cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On helium cluster dynamics in tungsten plasma facing components of fusion devices

This paper describes the dynamics of helium clustering behaviour within either a nanometer-sized tendril of fuzz, or a half-space domain, as predicted by a reaction–diffusion model. This analysis has identified a dimensionless parameter, PΔ, which is a balance of the reaction and diffusion actions of insoluble He in a metal matrix and which governs the self-trapping effects of He into growing bubbles within a tendril. The impact of He self-trapping, as well as trapping caused by pre-existing traps in the form of lattice defects or clusters of impurities, within a half-space domain results in the formation of a densely packed layer of nanometer-sized bubbles with high number density. This prediction is consistent with available experimental observations in which a dense zone of helium bubbles is observed in tungsten, which are compared to estimates of the layer characteristics. Direct numerical simulation of the reaction–diffusion cluster dynamics supports the analysis presented here.
Risk of second primary malignancy after radioactive iodine treatment for differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Objectives:The association between second primary malignancy (SPM) and radioactive iodine (RAI) is controversial. We examined the association between RAI and SPM after treatment of differentiated t...
Moment density estimation for positive random variables

An unknown moment-determinate cumulative distribution function or its density function can be recovered from corresponding moments and estimated from the empirical moments. This method of estimating an unknown density is natural in certain inverse estimation models like multiplicative censoring or biased sampling when the moments of unobserved distribution can be estimated via the transformed moments of the observed distribution. In this paper, we introduce a new nonparametric estimator of a probability density function defined on the positive real line, motivated by the above. Some fundamental properties of proposed estimator are studied. The comparison with traditional kernel density estimator is discussed.
Laser Absorption Spectroscopy: A Sensitive Gas Phase Processing Monitor

We present a summary of our efforts to develop a general purpose probe for plasma and other gas phase processing techniques based on laser absorption spectroscopy. This method offers several advantages for gas phase point monitoring, including line-of-sight optical access, small solid angle detection, absolute species concentration calibration and simple interpretation of spectra. Drawbacks to overcome include limited sensitivity due to laser technical noise and limited spectral coverage of high resolution tunable dye and diode lasers.
Magnetic sub-state population cross sections in inelastic alpha-nucleus scattering

Abstract Properties of the sub-state population cross sections σ M for inelastic α-nucleus scattering are explored within the deformed collective nuclear model. The interference between the nuclear and Coulomb parts of the inelastic transition potential is calculated with the DWBA. The effect on the M = −2 sub-state cross section is substantially more pronounced than that for the usual inelastic differential cross section Σ m σ m . The effect of re-orientation terms is calculated by means of a coupled channel formalism for small values of the quadrupole deformation parameter β 2 . It is found to shift the angular position of the minima of the σ M relative to the DWBA result, in a way which depends on the sign of β 2 . A spin orbit potential has only a small effect on the σ M . The calculations refer to 15 MeV α-particles incident on a nucleus of the size and charge of Ca.
Randomised controlled trial: extended-duration dabigatran is non-inferior to warfarin and more effective than placebo for symptomatic VTE

Commentary on: Schulman S, Kearon C, Kakkar AK, et al. Extended use of dabigatran, warfarin, or placebo in venous thromboembolism. N Engl J Med 2013;368:709–718. RE-MEDY and RE-SONATE trials.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] In patients with idiopathic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), extending the duration of warfarin beyond the initial 3–6 months of anticoagulation significantly reduces the risk for recurrence.1 ,2 Dabigatran is an oral direct-thrombin inhibitor that has been shown to be as effective as warfarin in the first 6 months after a venous thromboembolism (VTE).3 However, its efficacy and safety for extended therapy is not known. Two parallel double-blinded randomised controlled studies were conducted, evaluating extended therapy with … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DN%2BEngl%2BJ%2BMed%26rft.issn%253D0028-4793%26rft.volume%253D368%26rft.spage%253D709%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1056%252FNEJMoa1113697%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23425163%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1056/NEJMoa1113697&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=23425163&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmed%2F19%2F1%2F29.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000315095800005&link_type=ISI
Development of a Deep-Submicron CMOS Process for Fabrication of High Performance 0.25 μm Transistors

A process for fabrication of 0.25 mum CMOS transistors has been demonstrated. NMOS transistors with drain current of 177 muA/mum at VG=VD=2.5 V and a PMOS transistors with drain current of 131 muA/mum at VG=VD=-2.5 V are reported. The threshold voltages are 1.0 V for the NMOS and -0.735 V for the PMOS transistors. The mask defined gate lengths are 0.5 mum and 0.6 mum for the NMOS and PMOS, respectively. Through a photoresist trimming process, the poly gate lengths are 0.25 mum and 0.35 mum or smaller. Electrical extraction of the gate lengths should yield effective gate lengths of 0.25 mum or smaller. These are the smallest transistors ever fabricated in the SMFL at RIT. Large off-state leakage is reported for the NMOS due to drain leakage induced by implant damage or aggressive titanium silicide formation. A better understanding of this leakage is being investigated and process recommendations given.
Controlling the band gap energy of cluster-assembled materials.

