cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐FF‐T‐347: Physical and Radiobilogical Analysis On Single and Parallel‐Opposed Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy

Purpose:Dosimetric characteristics were used to evaluate therapeutic advantage for megavoltage spatially fractionated (GRID) radiation therapy by a linear quadratic model. GRID radiotherapy was compared with uniform dosedelivery on tumor and normal tissues using single and parallel‐opposed configurations with different GRID parameters for a single high‐dose fraction. Method and Materials: Three different GRID blocks designed for a Varian Clinac 2100EX linear accelerator were investigated. These blocks were made of cerrobend molded into a block of 7.5 cm and mounted into the accessory tray. The GRID blocks had aperture diameters 6.0, 8.0, and 8.5 mm (9, 14, and 14 mm projected at isocenter). Dosimetric measurements were done using films, TLDs and an ionization chamber. A linear‐quadratic (LQ) model was used to calculate the survival fraction (SF) of tumor and normal tissues. Therapeutic gain was obtained by the SF ratios of normal tissues under GRID to that under equivalent open field. Results: The output, beam profiles, and isodose of a GRID field versus field size and energy were obtained. Therapeutic ratios varied from 0.9 to 51 for a wide range of tumor sensitivities at single fraction doses of up to 30 Gy for the single GRID setup. The average ratio of dose at dmax (normal tissue) to dose at midplane (tumor volume) was reduced from about 200% for a single field to 115% for parallel‐opposed fields. The parallel‐opposed GRID setup showed a higher therapeutic gain than a single GRID field. Conclusion: GRID parameters posed a remarkable impact on therapeutic characteristics. Using parallel opposed GRID setups resulted in a significant increase in therapeutic advantage and a substantial decrease in dosedelivered to the normal tissues for the same prescribed tumordose. With single‐fraction doses, GRID radiotherapy exhibited a significant therapeutic advantage over the open field when the tumor cells were more radioresistant.
In Vitro and in Vivo Protective Efficacies of Antibodies That Neutralize the RNA N-glycosidase Activity of Shiga Toxin 2

Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2), one of two Stx liberated by Stx-producing Escherichia coli, is composed of an A subunit monomer and a B subunit pentamer, and is directly linked with hemolytic uremic syndrome in children. The pentameric B subunit binds to its cell surface receptor Gb3 for toxin internalization, and the A subunit follows intracellular retrograde transport to the cytosol where its RNA N-glycosidase activity (RNA-NGA) shuts down the protein synthesis, and leads to cell death. The present study investigated the ability of 19 Stx2 A subunit-specific human monoclonal antibodies (HuMAbs) to neutralize the RNA-NGA, and the association this neutralizing activity with protection of HeLa cells and mice against Stx2-induced death. The HuMAbs that were stronger inhibitors of RNA-NGA were also better at neutralizing Stx2 mediated HeLa cell death, and those that were weaker inhibitors of RNA-NGA activity were also weaker in protecting HeLa cells. These results suggest that the ability of an A subunit-specific antibody to block the RNA-NGA of the toxin is directly related to its ability to neutralize Stx2-mediated HeLa cell death. However, with the exception of the best RNA-NGA blocking antibodies 5C12 and 2F10, the efficacies of antibody neutralization of RNA-NGA of Stx2 did not correlate with their in vivo protective efficacies. The HuMAb 6C3, which neutralized RNA N-glycosidase activity of Stx2 less effectively than the HuMAbs 6D8 and 6B7, protected 100% of the mice against Stx2 challenge at 50 μg/mouse dose. In contrast, the HuMAbs 6D8 and 6B7, which neutralized RNA N-glycosidase activity of Stx2 more effectively than 6C3, protected 20% and 0% mice at that dose, respectively. The neutralization efficiency of the RNA-NGA of Stx2 by A subunit-specific antibodies correlate strongly with their abilities to protect HeLa cells against Stx2-mediated toxicity but only the strongest RNA-NGA-neutralizing antibodies correlate very well with both protecting HeLa cells and mice against Stx2 challenge.
Sleep disturbance in children with visual-motor deficits.

The sleep patterns of 6 normals and 6 boys with visual-motor deficits were compared. While none of the usual symptoms of sleep pathology, e.g., insomnia, enuresis, night terrors, or somnambulism, were present in either group, the visual-motor boys showed a marked increase in Stage REM and correlated decrease in Stage 2 sleep. Results were interpreted as in accord with Berger's theory that the biological function of REM sleep is the innervation of anatomical pathways necessary for oculomotor control during waking.
Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin

Abstract The ratio of the Gγ to Aγ chains of human fetal hemoglobin was determined in 30 members of three Negro families. Family members with four types of condition were studied: those who were he...
Parallel scanning-optical nanoscopy with optically confined probes

