cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of a household conditional cash transfer programme on coverage and quality of antenatal care: a secondary analysis of Indonesia's pilot programme.

Objective To analyse the effectiveness of a household conditional cash transfer programme (CCT) on antenatal care (ANC) coverage reported by women and ANC quality reported by midwives. Design The CCT was piloted as a cluster randomised control trial in 2007. Intent-to-treat parameters were estimated using linear regression and logistic regression. Setting Secondary analysis of the longitudinal CCT impact evaluation survey, conducted in 2007 and 2009. This included 6869 pregnancies and 1407 midwives in 180 control subdistricts and 180 treated subdistricts in Indonesia. Outcome measures ANC component coverage index, a composite measure of each ANC service component as self-reported by women, and ANC provider quality index, a composite measure of ANC service provided as self-reported by midwives. Each index was created by principal component analysis (PCA). Specific ANC component items were also assessed. Results The CCT was associated with improved ANC component coverage index by 0.07 SD (95% CI 0.002 to 0.141). Women were more likely to receive the following assessments: weight (OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.95)), height (OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.247 to 1.947)), blood pressure (OR 1.36 (95% CI 1.045 to 1.761)), fundal height measurements (OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.372 to 1.992)), fetal heart beat monitoring (OR 1.29 (95% CI 1.006 to 1.653)), external pelvic examination (OR 1.28 (95% CI 1.086 to 1.505)), iron-folic acid pills (OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.081 to 1.859)) and information on pregnancy complications (OR 2.09 (95% CI 1.724 to 2.551)). On the supply side, the CCT had no significant effect on the ANC provider quality index based on reports from midwives. Conclusions The CCT programme improved ANC coverage for women, but midwives did not improve ANC quality. The results suggest that enhanced ANC utilisation may not be sufficient to improve health outcomes, and steps to improve ANC quality are essential for programme impact.
Role of CFTR in airway disease

Pilewski, Joseph M., and Raymond A. Frizzell. Role of CFTR in Airway Disease. Physiol. Rev. 79, Suppl.: S215–S255, 1999. — Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the CF tr...
A Fast Level Set Method for Multimaterial Recovery in Microwave Imaging

Level set-based methods for microwave imaging can produce better results than linearized approaches but they are usually very slow because they require many iterations of a forward solver. In this paper, we have developed an approach, where we need only a small number of forward solver runs, to reconstruct the microwave images accurately. Our approach is a combination of a level set method and a linearized approach and has a regularization term for stability during level set iterations. We provide a detailed analysis of the method and demonstrate its applicability on synthetically generated data for 2-D microwave imaging. Different objects chosen to represent realistic features are considered to evaluate the performance. This approach is extended to multiple materials. The reconstructed images indicate that the method can produce accurate object localization, and shape and size identification. It can also recover the shape very well even for high contrast and heterogeneous structures.
Inhibition of the Concentration Quenching of HITC Dye in Nonlocal Plasmonic Environments

The long-range inhibition of the luminescence concentration quenching in heavily doped HITC:PMMA polymeric films in the vicinity of lamellar hyperbolic metamaterials and metallic surfaces is tentatively explained in terms of the strong exciton-plasmon coupling.
The Gravity Probe B gyroscope

The Gravity Probe B (GP-B) gyroscope, a unique cryogenically operated mechanical sensor, was used on-orbit to independently test two predictions of general relativity (GR). Here, we describe the development and performance of the GP-B gyroscope, its geometry and fabrication, spin-up and vacuum approach, magnetic considerations, and static charge management. The history of electrically suspended gyroscopes puts the current work in context. Fabrication and ground testing of the GP-B gyroscope are detailed, followed by a review of on-orbit initialization, calibration, operation, and performance. We find that the performance was degraded relative to the mission goals, but was still sufficient to provide excellent new tests of GR. The degradation is partially due to the existence of gyroscope torques due to an unanticipated interaction between patch potentials on the rotor and the housing. We discuss these patch potentials and describe the effect of related torques on gyro drift. It was essential to include models for the effects due to the patch potentials in the complete data analysis model to yield determinations of the two GR effects.
Formalizing UML Semantics

UML (Unified Modeling Language) developed by a group of leading experts in object-oriented methodologies has become the de facto standard object-oriented development methodology in the ware industry. However, many graphical notations in UML only have informal English definitions and thus are error-prone and cannot be formally analyzed. In the past several years, many researchers around the world have investigated a number of different approaches for developing formal semantics for subsets of UML, and several international conferences and workshops have been dedicated to UML.
A scheduling framework that makes any disk schedulers non-work-conserving solely based on request characteristics

