cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Integrative Review of Team Nursing and Delegation: Implications for Nurse Staffing during COVID-19.

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, providing care for critically ill patients has been challenging due to the limited number of skilled nurses, rapid transmission of the virus, and increased patient acuity in relation to the virus. These factors have led to the implementation of team nursing as a model of nursing care out of necessity for resource allocation. Nurses can use prior evidence to inform the model of nursing care and reimagine patient care responsibilities during a crisis. Purpose To review the evidence for team nursing as a model of patient care and delegation and determine how it affects patient, nurse, and organizational outcomes. Methods We conducted an integrative review of team nursing and delegation using Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology. Results We identified 22 team nursing articles, 21 delegation articles, and two papers about U.S. nursing laws and scopes of practice for delegation. Overall, team nursing had varied effects on patient, nursing, and organizational outcomes compared with other nursing care models. Education regarding delegation is critical for team nursing, and evidence indicates that it improves nurses' delegation knowledge, decision-making, and competency. Linking evidence to action Team nursing had both positive and negative outcomes for patients, nurses, and the organization. Delegation education improved team nursing care.
Effect of dietary vitamin E or selenium on prostaglandin dehydrogenase in hyperoxic rat lung

Weanling male rats were fed semipurified diets supplemented with 0, 60, or 600 IU/kg vitamin E or 0, 100, or 1000 ppb selenium. One group was injected daily with vitamin E at a rate equivalent to consumption of 60 IU/kg. Animals from all groups were sacrificed after exposure to normobaric oxygen or air for 48 h. Lung tissue was analyzed for the combined activity of prostaglandin dehydrogenase and reductase. Using the decline in enzyme activity as an indicator of susceptibility to oxygen poisoning, protection against hyperoxia was directly related to the level of vitamin E supplementation. Selenium supplemented at 100 ppb provided significant protection when compared to 0 ppb or 1000 ppb. The latter dose may have been marginally toxic. Thus dietary supplementation of vitamin E and selenium may influence the relative susceptibility of an animal to pulmonary oxygen poisoning.
Strength of Preference and Risky Utility: An Empirical Study of Hazardous Waste Facility Siting

This paper presents evidence that a strength of preference function is not equivalent to a risky utility function. The differences between these functions, referred to as “relative” risk premiums, may provide a more accurate measure of attitudes toward uncertainty. A questionnaire distributed in Oklahoma used direct ratings and lotteries to evaluate the potential siting of a hazardous waste incinerator. Three attributes were evaluated: transportation distance, population, and cost of development. For the population attribute, statistically significant differences were found between direct ratings and lotteries, and between risk premiums and relative risk premiums. The distinctions between strength of preference and risky utility are shown to be both plausible and useful for hazardous waste management An important remaining task is to determine when these differences should be measured for other attributes and for other policy issues.
Medical interventions associated with HBV reactivation: Common and less common

Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is a potentially serious cause of liver injury that may be induced by immunosuppressive drugs and treatments. Liver damage occurs as a result of impaired immune control over viral replication, which often results in a hepatitis flare. These flares can be significant and lead to jaundice, liver failure, and death. The incidence of HBV reactivation is poorly defined, which is due in part to the lack of standardized nomenclature and definitions of what constitutes HBV reactivation. A recent consensus conference has now proposed criteria for HBV reactivation and exacerbation. Efforts are currently underway to standardize definitions that may help guide future studies and recommendations. 1 Many factors contribute to HBV reactivation, including host characteristics, baseline hepatitis B e-antigen status, and the level of HBV DNA at baseline. The immunosuppressant or treatment received also plays a large role in the development of HBV reactivation. As immunosuppressive agents are used more widely across a variety of medical fields, drug-induced HBV reactivation will become a more common clinical entity facing a broader range of medical personnel. Early recognition of patients at risk for HBV reactivation and initiation of antiviral prophylaxis will undoubtedly prevent many cases of liver injury and death. The major classes of immunosuppressive agents, and their risks of HBV reactivation, will be discussed further below (Table 1). Corticosteroids Corticosteroids such as prednisone are commonly used medications and a mainstay of many chemotherapeutic regimens. They have also been shown to increase the risk of HBV reactivation in many patient populations when used alone, and particularly when given in combination with another immunosuppressant. This reactivation of HBV replication is thought to be mediated by suppression of cytotoxic T-cell function and direct stimulation of a glucocorticoid-responsive element within the HBV genomic sequence. In one study of HBsAg-positive patients exposed to long-term prednisolone (10 mg) versus placebo, there was earlier viral relapse after steroid discontinuation; delay in biochemical remission; and an increased frequency of complications, including death. 2 In a separate randomized controlled study of corticosteroid use in patients undergoing CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) for lymphoma versus the same regimen without steroids, HBV reactivation was seen in 73% of patients versus 38% in the group who did not receive corticosteroids (P 5 0.03). 3 Thus, corticosteroid use for both short-term and long-term duration is an independent and additive risk factor of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-positive patients. The effect of corticosteroids in patients who are HBsAg-negative and anti-hepatitis B core (HBc)-positive, however, is not well characterized.
A highly distributed intelligent multi-agent architecture for industrial automation

