cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prolonged survival after talc poudrage for malignant pleural mesothelioma: case series.

Objective: Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fatal disease with a mean life expectancy of 6–12 months. Since 1982, we have performed thoracoscopic talc poudrage (TTP) as a primary therapy in mesothelioma patients presenting with pleural effusion. As the survival data for our patients surpassed that of many published series, the patient data was analyzed to determine whether talc poudrage can be considered as a contemporary palliative option. Methodology: We reviewed all 26 patients with a final diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma from our prospective database of 228 consecutive patients who received thoracoscopy from the same physician for recurrent symptomatic pleural effusion. Patients were followed up until their death. Results: Mean survival after TTP was 23.8 ± 16.3 months (median 19.4, range 2.9–68). Pleurodesis palliated dyspnoea in all patients. No perioperative deaths and one postoperative complication (pneumonia) occurred. Mean hospital stay was 3.9 ± 2.7 days. Conclusion: TTP remains a safe, low-morbidity, inexpensive primary palliative treatment option for malignant pleural mesothelioma and a valid control arm option for therapeutic trials. TTP is ideal for patients who wish to avoid thoracotomy, long hospital stays and morbidity from multimodality therapy. Prospective randomized studies are needed to compare quality of life and survival after talc poudrage and other therapies.
An approximate solution for the transient kinetic behavior of enzyme-catalyzed reactions: the irreversible Michaelis-menten kinetics

Abstract An approximate analytical solution is presented for the time-dependent kinetics of the irreversible Michaelis-Menten reaction. The solution is given in terms of a power series, whose convergence is accelerated by means of a [4/4] Pade approximant. The accelerated solution is found to be quite accurate throughout and beyond the transient phase. Results are given for the initial enzyme-to-substrate concentration ratio ϵ ranging from 0.1 to 10. A polynomial equation is also derived for calculating the induction period of the reaction. A major advantage of the present approach is that it gives a good approximation even when ϵ is much greater than one.
D-D Neutron measurements on a 40 kV, 60 a neutral beam test facility☆

Neutron production rates from deuterium-deuterium (D-D) reactions are measured during deuterium beam operation on a 40-kV, 60-A prototype neutral beam line developed for fusion research. The neutral detection system consists of a /sup 235/U fission chamber, a /sup 3/He proportional counter, and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Measured neutron yields were lower by a factor of 4 than theoretical values for steady-state, drive-in targets. Measured neutron intensities per unit ampere of beam current at 40 keV ranged between 4 x 10/sup 8/ and 7 x 10/sup 8/sec/sup -1/. Variation in neutron intensity is investigated as a function of beam energy (25 to 40 keV), beam current (30 to 60 A), and beam pulse length (100 to 200 msec).
Effect of supplemental vitamin E on the immune system of calves.

Abstract The effect of vitamin E on immune responses of Holstein calves was investigated. Treatments were: 0, 1400, and 2800mg of dl- α -tocopheryl acetate given orally at weekly intervals or 1400mg of dl-α-tocopherol weekly by injection. Calves were fed milk for 6 wk and then fed a complete calf starter ad libitum. Calves were on experiment until they were 12 wk of age. Lymphocyte stimulation indices were significantly higher for calves given the high amount of oral supplementation and for injected calves than for unsupplemented calves. There were no significant differences at any of the individual weeks between unsupplemented and orally supplemented calves. Injected calves showed significantly higher values than unsupplemented calves at wk 4 and than all other calves at wk 8. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of immunoglobulins G 1 and G 2 among treatments. Immunoglobulin M was significantly higher at wk 6 in calves given the high amount of oral supplementation than in all other calves. At wk 12, serum from calves given the high amount of oral supplementation and calves given injections inhibited infectious bovine rhinotracheitis viral replication in tissue cultures as compared with those of unsupplemented calves. In supplemental experiments serum α-tocopherol and lymphocyte stimulation indices of yearling heifers determined 7 d after a single injection of 2000 IU of dl-α-tocopherol were significantly higher than preinjection values. In vitro addition of vitamin E to lymphocyte cultures did not increase phytohemagglutinin-induced blastogenesis.
Comoving coordinate system for relativistic hydrodynamics

The equations of relativistic hydrodynamics are transformed so that steps forward in time preserve local simultaneity. In these variables, the space-time coordinates of neighboring points on the mesh are simultaneous according to comoving observers. Aside from the time step varying as a function of the location on the mesh, the local velocity gradient and the local density then evolve according to nonrelativistic equations of motion. Analytic solutions are found for two one-dimensional cases with constant speed of sound. One solution has a Gaussian density profile when mapped onto the new coordinates. That solution is analyzed for the effects of longitudinal acceleration in relativistic heavy ion collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, especially in regards to two-particle correlation measurements of the longitudinal size.
The role of a pentanucleotide repeat sequence, AGGGAAGGGA, in the regulation of JC virus DNA replication.