We report the imaging of sub-diffraction limited features using an optical probe generated by focusing a round spot at one wavelength, λ1 = 405nm, and a ring-shaped spot at a second wavelength, λ2 = 532nm, onto a thin photochromic layer that coats the nanostructures. Illumination at λ2 turns the photochromic layer opaque to λ1 everywhere except at the centre of the ring, where the illumination at λ1 penetrates and probes the underlying nanostructure. We confirm that this optically confined probe increases image contrast and is able to resolve features smaller than the far-field diffraction limit. Furthermore, by using an array of dual-wavelength diffractive microlenses, we demonstrate the feasibility of parallelizing this approach. Compared to previous approaches, our technique is not limited to fluorescence imaging.
Imagining the She/Male: Pornography and the Transsexualization of the Heterosexual Male

This essay explores the emergence of a form of sexual desire that did not strictly exist before the late 20th century—desire for the “pre-op” male-to-female (MTF) transsexual woman—a partially feminized male-bodied person who typically has breasts developed through hormone therapy or breast augmentation and some other female characteristics but who has not yet undergone female-to-male sex-reassignment surgery. The historical development of this new form of sexual desire is documented, in part, by the emergence of the transsexual pornographic video as a heterosexual male genre. The primary focus of this article is on the male spectator, with a secondary emphasis on the “male” performer. It explores how both male performers and consumers self-identify, what concepts of gender that both performers and consumers hold, and how the adult entertainment industry organizes and reflects sex and gender conventions and practices.
The impact of technical change on the aggregate production function

This study endeavours to look at both disembodied technical progress and embodied technical progress in the capital stock and in the labour force in the United States over the period 1947–80. The results suggest that disembodied technical progress has been about 3% per year, embodied technical progress in the capital stock is approximately 3–4% per year and educational attainment significantly enhances labour productivity. Finally, when the issue of structural stability of the underlying production relationship is addressed, the period 1971–80 gives rise to some inconsistency.
Free-electron laser as the ideal stress-wave generator

Laser-induced thermal-elastic stress waves are of importance both in therapeutic applications and in potential morbidity associated with laser surgical procedures. Recent experiments have shown that drug cytotoxicity can be enhanced with stress waves and that direct cell injury correlates with the stress gradient (stress rate of change). To systematically investigate the biological effects of stress waves, it is essential to vary individually the parameters of the stress wave. The Free Electron Laser (FEL) is the ideal laser for generating controllable stress waves. A unipolar stress wave can be characterized by its rise time, duration, peak pressure, and decay time. For short laser pulses, the rise time and decay time are dependent upon the absorption depth of the tissue and can be varied by changing the wavelength of the FEL. The duration of the stress wave can be changed by selecting a different number of micropulses from the FEL macropulse with Pockels cell. The peak pressure can be altered by varying the laser intensity. Results on water have confirmed that the individual parameters of the stress wave can be varied independently.
Ion-acoustic solitary waves in a magnetized plasma with arbitrary electron equation of state

The oblique propagation of fully nonlinear, slow ion‐acoustic solitary waves in a collisionless, low‐beta, magnetized plasma is examined. The analysis includes the effects of a finite ion pressure, electron trapping, and multicomponent particle populations. The existence of both compressive and rarefactive modes propagating obliquely to the magnetic field in a plasma with two distinct Boltzmann electron populations and cold ions is demonstrated. It is shown that paired electrostatic shocks observed over the Earth’s auroral zone may be closely related to the rarefactive modes. As a measure of the collisionless dissipation encountered by the solitary waves, the linear response of the plasma to slow ion‐acoustic waves is also examined.
Ventricular shunt survival in children with neural tube defects.

Ventricular shunting has dramatically improved the care of children with hydrocephalus. Yet shunt malfunctions are extremely common and cause significant morbidity. To document shunt problems in children with a neural tube defect and hydrocephalus, 67 children born since 1973 were studied via life-table analysis. 28% of the shunts failed within the first 6 months after insertion, 37% failed within the first year and 50% failed by 4 1/2 years after insertion. Shunt survival was similar in children whether or not they had previous shunt failures. The brand of shunt system and pressure rating, the level of neurological function, the interval between closure of the neural tube lesion and shunt insertion, and head circumference percentile at the time of insertion were also not correlated with shunt failure. However, shunts inserted in the first year of life were much more likely to fail than those inserted after one year of age (p < 0.05). 68% of the revisions required replacement of the ventricular catheter. Shunt failure from all causes of hydrocephalus accounted for approximately 1% of paediatric admissions to Strong Memorial Hospital in 1982 with a mean cost of $ 4,543 and a mean length of stay of 9 days. Thus shunt problems remain both common and serious.
The Nuclear Spins and Quadrupole Moments of Stable Germanium Isotopes

Analysis of the hyperfine structure of spectral lines arising from the $J=0\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$ rotational transition of Ge${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$Cl allows the assignment of zero spin to the nuclei of ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{70}$, ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{72}$, ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{74}$, and ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{76}$, and a spin of 9/2 to ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{73}$. The nuclear quadrupole moment of ${\mathrm{Ge}}^{73}$ is determined to be (-0.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}24}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
Effects of hypo and hyperthyroidism in rats and mice on ovarian response to equine gonadotrophin.

