cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second malignant neoplasms among children, adolescents and young adults with Wilms tumor.

Background The goal of this study was to describe the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of secondary malignant neoplasms (SMN) in survivors of Wilms tumor. Procedures Patients who were 0–20 years of age at time of primary diagnosis with Wilms tumor and reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] program between 1973 and 2011 were eligible for inclusion in the cohort. We used competing risks methods to estimate the cumulative incidence of SMNs and assess contributing factors for developing SMN. We estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIR), absolute excess risk and overall survival after SMN using standard methods. Results Within the SEER database, 2,851 patients were diagnosed with Wilms tumor as their first malignancy. Of these, 34 patients were reported to have a SMN. Cumulative incidence of for a secondary malignancy was 0.6% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.3–1.0%) at 10 years, 1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.3%) at 20 years, and 3.8% (95% CI 2.4–5.9%) at 30 years. Median time from primary diagnosis to SMN diagnosis was 12.5 years. SIR for SMN for survivors of Wilms tumor was 3.4 (95% CI 2.2–4.9) with an absolute excess risk of 7.6 per 10,000 persons per year. Exposure to radiation did not significantly increase risk for development of second malignancy. Overall survival for patients with SMN was 64.5% at 5 years. Conclusion Survivors of Wilms tumor are at an increased risk of SMN compared to the general population, but the added risk is relatively small compared to other pediatric cancers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1259–1264. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurements and predictions of turbulence in sound excited jets

The modifications to the structure of turbulence in a round jet excited by acoustic tones upstream of the jet exit are measured and compared with predictions. The prediction scheme assumes that the acoustic waves excite instability waves or large turbulent structures in the jet. The presence of these waves at finite amplitude causes an increase in the levels of the random turbulence. Models are presented for the interaction between the instability waves and the turbulence. The numerical scheme permits the enhanced turbulence and large turbulent structures to modify the shape of the mean velocity profile. The changes in the turbulence spectra with excitation are measured. The jet has a Reynolds number of 3.75 x 10 to the 5th and the initial boundary layer is turbulent.
Alternative Funerals: An Exploratory Study

A questionnaire to obtain data concerning beliefs and attitudes related to death and funeral preferences and to ascertain attitudes related to specific aspects of an alternative funeral plan develo...
Probing the quantum degeneracy of a dilute Bose gas with squeezed light

We consider how to probe the quantum degeneracy of a dilute noncondensed Bose gas by measuring quantum statistical properties of a transmitted light field. In particular, we use the sensitivity of the quantum correlations of a squeezed vacuum transmitted by a dispersive dielectric slab to differential changes in the dielectric transmission coefficient as a function of frequency. This result is applied to the transmission of squeezed light from a degenerate optical parametric oscillator by a dilute, inhomogeneous noncondensed Bose gas. We find that the pronounced sensitivity to differential dispersion and absorption can be used to distinguish between classical and quantum gas statistics, due to the influence of bosonic particle bunching on the dielectric response, including the influence of resonant van der Waals interactions. The transition from classical to quantum gas behavior is predicted to result in an overall reduction in noise in the transmitted spectrum of homodyne photocurrent fluctuations.
Constant mean curvature solutions of the Einstein constraint equations on closed manifolds

We prove in detail a theorem which completes the evaluation and parametrization of the space of constant mean curvature (CMC) solutions of the Einstein constraint equations on a closed manifold. This theorem determines which sets of CMC conformal data allow the constraint equations to be solved, and which sets of such data do not. The tools we describe and use here to prove these results have also been found to be useful for the study of non-constant mean curvature solutions of the Einstein constraints.
Analysis and benchmarking of graphene based RF low noise amplifiers

In recent years, there has been great interest in utilizing graphene based electronics for high frequency RF applications. To this end, researchers have demonstrated several key applications using graphene devices [1-3]. One application of interest is the low noise amplifier (LNA), where graphene's high mobility and high velocity saturation can potentially allow for very high frequency of operation as well as low noise. To this end, [4] has demonstrated a 10dB graphene amplifier, yet there exists no experimental study investigating the linearity of a graphene LNA. In this study we analyze the third order intermodulation product, gain compression and high frequency noise performance of graphene transistors for LNA application and benchmark it with other RF device technologies. The graphene amplifier (un-matched) exhibits an output third order intercept (OIP3) of 19dBm and input 1dB gain compression (Pin, 1dB) of 5.6dBm. We also report excellent noise performance for the graphene transistor, with intrinsic NFmin of 0.26dB (extrinsic 1.26dB) at 1GHz.
Core plasma in the magnetosphere