Cluster-assembled materials combine the nanoscale size and composition-dependentproperties of clusters, which have highly tunable magnetic and electronic properties useful for a great variety of potential technologies. To understand the emergent properties as clusters are assembled into hierarchical materials, we have synthesized 23 cluster-assembled materials composed of As73–-based motifs and different countercations and measured their band gap energies. We found that the band gap energy varies from 1.09 to 2.21 eV. In addition, we have carried out first principles electronic structure studies to identify the physical mechanisms that enable control of the band gap edges of the cluster assemblies.The choice of counterion has a profound effect on the band gap energy in ionic clusterassemblies. The top of the valence band is localized on the arsenic cluster, while the conduction band edge is located on the alkali metal counterions. Changing the counterion changes the position of the conduction band edge, e...
Dynamic development of the protein corona on silica nanoparticles: composition and role in toxicity

The formation and composition of the protein corona on silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NP) with different surface chemistries was evaluated over time. Native SiO2, amine (–NH2) and carboxy (–COO−) modified NP were examined following incubation in mammalian growth media containing fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 1, 4, 24 and 48 hours. The protein corona transition from its early dynamic state to the later more stable corona was evaluated using mass spectrometry. The NP diameter was 22.4 ± 2.2 nm measured by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). Changes in hydrodynamic diameter and agglomeration kinetics were studied using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The initial surface chemistry of the NP played an important role in the development and final composition of the protein corona, impacting agglomeration kinetics and NP toxicity. Particle toxicity, indicated by changes in membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity, was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tetrazolium reduction (MTT), respectively, in mouse alveolar macrophages (RAW264.7) and mouse lung epithelial cells (C10). SiO2–COO− NP had a slower agglomeration rate, formed smaller aggregates, and exhibited lower cytotoxicity compared to SiO2 and SiO2–NH2. Composition of the protein corona for each of the three NP was unique, indicating a strong dependence of corona development on NP surface chemistry. This work underscores the need to understand all aspects of NP toxicity, particularly the influence of agglomeration on effective dose and particle size. Furthermore, the interplay between materials and local biological environment is emphasized and highlights the need to conduct toxicity profiling under physiologically relevant conditions that provide an appropriate estimation of material modifications that occur during exposure in natural environments.
SEQUENCES IN THE FORMATION OF CLOTS FROM PURIFIED BOVINE FIBRINOGEN AND THROMBIN: A STUDY WITH THE ELECTRON MICROSCOPE

The observed sequences in the formation of clots from purified bovine fibrinogen and thrombin are described. Under the conditions of these experiments, it appears that fibrinogen molecules are polymerized by the action of thrombin to form needle-shaped, crystal-like protofibrils which then become aligned into fiber strands by lateral association. The integrity of the unit fibrils is maintained within the strand. A model of the fibrinogen molecule is proposed which may satisfy the reported physical constants, data from x-ray diffraction studies, and observations made upon electron micrographs.
An existence theorem for solutions tof(x) = 0

InR1, if a continuous function has opposite signs at the endpoints of an interval, then the function has a zero in the interval. If the function has a nonvanishing derivative at a zero, then there is an interval such that the function has opposite signs at the endpoints. In this paper each of these results is extended toRn.
Compliance with cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus testing guidelines among insured young women

Objective In December 2009, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended that women under 21 years old should not receive cervical cancer screening (Papanicolaou tests) or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests. This study examined whether clinicians stopped administering Papanicolaou and HPV tests among women younger than 21 years of age after new ACOG guidelines were issued. Study Design This study was a retrospective secondary data analysis of administrative claims data that included insurance enrollees from across the United States that examined the frequency of Papanicolaou tests and HPV tests among 178,898 nonimmunocompromised females 12-20 years old who had a paid claim for a well-woman visit in 2008, 2009, or 2010. Young women with well-woman examinations in each observed year were examined longitudinally to determine whether past diagnoses of cervical cell abnormalities accounted for Papanicolaou testing in 2010. Results The proportion of women younger than 21 years old that received a Papanicolaou test as part of her well-woman exam dropped from 77% in 2008 and 2009 to 57% by December of 2010, whereas HPV testing remained stable across time. A diagnosis of cervical cell abnormalities in 2009 was associated with Papanicolaou testing in 2010. However, a previous Papanicolaou test was more strongly associated with a Papanicolaou test in 2010. Conclusion These data show that some physicians are adjusting their practices among young women according to ACOG guidelines, but Papanicolaou and HPV testing among insured women younger than 21 years of age still remains unnecessarily high.
Computation of Flow over a High-Performance Parafoil Canopy