In the 21st century, industrial automation will be greatly benefited by the advances in electronics, information systems, and process technology. However, these technological advances are still separate islands of automation. We believe that multi-agent systems will help the future of automation by providing flexible and scalable ways to integrate the different parts. This paper reports preliminary results of an ongoing research project that demonstrates advanced automation in a highly distributed architecture that is made of a synergy of intelligent agents, control, and physical devices. This was built to achieve the goals of reduced manning and improved readiness and survivability in US Navy shipboard systems.
Cutting edge: differential segregation of the SRC homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 within the early NK cell immune synapse distinguishes noncytolytic from cytolytic interactions.

Inhibitory NK receptors with ligand specificity for MHC class I recruit Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) phosphatase and prevent autocytotoxicity. Activation of SHP-1 depends upon Src kinase-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of the inhibitory receptor. In this study we demonstrate, by quantitative temporal analysis, that talin, Lck, and SHP-1 are recruited to the synapse within 1 min in both cytolytic and noncytolytic conjugates. Polarization of talin and Lck rapidly disappears in the noncytolytic interactions but persists in cytolytic interactions, where protein kinase C-θ, Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa, and lysosomes are recruited within 5 min. At 1 min SHP-1 clusters in the periphery of the cytolytic synapse, whereas it clusters in the center of the noncytolytic synapse. Lck has multifocal distribution in both synapses consistent with the shared requirement for early tyrosine phosphorylation. Our studies indicate that the spatial location of SHP-1 in the synapse distinguishes noncytolytic from cytolytic interactions within the first minute.
Effect of sodium saccharin and L-tryptophan on rat urine during bladder carcinogenesis.

Abstract We examined several parameters of urine excretion during a two-year initiation-promotion experiment in male Fischer rats using four weeks of N-[4-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-2-thiazolyl]formamide at 0.2% of the diet as the initiating agent and either 5% sodium saccharin or 2% L-tryptophan in the diet as promoting agents. Rats fed sodium saccharin increased their intake of water; this was accompanied by diarrhea and an increased urinary volume. Osmolality was decreased slightly. The total amount of sodium excreted was increased, although the concentration in the urine was similar to that of the controls or slightly increased. No abnormalities were observed in urinary potassium, calcium, urea, or other parameters measured except for the pH, which was slightly increased during the first three months of the experiment. There was no increase in the size or concentration of crystals in the urine of rats fed sodium saccharin, and no calculi were observed. Hypoglycemia and hypoglycosuria were present in sodium saccharin-fed rats and to a lesser extent in L-tryptophan-fed rats. No other abnormalities were seen in the urine of rats fed L-tryptophan. These data suggest that none of the urinary factors measured in our experiment, including crystal and calculus formation, correlated with the induction of urinary bladder lesions by sodium saccharin.
Localization of a filamin-like protein in glia of the chick central nervous system

Monoclonal antibody 5E10 binds to Muller cells in the chick retina and radial glia in the optic tectum. Biochemical and immunohistochemical experiments indicate that the 5E10 antigen is related to, but may not be identical to, filamin, a high-molecular-weight, actin-binding protein. Developmental studies show that the 5E10 antigen is present in all neuroepithelial cells very early in development, but disappears by about Embryonic Day 10. These results suggest that neurons developmentally regulate not only the type of intermediate filament proteins they express, switching from vimentin to neurofilaments, but also the type of actin-binding proteins.
A semi-supervised algorithm for pattern discovery in information extraction from textual data

In this article we present a semi-supervised algorithm for pattern discovery in information extraction from textual data. The patterns that are discovered take the form of regular expressions that generate regular languages. We term our approach 'semi-supervised' because it requires significantly less effort to develop a training set than other approaches. From the training data our algorithm automatically generates regular expressions that can be used on previously unseen data for information extraction. Our experiments show that the algorithm has good testing performance on many features that are important in the fight against terrorism.
Motion planning algorithms for autonomous intersection management

The impressive results of the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge showed that fully autonomous vehicles are technologically feasible with current intelligent vehicle hardware. It is natural to ask how current transportation infrastructure can be improved when most vehicles are driven autonomously in the future. Dresner and Stone proposed a new intersection control mechanism called Autonomous Intersection Management (AIM) and showed in simulation that intersection control can be made more efficient than the traditional control mechanisms such as traffic signals and stop signs. In this paper, we extend the study by examining the relationship between the precision of cars' motion controllers and the efficiency of the intersection controller. We propose a planning-based motion controller that can reduce the chance that autonomous vehicles stop before intersections, and show that this controller can increase the efficiency of the intersection control mechanism.
Opportunistic calibration of sensor orientation using the Kinect and inertial measurement unit sensor fusion

