cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current state of development and expected performance of copper-lithium alloys as an impurity control system in fusion applications

A new approach to impurity control involves the development of materials displaying both strong surface segregation of a low-Z component and high secondary ion fractions in the sputtering of that component. Key issues that have been studied with particular reference to copper-lithium alloys relate to the completeness of the overlayer, its rate of formation in a reactor environment, lowering of substrate sputtering and self-sputtering yields, durability of the overlayer, and depletion of the bulk alloy in the low-Z component. Other factors that must be considered in the materials selection process relate to response to disruptions, heat transfer, thermal stress, fabricability, radiation damage, activation, and tritium permeation. Copper-lithium alloys have been evaluated as a surface material for the impurity control system of the INTOR reactor. Both the medium-edge temperature limiter regime and the low-edge temperature divertor regime were examined. The analysis used TRIM code data to predict sputtering coefficients for copper-lithium with a 1.5 monolayer coverage of lithium. The REDEP code was used to evaluate the erosion performance for INTOR.
Consensus in controversy: The modified Delphi method applied to Gynecologic Oncology practice

Objectives To determine the degree of consensus regarding the probabilities of outcomes associated with IP/IV and IV chemotherapy.
The Mosaic of Governance: Creating a Picture with Definitions, Theories, and Debates

The popularity of governance can be seen across academic genres. In some ways, the tremendous amount of theorizing on the subject has created contentious areas of debate. However, the approach that I argue will move the discussion forward is a focus on areas of agreement, where studying governance as a form of statecraft is considered. In order to advance the governance conversation, this essay speculates on the intersections of future governance research areas and maintains that making governance studies meaningful involves more empirical testing and inductive explorations by scholars.
SWIFT MRI enhances detection of breast cancer metastasis to the lung

Purpose To evaluate the capability of longitudinal MR scans using sweep imaging with Fourier transformation (SWIFT) to detect breast cancer metastasis to the lung in mice. Methods Mice with breast cancer metastatic to the lung were generated by tail vein injection of MDA-MB-231-LM2 cells. Thereafter, MR imaging was performed every week using three different pulse sequences: SWIFT [echo time (TE) ∼3 μs], concurrent dephasing and excitation (CODE; TE ∼300 μs), and three-dimensional (3D) gradient echo (GRE; TE = 2.2 ms). Motion during the long SWIFT MR scans was compensated for by rigid-body motion correction. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were generated to visualize changes in lung vascular structures during the development and growth of metastases. Results SWIFT MRI was more sensitive to signals from the lung parenchyma than CODE or 3D GRE MRI. Metastatic tumor growth in the lungs induced a progressive increase in intensity of parenchymal signals in SWIFT images. MIP images from SWIFT clearly visualized lung vascular structures and their disruption due to progression of breast cancer metastases in the lung. Conclusion SWIFT MRI's sensitivity to fast-decaying signals and tolerance of magnetic susceptibility enhances its effectiveness at detecting structural changes in lung parenchyma and vasculature due to breast cancer metastases in the lung. Magn Reson Med 73:1812–1819, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is childhood trauma associated with lifetime suicide attempts in women with bulimia nervosa

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between specific forms of childhood abuse and neglect with lifetime suicide attempts in women with bulimia nervosa (BN). Two hundred and four women aged 18–65 (mean 25.6 years, SD 9.13) with full or subclinical BN were recruited in five US Midwestern communities and specialized eating disorder clinics. Participants completed questionnaires including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and self-reported whether they had ever had a lifetime suicide attempt. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict lifetime suicide attempts from each subscale of the CTQ. Childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse were significantly associated with the presence of a lifetime suicide attempt in women with BN. Childhood emotional and physical neglect were not associated with suicide attempts. Individuals with BN who have experienced childhood emotional and sexual abuse are at increased risk of a lifetime suicide attempt. Future research is needed to understand the mechanism to address in treatment and prevention efforts. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the potential increased risk of suicide in individuals with BN with a history of childhood abuse.
The nuclear surface studied with a momentum-dependent interaction in the Thomas-Fermi and Hartree approximations

Abstract A self-consistent many-particle model containing a two-body interaction with a quadratic momentum dependence is developed in the Hartree approximation. The various possible algebraic forms of the momentum dependence are studied in parallel. A simple modification of the standard Thomas-Fermi approximation is formulated for the treatment of models with momentum-dependent interactions. Numerical calculations are carried out for symmetric semi-infinite nuclear matter. The modified Thomas-Fermi approximation, as compared with the Hartree approximation, is found to underestimate the surface diffuseness and the surface energy by typically 10%. It is demonstrated that the surface properties are very sensitive to the particular algebraic form of the quadratic momentum dependence.
Some Notes on the Finite Element Analysis of Tires