SummaryThe effects of experimentally induced hypo-and hyperthyroidism on the ovarian response to pregnant mares' serum were determined in immature rats and mice by administering thiouracil for 4 to 20 days and thyroxine or thyroprotein for 10 days. A constant dose of PMS was injected into each animal during the last 4 days of each experiment and the increase in ovarian weight was measured. It was found in rats that all doses of thyroprotein or thyroxine significantly decreased the action of the gonado-trophin on the ovaries, while in mice thyroprotein significantly increased the ovarian response to PMS. When thiouracil was fed to rats for 4, 7, 10 and 15 day periods, there were significant increases in ovarian response to PMS, but when fed for 20 days thiouracil reduced the ovarian response to PMS. These data on young female rats and mice corroborate the results previously obtained in young male rats and mice. It is suggested that insofar as the ovarian response to PMS is concerned, young rats of both sex...
DINA, a digital analyzer for Laplace, poisson, diffusion, and wave equations

IN AN extremely large number of problems concerning the behavior of physical systems the associated equation consists of the Laplace equation $\Delta ^2 u = 0 \eqno{\hbox{(1)}}$ or one of its close relatives Poisson equation $\Delta ^2 u = \rho \eqno{\hbox{(2)}}$ Diffusion equation $\Delta ^2 u = \kappa {\delta u \over \delta t} \eqno{\hbox{(3)}}$ Wave equation $\Delta ^2 u = {1 \over v^2} {\delta ^2 u \over \delta t^2} \eqno{\hbox{(4)}}$ For a given problem, equations 1 through 4 are not definitive as they stand, but require the specification of boundary and initial conditions peculiar to the problem at hand.
Typical Girls?: Fuck Off, You Wanker! Re-Evaluating the Slits and Gender Relations in Early British Punk and Post-Punk

One of the most fascinating musical, social, and political movements of the last century was the initial rise of punk rock in the early to late seventies. Punk rock was characterized by many writer...
SU‐FF‐J‐35: Severe Inter‐Fractional Anatomic Changes and Their Dosimetric Impact in Abdominal Irradiation, An Indication for Adaptive Re‐Planning

Purpose: To study the dosimetric impact of inter‐fractional anatomic changes in the abdominal region during the course of radiation therapy and to determine the frequency of adaptive re‐planning. Methods and material: Daily CTimages acquired for selected abdominal cancer patients treated on a helical Tomotherapy unit were analyzed. The targets and organs at risk (OAR), such as kidneys,liver, cord and stomach, were delineated based on daily CT registered with the planning CT. The 3D dose distribution and dose volume histograms (DVHs) delivered to the patient on the day were reconstructed based on the CT of the day and the shifts performed (verification dose) using the Planned Adaptive software in the Tomotherapy planning system. The daily patient anatomy including body weight and locations, volumes and shapes of targets and OARs, as well as dose volume parameters including DVHs, maximum, minimum and mean doses and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) were compared to those from the planning CT.Results: Significant interfractional anatomic changes were observed for a patient with severe weight loss. In this patient with a suprarenal tumor, significant weight loss was observed during the second week (day 8) of radiotherapy, which led to 6.2%, 10.3% and 7% increases in maximum doses for PTV, the cord and unspecified tissue, respectively, from their values in the original plan. Compared to the original plan, the EUD changed by 24.6%, 11.3% and 14.6% respectively, for the right kidney,liver and stomach. In a cholangiocarcinoma case, dramatically organ volumetric and/or geometric changes for the liver and stomach were observed, resulting in changes in EUD of 16%, 22% and 46% for the liver, stomach and left‐kidney, respectively. Conclusion: Dramatic inter‐fractional anatomic changes in abdominal region, which can result in significant dosimetric impact and therefore, should be accounted for by an adaptive strategy, such as re‐planning.
Multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy by use of a nearly degenerate broadband optical parametric oscillator.

Optical parametric oscillators (OPO’s) provide low-maintenance solid-state alternatives to dye lasers. We present results from use of a nearly degenerate broadband OPO for multiplex coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. The system described is capable of generating spectra that cover a range of approximately 1000 cm-1.
Aphid feeding deterrents in sorghum : Bioassay isolation and characterization.