The paper presents a review of new findings related to core plasma (which includes ions and electrons with energies less than 50 eV) identified in studies of magnetosphere during 1983-1986. These findings include the cleft ion fountain; the plasmaspheric heavy ion torus; core molecular ions; high core-plasma densities in the plasma-sheet boundary layer; intense transverse heating of core plasmas in the equatorial regions; the supersonic polar wind (H/+/ and He/+/); toroidal or ring heavy-ion distribution functions in the auroral region; conic-to-field-aligned ion signatures of inverted-V auroral events; and the large-scale electron density structure of the magnetosphere. The progress made on modeling core plasma includes simulation of thermal helium heating at the equator; kinetic models of the plasma transport from localized ionospheric regions; time-dependent hydrodynamic models of the polar wind and plasmasphere-ionosphere coupling; and kinetic models of plasmasphere refilling.
Quantum computing and hidden variables

This paper initiates the study of hidden variables from a quantum computing perspective. For us, a hidden-variable theory is simply a way to convert a unitary matrix that maps one quantum state to another into a stochastic matrix that maps the initial probability distribution to the final one in some fixed basis. We list five axioms that we might want such a theory to satisfy and then investigate which of the axioms can be satisfied simultaneously. Toward this end, we propose a new hidden-variable theory based on network flows. In a second part of the paper, we show that if we could examine the entire history of a hidden variable, then we could efficiently solve problems that are believed to be intractable even for quantum computers. In particular, under any hidden-variable theory satisfying a reasonable axiom, we could solve the graph isomorphism problem in polynomial time, and could search an $N$-item database using $O({N}^{1∕3})$ queries, as opposed to $O({N}^{1∕2})$ queries with Grover's search algorithm. On the other hand, the ${N}^{1∕3}$ bound is optimal, meaning that we could probably not solve $\mathrm{NP}$-complete problems in polynomial time. We thus obtain the first good example of a model of computation that appears slightly more powerful than the quantum computing model.
Correcting Closed-Orbit Distortion in the NAL Main Ring

The position of the equilibrium orbit in the NAL synchrotron is measured by sensors immediately downstream of ring quadrupoles. The orbit distortion is corrected at low magnetic field by dc correction magnets located adjacent to the sensors and at high field by transverse displacements of the ring quadrupoles. The inconvenience of moving quadrupole magnets has favored making the minimum number of moves necessary to obtain adequate reduction of the maximum orbit distortion. A few familiar mathematical techniques have proved adequate to calculate the correcting moves, but the combination of these techniques is data dependent. A computer search program invariably gives a solution, but it has been useful to experiment with weighting and smoothing of the data and to compare alternative calculations to insure that the solution is optimum with respect to our priorities and constraints.
Large selective magneto-optic response from magnetic semiconducting layered structures

Magneto-optic (MO) spectra are considered for layered structures consisting of a magnetic semiconductor and a metal and having a resonant state. It is found that scattering on the resonant state results in a large MO response when the difference in resonant frequencies for left and right circular waves is large enough. The response is very selective for light waves of a certain helicity, and selection is reversed with magnetization reversal. Numerical calculations carried out for the Ag/EuS/Ag structure as well as analytical estimations show that a large selective MO response should be attainable experimentally. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Letzte Live-Übertragung vom Saturn - ein Bildbericht.

Mit dem Vorbeiflug der amerikanischen Raumsonde Voyager 2 am Saturn erreichte das Voyager-Planetenforschungsprogramm sein vorlaufiges Ende. Der vorliegende Bildbericht erganzt den entsprechenden Bericht vom Vorbeiflug der Sonde Voyager 1 (Oktober/November 1980), der im Mai-Heft 1981 in den Physikalischen Blattern erschienen ist.
Public health care and health insurance reform--varied preferences, varied options.

Mark Pauly argues that reform should envision the expansion of offerings for all groups: many more private options for the heavily subsidized and moderately more private- and public-plan options for others.
Effects of neurotropic drugs on lannate and atropine toxicity in the western spruce budworm, Choristoneura occidentalis (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Abstract By treating sixth instar western spruce budworm with drugs known to alter cholinergic or aminergic neurotransmission in vertebrates, the toxicity of sublethal Lannate and atropine could be abolished or enhanced. Balance between acetylcholine and 5-hydroxytryptamine appeared to be more important than their absolute concentrations. Toxicity effects were maximal under conditions favoring elevation of one of these transmitters and reduction of the other. No toxic effects occurred under conditions favoring the elevation or reduction of both transmitters.
Explosive Thermal Decomposition Mechanism of NTO

The initial step of the thermal decomposition of NTO (5-nitro-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one) is determined by pulsed infrared laser pyrolysis of thin films. Rapid heating of the film and quenching to 77 K allows one to trap the initial decomposition products in the condensed phase and analyze them using transmission Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The initial decomposition product is CO2; NO2 and HONO are not observed. We propose a new mechanism for NTO decomposition in which CO2 is formed.
Chronology of a Kettle-Hole Peat Bog, Cherryfield, Maine