Abstract Over the past ten years the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been increasingly integrated into the tire design process. The FEA has been used to study the general tire behavior, to perform parameter studies, and to do comparative analyses. To decrease the tire development cycle, the FEA is now being used as a replacement for certain tire tests. This requires the accuracy of the FEA results to be within those test limits. This paper investigates some of the known modeling techniques and their impact on accuracy. Some of the issues are the use of shell elements, assumptions for boundary conditions, and global/local analysis approaches. Finally, the use of new generation supercomputers, massively parallel processing systems (MPP), is discussed.
A Systematic Review of Approaches for Engaging Patients for Research on Rare Diseases

BACKGROUND Patients with rare diseases have limited access to useful information to guide treatment decisions. Engagement of patients and other stakeholders in clinical research may help to ensure that research efforts in rare diseases address relevant clinical questions and patient-centered health outcomes. Rare disease organizations may provide an effective means to facilitate patient engagement in research. However, the effectiveness of patient-engagement approaches, particularly for the study of rare diseases, has not been well studied.
Repression of β-catenin signaling by PPARγ ligands

Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in oncogenesis of various human malignancies. It has been demonstrated that there is a direct interaction between β-catenin and PPARγ. Here we examined the effects of fifteen reported PPAR ligands in a reporter gene assay that is dependent on β-catenin activation of TCF/LEF transcription factors; only the thiazolidinedione PPARγ agonists troglitazone, rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, and a non-thiazolidinedione PPARγ activator GW1929 inhibited β-catenin-induced transcription in a PPARγ dependent fashion. The results from mammalian one-hybrid experiments showed that functional PPARγ was necessary for ligand-dependent inhibition of β-catenin transactivation. However, a PPARγ activator Fmoc-Leu could not repress β-catenin-mediated signaling and its transactivation activity. These results indicate that activation of PPARγ is necessary, but not sufficient, for the β-catenin antagonistic activity of a PPARγ agonist, and that the inhibitory compounds interfere directly with β-catenin transactivation activity.
Neurologic features of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome after lonafarnib treatment

Objectives: The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate neurologic status pre- and posttreatment with the oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor lonafarnib in children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare, fatal disorder of segmental premature aging that results in early death by myocardial infarction or stroke. Methods: The primary outcome measure for intervention with lonafarnib was to assess increase over pretherapy in estimated annual rate of weight gain. In this study, neurologic signs and symptoms were compared pre- and posttreatment with lonafarnib. Results: Twenty-six participants were treated for a minimum of 2 years. Frequency of clinical strokes, headaches, and seizures was reduced from pretrial rates. Three patients with a history of frequent TIAs and average clinical stroke frequency of 1.75/year during the year before treatment experienced no new events during treatment. One patient with a history of stroke died due to large-vessel hemispheric stroke after 5 months on treatment. Headache prevalence and frequency were reduced. Four patients exhibited pretherapy seizures and no patients experienced recurrent or new-onset seizures. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that lonafarnib therapy may improve neurologic status of children with HGPS. To address this question, we have incorporated prospective neuroimaging and neurologic assessments as measures in subsequent studies involving children with HGPS. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that lonafarnib 115–150 mg/m 2 for 24 to 29 months reduces the prevalence of stroke and TIA and the prevalence and frequency of headache over the treatment period.
FEMORAL ARTERY COMPRESSION (THE ADDUCTOR‐CANAL SYNDROME): SURGICAL TREATMENT

Muscular compression is an important precipitating factor in adductor-canal occlusion of the femoral artery. The choice of surgical procedure depends upon the condition of the “run-off” and collateral circulation. To the previous technic (preliminary sympathectomy, then a by-pass or an endarterectomy plus a patch graft) the author had added periarterial sympathectomy and complete division of the adductor-canal fascia and muscles, to relieve compression. Of more than 100 patients so treated, two-thirds were over 65 years old. The good results make this an operation of choice compared to the “close up and do nothing procedure” in patients with impaired “run-off” circulation.
Schrödinger modal structure of cubical, pyramidal, and conical, evanescent light-wave gravitational atom traps

We investigate the modal structure of Schr\"odinger's equation in several evanescent light-wave gravitational traps. Three configurations are proposed that optically confine an atom inside an atom-mirror cavity: a cubical, a pyramidal, and a conical gravitational trap.
The effects of spontaneous and voluntary facial reactions on surprise and humor

Two investigations were conducted to determine the nature of the relationship between facial reactions and surprise and humor ratings as suggested by the facial feedback hypothesis. In the correlational investigation, individual subjects showed a positive correlation between their spontaneous facial reactions and funniness ratings over 36 cartoons (within subjects). Subjects who were facially more reactive to all the cartoons, however, did not rate them as funnier than did subjects who were less facially reactive (between subjects). In the experimental investigation, spontaneous facial reactions were evoked by a discrepant weight and also were inhibited or amplified on verbal demand. Surprise and funniness ratings varied with spontaneous facial reactions but were unaffected when those reactions were voluntarily inhibited or amplified. The results were interpreted as not supporting the facial feedback hypothesis and suggested that facial reactions may only correlate with emotional experience.
Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Graduate Admissions Criteria in Psychology