Improvements in a synthetic diet for use in a bioassay to screen for feeding deterrents againstSchizaphis graminum, greenbug, are reported. Feeding on the synthetic diet was highly pH dependent with maximum feeding occurring at about pH 8.0. The bioassay was used as a guide in the isolation of feeding deterrent substances from aphid-resistant lines of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). The major greenbug feeding deterrents isolated from sorghum leaves wereP-hydroxybenzaldehyde (ED50 0.13%), dhurrin (ED50 0.16%), and procyanidin (ED50 0.08%).
Discriminative high order SVD: Adaptive tensor subspace selection for image classification, clustering, and retrieval

Tensor based dimensionality reduction has recently attracted attention from computer vision and pattern recognition communities for both feature extraction and data compression. As an unsupervised method, High-Order Singular Value Decomposition (HOSVD) searches for low-rank subspaces such that the low-rank approximation error is minimized. In this paper, we propose a new unsupervised high-order tensor decomposition approach which employs the strength of discriminative analysis and K-means clustering to adaptively select subspaces that improve the clustering, classification, and retrieval capabilities of HOSVD. We provide both theoretical analysis to guarantee that our new method generates more discriminative subspaces and empirical studies on several public computer vision data sets to show the consistent improvement of our method over existing methods.
Congestion aware layout driven logic synthesis

In this paper, we present novel algorithms that effectively combine physical layout and early logic synthesis to improve overall design quality. In addition, we employ partitioning and clustering algorithms to achieve faster turn around times. With the increasing complexity of designs, the traditional separation of logic and physical design leads to sub-optimal results as the cost functions employed during logic synthesis do not accurately represent physical design information. While this problem has been addressed extensively, the existing solutions apply only simple synthesis transforms during physical layout and are generally unable to reverse decisions made during logic minimization and technology mapping, that have a major negative impact on circuit structure. In our novel approach, we propose congestion aware algorithms for layout driven decomposition and technology mapping, two of the steps that affect congestion the most during logic synthesis, to effectively decrease wire length and improve congestion. In addition, to improve design turn-around-time and handle large designs, we present an approach in which synthesis partitioning and placement clustering co-exist, reflecting the different characteristics of logical and physical domain.
Industrial experience with test generation languages for processor verification

We report on our experience with a new test generation language for processor verification. The verification of two superscalar multiprocessors is described and we show the ease of expressing complex verification tasks. The cost and benefit are demonstrated: training takes up to six months; the simulation time required for a desired level of coverage has decreased by a factor of twenty; the number of escape bugs has been reduced.
Development of a fluid science learning center

The case for cooperation between faculty and departments in lab development is made. The benefits of collaboration between faculty and students (the consumers of the product) are presented. The planned Fluid Science Learning Center at Rose-Hulman is used as an example. The advantages of mutual efforts are illustrated through discussion of concept, funding, and completion. >
Energy extraction characteristic study of solar photovoltaic cells and modules

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is becoming an increasingly important part of the world's renewable energy. In order for effective energy extraction from a solar PV system, this paper investigates I-V and P-V characteristics of solar PV cells and modules. The paper focuses particularly on I-V and P-V characteristics of a solar PV system when PV cells operate under uneven shading and dissimilar conditions. The study considers the relationship between semiconductor properties of a solar PV system and the external electric circuit requirements. The paper also examined how different bypass diode arrangements could affect the maximum power extraction characteristics of a solar PV system. It is found in this paper that under uneven shading conditions, solar PV cells may perform very differently and a solar PV system may exhibit multiple peaks in its P-V characteristics, implying that enhanced PV system design approaches and MPPT strategies should be developed to improve efficiency of a solar PV system.
Studies directed toward the synthesis of adriamycin: A diels-alder approach

1-Methoxy-l ,3-cyclohexadien (I) reagiert mit Naphthazarin (II) zum Cycloaddukt (III), das in Gegenwart von Base mit Sauerstoff zu (IV) oxidiert wird.
Dealing With the Stress of College: A Model for Adult Students

With an increase in nontraditional students attending college, there is a need to understand how work/school/life stress affects adult students. The purpose of this study is to test a comprehensive stress model that posits appraisal (cognitive evaluation) and coping as mediators between stressors/interrole conflict and psychosocial outcomes. The model proposes that higher levels of stressors/interrole conflict will be associated with lower positive and higher negative appraisals. The model also predicts that positive and negative appraisals will predict specific adaptive and maladaptive coping behaviors. Adaptive coping results in positive outcomes, whereas negative coping leads to negative outcomes. The results support appraisal and coping as partial mediators with positive appraisal and adaptive coping having the hypothesized positive effects. Family—school conflict and school—work conflict and work stressors, in particular, emerge as key stressors for the adult student. This study provides direction fo...
Chronic valproate does not alter the kinetics of docosahexaenoic acid within brain phospholipids of the unanesthetized rat.