Parts of coastal and central Maine underwent marine submergence between approximately 13,500 and 12,500 yrs ago. An ice-contact marine delta near Cherryfield, Maine, was formed during this time. Ten radiocarbon dates of basal peat samples from a kettle hole on the delta ranged from 5,310 ± 100 yrs B.P. at a depth of 2.21 m to 9,170 ± 160 yrs B.P. at a depth of 5.28 m. Peat from depths of 5.55 m yielded dates within the statistical error of the oldest date. The radiocarbon dates indicate a time lag of approximately 2,000 yrs between the formation of the delta and the earliest deposition of organic matter in the kettle hole.
Preparation of Alkenyl Cyclopropanes through a Ruthenium-Catalyzed Tandem Enyne Metathesis--Cyclopropanation Sequence

Acyclic enynes undergo a tandem enyne metathesis/cyclopropanation sequence in the presence of Grubbs' 1st generation metathesis catalyst and diazo compounds. In practice, the acyclic substrates in the presence of the ruthenium alkylidene first undergo a ring-closing enyne metathesis to generate cyclic 1,3-dienes; then upon addition of a diazo compound, these products are cyclopropanated selectively at the more accessible olefin. Overall, the reaction sequence converts acyclic enynes into vinyl cyclopropanes in single operation through two unique ruthenium-catalyzed transformations.
Domino liver transplantation in maple syrup urine disease: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract Background Improved outcomes have expanded the indications for liver transplantation, thus aggravating the already limited supply of donor organs. Domino liver transplantation (DLT) has been one strategy to augment the supply of donor organs in cases of inborn errors of metabolism. One such disease is maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), an inherited disorder of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism. Methods We report on the transplantation of a deceased donor liver into a patient with MSUD, and the sequential transplantation of the explanted liver into a patient with hemophilia A, HIV, hepatitis C, and a low priority on the transplant waiting list. Results At 30 months, the MSUD recipient has had significant correction of BCAA metabolism on a protein-unrestricted diet and no progression of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The DLT recipient has been cured of hemophilia and has normal BCAA homeostasis. This case provides further evidence that elective orthotopic liver transplantation for MSUD attenuates the disease with restoration of BCAA metabolism, and that DLT in this setting can achieve excellent results in ESLD patients. Conclusion It is possible that domino grafts from patients with MSUD could be used in more conventional recipients, but additional studies and longer-term outcomes are needed to determine the validity of DLT in MSUD.
Ultra-quiet high voltage source

A very simple, very inexpensive circuit is described for conditioning a high-voltage source to reduce supply ripple and noise from several volts p-p to microvolts, achieving a wideband supply noise level of better than -140 dB. The noise suppressor achieves its performance by taking advantage of the special nature of the problem-a few volts of ripple riding a large constant background. The device can be retrofitted to an existing supply with an immediate improvement in performance. >
Turbidity and Suspended Solids Levels and Loads in a Sediment Enriched Stream: Implications for Impacted Lotic and Lentic Ecosystems

Abstract The implementation of an automated stream monitoring unit that features four probe-based turbidity (Tn) measurements per hour and the capability to collect frequent (e.g., hourly) samples for total suspended solids (TSS) analyses during runoff events to assess the dynamics of Tn, TSS and corresponding loads in sediment-rich Onondaga Creek, NY, was documented. Major increases in both Tn (maximum of 3,500 NTU) and TSS (maximum of 1630 mg/L) were reported for the stream during runoff events. Relationships between Tn, TSS and stream flow (Q) were developed and applied to support estimates of TSS loading (TSSL). Tn was demonstrated to be a better predictor of TSS than Q, supporting the use of the frequent field Tn measurements to estimate TSSL. During the year of intensive monitoring, 65% of the TSSL was delivered during the six largest runoff events that represented 18% of the annual flow. The high Tn levels and extensive in-stream deposition have negatively impacted the stream's biota and the esthet...
Tier 3 Interventions for Students with Significant Reading Problems.

This article provides an overview of research on intensive reading interventions to inform Tier 3 instruction for students with reading disabilities. Tier 3 interventions are typically provided to those students who demonstrate inadequate progress after receiving less intensive Tier 2 interventions. A conceptual overview of Tier 3 interventions within a Response to Intervention model is provided, along with a review of research on effectiveness of instructional practices for students with significant reading difficulties.
Soil test levels of potassium, yields, and seed size in soybean cultivars

Abstract The effect of soil test levels of K (1 N, NH4OAc) on yields of soybean (Glycine max Merr) reproductive growth, seed size and numbers were evaluated for early, medium, and late maturing cultivars on a Maury silt loam (Typic Paleudalf). Relative yields were near maximum when extractable K was approximately 210 pp2m. Concentrations of K in uppermost, fully expanded leaves at flower initiation at the high production level were approximately 2.0 to 2.15%. Neither dates of flower initiation nor pod maturation of the three cultivars, Bonus, Cutler 71, and Williams, were altered by K nutrition. Either seed size or seed number were approximately equally capable of serving as a mechanism for increasing yield in response to improved K nutrition. Among cultivars, Bonus tended to have more smaller seeds, whereas Cutler 71 tended to have larger seeds with fewer seeds being produced.
Abstract 1792: Selective class I HDAC inhibitor SNDX-275 enhances anti-tumor survivin vaccine therapy by suppressing regulatory T cells in a model of prostate cancer