36 undergraduate psychology majors from the University of Wisconsin—Platteville completed a questionnaire by listing what they believed to be relevant criteria in the admissions process for graduate school. Students subsequently rank-ordered by importance each of the criteria they generated. Their list of criteria was similar to those of previous studies; however, the relative importance of the criteria differed substantially between the present study and previous ones. Faculty advising students about graduate school may want to use this information to help students better understand the graduate school admissions process.
The chemical behavior of trace metals and 226Ra during estuarine mixing in the Mullica River estuary, New Jersey, U.S.A.: A comparison between field observation and equilibrium calculation

Abstract The observed distributions of dissolved trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn) and 226Ra in the Mullica River estuary, New Jersey, were compared with those predicted by using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations. To evaluate the effect of organic ligands in trace-metal behavior, citric acid was included in the equilibrium model for estuarine water. Three concentrations of citric acid (0, 4.5 and 45 μmol kg−1) were used corresponding to organic-free, organic-poor and organic-rich conditions, respectively. The model results indicate that the removal of dissolved Fe can also be attributed to a decrease in the solubility of Fe-hydroxides in estuarine water for low-pH rivers. According to the model, dissolved Al is strongly complexed by organic ligands in both organic-rich and organic-poor estuarine water; the removal of dissolved Al in rivers that have high concentrations of dissolved organic ligands, such as the Mullica, may be caused partially by the removal or organic complexing ligands through condensation reactions in the low-salinity region ( ). Dissolved Mn does not form significant organic complexes over the entire salinity range. Adsorption/desorption reactions are likely the major factor in controlling its behavior. The behavior of Ra seems to vary seasonally in the Mullica River estuary. Dissolved 226Ra was added in the estuary in August 1985, due to desorption from the suspended particles and diffusion from the bottom sediments. Chemical speciation calculation for Ra indicates that the desorption of Ra is a cation-exchange process. In December 1984, dissolved 226Ra is removed in the low-salinity region.
High frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers

Abstract High frequency wavelength modulation spectroscopy with diode lasers is accomplished by dithering the drive current at RF frequencies as high as 250 MHz. This technique is useful for fast and sensitive detection of absorption lines in the near-and mid-infrared spectral regions. Detection of 300 MHz wide spectral features corresponding to 1% changes in transmission is accomplished in time intervals as short as 500 ns. A potential application is for fast reading of information contained in frequency domain optical memories based upon photochemical hole burning.
Dual-grating confocal-rainbow volume holographic imaging system designs for high depth resolution

Confocal microscopy rejects out-of-focus light from the object by scanning a pinhole through the image and reconstructing the image point by point. Volume holographic imaging systems with bright-field illumination have been proposed as an alternative to conventional confocal-type microscopes that does not require scanning of a pinhole or a slit. However, due to wavelength-position degeneracy of the hologram, the high Bragg selectivity of the volume hologram is not utilized and system performance is not optimized. Confocal-rainbow illumination has been proposed as a means to remove the degeneracy and improve optical sectioning in these systems. In prior work, two versions of this system were illustrated: the first version had a separate illumination and imaging grating and the second used a single grating to disperse the incident light and to separate wavelengths in the imaging path. The initial illustration of the dual-grating system has limited depth resolution due to the low selectivity of the illumination grating. The initial illustration of the single-grating system has high depth resolution but does not allow optimization of the illumination path and requires high optical quality of the holographic filters. In this paper we consider the design and tolerance requirements of the dual-grating system for high depth resolution and demonstrate the results with an experimental system. An experimental system with two 1.8 mm thick planar holograms achieved a depth resolution of 7 μm with a field of view of 1.9 mm and a hologram dispersion matching tolerance of ±0.008°.
Probing the history of nanotechnology

Scanning probe microscopes feature prominently in the history of nanotechnology but, as a recent book on the subject makes clear, this history could have been very different. Chris Toumey explains.
Effect of type of carbohydrate on growth and protein synthesis by Tetrahymena pyriformis.