Sensor misplacement is a common obstacle that prevents inertial-based technology from providing reliable motion inference. Traditional approaches require certain calibration postures or activities to be performed. However, this may not be feasible for patients with mobility impairments. We propose a system that uses the Kinect's measurement as the ground truth to opportunistically detect and compensate for such errors. The goal of this study is to provide reliable motion data without the requirement of calibration activities or careful placement of the wearable sensors. First, we identified the instances where the Kinect had an unobstructed view of the limb of interest, and collected data for calibration. Then, we applied double exponential smoothing on the Kinect's position data and performed differentiation twice to generate virtual accelerations. By examining the acceleration vectors from the Kinect and inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, the misplacement of IMU sensors can be identified and thus compensated. Our results showed that the calibration algorithms successfully detected orientation error and provided accurate compensation. We also present an example of trajectory reconstruction with misplaced sensors and applied the proposed method. We obtained good agreement of reconstructed trajectories between the rectified sensor and the correctly placed sensor. The outcomes of this research will simplify ground-truth collection in the clinic, and provide reliable inference of motion data in the community.
The changing microbiology of maxillofacial infections.

Dramatic headlines in the recent news media have provided such alarming infectious disease stories as ‘‘Five year-old girl battles flesh eating bacteria,’’ ‘‘The killers all around: new viruses and drug resistant bacteria are reversing human victories over infectious disease,’’ and ‘‘Losing the battle of the bugs’’ [1–3]. These reports conjure up images of an almost science fiction type of horror story. Concerns among the lay population regarding the perceived shifting of infectious disease patterns and their subsequent manifestations have become a topic of discussion in the news media, often creating public alarm through misinterpretation and occasional exaggeration of events. For example,Timemagazine has suggested that antibiotics are so overused that the human body has become saturated and that the human immune system is so depressed that it provides an environment for the creation of ‘‘bacterial monsters’’ [2]. The reports of ‘‘flesh-eating’’ Streptococcus strains and ‘‘killer’’ bacteriathat areresistant tomost commonantibiotics raise public concerns that the normal bacterial flora is mutating uncontrollably and that infections are much more severe than they used to be [1–3]. Is this actually the case, and if so, do the same principles hold true for oral and maxillofacial infections? The purpose of this article is to review the past and present oral and maxillofacial literature, with a focus on identifying any changes that may have occurred over the past decades in infections of the maxillofacial region. It attempts to answer whether there actually have been any changes in the microbiology of maxillofacial infections and, if so, what those changes, patterns, and trends might be. The availability of the ‘‘wonder drug’’ penicillin in the years immediately after World War II ushered in an era of complacency in infectious disease management. Many traditional management techniques, such as isolation, quarantine, and scrupulous application of aseptic methods in the office and operatory, were minimized or discarded altogether as no longer being necessary because the new drugs were so effective in treating common infections. Antibiotics were prescribed when symptoms initially appeared, without determiningeither thecauseofthediseaseorantibiotic susceptibility of the microbe. Many infectious disease and public health professionals were ready to declare ultimate victory over infection, being convinced that antibiotics and vaccines would solve any existing and future disease threats. Events of the last five decades suggest that such enthusiasm was premature. Although there have been many dramatic improve
Real-time programming and its support environment

A real-time programming course is described that provides both an understanding of real-time applications and a basis for designing systems using modern system concepts. Design is based on concurrent interacting tasks and modules sharing common resources. Specification of the real-time system is based on real-time software engineering concepts. Emphasis is on detailed testing and verification of the resulting concurrent programs. Programming is done on personal computers using a real-time operating system. Testing and verification are aided by an event-tracing facility. It is concluded that the teaching of real-time programming can be greatly facilitated by the use of realistic examples and assignments, a simple method for specifying the overall design for classwide evaluation, and the provision of a support environment that permits debugging and verification of the student's design. >
Spectral distortion inherent in airborne profilometer measurements of ocean wave heights

A theoretical analysis of the performance characteristics of an airborne profilometer is presented. The analytical characteristics are shown to agree with those of the prototype. Results show that both the wave spectra and the dominant wave heading can be determined using the airborne profilometer.
Lactate dehydrogenase in rat mitochondria

