cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU‐FF‐T‐74: Preplanning of Suture Coordinates for Episcleral Plaque Therapy

Purpose: Episcleral plaques are attached to the eye by sutures which affix eyelets to the sclera. Historically, plaque position was determined by transilluminating the eye to cast a shadow of the tumor onto the sclera, outlining this shadow, and subsequently deciding where to suture the eyelets. 3D modeling enables scleral coordinates for each eyelet to be determined prior to surgery. Methods: The retinal diagram is a polar map of the retinal surface in which the posterior pole is located at the center of the map surrounded by radial spokes representing meridians and concentric rings of lattitude which terminate at the limbus which is the border of the cornea and sclera. Eyelet coordinates on an equivalent scleral diagram can be expressed using a meridian, a chord distance from the limbus along that meridian, and the chord distance between the eyelets. It is common to express diagram meridians as clock hours so coordinates for a plaque with two eyelets might be something like: eyelet ♯1 along the 12:40 o'clock meridian, 9.1 mm from the limbus, eyelet ♯2 along the 2:10 meridian 9.4 mm from the limbus, and 9.2 mm between the eyelets. Results: Over 300 patients have been treated at USC using calculated suture coordinates. Only in a handful of cases involving anterior tumors for which fundus photography was impossible was it necessary to empirically adjust coordinates. Admittedly subjective observation suggests that plaque placement to within about 8 degrees circumferentially and 0.5 mm radially of the planned position is routinely achievable. Examples will be presented. Conclusion: When the tumor location can be accurately determined from fundus photography, the placement of a plaque and its suture eyelets can be accurately preplanned. Conflict of Interest: Software which implements this technology is licensed by BEBIG GmbH for distribution under the name Plaque Simulator.
Leaving It There? The Hutchins Commission and Modern American Journalism

Using the recommendations of the Commission on Freedom of the Press (Hutchins Commission), we ask today's media consumers how they rate the performance of modern American journalism. We employ original survey data collected from journalism students at a major Midwest university, framing our findings in the context of the commission's 1947 recommendations. The result is presentation of contemporary opinions about the performance of American media in the context of journalism ideals articulated more than 60 years ago.
An anatomy of hope.

This paper speaks of hope as a state of being that originates in conditions of despair and is transformed as a function of its participation in transcendent relationships. In transcendence of self, one establishes the dynamic awareness of that peace which enlarges the self to accommodate life's anguish.
Is It All in the Advertising? Selling Hand Hygiene

Abstract ISSUE: Clean hands are the single most important factor in preventing the spread of dangerous germs and antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings, according to Julie Gerberding, M.D., director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet studies indicate that only about 40% of healthcare workers use appropriate hand hygiene. Our hospital staff's compliance was better than 40%, but we still had room for improvement. PROJECT: To keep hand hygiene in the forefront of our hospital healthcare workers' thoughts, our infection control department staff designed monthly signs to advertise a catchy phrase or jingle for hand hygiene. One of the most popular campaigns for February was Celebrate President's Day (with pictures of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington), which implored the staff to celebrate by “Lincoln your hand hygiene practices to Washing tons of hands.” In April, “we hopped into good health with clean paws.” When we linked the time for handwashing with singing one verse of a popular song, staff reported hearing peers singing while they washed. RESULTS: For the first time, our healthcare workers in all departments of our facility are self-reporting to the infection control staff about hand hygiene compliance. We have had positive feedback from our staff as well as requests to let them know what we will be doing next. We have significantly improved our hand hygiene compliance. LESSONS LEARNED: Instead of nagging hand hygiene participants, we are entertaining them into compliance. This successful advertising campaign for compliance with hand hygiene has been shared with all the hospitals in our healthcare system.
Psychology as a quantitative rational science (excerpts)

The purpose of the Psychometric Society is to encourage mathematical psychology. This article justifies the emphasis on quantification, and upon rationalization in science, as well as the Society's conception of the fundamental nature of science.
Vertical distribution of zooplankton in relation to the oxygen minimum off Peru

In April 1977, discrete depth zooplankton samples were collected off central Peru with a high-yield pump at shelfbreak, slope, and offshore stations. Upwelling brought nearly anoxic (⪕0.1 ml O2 1−1) water from the eastern Pacific oxygen minimum to within 50 to 65 m of the surface at the slope station and to within 20 to 35 m at the shelfbreak station. Offshore oxygen concentrations exceeded 1.0 ml 1−1 throughout the upper 85 m. Most zooplankton taxa were limited in vertical distribution by the 0.1-ml O2 1−1 isopleth, and onshore shoaling of the oxygen minimum resulted in unusually high near-surface zooplankton concentrations relative to offshore waters. Eucalanus inermis was exceptional in concentrating at times within the oxygen minimum. A temporary deepening of the minimum at shelfbreak was accompanied by a general downward dispersal of zooplankton.
Evidence for cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against human lung cancer: reconstitution of antigenic epitope with peptide eluted from lung adenocarcinoma MHC class I.

