cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the association of the new National Surgical Quality Improvement Program modified 5-factor frailty index with outcomes in elective colorectal surgery.

Background The 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) is a new, NSQIP-based, predictive tool for mortality and postoperative complications. The mFI-5's predictive ability has been validated within the large-scale NSQIP database but applicability in institutional databases has not been investigated. We sought to assess the association between the mFI-5 and morbidity/mortality at the institutional level. Methods A divisional database was queried for 2017 elective colorectal resections and an mFI-5 calculated. The main outcome measure was the association and predictive value of the mFI-5 with major morbidity/mortality and minor complications. Univariable analyses were performed via the Cochran-Armitage Test and Cramer's V. Logistic regression evaluated the relationship between the mFI-5 and morbidity/mortality while accounting for demographics and pre-operative risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to visualize the predictive strength for outcomes. Results Four hundred and twelve patients were analyzed. 8.7% had major morbidity/mortality and 31.6% minor complications. The mFI-5 categorized patients into 0 (n = 335), 1 (n = 58), and 2+ (n = 19) groups. Univariable analysis showed a higher mFI-5 was associated significantly with major morbidity/mortality (P = 0.004), but not minor (P = 0.281). Multivariable logistic regression showed a strong association between an mFI-5 score of 2+ with major complications (Major: OR = 4.616, CI [1.442-14.776], P = 0.010). ROC curves showed the mFI-5 was poor for predicting outcomes and performed better when other risk factors were added to the model. Conclusion The mFI-5 tool has an independent association with major morbidity/mortality in an institutional dataset for elective colorectal surgery, but is not predictive. Its predictive ability is enhanced when other patient-specific risk factors are incorporated.
Lifetime Pesticide Use and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance in a Prospective Cohort of Male Farmers.

Background: Farmers have a higher incidence of multiple myeloma, and there is suggestive evidence of an elevated prevalence of its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGU...
Corrosion Behavior of Container Materials in Grande Ronde Basalt Groundwater

Three candidate waste package container materials were tested for 5 mo at 200 °C in Hanford Site Grande Ronde Basalt groundwater (9.75 pH) under anoxic conditions (<0.1 mg/L dissolved oxygen in water). The materials were cast carbon steel (American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) A27), wrought carbon steel (American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1020), cupro- nickel 90-10, and Fe9CrlMo steel. Testing was performed in 1-L titanium autoclaves at a pressure of 6.9 MPa and a flow rate of ∼O.02 mL/min. Anoxic conditions were achieved by constantly sparging the synthetic groundwater in the reservoir with argon. In addition, the groundwater was conditioned by placing a 2.54-cm layer of crushed basalt (∼O.635 cm average size) at the bottom of each autoclave. The average corrosion rates at 200 °C were 0.9 μm/yr for cupronickel 90-10 and Fe9CrlMo steel, 1.1 μm/yr for cast carbon steel, and 1.4 μm/yr for wrought carbon steel. Pitting was not detected in any of the specimens. Posttest analysis of the corrosion speci- mens indicated the formation of a thin film of iron smectite clay on the surface of all specimens. In addition, magnetite formation immediately adjacent to the specimen surface was observed in the iron-base alloys, consistent with previous investigations. Based on the present investiga- tions, all the materials exhibited significantly lower corrosion rates than were used in the Environmental Assessment (∼5 μm/yr) [1] for calculating acceptable container lifetimes. However, longer term general corrosion tests and tests to study the container materials susceptibility to other degradation modes are necessary prior to making a final evaluation of the suitability of these materials for use in fabricating high-level nuclear waste containers.
A report from the editor for contributions to the NSS conference issues of T-NS

THIS section of this issue of the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NUCLEAR SCIENCE (TNS) is devoted to the 2000 Nuclear Science Symposium (NSS) held at the Palais des Congres in Lyon, France, from October 15–20, 2000. There is a separate section of this issue devoted to contributions from the 2000 Medical Imaging Conference (MIC) whichwas held in conjunction with the NSS.
Cellulose nanocrystal based composites: A review

Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have received much attention as renewable, biodegradable, nontoxic, and low-cost nanomaterials with some remarkable properties. Desirable engineering properties of CNC include large surface to volume ratio, high tensile strength (~10 GPa), high stiffness (~110–130 GPa), and high flexibility. They can be chemically modified to tailor their properties for high-end engineering and biomedical applications. Despite their outstanding properties, the wide-scale application is lacking due to their surface characteristics and processing challenges. To achieve their full potential safer extraction methods, improved surface modification and functionalization methods and processing techniques are being researched. This review attempts to access methods for characterizing CNC, and CNC composites as well as their emerging new applications as smart materials. The review is a valuable resource for researchers and scientists working in industry or academia to provide an update on the use of CNC materials and their composites in packaging, biomedical, and high-efficiency energy systems.
Prediction of the Angle of Repose from Materials Failure Theory

AbstractA fundamental materials failure theory is used to predict the angle of repose for granular solids. This long-existing classical problem is now solved. The solution only requires two propert...
Terrorist Peer Review: Which Autonomous Attacks Does ISIL Accept for Publication?