Rationale It has been reported that each of three drugs effective in treating bipolar disorder (lithium, carbamazepine, and valproate) decreases the turnover of arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n-6) in brain phospholipids of the awake rat. It is also known that lithium and carbamazepine do so without decreasing the turnover of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3).
Large-scale broad-band parasitic extraction for fast layout verification of 3-D RF and mixed-signal on-chip structures

A methodology for efficient parasitic extraction and verification flow for RF and mixed-signal integrated-circuit designs is presented. The implementation of a multiplane precorrected fast Fourier transform (PFFT) computational engine enables the full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulation of interconnects and passive components. The PFFT algorithm is implemented on a set of two-dimensional fast Fourier transform grids associated with the current sheets corresponding to the conductor loss models. This leads to the full-wave modeling of silicon embedded three-dimensional circuits within the two-and-one-half-dimensional computational framework yielding the O(NlogN) computational complexity and O(N) memory requirements of the algorithm. The broad-band capability of the EM solver is provided through the loop-tree/charge implementation of the PFFT algorithm allowing for robust full-wave modeling from dc to microwaves. The EM verification flow is integrated seamlessly within the Cadence environment allowing for the nonlinear circuit simulation of the entire device. The capability and accuracy of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through EM simulation results for an individual on-chip spiral inductor, as well as a low-noise amplifier.
A Rapid Torsion Method for Measuring the Viscosity of Silica Glasses up to 2200°C

A thin, heated glass rod fixed at one end is quickly rotated around its axis in a small vertically positioned tube furnace. A computer is used to determine the temperature-viscosity correlation by solving an integral equation from the measurement of the torsion moment, the speed of rotation, the diameter of the rod, and the knowledge of the temperature profile inside the tube. The advantages of this new method are the small sample mass of about 0.5 g, the fast measurement procedure, the possibility of using high temperatures, and the fact that there is no contact of the sample with any solid materials. Also, lengthwise strips made of glass tubings can be used. Some examples of measuring the viscosities in the working range of 105 to 1010 dPa. s of commercial silica glasses up to 2200°C are shown. Maximum deviations of ±14 K are possible.
A robust high voltage Si LDMOS model extraction process to achieve first pass linear RFIC amplifier design success

A robust model extraction procedure was developed for a high voltage Si LDMOS RFIC process to achieve first pass linear RFIC amplifier design success. The model extraction process utilizes pulsed isothermal small-signal S-parameter measurements and extracted large-signal Root Models at three different temperatures to extract model parameters for Motorola's Electro-Thermal (MET) FET analytical model. Large-signal model validation was performed against loadpull measurements under 1-tone and 2-tone stimuli. Also, the models were developed into a design kit within Agilent/sup (R)/ EEsof/sup (R)/'s ADS/sup (R)/ (Advanced Design System) to design a wide-band 30 Watt power amplifier IC which achieved first pass design success.
Finding the maximum bandwidth of a flexible arm

The problem of finding the maximum bandwidth of a flexible manipulator is formulated through the integration of actuator dynamics, control algorithm, and mechanics of arm construction. >
Session II: Mechanisms of Age-Related Cognitive Change and Targets for Intervention: Neural Circuits, Networks, and Plasticity

Age-related changes in neural circuits, neural networks, and their plasticity are central to our understanding of age changes in cognition and brain structure and function. This paper summarizes selected findings on these topics presented at the Cognitive Aging Summit II. Specific areas discussed were synaptic vulnerability and plasticity, including the role of different types of synaptic spines, and hormonal effects in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of nonhuman primates, the impact of both compensatory processes and dedifferentiation on demand-dependent differences in prefrontal activation in relation to age and performance, the role of vascular disease, indexed by white matter signal abnormalities, on prefrontal activation during a functional magnetic resonance imaging-based cognitive control paradigm, and the influence of amyloid-β neuropathology on memory performance in older adults and the networks of brain activity underlying variability in performance. A greater understanding of age-related changes in brain plasticity and neural networks in healthy aging and in the presence of underlying vascular disease or amyloid pathology will be essential to identify new targets for intervention. Moreover, this understanding will assist in promoting the utilization of existing interventions, such as lifestyle and therapeutic modifiers of vascular disease.
Emittance Growth and Beam Loss

A wide range of diffusion and beam loss mechanisms were studied during the Tevatron Run II commissioning and operations. Many of them were well known [Coulomb scattering, residual gas and intrabeam scattering (IBS)] but required substantial studies and deeper theoretical insights because of unique experimental conditions and beam parameters.
Involving Homeless Persons in the Leadership of a Health Care Organization

Consumer advisory boards (CABs) are a way of involving patients in their health care. To engage the homeless in the administration of a health care organization for the homeless, a service agency formed such a board comprising homeless and formerly homeless individuals. The purpose was to integrate experiences of homelessness into programmatic design and research efforts of the organization, and to promote participatory research among the homeless. A content analysis and member checking revealed four distinct themes relating to committee goals, identity definition, power, and issues and needs of the homeless. Findings indicate that participatory research provided a useful structure in which the CAB could improve self-sufficiency and self-efficacy, and contribute to the direction of the health care agency.
Malignant Melanoma: An Emerging and Preventable Medical Catastrophe