SYNOPSIS. In chemically defined media at carbohydrate concentrations ≧ 0.5% (w/v) Tetrahymena pyriformis W multiplied more rapidly, developed larger cells, and achieved greater growth as measured by optical density when carbohydrate was provided as dextrin rather than glucose. In media containing 0.3 mg/ml of amino acid nitrogen, growth increased with glucose concentration from 0.1 to 1%, did not change significantly to 3%, and was sharply inhibited at higher glucose levels. With dextrin, maximum growth paralleled carbohydrate concentration from 0.1 to 3%. At higher N levels the inhibitory concentration of glucose was lowered, but growth in dextrin media was not affected except at N concentrations that were inhibitory independent of carbohydrate source. At 1% carbohydrate levels, total cell protein per ml of culture was 60% greater, protein per cell approximately 50% greater, and cells were 1.5 to 2 times larger in media with dextrin than with glucose. Comparable differences in protein synthesis were observed at 2% carbohydrate levels and efficiency of conversion of substrate-N to protein-N was greater in the medium with dextrin than glucose. Growth as measured by optical density in media with 0.3 mg/ml of N and 1 or 2% (w/v) of dextrin was not significantly reduced by the simultaneous presence of 1 or 2% glucose. This observation appeared to negate osmotic pressure as an explanation of reduced growth in the presence of glucose. At higher osmolar concentrations osmotic pressure appeared to be a major determinant of overall growth but not of cell size.
Effect of zoledronic acid and amputation on bone invasion and lung metastasis of canine osteosarcoma in nude mice

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive, highly metastatic and lytic primary bone neoplasm commonly affecting the appendicular skeleton of dogs and children. Current treatment options include amputation of the afflicted limb, limb-sparing procedures, or palliative radiation with or without adjunct chemotherapy. Therapies that inhibit bone resorption, such as the bisphosphonates, may be an effective palliative therapy by limiting the local progression of OSA in those patients that are not viable candidates for amputation. We have developed a mouse model of canine skeletal OSA following intratibial inoculation of OSCA40 cells that spontaneously metastasized to the lungs. We demonstrated that therapy with a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid (Zol), reduced OSA-induced bone lysis; however, Zol monotherapy or in combination with amputation was not effective at inhibiting pulmonary metastasis. While not reaching statistical significance, amputation of the tumor-bearing limb reduced the average incidence of lung metastases; however, this effect was nullified when Zol was added to the treatment protocol. In untreated mice, the magnitude of proximal tibial lysis was significantly correlated with the incidence of metastasis. The data support amputation alone for the management of appendicular OSA rather than combining amputation with Zol. However, in patients that are not viable candidates for amputation, Zol may be a useful palliative therapy for OSA by reducing the magnitude of lysis and therefore bone pain, despite the risk of increased pulmonary metastasis.
Comparison of IMRT techniques in the radiotherapeutic management of head and neck cancer: Is tomotherapy "better" than step-and-shoot IMRT?

Currently, the most common method of delivering intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is through step-and-shoot, segmental multi-leaf collimator (SMLC)-based techniques. Although rotational delivery methods such as helical tomotherapy (HT) have been proposed as offering advantages in the treatment of head and neck cancer, a lack of clinical data exists on its potential utility. This study compared dosimetric, clinical, and quality-of-life endpoints among 149 patients treated by HT and SMLC-IMRT for head and neck cancer. Dosimetric analysis revealed that the use of HT resulted in significant improvements with respect to mean dose (23.5 versus 27.9 Gy, p = 0.03) and V30 (30.1 versus 43.9 Gy, p = 0.01) to the contralateral (spared) parotid gland. However, the incidence of grade 3+ xerostomia in the late setting was 10% and 8% among patients treated by HT and SMLC-IMRT, respectively (p = 0.46). There were no significant differences in any of the quality of life endpoints among patients treated by HT and SMLC-IMRT (p > 0.05, for all). Acknowledging the biases inherent in this retrospective analysis, we found that the dosimetric advantages observed with HT compared to SMLC-IMRT failed to translate into significant improvements in clinical outcome. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate how HT may affect the therapeutic ratio.
Understanding Extranuclear (Nongenomic) Androgen Signaling: What a frog oocyte can tell us about human biology

Steroids are key factors in a myriad of mammalian biological systems, including the brain, kidney, heart, bones, and gonads. While alternative potential steroid receptors have been described, the majority of biologically relevant steroid responses appear to be mediated by classical steroid receptors that are located in all parts of the cell, from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. Interestingly, these classical steroid receptors modulate different signals depending upon their location. For example, receptors in the plasma membrane interact with membrane signaling molecules, including G proteins and kinases. In contrast, receptors in the nucleus interact with nuclear signaling molecules, including transcriptional co-regulators. These extranuclear and intranuclear signals function together in an integrated fashion to regulate important biological functions. While most studies on extranuclear steroid signaling have focused on estrogens, recent work has demonstrated that nongenomic androgen signaling is equally important and that these two steroids modulate similar signaling pathways. In fact, by taking advantage of a simple model system whereby a physiologically relevant androgen-mediated process is regulated completely independent of transcription (Xenopus laevis oocyte maturation), many novel and conserved concepts in nongenomic steroid signaling have been uncovered and characterized.
CD5+ B lymphocytes, polyreactive antibodies and the human B-cell repertoire