Abstract The human polyomavirus JCV differs from other papovaviruses in its narrow host range and tissue tropism for human glial cells. It is believed that the cell-specific tropism of JCV to glial cells rests, at least in part, in transcription of the viral early gene that encodes the large tumor antigen (T-antigen). The secondary stage, however, which restricts the replication cycle of JCV to primate cells, is controlled at the level of viral DNA replication. In this study, we demonstrate that a cis -acting transcription regulatory element encompassing the pentanucleotide repeat sequence AGGGAAGGGA ( penta ), which is located in close proximity to the origin of DNA replication, plays an important role in the replication of viral DNA mediated by the JCV T-antigen, but not T-antigen derived from SV40. Analysis of DNA structure by diethyl pyrocarbonate (DEPC) has revealed that mutations within the penta which affect DNA replication also alter the structure of the neighboring A + T-rich region. These results suggest that, in addition to the regulatory role in viral gene expression, the penta may function as a DNA structural element which is important for JCV DNA replication mediated by the JCV T-antigen.
Image denoising via local-information-based fuzzy filters

A novel filtering technique based on local information and Fuzzy Logic is proposed. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated through different criteria. Preliminary experimental results show that proposed method is effective for different filtering tasks.
Cannabinoid receptor binding and messenger RNA expression in human brain: An in vitro receptor autoradiography and in situ hybridization histochemistry study of normal aged and Alzheimer's brains

The distribution and density of cannabinoid receptor binding and messenger RNA expression in aged human brain were examined in several forebrain and basal ganglia structures. In vitro binding of [3H]CP-55,940, a synthetic cannabinoid, was examined by autoradiography in fresh frozen brain sections from normal aged humans (n = 3), patients who died with Alzheimer's disease (n = 5) and patients who died with other forms of cortical pathology (n = 5). In the structures examined--hippocampal formation, neocortex, basal ganglia and parts of the brainstem--receptor binding showed a characteristic pattern of high densities in the dentate gyrus molecular layer, globus pallidus and substantia nigra pars reticulata, moderate densities in the hippocampus, neocortex, amygdala and striatum, and low densities in the white matter and brainstem. In situ hybridization histochemistry of human cannabinoid receptor, a ribonucleotide probe for the human cannabinoid receptor messenger RNA, showed a pattern of extremely dense transcript levels in subpopulations of cells in the hippocampus and cortex, moderate levels in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and neurons of the striatum, amygdala and hypothalamus, and no signal over dentate gyrus granule cells and most of the cells of the thalamus and upper brainstem, including the substantia nigra. In Alzheimer's brains, compared to normal brains, [3H]CP-55,940 binding was reduced by 37-45% in all of the subfields of the hippocampal formation and by 49% in the caudate. Lesser reductions (20-24%) occurred in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus, internal segment. Other neocortical and basal ganglia structures were not different from control levels. Levels of messenger RNA expression did not differ between Alzheimer's and control brains, but there were regionally discrete statistically significant losses of the intensely expressing cells in the hippocampus. The reductions in binding did not correlate with or localize to areas showing histopathology, estimated either on the basis of overall tissue quality or silver staining of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Reduced [3H]55,940 binding was associated with increasing age and with other forms of cortical pathology, suggesting that receptor losses are related to the generalized aging and/or disease process and are not selectively associated with the pathology characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, nor with overall decrements in levels of cannabinoid receptor gene expression.
Semantics of Temporal Classes

A model theory of a typed, declarative, temporal object-oriented language system is presented. The declarative nature of the language makes it very different from the dominating procedural, strongly typed object-oriented programming languages. In this declarative system, methods are specified in a high-level, temporal constraint language. Two fundamental properties of these constraints are that they have an execution model and algebraic semantics. The model theory is based on temporal order-sorted algebras with predicates. A variety of orderings are explored in order to represent various types of inheritance, as well as the subtyping discipline. Temporal classes are viewed as temporal theories and some inheritance relationships as morphisms of temporal theories. A model of a temporal class is a temporal order-sorted structure with predicates which satisfies a set of temporal constraints specified in that class. Morphisms of those models are naturally required to preserve type coercions. A distinguished model of a temporal theory is constructed as a colimit of a suitably defined functor. This colimit construction reflects the temporal nature of the paradigm and generalizes the classical initial algebra semantics. In contradistinction to major difficulties in developing a model theory for full-fledged, typed procedural object-oriented languages, this paper shows that such a task becomes possible for a suitably defined declarative object-oriented language. This, in particular, leads to model-theoretic results on the preservation of the behavioral properties in the inheritance hierarchies.
Measuring standardization: An application to the American and French nuclear power industries

