cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Anti-IgE (Omalizumab) Therapy Into Pulmonary Medicine Practice: Practice Management Implications

Despite aggressive therapy, many asthma patients cannot achieve optimal control, and it is recognized that a small number of patients, generally those with severe persistent asthma, are the most difficult to control and are responsible for a large segment of the costs of asthma. These patients demonstrate a need for additional therapeutic options to achieve enhanced asthma control. Omalizumab should be considered a second-line therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma not fully controlled on standard therapy. This article should not be considered a complete guide to incorporating this therapy into practice but serve as an introduction and a basic review of the practice management aspects of therapy for physicians practicing in the United States.
Molecular basis for K(ATP) assembly: transmembrane interactions mediate association of a K+ channel with an ABC transporter.

Abstract K ATP channels are large heteromultimeric complexes containing four subunits from the inwardly rectifying K + channel family (Kir6.2) and four regulatory sulphonylurea receptor subunits from the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family (SUR1 and SUR2A/B). The molecular basis for interactions between these two unrelated protein families is poorly understood. Using novel trafficking-based interaction assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and current measurements, we show that the first transmembrane segment (M1) and the N terminus of Kir6.2 are involved in K ATP assembly and gating. Additionally, the transmembrane domains, but not the nucleotide-binding domains, of SUR1 are required for interaction with Kir6.2. The identification of specific transmembrane interactions involved in K ATP assembly may provide a clue as to how ABC proteins that transport hydrophobic substrates evolved to regulate other membrane proteins.
INDUCTION OF LARVAL ABALONE SETTLING AND METAMORPHOSIS BY γ-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID AND ITS CONGENERS FROM CRUSTOSE RED ALGAE: II: APPLICATIONS TO CULTIVATION, SEED-PRODUCTION AND BIOASSAYS; PRINCIPAL CAUSES OF MORTALITY AND INTERFERENCE

Costly and extensive early post-larval mortality of Haliotis species in cultivation results, in part, from a delay in normal development. This suggests that naturally required morphogenetic inducing substances may be lacking from certain intensive cultivation systems currently in use in the emerging mariculture industry. We have found recently that chemical substances in certain crustose red algae (including species of Lithothamnium, Lithophyllum and Hildenbrandia) provide exogenous physiological triggers which induce normal substrate-specific “recruitment,” settling and the onset of metamorphosis of planktonic abalone veliger larvae. Of these, γ-aminobutyric acid (“GABA”), a simple amino acid readily and inexpensively available in pure form, conveniently can be used to induce rapid and synchronous settling and metamorphosis of competent abalone veligers, on virtually any substrate or food source, with 100% efficiency under physiological conditions. Simple procedures for the use of GABA-induced settling are described for the economically efficient cultivation of abalone, the production of abalone seed, and for use in genetic breeding and engineering with these species. Procedures for use in a rapid, reliable, and highly sensitive GABA-dependent bioassay also are described, for further analysis of physiological and water-quality requirements of, and effects of various pollutants upon, the natural and artificial propagation of these species. Results obtained with this bioassay in quantitating the sensitivity of larval settling (and hence, reproductive success) to bacterial contamination and to trace levels of the common agricultural and industrial pollutants DDT and copper are reported. Significant predation on newly settled abalone by annelids cryptically associated with the natural red algal (recruiting) substrate also is documented.
Solidification along a wall or free surface with heat removal

Abstract Steady solidification along a heat removal surface (either a free-surface or a solid wall) was studied with the goal of characterizing the behavior in the vicinity of the triple junction between the solid, liquid, and surface. By performing a local analysis of the Stefan problem around this point, it was shown that if the free-surface or wall heat flux is continuous, there is no solution where the solid grows along the surface with a nonzero wedge angle, i.e. the angle at which the solidification front intersects the external surface. This result was verified by unsteady numerical simulations of horizontal ribbon growth that showed that the wedge angle decreased to zero in the transient simulations. When the surface heat flux is discontinuous at the triple junction (such as would occur with a solid and liquid having different radiative emissivity), the jump in heat flux leads to a finite wedge angle which is proportional to the jump in heat flux divided by the latent heat release rate. The analytical prediction of the wedge angle agreed with numerical results to within 1%. It was also shown that solidification with a nonzero “growth angle” behaves similarly to the case with a discontinuous surface flux. These results contradict the prediction of simplified energy analyses that the wedge angle is proportional to the magnitude of the heat flux from the external surface.
Calculation of Potential Energy Parameters for the Silicon—Carbon System

Specific parameters involved in two-body plus three-body semi-empirical potential energy functions for the silicon, carbon, and silicon carbide systems are calculated. Excellent reproduction for various energetic and structural quantities is found. Es werden die spezifischen Parameter berechnet, die in halbempirischen Zweikorper- und Dreikorper-Potentialenergiefunktionen fur Silizium-, Kohlenstoff- und Siliziumkarbidsysteme vorkommen. Es wird ausgezeichnete Reproduzierbarkeit fur verschiedene Energie- und Strukturgrosen gefunden.
Magnetic field induced insulator to metal transition in amorphous-GdxSi1-x