Abstract Background: Cancer-associated, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted peptide antigens have been elucidated in human melanomas and ovarian, breast, and renal carcinomas; but relatively little is known about lung cancer antigens. Methods: To work toward delineation of lung cancer–associated antigens, we developed tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived cytolytic T cell lines (CTL), autologous lung cancer cell lines, and normal lung cell lines from 17 patients undergoing lung cancer resections. The TILs and CTL lines were subsequently evaluated for markers of activation and specific lysis of autologous or allogeneic lung cancer cell lines or both. Results: Freshly isolated TILs contained a more activated T cell population compared with the patients' peripheral blood T cells as evidenced by an increased expression of HLA-DR, CD25, and CD45RO. TILs isolated from 15 patients lysed allogeneic lung cancer lines. TILs lysed autologous lung cancer but not autologous normal lung or Epstein-Barr virus transformed B cell lines (B-LCL) in 4 of 8 cases tested, suggesting tumor specificity. A CTL line (RHPBL57.1) was generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of an HLA-A24 + patient by stimulation against an established HLA-A24 + allogeneic lung cancer cell line. RHPBL57.1 lysed the lung cancer cell line in an HLA-A24–restricted manner. Moreover, RHPBL57.1 specifically lysed autologous B-LCL pulsed with peptides, eluted from MHC class I and isolated from the HLA-A24 + lung cancer cell line. Conclusions: TILs isolated from patients with lung cancer are predominantly an activated population of T cells with evidence of tumor and MHC class I–restricted lysis. Furthermore, we provide evidence for a lung cancer–associated, MHC class I–bound peptide antigen(s) that reconstitutes the epitope recognized by a lung cancer specific CD8 + T cell line derived from a patient with lung cancer. (Surgery 2000;128:76-85)
City Systems and Industrial Market Structure

Industrial geographers are broadening both the scope and scale of analyses in their quest for deeper understanding of industrial formation and evolution. This has led them to link industrial processes at various spatial scales and to revisit well-defined organizational structures, especially city systems. Taking stock of renewed interest, this paper investigates the relationship between urban regional systems and industrial market structure. The paper demonstrates that the U.S. is composed of urban regional systems that vary in density of urban settlement, and argues that dynamic externalities and barriers to market entry and exit play out within these distinct systems to develop regionalized industry market structures that range from competitive to oligopolistic. An empirical analysis identifies these market structures through use of a Hildreth-Houck variable-coefficients model. Elasticity-of-scale estimates are derived for thirteen consumer and producer services industries at the MSA scale, using 1982 and 1992County Business Patterns data. The results reveal a systematic geography of industry structure generally supportive of the hypotheses linking density of urban settlement to industry market structure. Producer services industries in the western U.S. tend toward oligopolistic market structures, while those in the more densely settled midwest and east are more competitive.
The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone Combined with a Low‐Fat Diet in Spontaneously Obese Dogs: A Clinical Trial

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been shown to have antiobesity activity in rodents and spontaneously obese dogs. This study evaluated the effect of DHEA or placebo combined with a low-fat/high-fiber diet in spontaneously obese dogs in a clinical trial. Spontaneously obese, euthyroid dogs, referred to the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine for treatment of their obesity, were evaluated for percent overweight, rate of weight loss, serum cholesterol, plasma lipoprotein and serum biochemistry profiles, complete blood count, and endocrine profiles (T4, T3, Cortisol, insulin, and DHEA-sulfate). DHEA-treated dogs had a significantly increased rate of actual and percent excess weight loss compared with placebo-treated dogs. Serum cholesterol decreased in both treatment groups; however, DHEA-treated dogs had a significantly greater reduction than placebo-treated dogs. DHEA-treated dogs had a significant 32% reduction in total plasma cholesterol, which was due to a 27% reduction in the lipoprotein fraction containing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and a 50% reduction in the lipoprotein fraction containing the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Placebo-treated dogs did not have a significant reduction in total plasma cholesterol or in the fraction containing LDL; however, they did have a significant 11% reduction in the fraction containing HDL. Significant decreases in serum T4 and T3 observed in dogs receiving DHEA were not noted in dogs receiving placebo. DHEA in combination with caloric restriction results in a faster rate of weight loss than does caloric restriction alone. In addition, DHEA has hypocholesterolemic activity, particularly affecting the lipoprotein fraction containing the LDL cholesterol.
Compensatory ovarian hypertrophy in the hamster and its alteration by blinding and/or pinealectomy.