Abstract The lock and key model of antigen-antibody reaction has traditionally been used to explain the specificity of antibodies and the need for antibody diversity. Recently it has become clear that certain antibodies are polyreactive and recognize a variety of self- and foreign antigens. It is now clear that there antibodies are made by a novel subset of B cells that bear the surface CD5 marker. Careful analysis has shown that about 20% of peripheral blood B lymphocytes in adults are CD5 + and, therefore, represent a major component of the normal human B-cell repertoire. The precise role of the antibodies produced by these cells is still not clear, but because of their polyreactivity they might function in clearing autoantigens from the circulation and/or as a rapid first line of defense against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Sequence analysis showed that these antibodies use gene segments in germ-line configuration for their antigen-binding portion. In this article, Paolo Casali and Abner Notkins propose that polyreactive antibodies are what, for years, have been referred to as the ‘natural antibodies' of serum and that under certain circumstances they may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Fast gradient separation by very high pressure liquid chromatography: reproducibility of analytical data and influence of delay between successive runs.

Abstract Five methods were used to implement fast gradient separations: constant flow rate, constant column-wall temperature, constant inlet pressure at moderate and high pressures (controlled by a pressure controller), and programmed flow constant pressure. For programmed flow constant pressure, the flow rates and gradient compositions are controlled using input into the method instead of the pressure controller. Minor fluctuations in the inlet pressure do not affect the mobile phase flow rate in programmed flow. The reproducibilities of the retention times, the response factors, and the eluted band width of six successive separations of the same sample (9 components) were measured with different equilibration times between 0 and 15 min. The influence of the length of the equilibration time on these reproducibilities is discussed. The results show that the average column temperature may increase from one separation to the next and that this contributes to fluctuation of the results.
A critique of evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary psychology is a relatively new paradigm and an interdisciplinary one that has engendered considerable debate, conflict and controversy among scholars of various disciplines. The purpose of this paper is to examine the sources of this conflict and to articulate the contested issues. Emerging from methodological and inferential differences among the relevant disciplines is the question of whether or not falsifiability need be a prerequisite for theories to be considered ‘scientific.’ Although universal consensus may substitute for falsifiability, the assumptions underlying the evolutionary psychology paradigm are neither falsifiable nor do they command universal consensus. Assumptions addressed in this paper include the nature of natural selection, the unit of selection, sources of variation, and the structure of the evolved human brain. Furthermore, the paradigm suffers from inherent contradictions: (a) the claim by evolutionary psychologists that knowledge of ultimate causes is necessary to a...
Kinetic Model for the Dilute Sulfuric Acid Saccharification of Lignocellulose

Abstract Despite continuing interest in various processes for producing ethanol or other chemicals from agricultural and wood residues, little attention has been given to improving the kinetic modeling of dilute acid saccharification of cellulosics, a key step in many of these processes. A new model for cellulose saccharification is proposed. It incorporates the effect of the neutralizing capacity of the substrate, the presence of readily hydrolyzable cellulose, and the reversion reactions of glucose. Although general in nature, the model was developed specifically for application to the dilute sulfuric acid saccharification of prehydrolyzed wood lignocellulose. A computer program to simulate the new model under various reaction conditions was prepared. This program reasonably predicts yields of fermentable (monomeric) sugar, reducing sugar, reversion material, remaining cellulose, as well as glucose lost by dehydration, all as a function of acid concentration, temperature, and reaction time.
Single- and double-electron capture by 1-100-keV protons in collisions with magnesium and barium atoms

Absolute total cross sections for single- and double-electron capture by ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ in collisions with Mg and Ba have been measured for energies between 1 and 100 keV. The single-electron-capture cross section has also been calculated with the Gryzinski formalism of the classical binary-encounter approximation. The measured cross sections exhibit both high- and low-energy structure. The high-energy behavior is in accord with the Brinkman-Kramers results and classical predictions for the energy at which inner-shell capture becomes important. The low-energy behavior is discussed in terms of a molecular picture of the collision. The cross sections are shown to be critically dependent on curve-crossing effects which occur at avoided crossings between potential curves. At low energies the double-electron-capture cross section in Mg shows pronounced structure consistent with a description of the collision in terms of transitions via the intermediate H ($1s$) state. It is shown that this mechanism is not important in Ba, since curve crossings are expected to take place at internuclear separations too large for transitions to occur. A possible explanation for the decrease in single-electron-capture cross section in Ba at low energies is suggested in terms of competition from direct target-excitation collisions. For single-electron capture in Mg, recent low-energy perturbed-stationary-state calculations and high-energy classical-trajectory Monte Carlo calculations by Olson and Liu are in good agreement with experiment. The present classical binary-encounter approximation results for single-electron capture in both Mg and Ba agree with experiment to within a factor of 2 over the entire energy range. Measurements of single- and double-electron capture are also reported for Ar targets. A pronounced second maximum in the double-electron-capture cross section is found.
Tachycardia detection using smartphone applications in pediatric patients.