Immunotherapy has been recently approved for the treatment of castrate refractory prostate cancer but its clinical benefit is limited. A major barrier in vaccine therapy remains the presence of immunosuppressive factors such as regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are predominant in various cancers including advanced prostate cancer. Studies have shown that tolerance mechanisms can be induced by tumor and surrounding stromal cells or immunotherapy itself. In our laboratory we have observed that SNDX-275, a class I HDAC specific inhibitor can down-regulate Foxp3 expression, suppress Treg function, and enhance the anti-tumor effect of cytokine therapy. Here, we present a current study carried out in a castration-resistant prostate cancer model where we combined SNDX-275 with a novel peptide mimic vaccine (SVN53-67/M57-KLH (SurVaxM)) targeted towards the intracellular tumor associated antigen (TAA) survivin. We hypothesize that combination of SNDX-275 and SurVaxM vaccine will mediate a greater anti-tumor response by inducing an efficient CD8+ cytotoxic T cell response and overcoming Tregs mediated immunosuppressive effect in tumor bearing animals. We have generated and utilized a transplant castrate resistant (CR) PCa murine model. Myc-CaP cell lines derived from the Hi-Myc transgenic prostate cancer mouse model were injected (1×10 6 cells/mouse) subcutaneously to male FVB Wt mice. Survivin expression has been confirmed in myc tumors. Tumor bearing animals were surgically castrated post tumor establishment and consequent tumors were passaged through 5 additional rounds of surgically castrated Wt FVB male mice. CR tumor bearing mice were randomized into four groups and treated with vehicle, SNDX-275 (5 days/week, 5mg/kg), SurVaxM (1 dose/week) or combination. We demonstrate that treatment with SNDX-275 alone and in combination efficiently reduced Foxp3 expression in Tregs. Following four weeks of treatment, SNDX-275 or SurVaxM single treatment displayed modest anti-tumor effect (10-25% of reduction). Excitingly, combination of SNDX-275 and SurVaxM dramatically reduced tumor weight (∼80% reduction, p=0.002) and inhibited tumor growth rate when compared to either vehicle or single treatment groups. Tumor specific CD8+ T cell response and tumor specific cytotoxicity are being evaluated. This is the first study, to our knowledge, to show that the class I HDAC inhibitor SNDX-275 in combination with a vaccine therapy enhances prostate tumor response by inhibition of immunosuppressive Tregs. These findings suggest that the combination of a class I HDAC inhibitor with vaccine therapy is a rational therapeutic strategy for advanced, castrate refractory prostate cancer. 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 1792. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1792
Planar electrical-substitution carbon nanotube cryogenic radiometer

We have developed a fully-lithographic electrical-substitution planar bolometric-radiometer (PBR) that employs multiwall vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) as the absorber and thermistor, micro-machined Si as the weak thermal link and thin-film Mo as the electrical heater. The near-unity absorption of the VACNT over a broad wavelength range permits a planar geometry, compatible with lithographic fabrication. We present performance results on a PBR with an absorption of 0.999 35 at 1550 nm, a thermal conductance of 456 µW K−1 at 4 K and a time constant (1/e) of 7.7 ms. A single measurement of approximately 100 µW optical power at 1550 nm achieved in less than 100 s yields an expanded uncertainty of 0.14% (k = 2). We also observe an elevated superconducting transition temperature of 3.884 K for the Mo heater, which opens the possibility of future devices incorporating more sensitive thermistors and superconducting thin-film wiring.
Flare-ups in endodontics: I. Etiological factors

A number of hypothetical mechanisms which may be responsible for pain and swelling before and during endodontic therapy are presented. These mechanisms may be interrelated.
A Characterization of Tangle Matroids

We prove that a matroid with at least two elements is a tangle matroid if and only if it cannot be covered by three hyperplanes. Some consequences of this theorem are also noted. In particular, no binary matroid of rank at least two is a tangle matroid.
Inhaled nitric oxide improves hemodynamics in patients with acute pulmonary hypertension after high-risk cardiac surgery:

Severe pulmonary hypertension and right-sided circulatory failure (RSCF) represent an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing high-risk cardiac surgery. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance in the setting of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may further lead to decrease blood flow across the pulmonary vascular bed; thereby decreasing left ventricular filling and cardiac output. Current management techniques for RSCF include both nonspecific vasodilator and inotropic agents (often limited by systemic hypotension) and the placement of right ventricular assist devices (associated with increased perioperative morbidity). Inhaled nitric oxide (NOi) represents a novel, specific pulmonary vasodilator that has been proven efficacious in these clinical settings. We evaluated 34 patients in 38 operations who underwent cardiac surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and who received NOi (20 ppm) through a modified ventilatory circuit for hemodynamically significant elevations in pulmonary vascular resistance. Nine patients underwent cardiac transplantation, three patients bilateral lung transplantation, 16 patients left ventricular assist device placement and 10 patients routine cardiac surgery. Patients receiving NOi exhibited substantial reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) (34.6 +/- 2.0 to 26.0 +/- 1.7 mmHg, p < 0.0001), with improvements in systemic hemodynamics, mean arterial pressure (68 +/- 3.1 to 75.9 +/- 2.0 mmHg, p = 0.006). In five cases, patients could not be weaned from CPB until NOi was administered. Patients were maintained on NOi from 6 to 240 h postoperatively (median duration 36 h). Inhaled NO induces substantial reductions in mPAP and increases in both cardiac index and systemic blood pressure in patients displaying elevated pulmonary hemodynamics after high-risk cardiac surgery. NO is, therefore, a useful adjunct in these patients in whom acute pulmonary hypertension threatens right ventricular function and hemodynamic stability.
A Method of Predicting Point and Path- Averaged Ambient Air VOC Concentrations, Using Meteorological Data