Abstract Hamsters which had been blinded, pinealectomized, or a combination of both, were unilaterally ovariectomized on day four of the estreous cycle and necropsied on the same day of the cycle, four days later. Blinding and pinealectomy were observed to have little effect upon percentage COH, but did affect the compensatory follicular development and 32 P uptake of the remaining ovary. Blinding significantly reduced the follicular counts and 32 P uptake. The effects of blinding were negated when the animals were both blinded and pinealectomized.
Chronic reserpine treatment on adrenergic neuronal and receptor function in the isolated perfused mesenteric blood vessels of the dog.

Abstract Chronic low dosage reserpine treatment significantly depressed the frequency-response curve to sympathetic nerve stimulation in the isolated perfused dog mesenteric and intestinal blood vessels. This neuronal depression was reversed by norepinephrine, indicating that chronic reserpine dosage fails to produce a drastic impairment of adrenergic nerve function. The dose-response curve to injected norepinephrine was not significantly altered, thus supersensitivity to norepinephrine following chronic reserpine treatment is not a common phenomenon in all vascular tissue. The pharmacological interaction of certain adrenergic agents with sympathetic neuronal and receptor mechanism appeared unaltered by reserpine.
GAME THEORY AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MODELLING

Abstract In this paper, correspondences are drawn between two game theory models (Nash noncooperative and Stackelberg games) and some problems in transportation systems modelling. An example of each is described in detail, namely the problem of carriers competing for intercity passenger travel and the signal optimization problem. The discussion serves to underline differences between two categories of transportation problems and introduces the game theory literature as a potential source of solution algorithms. Also it is shown that inner-outer iterative techniques for Stackelberg type problems cannot be expected to converge to the solution, and an approximate formulation of these problems is introduced which appears to be more readily solvable.
Comparison of biomechanical effects of small-incision lenticule extraction and laser in situ keratomileusis: Finite-element analysis

Purpose To theoretically compare the corneal stress distribution of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the stress distribution of small-incision lenticule extraction. Setting Cleveland Clinic Cole Institute, Cleveland, and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. Design Computational modeling study. Methods A finite-element anisotropic collagen fiber–dependent model of myopic surgery using patient-specific corneal geometry was constructed for LASIK, small-incision lenticule extraction, and a geometry analog model with unaltered material properties from preoperative but with postoperative geometry including thickness. Surgical parameters, magnitude of myopic correction, LASIK flap thickness, and lenticule depth in small-incision lenticule extraction were varied. Two sets of models, 1 with uniform and 1 with depth-dependent material properties, were constructed. Results Stress distribution between small-incision lenticule extraction simulations and the geometry analog model were similar. In contrast, LASIK consistently reduced stress in the flap and increased stress in the residual stromal bed (RSB) compared with the geometry analog model. An increase in flap thickness or lenticule depth resulted in a greater increase in RSB stress in the LASIK model than in the small-incision lenticule extraction model. Conclusions Small-incision lenticule extraction may present less biomechanical risk to the residual bed of susceptible corneas than comparable corrections involving LASIK flaps. Deeper corrections in the stroma may be possible in small-incision lenticule extraction without added risk for ectasia. Financial Disclosures Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references.
Experimental and theoretical study of inhomogeneous electron transfer in betaine: comparisons of measured and predicted spectral dynamics

Abstract New tunable pump and probe data are reported for the S1 → S0 reverse electron transfer in betaine in solution. The observed dynamics are a dramatic function of probe wavelength due to energy deposition into solute and solvent molecular degrees of freedom from the electron transfer. The data indicate that in nonpolar solvents, this energy is primarily deposited into intramolecular modes. In polar solvents, most of the energy is deposited into intramolecular modes, but some is specifically deposited into polar collective motions of the solvent, i.e. the solvent coordinate. Modern theories of electron transfer that include diffusive motion along the solvent coordinate as a driving mechanism for electron transfer predict this specific energy deposition into the solvent coordinate. In this paper, we extend a model by Walker et al. to predict the spectral dynamics due to solvent coordinate heating caused by the electron transfer and compare with experimental results. We show that the diffusive electron transfer mechanism creates a displaced distribution along the solvent coordinate that is characterized by an absorption spectrum that is red-shifted from the equilibrium ground-state distribution, in agreement with experimental observations. The model is not in quantitative agreement with experiment, however, because it neglects the contributions of vibrational heating of the intramolecular modes to the spectral dynamics. This type of vibrational heating is evident in the observed dynamics in nonpolar solvents.
Investigation of NAPL dissolution and instability using a pore-scale network model: sensitivity analysis of porous medium characteristics