Abstract We have measured the electrical resistance and magnetoresistance near the metal–insulator transition in films of the amorphous alloys Gd x Si 1− x and Y x Si 1− x (x∼0.14 – 0.15) for 0.1 K K in an applied magnetic field 0 kOe kOe . In a low magnetic field, a-Gd x Si 1− x is an insulator and the conductivity approximately follows the expected behavior for variable range hopping. With increasing field H the conductivity of a-Gd x Si 1− x increases by ∼3 orders of magnitude at low T , crosses through an insulator to metal transition and approaches the conductivity of a-Y x Si 1− x indicating that the effect of the magnetic Gd impurities on transport is dimished by the application of a magnetic field. The low-temperature conductivity on the metallic side of the transition scales approximately linearly with the applied magnetic field, indicating that the critical exponent μ ≈1.
Cetaceans in the Great South Channel, 1979–1989: right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

A continuous 11-year time-series of aerial and shipboard survey data in the Great South Channel region reveals a remarkably consistent pattern of right whale distribution, with several interesting variations. Right whales occur in the area during the spring, with a distinct peak in May. Arrival and departure dates appear to vary by a month or more between years. The distribution is concentrated in the deeper basin north of the V-shaped 100-m isobath and a thermal front which approximately parallels the isobath. Within a single year, this concentration tends to be within a relatively small area and may remain stable for days or weeks. The center of distribution changes between years, and in 1984, 1987 and 1989 was on the eastern side of the basin rather than the “typical” western side. At any one time, nearly all of the right whales may aggregate into one to several clusters of <10 km2 each. A gradual southward shift in the center of distribution can be observed as the season progresses. Single-day abundance estimates, uncorrected for animals missed while submerged, ranged up to 179 animals. There was a statistically significant long-term increase in right whale sighting rates in the region, after correcting for estimated increases in survey efficiency, of 3.8% per year. This suggests that the population might be recovering, albeit slowly, from extreme depletion. It is likely that a significant proportion of the western North Atlantic right whale population utilizes the Great South Channel region as a feeding area each spring, aggregating to exploit exceptionally dense copepod patches.
Influence of surfactants on growth and regeneration from mature internodal stem segments of sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis ) cv. Hamlin

The development of a reliable shoot regeneration system for mature tissue of citrus is of major importance to accelerate the evaluation of commercial traits. Three non-ionic surfactants were evaluated independently in terms of their affects on the growth and regeneration of mature internodal stem segments of sweet orange cv. Hamlin in culture. Growth and shoot development of explants were influenced by type of surfactant added to the regeneration medium DBA3, its concentration and order of flush growth used for explant preparation. Supplementation of Pluronic F-68 at 0.001% (w/v) to the medium was the superior treatment resulting in significantly higher fresh weight gain of explant, improved mean number of shoots per explant and the percentage of explants giving shoots (33.5% from first flush) and shoot yield was twofold higher compared to treatments without surfactant (17%). Triton X-100 was the least responsive in terms of its affect on the growth and regeneration of stem segments but such shoots had a normal phenotype. Explants cultured on DBA3 medium containing Tween 20 exhibited growth and shoot yield similar to treatments without surfactant, but at concentrations 0.01–0.5% (v/v), the shoots became vitrified and failed to graft successfully in vivo. Growth and shoot yield of explants showed a general decline between flushes especially from second and third harvests. Shoots derived from stem segments which were cultured on media containing Pluronic F-68 and no surfactant had a higher survival rate (70–80%, respectively) compared to treatments using Triton X-100 at 0.001–0.1% (v/v) (33% survival). All acclimatized grafts exhibited typical mature wood characteristics and flowered 14–16 months after transfer to the greenhouse.
An analytical model for lightly doped drain MOS transistors

An analytical model for static characteristics, including substrate current of lightly doped drain (LDD) MOS transistors, is presented. Major small geometry and second-order effects are included. In addition, source, drain and channel scries resistances are included. The saturation parameters are found by ensuring the continuity of drain current and conductance at the point of saturation. This is an improvement over existing models. The modelled results are shown to be in very good agreement with measured data available in the literature.
Effect of training on the performance of the W.I.S.C. 'block design' subtest.