Small but persistent amounts of L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were found in mitochondrial preparations isolated from rat heart, kidney, liver, and lymphocytes. Brain mitochondrial preparations were also isolated, but the results were inconclusive. A variety of cytosolic markers were used and it was found that essentially no cytosolic contamination was present except in brain preparations. A bacterial protease was used along with digitonin fractionation to determine localization of the mitochondrial LDH. Approximately 80% of the LDH activity associated with heart and kidney mitochondrial preparations was on the inside compared to about 40% for liver. Lymphocyte mitochondrial LDH activity was about 70% on the inside. Cytosolic LDH-5 preferentially adheres to outer mitochondrial membrane of liver, kidney, and heart. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed LDH isozymes in mitochondria qualitatively similar to that of the corresponding cytosol except in kidney mitochondrial preparations, where a specific electrophoretic band was found which did not correspond to any of the common LDH isozymes.
Purification and properties of calf liver aldose reductase

Abstract Aldose reductase (alditol:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.21) from calf liver has been purified 340-fold using techniques which included molecular sieving and electrofocusing. On polyacrylamide-disc gels the purified enzyme yielded two antigenically similar bands, with only the top band exhibiting enzymatic activity by the zymogram staining method. Sodium dodecylsulphate gels indicated 30 500 as the M r of the monomer. The M r of the active enzyme was 61 000 from Sephadex G-100. The active enzyme appeared to be a dimer composed of two 30 500 M r monomers. The isoelectric point was pH 8.25. NADPH and NADH were found to have apparent K m values of 14 and 0.22 μM, respectively. The enzyme was inhibited by increasing the ionic strength above 0.01, by sulfhydryl inhibitors, and by 5′-AMP. At pH 7.0, the forward reaction was the essentially irreversible reduction of glyceraldehyde by NADPH.
Is Civic Responsibility a Purpose for Leadership Development Programs

Civic responsibility is a term that leadership development programs continue to hear on college campuses. It might be a part of the mission statement for the institution; it might be an objective of a single program; or it might be an illusion of a hopeful society. Defining civic responsibility or civic engagement is a difficult task. According to Komives, Lucas, and McMahon (1998), civic responsibility “is the sense of personal responsibility individuals should feel to uphold their obligations as part of any community” (p. 15). But according to Astin, Astin, & Associates (2001), it is the act of becoming effective social change agents by making a positive difference in society to help solve the problems that plague America. The Campus Compact website states that there is not a consensus on one definition of civic engagement (O’Meara & Kilmer, 1999). In its simplest form, civic responsibility could be defined as providing community service. Those individuals who volunteer and help others are being persona...
The pattern of circulation of Diphyllobothrium sebago (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) in an enzootic area.

In the Rangeley Lakes region of western Maine, where Diphyllobothrium sebago (Ward) is enzootic, the spawning of the smelt (Osmerus mordax) in late April and early May and the ensuing die-off of the spent fish coincide with the return and reproductive activities of the gulls (Larus argentatus). The gulls feed on the dead plerocercoid-infected smelt, which results in a high infection during the late spring and early summer. Thus, from early July onward, at least until the fall turnover in the lake, a constant source of coracidia is available for the copepod, the first intermediary, which constitutes the chief food of the smelt. The procercoid in the copepod becomes a plerocercoid in the smelt, which serves as a source of infection for the gulls, during either the spring-summer of the next year or of the subsequent year. Epizootiologically, due to the prolonged preservation of the plerocercoids in the fish, the smelt is the natural reservoir. Despite the common occurrence of the plerocercoids in the salmon ...
A Comparability Study of a Wireless Electret Accelerometer to a Traditional Piezoelectric Accelerometer

Traditional piezoelectric accelerometers used for machine condition monitoring are expensive and represent a capital risk when placed in the harsh environment of a cutting process. Additionally, these components require signal conditioning hardware and are sampled on a PC via an independent data acquisition interface (DAQ card). The goal of the research discussed herein is to test an industrial-friendly electret-based accelerometer that can perform tasks similar to a traditional piezoelectric accelerometer. The sensor will be adapted to utilize Bluetooth wireless data capabilities, further enhancing the sensors industrial practicality. The output of this electret-based sensor will be compared to the output of a traditional piezoelectric accelerometer and accompanying DAQ. More specifically, the study will focus on the effects of elevated temperature on the sensor. To achieve this, a comparison of both the electret and piezoelectric accelerometer response spectra will be observed over a range of 21°C to 77°C. To further validate the sensor, turning data is collected wirelessly from the sensor and compared to the output of the traditional piezoelectric sensor. Finally, the performance of the sensor for monitoring a tool’s condition during turning is evaluated and presented. The generated trend is contrasted to the comparable trend developed from the piezoelectric-based accelerometer.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Jackknifing L-Statistics with Smooth Weight Functions

Abstract The behavior of linear combinations of order statistics (L-statistics) under jackknifing is discussed. The asymptotic behavior of a jackknifed L-statistic is described and the pseudovalue-based variance estimate is shown to be consistent under moderate smoothness and a trimming condition on the weight function. The results extend easily to functions of L-statistics and thus answer a question posed in Miller (1974). Monte Carlo results support small-sample applicability of the large-sample results for the construction of approximate confidence intervals.
Abstract 4322: Iron increases the invasiveness of prostate cancer cells in vitro: Mechanisms and inhibition by the antioxidant ebselen