A pore-scale network model was developed to study nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) dissolution in a porous medium. The network is a cubic lattice with biconical shaped throats, so the interfaces can be tracked explicitly. Two dissolution mechanisms were investigated: stagnant layer diffusion to account for the local concentration gradient driven mass transfer through immobile water, and channel flow dissolution to account for the advection driven mass transfer by mobile water. Ganglion stability was investigated both before and during NAPL dissolution, and the effect of ganglion size, flow rate and porous medium characteristics on the instability types were established. Single ganglion numerical experiment results were converted into a column study using population analysis, and the correlation relationships between modified Sherwood number, Peclet number and Reynolds number were in good agreement with published results.
Trajectory tracking for actuator arrays

Actuator arrays are planar arrangements of two degree-of-freedom actuators that cooperatively translate and orient objects for efficient manipulation. This paper describes a trajectory tracking control law for macroscopic actuator arrays and its convergence properties. The control law is designed based on the kinematics of an object on the array. Its convergence properties are found using a direct solution of the Kalman-Yakubovich-Popov equations. Simulations show the control law's effectiveness and that the bounds are very conservative for objects under stick-slip contact.
Elastic properties of fixed and fresh muscle

An elastic property of fixed striated frog muscle has been described. The component responsible for the elasticity has been located in the I-band by comparing stretched and unstretched portions of the same muscle fiber in the electron microscope. The component parts of contraction bands have been described for the first time. They have been observed in stimulated, fixed, stretched muscle fibers. The mechanical properties of this fixed elastic component have been measured and compared to measurements of the series elastic properties of fresh whole muscle. The series elastic element has probably been identified with actin in the I-band. The reestablishment that single resting fibers obey Hooke's Law is indicated from the linearity of the length-tension diagram for fixed single fibers.
Altitude Modulates Concussion Incidence: Implications for Optimizing Brain Compliance to Prevent Brain Injury in Athletes

Background:Recent research indicates that the volume and/or pressure of intracranial fluid, a physiology affected by one’s altitude (ie, elevation above sea level), may be associated with the likelihood and/or severity of a concussion. The objective was to employ an epidemiological field investigation to evaluate the relationship between altitude and concussion rate in high school sports.Hypothesis:Because of the physiologies that occur during acclimatization, including a decline in intracranial compliance (a “tighter fit”), increased altitude may be related to a reduction in concussion rates in high school athletes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Data on concussions and athlete exposures (AEs) between 2005-2006 and 2011-2012 were obtained from a large national sample of high schools (National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System [High School RIO]) and were used to calculate total, competition, and practice concussion rates for aggregated sports and for football on...
Theorizing the form of media coverage over time.

Because the media plays a critical role in cross-cultural communication, bias in the portrayal of particular cultures is an important issue. In this article, we use the form of newspaper articles over time to arbitrate between two competing theories of media coverage: Is the media primarily driven by self-interest, that is, the need to sell newspapers, or is it driven primarily by the same principled ideas that fuel international activism? Analyzing international newspaper articles on female genital cutting from 1978 to 1998, we find a close correspondence to international activism. Tracing the strategies of “transnational advocacy networks,’ most articles are primarily devoted to leverage and accountability themes. Further, the ultimate decrease in articles on female genital cutting was not preceded by a decrease in articles designed to shock readers but rather by a peak in stories that emphasized the accountability of governments to eradicate female genital cutting. Over time, perhaps as the appropriateness of action became more taken for granted, there were fewer news stories on proposed solutions but relatively more news stories on success and implementation.
Inhaled particle retention in rats receiving low exposures of diesel exhaust

To study the effects of a low concentration exposure on the retention and clearance of submicron particles from the lungs, we exposed male Fisher 344 rats to diesel exhaust diluted to 50 μg diesel exhaust particles (DP)/m3, 20 h/d, 7 d/wk for 52 wk. Lung burdens (amount of DP in lungs) and the alveolar macrophage burdens were measured up to 52 wk postexposure. By 1 yr postexposure at least 80% of the DP was eliminated from the lungs and similarly cleared from the lavaged pool of macrophages. The DP remaining in the lungs was observed in alveolar, parabronchial and paravascular maculae. In contrast to previous high concentration exposure studies, only trace amounts of particles were observed in the mediastinal lymph nodes. To study the concentration dependence of particle retention, rats were exposed to equivalent exposures of 18 d × mg DP/m3 delivered at 5700 μg/m3 for 3 d, 1600 μg/m3 for 12 d, 250 μg/m3 for 72 d, or 50 μg/m3 for 365 d. Higher lung and macrophage burdens were initially achieved with the b...
Developing a Culturally Sensitive Lifestyle Behavior Change Program for Older Latinas