Exploiting spatial locality is critical for a disk scheduler to achieve high throughput. Because of the high cost of disk head seeks and the non-preemptible nature of request service, state-of-the-art disk schedulers consider the locality of both pending and future requests. Though schedulers adopting the approach, such as the anticipatory scheduler, show substantial performance advantages, they need to know from which processes requests are issued to evaluate locality. This approach is not effective when the knowledge about processes is not available (e.g., in virtual machine environment, network or parallel file systems, and SAN) or the locality exhibited on a disk region is not solely determined by individual processes (e.g., in the case of cooperative process groups and disk array where requested data are striped).We propose a light-weight disk scheduling framework that does not require any process knowledge for analyzing request locality. Solely based on requests' own characteristics the framework can make any work-conserving scheduler non-work-conserving, i.e., able to take future requests as dispatching candidates, to fully exploit locality. Additionally, we show how to effectively extend the framework to the disk array environment. Our design, Stream Scheduling, is prototyped in the Linux kernel 2.6.31. With extensive experiments of representative benchmarks, and in various environments such as the Xen virtual machine and the PVFS parallel file system, we show that the proposed scheduling framework can improve their performance by up to 3.2 times.
Clifford Algebras and Orthogonal Groups over Commutative Rings

The Clifford algebra of a quadratic module M over a form ring (in the orthogonal case with form parameter {0}) is an algebra which is compatible with the structure of M in a universal way. We will study this algebra in this chapter and see that it has important impact on the structure of the orthogonal groups. It will be instrumental not only in clearing up earlier complications that were special to the orthogonal groups but also in generalizing previous results from fields to commutative rings. For example, the Clifford algebra provides a generalized spinor norm which adds insight into the structure of the KO1 groups.
Poor Relief and Welfare in Germany from the Reformation to World War I: The Social Evolution of Poor Relief, the Crisis of Voluntarism, and the Limits of Progressive Social Reform

As we saw in Chapter 3, voluntarism was the logical correlate of the limited state, and the importance of this voluntaristic impulse, as well as the pathos attached to it by the propertied classes, was reinforced by both the refusal to codify a right to assistance and the belief that personal intercourse between rich and poor was peculiarly well suited to combating the social problem as it was understood across much of the nineteenth century, that is, as a problem of individual character. This combination of “providence, paternalism, and philanthropy” within the framework of the limited state also defined the political rationality of public assistance in Germany from the Vormarz until the end of the century. At the turn of the century, though, the idea that need was due more to the structural inequalities of the bourgeois social order than to individual character failings implied to a growing number of observers that disadvantaged persons should enjoy more explicit rights to social services that would not simply keep them from starving, but rather would put them in a position to more fully realize their own potential and enjoy the rights and duties associated with political citizenship. This trend was reinforced by the greater participation of the working classes in political and social life, at both the local and the national levels, and these developments combined to set in motion a rethinking of the nature and purpose of social assistance that called into question every element of this liberal, voluntaristic paradigm.
Factors associated with noncomplete mesorectal excision following surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background The completeness of the resected mesorectum is a quality metric in rectal cancer surgery and has been related to oncological outcomes. Our aim was to identify variables associated with non-complete mesorectal excision and determine any effect on overall survival. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent curative intent surgery for rectal adenocarcinoma (2009–2016) were identified from a prospectively-maintained institutional database. Patients were grouped according to their mesorectal grade: complete, near-complete and incomplete. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the association between various patient, disease and surgeon-related characteristics and mesorectal grading. Log-rank tests were used to evaluate any difference in overall survival between the groups. Results 689 patients met inclusion criteria. Demographics and perioperative variables were comparable between the groups. On multivariate analysis, abdominoperineal resection, and involved circumferential resection margin were significantly associated with non-complete mesorectum. Finally, patients with non-complete mesorectal grading have approximately twice the hazard of death compared to those with complete mesorectal grading. Conclusions Several factors are associated with a non-complete mesorectal excision. Non-complete mesorectal grade is associated with decreased survival.
Simultaneous acquisition of orthogonal plane cine imaging and isotropic 4D-MRI using super-resolution.

Abstract Introduction Effective management of intrafraction motion is critical to the success of MR-guided radiation therapy (MR-gRT) of abdominal or thoracic tumors. Recent developments have proposed the use of cine MRI to monitor motion and 4D-MRI to aid in the reconstruction of dose actually delivered to patients. The present work aims to develop and perform preliminary testing of an imaging framework capable of simultaneously acquiring orthogonal plane cine imaging and isotropic resolution 4D-MRI volumes using super-resolution methods. Methods A pulse sequence was developed to acquire time-locked cine imaging in sagittal and coronal planes while additionally acquiring 4D-MRIs in both planes simultaneously. Isotropic resolution 4D-MRIs were reconstructed by combining information from the orthogonal volumes using super-resolution methods. This method was tested in phantoms and in liver cancer patients. Results Simultaneous cine imaging in sagittal and coronal planes allowed monitoring of respiratory motion and an accurate binning of concurrently acquired 4D imaging slices into the appropriate respiratory phases. The super-resolution reconstruction methods improved the resolution of the 4D-MRI along both of the low-resolution slice-select dimensions. Conclusions The development and preliminary testing of an imaging framework capable of acquiring simultaneous orthogonal cine imaging and super-resolution 4D-MRI was performed. The promising results merit further investigation for use in dose reconstruction during MR-guided radiation therapy.
Abstract WP57: Perfusion Angiography Improves Clinical Outcomes Prediction in Endovascular Stroke Therapy