Objectives To use smartphone applications (apps) to measure heart rates during supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in pediatric patients and compare them with heart rates measured by standard electrocardiogram (ECG). Study design Patients r ) was used to compare the accuracy of the apps with ECG. Results At baseline, 33 heart rates were obtained with apps and all were within ±4 beats per minute (bpm) of the ECG heart rate. During SVT, 38 heart rate measurements were attempted during 21 SVT events in 18 patients. App 1 failed to provide a measured heart rate in 11 of 21 attempts. The 10 heart rates obtained had an r of 0.56. When tachycardia rates were r = 0.86) and when tachycardia rates were r = 0.99). App 2 failed to provide a measured heart rate in 12 of 17 attempts. The 5 heart rates obtained had an r of −0.43. Conclusions During tachycardia, neither of the 2 apps consistently determined an accurate heart rate at rates >200 bpm. The apps tested should not be considered an accurate tool for assessment of heart rates during SVT in pediatric patients. Select apps may have utility detecting slower SVT or confirming normal heart rates with further validation.
Genetic contributions to behavioural diversity at the gene–environment interface

Recent work on behavioural variation within and between species has furthered our understanding of the genetic architecture of behavioural traits, the identities of relevant genes and the ways in which genetic variants affect neuronal circuits to modify behaviour. Here we review our understanding of the genetics of natural behavioural variation in non-human animals and highlight the implications of these findings for human genetics. We suggest that gene-environment interactions are central to natural genetic variation in behaviour and that genes affecting neuromodulatory pathways and sensory processing are preferred sites of naturally occurring mutations.
Trauma systems are associated with increased level 3 trauma centers.

Abstract Background State-supported trauma systems have a proven association with improved mortality, but to date, there are no data reported on what mechanism leads to this benefit. Our hypothesis is that trauma systems with funding support are associated with increased number of trauma centers (TCs). Materials and methods A retrospective population study: data for the number of American College of Surgeons–verified adult TCs in 2010 were obtained from the American College of Surgeons and for state-designated TCs from state departments of health. Population and gross domestic product (GDP) were obtained from the US Census. The main outcome measure was the number of TCs per population and per GDP. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Mann–Whitney U -test and Poisson regression. Results There was no association between a trauma system and the numbers of level 1 or 2 centers. In states with funded trauma systems, the numbers of level 3 centers per GDP and per million state population were 4.76 ± 2.37/$100 billion and 1.77 ± 0.51/million people compared with 0.72 ± 1.72/$100 billion and 0.28 ± 0.60/million people for unfunded states ( P Conclusions Our study shows that the number of level 3 TCs significantly and independently correlated with the presence of a funded trauma system. The number of level 1 and 2 centers showed no such correlation. Further study will determine if increased number of level 3 centers leads to improved clinical outcome.
CHEF PROCEDURES: A RAPID HIGH‐TEMPERATURE METHOD FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION, A HIGH VOLTAGE HEPES BUFFER SYSTEM AND THE USE OF NUSIEVE® AGAROSE

ABSTRACT A rapid, high-temperature method of sample preparation from gram-negative bacteria for contour-clamped homogenous electric field (CHEF) electrophoresis is described, which utilizes a diethylpyrocarbonate nuclease inactivation step for preventing latent degradation of DNA. Also described is a simple 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid buffer system that permits high-voltage CHEF electrophoresis in standard apparatus while preventing the strand scission events associated with tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffers. Finally, the use of NuSieve agarose in combination with standard analytical agarose was compared to specialty CHEF agarose, demonstrating the potential use of this reagent in CHEF gel separations. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Contour-clamped homogenous electric field (CHEF) gel electrophoresis is a widely used technique in epidemiological and comparative genetic studies of microorganisms. Standard techniques work variably well, making options that can be used to “tweak” methodology useful. In this article, we describe a rapid, higher-temperature variation of sample preparation that yields inherently stable DNA with a more efficient usage of expensive reagents. Also detailed is a simple electrophoresis buffer that eliminates the tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-mediated strand scission events that have complicated the comparison of bacterial strains in some studies. This buffer permits the use of the higher-voltage electrophoresis conditions used in many studies without the addition of potentially harmful chemicals. Finally, we demonstrate that the combination of NuSieve (Lonza) branded agarose with standard agarose can be used effectively in CHEF gels, thus expanding analytical options while also providing an alternative to maintaining other expensive specialty agaroses. The methods herein may be applied in whole or in part, allowing their possible inclusion in existing or future protocols as desired.
Comparison of postoperative pain between laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the palate.