A method of predicting point and path-averaged ambient air VOC concentrations is described. This method was developed for the case of a plume generated from a single point source, and is based on the relationship between wind directional frequency and concentration. One-minute means of wind direction and wind speed were used as inputs to a Gaussian dispersion model to develop this relationship. Both FTIR spectrometry and a whole-air sampling method were used to monitor VOC plumes during simulated field tests. One test set was also conducted using only whole-air samplers deployed in a closely-spaced network, thus providing an evaluation of the prediction technique free of any bias that might exist between the two analytical methods. Correlations between observed point concentrations and wind directional frequencies were significant at the 0.05 level in most cases. Predicted path-integrated concentrations, based on observed point concentrations and meteorological data, were strongly correlated with observed...
Alpha-adrenergic receptor-blocking properties of six phenethylamine derivatives in vitro

The α-adrenergic receptor-blocking activity of six phenethylamine congeners was studied on the isolated rabbit ileum and uterus. The results obtained indicated that α-receptor blockade varied with the size and number of substituent groups on the terminal nitrogen and the α-carbon atom of the side chain. Activity is lost by disubstitution on the α-carbon atom or shifting the methoxy group from the ortho - to the para -position in the phenyl ring. One compound, U-0277, had a direct musculotropic action on the uterus. None of the compounds was as potent as phentolamine.
A Journal About Journal Writing as a Qualitative Research Technique: History, Issues, and Reflections:

The author is writing this article as a journal to show how a journal may be used as a qualitative research technique in long-term qualitative studies. The history of journal writing within the con...
ADVERSE REACTIONS OF NITROFURANTOIN, TRIMETHOPRIM AND SULFAMETHOXAZOLE IN CHILDREN

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Many children with urological disease require long-term treatment with antibiotics. In many cases the choice of medical instead of surgical management hinges on the implied safety of certain drugs. Recently some groups have advocated subureteral injection procedures to avoid long-term antibiotics for low grade reflux. We present a concise and relevant review on the use and adverse reactions of nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole in children.Materials and Methods:: We reviewed the literature regarding the safety and toxicity of these drugs. Information regarding absorption, excretion and dosing was also gathered to explain better the mechanisms of toxicity.Results:: Adverse reactions in children reported in the literature related to nitrofurantoin are gastrointestinal disturbance (4.4/100 person-years at risk), cutaneous reactions (2% to 3%), pulmonary toxicity (9 patients), hepatoxicity (12 patients and 3 deaths), hematological toxicity (12 patients), neurotoxicity and an i...
Understanding the influence of grain boundary thickness variation on the mechanical strength of a nickel-doped tungsten grain boundary

Abstract Grain boundaries (GBs) in nickel (Ni)-doped tungsten (W) are found to have thickness as a function of the level of saturation of W atoms with respect to Ni atoms in the GBs. While the unsaturated Ni-doped W GBs have average thickness of approximately 0.3 nm, the saturated Ni-doped W GBs have twice the average thickness (∼0.6 nm). The present work examines (1 1 0)–(2 1 0) W GB mechanical strength as a function of thickness using an ab initio calculation framework based on Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) simulations. The atomic fraction of Ni atoms is varied to understand the influence of Ni addition and its correlation with thickness variation on the GB mechanical strength. In the case of GBs with 0.3 nm thickness, the variation of peak tensile strength as a function of Ni atomic fraction variation from 5% to 50% is negligible. However, in the case of 0.6 nm GB, the changes in the peak tensile strength are significant with the maximum peak tensile strength observed in the case of 58% Ni atomic fraction. Analyses examine electron density of states and phonon dispersion relations to delineate the role of atomic level bond strength in thickness dependent GB mechanical strength. The thickness dependent GB strength variation is found to be strongly correlated to the thickness dependent change in lower acoustic mode phonon frequencies. At the same time Ni atomic fraction dependent change in GB strength is found to be strongly correlated to the corresponding changes in electron density of states. Based on the analyses performed, an analytical relation to predict GB peak tensile strength as a function of atomic cohesive energy, GB thickness (level of saturation), and the Ni atomic fraction is proposed.
Novel representation of exponential functions of power series which arise in statistical mechanics and population genetics