Background: Successful reperfusion is a key determinant of outcome in endovascular stroke therapy (ET). However, present methods of grading treatment success using the Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infa...
Is Sharing More Sustainable? New Product Sales During the Transition to High Product Utilization

On-demand platforms that enable the sharing of products such as automobiles, clothing, and sporting equipment have grown rapidly in recent years, seeking to create value by increasing the utilizati...
Effects of exercise in a cold environment on gene expression for mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy.

Abstract Cold exposure during cycling and recovery enhances PGC-1α transcription, but aspects of mitophagy and a more intense cold exposure without recovery occurring in the cold have not been explored. Purpose: Determine the expression of genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy following an acute cycling bout at a temperature below freezing compared to that of room temperature. Methods: Eleven male participants cycled at 65% Wmax for 1 h at −2 °C and 20 °C and then recovered at room temperature for 6 h. A muscle biopsy was taken from the vastus lateralis before exercise, 3 h, and 6 h post-exercise for gene expression analysis. Results: Exercising heart rate and skin temperature were lower in the cold (p 0.05). BNIP3 and BNIP3L mRNA were not influenced by exercise (p = 0.329; p 0.233). PGC-1α and VEGF were higher after cycling (p
Technology of Grandeur: Early Modern Aqueducts in Portugal

Aqueduct construction remains an important yet understudied chapter in the history of early modern European technology and urbanism. Combining the symbolism of form with the utility of function, aqueducts spoke the revived language of classical architecture, serving as monumental statements of princely beneficence, civic pride, and local identity. Mobilizing community resources in an act of political will, such projects marked the consolidating power of central authorities that spearheaded urban renewal through the creation and display of the improved water supply. The case of early modern Portugal is crucial for broadening the scope of this discussion, which is usually focused on sixteenth century Italy, situating it within a larger geographical and chronological context. While revealing the deep rootedness of Portuguese aqueducts in the local traditions of construction and water management, their analysis sheds new light on the central question of continuity and rupture in the transfer of hydraulic technology and knowledge from antiquity through the Middle Ages.
Abstract LB-391: Combination of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor/insulin receptor (IGF1R/IR) antagonist with anti-PD-L1 antibody blocks triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) affects only about 10-15% of women with breast cancer (BC) but accounts for almost 50% of all BC deaths. At this time, development of targeted treatments for TNBC is urgently needed. Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2) is highly expressed in TNBCs in African-American and Latina patients. Since hormone receptors, like insulin-like growth factor-1/insulin (IGF1R/IR, are known to be enriched and to cross-communicate in subtypes of TNBC, we assessed effects of IGF1R/IR antagonists on proliferation of human and murine TNBC cells in vitro. Combination treatment of BMS-754807 (IGF1R/IR) with NVP-AEW541 (IGF1R inhibitor) reduced proliferation of human MDA-MB-231, BT549, HCC1937 and murine 4T1 TNBC cells in vitro (P Citation Format: Nalo M. Hamilton, Diana C. Marquez-Garban, Lorena P. Burton, Begonya Comin-Anduix, Alejandro J. Garcia, Jaydutt V. Vadgama. Combination of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor/insulin receptor (IGF1R/IR) antagonist with anti-PD-L1 antibody blocks triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-391.
"What Do You Want to Learn or Work on Today?": Benefits and Barriers to Asking Residents for Self-identified Learning Goals