The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations together with the one equation Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model were solved using a finite volume flow solver to examine the flowfield and forces on the central cross section of a high-performance parafoil canopy. The parafoil surfaces were assumed to be impermeable, rigid, and smooth. The flowfield consists of a vortex inside the parafoil cell opening, which effectively closes off the opening and diverts the flow around the leading edge. The flow about the parafoil experiences a rather bluff leading edge, in contrast to the smooth leading of the baseline airfoil. A separation bubble exists on the lip of the parafoil lower surface. The lift coefficient of the parafoil section increases linearly with the angle of attack up to 8.5 degrees and the parafoil lift-curve slope is about 8% smaller than the same for the baseline airfoil. The cell opening has a major effect on the drag before stall; the parafoil drag is at least twice the baseline airfoil drag. The minimum drag of the parafoil section occurs over the angle-of-attack range of 2.5-7 degrees.
Association of Increased Prostaglandin E2 Content in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid and Intrathoracic Malignancy

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, plays an important role in immunoregulation. We have previously reported an increased PGE2 content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in 18 patients who had primary lung cancer as compared with 6 patients who had benign lung diseases and 10 normal smokers. In this article, we report our further observation, including additional 73 patients with primary lung cancer, 11 patients who had carcinoma other than lung cancer with and without lung metastases, and 24 patients with various benign lung diseases. Prostaglandin E2 content of BALF in patients with primary lung cancer and patients with extrathoracic cancer with lung metastases was markedly increased to 283.7 ± 423.8 and 278.3 ±303.4 pg/ml, respectively. In contrast, patients who had extrathoracic cancer without lung metastases and patients with benign lung diseases had PGE2 content in BALF of 22.6 ± 6.6 and 27.2 ± 12.4 pg/ml, respectively. Values between the subgroups of patients with lung cancer (primary and metastatic) and patients with benign diseases or extrathoracic cancer without lung metastasis were significantly different (p
Advances and Controversies in Assisted Reproductive Technology

As the incidence and awareness of infertility have increased in the last decades, reproductive endocrinologists and scientists have striven to improve the therapeutic options being offered to patients. One of the most advanced and efficient technologies currently being offered is assisted reproductive technology. Among the various techniques that are comprised by assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization is the most widely studied and used, being responsible for approximately 1% of all live births in the United States. As this technology has evolved, many controversies have arisen, and it is the purpose of this article to review what in the authors' opinion are the most current and controversial aspects of the whole process of in vitro fertilization and its related techniques.
Spectroscopic studies of solutes in aqueous solution.

Absorption and fluorescence characteristics of aqueous solutions of salts, sugars, and amino acids were studied using UV−vis spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry. Motivation stemmed from unanticipated absorption spectral and fluorescence features of the “exclusion zone” seen adjacent to various hydrophilic surfaces. Those features implied a structure distinct from that of bulk water (Adv. Colloid Interface Sci. 2006, 127, 19). Absorption peaks at ∼270 nm similar to those observed in the exclusion zone were seen in solutions of the following substances: salts, Nafion 117 solution/film, l-lysine, d-alanine, d-glucose and sucrose. To determine the fate of the absorbed energy, we studied the fluorescence properties of these solutions. The salts showed fluorescence emission around 480−490 nm under different excitation wavelengths. The fluorescence intensity of LiCl was higher than NaCl, which was in turn higher than KClthe same ordering as the absorption intensities. Fluorescence of Nafion 117 solution/film, l...
Eye motion parameters correlate with level of experience in video-assisted surgery: objective testing of three tasks.

Background: Laparoscopic skills vary with experience and training; however, objective measures to ascertain the level of training have not yet been established. New technology allows noninterfering...
Stray Load Loss Test on Induction Machines

A loading-back test has been used for the determination of the stray load losss in polyphase induction machines. This test, which was found to have a high degree of accuracy, enables the various losses to be separated. The application of the test is simple and convenient.
Localized radiation grafting of flame retardants to polyethylene terephthalate. II. Vinyl phosphonates

Six vinyl phosphonates have been synthesized and evaluated as grafts on poly(ethylene terephthalate) for their flame retardance properties. Diethylvinyl phosphate was used as a model for phosphorus-containing flame retardants in developing the methodology for localizing flame retardants either on the surface of the filament or uniformly throughout it. Scanning election microscopy (SEM)-X-ray microprobe techniques were used in the verification of the location of the flame retardant in the filament. The flame retardance efficiency of poly(diethyl vinyl phosphonate) was then correlated with its location in the filament. Other grafted phosphorus-containing flame retardants showed a range of efficiencies that depended not only upon the location of the graft within the filament but also upon the %P in the compound. The wide variations in flame ratardance efficiencies of copolymers and terpolymers were attributed to large variations in the melt viscosity of the different grafted materials. The grafts showed only small changes in tenacity and large increases in elongation.
El sector informal de la India. Efectos de la globalización y las reformas