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claims some attacks by autonomous jihadists in the West, but not all of them. This article argues that ISIL selectively takes credit for attacks that...
Extracranial carotid atherosclerosis is associated with increased neurofibrillary tangle accumulation.

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether extracranial carotid atherosclerotic disease (ECAD) is associated with increased key neurodegenerative pathology such as neurofibrillary tangle (NFT), beta-amyloid plaque, or cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) accumulation, findings associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. METHODS Our prospective, longitudinal, clinicopathologic study, the AZSAND (Arizona study of aging and neurodegenerative disorders) and Brain and Body Donation Program, recorded the presence or absence of clinically diagnosed ECAD and performed semiquantitative density estimates of NFT, beta-amyloid plaque, and CAA at death. After adjusting for potential confounding factors determined by logistic regression analysis, histopathology density scores were evaluated in individuals with ECAD (n = 66) and those without ECAD (n = 125). RESULTS We found that the presence of ECAD was associated with a 21% greater NFT burden at death compared with no ECAD (P = .02). Anatomically, an increased NFT burden was seen throughout the brain regions evaluated but was significant in the temporal lobe (P < .05) and entorhinal cortex (P = .02). In addition, we found that subjects who had undergone carotid endarterectomy (CEA), the surgical treatment of ECAD (n = 32), had decreased NFT densities compared with those with ECAD who had not undergone CEA (n = 66; P = .04). In contrast to NFT, ECAD was not associated with beta-amyloid plaques or CAA density. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ECAD is associated with the NFT burden in the temporal lobe and entorhinal cortex, which has clinical significance for AD and non-AD dementias and cognitive dysfunction. Further understanding of whether ECAD increases the risk of neurodegenerative brain changes is highly relevant because ECAD is a treatable disease that has not, otherwise, been evaluated for nor specifically treated as a dementia risk factor.
Interior of the Moon

A variety of geophysical measurements made from Earth, from spacecraft in orbit around the Moon, and by astronauts on the lunar surface allow us to probe beyond the lunar surface to learn about its interior. Similarly to the Earth, the Moon is thought to consist of a distinct crust, mantle, and core. The crust is globally asymmetric in thickness, the mantle is largely homogeneous, and the core is probably layered, with evidence for molten material. This chapter will review a range of methods used to infer the Moon's internal structure, and briefly discuss the implications for the Moon's formation and evolution.
Corporate governance and organizational survival under punctuational change: The case of China's burgeoning banking industry, 1897-1927

Purpose – How do different corporate governance structures fare under conditions of fundamental environmental transformations? Treating governance structure as a knowledge distribution mechanism embedded in institutional frameworks, the paper aims to propose that the efficiency of this knowledge diffusing process will increase organizational survival under a punctuational change. Design/methodology/approach – Using the case of Chinese banking industry during 1897-1927, a period of rapid technological, economic, and regulatory shifts. Findings – Money shops (qianzhuang) with decentralized, open and extended governance structure were better able to adapt to rapid changes in the environment and had a higher survival chance than ticket stores (piaohao) with centralized, closed and internalized governance structure. Research limitations/implications – When exogenous shocks dramatically change the environment, decentralized, open and extended governance structures can more easily discover new habitats in which ...
Web-based testing: A study in insecurity

Much has been written about the distinct ideas of on-line testing, in which students take tests and receive immediate feedback on their performances distance learning, in which telecommunication technology extends the traditional classroom beyond the classroom wallss and multimedia, in which text, sound and graphics are integrated within an application. By using the World Wide Web (WWW) as a medium for administering on-line tests, immediate feedback can be provided, tests can be administered at a distance, and multimedia resources can be conveniently incorporated into questions. This paper describes Eval, an undergraduate research software prototype in which we explore security issues related to using WWW as a testing medium.
Kinesiology: From Aristotle to the Twentieth Century

(1941). Kinesiology: From Aristotle to the Twentieth Century. Research Quarterly. American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 163-173.
Comprehensive preoperative evaluation and repair of inguinal hernias at the time of open radical retropubic prostatectomy decreases risk of developing post-prostatectomy hernia