Two groups of normal school children aged 7–8 and 10–11 (N = 91) were trained and retested on the Block Design subtest of the W.I.S.C. Results were not related to sex or age. Significant increase occurred upon retesting, but with large individual differences in reaction to training. Retest scores correlated more highly with intelligence than initial scores. Gain after training correlated positively with intelligence. There were significant differences in reaction to training when the subjects were grouped according to social background. It was found that the initial score of subjects coming from adverse home conditions was a poor measure of their intelligence, whereas in children with favourable social backgrounds, it affords a more valid measure.
OSSIE-based GRA testbed

This purpose of this paper is to document an architectural validation approach for the Government Reference Architecture (GRA) for SATCOM terminals. The approach integrates the Virginia Tech OSSIE SCA Core Framework with a UML model of the GRA, coupled with low-fidelity models of the SATCOM components. This approach uses the Rhapsody tool to implement the GRA-based testbed from documentation through executable code generation. The end result is a system that demonstrates the portability of the GRA while simultaneously validating the GRA against a representative system. Furthermore, the system demonstrates the reduced development time required for architecture extensions through the incorporation of existing projects and automated code generation.
Holographic generation of squeezed states

Recently Liu Chen [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. B12, 829 ( 1995)] suggested that holography can be employed to generate squeezed-state light. Here simple phase-grating and amplitude-grating arguments are used to refute that suggestion.
Final Results on g1n and g2n from SLAC E154 and Interpretation via NLO QCD

Final results from SLAC Experiment El54 are presented. Data are presented for g 1 n (x) and 2 n (x).The results are interpreted in the context of an NLO analysis..
Screening pigment granule formation in Eumesosoma roeweri (Arachnida: Opiliones).

A unique pathway that utilizes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) networks is proposed for screening pigment granule formation in the retina of adult Eumesosoma roeweri. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) functions to transport pigment particles to the formative site. Each site is composed of concentric, interconnected rings of SER that are filled with dense-cored, spherical pigment particles. Formation of the screening pigment granule begins by the release of particles from the innermost rings of carrier SER. Continued release followed by fusion and condensation of the pigment particles results in the formation of a mature pigment granule.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIGITALIS AND A-V NODAL TACHYCARDIA WITH BLOCK.

Abstract The study of 36 cases of nodal tachycardia with block revealed that digitalis was the etiological factor in 29. Toxicity was estimated to be present in 27 of these 29 patients, but in 2 others it occurred as a transitional stage in the reversion of ectopic nodal tachycardias (without conduction disturbances). Nodal tachycardia was detected after initial digitalization in more than one half of the patients. When it appeared after operation, the arrhythmia was probably related to surgical trauma per se, since it was as frequent in digitalized as in nondigitalized pre-surgical patients. Arteriosclerotic heart disease was the most frequent etiological cause; in this group, only one individual was not digitalized before the appearance of the arrhythmia. The acetyl strophanthidin test was carefully performed in selected patients so as to determine whether the ectopic tachycardia was spontaneous or drug induced. Bizarre toxic rhythms were induced with small doses of this preparation, thus permitting a differentiation from spontaneous tachycardias. The hazards of this drug should be kept in mind. The infrequency with which rapid nodal rhythm with conduction disturbances has been described has been due, in part, to the fact that several of its forms have been classified under different headings, and, in part, to the difficulty in making the correct diagnosis when varying exit blocks coexisted with atrial fibrillations. In such cases the tracings might be considered simply as instances of fibrillation with irregular response.
Does oxygen exposure time control the extent of organic matter decomposition in peatlands

The extent of peat decomposition was investigated in four cores collected along a latitudinal gradient from 56°N to 66°N in the West Siberian Lowland. The acid:aldehyde ratios of lignin phenols were significantly higher in the two northern cores compared with the two southern cores, indicating peats at the northern sites were more highly decomposed. Yields of hydroxyproline, an amino acid found in plant structural glycoproteins, were also significantly higher in northern cores compared with southern cores. Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins are not synthesized by microbes and are generally less reactive than bulk plant carbon, so elevated yields indicated that northern cores were more extensively decomposed than the southern cores. The southern cores experienced warmer temperatures, but were less decomposed, indicating that temperature was not the primary control of peat decomposition. The plant community oscillated between Sphagnum and vascular plant dominance in the southern cores, but vegetation type did not appear to affect the extent of decomposition. Oxygen exposure time appeared to be the strongest control of the extent of peat decomposition. The northern cores had lower accumulation rates and drier conditions, so these peats were exposed to oxic conditions for a longer time before burial in the catotelm, where anoxic conditions prevail and rates of decomposition are generally lower by an order of magnitude.
Gray’s Elegy for Progress

Abstract Gray’s alternative to liberalism is unworkable in practice and implausible in theory. The essay distinguishes Socratic, Durkheimian and Scottish Enlightenment liberalism, arguing that Gray’s critique of liberalism as historically contingent is ineffective against the Socratic version of liberalism. Whereas the liberalism of Durkheim and Adam Smith is perhaps dependent on historical circumstances, Socratic liberalism simply upholds an iconoclastic ideal of individualism and gauges societies’ progress by their proximity to this ideal. Thus there is no reason to endorse Gray’s view that history has refuted the liberal view of progress. Gray takes value‐pluralism to subvert the liberal aspiration to universal values, and though he admits there are universal human evils, he argues that regimes which shield their citizens against these may be highly illiberal. But liberal societies are much better at protecting their citizens against the generic evils of poverty and inequality of status than are modern...
Regional hypothermia reduces myocardial necrosis even when instituted after the onset of ischemia.