The natural history of malignant melanoma, including the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, is reviewed in an attempt to formulate appropriate management strategies. Awareness on the part of clinicians is important, inasmuch as early detection of malignant melanoma offers the best chance for improved survival. Most lesions are excised with a margin of 1 to 3 cm, and follow-up assessment intervals are based on the depth of the primary lesion. Follow-up usually consists of a medical history, physical examination, chest roentgenography, and hematologic and chemistry profiles. Routine use of sophisticated imaging studies is unnecessary because the yield from such an approach has been low. Patients with melanomas thicker than 1.6 mm and those with histologic evidence of involvement of regional lymph nodes are at risk for development of disseminated disease and may be candidates for adjuvant therapy. In patients with severe weight loss and poor nutrition because of advanced disease, analgesic agents, stool softeners, and appetite enhancers are palliative measures that should be considered.
Estrogen-binding properties of cytoplasmic and nuclear estrogen receptors in the presence of Triton X-100.

Abstract The effect of the nonionic detergent Triton X-100 on cytoplasmic and nuclear estrogen receptors from rat uterus was determined. The cytoplasmic estrogen receptor was deaggregated from the 8S aggregate to a 4S form on sucrose gradients which contained low concentrations of Triton X-100. At concentrations of detergent great than 0.1% a partial loss of binding was observed. Estradiol dissociated more rapidly from the extracted nuclear receptor and as a consequence in the presence of detergent, only centrifugation runs of abbreviated duration (4 h) allowed the nuclear receptor to be resolved on sucrose gradients. The dissociation rate constant, k−1., of the cytoplasmic receptor was not significantly affected at 0–4°C by ionic strength or by activation of cytoplasmic receptor. Triton X-100 increased the rate of ligand dissociation from cytoplasmic estrogen receptor ~ 1.3–2.0-fold and from nuclear receptor ~ 4.5-fold. In a homogeneous environment obtained by combining cytosol and nuclear extracts, ligand dissociation from nuclear and cytoplasmic receptors proceeded at a similar velocity and this velocity was faster than previously determined for the cytoplasmic receptor under a variety of conditions. The data reported support the hypothesis that the estrogen receptor may be modified by certain factors contained in the crude nuclear pellet so that in the presence of Triton X-100 the nuclear receptor appears less able to bind estradiol.
Ultrasonic devulcanization of carbon black–filled ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber

The recycling of carbon black (CB)-filled eth- ylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber was carried out by using a newly built continuous ultrasonic grooved- barrel reactor. Using this reactor, it was possible to increase by two times the output of devulcanized rubber in compar- ison with the coaxial reactor built earlier. The dynamic vis- coelastic properties of virgin vulcanizates, devulcanized, and revulcanized EPDM rubbers were measured. The cure behavior of virgin and devulcanized rubbers was measured. The gel fraction and crosslink density of virgin vulcanizate and devulcanized EPDM rubbers, and the mechanical prop- erties of virgin vulcanizates and revulcanized rubbers were determined. Similar to our previous findings using the co- axial reactor, the revulcanizates of unfilled EPDM rubbers of the present study showed higher mechanical properties than those of the virgin unfilled vulcanizates. However, a pro- gressive decrease in the mechanical properties of CB-filled EPDM revulcanizates with an increase of filler concentra- tion, attributed to partial deactivation of filler, was observed. An improvement of mechanical properties of vulcanizates was achieved upon blending the devulcanized and virgin filled rubbers. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1646 -1656, 2004
Her-2/neu overexpression in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder : Prognostic significance and comparative analysis in primary and metastatic tumors

Purpose: The prognostic significance of Her-2/ neu overexpression in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is largely unknown. Accurate determination of Her-2/ neu overexpression may have therapeutic importance. Experimental Design: Eighty consecutive cases of muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder treated by radical cystectomy with available follow-up were analyzed. In each case, one representative section was stained with anti-Her-2/ neu . Staining was graded as 1 = faint/equivocal, 2 = moderate, and 3 = strong and was considered positive if ≥2. In those cases with a metastasis, the stain was also performed in the metastatic tumor. Results were correlated with survival. Results: Twenty-two (28%) cases were considered Her-2/ neu -positive in the primary tumor, and 17 of 32 (53%) were considered Her-2/ neu -positive in the lymph node metastasis. Median survival for Her-2/ neu -positive primary tumors was 33 months, compared with 50 months for Her-2/ neu -negative cases ( P = 0.46). Similarly, Her-2/ neu overexpression in the lymph node metastasis did not predict survival. Sixty metastatic urothelial carcinomas were further studied by comparing Her-2/ neu expression in the primary tumor with that of the lymph node and/or distant metastasis. Forty-five % of Her-2/ neu -negative primary tumors had a Her-2/ neu -positive lymph node metastasis, whereas only one case (8%) of Her-2/ neu -positive primary tumors was Her-2/ neu -negative in the lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.009). Similarly, 67% of Her-2/ neu -negative primary tumors had a Her-2/ neu -positive distant metastasis, whereas no Her-2/ neu -positive primary tumor was negative in the metastasis ( P = 0.429). Conclusions: Her-2/ neu overexpression in primary or metastatic tumor did not predict survival in this cohort of muscle-invasive tumors. Overexpression in the primary tumors consistently predicts overexpression in a distant or regional metastasis. However, some Her-2/ neu -negative primary tumors may show overexpression in their corresponding metastasis. Her-2/ neu analysis in a metastasis may be necessary to accurately determine Her-2/ neu status in metastatic bladder urothelial carcinoma.
Hookah Use Among Adolescents in the United States: Results of a National Survey