Resumen. La globalizacion y las reformas economicas afectan por lo comun al sector formal, pues el informal se halla al margen de las normas. Sin embargo, debido a los numerosos nexos que hay entre ambos, tambien en el sector informal se dejan sentir sus efectos de diversas maneras. El modelo teorico que se utiliza tradicionalmente para entender el impacto de estas fuerzas se basa en la fragmentacion del mercado de trabajo y en las migraciones: los trabajadores que son despedidos en el sector formal engrosan la oferta de mano de obra informal, lo cual causa un descenso de los salarios y un aumento de la pobreza. El autor indaga si estos fenomenos se han dado en la India tras las reformas economicas del decenio de 1990, usando para ello un modelo basado en las variaciones de la oferta y de la demanda causadas por la «externizacion», las transferencias de trabajadores cualificados y las nuevas empresas.
Short-term nitrogen additions can shift a coastal wetland from a sink to a source of N2O

Abstract Coastal salt marshes sequester carbon at high rates relative to other ecosystems and emit relatively little methane particularly compared to freshwater wetlands. However, fluxes of all major greenhouse gases (N 2 O, CH 4 , and CO 2 ) need to be quantified for accurate assessment of the climatic roles of these ecosystems. Anthropogenic nitrogen inputs (via run-off, atmospheric deposition, and wastewater) impact coastal marshes. To test the hypothesis that a pulse of nitrogen loading may increase greenhouse gas emissions from salt marsh sediments, we compared N 2 O, CH 4 and respiratory CO 2 fluxes from nitrate-enriched plots in a Spartina patens marsh (receiving single additions of NaNO 3 equivalent to 1.4 g N m −2 ) to those from control plots (receiving only artificial seawater solutions) in three short-term experiments (July 2009, April 2010, and June 2010). In July 2009, we also compared N 2 O and CH 4 fluxes in both opaque and transparent chambers to test the influence of light on gas flux measurements. Background fluxes of N 2 O in July 2009 averaged −33 μmol N 2 O m −2 day −1 . However, within 1 h of nutrient additions, N 2 O fluxes were significantly greater in plots receiving nitrate additions relative to controls in July 2009. Respiratory rates and CH 4 fluxes were not significantly affected. N 2 O fluxes were significantly higher in dark than in transparent chambers, averaging 108 and 42 μmol N 2 O m −2 day −1 respectively. After 2 days, when nutrient concentrations returned to background levels, none of the greenhouse gas fluxes differed from controls. In April 2010, N 2 O and CH 4 fluxes were not significantly affected by nitrate, possibly due to higher nitrogen demands by growing S. patens plants, but in June 2010 trends of higher N 2 O fluxes were again found among nitrate-enriched plots, indicating that responses to nutrient pulses may be strongest during the summer. In terms of carbon equivalents, the highest average N 2 O and CH 4 fluxes observed, exceeded half the magnitude of typical daily net carbon sequestration rates by salt marshes. Thus, anthropogenic additions of nitrate to coasts can substantially alter N 2 O fluxes from marshes, although substantial temporal variation in these fluxes was observed. To better assess the climatic roles of salt marshes, greenhouse gas emissions need to be studied in the context of chronic nitrogen loads that impact many coastal ecosystems.
Constrained floorplanning with whitespace

This paper considers the constrained floorplanning problem in the context of a design scenario where floor-plans are required to contain some white space to facilitate subsequent buffer insertion. An elegant bounded iterative methodology for floorplan-refinement based on the min-cost max-flow formulation of Feng et al augmented by a heuristic area-redistribution algorithm is presented. This approach results in substantially better quality floorplans than previously reported as substantiated by our experimental results.
MR Diagnosis of Posterior Root Tears of the Lateral Meniscus Using Arthroscopy as the Reference Standard

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to determine whether tears of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus can be diagnosed using standard MR criteria of a meniscal tear in the presence or absence of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.MATERIALS AND METHODS. From a series of 559 knee MR examinations with arthroscopic correlation, we selected all 16 proven tears isolated to the posterior root of the lateral meniscus for retrospective blinded review, along with 45 cases of arthroscopically intact lateral meniscal posterior roots. The reviewers categorized whether there was a torn, possibly torn, or intact root based on three specific coronal and three specific sagittal image locations.RESULTS. When all possibly torn roots were considered as torn, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of a root tear were 93% and 89%, respectively. The observers' overall diagnosis of a tear based on all images gave a higher combined sensitivity and specificity than if the diagnosis of a tear had been based ...
Technical inefficiency effects in a stochastic production function for managerial incentives in public water utilities