UNLABELLED What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Some studies have evaluated preoperative and intraoperative examination for inguinal hernias and their repair, noting a decrease in the rate of post-prostatectomy hernias. However, this did not eradicate post-prostatectomy hernias, indicating that this method probably missed subclinical hernias. Other studies looked at prophylactic procedures to prevent the formation of inguinal hernias at the time of prostatectomy and showed a decrease in the rate of postoperative hernias. To our knowledge this is the only series evaluating a multi-modal approach with magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and examination to identify all clinical and subclinical hernias and repair them at the time of prostatectomy. This approach only subjects those patients at risk for symptomatic hernias to an additional procedure and decreases the post-prostatectomy hernia rate to <1%. OBJECTIVE • To assess if a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose clinical and subclinical hernias and repair of these hernias at the time of open radical retropubic prostatectomy (ORRP) decreases the incidence of clinical inguinal hernias (IHs) after ORRP. PATIENTS AND METHODS • Between 1 July 2007 and 31 July 2010, 281 consecutive men underwent ORRP by a single surgeon. • Of these men, 207 (74%) underwent comprehensive preoperative screening for IH, which included physical examination, upstanding ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. • Between 12 and 24 months after ORRP, 178 (86%) of these men completed a questionnaire designed to capture development of clinical IHs. RESULTS • Of the 178 evaluable patients, 92 (52%) were diagnosed preoperatively with IH by at least one diagnostic modality. • Forty-one and 51 of the men had bilateral or unilateral IHs, respectively for a total of 133 IHs. • No preoperative factor was significantly associated with the presence of an IH before prostatectomy. • No groin subjected to IH repair (IHR) at the time of ORRP developed a clinical IH compared with four of the 21 patients with postoperative IHs who did not undergo repair of their preoperatively diagnosed IH at the time of ORRP (P= 0.024). • Only one (0.4%) clinical IH developed in a groin that had no evidence of IH by physical examination, upstanding ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging before prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS • Our comprehensive evaluation increases the detection of IHs before ORRP. • Repair of these IHs at the time of ORRP significantly decreases the risk of developing post-prostatectomy clinical IHs.
Selective manipulation of self-assembled quantum dot electronic states via use of a lateral potential confinement layer

Manipulation and control of the electronic structure of quantum dots (QDs) is of central importance to their applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Such tuning is typically carried out by varying the QD average size and shape, or the capping layer, or annealing QDs thermally. Most these approaches do not allow selective tuning some QD states but not others. In this report, we introduce and demonstrate a mean of achieving selective tuning of energy levels through the use of a thin layer, called here the lateral potential confinement layer (LPCL), positioned at the bottom, upper, or top regions of the QDs.
Intracellular pH of the Ehrlich Ascites Tumor Cell as It Is Affected by Sugars and Sugar Derivatives

Abstract The intracellular pH of the Ehrlich ascites tumor cell has been calculated from the distribution between intracellular and extracellular water of the weak acid, 5,5-dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione-2-14C. Extracellular water in the centrifuged cellular layer was measured with inulin labeled with 14C. The cells were suspended in a Krebs-Ringer-0.025 m bicarbonate buffer or a Krebs-Ringer-0.025 m phosphate buffer. On addition of the fermentable sugars d-glucose, d-fructose, and d-mannose, the fall of pH in the medium corresponded to the lactate concentration. Lactate production was about the same in the two buffers, but the fall of pH was greater in the phosphate buffer because of the greater buffering efficiency of the bicarbonate. In the bicarbonate buffer, intracellular pH fell only slightly until the extracellular pH fell below 6.8. In the phosphate buffer, intracellular pH fell by a considerably greater amount. On addition of nonmetabolized sugars d-galactose, l-arabinose, 3-O-methyl-d-glucose, and methyl-α-d-glucoside, no significant change in either extracellular or intracellular pH was seen. On addition of 2-deoxy-d-arabino-hexose (2-deoxyglucose), there was no significant change in extracellular pH, but intracellular pH fell and remained low. d-arabino-Hexosulose (glucosone) itself caused no significant change in extracellular or intracellular pH. When glucose was added to cells previously incubated with glucosone, lactate production was largely blocked, and the fall in intracellular pH was correspondingly much less than in the absence of glucosone. Prior incubation with glucosone entirely prevented the fall of intracellular pH when 2-deoxyglucose was added.
William Vickrey: Contributions to Public Policy

This article introduces the reader to the full range of William Vickrey's contributions to economics from a public policy perspective. It is organized in similar manner to the book Public Economics: Selected Papers by William Vickrey; it examines Vickrey's public policy contributions to social choice and allocation mechanisms, taxation, marginal-cost pricing, urban transportation, urban economics, and macroeconomic policy.
60 GHz low power 1.5 Gb/s ASK transmitter in 90 nm CMOS with on-board Yagi-Uda antenna

This paper presents a 60 GHz low power ASK transmitter capable of 1.5 Gbit/s operation. The design is based on 90 nm CMOS technology and consumes 31 mW. The chip includes a 30 GHz VCO, a matched resistive coupler, a frequency doubler, ASK modulator and a low power amplifier. An on-board Yagi-Uda antenna is used with the ASK transmitter with excellent patterns at 60 GHz.
Spectroscopic Constraints on Models of Ion-Cyclotron Resonance Heating in the Polar Solar Corona