We use the convolution power of infinite sequences to obtain a novel representation of exponential functions of power series which often arise in statistical mechanics. We thus obtain new formulas for the configuration and cluster integrals of pairwise interacting systems of molecules in an imperfect gas. We prove that the asymptotic behaviour of the Luria-Delbruck distribution is pn∼cn−2. We derive a new, simple and computationally efficient recursion relation for pn.
Toward a Unified View of Electronic Commerce, Electronic Business, and Collaborative Commerce: A Knowledge Management Approach

M.J. Neeley School of Business, Texas Christian University, USAElectronic commerce (e-commerce) has become a major factor in determining the futuresurvival or success of organizations. The deﬁnitions of e-commerce are many and diverse. Inaddition to these, there are varied notions of electronic business (e-business) and collaborativecommerce (c-commerce). Here, we structure the existing ﬁve-fold e-commerce taxonomy toaccommodate various e-business and c-commerce perspectives as well. From this, wesynthesize an integrated over-arching deﬁnition of e-business. However, the result has alimitation. To overcome it, we advance a knowledge-management view that explicitlyrecognizes e-business as being based on e-knowledge: processes and technologies formanaging knowledge. We contend that the knowledge-oriented perspective of e-commerce/c-commerce/e-business is beneﬁcial in furnishing a common, organized, and uniﬁedfoundation for understanding and managing electronic organizations in the knowledgee-conomy. Copyright # 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.INTRODUCTION
PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY INDUCED ULTRASTRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS IN MICROVASCULATURE OF THE RAT CREMASTER MUSCLE

— Photodynamic therapy disrupts blood flow to tumors and produces tumor necrosis. These effects may be due to a localized generation of singlet oxygen. The current studies used direct observations of the rat cremaster microvasculature to examine the vascular effects of PDT. The objective of the morphological examination was to delineate the structural basis for the altered blood flow in photodynamic therapy. Dihematoporphyrin ether given 30 min or 48 h prior to the experiment was activated with green light (wavelength530–560 nm, 120 J/cm2). After the in vivo activation the tissues were prepared for electron microscopy. Light alone induced little or no change in the luminal content or vessel wall. On exposure to activating light both acute (30 min) and long term (48 h) dihematoporphyrin ether pretreated samples displayed formation of luminal aggregates, granulocyte margination and migration, and endothelial cell and smooth muscle cell damage. The latter was more pronounced in the arterioles than the venules. Perivascular changes included interstitial edema and damage to striated myocytes. Some of the alterations such as interstitial edema may be transient; however, smooth and skeletal muscle cell injury are important in normal and tumor tissue necrosis after photodynamic therapy.
The horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex during linear acceleration in the frontal plane of the cat.

Horizontal and vertical eye movements were recorded in alert, restrained cats that were subjected to whole-body rotations with the horizontal semicircular canals in the plane of rotation and the body centered on the axis or 45 cm eccentric from the axis of rotation. Changes in the horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (HVOR) due to the resultant of the linear forces (i.e., gravity and linear acceleration) acting on the otolith organs were examined during off-axis rotation when there was a centripetal acceleration along the animal's interaural axis. The HVOR time constant was slightly shortened when the resultant otolith force was not parallel to the animal's vertical axis. This effect was independent of the direction of the otolith force relative to the direction of the slow phase eye velocity. No effect on the HVOR amplitude was observed. In addition to changes in the HVOR dynamics, a significant vertical component of eye velocity was observed during stimulation of the horizontal canals when the resultant otolith force was not parallel with the animal's vertical axis. The effect was greater for larger angles between the resultant otolith force and gravity. An upward or downward component was elicited, depending on the direction of the horizontal component of eye velocity and the direction of the resultant otolith force. The vertical component was always in the direction that would tend to align the eye velocity vector with the resultant otolith force and keep the eye movement in a plane that had been rotated by the angle between the resultant otolith force and gravity.
Neurotrophins Differentially Regulate Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

Abstract Neurotrophic factors profoundly affect neuronal differentiation, but whether they influence neuronal phenotype in instructive ways remains unclear: do different neurotrophic factors always trigger identical programs of differentiation or can each impose distinct functional properties even when acting upon the same population of target neurons? We addressed this issue by examining the regulatory effects of the four neurotrophins on the molecular components of electrical excitability, voltage-gated ion channels, within a single cellular context. Using patch clamp methods, we studied neurotrophin regulation of voltage-gated sodium, calcium, and potassium currents in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. We found that each neurotrophin induced a unique pattern of expression of ionic currents despite similar activation of initial signal transduction events. Thus, each neurotrophin imposed a different excitable phenotype even when acting upon the same target cells
The chemistry of uranium and related radionuclides in Lake Ontario waters

The chemistry of uranium and its eight associated daughters has been considered in Lake Ontario water along with that of selected transuranic elements. These transuranics arise mainly from fallout, and to a lesser extent from nuclear fuel reprocessing. Most exist as free ions or oxides of various kinds, uranium probably exists as a strong uranyl carbonate complex.
Detection of Occult Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Bleeding: Performance Differences in Fecal Occult Blood Tests