Previously, we observed that reducing myocardial temperature in the risk region before coronary artery occlusion caused a profound reduction in infarct size. It is unknown whether lowering myocardial temperature after ischemia has already begun, or just before reperfusion, is also effective in reducing infarct size. This study tests the hypothesis that reducing myocardial temperature locally, after coronary occlusion, reduces infarct size.Methods: Anesthetized rabbits received 30 min of coronary artery occlusion and three hours of reperfusion. Myocardial temperature in the risk zone was monitored. Rabbits were randomly assigned to one of three groups: group 1, topical myocardial cooling starting 10 min after coronary occlusion (n=11); group 2, cooling starting 25 min after coronary occlusion (n=11); or group 3, control, no intervention (n=10).Results: Hemodynamic parameters and regional myocardial blood flow were equivalent in all groups. Risk zone temperature was similar in all groups at occlusion. The cooling maneuver produced a rapid reduction in temperature in the risk region. In group 1, myocardial temperature was reduced an average of 6.3°C between 10 and 15 min of coronary artery occlusion; myocardial temperature in group 2 was reduced an average of 5.9°C between 25 and 30 min of coronary artery occlusion. Cooling was maintained until 15 min of reperfusion. Myocardial temperature in group 3 remained within 0.3°C of baseline during coronary artery occlusion and into reperfusion. Core temperature was similar in all groups. Although the ischemic risk region was comparable in all groups, early cooling (group 1) resulted in a significant reduction in infarct size, expressed as a fraction of the risk region, compared with the control group (0.23±0.04 vs. 0.44±0.04 of the risk region); however, cooling just before reperfusion (group 2) failed to modify infarct size compared with the controls (0.43±0.04 and 0.44±0.04 of the risk region, respectively).Conclusion: These results support our hypothesis that reducing myocardial temperature reduces infarct size. However, it is important the reduction in temperature be produced as early as possible following coronary artery occlusion.
WAXweb: toward dynamic MOO-based VRML

We describe the structure and development of WAXweb, a dynamic MOO-based hypermedia database which is being used as a VRML server. We also discuss the future of 3D MUD-like systems, describing the particular problems of highly-interactive, distributed 3D scenes. So that we can begin to experiment with these areas using commonly-available VRML browsers, this paper describes several extensions for VRML 1.x which will allow for simple dynamic multiuser interactions.
INCREASED PLASMA CLEARANCE OF LORAZEPAM IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS DOES NOT REFLECT INCREASED GLUCURONYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY. 434

INCREASED PLASMA CLEARANCE OF LORAZEPAM IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS DOES NOT REFLECT INCREASED GLUCURONYLTRANSFERASE ACTIVITY. 434
Isotope transfer test in the diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus.

Abstract A technique is described in which 100 μc of radioactive (I131) serum albumin is injected into the cerebral ventricles following which characteristic graphs of radioactivity are constructed to denote ventriculo subarachnoidal block. The method has been used in 30 cases and has been helpful in delineating blocks in the cerebrospinal fluid pathways at the level of the Aqueduct of Sylvius and the portals of exit at the fourth ventricle. In ten patients ventriculo-peritoneal shunts were performed. Nine of the shunting tubes became blocked at variable intervals after operation. Three of the patients with blocked shunts were noted to have no progressive enlargement of the head after a period of 1 year and were considered arrested despite measurements indicating a blocked tube. This same procedure has been used in the diagnosis of hydrocephalus ex vacuo and has been instrumental in the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with exploration of the posterior cranial fossa. Only one minor episode of hyperpyrexia was attributed to the test itself.
Phosphorus Dissolution in the Rhizosphere of Bald Cypress Trees in Restored Wetland Soils

Phosphorus release to ground or surface waters has been observed in wetlands restored from farmland. This study examined whether rhizospheres of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum L.) are a source of increased P dissolution compared with the soil matrix. The study was conducted in root-box rhizotrons filled with mineral and organic soil materials (Aeric Alaquods and Terric Haplosaprists, respectively) from a Carolina bay wetland restored from row crop agriculture. Rhizotrons were planted with bald cypress saplings or left unplanted to simulate rhizosphere and matrix conditions, respectively. Ponding was imposed for 128 d. Soil pore water was sampled in three layers (0–22, 22–41, and 41–59 cm) in each rhizotron twice monthly for dissolved total and reactive P, dissolved organic C (DOC), Fe²⁺, and redox potential (Eh). Manual root counts monitored growth and death monthly. Root death was most prevalent at 41 to 59 cm, while vigorous root growth was observed near the surface. The rhizosphere treatments exhibited increased Fe²⁺ dissolution and increased concentrations of DOC relative to matrix conditions; however, no corresponding P increase occurred. Near the surface, rhizosphere P concentrations declined below matrix concentrations after 60 d of ponding. Our results show that the rhizosphere of bald cypress did not cause higher P concentrations than matrix values for mineral and organic soils with 3.5 and 19.5% C, respectively. In addition, root growth near the surface resulted in more oxidizing conditions and/or plant uptake of P, which decreased P concentrations below matrix values.
Monitoring the Healing Process of Laser-Induced Microvascular Lesions Using Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy

Optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM) possesses optical resolution and reveals endogenous optical absorption contrast, promising to be a valuable tool for in vivo microvascular imaging. In laser dermatology, OR-PAM can provide fruitful structural and functional information about the targeted microvascular lesions, such as their threedimensional (3D) morphology, precise location inside the tissue, and blood oxygenation within single vessels, which will facilitate accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. More importantly, the advantages of noninvasiveness and measurement consistency also permit OR-PAM to monitor the healing process of the laser-surgical wound noninvasively. In this work, we employed OR-PAM to monitor the healing process of microvascular lesions induced by nanosecond-pulsed laser. Our results indicate that OR-PAM could be a very useful tool in laser dermatology and laser microsurgery.
R-Parity Breaking in Supersymmetric Theories

Abstract We examine the consequences of R -parity breaking in low-energy supersymmetric models. This breaking can occur through explicit soft terms in the lagrangian or through vacuum expectation values of scalar neutrinos. We discuss the new phenomenology expected in this class of models and compare it with the predictions of the R -conserving supersymmetric theories.
A Generalized Gradient Algorithm for Dynamic Optimization

A gradient algorithm is developed that determines optimal trajectories with path equality constraints and terminal constraints. A generalized gradient is formed which improves both the performance index and the path equality constraints simultaneously. The algorithm is extended to treat terminal constraints by using Bryson's impulse response technique. The main features of this algorithm are its numerical stability and smooth convergence near the optimum.
Permethylation of barbiturates: Variation in product ratios with varying methylsulfinylmethide carbanion

Permethylation of a barbiturate with the methylsulfinylmethide carbanion and methyl iodide gave three products clearly separable by GLC. Alteration of the reaction conditions by varying the barbiturate to carbanion ratio or the barbiturate to carbanion exposure time resulted in a single product for only one examined barbiturate, secobarbital. This derivatization technique is useful for the GLC analysis of polar barbiturate metabolites, such as glucuronides, in biological fluids but is of limited value for the analysis of the parent compounds.
The Diagnosis of Pulmonary Disease by Nonthoracotomy Techniques

P ulmonany disease, like afflictions of other organ systeciis, requires an exact diagnosis before appnopniate therapy can 1)e initiated. In recent years several nontlid)nadotociiV diagnostic procedures have been gaining in popuclanity, namely: percutaneous lung 1)iopsy ( aspiratioci, cutting cieedle, and trephine ) , bronchial brush biopsy and fibenoptic bronchoscopy. The diagnostic accuracy and complications of these alternatives to open thonacotomy are listed in Table 1. None should be performed without adequate training. An inexenienced openaton would expose the patient to unnecessary risks and poor results, accompanied by a delay in diagnosis. The ideal diagnostic technique has a 100 percent yield and zero risk! Alas, such a utopian state does not exist; therefore, the risk factor should be given top priority. Generally, it is wise to start with the safest procedure eveci thoucgh there is another method svhich has a better yieldl buct also a significantly higher risk. Chest specialists need to become more familiar with these methods ( Table 2 ) ici order to uctilize and integrate them into a proper diagnostic approach, including mediastinoscopy and open thonacotouw. The qucestion has beeci raised, “Why do a diagnostic procedure which has a 5-25 percecit false negative result, ss’hen thonacotomv is contemplated regardless of the results?” There are several anssvers to this view: ( 1 ) the patient’s condlition may be critical audi preclude open chest sunge’ry; ( 2 ) the surgeon may be more willing to assume the risk of thonacotomy if the diagciosis of malignancy can be established; ( 3 ) the lucng lesion may 1)e nocimahgnant, ie, infectious, and not require surgery; (4) the patient may have an inoperable lucng tucmor, but the radiologist or ocicologist is nelucctant to give therapy without arc exact tissue diagnosis; (5) the lung Table 1 -Nonthoracotosti Lung Biops (300 Patients) University of Iowa, 1970-72
EARLY LIFE OR EARLY DEATH: SUPPORT FOR CHILD HEALTH LASTS A LIFETIME