Background In the emergency department (ED), residents and attendings may have a short-term relationship, such as a single shift. This poses challenges to learner assessment, instructional strategy selection, and provision of substantive feedback. We implemented a process for residents to identify goals for ED shifts; characterized residents' goals; and determined how goal identification affected learning, teaching, and feedback. Methods This was an observational study in a large, tertiary pediatric ED using mixed methods. Residents were asked to identify learning goals for each shift and were asked postshift if they had identified, accomplished, and/or received feedback on these goals. Goals were categorized by Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Core Competencies. Predictors of goal identification, accomplishment, and receipt of feedback were determined. Residents and attendings were interviewed about their experiences. Results We collected 306 end-of-shift surveys (74% response rate) and 358 goals and conducted 29 interviews. We found that: 1) Goal setting facilitated perceived learning. Residents identified goals 54% of the time. They accomplished 89% of and received feedback on 76% of goals. 2) Residents' perceived weaknesses, future practice settings, and available patients informed their goals. Most goals mapped to patient care (59%) or medical knowledge (37%) competencies. 3) Goal identification helped attendings determine residents' needs. 4) Ideal goals were specific and achievable. 5) Common barriers were busyness of the ED and difficulty creating goals. Residents were less likely to identify goals (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41 to 0.94) and receive feedback on busy evening shifts (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.37) and were most likely to receive feedback overnight (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 1.87 to 7.14). Conclusions Asking residents to identify goals for ED shifts as an instructional strategy facilitated perceived learning, goal accomplishment, and receipt of feedback. Resident-driven goal identification is a simple and effective instructional strategy that physicians can incorporate into their precepting in the ED.
Can You Really Have It Both Ways?: Why Flat Fees Should Not Be Considered Earned and Unearned at the Same Time

Last month, the Board of Professional Conduct of the Ohio Supreme Court released an advisory ethics opinion discussing the propriety of flat fee agreements. In it, the Board reiterates the principles contained in the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct on whether a lawyer may enter into an agreement requiring a client to pay a flat fee in advance of representation and whether a lawyer must deposit such a fee into a client trust account. Because these questions are addressed in the applicable Rules of Professional Conduct or their comments, the Opinion does not actually add much to the current state of the law. Unfortunately, however, that state of the law is based on a confusing and indefensible inherent contradiction within the applicable rules. By simply repeating that confused doctrine without criticizing it, the Board missed the opportunity to take a stand against the wrongheaded state of the law and to propose a much needed change in the applicable rules. As a result, the Board’s opinion merely reiterates a faulty analysis that leads to confusion and defeats the purpose of providing clear guidance to lawyers. This short essay will discuss the issues and will provide an alternative approach to help Ohio lawyers better understand the issues they face when handling flat fees paid in advance.
Astrogliosis and episodic memory in late life: higher GFAP is related to worse memory and white matter microstructure in healthy aging and Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Astrocytes play a formative role in memory consolidation during physiological conditions; when dysregulated, astrocytes release glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which has been linked with negative memory outcomes in animal studies. We examined the association between blood GFAP, memory, and white matter (WM) integrity, accounting for blood markers of AD pathology (i.e., Aβ42) and neurodegeneration (i.e., total tau; neurofilament light chain) in 114 older adults (asymptomatic, n = 69; MCI/AD dementia, n = 45). Higher levels of GFAP were associated with lower memory scores (p
Reducing hospitalizations: Implementation of CADD pumps in infusion clinic at a Los Angeles safety net hospital.

e18648Background: Computerized ambulatory drug delivery (CADD) pumps introduced in the 1980s made it possible to move infusion delivery from the hospital to the home. At Harbor-UCLA Medical Center,...
Characterization of a dual media system for culturing primary normal and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) endothelial cells.

Primary cultures of human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) are an important model system for studying the pathophysiology of corneal endothelium. The purpose of this study was to identify and validate an optimal primary culture model of normal and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) endothelial cells by comparing cell morphology and marker expression under different media conditions to in vivo donor tissues. Primary and immortalized HCECs, isolated from normal and FECD donors, were cultured in proliferation media (Joyce, M4, Bartakova) alone or sequentially with maturation media (F99, Stabilization 1, M5). CD56, CD73 and CD166 expressions were quantified in confluent and matured cell lines by flow cytometry. HCECs that were allowed to proliferate in Joyce’s medium followed by maturation in low-mitogen containing media yielded cells with similar morphology to corneal endothelial tissues. Elevated expression of CD56 and CD166 and low expression of CD73 correlated with regular, hexagonal-like HCEC morphology. CD56:CD73 > 2.5 was most consistent with normal HCEC morphology and mimicked corneal endothelial tissue. Immortalization of normal HCECs by hTERT transduction showed morphology and CD56:CD73 ratios similar to parental cell lines. HCECs established from FECD donors showed reduced CD56:CD73 ratios compared to normal HCECs which coincided with reduced uniformity and regularity of cell monolayers. Overall, a dual media system with Joyce’s medium for proliferation and a low-mitogen media for maturation, provided normal cultures with regular, hexagonal-like cell morphologies consistent with corneal endothelial cells in vivo. CD56:CD73 expression ratio >2.5 was predictive of in vivo-like cellular morphology.
Quantitative measurements of the growth kinetics of small fatigue cracks in 10Ni steel