Objective To compare rates of detection of occult upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding by guaiac (Hemoccult II [HO]), immunochemical (HemeSelect [HS]), and heme-porphyrin (HemoQuant [HQT]) fecal occult blood tests. Patients, Subjects, and Methods In a cross-sectional study to detect native occult upper GI tract bleeding, single stools were collected from 56 patients with iron deficiency and a proven hemorrhagic GI tract lesion. In a longitudinal study to detect simulated occult upper GI tract bleeding, 3 stool samples were serially collected from 10 clinically normal subjects after ingestion of 5 and 15 mL of autologous blood. All stool samples were subjected to blinded fecal occult blood determinations with use of the 3 tests. Results In the cross-sectional study, the HQT test detected 88% (37/42) of hemorrhagic upper GI tract lesions compared with 26% (11/42) detected by the HO test ( P P P =.03). After ingestion of 15 mL of blood, the HQT result became positive in all 10 cases, the HO result was positive in 6 ( P =.12 vs HQT), and the HS result was positive in none ( P =.002 vs HQT); all 3 stool samples collected after the 15-mL ingestion were positive in each of the 10 subjects by the HQT test but in only 1 subject by the HO test ( P =.003). Conclusion The HQT test detects occult upper GI tract blood loss significantly more frequently than the HO or HS test.
A novel process for continuous thermal embossing of large-area nanopatterns onto polymer films

Hot embossing and nanoimprinting processes are being widely practiced in industry. Fast and reliable production of micro/nanofeatured patterns on large-area polymer films is of a great importance. In this study, a novel roll-to-roll thermal imprinting process was developed, capable of providing a mold-heating rate of 125°C/s with sufficient temperature control to produce large-area patterns continuously at a rapid production rate. With this new process, selected micro/nano patterns were produced on a polyethylene terephthalate film at a production rate exceeding 1 m/min. The roller mold temperature played a profound role in affecting the replication quality. To achieve good feature transfer properties, an elevated roller mold temperature approaching the melting temperature of the polymer was found to be critical. Microcavity filling time calculation further revealed that the elevated roller mold temperature is also necessary for achieving a rapid film feed rate as desired in the continuous roll-to-roll process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 28:246–256, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20167
An environ analysis for nonlinear compartment models

Environ analysis, an input-output analysis for models of ecological systems, has been previously formulated for linear systems. This note has a twofold purpose: first, we indicate that a variation of parameters technique can be applied, at least in principle, to computeboth input and output environs; and second, we show that this technique may be used for computation of environs in nonautonomous, nonlinear compartment models. This nonlinear theory, obtained as a direct extension of dynamical system developments, allows the traditional environ partitioning of compartmental storages and flows. An example of a nonlinear nutrient-producer-consumer system whose output environs can be computed asymptotically is presented to illustrate these concepts.
In-vivo detection of bleeding simulated in a Peritoneal dialysis model using a hemiarray EIT configuration

A new method to image and quantify intra-abdominal hemorrhage (IAH) using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) was tested. We proposed an electrode hemi-array placed exclusively on the anterior abdomen to monitor a supine patient for IAH without complicating concurrent traumatic injuries. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was used as a model for IAH to assess the in vivo performance of the hemi-array. Using the EPack 2 data acquisition system, EIT measurements were recorded before, during, and after the administration of dialysate. Simultaneously, the amount of dialysate was recorded, synchronous to the EIT measurements, to be used as a control. Tomographic images of impedance change were reconstructed using a weighted, sensitivity-based method and then post-processed to obtain a quantitative estimate of the total dialysate administered. Our preliminary study included two subjects, one male and one female, each participating for two sessions, spaced about six months apart. Data collected from these sessions indicate that with a realized in vivo SNR of about 35dB the EPack 2 can detect accumulations larger than about 100mL with a quantification uncertainty of about +/- 50mL. Using these data we have developed new algorithms that can automatically detect the onset of bleeding in less than two minutes. This method shows promise for automated detection of other pathologies, e.g. ascites, and is adaptable for use on other anatomy including the skull, and pelvis.
Biologic markers in breast carcinoma: clinical correlations with urinary polyamines

Urinary polyamine levels were evaluated in patients with breast carcinoma. The individual levels of putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and cadaverine, and the product/precursor levels of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine were analyzed. Elevations of one or more individual polyamines or of the ratios were found in 50% of patients with metastatic disease, 38.5% of preoperative patients, and 35.7% of 5--24 week postoperative N + patients. Sequential sampling of patients with metastatic disease suggested that changes in elevated polyamine levels tend to reflect the clinical course of the disease, especially for the association of treatment failure with rising elevated values. The presence of one or more elevated parameters prior to treatment of metastatic disease tended to be associated with a higher response rate (85.7 vs. 68.4%) than all normal levels. Five of nine patients who recurred postoperatively had preceding postoperative polyamine elevations. In addition, there was a trend for a shorter disease-free time among patients with one of more elevated polyamine parameters between 5--24 weeks postoperatively than among patients with normal parameters. These data suggest that measurement of urinary polyamine levels, including calculation of the product/precursor levels, may be a useful clinical adjunct in the management of patients with breast carcinoma.
Hyaluronan-cell interactions in cancer and vascular disease.