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The effect of iron on PC-3 prostate cancer cell invasiveness was investigated using Neuroprobe filter membrane transmigration assays. PC-3 cells were pre-incubated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) for 6 hours. Excess iron was removed before the assay. The PC-3 cells were placed on an extracellular membrane preparation (Matrigel®) in the upper wells of the chamber and allowed to migrate onto the underside of a porous membrane that allowed cell transmigration. The number of cells migrating to the underside of the membrane was determined and used as a marker of cell invasion. Pre-treatment with 100 µM FAC caused a 4-fold increase in PC-3 cell invasion when measured at 24 hours (P< 0.05). The FAC concentrations that induced PC-3 invasion were 100 times smaller than concentrations which interfered with cell viability or proliferation rate. Western blot analysis suggested that the effect of FAC exposure on PC-3 cell invasion was mediated by p42/44 MAP kinase activity. Furthermore, the antioxidant ebselen, a hydrogen peroxide inhibitor, decreased FAC-induced PC-3 cell invasion. We also examined the mRNA expression of invasion-related genes using a cDNA array and found a positive correlation between the exposures to FAC and the invasion phenotype of prostate cancer cells. The data demonstrated that the upregulation of genes, such as fractalkine and plasminogen, after FAC treatment may be associated with iron-induced invasion of prostate cancer. Our data suggest that iron overload may be detrimental to patients with prostate cancer and that the effect of iron on invasion may be inhibited by ebselen. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4322. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4322
Zero-one matrices without consecutive ones

Abstract The number of m × n zero-one matrices without consecutive ones in any row or column is expressed in terms of a system of recurrence relations.
Indeterminate symmetric moment problems

Let {n,(x)} be a sequence of orthogonal polynomials with respect to a real distribution &. According to a classical theorem of Reisz 191, (x,(x)] is complete in L: if and only if w is either the solution of a determined Hamburger moment problem or an extremal solution of an indeterminate moment problem. In the special case where the zeros of the orthogonal polynomials have a finite infimum a and the Hamburger moment problem is indeterminate, there is an extremal solution which is essentially the only solution whose spectrum is a subset of [a, co) [4]. This solution is, in a sense, the “best” solution from the viewpoint of orthogonal polynomials since its spectrum consists of the limit points of the zeros of the polynomials. Askey remarked to the author that in view of Riesz’ theorem, it is surprising that so little attention has been paid to the question of extremal solutions. (Moak [8] has recently studied the extremal solutions associated with the “q-Laguerre,” nee generalized Stieltjes-Wigert, polynomials.) Askey suggested it would be desirable to investigate the existence of “best” extremal solutions in the general case or, as a first step, even in the “symmetric case” (moments of odd order are 0). In this paper, we will consider this special case and the related systems of orthogonal polynomials. In particular, we will show that an indeterminate symmetric moment problem has precisely two “symmetric” extremal solutions. This result, which we found surprizing at first, appears after reflection quite natural (and perhaps obvious) since the two solutions are the symmetrizations of the “best” extremal solutions of the related moment problems on [0, co).
Principles of Green Design: Analyzing User Activities and Product Feedback

This study investigated the design principles applicable to environmentally friendly product design. An experimental approach was taken to examine principles that aid designers in producing an eco-friendly product that consumers will enjoy and use. Another important aspect to this study was to determine whether a user’s positive environmental attitude or a willingness to change for the environment relates to environmentally responsible behavior. Two hypotheses were developed for successful eco-friendly products and then appropriate products were purchased and modified to test these hypotheses. The activity hypothesis claims that if a product adds user activities, is less likely to be used. The feedback hypothesis states that a product that gives clear feedback is more likely to be used than a product that does not. Student participants took home products to use for one week, recorded each time they used the products, and then completed surveys afterword. For the activity hypothesis, we supposed that the product not adding user activities would be used more than the product adding activities. However, the experimental results have shown that this may not always be the case. For the feedback hypothesis, we speculated that visual reminder feedback and energy savings feedback both increase product usage. An increase in eco-friendly product usage would lead to a lessened negative impact that products are having on our environment. Experimental results indicate that there were errors in the experimental design, but these problems also aid in future work for this research.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Phase I study of capecitabine in combination with temozolomide in the treatment of patients with brain metastases from breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND A single-institution Phase I clinical trial was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and define the safety profile of temozolomide and capecitabine when used in combination to treat brain metastases from breast cancer. METHODS Patients were eligible if they had bidimensionally measurable supratentorial or infratentorial brain metastasis from histologically confirmed breast carcinoma. Patients could have received up to 3 prior chemotherapy regimens. Temozolomide and capecitabine were administered concomitantly to 4 sequential cohorts at different dosing levels on Days 1–5 and Days 8–12, with cycles repeated every 21 days until disease progression. RESULTS Twenty-four patients with multiple brain lesions were treated, including 14 patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases and 10 patients with recurrent brain metastases. Only 1 patient was chemotherapy-naive. Fatigue and nausea were the most commonly observed toxicities observed at any dose levels. Significant antitumor activity was observed, with a total of 1 complete and 3 partial responses (18% objective response rate) in the brain. The median response duration was 8 weeks (range, 6–64 weeks) and the median time to progression in the brain was 12 weeks (range, 3–70 weeks). Neurocognitive function improved or remained stable in patients with a response or stable disease. CONCLUSIONS The combination of temozolomide and capecitabine is an active, well-tolerated regimen. The observed antitumor activity warrants further evaluation of this combination as an alternative to or in combination with whole-brain radiation therapy for the treatment of multiple brain metastases. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Six-Vertex Models as Fermi Gases