An experimental method, developed to monitor the formation and subcritical propagation of small surface cracks, was evaluated and confirmed by comparisons with conventional "large" crack data. Analytical procedures were developed to produce quantitative crack growth rate-stress-intensity data from measured electrical potential values. Accurate and reproducible results were obtained for surface-defected specimens of 10Ni steel, machined from the heat of material investigated in an ASTM interlaboratory exchange program. Specifically, crack growth rates between 10 - 6 and 10 - 3 mm/cycle were correlated uniquely with the stress-intensity range, independent of crack depth (0.10 to 0.80 mm) and applied stress (30 to 90 percent of σ y s ). Data obtained for small surface cracks were in excellent agreement with the growth rate-stress-intensity relationship developed based on conventional tests with compact tension and center crack panel specimens. Accelerated cracking, associated with "short" crack effects, was not observed. The electrical potential monitoring technique for small surface cracks was qualified for investigations of "short" crack effects, and for screening studies requiring timely data acquisition.
Linear Interpolation Theory for Multidimensional Identification and Estimation

Motivated by the rational modeling problem in multidimensional spectrum estimation, we generalize some results from linear prediction theory to multiple dimensions. Non-causal models are needed for spectrum estimation algorithms in multiple dimensions because causal models do not generate the complete class of rational m-D spectra. Innovations are defined for non-causal prediction and the innovations representation for non-causally regular random fields is developed. In addition, we formulate and prove a spatial domain Wold decomposition theorem for random fields and relate the decomposition to the random field's frequency domain representation. Using the non-causal, innovations driven model we derive a spectrum estimation algorithm based upon a definition of state for non-causal rational systems.
Ground state of the spin-1/2 kagome-lattice Heisenberg antiferromagnet

Using series expansions around the dimer limit, we find that the ground state of the spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the kagome lattice appears to be a valence bond crystal (VBC) with a 36 site unit cell, and ground-state energy per site $E=\ensuremath{-}0.433\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}$. It consists of a honeycomb lattice of ``perfect hexagons.'' The energy difference between the ground state and other ordered states with the maximum number of perfect hexagons, such as a stripe-ordered state, is of order $0.001\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}$. The expansion is also done for the 36 site system with periodic boundary conditions; its energy per site is $0.005\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}$ lower than the infinite system, consistent with exact diagonalization results. Every unit cell of the VBC has two singlet states whose degeneracy is not lifted to sixth order in the expansion. We estimate this energy difference to be less than $0.001\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}$. The dimerization order parameter is found to be robust. Two leading orders of perturbation theory give lowest triplet excitations to be dispersionless and confined to the perfect hexagons.
High-performance hydrophobic-interaction chromatography on ether-bonded phases. Chromatographic characteristics and gradient optimization.

Abstract This paper is a continuation of the evaluation of hydrophilic ether columns for the separation of proteins by hydrophobic-interaction chromatography. In this approach, linear salt gradients of decreasing concentration of ammonium sulfate yield sharp chromatographic peaks with high mass recovery and maintenance of biological activity. Mild adsorption conditions are indicated by the minimal changes in chromatographic peak area of native proteins as a function of contact time by the biopolymer with the stationary phase. Further evidence of minimal kinetic processes under the chromatographic conditions are seen in the constantly of isocratic retention with mobile phase flow-rate and sample load up to 2 mg. Based on the well-behaved chromatographic characteristics, we have explored gradient optimization in terms of the Snyder model for gradient elution. It is shown that changes in retention, peak capacity and peak height follow predicted gradient time dependencies. Moreover, the influence of particle diameter and column length are found to be in agreement with expected behavior, based on the model. As a consequence of the agreement, prediction of conditions for optimum separation for a particular problem are possible. Other studies examine the influence of specific ion effects, e.g. , Mg 2+ binding to protein, which can override retention based on predicted surface tension behavior. Some characteristics of the ether column for hydrophobic-interaction chromatography are shown, e.g. , column stability at pH 8 and sample capacity.
Gemcitabine and docetaxel in metastatic, castrate-resistant prostate cancer: results from a phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel is the standard of care for patients with metastatic, castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue with broad antitumor activity. In a phase 2 study of combined docetaxel and gemcitabine, the authors assessed its safety and activity in patients with chemotherapy-naive, metastatic CRPC. METHODS: Eligible patients had untreated, metastatic CRPC with radiologic and/or biochemical evidence of progression after antiandrogen withdrawal with castrate testosterone levels, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 to 2, and adequate organ function; no previous chemotherapy was permitted. Patients received gemcitabine (800 mg/m2) Days 1 and 8 and docetaxel (75 mg/m2) on Day 8 every 21 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. Response was evaluated using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) for measurable disease. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response was defined as a decline ≥50% in baseline PSA level. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with chemotherapy-naive, metastatic CRPC were enrolled. The median age was 67 years, and 60% of patients had an ECOG PS of 0. PSA responses were observed in 49% of patients. Among the patients who had measurable disease (n = 25), 3 patients (12%) had a confirmed, RECIST-defined partial response (PR); 4 patients (16%) had an unconfirmed PR; and 15 patients (60%) achieved stable disease. The most common adverse events included grade 1 and 2 fatigue (69%), alopecia (80%), and nausea/vomiting (54%). No treatment-related deaths were noted, but an unusually high incidence of grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of combined gemcitabine and docetaxel in metastatic CRPC was similar to that observed with single-agent docetaxel. In contrast to single-agent docetaxel, the combination was moderately toxic and had an impact primarily on bone marrow reserve. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Meaning, Expression and Thought