Abstract This paper discusses the lack of standardization in the U.S. nuclear industry in contrast to the French nuclear industry. We address the problem of measuring the degree of standardization in an industry whose production facilities are as complex and multi-faceted as nuclear power stations. We propose performance-oriented measures based on operating downtime and the probability of shutting down associated with reactor subsystems. We then apply these measures to show the different paths followed by the U.S. and French nuclear power industries.
Development of CFTR structure

Cystic fibrosis is a lethal genetic disease caused by lack of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) proteins at the apical surface of secretory epithelia. CFTR is a multidomain protein, containing five domains, and its functional structure is attained in a hierarchical folding process. Most CF-causing mutations in CFTR, including the most common mutation, a deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (ΔF508), are unable to properly fold into this functional native three dimensional structure. Currently, no high resolution structural information about full length CFTR exists. However, insight has been gained through examining homologous ABC transporter structures, molecular modeling, and high resolution structures of individual, isolated CFTR domains. Taken together, these studies indicate that the prevalent ΔF508 mutation disrupts two essential steps during the development of the native structure: folding of the first nucleotide binding domain (NBD1) and its later association with the fourth intracellular loop (ICL4) in the second transmembrane domain (TMD2). Therapeutics to rescue ΔF508 and other mutants in CFTR can be targeted to correct defects that occur during the complex folding process. This article reviews the structural relationships between CFTR and ABC transporters and current knowledge about how CFTR attains its structure--with a focus on how this process is altered by CF-causing mutations in a manner targetable by therapeutics.
The health consequences of environmental tobacco smoke

Abstract Health effects of ETS can be classified as acute irritant effects, pulmonary and nonpulmonary effects in children, and lung cancer, other cancers and cardiovascular alterations in adults. The most consistent findings on adverse health effects of ETS are on the respiratory tracts of young children. The most significant nonpulmonary effect of ETS on children is the risk of reduction in birth weight. Compilation of studies from many countries indicates that the risk of lung cancer to nonsmoking spouses of smokers is about 30% greater than the risk of nonsmoking spouses of nonsmokers. Studies of cancers, other than lung, have been few and methodologically problematic. Recent reports from population‐based studies indicate that chronic exposure to ETS increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases in nonsmoking persons.
System analysis as the basis for control of density of extruded cornmeal

Abstract The increase in the use of twin-screw extruders for the production of directly expanded products can be attributed to the unique versatility of this machine and the products that may be produced with it. However, complex relationships between process inputs, system variables and unmeasurable product quality attributes make control of the process difficult. Understanding the effects of particular inputs on product properties will improve the general understanding of the fundamental phenomenon underlying the extrusion process. Using a system analysis approach, the effect of moisture and screw speed on percentage torque, specific mechanical energy (SME), product temperature and die pressure was determined. Corn meal was adjusted to 16%, 19% and 22% moisture and extruded at 200, 300 and 400 rev./min in an APV-Baker MPF 50, twin-screw extruder. Extrudates were characterized by their specific volume, longitudinal expansion index (LEI) and sectional expansion index (SEI). SME could be described as a linear combination of moisture and screw speed. Product temperature was highly correlated with SME regardless of whether changes in SME were a result of changes in moisture or screw speed. However, specific volume was found to be a function of both SME and moisture content. Longitudinal expansion was linearly correlated with SME alone, whereas radial expansion was not correlated with SME input. Based on these results, an algorithm for indirect control of specific volume was developed based on on-line measurement of SME and calculation of the actual in-barrel moisture content.
Biotreatment of Refinery Spent Sulfidic Caustics

Caustics are used in petroleum refinering to remove hydrogen sulfide from various hydrocarbon streams. Spent sulfidic caustics from two Conoco refineries have been successfully biotreated on bench and pilot scale, resulting in neutralization and removal of active sulfides. Sulfides were completely oxidized to sulfate by Thiobacillus denitrificans. Microbial oxidation of sulfide produced acid, which at least partially neutralized the caustic.
Development of an Electronic Patient Record: Selection Instrument

Selecting an effective electronic patient record (EPR) system is a challenge for both large and small medical organizations. As a result, significant investments are often wasted or fail to meet ex...
Changing Political Attitudes among Gaza Refugees

Despite changes in PLO strategizing and thinking about a two-state solution, which began to emerge as early as 1974, Gaza's refugee population remained largely irredentist. Non-indigenous to the extremely limited land area they have inhabited since 1948, Gaza's 459,000 refugees endure the highest population density in the world and are far more isolated from external contact than their counterparts in the West Bank. But recent conversations with approximately 200 Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip over a period of eight months indicate that political positions have changed. Despite the hardships imposed on the refugee community by the Israeli government in response to the intifadah, the need for political compromise was stated clearly and support for a two-state solution was consistent and unequivocal. Why attitudes have changed so dramatically among Gaza's refugee population will be examined in the following pages, chiefly through focusing on six critical themes that emerged recurrently in conversations and interviews with refugees inside the Strip. The examination will also
AbsIDconvert: An absolute approach for converting genetic identifiers at different granularities