Performance of state-owned water utilities in developing countries is often weak. This study estimates the impact of managerial incentives upon efficiency using a stochastic frontier production function with revenue water as the output. The empirical analysis utilises unbalanced panelled data consisting of revenue water, connections, operating expenditure, water delivered and staff, from Uganda9s 19 National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) sub-utilities for a 9-year period, 2002–2010. The inefficiency effects are modelled as a function of utility-specific variables: service coverage, level of financial incentives, target difficulty, and year of observation. While financial incentives and increased service coverage improve efficiency, targets (such as the reduction of non-revenue water) that are perceived as excessive by employees may reduce it. The findings suggest some policy implications: utility managers in the public water sector need to incorporate monetary incentives and increase service coverage to reduce non-revenue water. However, targets need to be set with great care and with transparency.
Determinants of American Migration: Methods and Models in Mobility Research

While the question of geographic mobility has long been a mainstay of American historical writing and American myth-making as evidenced by Turner and his disciples and the general obsession with the frontier until recently most historians have done little systematic investigation into it. Nor, indeed, have they been aware either of the enormous degree of movement within the country, or of the complex issues involved in determining why people have moved as they have. However, with the rise of what generally is termed the ' new urban ' or * new social ' history, historians have begun to view migration as a question central to their analysis.2 Social scientists recog nized the importance of migratory behaviour for many years and have em ployed sophisticated analytical techniques in their efforts to explain migration patterns, but recently historians approached the problem from another direction.
High-Resolution DNA Melting Analysis for Simultaneous Mutation Scanning and Genotyping in Solution

Background: High-resolution DNA melting analysis with saturation dyes for either mutation scanning of PCR products or genotyping with unlabeled probes has been reported. However, simultaneous PCR product scanning and probe genotyping in the same reaction has not been described. Methods: Asymmetric PCR was performed in the presence of unlabeled oligonucleotide probes and a saturating fluorescent DNA dye. High-resolution melting curves for samples in either capillaries (0.3 °C/s) or microtiter format (0.1 °C/s) were generated in the same containers used for amplification. Melting curves of the factor V Leiden single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and several mutations in exons 10 and 11 of the cystic fibrosis transconductance regulator gene were analyzed for both PCR product and probe melting transitions. Results: Independent verification of genotype for simple SNPs was achieved by either PCR product or probe melting transitions. Two unlabeled probes in one reaction could genotype many sequence variants with simultaneous scanning of the entire PCR product. For example, analysis of both product and probe melting transitions genotyped ΔF508, ΔI507, Q493X, I506V, and F508C variants in exon 10 and G551D, G542X, and R553X variants in exon 11. Unbiased hierarchal clustering of the melting transitions identified the specific sequence variants. Conclusions: When DNA melting is performed rapidly and observed at high resolution with saturating DNA dyes, it is possible to scan for mutations and genotype at the same time within a few minutes after amplification. The method is no more complex than PCR and may reduce the need for resequencing.
The role of membrane-membrane interactions in the regulation of endothelial cell growth

A cell surface preparation from confluent endothelial cells can inhibit DNA synthesis of actively growing endothelial cells. The decrease in the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation is concentration dependent and levels off at 47% of the control. The preparation has no affect on the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. A similar preparation from smooth muscle cells does not show inhibitory activity with either endothelial or smooth muscle cells. The inhibition of growth can also be demonstrated by a decrease in thymidine index and growth rate. The inhibition is transient and after 48 h, the growth rate is similar to that of the control. In a wound edge assay, both migration and proliferation are inhibited. The inhibitory activity is partially labile to trypsin and abolished by pepsin, heating at 100 degrees C, or reduction. Cell surface iodination and analysis of the proteins removed by urea treatment by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis show at least 11 bands with apparent molecular weights from 250,000 to 18,000. These radiolabeled proteins, as well as the active component of the cell surface preparation, are sedimentable at 100,000 g for 1 h. They are both solubilized in 30 mM octyl glucoside but not by treatment with 0.1 M sodium carbonate, pH 11.5. These results suggest that the activity is due to a cell-surface membrane fraction and may provide a basis for studying the mechanism of density-dependent inhibition of growth in a normal cell of defined origin.
Towards a Geometric Theory of Hybrid Systems

The main purpose of this paper is to introduce a new framework for a global, geometric study of hybrid systems, and demonstrate its usefulness through its application to the analysis of the Zeno phenomenon and stability of hybrid equilibria.
Cardiovascular Disease Mortality After Chemotherapy or Surgery for Testicular Nonseminoma: A Population-Based Study

