three other kidney cell lines (MDCK, OK, and LLC-PK1) as well as to normal human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells and the human hepatoma cell line, Hep G2. Modulation of kidney-specific enzyme activities was assessed in response to several differentiation-inducing agents (adenosine, n-butyric acid, hexamethylene bisacetamide (HMBA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF), isobutyl methyl xanthine (IBMX), di butyryl cAMP, and retinoic acid). ST-1i and STt-4i exhibit elevated levels of LAP, gamma-GTP, trehalase, and maltase, consistent with their kidney cell origin, whereas 293 cells exhibit elevated levels of just gamma-GTP and maltase. Maltase and gamma-GTP enzyme activities in ST-1i and STt-4i cells were very responsive to the various inducing agents; 293 cells were less responsive at the inducer concentrations examined. None of the three human cell lines formed domes under any of the experimental conditions. In summary, ST-1i and STt-4i are comparable to normal HEK cells in expression of kidney-specific enzymes and in responsiveness to differentiation-inducing agents, in spite of continued expression of SV40 oncogenes.
Scientific Realism as a Meta‐Theory of International Politics

The recent increase in interest in scientific realist foundations for international relations theory, spearheaded by Wendt in various works, most fully articulated in his Social Theory of International Politics, and supported by a number of other authors, has brought to the fore a set of related issues in the philosophy of the social sciences. The advocacy of scientific realism in the international relations literature has largely taken the form of attacks on various nonscientific realist foundational theories. Consequently, the success of the arguments for scientific realism depends in large measure on the accuracy of the characterizations of the competing views. This paper argues that Wendt and others have misrepresented the challengers and have thus overstated the superiority of scientific realism. The paper further considers the aims and purposes of providing meta-theoretical foundations for IR theories, and argues that when the alternative accounts are properly described, the purposes are better satisfied by the latter and, in particular, by a version of Duhemian conventionalism.
PREY SELECTION IN HORNED LIZARDS FOLLOWING THE INVASION OF ARGENTINE ANTS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Biological invasions can have severe direct and indirect impacts on natural communities and are one of the leading reasons behind the loss of biodiversity. We inves- tigated the indirect effects of Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) invasions on coastal horned lizards (Phrynosoma coronatum) through an examination of prey selection in the field and laboratory. In non-invaded areas, coastal horned lizard diet consists predominately of ants (>94% by prey item in three reserves examined), particularly harvester ants in the genera Pogonomyrmex and Messor. In invaded areas, most native ants were displaced, and remaining horned lizards incorporated more non-ant arthropods and smaller ants into their diet. In addition, Argentine ants were never detected in horned lizard fecal pellets, sug- gesting that they are not a suitable replacement food source for the native species they are displacing. Analysis of prey selection in uninvaded areas reveals that ant species con- sumption by adult lizards is correlated with ant body size rather than ant abundance, foraging behavior, or defensive method. Differences in diet between adult and juvenile lizards suggest that a diversity of ant species is necessary to support both age classes. Laboratory exper- iments, consisting of paired presentations of four native ant species and the Argentine ant, confirmed patterns found in the field. Both adult and juvenile horned lizards preferred native ants to Argentine ants. Patterns of preference suggest that, in addition to L. humile's small size, other factors may contribute to the horned lizard's aversion to this species. Populations of coastal horned lizards have undergone severe declines in recent years. While habitat loss has been the primary concern, the invasion of Argentine ants into their remaining suitable habitat needs to be monitored. Reserves need to be managed to prevent the penetration of Argentine ants in order to minimize their direct and indirect effects on natural communities.
Theory of Kohn Anomalies in the Phonon Spectra of Metals

An expression is derived for the change in frequency of the lattice vibrations in a metal caused by the interaction of the phonons with the conduction electrons. The various factors affecting the magnitude of these Kohn anomalies are considered, and a connection is made with the value of the electrical resistivity of the pure metal. The valence of the metal is found to be the most important factor determining whether such anomalies should be observable. The results of the calculations are applied to Pb, and give good agreement with experiment.
Immunogold EM localization of neurochemicals in human pulmonary neuroendocrine cells