Using empirical velocity distributions derived from UVCS and SUMER ultraviolet spectroscopy, we construct theoretical models of anisotropic ion temperatures in the polar solar corona. The primary energy deposition mechanism we investigate is the dissipation of high frequency (10–10000 Hz) ion-cyclotron resonant Alfven waves which can heat and accelerate ions differently depending on their charge and mass. We find that it is possible to explain the observed high perpendicular temperatures and strong anisotropies with relatively small amplitudes for the resonant waves. There is suggestive evidence for steepening of the Alfven wave spectrum between the coronal base and the largest heights observed spectroscopically. Because the ion-cyclotron wave dissipation is rapid, even for minor ions like O5+, the observed extended heating seems to demand a constantly replenished population of waves over several solar radii. This indicates that the waves are generated gradually throughout the wind rather than propagated up from the base of the corona.
The case for a US prospective cohort study of genes and environment

Information from the Human Genome Project will be vital for defining the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to health and disease. Well-designed case-control studies of people with and without a particular disease are essential for this, but rigorous and unbiased conclusions about the causes of diseases and their population-wide impact will require a representative population to be monitored over time (a prospective cohort study). The time is right for the United States to consider such a project.
Grand rounds revisited: results of a survey of U.S. Departments of Medicine

Medical grand rounds is a time-honored weekly conference at United States teaching hospitals. We surveyed 122 departments of medicine to test the hypothesis that grand rounds may have changed with the changing training environment. Our goal was to gain a new perspective on the way physicians learn clinical medicine and maintain their fund of information. A questionnaire was designed to assess several aspects of grand rounds, including format, objectives, popularity, and changes over time. The questionnaire was directed to department heads of 122 U.S. medical schools. Seventy-five percent of respondents were department chairs; the remainder were chief residents and other faculty. Survey response rate was 96%. According to respondents, the major objective of grand rounds was to provide "updates in diagnosis and treatment." Case presentations were regularly included in about one third of departments; patients were rarely present for examination or interview. The popularity of grand rounds was thought to have decreased. These data support the impression that medical grand rounds is still considered important in most academic medical centers. Suggestions are made for increasing the clinical relevance of the conference. New techniques for presenting clinical material are reviewed, and an argument is made for returning to a basic strategy of "solving the patient's problem."
Adaptive Simulated Pilot

A simulation actor is developed that emulates the behavior, including the ability to adapt to new conditions, of a human pilot of an airplane-based laser system. This flight controller performs the cognitive task of keeping the plane within a designated region of air-space while maximizing the performance of its laser coverage mission. The flight controller has been implemented as a parameterized production system. Because the system operates in a complex environment, it is not practical to pre-program an appropriate flight control behavior for every possible environmental condition. An evolutionary approach is used instead, in which the process by which the flight controller performs its cognitive task adapts to external conditions. This adaptive capability is provided by a cognitive architecture which uses a genetic algorithm to evolve a population of trial flight control processes, and an internal simulation to represent knowledge of the external environment and evaluate trial flight control processes. Human-like adaptation of flight control behavior is demonstrated for widely differing environmental conditions.
Comparing Ablative Fractionated Resurfacing, Photodynamic Therapy, and Topical Imiquimod in the Treatment of Trichoblastomas of Brooke‐Spiegler Syndrome: A Case Study

Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Bristol, Tennessee, provided the imiquimod cream used in this study.
Lifetime enhancement of a multicusp ion source for lithography

The acceleration system designed by Ion Microfabrication System (IMS) for ion projection lithography (IPL) generates a divergent beam of which only a small portion is employed in the process. Computer simulation shows that by optimizing the accelerator design, the source can be operated with lower discharge power, resulting in longer lifetime and lower energy spread. RF induction discharge operation provides long ion source lifetime with energy spread comparable to that of the filament discharge multicusp source when RF modulation in the extraction voltage is eliminated through proper shielding. New antenna designs have been developed which can further extend the lifetime of the RF-driven ion source.
Assessing Distributed Competence Software and Performance Base Learning

This is the third of seven reports on the development of software to support performances in which learning takes place. We will introduce a school administrator study population in this article and follow up with three highly descriptive reports of their assessments of software‐supported learning performances.
Gel electrophoresis destaining apparatus

Abstract An improved destaining apparatus and associated power supply for use with disc gel electrophoresis is described. The gel columns are suspended in cylindrical holes in a polyurethan sponge wall. The applied electrical field and direction of dye migration is across the column axis. A compact power supply was designed for the destaining apparatus, using silicon controlled rectifier current control.
The iQID Camera: An Ionizing-Radiation Quantum Imaging Detector

We have developed and tested a novel, ionizing-radiation Quantum Imaging Detector (iQID). This scintillation-based detector was originally developed as a high-resolution gamma-ray imager, called BazookaSPECT, for use in single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Recently, we have investigated the detector's response and imaging potential with other forms of ionizing radiation including alpha, neutron, beta, and fission fragment particles. The confirmed response to this broad range of ionizing radiation has prompted its new title. The principle operation of the iQID camera involves coupling a scintillator to an image intensifier. The scintillation light generated by particle interactions is optically amplified by the intensifier and then re-imaged onto a CCD/CMOS camera sensor. The intensifier provides sufficient optical gain that practically any CCD/CMOS camera can be used to image ionizing radiation. The spatial location and energy of individual particles are estimated on an event-by-event basis in real time using image analysis algorithms on high-performance graphics processing hardware. Distinguishing features of the iQID camera include portability, large active areas, excellent detection efficiency for charged particles, and high spatial resolution (tens of microns). Although modest, iQID has energy resolution that is sufficient to discriminate between particles. Additionally, spatial features of individual events can be used for particle discrimination. An important iQID imaging application that has recently been developed is real-time, single-particle digital autoradiography. We present the latest results and discuss potential applications.
Audiologic Findings in Hyperacusic and Nonhyperacusic Subjects