High-throughput molecular biology techniques yield vast amounts of data, often by detecting small portions of ribonucleotides corresponding to specific identifiers. Existing bioinformatic methodologies categorize and compare these elements using inferred descriptive annotation given this sequence information irrespective of the fact that it may not be representative of the identifier as a whole. All annotations, no matter the granularity, can be aligned to genomic sequences and therefore annotated by genomic intervals. We have developed AbsIDconvert, a methodology for converting between genomic identifiers by first mapping them onto a common universal coordinate system using an interval tree which is subsequently queried for overlapping identifiers. AbsIDconvert has many potential uses, including gene identifier conversion, identification of features within a genomic region, and cross-species comparisons. The utility is demonstrated in three case studies: 1) comparative genomic study mapping plasmodium gene sequences to corresponding human and mosquito transcriptional regions; 2) cross-species study of Incyte clone sequences; and 3) analysis of human Ensembl transcripts mapped by Affymetrix®; and Agilent microarray probes. AbsIDconvert currently supports ID conversion of 53 species for a given list of input identifiers, genomic sequence, or genome intervals. AbsIDconvert provides an efficient and reliable mechanism for conversion between identifier domains of interest. The flexibility of this tool allows for custom definition identifier domains contingent upon the availability and determination of a genomic mapping interval. As the genomes and the sequences for genetic elements are further refined, this tool will become increasingly useful and accurate. AbsIDconvert is freely available as a web application or downloadable as a virtual machine at: http://bioinformatics.louisville.edu/abid/ .
Linking β-Catenin to Androgen-signaling Pathway

The androgen-signaling pathway is important for the growth and progression of prostate cancer cells. The growth-promoting effects of androgen on prostate cells are mediated mostly through the androgen receptor (AR). There is increasing evidence that transcription activation by AR is mediated through interaction with other cofactors. beta-Catenin plays a critical role in embryonic development and tumorigenesis through its effects on E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion and Wnt-dependent signal transduction. Here, we demonstrate that a specific protein-protein interaction occurs between beta-catenin and AR. Unlike the steroid hormone receptor coactivator 1 (SRC1), beta-catenin showed a strong interaction with AR but not with other steroid hormone receptors such as estrogen receptor alpha, progesterone receptor beta, and glucocorticoid receptor. The ligand binding domain of AR and the NH(2) terminus combined with the first six armadillo repeats of beta-catenin were shown to be necessary for the interaction. Through this specific interaction, beta-catenin augments the ligand-dependent activity of AR in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, expression of E-cadherin in E-cadherin-negative prostate cancer cells results in redistribution of the cytoplasmic beta-catenin to the cell membrane and reduction of AR-mediated transcription. These data suggest that loss of E-cadherin can elevate the cellular levels of beta-catenin in prostate cancer cells, which may directly contribute to invasiveness and a more malignant tumor phenotype by augmenting AR activity during prostate cancer progression.
Hybrid optical-digital radiography-based system for lung disease detection.

A hybrid optical-digital system for automated measurement and disease classification of chest radiographs has been constructed. Initial results from the use of this system for classification of opacity textural patterns associated with a specific diffuse lung disease (coal workers pneumoconiosis) are presented. This system consists of three subsystems which include a digital image scanner for lung field detection, a computer-controlled X-Y transport for film positioning, and a Fraunhofer diffraction pattern sampling unit for opacity detection and measurement. A minicomputer is used to integrate these subsystems as well as render a film quality and disease classification through the use of discriminant functions and probability estimates.
Creating and Sustaining Inclusive Instructional Settings for English Language Learners: Why, What, and How.

In this article, we provide an empirically based framework for school leaders to support the replacement of separate means of providing services for English learners (ELs) with more inclusive learning supports. The framework encompasses evidence on cultivating language proficiency, ensuring access to a high-quality curriculum, and promoting sociocultural integration. To illustrate the ways that research has informed practice to better meet the needs of ELs, we also present initiatives by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction that have helped propel a vision of equity and diversity at both the school and district level. We conclude by providing additional resources that leaders can use to promote the professional growth of the school.
Effect of occurrence of infection-related never events on length of stay and hospital charges in patients undergoing radical neck dissection for head and neck cancer.