Abstract Objectives: This study compares the posttreatment discomfort between laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), and radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) of the palate through the use of visual analog pain scales and a quantitative assessment of the analgesic medication taken. Methods: In one group, LAUP (n = 10) or UPPP (n = 9) was used to treat patients’ snoring or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and the other group underwent RFVTR (n = 22). Results: The mean numbers of days with pain after RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP were 2.6, 13.8, and 14.3 days, respectively. Narcotic analgesics were required in the RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP groups in 9%, 100%, and 100% of the subjects, respectively. The mean number of these days requiring narcotic pain medications for RFVTR, LAUP, and UPPP was 0.2, 11.8, and 12.4 days, whereas the total narcotic equivalent was 0.3, 7.4 and 29.6 days, respectively. Conclusion: RFVTR of the soft palate produced less posttreatment pain than LAUP or UPPP. LAUP and UPPP appeared to show little difference in the severity or duration of posttreatment discomfort. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122:402-9.)
Kinetic Analysis of Complex Reactions Using FEMLAB

A finite element method software FEMALB has been implemented to the kinetic analysis of complex reaction systems. The established protocol provides fast solutions to the coupled differential-algebraic equations. It shows significant advantages over the conventional coding process with the standard implicit Runge-Kutta (IRK) method. The accuracy and high efficiency have been demonstrated in the simulation of the reaction processes such as glucose/fructose hydrogenation and catalytic cracking of gasoil. As model validation, the numerical results showed satisfactory agreement with the exact solutions. With the powerful capability of solving large matrixes of differential equations (both ODE and PDE) with nonlinear algebraic constrains, such an algorithm has greatly reduced the coding labor in reaction mechanistic studies and provided a unique tool in reactor design and optimization.
Role of screening chest computed tomography in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Abstract Objective: The presence of pulmonary metastases significantly alters the treatment of patients with head and neck cancers. Currently, a chest radiograph (CXR) is used as a screening examination, although a chest CT (CCT) can detect smaller lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of CCT as a screening tool in patients with newly diagnosed advanced head and neck cancers. Method: New patients with stage III and IV head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were enrolled in this prospective study from August 1994 to December 1995. Twenty-five patients underwent CXR ($71) and CCT ($597) within 2 weeks of diagnosis of the index cancer. Results: In 20 patients neither the CXR nor the CCT showed any evidence of pulmonary malignancy. Two patients had normal CXRs but possible metastases on CCT. Both the pulmonary lesions resolved on follow-up evaluation. Two patients had suspicious lesions on CXR, 1 of whom had a normal CCT. The second patient underwent CT-guided biopsy which was negative for malignancy. Both the CXR and CCT of the final patient, who had a bronchogenic carcinoma, were suspicious. Conclusion: In 2 patients CCT detected suspicious lesions missed on CXR, although neither revealed malignancy. Three patients with suspicious CXRs would have had CCTs anyway. Thus 22 of 25 CCTs done at the additional cost of $13,314 did not add to the sensitivity of the screening for pulmonary metastasis or second lung primary. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;120:689-92.)
SU-FF-I-03: Evaluation of Computer Aided Diagnosis On Thin-Slice Pulmonary CT Images

Purpose: Pulmonary stereotactic radiation therapy achieves a >90% local control rate for small tumors (<30mm); motivating early detection of small lung nodules. With the increasing image resolution afforded by multi‐slice CT scanners, radiologists can discern more easily these very small lung nodules. However, to overcome the challenge of image overload, assistance from lung CAD systems becomes a necessity. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the performance of our lung CAD algorithm on low‐dose, thin‐slice CTimages from the Early LungCancer Action Program (ELCAP) database.Method and Materials: Our CAD algorithm modelslung nodules as spheres (a modification of the 3D template‐matching method presented in AAPM'03) and searched for structures similar to the templates throughout the whole lung volume. This approach eliminates the need for segmentation of blood vessel‐nodule complex and is insensitive to noise and low‐contrast of some nodules. In the extraction of lung volume, a watershed transform was applied to separate left and right lungs when necessary. A 3D spherical structure element was used to smooth out the surface of both lungs in order to incorporate pleural nodules. An improved padding scheme was adapted on the templates to make the detection capacity of templates more isotropic. A test dataset was used, consisting of 55 central contiguous slices (voxel size: 0.57×0.57×1.25mm3) from a particularly challenging subject in the ELCAP database. 41 nodules were identified by an experienced radiologist from our institution. Results: 37 out of 41 nodules were detected by our CAD algorithm, a sensitivity of 90.2%. Among them, 28 out of 32 nodules with diameter <3mm were detected. The smallest detected nodule had a diameter of only ∼3 pixels (1.7mm) and a volume of ∼17 voxels. Conclusion: Our CAD method is capable of detecting with high sensitivity very small lung nodules in low‐dose thin‐slice chest CT.
Mentoring At-Risk Latino Children and Their Parents: Analysis of the Parent-Child Relationship and Family Strength