Antibodies against the pulmonary neuroendocrine cell peptides gastrin-releasing peptide (bombesin), calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have been labeled with colloidal gold spheres for immunocytochemical localization in human fetal and newborn lung tissue. In general, the presence and amount of immunolabeling increased with increasing gestational age, with only calcitonin appearing late in fetal life. The largest percentage of neuroepithelial body (NEB) cells labeled and the largest number of labeled dense core vesicles (DCV) were in infants with chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia). Serial ribbons allowed identification of more than one peptide in a single NEB cell. The use of two antibodies labeled with colloidal gold spheres of different sizes allowed the identification of two peptides in the same DCV. Quantification of relative amounts of labeled peptides was not possible, as the peptide labeling with the larger size gold sphere was consistently underestimated. Colocalization to the same DCV has been shown in humans for bombesin and calcitonin, calcitonin and CGRP, bombesin and CGRP and, by others, for cholecystokinin (CCK) and serotonin. Colocalization of two or more peptides or an amine to a single DCV within the same cell implies simultaneous discharge by exocytosis. The action of the two (or more) substances might be in concert, perhaps with one acting in a paracrine fashion, and the second in an autocrine fashion. In this case, the second peptide or amine might have a regulatory function on the parent cell, influencing DCV storage or rate of release. Microsc. Res. Tech. 37:77–91, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Matching As An Econometric Evaluation Estimator

This paper develops the method of matching as an econometric evaluation estimator. A rigorous distribution theory for kernel-based matching is presented. The method of matching is extended to more general conditions than the ones assumed in the statistical literature on the topic. We focus on the method of propensity score matching and show that it is not necessarily better, in the sense of reducing the variance of the resulting estimator, to use the propensity score method even if propensity score is known. We extend the statistical literature on the propensity score by considering the case when it is estimated both parametrically and nonparametrically. We examine the benefits of separability and exclusion restrictions in improving the efficiency of the estimator. Our methods also apply to the econometric selection bias estimator. Matching is a widely-used method of evaluation. It is based on the intuitively attractive idea of contrasting the outcomes of programme participants (denoted Y1) with the outcomes of "comparable" nonparticipants (denoted Y0). Differences in the outcomes between the two groups are attributed to the programme. Let 1 and 11 denote the set of indices for nonparticipants and participants, respectively. The following framework describes conventional matching methods as well as the smoothed versions of these methods analysed in this paper. To estimate a treatment effect for each treated person iecI, outcome Yli is compared to an average of the outcomes Yoj for matched persons je10 in the untreated sample. Matches are constructed on the basis of observed characteristics X in Rd. Typically, when the observed characteristics of an untreated person are closer to those of the treated person ieI1, using a specific distance measure, the untreated person gets a higher weight in constructing the match. The estimated gain for each person i in the treated sample is
Quality Research in Radiation Oncology Analysis of Clinical Performance Measures in the Management of Gastric Cancer

Background The specific aim was to determine national patterns of radiation therapy (RT) practice in patients treated for stage IB-IV (nonmetastatic) gastric cancer (GC). Methods and Materials A national process survey of randomly selected US RT facilities was conducted which retrospectively assessed demographics, staging, geographic region, practice setting, and treatment by using on-site record review of eligible GC cases treated from 2005 to 2007. Three clinical performance measures (CPMs), (1) use of computed tomography (CT)-based treatment planning; (2) use of dose volume histograms (DVHs) to evaluate RT dose to the kidneys and liver; and (3) completion of RT within the prescribed time frame; and emerging quality indicators, (i) use of intensity modulated RT (IMRT); (ii) use of image-guided tools (IGRT) other than CT for RT target delineation; and (iii) use of preoperative RT, were assessed. Results CPMs were computed for 250 eligible patients at 45 institutions (median age, 62 years; 66% male; 60% Caucasian). Using 2000 American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria, 13% of patients were stage I, 29% were stage II, 32% were stage IIIA, 10% were stage IIIB, and 12% were stage IV. Most patients (43%) were treated at academic centers, 32% were treated at large nonacademic centers, and 25% were treated at small to medium sized facilities. Almost all patients (99.5%) underwent CT-based planning, and 75% had DVHs to evaluate normal tissue doses to the kidneys and liver. Seventy percent of patients completed RT within the prescribed time frame. IMRT and IGRT were used in 22% and 17% of patients, respectively. IGRT techniques included positron emission tomography (n=20), magnetic resonance imaging (n=1), respiratory gating and 4-dimensional CT (n=22), and on-board imaging (n=10). Nineteen percent of patients received preoperative RT. Conclusions This analysis of radiation practice patterns for treating nonmetastatic GC indicates widespread adoption of CT-based planning with use of DVH to evaluate normal tissue doses. Most patients completed adjuvant RT in the prescribed time frame. IMRT and IGRT were not routinely incorporated into clinical practice during the 2005-2007 period. These data will be a benchmark for future Quality Research in Radiation Oncology GC surveys.
Carbon-sulfur bond cleavage and hydrodesulfurization of thiophenes by tungsten.