Objective To estimate the impact of infection-related never events (postoperative pneumonia, Clostridium difficile infection, infection with microorganisms resistant to penicillin, postoperative infections, and decubitus ulcers) following radical neck dissections for head and neck cancers. Study Design The 2008 Nationwide Inpatient Sample was used to select hospitalizations with HNC that underwent radical neck dissections. Predictor variables were occurrence of never events and other patient- and hospital-level factors. Outcome variables were hospitalization charges and length of stay (LOS). Regression analyses were used to measure the association between predictors and outcomes. Results Among 10,660 hospitalizations, prevalence of never events ranged from 0.2% to 5.0%. Mean hospitalization charge and LOS were $75,654 and 6.8 days, respectively. Never events were associated with 5.6-10.0 longer LOS and $49,153-$124,057 excess charges. Conclusion Occurrence of never events was associated with at least 5.6 longer hospital days and $49,153 charge compared with hospitalizations without a never event.
Stimulation of astroglial serotonin receptors produces culture media which regulates growth of serotonergic neurons

Our work has been concerned with the role of high affinity serotonin receptors in regulating the development of the serotonergic system. In previous studies, we have found evidence that these receptors occur on astroglial cells and that their number is developmentally linked. The current work is aimed at investigating the mechanism by which these receptors may regulate serotonin neuronal growth. Primary cultures of astroglial cells were exposed to serotonin (5-HT) or the selective receptor agonists 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-D-PAT, for 5-HT1a receptors) or trifluoro-methyl-phenyl-piperazine (TFMPP) and m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) (for 5-HT1b receptors). Media was collected after 4 or 24 h, and added to primary cultures of serotonergic neurons. Growth was determined by specific uptake of radiolabeled serotonin into the cultures. Our results show the presence of a factor(s) in the glial-conditioned media which can be stimulatory or toxic to serotonin neurons, depending on the neuronal plating density. This factor is significantly present after 24 h, is found in both brainstem and cortical astroglial-conditioned media and appears to be linked to the 5-HT1a receptor. Thus, it appears possible that the serotonergic neuronal system can regulate its own development through an action on astroglial cells.
Ti8C12+-Metallo-Carbohedrenes: A New Class of Molecular Clusters?

During the course of studying the dehydrogenation reactions of hydrocarbons by titanium atoms, ions, and clusters, an exceptionally stable and abundant cluster which contains 8 titaniums and 12 carbons was discovered. "Titration" reactions with ND3 reveal the uptake of eight molecules, pointing to the fact that the titanium atoms are at exposed positions of similar coordination. A dodecahedral structure of Th point group symmetry is proposed to account for the unusual stability of this molecular cluster. The Ti8C12+ dodecahedron has 12 pentagonal rings and each of the rings is formed by two titanium and three carbon atoms, where each titanium is bound to three carbons. Based on the model, it is expected that neutral Ti8C12 would be a stable metallo-carbododecahedral molecule and may comprise one member of a new class of molecules, namely metallo-carbohedrenes.
Commitment to political tolerance: Situational and activity-based differences

Survey research on political tolerance has consistently found situational and activity-based differences in levels of support for the rights of political opposition. The present inquiry is based on three studies that explore these differences. These studies reveal two distinct factors related to situational and activity-based variation in tolerance. First, attitudinal tolerance tends to be less when the activity in question may affect a respondent's loved ones or home community, particularly in situations where there is relatively little consensus on whether an activity should be allowed. Second, attitudinal tolerance is less in situations where greater threat is associated with the consequences of the activity in question.
Model of resonant quantum tunneling through isolated molecules

A model is described for the resonant-tunneling current between two metal electrodes with an isolated molecule situated between them. The most significant parameters governing this process are the couplings between the electrode and molecular electronic states. The calculation of these couplings using the full atomic-scale treatment of the molecular system, and extended to include the proximal surface atoms of the metal electrode, becomes computationally prohibitive for most systems. However, for a weakly coupled system, the eigenstates of the molecule and electrodes can be considered separable, and the isolated molecule can be analyzed independently from the tunneling dynamics. Following the formalism originally developed by Oppenheimer to analyze field ionization of atoms and extended by Bardeen to general tunneling phenomena, an integral expression is written down for the explicit determination of the electrode-molecule coupling, using as an input the independently computed molecular wave functions. These couplings can then be used as inputs to a rate-equation treatment of the electronic transport between the electrodes and through the intermediate molecule. This treatment is then applied to a simple idealized system consisting of an isolated hydrogen atom situated between two metal electrodes. The current, differential conductivity, and level occupation probabilities are computed, plotted, and discussed. An interesting bias dependence of the tunneling current is observed and discussed.
Molecular Dynamics Modeling of Growth, Micro-Structure and Stresses in Sputter-Deposited Films with Impurity Atom Incorporation