Other articles in this series concentrate on normal physiological and cellular functions of hyaluronan. In this article we discuss the influences of hyaluronan on disease progression. Alterations in hyaluronan metabolism, distribution, and function have been documented in many diseases, e.g. arthritis, immune and inflammatory disorders, pulmonary and vascular diseases, and cancer (see Refs. 1 and 2). In this article we will concentrate on cancer and vascular disease because our knowledge in these areas has advanced rapidly over the past several years and because work in these areas has highlighted the importance of hyaluronan-cell interactions in cell behavior.
Pulmonary Survey in the Aged

CONCLUSIONS (1)In elderly subjects, the forced vital capacity and timed expiratory volumes are lower than is generally appreciated. (2)This pulmonary restriction and airway reduction is affected by various pulmonary and extra pulmonary factors. (3)In men, reduced function paralleled bronchopulmonary disorder and paralleled smoking. (4)Function tests were less specific in women, but bronchopulmonary disease was also more common among the smokers.
Assessing the long-term urban heat island in San Antonio, Texas based on moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer/Aqua data

Urban environmental conditions are strongly dependent on the land use and land cover properties. Urban and rural areas normally exhibit obvious difference in land surface temperature (LST). The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua (PM satellite) MYD11A1 temperature products (daily and 1 km spatial resolution) for the period from June 1 to September 30 between 2002 and 2008 were used to screen the existence of urban heat island (UHI) phenomena for the city of San Antonio, TX. 8-day MYD11A2 temperature products between 2002 and 2008 were also retrieved to map the temperature climatology at the 1:30 a.m. for the region. The UHI effect was detected in both satellite surface-temperature and meteorological station air-temperature record. The existence of an UHI of the San Antonio downtown area was clearly shown in about 90% of the available cloud-free (or cloudless) data from June 1-September 30 each year. It is especially prevalent in the night-time imagery due to less cloud contamination. During nighttime, the heat island (HI) is about 4 - 5 °K (6 - 8 °F) higher than the average temperature of the study area and 6 - 7 °K (8 - 12 °F) higher than the rural area. Surprisingly, the HI phenomenon is found not only in the downtown area, but also several other small areas in the northern corner. Finally, the long-term UHI effect of San Antonio and its relationship with normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were discussed. USGS rainfall data were also used to discuss the possible connections between the UHI and several local storm events.
UV excimer laser chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization of amino acids at 360 MHz.

Abstract A system has been developed which permits ultraviolet irradiation of samples in the probe of a 360 MHz nmr spectrometer using an excimer laser (λ = 249 or 308 nm). This system is ideally suited for studying Chemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (CIDNP) during photochemical reactions involving amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The photoreagents quinoxaline and p-methoxyacetophenone prove to be the most promising for reactions with His, Trp, and Tyr. Spin polarized spectra are presented and interpreted according the reaction mechanisms involved, the spin density distributions, and the relative g-factors of the radical intermediates. This system allows the use of a number of new photoreagents for studying protein structure and dynamics by laser CINDP in solution.
Nonverbal assessment of anxiety as a function of intimacy of sexual attitude questions.

Summary.-60 female college students were videotaped in interviews during which they were questioned about premarital sexual attitudes about kissing, petting, sexual intercourse, and oral-genital sex. Independent pairs of judges rated the subjects shown on these videotapes on a global rating and also for immediacy, tone of voice, rate of speech, postural relaxation, eye contact, editorial errors, and filled pauses. The data indicated significant increases of sexual anxiety on all measures as the intimacy of questions increased. The largest increase in anxiety occurred berween the peaing and intercourse questions, with a smaller, but significant, increase between the questions on kissing and petting.
Serum Calcitonin and Parathyroid Hormone in Experimental Diabetes: Effects of Insulin Treatment*

We have previously established that rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus are hypocalcemic after an overnight fast. The hypocalcemia appears to be a result of abnormal vitamin D metabolism (serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations one-eighth those of controls) and persists despite secondary hyperparathyroidism. The current study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that excessive plasma calcitonin concentrations are involved in pathogenesis of the hypocalcemia and depressed 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels. We measured serum immunoreactive calcitonin (iCT) and parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and calcium in control, streptozotocin-diabetic, and insulintreated diabetic male rats fasted overnight. Two separate experiments were done. Serum iPTH was increased in untreated diabetics by 46% and 61% over controls (P < 0.05), and insulin treatment returned iPTH to control levels. Among all groups, serum iPTH correlated negatively with serum calcium (r = –0.49 to -0.73; P < 0.01-0.001). In both experi...