The reactions of W(PMe3)4(η2-CH2PMe2)H, W(PMe3)5H2, W(PMe3)4H4 and W(PMe3)3H6 towards thiophenes reveal that molecular tungsten compounds are capable of achieving a variety of transformations that are relevant to hydrodesulfurization. For example, sequential treatment of W(PMe3)4(η2-CH2PMe2)H with thiophene and H2 yields the butanethiolate complex, W(PMe3)4(SBun)H3, which eliminates but-1-ene at 100 °C. Likewise, sequential treatment of W(PMe3)4(η2-CH2PMe2)H with benzothiophene and H2 yields W(PMe3)4(SC6H4Et)H3, which releases ethylbenzene at 100 °C. Moreover, W(PMe3)4(η2-CH2PMe2)H desulfurizes dibenzothiophene to form a dibenzometallacyclopentadiene complex, [(κ2-C12H8)W(PMe3)](μ-S)(μ-CH2PMe2)(μ-PMe2)[W(PMe3)3].
Genetic diversity and spatial structure of a keystone species in fragmented pine rockland habitat

Abstract In southern Florida, slash pine ( Pinus elliottii var. densa ) is the keystone species of the endangered pine rockland habitat. Less than 3% of this unique habitat remains today, much of which has significantly altered forest structure due to hurricane damage and clearing for development, agriculture, and logging. Using nuclear microsatellite loci and chloroplast microsatellite regions, we quantified genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure in south Florida slash pine in second growth fragments, a virgin old growth site, and hurricane damaged versus undamaged fragments. These data were used to evaluate the suitability of the remaining fragments to serve as seed sources for ongoing pine rockland restoration efforts. The inbreeding coefficient F IS was not significantly different from zero in any fragment and estimates of genetic diversity were very similar across fragments. Differentiation was also very low and most genetic diversity (98%) was found within fragments. Spatial genetic analysis indicated low but significant structure. Individuals within fragments (15–500 m) were genetically more similar than individuals between fragments. Within fragments, individuals separated by up to 15 m were more similar than individuals separated by greater distances. There was some evidence that spatial structuring was reduced in hurricane-impacted fragments. We found no evidence for genetic erosion in any of the fragments, suggesting that all fragments would provide suitable seed for restoration. Collecting seeds that are separated by at least 15–30 m and from several fragments and soil types should maximize the genetic diversity of seed stock. These results support the assertion that over short time periods, fragmentation and associated disturbances may not alter the genetic structure of long-lived wind-pollinated tree species.
Counting People in Groups

Cameras are becoming a common tool for automated vision purposes due to their low cost. In an era of growing security concerns, camera surveillance systems have become not only important but also necessary. Algorithms for several tasks such as detecting abandoned objects and tracking people have already been successfully developed. While tracking people is relatively easy, counting people in groups is much more challenging. The mutual occlusions between people in a group make it difficult to provide an exact count. The aim of this work is to present a method of estimating the number of people in group scenarios. Several considerations for counting people are illustrated in this paper, and experimental results of the method are described and discussed.
Scandals and Congressional Elections in the Post-Watergate Era

Since Watergate, more than two hundred fifty members of the House of Representatives have been involved in various scandals. The author finds that roughly 40 percent of incumbents did not “survive”...
Effects of movement and eating on chemosensory tongue-flicking and on labial-licking in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