The structure and intrinsic stresses of sputter-deposited thin films are studied via a two-dimensional molecular dynamics (MD) model. Two body potentials are used to represent the interaction between film atoms, substrate atoms, ions and argon molecules. First, a nearly perfect substrate having zero stress is constructed using constant temperature and constant pressure algorithms. Then the film is deposited with and without in-situ argon ion bombardment and with and without an argon background gas; a source of impurities. The adatom energy is varied in order to investigate its influence on the film structure. During the simulation the film is allowed to expand and contract depending on the intrinsic stresses. The models demonstrate, for the first time, that the transition from large tensile to large compressive stresses in sputter deposited thin films is caused by the incorporation of tightly packed argon impurity atoms, achieved only at sufficiently high levels of argon ion bombardment and nickel adatom energies.
Propagation of ultrashort pulses in sea water

In the present work the difference between light pulses optics and conventional marine optics are examined. In the first part we consider the absorption of ultra short light pulses in sea water; in the second, three regimes of propagation of light pulses in sea water.
Efficient multi-dimensional solution of PDEs using Chebyshev spectral methods

Abstract A robust methodology is presented for efficiently solving partial differential equations using Chebyshev spectral techniques. It is well known that differential equations in one dimension can be solved efficiently with Chebyshev discretizations, O ( N ) operations for N unknowns, however this efficiency is lost in higher dimensions due to the coupling between modes. This paper presents the “quasi-inverse“ technique (QIT), which combines optimizations of one-dimensional spectral differentiation matrices with Kronecker matrix products to build efficient multi-dimensional operators. This strategy results in O ( N 2 D −1 ) operations for N D unknowns, independent of the form of the differential operators. QIT is compared to the matrix diagonalization technique (MDT) of Haidvogel and Zang [D.B. Haidvogel, T. Zang, The accurate solution of Poisson’s equation by expansion in Chebyshev polynomials, J. Comput. Phys. 30 (1979) 167–180] and Shen [J. Shen, Efficient spectral-Galerkin method. II. Direct solvers of second- and fourth-order equations using Chebyshev polynomials, SIAM J. Sci. Comp. 16 (1) (1995) 74–87]. While the cost for MDT and QIT are the same in two dimensions, there are significant differences. MDT utilizes an eigenvalue/eigenvector decomposition and can only be used for relatively simple differential equations. QIT is based upon intrinsic properties of the Chebyshev polynomials and is adaptable to linear PDEs with constant coefficients in simple domains. We present results for a standard suite of test problems, and discuss of the adaptability of QIT to more complicated problems.
Discharge Cathode Electron Energy Distribution Functions in a 40-cm NEXT-type Ion Engine *

†‡ Electron energy distribution functions (EEDF’s) are presented over a two-dimensional array of locations in the discharge chamber of a 40-cm diameter ring-cusp ion thruster. The EEDF’s are obtained using two different techniques illustrating comparable results. A distinct difference in the EEDF’s measured through the double layer potential gradient, which transitions between the low-potential discharge cathode plume and the appropriated discharge voltage bulk discharge plasma, is observed for thruster operation with and without beam extraction. This result indicates the coupled nature of the beam and discharge plasmas and highlights the need for beam extraction to reproduce flight-like conditions. For operation with beam extraction, the single-hump near discharge cathode assembly (DCA) distributions transition to double-hump or plateau-like distributions in the double layer and eventually become single-hump distributions with a high-energy tail in the bulk discharge. Radial acceleration across the double layer is responsible for the formation of the second hump in the distribution explaining the rise in electron temperature outside the discharge cathode plume that is observed. Axial acceleration near the DCA is also discernable, but to a lesser extent. These observations agree with measured 40-cm plasma potentials inside the discharge chamber. The discharge-only EEDF’s demonstrate a second hump that is greatly reduced and in many cases not observed. Shorting of the discharge keeper to discharge cathode common did not have an effect on the near DCA plasma structure outside of the keeper sheath.
Operating environment and strategy: The profitable connection

Which operating strategy will work for your hotel? The answer depends on your market situation. Here's how to match your strategy to your market
ATTITUDES TOWARD BLACK AND WHITE INTEGRATION AS A FUNCTION OF BELIEFS ABOUT NATURE VERSUS NURTURE