The two-dimensional six-vertex model with a particular choice of external field is known to be equivalent to a theory of free Fermions. Two conditions are made on the six-vertex weights. A simple physical interpretation of the ordered and disordered phases is found. The Fermi sea is filled and the free energy, correlation length, order parameter, correlation functions and phase diagram are determined.
Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced NMR relaxometry

Abstract We present a new methodological basis for selectively illuminating a dilute population of fluid within a porous medium. Specifically, transport in porous materials can be analyzed by now-standard nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry and NMR pulsed field gradient (PFG) diffusometry methods in combination with the prominent NMR signal amplification tool, dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). The key components of the approach introduced here are (1) to selectively place intrinsic or extrinsic paramagnetic probes at the site or local volume of interest within the sample, (2) to amplify the signal from the local solvent around the paramagnetic probes with Overhauser DNP, which is performed in situ and under ambient conditions, and (3) to observe the ODNP-enhanced solvent signal with 1D or 2D NMR relaxometry methods, thus selectively amplifying only the relaxation dynamics of the fluid that resides in or percolates through the local porous volume that contains the paramagnetic probe. Here, we demonstrate the proof of principle of this approach by selectively amplifying the NMR signal of only one solvent population, which is in contact with a paramagnetic probe and occluded from a second solvent population. An apparent one-component T 2 relaxation decay is shown to actually contain two distinct solvent populations. The approach outlined here should be universally applicable to a wide range of other 1D and 2D relaxometry and PFG diffusometry measurements, including T 1 – T 2 or T 1 – D correlation maps, where the occluded population containing the paramagnetic probes can be selectively amplified for its enhanced characterization.
Polishing of polycrystalline diamond films

Optically smooth surfaces can be produced on initially rough polycrystalline diamond film through the combined use of reactive ion etching and high temperature lapping on Fe metai Protective thin film barriers are first applied to the diamond surface to restrict the reactiv oxygen or hydrogen ion etching process to regions of greatest roughness. When the overaJ surface roughness has been reduced sufficiently by etching mechanical lapping of the surfac on an Fe plate at temperatures of 730C-900C in the presence of hydrogen can be used t produce surface roughnesses of less than 10 nm as measured by profilimetry. The tw techniques are complementary for flat surfaces while the reactive etching process alone can b used with shaped substrates to produce a surface finish suitable for LWIR optical applications. 1.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Deformation experiments in the diamond-anvil cell: texture in copper to 30 GPa

The combination of the diamond-anvil cell, synchrotron x-ray diffraction in radial geometry and simultaneous Rietveld refinement with texture analysis allows us to quantitatively investigate the plastic deformation behaviour of materials at very high pressures. Our study of copper to 30 GPa shows in ideal experimental geometry a [110] fibre texture component, as is typical for axial compression of soft face centred cubic metals. Locally a plane strain texture develops which is energetically favoured (curling). A transition from compressional to plane strain/pure shear texture can be monitored by analysing individual images taken at different positions in the diamond cell.
Changes in Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfhydryl Content of Heated Beef Adipose Tissue

SUMMARY— Beef adipose tissue was separated into the water soluble, salt soluble and insoluble (water-salt-ether) fractions, and the amount of H, S evolved upon heating each of the fractions was determined. The yield of H, S per 100 g of adipose tissue was 17.6, 1.7 and 5.5 μM for the water soluble, salt soluble and insoluble fractions, respectively. Thus, the water soluble fraction contributed about 71% of the H, S, while the corresponding contributions from the salt soluble and the insoluble fractions amounted to approximately 7 and 22%, respectively.
Delta and Kappa Opioid Receptor Subtypes and Ingestion: Antagonist and Glucoprivic Effects