Two forms of lingual protrusion, tongueflicking and labial-licking, were differentially affected by combinations of movement and eating conditions in a eublepharid gecko (Eublepharis macularius). Tongue-flicking, in which the tongue contacts substrates beyond the lizard's body, occurred at increased rates during locomotion and during locomotion was significantly more frequent after eating than in a baseline condition. Labial-licking, in which a protruded portion of the tongue touches the labial, mental or rostral scales that surround the mouth, increased after eating. Unlike tongue-flick rates, by far the highest labial-lick rates were observed in stationary lizards after eating. The elevated tongue-flicking rates during movement after eating may be a manifestation of a postingestive chemosensory search for prey. In addition to grooming, several possible chemosensory functions of labial-licking are discussed, including gustatory sampling, sampling prey chemicals on the labials for transfer to the vomeronasal system, and redistribution of chemicals on the tongue to enhance transfer. It is suggested that labial-licking might help motionless lizards maintain vigilance for visual prey stimuli associated with the specific chemical prey cues. Another possible explanation for the increased labial-lick rate while motionless after eating is that prey chemicals induce tongue-flicking, but that the distance protruded is lessened and the tongue does not contact environmental substrates. Tongue-flicking while stationary is unlikely to lead to detection of additional prey and might incur detection by the lizard's predators or prey.
Randomized controlled trial of zoledronic acid to prevent bone loss in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

ABSTRACTPurpose: A multicenter double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial was performed to assess the effect of zoledronic acid, a potent new bisphosphonate, on bone mineral density during androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Men with M0 (no distant metastases) prostate cancer beginning androgen deprivation therapy were randomly assigned to receive 4 mg. zoledronic acid or placebo intravenously every 3 months for 1 year. The primary efficacy variable was the percent change from baseline to 1 year in bone mineral density of the lumbar spine as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.Results: A total of 106 men were enrolled in the trial. Mean bone mineral density in the lumbar spine increased by 5.6% in men receiving zoledronic acid and decreased by 2.2% in those given placebo (mean difference 7.8%, 95% confidence interval 5.6%–10.0%, p <0.001). Mean bone mineral density of the femoral neck, trochanter and total hip also increased in th...
A retrospective analysis of the value of monocyte monolayer assay results for predicting the clinical significance of blood group alloantibodies

BACKGROUND: Cellular assays (e.g., monocyte monolayer assays [MMAs]) have been used to predict the clinical significance of red blood cell (RBC) alloantibodies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty years of MMA data were retrospectively analyzed to 1) determine the optimal cut point (by correlating MMA results from 46 patients with RBC survival study results and/or laboratory and clinical signs of hemolytic transfusion reactions [HTRs] when incompatible blood was transfused), and 2) determine what percentage of 251 unusual alloantibodies (most to high-incidence antigens) were predicted to be clinically significant. RESULTS: Two MMA cut points (5% and 20%) were chosen using a receiver-operating characteristics curve. No patients with MMA results less than or equal to 5 percent had clinical signs of a reaction; one-third of patients with MMA results 5.1 to 20 percent versus two-thirds with results greater than 20 percent had clinical signs of a HTR after transfusion of incompatible blood. Using 5-percent or 20-percent cut points, 173 (69%) or 97 (39%) of 251 unusual alloantibodies gave positive MMAs, respectively. CONCLUSION: A negative MMA (≤5%) indicates that incompatible blood can be given without risk of an overt HTR but does not guarantee normal long-term survival of those RBCs. Most unusual alloantibodies are predicted to cause shortened RBC survival, but transfusion of incompatible blood may not result in any clinical or laboratory signs of a HTR. We have used the MMA for approximately 20 years, instead of a 1-hour chromium-51 RBC survival, to aid in the decision to transfuse RBCs incompatible with antibodies to high-incidence antigens.
Further validation that claims data are a useful tool for epidemiologic research on hypertension.

Background The practice of using medical service claims in epidemiologic research on hypertension is becoming increasingly common, and several published studies have attempted to validate the diagnostic data contained therein. However, very few of those studies have had the benefit of using actual measured blood pressure as the gold standard. The goal of this study is to assess the validity of claims data in identifying hypertension cases and thereby clarify the benefits and limitations of using those data in studies of chronic disease etiology.
The communication of forgiveness

This investigation examined the interpersonal dynamics of forgiveness processes, by analyzing personal narratives recounting forgiveness situations. The interpersonal forgiveness process is described as consisting of relationship type, forgiver and offender motivations, forgiver and offender strategies, and relational consequences. Findings indicate that the process of forgiveness plays an important role in determining progress in interpersonal relationships. In addition, the forgiveness process was found to vary by relationship type. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Phase II Investigator-Initiated Study of Brentuximab Vedotin in Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome With Variable CD30 Expression Level: A Multi-Institution Collaborative Project