Purpose Increased risks of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with testicular cancer (TC) given chemotherapy in European studies were largely restricted to long-term survivors and included patients from the 1960s. Few population-based investigations have quantified CVD mortality during, shortly after, and for two decades after TC diagnosis in the era of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for CVD and absolute excess risks (AERs; number of excess deaths per 10,000 person-years) were calculated for 15,006 patients with testicular nonseminoma reported to the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program (1980 to 2010) who initially received chemotherapy (n = 6,909) or surgery (n = 8,097) without radiotherapy and accrued 60,065 and 81,227 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Multivariable modeling evaluated effects of age, treatment, extent of disease, and other factors on CVD mortality. Results Significantly increas...
Extracting short distance information from b → s ℓ + ℓ − effectively

We point out that in inclusive $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{s}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ decay an angular decomposition provides a third (${q}^{2}$ dependent) observable sensitive to a different combination of Wilson coefficients than the rate and the forward-backward asymmetry. Since a precise measurement of ${q}^{2}$ dependence requires large data sets, it is important to consider the data integrated over regions of ${q}^{2}$. We develop a strategy to extract all measurable Wilson coefficients in $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{X}_{s}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ from a few simple integrated rates in the low ${q}^{2}$ region. A similar decomposition in $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{*}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, together with the $B\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{*}\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rate, also provides a determination of the Wilson coefficients, without reliance on form factor models and without having to measure the zero of the forward-backward asymmetry.
The use of simulation with advanced practice nursing students.

Purpose: To review use of simulation in the education of advanced practice nurses and to describe an innovative simulation program for family nurse practitioner (NP) students. Data sources: The literature was reviewed using MEDLINE and CINAHL searches for descriptions of simulation programs for advanced practice nursing (APN) students. A description of a simulation program in a family NP program was provided. Conclusions: The literature on the use of simulation in primary care APN programs is scant, but simulation seems to represent an active learning strategy that would be of benefit to primary care APN students in increasing knowledge and confidence about the management of clinical situations. Students can also work with faculty to create simulation experiences based on the knowledge of their own learning needs and expertise in specialty areas of nursing. Implications for practice: More information about the use of simulation programs for APN students is needed along with more information about educational outcomes.
Decay of fecal indicator bacterial populations and bovine-associated source-tracking markers in freshly deposited cow pats.

Understanding the survival of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and microbial source-tracking (MST) markers is critical to developing pathogen fate and transport models. Although pathogen survival in water microcosms and manure-amended soils is well documented, little is known about their survival in intact cow pats deposited on pastures. We conducted a study to determine decay rates of fecal indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli and enterococci) and bovine-associated MST markers (CowM3, Rum-2-bac, and GenBac) in 18 freshly deposited cattle feces from three farms in northern Georgia. Samples were randomly assigned to shaded or unshaded treatment in order to determine the effects of sunlight, moisture, and temperature on decay rates. A general linear model (GLM) framework was used to determine decay rates. Shading significantly decreased the decay rate of the E. coli population (P 0.05). In addition, E. coli populations showed a significant growth rate (0.881 day(-1)) in the unshaded samples during the first 5 days after deposition. UV-B was the most important parameter explaining the decay rate of E. coli populations. A comparison of the decay behaviors among all markers indicated that enterococcus concentrations exhibit a better correlation with the MST markers than E. coli concentrations. Our results indicate that bovine-associated MST markers can survive in cow pats for at least 1 month after excretion, and although their decay dynamic differs from the decay dynamic of E. coli populations, they seem to be reliable markers to use in combination with enterococci to monitor fecal pollution from pasture lands.
How accurate are bedside hearing tests

The accuracy of five bedside hearing tests was evaluated in 107 consecutive adults, using pure-tone audiometry as the standard reference. Bedside tests had poor sensitivity (≤0.60), relatively good specificity (≥0.74), and variable positive predictive value (0.24 to 1.0) for detecting hearing loss. Sensitivity improved when bedside tests were combined with case history. The diagnostic utility of bedside tests routinely administered by neurologists to detect hearing loss in adults requires further study.
Details and Difficulties Regarding the New Lung Cancer Staging System

The new lung cancer stage classification system is the culmination of 10 years of work and an unprecedented analysis and validation process. This article reviews details of the rules governing how to implement the system and discusses areas in which ambiguities and difficulties exist.
Graft compatibility in woody plants: an expanded perspective

Four thousand years of practice and research in grafting woody plants have not provided significant answers to questions about the causes of graft incompatibility nor allowed valid predictions to be made regarding potential incompatibilities between individual plants of most species of landscape trees. In this paper, the author briefly reviews some of the more recent research findings dealing with graft success and failure and discusses three areas of research that have heretofore not been adequately studied. These are (a) wound compartmentalization, (b) girdling, and (c) lignification.
EXPERIMENTAL TESTS OF EFFECTS OF PLANT PRODUCTIVITY AND DIVERSITY ON GRASSLAND ARTHROPOD DIVERSITY