The first thousand days following conception is a critical period during which a large fraction of adult health is programmed. Societies can structure their support during this period in ways that enhance or damage not only the health and well-being of children, but also the health of the adults they become. Inequality is a major influence on early child health. Nations may focus on trying to effect changes in individual health-related behaviors, but public policies promoting more economic equality are more effective in producing health. A national focus on economic growth may produce overstressed parents who have inadequate time and energy for parenting. How a country chooses to allocate its national budget for health and welfare services exposes its priorities. Some of the nations that put the most federal money per person on the first year of life have some of the best overall health; others that focus spending on the later years may have limited health improvements. Economic policies, however, can be overcome in some cases by social and cultural norms, which can override both supportive and unhelpful measures. The path to health looks at its source determinants and supports early life conditions that promote the well-being of children, which in turn will further their health as adults.
Preoperative Single Fraction Partial Breast Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Purpose Several recent series evaluating external beam accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) have reported adverse cosmetic outcomes, possibly related to large volumes of normal tissue receiving near-prescription doses. We hypothesized that delivery of external beam PBI in a single fraction to the preoperative tumor volume would be feasible and result in a decreased dose to the uninvolved breast compared with institutional postoperative PBI historical controls. Methods and Materials A total of 17 patients with unifocal Stage T1 breast cancer were identified. Contrast-enhanced subtraction magnetic resonance images were loaded into an Eclipse treatment planning system and used to define the target volumes. A "virtual plan" was created using four photon beams in a noncoplanar beam arrangement and optimized to deliver 15 Gy to the planning target volume. Results The median breast volume was 1,713 cm 3 (range: 1,014–2,140), and the median clinical target volume was 44 cm 3 (range: 26–73). In all cases, 100% of the prescription dose covered 95% of the clinical target volume. The median conformity index was 0.86 (range: 0.70–1.12). The median percentage of the ipsilateral breast volume receiving 100% and 50% of the prescribed dose was 3.8% (range: 2.2–6.9) and 13.3% (range: 7.5–20.8) compared with 18% (range: 3–42) and 53% (range: 24–65) in the institutional historical controls treated with postoperative external beam PBI ( p = .002). The median maximum skin dose was 9 Gy. The median dose to 1 and 10 cm 3 of skin was 6.7 and 4.9 Gy. The doses to the heart and ipsilateral lung were negligible. Conclusion Preoperative PBI resulted in a substantial reduction in ipsilateral breast tissue dose compared with postoperative PBI. The skin dose appeared reasonable, given the small volumes. A prospective Phase I trial evaluating this technique is ongoing.
Initial stages of growth of thin films of III-V nitrides and silicon carbide polytypes by molecular beam epitaxy

The morphology and interface chemistry occurring during the initial deposition of BN, AlN and GaN films via metal evaporation and N2 decomposition under UHV conditions have been determined. FTIR spectroscopy and TEM revealed the consecutive deposition of an initial 20A layer of a-BN, 20-60A of oriented h-BN, and a final layer of polycrystalline c-BN. This sequence is attributed primarily to increasing intrinsic compressive stress in the films. XPS analysis revealed the growth of GaN on sapphire to occur via the Stranski-Krastanov mode; growth on SiC showed characteristics of three-dimensional growth. AlN grew layer-by-layer on both substrates. Vicinal 6H-SiC(0001) substrate surfaces contain closely spaced, single bilayer steps. During deposition of Si and C at 1050°C, 6H layers initially form and step bunching occurs. The latter phenomenon results in more widely spaced steps, the nucleation of 3C-SiC both on the new terraces and at the larger steps and formation of double position boundaries. The C/Si ratio in the gaseous reactants also affects the occurrence of these three phenomena.
Data Structure Health

Applications often have large runtime memory requirements. In some cases, large memory footprint helps accomplish an important functional, performance, or engineering requirement. A large cache, for example, may ameliorate a pernicious performance problem. In general, however, finding a good balance between memory consumption and other requirements is quite challenging. To do so, the development team must distinguish effective from excessive use of memory: when is a data structure too big for its own good? We introduce health signatures to facilitate this balance. Using data from dozens of applications and benchmarks, we show that they provide concise and application-neutral summaries of footprint. We show how to use them to form value judgments about whether a design or implementation choice is good or bad. We demonstrate how to use health signatures to evaluate the asymptotic behavior of these choices, as input data size scales up. Finally, we show how being independent of any application eases comparison across disparate implementations.
The origins of fast segmental dynamics in 2 nm thin confined polymer films

Molecular-Dynamics computer simulations were used to study 2 nm wide polystyrene films confined in slit pores, defined by inorganic crystalline surfaces. The simulated systems mimic experimentally studied hybrid materials, where polystyrene is intercalated between mica-type, atomically smooth, crystalline layers. A comparison between the experimental findings and the simulation results aims at revealing the molecular origins of the macroscopically observed behavior, and thus provide insight about polymers in severe/nanoscopic confinements, as well as polymers in the immediate vicinity of solid surfaces. Pronounced dynamic inhomogeneities are found across the 2 nm thin film, with fast relaxing moieties located in low local density regions throughout the film. The origins of this behavior are traced to the confinement-induced density inhomogeneities, which are stabilized over extended time scales by the solid surfaces.
Iron homeostasis in plants: when transcription affects translocation.