This study compared pure-tone threshold data, acoustic reflex threshold data, and loudness growth data for a group of 25 hyperacusic male subjects vs. a group of 13 nonhyperacusic male subjects. Pu...
Effects of nutrient enrichment and leaf quality on the breakdown of leaves in a hardwater stream

1. The breakdown of leaf litter in streams is influenced strongly by leaf quality and the concentration of dissolved nutrients, primarily inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the water. We examined the effect of nutrient enrichment on the breakdown of three species of leaves in a hardwater, nutrient-rich stream. The rate of microbial respiration was also measured on the decomposing leaves. 2. The breakdown rates of dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), aspen (Populus tremuloides) and birch (Betula occidentalis), k-values of 0.0461, 0.0307 and 0.0186 day–1, respectively, were unaffected by nutrient enrichment and generally faster than reported previously. Microbial respiration on the leaves was greater than reported previously for leaves of congeneric species. It appears that leaf breakdown in the study stream was not nutrient limited. 3. Nitrogen-based measures of leaf quality, such as percentage N and carbon (C)/nitrogen ratio, did not correspond to measured breakdown rates among the three leaf types. The best predictors of relative breakdown rates were percentage lignin and the percentage of the total carbon that occurred as lignin. We suggest that, when leaf breakdown is not nutrient limited, measures of carbon quality (i.e. lignin-based measures) are a better assessment of overall leaf quality than are N-based measures. 4. Previous studies have indicated that the enzymes produced by aquatic hyphomycetes (microfungi) operate most efficiently at a basic pH and in the presence of calcium ions. The hardwater conditions (pH=8.6, total hardness > 300 mg CaCO3 L–1) and abundance of dissolved NO3 and soluble reactive phosphorous (SRP) (approximately 50 μg L–1, each) in the study stream appear to have provided conditions that resulted in a high respiration rate and rapid breakdown of leaf litter.
SOMATOMEDIN AND GROWTH HORMONE IN THE NEWBORN

Somatomedin (SM) was measured by porcine cartilage bioassay and growth hormone (GH) by radioimmunoassay in 52 full term cord plasmas and 28 maternal plasmas. The SM in cord plasma ranged from 0.22 U/ml to 0.94 U/ml with a mean of 0.50 ± 0.19 U/ml (m ± S.D.) compared to an adult standard plasma pool of 1.0 U/ml. This was not statistically different from the SM of the maternal samples, 0.41 ± 0.20 U/ml with a range of 0.19 U/ml to 1.00 U/ml. The cord GH levels of 41.7 ± 36 mμg/ml were significantly higher than the maternal GH levels, 8.3 ± 4.7 mμg/ml, p≤0.01.The low relative value of SM in the cord plasma is consistent with that found during early childhood, and may reflect a physiologically lower level of requirement. The high neonatal GH levels are hypothesized to be a compensatory increase to overcome factors suppressing SM production. Estrogens are known to be one factor preventing the stimulation of SM by GH. Estradiol (E2) was measured by competitive protein binding in 20 cord plasmas and was markedly elevated in all, ranging from 1.05 to > 5 mμg/ml. In addition, it is possible that the production mechanism for SM is not fully mature in fetal life. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that SM is involved in the feedback control of GH and that the high newborn GH levels reflect the competence of this mechanism, not immaturity.
Fractoemission from lead zirconate-titanate

We present measurements of the electron, positive ion, and photon emission accompanying the fracture in vacuum of poly-crystalline 95/5 lead zirconate-titanate. The intensities of the charged-particle components of this fractoemission are shown to depend strongly on the direction (relative to the direction of fracture) and magnitude of polarization. The most intense emission is observed when the fracture surfaces are perpendicular to the polarization direction. The emission intensity increases monotonically with polarization. These results are interpreted in terms of a model involving charge separation on the fracture surfaces leading to a microdischarge during fracture. Implications to the interpretation of triboluminesence effects are discussed.
Dosimetric comparison of CyberKnife with other radiosurgical modalities for an ellipsoidal target.