Because the quantity, quality, and heterogeneity of resources should affect the diversity of consumers, plant productivity, plant composition, and plant diversity may influence the diversity of trophic levels higher up the food chain (''bottom-up'' control of diversity). Increasing plant productivity may increase herbivore diversity by: increasing the abundance of rare resources (''resource rarity hypothesis''), increasing herbivore abun- dance and local persistence (''consumer rarity hypothesis'') or increasing intraspecific den- sity dependence (''density dependence hypothesis''). Increasing plant diversity may increase the diversity of herbivores because herbivores specialized on these new plant species can persist locally. Increasing the diversity of herbivores could likewise increase the diversity of predators and parasites, although parasite and predator diversity may also respond directly to changes in vegetation. Here I use data from a well-replicated grassland experiment at Cedar Creek, Minnesota, to analyze the responses of arthropod diversity to independent manipulations of (1) plant productivity and (2) plant diversity and composition. Long-term nitrogen addition (''historical treatment'') decreased plant diversity and favored C 3 grasses. Short-term nitrogen addition (''modern treatment'') increased plant productivity without appreciably changing plant diversity or plant composition. Arthropods were sampled using both sweep nets and vacuum samplers. Total arthropod species richness and abundance, as well as species richness and abun- dance of every trophic group (detritivores, herbivores, parasites, and predators), were sig- nificantly greater in plots with higher levels of modern fertilization and greater plant pro- ductivity. Path analysis supported the consumer rarity hypothesis, because modern fertil- ization increased herbivore species richness only indirectly by increasing herbivore abun- dance. Surprisingly, higher levels of historical fertilization that lowered plant species richness (but did not change plant productivity) significantly increased total arthropod species richness, did not affect detritivore or herbivore species richness, and significantly increased parasite and predator species richness. Direct and indirect effects of historical fertilization on the species richness of trophic groups were separated statistically using block regression chain modeling. Herbivore species richness was decreased through the direct pathway, but this was offset through indirect effects so that there was no overall response to historical fertilization. In plots with low plant diversity, similar numbers of herbivore species supported a greater diversity of parasites and predators. These results suggest that the diversity and composition of plants control the diversity of consumers not only directly by determining available resources, but also indirectly by influencing the interactions between herbivores and their parasites and predators.
Abstract 107: Cardiovascular Events, Early Discontinuation of Trastuzumab, and Their Impact on Survival

Background: Trastuzumab increases risk of cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart failure (HF) in clinical trials. However, it is unknown how often trastuzumab therapy is ended early (i.e. early discontinuation), which CV events are associated with early discontinuation, and how CV events and early discontinuation affect overall survival among older women with breast cancer. Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare dataset, we identified women age 67-94 with stage I-III breast cancer diagnosed 2005-2009 who received trastuzumab adjuvant chemotherapy and followed them through 2011. Completed trastuzumab treatment was defined as ≥11 months of continuous trastuzumab treatments with no delay between trastuzumab treatments >45 days. We identified therapy-associated CV events as those occurring within 45 days before or after the last trastuzumab treatment. We compared CV events between the completed and early discontinuation groups using chi-squared statistics. We used Cox proportional hazard models to examine the association of overall survival with early discontinuation of trastuzumab treatment and CV events. Results: Our cohort consisted of 585 women (mean age: 71.6 years), with a median follow-up of 4.2 years. Approximately 41% (239) of women did not complete trastuzumab therapy. Patients with early discontinuation of trastuzumab treatment were more likely to have HF/cardiomyopathy (18.8% vs. 4.0%; p<.001), atrial fibrillation (5.4% vs. <3.2%, p=.006), and other cardiovascular events (7.9% vs. 3.5%; p=.017) within 45 days before or after the last trastuzumab treatment. These cardiovascular events were strongly associated with worse survival (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 3.54; 95% CI 1.87 to 6.68). Women with early discontinuation of trastuzumab treatment were also more likely to have worse overall survival, but the results were not statistically significant (AHR: 1.74; 95% CI 0.94 to 3.23). Conclusion: Early discontinuation of trastuzumab treatment is common among older women with breast cancer, and associated with higher rates of CV events. Reducing CV complications from trastuzumab therapy will likely improve overall survival in patients with breast cancer
Changing Epidemiology of the Respiratory Bacteriology of Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Background Monitoring potential changes in the epidemiology of cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogens furthers our understanding of the potential impact of interventions. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis using data reported to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry (CFFPR) from 2006 to 2012 to determine the annual percent changes in the prevalence and incidence of selected CF pathogens. Pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa , methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), Haemophilus influenzae , Burkholderia cepacia complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , and Achromobacter xylosoxidans . Changes in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) prevalence were assessed from 2010 to 2012, when the CFFPR collected NTM species. Results In 2012, the pathogens of highest prevalence and incidence were MSSA and P aeruginosa , followed by MRSA. The prevalence of A xylosoxidans and B cepacia complex were relatively low. From 2006 to 2012, the annual percent change in overall (as well as in most age strata) prevalence and incidence significantly decreased for P aeruginosa and B cepacia complex, but significantly increased for MRSA. From 2010 to 2012, the annual percent change in overall prevalence of NTM and Mycobaterium avium complex increased. Conclusions The epidemiology of CF pathogens continues to change. The causes of these observations are most likely multifactorial and include improvements in clinical care and infection prevention and control. Data from this study will be useful to evaluate the impact of new therapies on CF microbiology.
The Secret and the Stitch: Annet Couwenberg, Inside and Out