Introduction U.S. adolescents increasingly use alternative tobacco products (ATPs), including hookah. No study has previously assessed correlates of adolescent hookah use in a nationally representative sample. Methods Cross-sectional, nationally representative data of adolescents from the 2011 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) were used. Student demographics and their use of, exposure to, and beliefs about tobacco were examined as correlates of hookah use. Results Of adolescents nationwide, 7.3% reported ever trying hookah and 2.6% reported using hookah within the past month. Increasing age was associated with trying hookah, but not current hookah use. Sex was unassociated with hookah use. Asians were most likely to have tried hookah; Hispanics and those of another race reported greater current hookah use. Hookah use increased with perceived ease of access to and willingness to try tobacco. Students with a hookah user at home were more likely to have tried hookah and to currently use hookah. Current cigarette use was not associated with current hookah use (odds ratio [OR] = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.8-2.1), but was associated with trying hookah (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1-2.2). Non-cigarette tobacco use was associated with trying hookah (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 2.1-3.5) and current hookah use (OR = 4.8, 95% CI = 2.7-8.7). Conclusions A sizeable minority of U.S. adolescents use hookah, particularly those living with hookah users, those who use other ATPs, and those who perceive tobacco as easily accessible. Current cigarette use was not associated with current hookah use. Future studies assessing the dangers of hookah use and interventions to curb this emerging problem appear warranted.
Determination of polymer branching with gel‐permeation chromatography. II. Experimental results for polyethylene

The recently developed methods of characterizing branching in polymers from gelpermeation chromatography and intrinsic viscosity data are verified experimentally. An iterative computer program was written to calculate the degree of branching in whole polymers. Long-chain branching in several low-density polyethylene samples was determined by both the fraction and whole polymer methods. The two methods gave consistent ranking of the branching in the samples although absolute branching indices differed. Effects of various experimental errors and the particular model used for branching were investigated. For polyethylene, the data show that the effect of branching on intrinsic viscosity is best described by the relation 〈g3〉W1/2 = [η]br/[η]1 where 〈g3〉w is the weight-average ratio of mean-square molecular radii of gyration of linear and trifunctionally branched polymers of the same weight-average molecular weight.
Rural Industrialization: A Local Income Analysis

Several decades of depressed economic income opportunities created, but for whom are they conditions characterize the counties in this study created. Ideally, those who benefit are the area. Federal, state, and local governments are underemployed, poor and near poor; but this need cooperating in joint efforts to promote development not be the case. in the area. The four contiguous counties selected are Most prior studies of industrial impact were only members of an economic development district, and somewhat suggestive about who gains and who loses various local agencies and individuals expressed an from industrial expansion. The study by Kuehn, et al, interest in cooperating in a study of industrial [5 ] was unique in its focus on the impact of new and expansion. enlarging industries on the poor and unemployed. Agriculture has been the major sector of the local They found that approximately 61 percent of those economy, but recently the economy has begun to taking the new industrial jobs had previously been in diversify into manufacturing and recreation. During poverty. They also found that about one in four of the 1960's, the counties' rate of growth in the new jobs was filled by in-migrants and former manufacturing employment exceeded that of residents returning to the area.
Remote Synoptic Surface Current Measurements by Gravity Waves; A Method and its Test in a Small Body of Water

Abstract Synoptic surface current data in a lagoon have been obtained utilizing a new approach that evolved from the kinematics of wave-current interaction. Surface current at a position was determined from wavelength and direction of two monochromatic wavetrains with known frequency; these wave data were required only at the position of current determination. The data, collected by aerial photography, were processed optically by two-dimensional Fourier transforms. Possible extension to surface flow measurements in the open ocean is discussed.
Coexistence and exclusion of stochastic competitive Lotka–Volterra models

Abstract This work derives sufficient conditions for the coexistence and exclusion of a stochastic competitive Lotka–Volterra model. The conditions obtained are close to necessary. In addition, convergence in distribution of positive solutions of the model is also established. A number of numerical examples are given to illustrate our results.
Laboratory techniques used in the diagnosis of pediatric tumors

Laboratory evaluation of tumors arising in children and adolescents entails particular considerations regarding tissue handling and the use of ancillary techniques. This chapter highlights such considerations while providing a basic overview of techniques perused by pathologists handling pediatric cancer samples. A critical element of optimal healthcare delivery entails an understanding of basic technical principles used by members of the multidisciplinary team caring for a young patient with cancer. This chapter aims to provide non-pathologists with an overview of such principles.
Monosaccharide inhibition of human intestinal lactase.