Objective To compare treatment plans obtained with the CyberKnife (CK) (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) with those of other commonly used radiosurgical modalities, such as the gamma knife (GK), linear accelerator multiple arcs, conformally shaped static fields, and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods An ellipsoidal simulated target was chosen centrally located in a three-dimensional model of a patient's head acquired with magnetic resonance or computed tomographic imaging. It was 25 mm in diameter and 35 mm long. The aims of treatment plans were 100% target volume coverage with an appropriate isodose line, minimum radiation dose to normal tissue, and clinically acceptable delivery. These plans were evaluated by use of a dose-volume histogram and other commonly used radiosurgical parameters such as target coverage, homogeneity index, and conformity index. Results All selected treatment modalities were equivalent in providing full target coverage. For dose homogeneity, all modalities except for multiple isocenter plans for GK (homogeneity index, 2.0) were similar (homogeneity index, congruent with 1.25). Dose conformity was essentially equivalent for all treatment plans except for IMRT, which had a slightly higher value (conformity index, congruent with 1.27). There was a substantial variation in the radiation dose to normal tissue between the studied modalities, particularly at the lower dose levels. Conclusion CK plans seemed to be more flexible for a given target size and shape. For a target of limited volume and essentially of any shape, one could obtain similarly good conformal dosimetry with CK and GK. For a regular-shaped but other than spherical target, homogeneous dose distribution could be obtained with all selected modalities except for multiple isocenters, linear accelerator multiple arcs, or GK. Both IMRT and conformally shaped static fields offered good alternative treatment modalities to CK, GK, or linear accelerator multiple arc radiosurgery, with slightly inferior dosimetry in conformity (IMRT).
Dual-Band Lumped-Element Bandpass Filter

In this study, a dual-band lumped-element bandpass filter (DBLEF) is presented, which is implemented in low-temperature co-fired ceramic. The design utilizes the tight component coupling possible in this technology to mimic a much more complex network of lumped components. The filter is unique in that it utilizes only a single set of lumped components to create a dual-passband response. Detailed design equations are presented for the dual-band design, and a DBLEF having passbands at 2.4 and 5.2 GHz is demonstrated, representing the common wireless local area network bands. This paper both introduces a novel approach to lumped-element dual-band filtering, while also demonstrating an effective method of implementing this complex filter in multilayer technology with a very small footprint. Both measured and simulated results verify the approach with the overall size of the filter only 154times135times22.8 mil3 (3.85times3.38times0.57 mm 3)
Emerging mechanisms of neutrophil recruitment across endothelium

Neutrophils are the all-terrain vehicle of the innate immune system because of their ability to gain entry into tissues and organs, and thus, play an essential role in host defense. Exactly how this marvel of nature works is still incompletely understood. In the past 2–3 years, new players and processes have been identified in the endothelial-leukocyte adhesion cascade. Novel signaling pathways have been discovered in both the endothelium and the neutrophils that regulate various steps in the recruitment process. This review focuses on these emerging pathways and the mechanisms that regulate neutrophil recruitment across endothelium.
Methylnaltrexone inhibits opiate and VEGF-induced angiogenesis: role of receptor transactivation

Angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels is important in the growth and metastatic potential of various cancers. Therefore, agents that inhibit angiogenesis have important therapeutic implications in numerous malignancies. We examined the effects of methylnaltrexone (MNTX), a peripheral mu opioid receptor antagonist, on agonist-induced human EC proliferation and migration, two key components in angiogenesis. Using human dermal microvascular EC, we observed that morphine sulfate (MS), the active metabolite, morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G), DAMGO ([d-Ala(2), N-Me-Phe(4), Gly(5)-ol]enkaphalin) and VEGF induced migration which were inhibited by pretreatment with MNTX at therapeutically relevant concentration (0.1 microM). The biologically inactive metabolite morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G) did not affect EC migration. We next examined the mechanism(s) by which MNTX inhibits opioid and VEGF-induced angiogenesis using human pulmonary microvascular EC. MS and DAMGO induced Src activation which was required for VEGF receptor transactivation and opioid-induced EC proliferation and migration. MNTX inhibited MS, DAMGO and VEGF induced tyrosine phosphorylation (transactivation) of VEGF receptors 1 and 2. Furthermore, MS, DAMGO and VEGF induced RhoA activation which was inhibited by MNTX or VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition. Finally, MNTX or silencing RhoA expression (siRNA) blocked MS, DAMGO and VEGF-induced EC proliferation and migration. Taken together, these results indicate that MNTX inhibits opioid-induced EC proliferation and migration via inhibition of VEGF receptor phosphorylation/transactivation with subsequent inhibition of RhoA activation. These results suggest that MNTX inhibition of angiogenesis can be a useful therapeutic intervention for cancer treatment.
THROMBOPOIETIN RECEPTOR AGONISTS PROTECT HUMAN CARDIAC MYOCYTES FROM INJURY BY ACTIVATION OF CELL SURVIVAL PATHWAYS