Jensen (1769) has advocated the point of view that differences in IQ scores are based primarily on inherited genetic differences. This position has been the subject of fervent controversy,' both on scientific and policy grounds. The belief that genes are more important than the environment may prove convenient for the prejudiced person. Since the genes "cause" such "differences," the prejudiced person obviously may be absolved from any responsibility. This belief could help justify and rationalize his behavior. The prejudiced person may reason that he is not responsible for the "differences" in the first place. In addition, these "differences" are based on unmodifiable genes, thus they may be assumed to be "natural" and incapable of change. This survey was devised to investigate the relationship between racial prejudice defined by attitudes toward black and white integration, and beliefs about the source of racial differences, as nature or nurture. The sample consisted of 33 male and 36 female undergraduate students enrolled at Oregon State University in the Fall, 1973. Their mean age was 22.2. Ss were asked to respond to a survey consisting of the 20-item Black and White Integration Scale (Larsen, 1973); and three items measuring "Beliefs concerning differences between blacks and whites:" (1) Herediq is more imporcant than the environment in accounting for the differences between blacks and whites. (2) Heredity is expressed differentially in different individuals depending on the environment they live in. (3) Man's basic nature as expressed in his genetic constitution remains unchanged. The response categories were agree and disagree. The correlation of .14 between Item 1 and segregation was positive, but nonsignificant. The results also show that agreeing with Item 2, i.e., that herediry is dependent on the environment, was correlated moderately with a positive attitude toward integration (r = .41, N = 60, p 4 .01). Likewise disagreeing with Item 3, that man's basic nature remains unchanged (and by implication unchangeable) was also significantly correlated with positive attitudes
Physical mapping of the E/C and grc regions of the rat major histocompatibility complex.

Alignment of class I-hybridizing cosmids from an R21 (AlBlDlEugrc+) genomic DNA library gave two contigs: one [150 kilobases (kb)] encompassed theE/C region, or a large part thereof, and the other (110 kb) contained thegrc region which has genes influencing resistance to chemical carcinogens (rcc), fertility (ft), and growth (dw-3). Amplification of gene sequences in the four cosmids in theE/C region usingEu-specific andLW2 (RT1.C)-specific primers showed that each cosmid contained bothEu-like andC-like genes. They are clearly different but closely associated, and they show some variation from the prototypicE (Eu) andC (LW2) genes, respectively. Comparison of DNA fromgrc+ andgrc− strains of rats showed that the deletion in thegrc− strains was approximately 50 kb, and that it was located on two of the three cosmids in thegrc-region contig. The use of specific class I probes showed that thegrc region contained tandemly duplicatedRT1.O-RT1.N genes and that theRT.BM1 loci lay outside of thegrc region. Neither contig reacted with probes specific for class II,TNFA, Hsp70, orRT1.M genes. The data presented here and the previous data in the literature (summarized in Gill et al. 1995) suggest that the gene order in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) andMHC-linked region of the rat is:A-E/C-grc-M.
Influenza epidemics, seasonality, and the effects of cold weather on cardiac mortality

Background More people die in the winter from cardiac disease, and there are competing hypotheses to explain this. The authors conducted a study in 48 US cities to determine how much of the seasonal pattern in cardiac deaths could be explained by influenza epidemics, whether that allowed a more parsimonious control for season than traditional spline models, and whether such control changed the short term association with temperature.
The use of force modulation microscopy to investigate block copolymer morphology

Force modulation microscopy (FMM) is used to characterize the external surface and internal fracture surface morphologies of three different block copolymer samples. A roll-cast poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) triblock copolymer film, spin-coated poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) thin films, and an ultrathin poly(styrene-b-hexyl isocyanate) rod-coil block copolymer film were investigated. For each sample, height and elasticity images were obtained for the same areas allowing direct comparison. The elasticity images obtained using force modulation microscopy were independent of surface roughness and found to exhibit better contrast and spatial resolution of the respective block copolymer domains than the height images. The lateral resolution of the elasticity images was sufficient to show microphase separated domains having length scales as small as about 10 nm. The poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) samples demonstrate that FMM can even be successfully used to study block copolymers in which both blocks are glassy under the conditions of measurement.
WE-A-224C-1: Daily Localization III: Tomotherapy

Helical tomotherapy using the Hi‐ART II is analogous to helical CTimaging where the gantry and the couch are in simultaneous motion. Hence, beam delivery is continuous over all 360 in transverse planes about the patient. Temporal beam modulation is achieved by using a binary multi‐leaf collimator. In addition to its ability to deliver IMRT, the Hi‐ART II has the ability to obtain helical megavoltage CT (MVCT) images. These MVCT images have adequate spatial and contrast resolution for image guidance, and also for identification of many soft‐tissue structures. The incorporation of daily three dimensional soft‐tissue imaging into the radiotherapy process also enables dose recalculation and periodic evaluation of the treatment delivery during a course of radiotherapy. Hence, the subsequent treatment delivery can be modified using a systematic feedback of the geometric and dosimetric information in the previous fractions. This requires many components as feedback, including CT guidance to achieve soft tissue localization, dose recalculation, dose accumulation, treatment evaluation, re‐contouring, and re‐optimization. This lecture will provide an overview of the physical characteristics of the Hi‐ART II, acceptance testing and commissioning, image quality tests, image registration, basic quality assurance, and an overview of clinical applications. Finally, system limitations and future developments will be addressed. Educational Objectives 1. Understand the basics concepts of helical tomotherapy. 2. Understand the basic QA requirements and system limitations association with helical tomotherapy. 3. Understand the workflow and issues related to clinical applications of helical tomotherapy, including acquisition, reconstruction, registration and patient alignment. 4. Understand the possibilities of daily soft‐tissue imaging for patient alignment and evaluation of treatment accuracy.
Patent Foramen Ovale: A Primer for Headache Physicians