Abstract Lactase has been partially purified from human intestinal mucosa. Lactase was inhibited by glucose, galactose, and fructose with the use of a radioisotopic assay; sucrase was inhibited by glucose and fructose; and maltase was inhibited by glucose alone. However, the K i for glucose was the same (about 30 mM) for all 3 enzymes. No obvious structural requirements could be determined for inhibition of lactase, but naturally occurring sugars were the best inhibitors. inhibition by sugars of all disaccharidases was pH dependent, with a pH optimum of 6. It was suggested that inhibition of lactase by sugars might be physiologically important and provide one mechanism for the production of lactose intolerance.
Characterization of lead-free gunshot residue analogs

Modern forensic analyses of inorganic gunshot residues rely on the detection of three key elements from the primer: barium, antimony, and lead. However, recent environmental concerns are trending toward an industry-wide shift to the manufacture and distribution of lead-free ammunition. Consequently, this change will require new methods that can be used to fully characterize the composition of lead-free gunshot residues. Spectrochemical analysis of simulated lead-free gunshot residues, in a proof of concept study, was used to identify statistically significant analytical markers present in each composition by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. Rates of error associated with each simulation were determined by leave-one-out cross-validation. Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy proved to be an effective and rapid screening method in the analysis of simulations of lead-free gunshot residues prior to confirmatory testing by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy.
Evaluation of Bleeding Events Requiring Hospitalization in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Receiving Dabigatran, Warfarin, or Antiplatelet Therapy.

Objective:To determine the incidence and severity of bleeding events requiring hospitalization among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving anticoagulants (dabigatran or warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (eg, aspirin and clopidogrel).Methods:This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study involving 1494 patients with AF hospitalized from November 1, 2010, to November 1, 2011, with prior warfarin, dabigatran, or antiplatelet therapy.Results:Overall bleeding events in the dabigatran group compared to the warfarin group were 24% and 12%, respectively (P = .004). Of these events, individually, there were no significant differences in major (56% vs 58%, P = .88), life-threatening (25% vs 36%, P = .38), or minor bleeding (44% vs 42%, P = .06). Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurred more in the dabigatran group compared to the warfarin group (P = .02). Intracranial bleeding occurred in 15% of patients in the warfarin group and did not occur at all in the dabigatran group. Warfarin patients had sig...
Patients, Doctors, Hospitals, Laboratories, and Computers—A Systems Approach

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a system for regionalization of special laboratory and data services. The processes by which this development has been integrated into the problems of laboratory data acquisition and data management is reviewed. Retention of patients in the hospital setting, selection of patients for specifically oriented research programs, choice of laboratory testing procedures, arrangements of nursing services, and certainly the requirements for computerized data management can be entirely distinctive to fit the needs of medical research and education. For long-term illness, as in some institutions devoted to the medical care of the aged, the mentally ill, and patients with presently intractable chronic disease, it can be anticipated that restoration to health may not be a feasible outcome for the patient. In such a situation, the measure of maximum cost/benefit could well demand an orientation toward essential administrative requirement. No single system can be expected to be optimum for the variety of health care needs.
The lung’s defensive line

In a contest between the human body and bugs, a phenomenon called tissue resident memory provides a blitz-defense, rushing the bugs to block repeat infection. Tissue-resident memory T cells—a lymphocyte lineage that resides in tissues rather than reentering the circulation—protect against
Direct concurrent comparison of multiple pediatric acute asthma scoring instruments.

ABSTRACTObjective: Appropriate delivery of Emergency Department (ED) treatment to children with acute asthma requires clinician assessment of acute asthma severity. Various clinical scoring instruments exist to standardize assessment of acute asthma severity in the ED, but their selection remains arbitrary due to few published direct comparisons of their properties. Our objective was to test the feasibility of directly comparing properties of multiple scoring instruments in a pediatric ED. Methods: Using a novel approach supported by a composite data collection form, clinicians categorized elements of five scoring instruments before and after initial treatment for 48 patients 2–18 years of age with acute asthma seen at the ED of a tertiary care pediatric hospital ED from August to December 2014. Scoring instruments were compared for inter-rater reliability between clinician types and their ability to predict hospitalization. Results: Inter-rater reliability between clinician types was not different betwee...