Preface 1. Introduction Part I. Semantic Acts and Intentions: 2. Speaker meaning 3. Expression 4. Alternative analyses 5. Communication 6. Reference Part II. Languages and Semantic Acts: 7. Languages 8. Basic word meaning 9. Conventions 10. Compositional word meaning 11. Living languages Part III. Thoughts and Ideas: 12. Thought 13. Sentences, propositions and thoughts 14. The constituency thesis 15. Ideas or concepts 16. The possession of concepts 17. The acquisition of concepts 18. The association of ideas 19. Objects, images and conceptions 20. The language of thought hypothesis Part IV. Ideational Theories of Meaning: 21. Objections to ideational theories 22. Priority objections 23. Incompleteness objections References Index.
Purification of PA700, the 19S regulatory complex of the 26S proteasome

The 26S proteasome is a 2,400,000-Da protease complex that selectively degrades proteins modified by polyubiquitin chains. The 26S proteasome is composed of two 700,000-Da multisubunit complexes: the 20S proteasome, which serves as the proteolytic core of the complex, and PA700, an ATPase regulatory complex responsible for the binding, modification, and delivery of substrates to the proteolytic chamber. Thus, PA700 mediates multiple functions essential for ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis by the 26S proteasome. This chapter reviews briefly the structure and function of PA700, details the methodology for its large-scale purification from mammalian tissues, and describes a simple functional PA700 assay based on the stimulation of proteasome activity.
Employer and Worker Contributions to Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements, 2006-2011

This paper presents findings from the 2011 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey, as well as earlier surveys, examining the availability of health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) and health savings account (HSA)-eligible plans (consumer-driven health plans, or CDHPs). It also looks at employer and individual contribution behavior. According to the 2011 EBRI/MGA Consumer Engagement in Health Care Survey, 8.4 million adults ages 21-64, or 7 percent of the population, was enrolled in a CDHP. An additional 7.3 million reported that they were eligible for an HSA but did not have such an account. Thus, overall, 15.8 million adults ages 21-64 with private insurance, representing 13.1 percent of that market, were either in a CDHP or an HSA-eligible plan but had not opened the account. When their children are counted, about 21 million individuals with private insurance, representing about 12 percent of the market, were either in a CDHP or an HSA-eligible plan. Two-thirds of workers with an HRA or HSA reported that their employer contributed to the account in 2011. Among workers with an employer contribution, those with employee-only coverage saw their annual employer contributions increase between 2006 and 2008, but fall in 2009 and 2011. Between 2006 and 2008, the percentage reporting that their employer contributed $1,000 or more to the account increased from 26 percent to 37 percent. It fell to 32 percent in 2009 and to 24 percent in 2011. The percentage of workers with an employer contribution of $200-$499 increased from 14 percent to 22 percent between 2009 and 2011. Among workers with family coverage, employer contribution levels were unchanged between 2010 and 2011. The percentage reporting a contribution of $1,000 or more was 64 percent in 2011. Individuals’ contributions to HSA plans have increased. Between 2006 and 2011, the percentage of individuals with employee-only coverage contributing nothing to an HSA decreased from 28 percent to 11 percent. In contrast, the percentage contributing $1,500 or more increased from 21 percent in 2006 to 44 percent in 2011. Among persons with family coverage, contribution levels were unchanged in 2011, and, in contrast to individual coverage, there are no observed long-term trends toward higher contributions. The percentage not making any contributions was unchanged at 10 percent in 2011. The percentage contributing less than $500 was 9 percent, while the percentage contributing $1,500 or more was 54 percent. A greater percentage of individuals with family coverage than with individual coverage contribute $1,500 or more, which is expected because deductibles are higher for family coverage.The PDF for the above title, published in the February 2012 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another February 2012 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: “Labor-force Participation Rates of the Population Age 55 and Older, 2011: After the Economic Downturn.”
Accurate mask registration on tilted lines for 6F2 DRAM manufacturing