Delta and kappa opioid receptors have been differentiated into further subtypes based upon both biochemical and pharmacological analgesic assays. Whereas hyperphagia elicited by the kappa1 receptor agonist, U50488H is blocked by general and kappa1 opioid antagonists, hyperphagia elicited by the kappa3 receptor agonist, naloxone benzoylhydrazone (NalBzOH) is blocked by general, but not kappa1 opioid antagonists. The first study assessed the opioid antagonist profile of hyperphagia elicited by centrally administered delta1 ([D-Pen2, D-Pen5]-enkephalin, DPDPE: 5-50 microg) and delta2 ([D-Ala2, Glu4]-Deltorphin, Delt II: 5-50 microg) agonists following central pretreatment with general (naltrexone), delta1 ([D-Ala2, Leu5, Cys6]-enkephalin, DALCE) and delta2 (naltrindole isothiocyanate, NTII) opioid antagonists. It is also important to determine whether selective opioid receptor subtype agonists are capable of altering intake in ingestive situations other than spontaneous feeding. The second study examined whether centrally administered delta1, delta2, kappa1 or kappa3 agonists altered the pattern and magnitude of hyperphagia elicited by 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG: 50-400 mg/kg, IP). DPDPE-induced hyperphagia was significantly reduced by naltrexone and NTII, but not DALCE. Delt II-induced hyperphagia was significantly reduced by DALCE and NTII, but not naltrexone. Pairing Delt II (5 microg) with low (100-200 mg/kg) 2DG doses significantly enhanced intake, producing a leftward (3-fold) shift in 2DG's hyperphagic dose-response curve. In contrast, DPDPE failed to alter 2DG-induced hyperphagia, and kappa1 and kappa3 opioid agonists each produced small, but significant increases in 2DG-induced hyperphagia. The antagonist data suggest the possibility of physiological and pharmacological interactions between delta receptor subtypes in mediating food intake, and it would appear that delta2 opioid receptors exert facilitatory effects upon glucoprivic hyperphagia.
A spatial analysis of green teams: a tactical response to marijuana production in British Columbia

Over a period of 4 years (1997–2000), British Columbia (BC) experienced tremendous growth in the illicit production and distribution of domestically grown marijuana. By the close of 2000, each policing jurisdiction in BC had adopted a particular policy in response to grow operation proliferation. In summary, four policy responses were noted. First, some maintained the status quo wherein enforcement of police initiated investigations and citizens’ tips continued, but with no additional resources specifically dedicated to grow operations. Second, some jurisdictions suspended the majority of investigation and enforcement of grow operations. Third, some agencies implemented or reinforced existing resource intensive drug squads, which focused on trafficking, sales and production of all types of drugs. Finally, some of the jurisdictions formed specialized tactical units known as “green teams” that focused solely on the enforcement of marijuana production. In this paper, we evaluate the effectiveness of green teams using a Geographic Information System (GIS) and difference-in-difference estimates. The results indicate that green teams decrease grow operations within their target area without significant displacement to surrounding areas.
Reliability and Validity of the Writing Essential Skill Screener — Preschool Version (WESS-P)

Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, item analysis, and construct and concurrent criterion-related validity of the Writing Essential Skill Screener — Preschool Version (WESS-P) were studi...
Theory of phonoritons and experiments to determine phonoriton dispersion and spectrum.

Under intense excitation by an electromagnetic wave near the exciton resonance, the exciton-polariton spectrum around the frequencies of the Stokes and anti-Stokes scattered polaritons will be modified by certain phonons via the exciton-phonon interaction, producing new elementary excitations called ``phonoritons'' (A. L. Ivanov and L. V. Keldysh, Zh. Eksp. Teor. Fiz. 84, 404 (1982) [Sov. Phys.---JETP 57, 234 (1983)]). The construction, condition for existence, dispersion, and other properties of the phonoriton are discussed here, based on a simplified model. The relation between creation of phonoritons and inverse Raman scattering is also discussed in this paper. A new nonlinear resonant Brillouin scattering experiment is quantitatively analyzed. For CdS and GaAs the changes in scattering cross section, line shift, and linewidth are calculated: these values should be measurable. A nonlinear modulation-reflection experiment is also analyzed for CdS and GaAs; it gives a measurable change in reflection due to phonoriton reconstruction of the spectrum. We suggest using pulsed irradiation in these experiments. These intensity-dependent effects could directly confirm the existence of phonoritons.
Dislocation-induced damping in metal matrix composites