The Family Mentoring Program (FMP), which provided approximately 1 year of mentoring for at-risk, 10-year-old Latino children and their parents, offered individual mentoring, group educational sessions for children and parents, and group social/recreational activities. This study examined mothers' perceptions of the parent-child relationship and of family strength as measured by the Parent-Child Relationship Inventory (PCRI) and the Family Hardiness Index (FHI). Analysis focused on factors expected to contribute to variance in the outcome measures. Regression results indicated that involvement in parent group education predicted higher scores on the Support and Communication measures. Compared to the standardized samples used in the development of these measures, mothers, at the beginning of the program, scored lower on six of seven PCRI subscales and on the FHI. By the end of the program, mothers' scores on Support and Limit Setting had improved, no longer differing from the standardized norms. The overa...
Internal image concept revisited.

Abstract Internal image of the antigen represents an essential element of network theory. From theoretical standpoint this concept considers that the idiotypes which are phenotypic markers of variable region of antigen receptor of lymphocytes represent links between the universe of self and foreign antigens and the immune system. This concept had seen rapid practical applications. Ensuing years may see whether these applications are beneficial or rather represent research tools in biological sciences.
The stability of oxidative and phosphorylative systems in mitochondria under anaerobic conditions

Abstract Anaerobic conditions protect mitochondria from the swelling and loss of DPN-dependent oxidations produced by preincubation at 30° with phosphate, arsenite, Ca ++ , Zn ++ , and a number of other substances. Cyanide inhibition of cytochrome oxidase does not mimic anaerobiosis. Anaerobic addition of oxidizing agents like ferricyanide does mimic aerobic conditions. It is suggested that oxidation of some key group is responsible for swelling and loss of DPN. The phosphorylating mechanism is not rapidly inactivated during preincubation, but rather declines gradually over several hours, independently of the presence or absence of oxygen. Preincubation anaerobically with DNP, a condition which should deplete ATP, does not result in rapid swelling and loss of DPN.
Finite element methods for one‐dimensional combustion problems

Three adaptive finite element methods based on equidistribution, elliptic grid generation and hybrid techniques are used to study a system of reaction–diffusion equations. It is shown that these techniques must employ sub-equidistributing meshes in order to avoid ill-conditioned matrices and ensure the convergence of the Newton method. It is also shown that elliptic grid generation methods require much longer computer times than hybrid and static rezoning procedures. The paper also includes characteristic, Petrov–Galerkin and flux-corrected transport algorithms which are used to study a linear convection–reaction–diffusion equation that has an analytical solution. The flux-corrected transport technique yields monotonic solutions in good agreement with the analytical solution, whereas the Petrov–Galerkin method with quadratic upstream-weighted functions results in very diffused temperature profiles. The characteristic finite element method which uses a Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation overpredicts the flame front location and exhibits overshoots and undershoots near the temperature discontinuity. These overshoots and undershoots are due to the interpolation of the results of the Lagrangian operator onto the fixed Eulerian grid used to solve the reaction–diffusion operator, and indicate that characteristic finite element methods are not able to eliminate numerical diffusion entirely.
Ion beam application for improved polymer surface properties

Abstract Various polymeric materials were subjected to bombardment by different energetic ions with energies ranging from 200 to 1000 keV. Tests showed substantial improvements in hardness, wear resistance, oxidation resistance, resistance to chemicals, and electrical conductivity. The magnitude of property changes was strongly dependent upon ion species, energy, dose, and polymer structure. Both hardness and electrical conductivity increased with ion energy and dose. These properties were apparently related to the effectiveness of cross-linking. Ion species with a large electronic stopping cross-section are expected to produce more cross-linking. It is believed that the polymer property improvements are commensurate with the extent of cross-linking, which is responsible for the formation of three-dimensionally-connected, carbon-rich, rigid networks.
Trends in smoking cessation: a Markov model approach

Intervention trials such as studies on smoking cessation may observe multiple, discrete outcomes over time. When the outcome is binary, participant observations may alternate between two states over the course of the study. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach is commonly used to analyze binary, longitudinal data in the context of independent variables. However, the sequence of observations may be assumed to follow a Markov chain with stationary transition probabilities when observations are made at fixed time points. Participants favoring the transition to one particular state over the other would be evidence of a trend in the observations. Using a log-transformed trend parameter, the determinants of a trend in a binary, longitudinal study may be evaluated by maximizing the likelihood function. A new methodology is presented here to test for the presence and determinants of a trend in binary, longitudinal observations. Empirical studies are evaluated and comparisons are made with the GEE ap...