Despite the burgeoning U.S. Latino population and their increased risk of chronic disease, little emphasis had been placed on developing culturally sensitive lifestyle interventions in this area. This article examines older Latinas' sociocultural context relative to health with the goal of developing a culturally sensitive health behavior intervention. Photo-elicitation indicated two emerging themes that influenced lifestyle choices: family caregiving and religion. Researchers partnered with a faith-based organization to develop and implement a 6-month lifestyle intervention for Latinas ages 50 and older: Abuelas en Accion (AEA). At completion, interviews were conducted to understand women's experiences and the influence AEA had on their lifestyles and health. Findings suggest that religious content empowered and deeply affected women; however, the intergenerational content presented significant challenges for instruction, retention, and implementation. We discuss findings in relation to the health intervention literature and provide suggestions for future interventions drawing on religion, family, and health behavior change.
Acute hepatitis C

To understand spontaneous and treatment-related recovery, continuing efforts should be directed toward the study of host-virus interactions during acute hepatitis C. A multidisciplinary approach will be required to generate suitable technical methods, increase clinician and lay awareness, and identify patients promptly following infection. In the confrontation between HCV and the human immune system, such an approach might tip the balance in our favor.
Safety verification in Murphy using fault tree analysis

MURPHY is a language-dependent, experimental methodology for building safety-critical, real-time software, which will include an integrated tool set. Using Ada as an example, the authors present a technique for verifying the safety of complex, real-time software using software fault tree analysis. The templates for Ada are presented along with an example of applying the technique to an Ada program. The tools in the MURPHY tool set to aid in this type of analysis are described. >
Schizophrenia—A High‐Risk Factor for Suicide: Clues to Risk Reduction

Suicide is the chief cause of premature death among schizophrenic persons. The lifetime incidence of suicide for patients with schizophrenia is 10% to 13% compared to a general population estimate of about 1%, and is quite close to that observed among those with major affective disorder. The magnitude of increased risk for suicide among schizophrenics peaks before middle age and declines thereafter, although schizophrenic persons tend to be at increased risk throughout the life span. Among psychiatric patients, schizophrenics are overrepresented among suicides, and often schizophrenics constitute the majority of inpatient suicides. It is important in evaluating suicide risk among schizophrenic persons to assess depression and suicidal ideation especially during index admission and during acute phases of the illness. It is noteworthy that schizophrenic persons often commit suicide as the overall level of psychopathology decreases during a nonpsychotic phase. Research has yielded salient risk factors for suicide in schizophrenic persons and "types" of especially vulnerable patients, even though statistical prediction of individual suicides has not proven effective.
A Psychometric Evaluation of the Expectations, Perceptions, and Difference-Scores Generated by the IS-Adapted SERVQUAL Instrument

This article describes the results of a study assessing the psychometric properties of the expectations and perceptions-of-performance instruments and the difference-score data contained within the information systems (IS)-Adapted SERVQUAL measurement paradigm. The central claim of this study is: In order for rational inferences to be made about service expectations, service performance perceptions, or the gap between them, each of the two instruments must exhibit reasonable psychometric properties in isolation before difference-scores are taken. Analysis of data from a field study (N= 401) through structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques produces empirical evidence indicating that both of the instruments exhibit low psychometric quality and yet the difference-scores exhibit “psychometric inflation.” That is, the quality of the difference-score data is in many ways apparently superior to the raw data from both instruments. Negative conclusions are reached as to the efficacy of either individual instrument and, thus, the full IS-Adapted SERVQUAL paradigm. Questions and prospects for further research in this important area of service quality measurement/management are presented, and a potentially rich future for IS service quality is outlined. It is strongly suggested that future IS service quality research be based on development of a new instrument, grounded in attributes endemic to IS services and developed using the best available development techniques.
Design of multi-user editing servers for continuous media

Based on a fifteen month investigation of post production facilities for both the entertainment and broadcast industries, we identified a number of challenges that arise when designing a server in support of multiple editing stations. These include how to: share the same content among multiple editors; support continuous display of the edited content for each editor; support complex editing operations; compute the set of changes (deltas) proposed by an editor; and to compare the deltas proposed by multiple editors. It is beyond the focus of this paper to report on each challenge and its related solutions. Instead, we focus on one challenge and the physical design of the system that addresses this issue.
Refining models of dependence: variations across persons and situations

Having established that tobacco smoking is addictive, research should proceed to refine our models of dependence on nicotine and other drugs. Current theories of addiction do not account for between- or within-subjects variations in addictive behavior. Recent evidence that some people can smoke for decades without developing dependence demonstrates the potential for individual differences in vulnerability to dependence. Study of such anomalous smokers may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence. Current theory and data also fail to provide adequate accounts of situational variation in addictive behavior and of the developmental progression from initial experimentation to dependence.
Safety and Convenience of a 15-minute Infusion of Zoledronic Acid