Evidence continues to mount relating the patent foramen ovale (PFO), a small flap-valve in the wall separating the right and left atria of the heart, and number of neurologic syndromes including thromboembolic stroke, migraine headache, and decompression illness in divers. With increasing focus on the migraine relationship, both industry and patients are looking to neurologists for additional information about this cardiac defect. This review will examine the PFO in detail: its role in the fetal circulation, the formation of the atrial septum, the disease processes felt to be associated with it and their probable mechanisms, current closure techniques, and upcoming trials of these techniques.
Designing successful workshops for digital tools

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to document the strategies adopted at The University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign's library to improve open workshops in which digital tools are used to teach two digital databases. Workshops that were not geared toward one particular group of people required different marketing, design and teaching strategies from those developed for one particular patron class.Design/methodology/approach – To demonstrate the difference in both marketing and teaching strategies for such workshops, both were offered multiple times over the course of both semesters of the academic year 2005‐2006. All workshops were advertised to the campus community via multiple marketing outlets and registration was limited to 20. The instructors gathered information from both observation and post‐workshop evaluation forms.Findings – The key finding of this work was a formula for successful digital workshops offered to a large and diverse academic community. With thoughtful advertising and course ...
The insanity verdict, the psychopath, and post-acquittal confinement

Automatic post-acquittal confinement, an almost inevitable concomitant of a verdict of not guilty or not responsible by reason of insanity has for many acquittees been nothing more than punishment in disguise. Replacement of the insanity defense by statutes that provide for expert witness testimony to show that the defendant lacked the state of mind required as an element of the offense charged, has been found by two state supreme courts to be in accord with constitutional requirements. Procedures can be implemented, with due regard for public safety, so that all offenders, mentally disordered or otherwise, may be dealt with in an ethical, effective and humane manner. The 1992 decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of Foucha v. Louisiana, holding that the Constitution does not permit the continued confinement of a still dangerous, but no longer mentally ill, insanity acquittee, makes it all the more necessary that the insanity defense be abolished and that an offender's mental illness be considered primarily in the context of mitigation, disposition and sentencing, rather than exculpation.
Clip migration in stereotactic biopsy.

Abstract Background: Needle localization breast biopsy (NLBB) is the standard for removal of breast lesions after vacuum assisted core biopsy (VACB). Disadvantages include a miss rate of 0% to 22%, a positive margin rate of approximately 50%, and vasovagal reactions (approximately 20%). We hypothesized that clip migration after VACB is clinically significant and may contribute to the positive margin rates seen after NLBB. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of postbiopsy films in patients who had undergone VACB with stereotactic clip placement for abnormal mammograms. We measured the distance between the clip and the biopsy site in standard two view mammograms. The location of the biopsy air pocket was confirmed using the prebiopsy calcification site. The Pythagorean Theorem was used to calculate the distance the clip moved within the breast. Pathology reports on NLBB or intraoperative hematoma-directed ultrasound-guided breast biopsy (HUG, which localizes by US the VACB site) were reviewed to assess margin status. Results: In all, 165 postbiopsy mammograms on patients who had VACB with clip placement were reviewed. In 93 evaluable cases, the mean distance the clip moved was 13.5 mm ± 1.6 mm, SEM (95% CI = 10.3 mm to 16.7 mm). Range of migration was 0 to 78.3 mm. The median was 9.5 mm. In 21.5% of patients the clip was more than 20 mm from the targeted site. Migration of the clip did not change with the age of the patient, the size of the breast or location within the breast. In the subgroup of patients with cancer, margin positivity (including those with close margins) after NLBB was 60% versus 0% in the HUG group. Conclusions: Significant clip migration after VACB may contribute to the high positive margin status of standard NLBBs. Surgeons cannot rely on needle localization of the clip alone and must be cognizant of potential clip migration. HUG as an alternative biopsy technique after VACB eliminates operator dependency on clip location and may have superior results in margin status.
Research with children: a critical review of the guidelines:

The development of research with children highlights a number of ethical issues for the research process concerning consent, confidentiality and protection from harm. This article aims to analyse the extent to which these issues have been considered within the published guidance for research involving children. Several key principles emerged: there is consensus that it is unethical not to conduct research with children; consent should be obtained from both the child and the parent or guardian; where the child does not have sufficient understanding of what is involved and the implications of such involvement, the assent of the child should be sought; children involved in research should be made aware that, where information concerning risks to themselves or others emerges, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed; and finally researchers must consider the potential impact of research participation on the child, building methods of providing support to children into the research proposal.