193nm immersion lithography is the mainstream production technology for the 22nm half pitch (HP) DRAM manufacturing. Considering multi-patterning as the technology to solve the very low k1 situation in the resolution equation puts extreme pressure on the intra-field overlay, to which mask registration error may be a significant error contributor [3]. The International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS [1]) requests a registration error below 4 nm for each mask of a multi-patterning set forming one layer on the wafer. For mask metrology at the 22nm HP node, maintaining a precision-to-tolerance (P/T) ratio below 0.25 will be very challenging. Mask registration error impacts intra-field wafer overlay directly and has a major impact on wafer yield. DRAM makers moved several years ago to 6F2 (figure 1, [2]) cell design and thus printing tilted lines at 15 or 30 degree. Overlay of contact layer over buried line has to be well controlled. However, measuring mask registration performance accurately on tilted lines was a challenge. KLA Tencor applied the model-based algorithm to enable the accurate registration measurement of tilted lines on the Poly layer as well as the mask-to-mask overlay to the adjacent contact layers. The metrology solution is discussed and measurement results are provided.
Rostral-Caudal Variation in Troponin T and Parvalbumin Correlates with Differences in Relaxation Rates of Cod Axial Muscle

Relaxation rate is an important determinant of axial muscle power production during the oscillatory contractions of undulatory locomotion. Recently, significant differences have been reported in the relaxation rates of rostral versus caudal white muscle fibers of the Atlantic cod Gadus morhua L. The present study investigates the biochemical correlates of this rostral-caudal physiological variation. Using denaturing gel electrophoresis, a series of fresh muscle samples from the dorsal epaxial muscle region was analyzed and several differences were detected. First, a gradual shift occurs in the expression of two troponin T isoforms along the length of the body. Second, rostral muscles were found to contain significantly greater amounts of parvalbumin than caudal muscles. Third, two soluble Ca(2+)-binding proteins, in addition to parvalbumin, were also detected in the rostral muscle samples yet were absent from the caudal samples. This suite of rostral-caudal variations provides a strong biochemical basis for regional differences in the relaxation rates of cod white muscle.
Mosquito larvae density and pollutant removal in tropical wetland treatment systems in Honduras.

Constructed wetlands offer a low-cost wastewater treatment option for tropical developing countries. The vast majority of published treatment wetland research has been conducted in temperate regions. Because the function of treatment wetlands is related to the environmental conditions, more research specific to the tropics should be completed. A six-cell free water surface (FWS) wetland mesocosm was constructed in Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras that received input from an open-sewer/wastewater-impacted stream. Three cells were planted with Typha domingensis Pers., and three cells were left unplanted. Both planted and unplanted wetlands were constructed with three different surface areas to concurrently study different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and hydraulic loading rates (HLRs). Results from 6 months of operation showed improved water quality and mosquito larvae populations affected by their specific environment. Five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) removal appeared to be proportional to HRT and HLR, and BOD concentration in the effluent was higher in unplanted cells than in planted cells (P<0.05). BOD removal approached 60% for greater than 3.5 days HRT. Total phosphorus (P) removal and coliform bacteria removal were found to be correlated with pollutant load, and P removal was found to be correlated with HRT but not HLR. A second municipal wastewater FWS treatment wetland in Copan Ruinas, Honduras that had been established for 15 years, was also evaluated. BOD removal in the Copan Ruinas system was determined to be 93% with 2.6 day HRT. These pollutant removal rates are higher than would be expected in temperate regions. Mosquito larvae density was correlated with depth of the wetland. Mosquito larvae densities were higher in cells that were operating below design depth of 0.2 m (P<0.005). Results indicate that it is possible to design FWS wetlands in the tropics for effective BOD removal and reduced mosquito larvae development.
Language Evolution: What Do Chimpanzees Have to Say?

Although unique in important ways, language shares some properties with other animal communication systems. Comparative analyses of nonhuman primate vocalizations can shed light on the evolution of language's special features.
Laser "cross-hair" sidelight.

A technique is described for forming an optical laser cross‐hair image for use as a radiotherapy sidelight. The technique is developed from a concept introduced earlier by which a line image is formed from a laser beam using a cylindrical lens. By using two cylindrical lenses and appropriate reflectors, two line images can be made to form a cross.
Cerebral blood flow velocity after mannitol infusion in children

Purpose There is conflicting evidence as to whether the effect of mannitol on brain bulk arises from haemodynamic, rheologic, or osmotic mechanisms. If mannitol alters cerebral haemodynamics by inducing vasoconstriction, this change should be reflected in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mannitol on CBFV in children.
Light-triggered organization of the stigma in dark-grown nondividing cells ofEuglena gracilis