The damping response of crystalline metals and alloys is generally associated with the presence of defects in the crystal lattice. The disturbance of these defects, usually in response to an applied cyclic load, dissipates energy, a mechanism known as “internal friction”. The various defects commonly found in crystalline materials include point defects (e.g. vacancies), line defects (e.g. dislocations), surface defects (e.g. grain boundaries) and volume defects (e.g. inclusions). Among these, dislocations are noteworthy because they play a critical role, not only in the damping response of crystalline materials, but also in the overall mechanical behaviour of the materials. Among the various structural materials actively being developed, metal matrix composites (MMCs) have received considerable attention as a result of their potential to combine reinforcement properties of strength and environmental resistance, with matrix properties of ductility and toughness. Of interest is the generally observed phenomenon that MMCs exhibit unusually high concentrations of dislocations, an observation typically attributed to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between matrix and reinforcement. The objectives of the present paper are to provide an overview of the sources of dislocation generation in MMCs, and to provide insight into the effects that dislocations have on the damping response of MMCs. The presence of dislocations in MMCs is highlighted on the basis of transmission electron microscopy studies, and the dislocation damping mechanisms are discussed in light of the Granato-Lucke theory.
Women's desired information about human papillomavirus.

BACKGROUND As human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is incorporated into cervical carcinoma screening programs, educational messages must be developed to inform women's screening choices and manage psychosocial responses to HPV DNA test results. However, little is known about women's questions and concerns about HPV or their attitudes toward HPV testing. METHODS Eight focus groups with 48 ethnically diverse, low-income women were conducted at community centers, family planning and primary care clinics, and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts. RESULTS The participants' comments and questions about HPV revealed five major themes. First, most women overestimated the likelihood that women with HPV would develop cancer. Second, women struggled to balance the anxiety of knowing that HPV infection causes cervical carcinoma with the information that HPV infection often regresses without treatment. Third, many women were confused that Papanicolaou smear results could be normal when HPV infection is present. Fourth, women preferred to receive a personalized risk profile to assess their own likelihood of contracting HPV infection and cervical carcinoma. Fifth, younger women focused on the sexual transmission of HPV infection, rather than on its potential to cause cancer. CONCLUSIONS Effective HPV education must include information about transmission, prevention, treatment, and cervical carcinoma risk; tailor messages to describe HPV susceptibility according to age and risk profile; present clarification regarding HPV strains and their consequences; offer explanations of different types of tests and their results; and provide a balance between accurate discussion of cancer risk and reassurance that following recommended screening practices will reduce risk to negligible levels. Cancer 2004;100:315–20. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
Age-related psychophysical changes and low vision

When considering the burden of visual impairment on aging individuals and society at large, it is important to bear in mind that vision changes are a natural aspect of aging. In this article, we consider vision changes that are part of normal aging, the prevalence of abnormal vision changes caused by disorders of the visual system, and the anticipated incidence and impact of visual impairment as the US population ages. We then discuss the services available to reduce the impact of vision loss, and the extent to which those services can and should be improved, not only to be better prepared for the anticipated increase in low vision over the coming decades, but also to increase the awareness of interactions between visual impairment and comorbidities that are common among the elderly. Finally, we consider how to promote improved quality, availability, and acceptance of low vision care to lessen the impact of visual impairment on individuals, and its burden on society.
Computational Determination of the Energetics of Boron Ignition/Combustion Reactions

Two computational procedures, the density functional B3PW91/6-311+G(2df,2pd) and the ab initio CBS-Q, have been used to calculate optimized geometries, energy minima at 0 K and enthalpies and free energies at 298 K for atoms and molecules involved in the ignition and/or combustion of boron. Calculated gas-phase heats of formation are presented for 58 atoms and molecules and are used to find heats of reaction for 83 possible ignition/combustion steps. The most exothermic are found to be BO + F → FBO and BO + O → BO2. It is shown that ΔH (298 K) and ΔH (2000 K) differ, on the average, by only 1.5 kcal/mol; however, ΔG can change quite considerably over the same temperature range. Relative stabilities and equilibrium constants are given for five pairs of isomers. While the geometries were obtained more accurately by the B3PW91 procedure, the CBS-Q is more reliable for heats of formation and heats of reaction.
The primary sex ratio under environmental sex determination.

The ESS primary sex ratio (♂/♀) under environmental sex determination (ESD) is shown to be equal to the ratio of the average fertility of a female to the average fertility of a male. Thus, depending upon how male and female fertility change over the environmental variable causing ESD, the primary sex ratio may be either male or female biased, or neither. The primary sex ratio thus contains information as to how male and female fertilities change with the environment.
Searching for Barriers to Adoption of the Videophone in a Hospice Setting

Hospice services care for millions of Americans at the end of their life. To improve this care, videophones have been introduced. However, the use of videophones is often not readily accepted by hospice nurses. This study used three theories, surveys, and focus groups with 25 hospice employees to investigate why there was a lack of acceptance. The survey predicted the videophones would be adopted. However, this was not the case, so focus groups were conducted to expand understanding of nonacceptance. This research demonstrates that leadership, context, and perceptions of the technology were key features effecting videophone acceptance. Future research should further examine these barriers and address the need for new survey instruments regarding nonutilization in this context.