Skeletal morbidity, including hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM), places a severe burden on patients with advanced cancers. Bisphosphonates effectively correct HCM and reduce skeletal morbidity in patients with bone metastases. However, with the widespread use of bisphosphonates, the safety and convenience of therapy are emerging concerns. The delivery of effective doses of early bisphosphonates required a lengthy 24-hour i.v. infusion protocol because of renal tolerability issues. The introduction of more potent bisphosphonates with superior tolerability profiles has allowed therapy to be safely delivered via shorter i.v. infusions. Intravenous therapy with etidronate, clodronate, pamidronate, ibandronate, and zoledronic acid has been used to treat HCM and skeletal complications in cancer patients. Of these therapies, zoledronic acid (which can be safely administered via a 15-minute i.v. infusion) is the most convenient and effective and has demonstrated an excellent safety profile with long-term use. Zoledronic acid has also received the broadest regulatory approval of any bisphosphonate and can be used to treat HCM or bone lesions secondary to multiple myeloma and a wide variety of solid tumors, including breast, prostate, and lung cancers. In addition to the patient preference for shorter infusion times, the 15-minute i.v. infusion protocol of zoledronic acid can provide benefits for infusion centers by potentially increasing patient throughput.
Adjuvant systemic therapy for early breast cancer.

Systemic therapy (chemotherapy or hormonal therapy) as an adjuvant to modalities of local control is now an integral part of the management of almost all patients with primary breast cancer metastatic to axillary lymph nodes. In addition, recent data suggest an expanding role for such treatments in patients without axillary involvement. Although some node-negative patients should probably not receive adjuvant therapy, the precise criteria to be used for selection are still under active discussion in the literature. Of the two types of systemic treatment, it is generally accepted that chemotherapy is indicated for premenopausal patients and that tamoxifen is useful for postmenopausal patients whose tumors contain estrogen or progesterone receptors. The recent analysis of several studies has suggested that chemotherapy may add to the benefits of tamoxifen in some postmenopausal patients as well. A possible role for tamoxifen in younger patients is being evaluated. For patients at relatively low risk of systemic relapse (i.e., those with zero to three involved axillary lymph nodes), no chemotherapy regimen has yet shown an advantage over 6 months of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil. For patients at high risk, however, doxorubicin-based regimens have demonstrated benefits. High-dose chemotherapies, some involving autologous bone marrow support, are being investigated for patients with ten or more involved nodes who are at very high risk of the eventual development of stage IV disease.
Using Orthogonal and Quasi-Orthogonal Designs in Wireless Relay Networks

Distributed space-time coding was proposed to achieve cooperative diversity in wireless relay networks without channel information at the relays. Using this scheme, antennas of the distributive relays work as transmit antennas of the sender and generate a space-time code at the receiver. It achieves the maximal diversity when the transmit power is infinitely large. This paper is on the design of practical distributed space-time codes (DSTCs). We use orthogonal and quasi-orthogonal designs which are originally used in the design of space-time codes for multiple-antenna systems. It is well known that orthogonal space-time codes have full diversity and linear decoding complexity. They are particularly suitable for transmissions in the network setting using distributed space-time coding since their ldquoscale-freerdquo property leads to good performance. Our simulations show that they achieve lower error rates than the random code. We also compare distributed space-time coding to selection decode-and-forward using the same orthogonal designs. Simulations show that distributed space-time coding achieves higher diversity than selection decode-and-forward (DF) when there is more than one relay. We also generalize the distributed space-time coding scheme to wireless relay networks with channel information at the relays. Although our analysis and simulations show that there is no improvement in the diversity, in some networks, having channel information at the relays saves both the transmission power and the transmission time.
MHTGR/coal gasification-an environmentally acceptable technology for clean coal utilization in the United States

A new generation of nuclear power plants, such as the modular high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (MHTGR), which is characterized by its inherently passive safety features and quiescent nature, is in the early stage of deployment. A nuclear/clean coal energy supply option with improved environmental characteristics that uses to the fullest extent the two resources (coal and uranium) that are abundant in the US is outlined. It uses nuclear heat in the coal gasification process. The major theme is that, for the foreseeable future, the MHTGR will not replace coal but rather complement it, and that the integration of the two technologies offers a very attractive clean coal option. The MHTGR concept and deployment are discussed, coal nuclear synergy is examined, and nuclear coal gasification is described. >
Genetic algorithms for autonomous robot navigation

Engineers and scientists use instrumentation and measurement equipment to obtain information for specific environments, such as temperature and pressure. This task can be performed manually using portable gauges. However, there are many instances in which this approach may be impractical; when gathering data from remote sites or from potentially hostile environments. In these applications, autonomous navigation methods allow a mobile robot to explore an environment independent of human presence or intervention. The mobile robot contains the measurement device and records the data then either transmits it or brings it back to the operator. Sensors are required for the robot to detect obstacles in the navigation environment, and machine intelligence is required for the robot to plan a path around these obstacles. The use of genetic algorithms is an example of machine intelligence applications to modern robot navigation. Genetic algorithms are heuristic optimization methods, which have mechanisms analogous to biological evolution. This article provides initial insight of autonomous navigation for mobile robots, a description of the sensors used to detect obstacles and a description of the genetic algorithms used for path planning.
Salivary proteome and its genetic polymorphisms.