Abstract Dark-grown cells of Euglena gracilis Klebs var. bacillaris Cori contain amorphous stigma material. When these cells are placed on resting medium for 3 days in darkness, the cells cease division; the organization of a normal stigma from the amorphous material requires continuous illumination for 72–96 hr. We have now found that if dark-grown cells are placed on resting medium for 8 days, a 40-min light pulse is sufficient to cause normal organization of the stigma in a subsequent 72-hr dark period. Thus stigma development is light-dependent at 3 days of resting but becomes light-triggered at 8 days. Other examples of light-triggered phenomena in Euglena are discussed and a model based on turnover of protein molecules repressing development that are ordinarily removed by exposure to light is presented; it is suggested that as the cells become more starved their ability to replace repressor molecules removed by light becomes limited and the system thereby becomes light-triggered rather than light-dependent.
An alternate route to giant magnetoresistance in MBE-grown Co-Cu superlattices (invited)

Co–Cu superlattices grown by MBE in the (111) orientation show weak or nonexistent interlayer exchange coupling, yet several groups have observed large high‐field magnetoresistance signals in excess of 30%. In the present work, we address some of the questions relating to GMR and the interlayer coupling by studying samples with atomically abrupt interfaces, as probed by real‐time RHEED techniques, HRTEM, and spin‐echo NMR. We propose that the lowered dimensionality of the structure leads to an enhancement of the scattering of conduction electrons from paramagnetic interfaces obeying a Langevin‐like saturation at very high fields, well beyond the switching field of the Co layers. Scaling between the GMR and thermopower measurements suggests that a spin‐dependent density of states at the Co–Cu interfaces is responsible for the observed magnetotransport behavior in these samples, rather than antiferromagnetically coupled Co layers.
Analysis of nuclear materials by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and spectral effects of alpha decay

Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectra collected from alpha emitters are complicated by artifacts inherent to the alpha decay process, particularly when using portable instruments. For example, 239Pu EDXRF spectra exhibit a prominent uranium L X-ray emission peak series due to sample alpha decay rather than source-induced X-ray fluorescence. A portable EDXRF instrument was used to collect qualitative spectra from plutonium and americium, and metal alloy identification was performed on a Pu-contaminated steel sample. Significant alpha decay-induced X-ray fluorescence peaks were observed in spectra obtained from the plutonium and americium samples due to the 235U and 237Np daughters, respectively. The plutonium sample was also analyzed by wavelength dispersive XRF (WDXRF) to demonstrate that alpha decay-induced X-ray emission has a negligible effect on WDXRF spectra.
Impact of Chlorine Emissions from Sea-Salt Aerosol on Coastal Urban Ozone

The ability of photochemical models to predict observed coastal chlorine levels and their corresponding effect on ozone formation is explored. Current sea-spray generation functions, a comprehensive gas-phase chlorine chemistry mechanism, and several heterogeneous/multiphase chemical reactions considered key processes leading to reactive chlorine formation are added to an airshed model of the South Coast Air Basin of California. Modeling results reproduce regional sea-salt particle concentrations. The heterogeneous/multiphase chemical reactions do not affect the rate of hydrochloric acid displacement, nor do they enhance aerosol nitrate formation. Chlorine levels in the model are predicted to be an order of magnitude lower than previously observed values at other coastal regions under similar conditions, albeit in much better agreement than previous studies. The results suggest that the inclusion of sea-salt-derived chlorine chemistry might increase morning ozone predictions by as much as 12 ppb in coastal regions and by 4 ppb in the peak domain ozone in the afternoon. The inclusion of anthropogenic sources of chlorine is recommended for future studies, as such sources might elevate ozone predictions even further via direct emission into polluted regions.
Ab initio study of electronic energy transfer in the quenching of CO*(a 3Π) by H2

Abstract Potential energy calculations for the interaction of CO(a 3Π) with H2(X 1Σg+) are presented, both at the MC SCF level and with the inclusion of extensive configuration interaction. In C2v geometry, the lowest two 3B2 surfaces exhibit a strongly avoided crossing. At the highest level of theory used, the lowest surface provides a barrier-free adiabatic pathway for energy transfer from CO(a) to H2, the products being CO(X 1Σ+) and H2(b 3Σu+), which dissociates to two H atoms. The energy transfer occurs by a two-electron exchange mechanism.
Model control of image processing: Pupillometry

Smart instruments require on-line computers, special purpose hardware, or both. A pupillometer is described that relies only on a general purpose microcomputer with a frame grabber to process infrared video camera pictures of the human eye. An essential feature of the instrument is that a top-down model controls the image processing algorithms. The model generates regions of interest, ROIs, positioned from knowledge of anatomy and optics of the eye and information from previously analyzed frames. Within these adaptively controlled ROIs, fast, run-time algorithms automatically calculate local thresholds, area measurements, moments for centroid position information, and use pyramiding to shorten calculation time for large pupils. Outputs are precise measurements of pupil size and eye position in real time, with adequate bandwidth for most purposes.