Purpose In contrast to Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, CD30 expression of malignant lymphocytes in mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) is quite variable. Clinical activity and safety of brentuximab vedotin, a CD30 targeting antibody-drug conjugate, was evaluated in MF and SS. Tissue and blood biomarkers of clinical response were explored. Patients and Methods In this phase II study, patients with MF or SS with negligible to 100% CD30 expression levels were treated with brentuximab vedotin (1.8 mg/kg) every 3 weeks for a maximum of sixteen doses. The primary end point was overall global response rate. Secondary end points included correlation of tissue CD30 expression level with clinical response, time to response, duration of response, progression-free and event-free survivals, and safety. Results Of the 32 patients enrolled and treated, 30 patients had available efficacy evaluations. Objective global response was observed in 21 (70%) of 30 patients (90% CI, 53% t...
Spatial heterogeneity and air pollution removal by an urban forest

Estimates of air pollution removal by the urban forest have mostly been based on mean values of forest structure variables for an entire city. However, the urban forest is not uniformly distributed across a city because of biophysical and social factors. Consequently, air pollution removal function by urban vegetation should vary because of this spatial heterogeneity. This paper presents a different approach to evaluate how the spatial heterogeneity of the urban forest influences air pollution removal at the socioeconomic subregion scale. Air pollution removal for July 1997 to June 1998 and July 2000 to June 2001 were estimated using measured urban forest structure data from three socioeconomic subregions in Santiago, Chile. Dry deposition was estimated using hourly climate, mixing height, and pollutant concentration data. Pollution removal rates among the three socioeconomic subregions were different because of heterogeneous urban forest structure and pollution concentrations. Air pollution removal per square meter of tree cover was greatest in the low socioeconomic subregion. Pollution removal during 1997–1998 was different from 2000 to 2001 due to pollution concentration differences. Seasonal air quality improvement also differed among the subregions. Results can be used to design management alternatives at finer administrative scales such as districts and neighborhoods that maximize the pollution removal rates by the urban forest in a subregion. Policies that affect the functionality of urban forest structure must consider spatial heterogeneity and scale when making region-wide recommendations. Similarly, when modeling the functionality of the urban forest, models must capture this spatial heterogeneity for inter-city comparisons.
Comparison of early-stage design methods for a two-mode hybrid electric vehicle

A challenge in the early-stage design of hybrid propulsion system architectures is dealing with a vast design space consisting of distinct subsystems, such as engine, motor, transmission, and battery. In this paper, two design optimization methods for a two-mode hybrid vehicle are examined: The first integrates the subsystems into a single virtual system and solves an All-In-One (AIO) problem; the second maintains system decomposition and updates individual subsystem designs through iterative exchange of information. The analysis models are detailed high-fidelity simulations of engine and electric motor components combined with two-mode transmission and overall vehicle models. Results indicate that the AIO system-optimal solution provides little additional benefit, suggesting that the industry practice to use ad-hoc decomposition-based optimization is sufficient for early-stage design in this class of problems.
Managing Hotel Reservations with Uncertain Arrivals

Based on our interactions with managers at two large hotels, we present a realistic model of the hotel reservation problem. Unlike traditional models, ours does not assume that all customers arrive simultaneously on the targeted booking date. We explain why this assumption may not be appropriate for the hotel industry and develop a model of reservation booking which explicitly includes the room allocation decisions which are made on the targeted booking date. Based on observations of how the problem is solved in practice as well as the insights gained from this analysis, we develop simple heuristic procedures for accepting reservations. Computational results demonstrate that these heuristics perform well relative to an upper bound that is based on perfect information about reservations requests and customer arrivals.
Potent and sustained satiety actions of a cholecystokinin octapeptide analogue

The relative ability of a norleucine substituted cholecystokinin (CCK) analogue, U-67827E, to interact with CCK receptors and to inhibit food intake was examined across a variety of paradigms. U-67827E and CCK had identical in vitro potencies as demonstrated by their ability to induce pyloric contractions or competitively inhibit [125I]CCK-8 binding to type A and B CCK receptors. However, the in vivo potency of U-67827E was significantly greater than that of CCK-8. In rats, U-67827E inhibited food intake with 10-100 times the potency of CCK. In rhesus monkeys, U-67827E produced significantly greater inhibitions of daily food intake and did so in a dose-dependent manner with no evidence of compensation or tolerance. U-67827E also inhibited gastric emptying for significantly longer durations than CCK. Together these results demonstrate that CCK analogues with increased in vivo bioavailability can affect food intake beyond a single meal.