AbstractAnnet Couwenberg's newest work with what she calls “relational fabric” has provided her with a platform from which to explore intercultural and transnational relations through the materiality of clothing and collaborative processes. On the one hand, such projects—the most recent carried out with Muslim women in the artist's native Rotterdam—mark her departure from a previous focus on sculptural, textile-related art installations. On the other hand, this new direction continues to reflect Couwenberg's signature interest, dating from her childhood in the Netherlands, in how interactions with fabric raise important cultural questions about one's experience of the private and the public, interior and exterior, here and there. This article examines the ways in which Couwenberg has consistently expressed these concepts through two powerful metaphors: the secret and the stitch.
Performance Assessment of Zircon as a Waste form for Excess Weapons Plutonium Under Deep Borehole Burial Conditions

Zircon (ZrSiO{sub 4}) is proposed as a waste form for excess weapons-grade plutonium. Zircon is an extremely durable ceramic that is often found as an accessory mineral in Precambrian terranes with ages up to 4 billion years. The chemical durability of zircon in groundwater far exceeds that of other waste forms, as modeled leach rates may be as low as 10{sup {minus}11} g/m{sup 2}d. At least 10 wt% Pu can substitute for Zr in zircon. Self-radiation damage from alpha decay leads to a crystalline-to-amorphous transformation that is modeled as a function of time and temperature for deep borehole conditions. Based on the results of this assessment, zircon could meet all necessary durability and criticality criteria required for a Pu waste form. The types of data used in this analysis are generally not available for other crystalline ceramics or glasses.
The Use of the Prompt Inoculation System® in Preparing a Standardized Yeast Inoculum

One of the most important steps in performing broth dilution susceptibility testing of yeast isolates is the preparation of the starting inoculum. Although not specifically developed for yeast inoculum preparation, the Prompt Inoculation System (3M) provides a novel alternative approach that may provide a more standardized yeast inoculum than previously employed methods. The authors examined the relationship between the number of colonies picked with the Prompt Inoculation Wand and the hemacytometer and viable colony counts for each of six test organisms, including Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata, and Cryptococcus neoformans. They found that by picking five colonies 1-2 mm in diameter, inoculum densities of 1 to 5 X 10(6) CFU/mL were obtained with most of the test organisms. A considerably higher inoculum density was observed with C. glabrata (1 to 2 X 10(7) CFU/mL) because of the small size of this organism. No overfilling of the Inoculation Wand was observed when more colonies were touched. This study indicates that the Prompt Inoculation System offers a convenient and simple method for yeast inoculum preparation.
Beyond Versailles: Recovering the Voices of Nurses in Post–World War I U.S.-European Relations

From late 1918 to 1922, the American Red Cross (ARC) enlisted roughly six hundred American nurses and scores of female auxiliary staff to labor in post-World War I continental Europe, Russia, and the Near East, mostly stationed in Poland, Czechoslovakia, the Balkan states, and Siberia. The ARC nurses ran health clinics, made home visits, and opened nurse training schools. Close readings of letters, diaries, official reports, and published articles help recover the place of these women in postwar European history and the history of U.S. foreign relations. Their writings reveal their perceptions about eastern European and Russian politics and culture, their assumptions about the proper U.S. role in the region's affairs, and their efforts to influence popular U.S. discourse on these topics. This article argues that American nurses and support staff are central-yet neglected-players in the history of U.S.-European affairs. Through its bottom-up approach, it offers a more personal and intimate perspective on the history of U.S. international relations during this time.
The Impact of SLCP on Collection of Non-timber Forest Products

The Sloping Land Conversion Program(SLCP) is one of the largest payments for environmental service(PES) programs in the world,and this paper focuses on the different impacts of the program on collection of non-timber forest products(NTFP) using sustainable livelihood approach and household survey data from Zhouzhi County,China.Participating in the program reduces the collection of NTFP only for those households without non-farm labor supply constraints,since the program provides payments for them and free their on-farm labor as well,therefore those participants can shift labor to non-farm labor markets;while the program has not significant effect on the collection of NTFP for households unable to shift their labor to non-farm sectors due to market imperfections and poor asset endowments.