Thrombopoietin confers immediate protection against injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion in the rat heart. Eltrombopag is a small molecule agonist of the thrombopoietin receptor, the physiologic target of thrombopoietin. However, the ability of eltrombopag and thrombopoietin to protect human cardiac myocytes against injury and the mechanisms underlying myocyte protection are not known. Human cardiac myocytes (n = 6-10/group) were treated with eltrombopag (0.1-30.0 µM) or thrombopoietin (0.1-30.0 ng/ml) and then subjected to 5 hours of hypoxia (95% N2/5% CO2) and 16 hours of reoxygenation to determine their ability to confer resistance to myocardial injury. The thrombopoietin receptor c-Mpl was detected in unstimulated human cardiac myocytes by Western blotting. Eltrombopag and thrombopoietin confer immediate protection to human cardiac myocytes against injury from hypoxia/reoxygenation by decreasing necrotic and apoptotic cell death in a concentration-dependent manner, with an optimal concentration of 3 µM for eltrombopag and 1.0 ng/ml for thrombopoietin. The extent of protection conferred with eltrombopag is equivalent to that of thrombopoietin. Eltrombopag and thrombopoietin activate multiple prosurvival pathways; inhibition of Janus kinase-2, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase, protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p38 MAPK abolished cardiac myocyte protection by eltrombopag and thrombopoietin. Eltrombopag and thrombopoietin may represent important and potent agents for immediately and substantially increasing protection of human cardiac myocytes, and may offer a long-lasting benefit through activation of prosurvival pathways during ischemia.
Aryl sulfonamido tetralin inhibitors of the Kv1.5 ion channel

Abstract Aryl sulfonamido tetralins based on lead compound 2a were synthesized and evaluated for Kv1.5 inhibitory activity. Several compounds having IC50 values less then 0.1 μM were identified. Kv1.5 inhibitors have the potential to be atrium-selective agents for the treatment of atrial fibrillation.
Formal solutions of differential equations

We give a survey of some methods for finding formal solutions of differential equations. These include methods for finding power series solutions, elementary and liouvillian solutions, first integrals, Lie theoretic methods, transform methods, asymptotic methods. A brief discussion of difference equations is also included.
A Skip-Chain Conditional Random Field for Ranking Meeting Utterances by Importance

We describe a probabilistic approach to content selection for meeting summarization. We use skipchain Conditional Random Fields (CRF) to model non-local pragmatic dependencies between paired utterances such as Question-Answer that typically appear together in summaries, and show that these models outperform linear-chain CRFs and Bayesian models in the task. We also discuss different approaches for ranking all utterances in a sequence using CRFs. Our best performing system achieves 91.3% of human performance when evaluated with the Pyramid evaluation metric, which represents a 3.9% absolute increase compared to our most competitive non-sequential classifier.
The equilibrium constants and enthalpy changes for the esterification of glycine by ethanol in water and ethanol- water mixtures

Equilibrium constants, defined on the basis of the moles of all reactants and products including water, were found to be 4.6, 1.0 and 0.8 for the esterification of the glycinc cation at 20 degrees in a dilute aqueous sytem, and systems having 0.5 : 1 and 1 : 1 molar ratios of ethanol to water, respectively. When corrections were made for deviations from ideality a value of 5 +/- 1 was obtained for all three systems. Enthalpy changes were determined calorimetrically for the dilute aqueous and equimolar ethanol-water systems, and in each case was close to 1 kcal mole(-). The entropy change was calculated as 6 cal mole(-1) deg(-1).DeltaG(0') for the hydrolysis of the glycine ethyl ester cation at 20 degrees and pH 7 was calculated as -7.5 kcal mole(-1).
Application of the Delphi method to ecotourism destination evaluations: a rejoinder to Brian Garrod

In this rejoinder note, we discussed panel attrition as related to Delphi applications in general and our research specifically on the development of a point evaluation system for ecotourism destinations. We argued that panel attrition could be a serious problem for studies that involve several rounds of survey that aim to achieve consensus or forecast with results of the next round being directly and primarily built upon findings of the previous round. However, it may not be problem for Decision Delphi or other types of Delphi applications with the first round for generation of ideas and the second round for ranking and scoring of measurement items as we did in our study.
Sonographic diagnosis of true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

A 32-year-old woman presented with a 5-year history of left shoulder pain, medial hand and forearm numbness, and progressive hand weakness and atrophy. Electrodiagnostic studies were characteristic of true neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome,1 and a chest X-ray showed bilateral elongated C7 transverse processes. High-resolution ultrasound studies revealed compression of the left lower trunk (LT) between a fibrous band and artery (figure, A). Magnetic resonance neurography (figure, B) and operative exploration (figure, C) confirmed the ultrasound findings. Clinical improvement was noted following surgical neurolysis of the LT. High-resolution ultrasound may be a useful and quick bedside tool to identify causative structural pathology in this classic neuromuscular disorder.
Blood vessel growth as a problem in morphogenesis: A physical theory