Salivary diagnostics for oral as well as systemic diseases is de- pendent on the identification of biomolecules reflecting a characteristic change in presence, absence, composition, or structure of saliva compo- nents found under healthy conditions. Most of the biomarkers suitable for diagnostics comprise proteins and peptides. The usefulness of sali- vary proteins for diagnostics requires the recognition of typical features, which make saliva as a body fluid unique. Salivary secretions reflect a de- gree of redundancy displayed by extensive polymorphisms forming fam- ilies for each of the major salivary proteins. The structural differences among these polymorphic isoforms range from distinct to subtle, which may in some cases not even affect the mass of different family members. To facilitate the use of modern state-of-the-art proteomics and the de- velopment of nanotechnology-based analytical approaches in the field of diagnostics, the salient features of the major salivary protein families are reviewed at the molecular level. Knowledge of the structure and function of salivary gland-derived proteins/peptides has a critical impact on the rapid and correct identification of biomarkers, whether they originate from exocrine or non-exocrine sources.
Abstract 18: Determinants of Adequate Blood Pressure Control in Stroke Patients Post-Discharge

Objective: Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). After a stroke or TIA, blood pressure control becomes even more essential for secondary prevention of stroke. Prior literature has shown that once-daily dosing of blood pressure (BP) medications improved adherence. We hypothesized that once daily BP medications may also improve BP control at follow up and aimed to determine factors that predict adequate BP control after stroke. Methods: We analyzed blood pressures at discharge and at follow-up in 172 adult stroke and TIA patients admitted to a single tertiary care center. Only those with known HTN at time of discharge and seen in follow-up were included in the analysis. Medication dosing was categorized as once-daily dosing vs. more than once daily dosing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (adjusted for sex, age, and race) were performed to compare patients with adequate blood pressure control at follow up to those with poorly controlled blood pressure at follow up. Poor BP control was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than 140mmHg. Results: The average age of this cohort was 65 yrs (+/- 14) and 51% (88 of 172) of patients were female. Sixty nine percent (118 of 172) of patients were white, 29% (50 of 172) of patients were black, and the remaining 2% (4 of 172) of patients were of other race-ethnicities. One hundred of the 172 patients (58%) were discharged on once daily blood pressure medications and at follow up, 59% (59 of 100) of them had adequate blood pressure control compared to 78% (54 of 69) of the patients on BP meds dosed more frequently. Once daily blood pressure medication frequency was associated with inadequate blood pressure control at follow up (p=0.0089, OR 3.00 CI 1.34-6.71). Fifty eight percent (50 of 87) of patients who did not receive home health, nursing, or therapy visits had adequate BP control at follow up compared to 76% (59 of 77) of patients who did. Patients with home health nurse or therapy visits were more likely to have adequate BP control at follow up (p=0.0095, OR 0.44; CI 0.21-0.96). Mean discharge SBP of those patients with adequate BP at follow-up was 135mmHg, whereas those with poor control at follow-up had a mean discharge SBP of 145mmHg. Adequate SBP at the time of discharge also predicted adequate blood pressure at follow up (p=0.0006, OR 1.42; CI 1.15-1.77). Conclusions: Contrary to our hypothesis, once daily dosed BP medications did not improve the effectiveness of BP control at follow-up. Elevated SBP at the time of hospital discharge was associated with poor blood pressure control. Those patients receiving outpatient home health and therapy visits after hospital discharge had better blood pressure control. Further studies need to be done to assess medication adherence to determine whether the poor control was related to choice of medication or patient medication-taking behavior.
Modeling Intermediary Satisfaction with Mandatory Adoption of E-government Technologies for Food Distribution

We report quantitative measures of factors that influence technology acceptance among intermediaries delivering government-supplied essential commodities to citizens in Chhattisgarh, India. Using the method of partial least squares, we validate and extend the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, finding evidence for the effect of social influence, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy on salespersons’ satisfaction with the adoption of point-of-sale machines mandated by the Chhattisgarh government. Further, the moderating effects of age, experience with technology, work experience, and educational attainment on the factors that influence satisfaction are assessed. Key recommendations are drawn for research and practice on intermediation in e-government.
Breast cancer survivors' perspectives of critical lymphedema self-care support needs.