Despite the fact that iron is one of the most abundant elements of the earth’s crust, iron deficiencies are serious problems both in human nutrition [1] and in agriculture [2]. Six to eight percent of the world’s population is potentially affected by iron deficiency induced anemia, a leading cause of maternal death in African and Asian countries where people rely mostly on plants for their daily intake of iron. Iron can also be a limiting factor in the growth of economically important crop plants because of inadequate soil chemistry, and such deficiencies cannot easily be corrected by amending the soil. Improving the plant’s ability to absorb iron in adverse conditions and to increase their overall content could offer solutions to these dramatic problems. Therefore understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating iron uptake and homeostasis in plants has potentially important practical applications both in agriculture and human health [3].
Improving quality-of-service of file migration policies in high-performance servers

Previous work demonstrates that migrating files between disks may induce idleness in servers and facilitate power management. However, these studies focus on steady-state power savings and do not consider the energy consumption and performance overhead of migrating files between disks. In this study, we construct a constrained optimization problem of file location for high-bandwidth applications by considering file migration energy, as well as steady-state energy consumption. We present an algorithm that improves quality-of-service by 63% for a streaming video server compared with existing techniques while maintaining comparable energy saving.
Levamisole tainted cocaine: an emerging health issue.

### Learning Point for Clinicians Clinicians should suspect levamisole contamination in suspected drug abusers with very low absolute neutrophil count and neutropenia. It should be suspected early as chemical detection will only last 2–4 days. A 52-year-old male presents with complaints of a rash and pain in his perineal area for 4 days. The rash first appeared in his upper right thigh and was purpuric with a central black discoloration. He also complained of general malaise, fever of 103°F and diarrhea for 4 days. His past history includes chronic hepatitis C, alcoholism, liver cirrhosis and substance abuse. Laboratory studies revealed leukopenia (400 per mm3) with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of zero. A peripheral blood smear was also taken (Figure 1). Figure 1. Peripheral blood smear showing absence of neutrophils. Differential diagnosis at …
Selective activation of endothelial cells by the antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate: involvement of C-jun N-terminal kinase and AP-1 activation.

The antioxidant agent pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) has been shown to protect endothelial cells (EC) from pro-inflammatory-induced and pro-oxidant-induced NF-B activation. It also perturbs EC by altering activator protein-1 (AP-1) status and inducing ICAM-1. Experiments were performed to investigate the upstream mechanism by which PDTC produces these effects. We have demonstrated that PDTC not only induced AP-1 binding and ICAM-1 expression by itself, but it also augmented AP-1 activation and ICAM-1 induction in low-dose IL-1α treated cells. To dissect the mechanism of these effects, we measured c-Jun and c-Fos expression, and the activity of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). We detected an increase in JNK activity in PDTC-treated HUVEC. Following cotransfection with JNK[K-M], a kinase-deficient JNK1, the PDTC-increased AP-1-driven-luciferase activity was attenuated. Utilizing a specific trans-reporting s...
Imports and the Supply of Winter Tomatoes: An Application of Rational Expectations

A model of the Florida tomato industry is formulated under the hypothesis that growers make production decisions as rational economic agents. This assumption implies that anticipated Mexican tomato imports as well as other economic variables are taken into account when the planting decision is made. Maximum likelihood estimation methods are used to solve the simultaneous equations model, and the implications of the model's reduced form are analyzed. The empirical findings are consistent with the rational expectations hypothesis that producers respond to market information in its entirety when making acreage decisions. Key vwords: expectations, imports, Mexico, rational expectations, supply response, tomatoes. Florida produces about 90% of U.S. tomatoes harvested for fresh use during the November to mid-June season. Since the Cuban trade embargo of February 1962, Mexico has become the major foreign supplier of fresh winter tomatoes. The total fresh winter tomato market in the United States has been almost equally shared by Florida and Mexico in recent years.' The rivalry for this market reached the point in 1978 that Florida growers charged that Mexican producers were dumping their product on the U.S. market (Schmitz, Firch, Hillman). Many Florida growers suggest that unless Mexican tomato imports are limited, the Florida tomato industry will effectively disappear. Primary attention in this paper is focused on domestic tomato acreage allocations in light of the Mexican influence on the winter tomato market. The paper does not attempt to evaluate the welfare effects of Mexican imports on the Florida tomato industry. In addition to the emphasis on acreage response, the domestic quantity and price effects are also considered. Most efforts to explain acreage devoted to agricultural crops have utilized some variant of a cobweb model because the ultimate price of the crop cannot be ascertained until the completion of the production cycle. Nevertheless, if the supply and demand framework is truly representative of the way the market works, an alternative to lagged price for representing the anticipated price for the crop is the price prediction of the supply and demand model itself. Thus, acreage would be dependent on the expected price of the crop, and expected price would result from the solution of the supply and demand model for price on the basis of information available at planting time. The underlying hypothesis is that producers are acting in accordance with the information available to them at planting time and in a way represented by the interaction in the supply and demand model. Viewed in this way, planted acreage decisions would be based on such factors as anticipated Mexican imports and their attendant effect on the price of tomatoes. One distinction between this and the traditional cobweb framework is that in the latter case lagged imports may influence planted acreage via their effect on lagged prices, but any impact expected imports might have on current price is ignored in the acreage
The Fear Avoidance Model of Chronic Pain: Examination for Pediatric Application