Abstract In this paper we discuss a physical model of a blood vessel as a growing elastic continuum. It is explained how a preexisting vessel, induced to grow by some promoter, can buckle and thereby develop a spatially periodic structure displaying varicosity, sinuosity, and/or helicity. Experimental evidence is cited for the development of such structures during blood vessel growth. This evolving geometry is attributed to the need to maintain a dynamic force balance in and on the vessel surface at all times. Growth disturbs any preexisting force balance causing the vessel first to dilate and then to buckle. We hypothesize that the actual shape of a blood vessel is determined by the overall balance of physical forces in and on the vessel surface, although regions of enhanced vessel growth may be determined by the competition between growth promoters and inhibitors. The relationship between crest regions on the buckled surface and sites for sprout formation is interpreted from this point of view and we speculate on the existence of a diffusible growth inhibitor produced by replicating endothelial cells and on its role in the selection of sprouting sites along the parent vessel.
Transcultural Nursing Research to Transform Nursing Education and practice: 40 Years

In this article, an overview of some major trends, philosophical perspectives, and theoretical perspectives are presented, along with selected transcultural nursing research findings, primarily from the theory of culture care using the ethnonursing research method. A substantial body of transcultural nursing knowledge with health or well being outcomes has been forthcoming since transcultural nursing was launched in the 1950s. The author contends that transcultural nursing knowledge of Western and non-Western cultures is urgently needed to meet health needs in a multicultural world. Some misconceptions and reflections are offered to advance transcultural nursing research, education, and practice. For "newcomers" to transcultural nursing, some basic readings are recommended.
Anhydrobiosis in nematodes: Control of carbon flow through the glyoxylate cycle

During induction of anhydrobiosis the nematode Aphelenchus avenae synthesizes large quantities of trehalose and free glycerol the carbon for which apparently originates from lipid. In the present paper we show that these worms possess a functional glyoxylate cycle by which lipid is converted to carbohydrate. Furthermore, we suggest a mechanism for regulation of the pathway during induction of anhydrobiosis.
Discordance in national estimates of hypertension among young adults.

In the United States, coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality—accounting for more than half a million deaths annually.1 Blood pressure (BP) measurement is integral to CHD risk assessment and diagnosis of hypertension, a behaviorally and pharmacologically modifiable CHD risk factor. It has been estimated that each 1 mm Hg increase in mean population systolic BP is associated with approximately 10,000 additional CHD deaths.2 National estimates of hypertension prevalence in the United States rely almost exclusively on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).3,4 However, NHANES is not without limitations. For example, group-specific estimates are unavailable for racial/ethnic minorities other than Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks. NHANES’ cross-sectional design also prohibits the study of precursors and individual trajectories in the development of hypertension. Furthermore, its assessment of hypertension rates among young adults is hindered by small sample sizes. Several factors fuel interest in the measurement of physical health during young adulthood 5—one usually characterized by the absence of adverse health conditions.6 A particularly important example is the sharp escalation among youth of overweight and obesity, both of which are well-known risk factors for hypertension.7 The prevalence of overweight children has tripled in the last two decades alone.8 In 2008, the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health, Wave IV) expanded collection of biologic data, including in-home measurement of blood pressure among 15,701 young adults aged 24–32 years throughout all 50 states. We compared mean blood pressure and hypertension prevalence in this population with that of similarly aged participants in NHANES 2007–2008,9 and examined putative explanations for the observed discordance between surveys. The measurement of blood pressure in nationally representative field studies such as Add Health is distinct from (and arguably more complicated than) that in exam center-based studies, requiring measurement in more variable home environments, many more field staff, and large numbers of portable, affordable blood pressure monitors. Although the quality of blood pressure data collected in exam centers by trained technicians using clinical equipment has been described,10,11 studies capable of supporting population-wide inferences that have examined the quality of in-home blood pressure data are scarce. We therefore examined the accuracy and reliability of blood pressure in Add Health, Wave IV, as well.
The effect of moisture condensation on the spontaneous combustibility of coal

Abstract The reaction-diffusion approach developed in previous work is extended to consider the effects of moisture evaporation and condensation on the rate of oxidation of coal. For a single isothermal particle, pseudo-steady-state balances on moisture and oxygen permit calculation of the effect of different levels of coal-bound moisture on the rate of oxidation. These species balances are combined with an energy balance to determine the particle temperature history during evaporation and condensation. It is shown that partial wetting of coal or condensation of moisture exerts two competing influences on the overall rate of oxidation. On the one hand, a portion of the coal fills up with liquid moisture; in this region, the rate of oxidation becomes negligible, since the oxygen has to dissolve in the moisture before it can gain access to an active site on the coal surface and the solubility of oxygen in water is low. On the other hand, condensation also leads to the release of the latent heat of vaporization. This heat effect raises the temperature of the particle and increases the rate of oxidation in the dry region of the coal. The relative magnitude of the rates of these competing influences determines whether the potential for spontaneous combustion is abated or enhanced. Based on the insight provided by the model, a simple criterion is derived to determine conditions under which condensation of moisture on coal can lead to spontaneous combustion. Field observations have consistently indicated that moisture condensation can enhance the potential for spontaneous combustion. This model is however thought to be the first mathematical description which links the coal-moisture interaction parameters (which can be determined independently) to the potential for spontaneous combustion.