To solicit breast cancer survivors’ perspectives on the variety of issues they face related to lymphedema self-care and identify support needs perceived as critical for managing their chronic medical condition. Twenty-one breast cancer survivors with lymphedema participated in audio-recorded focus groups about barriers and facilitators of self-care. Transcripts were analyzed using ATLAS.ti software by two coders. Triangulation of findings provided for refinement and category confirmation. Themes identified included lack of social support, lack of resources for self-care activities, and self-advocacy by default. Lack of social support subthemes were feeling misunderstood, minimization of needs, and feeling criticized. Lack of resources for self-care activities subthemes were lack of both tangible self-care support and self-care supplies. Self-advocacy by default subthemes were the need to proactively manage lymphedema complications, the need to educate health-care workers, and feeling marginalized by the health-care system. Lack of support and the failure of others to recognize lymphedema as a chronic condition set this patient population apart from other patients with chronic diseases and decreases the amount of help needed to manage the condition.
Influence of reticulo endothelial blockade on turnover rate of homologous plasma proteins in mice.

Summary1) It was shown that 3 intravenous injections of thorotrast every 48 hours could induce an effective reticulo endothelial blockade in mice over 1 week. 2) S35 labelled mouse plasma proteins were transferred intravenously to 2 groups of 5 normal mice and 5 mice which then received such blockade treatment. 3) The average half life of labelled plasma proteins was 37 hours in the normal and 30 hours in the blocked mice. 4) The significance of these findings, as related to a possible function of the reticulo endothelial system in catabolism of plasma proteins, is discussed.
Ovipositional Preference and Larval Survival of the Onion Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) as Influenced by Previous Maggot Feeding

Onion maggot, Delia antique (Meigen), ovipositional preference and subsequentv larval survival on maturing onion bulbs with different levels of larval feeding and microbial damage were determined. Females preferentially oviposited on onion plants with low to moderate damage compared with healthy or severely damaged plants. Newly hatched onion maggots successfully colonized 90-100% of slightly to moderately damaged bulbs, which were preferred for oviposition, but colonized only 15-20% of the severely damaged and healthy plants. Weight gains for larvae reared on healthy or slightly damaged bulbs did not differ; both gains were greater than for larvae reared on more severely damaged bulbs. Overall larval survival was highest on slightly damaged bulbs. High densities of onion maggots are found on recently damaged fall onions, because they are preferred by D. antique for oviposition and are highly suitable larval food.
The gas-phase reaction of ClONO2 with hydrogen chloride

The gas-phase reaction of ClONO2 with HCl was investigated using two large-volume environmental chambers with analysis by in situ long pathlength Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. In these chambers the reaction was observed to proceed, at least in part, by heterogenous routes, and an upper limit to the rate constant for the homogeneous gas-phase reaction of geneous routes, and an upper limit to the rate constant for the homogeneous gas-phase reaction of $$k\left( {{\text{ClONO}}_{\text{2}} + {\text{HCl}}} \right) < 1.5 \times 10^{ - 19} {\text{ cm}}^{\text{3}} {\text{ molecule}}^{{\text{ - 1}}} {\text{ s}}^{{\text{ - 1}}}$$ Was derived at 298±2K. Assuming that this room-temperature upper limit to the rate constant is applicable to stratospheric temperatures, this homogeneous gas-phase reaction can be estimated to be of negligible importance as a ClONO2 loss process in the stratosphere.
Systemic significance of oral pigmentation and discoloration.

In many patients what appears to be discoloration or a pigmented area in the oral tissues often is only a normal color variation, a food or tobacco stain, or embedded dental amalgam. However, color changes in the mouth can also signify serious systemic illnesses and can be the first evidence of heavy metal poisoning.
Discrete shear transformation zone plasticity

Abstract A method for solving small strain plasticity problems with plastic deformation arising from the evolution of a collection of discrete shear transformation zones (STZs) is presented. The STZs are represented as transforming Eshelby inclusions. At each instant, superposition is used to represent the solution in terms of the Eshelby inclusions, which are given analytically for an infinite elastic medium, and an image solution that enforces the prescribed boundary conditions on the finite solid of interest. The image problem corresponds to a standard linear elastic boundary value problem. Constitutive relations are specified for the kinetics of the transformation. The general three dimensional formulation is given. Solutions for compression of a plane strain block are presented that illustrate the potential of the framework.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Nontraumatic Musculoskeletal Emergencies

Many pathologies of the musculoskeletal system involve nontraumatic causes. MR imaging is used in the diagnosis because of its high sensitivity and specificity compared with other modalities. Osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and stress fractures are pathologies of bone where early diagnosis and intervention usually lead to an improved outcome. Joint aspiration and culture is the standard for diagnosing septic arthritis. MR imaging can support the diagnosis and allows evaluation for adjacent abscess and osteomyelitis. Early in the disease process, necrotizing fasciitis may not be clinically suspected and imaging may provide the first indication of the presence of this potentially deadly infection.