Abstract The current study examined the Fear Avoidance (FA) model of chronic pain in pediatric chronic pain patients. Multiple structural equation models were tested in the current study with pairwise parameter comparisons made between younger children (8–12 years) and adolescents (13–17 years). Within a sample of 350 children and adolescents, we examined functional disability and depressive symptoms in separate models with the following predictor variables—pain, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and avoidance of activities—after controlling for duration of pain. For a subset of patients (n = 151), we also tested a brief prospective outcome model with baseline predictor variables and functional disability at 1-month follow-up. The FA models predicting functional disability concurrently and prospectively were an excellent fit to the data. The theorized FA model for depression was a poor fit. When the model was modified to include direct pathways from the cognitive processes of pain catastrophizing and fear of pain to depressive symptoms, the model fit was significantly improved. In the examination of developmental differences between younger children and adolescent patients, duration of pain contributed to the model for younger children, whereas pain-related fears were more influential for adolescent patients. Perspective The FA model of chronic pain appears to be applicable for pediatric patients with some modification to account for developmental differences across childhood. We discuss the developmental, theoretical, and clinical implications of these results.
Symbolical Algebra as a Foundation for Calculus: D. F. Gregory's Contribution

Abstract Duncan Farquharson Gregory (1813–1844) was a mathematician and founder of the Cambridge Mathematical Journal . His 1841 Examples of the Processes of the Differential and Integral Calculus was an extensive revision of Peacock's 1820 textbook of a similar title. Among the new material in Gregory's version is an exposition of symbolical algebra, prominently featuring the method of “separation of symbols.” We examine Gregory's career; the mathematicians he influenced; and Servois and Murphy, who influenced him. We consider Gregory's use of separation of symbols in the Examples and consider whether he believed these techniques to be capable of providing an adequate foundation for calculus. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). Le mathematicien Duncan Farquharson Gregory (1813–1844) fut egalement fondateur du Cambridge Mathematical Journal . Son ouvrage publie en 1841, Examples of the Processes of the Differential and Integral Calculus , constitue une revision substantielle du livre de Peacock au titre similaire. L'un des apports du livre de Gregory est un expose de l'algebre symbolique, et en particulier de la methode de ⪡separation des symboles⪢. Dans cet article nous passons en revue la carriere de Gregory et nous parlons des mathematiciens qu'il a influences, ainsi que de l'influence que Servois et Murphy ont eu sur ses travaux. Nous considerons son usage de la separation des symboles dans ses Examples , et nous examinons si Gregory croyait que ses techniques pouvaient constituer un fondement pour le calcul differentiel. © 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). MSC 1991 subject classifications: 01A55, 01A70, 01A50, 26-03, 26A03, 34-03, 34A30.
Regiospecific reductive elimination from diaryliodonium salts.

StereoElectronic Control of Unidirectional Reductive Elimination (SECURE) is provided by the cyclophane substituent on iodine(III). Computational and experimental studies demonstrate that out of plane steric bulk strongly destabilizes the reductive elimination transition state, and leads to regiochemical control. This approach should be general for high valent main group and transition metal ions.
Transverse Stiffener Requirements in Straight and Horizontally Curved Steel I-Girders

Prior research has demonstrated that transverse stiffeners in straight I-girders are loaded predominantly by bending induced by their restraint of web lateral deflections at the shear strength limit state, not by in-plane tension field forces. This is at odds with present specification approaches for the design of these components. Furthermore, recent studies have confirmed that curved I-girders are capable of developing substantial shear postbuckling resistance due to tension field action and have demonstrated that the AASHTO LRFD equations for the tension field resistance in straight I-girders may be applied to curved I-girders within specific limits. However, the corresponding demands on transverse stiffeners in curved I-girders are still largely unknown. In this paper, the behavior of one- and two-sided transverse stiffeners in straight and horizontally curved steel I-girders is investigated by full nonlinear finite element analysis. New recommendations are developed for design of transverse stiffener...
Autonomous coverage operations in semi-structured outdoor environments

This paper presents a comprehensive navigation system capable of extended coverage operations in semi-structured environments. By semi-structured, we mean pre-mapped terrain that although locally smooth has potentially large changes in elevation and that is generally free of obstacles. The system has three key capabilities: it is able to track specified paths with high accuracy, detect small obstacles reliably, and plan coverage patterns to completely cover a specified area. These technologies have been combined and implemented on a mobile robot, which has accumulated over 90km of autonomous operation to date. Here we report on the components, the architecture, and experimental results.