cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase I-II trial of concomitant continuous carboplatin (CBDCA) infusion and radiotherapy in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer with evaluation for surgery: final report

Abstract Purpose: The goal of this trial was to determine the maximum tolerable dose when carboplatin (CBDCA) was administered in continuous infusion concurrently with radiotherapy in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer. Methods and Materials: From October 1989 to July 1993, 54 patients were studied (male/female ratio: 44 to 10), median age was 62 years. Two patients had Stage II cancer, 22 had Stage IIIA, 24 had Stage IIIB, and 6 had Stage IV. Carboplatin was given for 96 h, starting at a dose of 30 mg/m 2 /day: 13 patients received 30 mg/m 2 /day (group A), 12 patients received 50 mg/m 2 /day (group B), 12 patients received 70 mg/m 2 /day (group C), 10 patients received 90 mg/m 2 /day (group D), and 7 patients 110 mg/m 2 /day (group E). The radiation dose was 50.40 Gy delivered to the target volume in 5.3 weeks. Results: Fifty-three of 54 patients were evaluable for toxicity and 52 out of 54 for response. Toxicity (Miller score): Myelotoxicity: in groups A and B it was almost absent; in groups C and D it was moderate (leukopenia G1-2: 45.4% patients; trombocytopenia G1-2: 22.7%, G3 9%; anemia G1-2: 9%); only in group E was it severe (leukopenia G1 and G3 16.6% respectively; trombocytopenia G3: 33.3%, G4: 16.6%; anemia G1-2: 50%). Nephrotoxicity was present only in one patient of group E and was Grade 3. Nausea and vomiting were related to CBDCA dose. One patient in Group E died of intractable toxicity 3 days after the end of infusion; then the study was closed. The limiting toxicity dose was shown to be 110 mg/m 2 /day given for 96 h. Clinical response rate: Twenty-six of 52 patients had major response, 24 had minor response, and only 2 patients had progression of disease. Surgery: Twenty-one of 52 tumors were judged resectable: 18 patients had complete tumor resection, 1 had exploratory thoracotomy, and 2 patients refused surgery. Pathological response rate: Five patients had pathologic state T0 or Tis. Conclusions: These results indicate that the maximum tolerable dose of CBDCA infusion for 96 h is 90 mg/m 2 /day, and this schedule seems to produce an appreciable response rate. Therefore, we have started a Phase II trial, which will permit us to define the true efficacy of this schedule.
Impact-collision ion-scattering-spectrometry study of Ni layers deposited on Si(111) at room temperature.

Overlayers of Ni, ranging in thickness from 0.1 to 34 A\r{}, were deposited on a Si(111) surface. Surface structure and composition were monitored during the film growth using impact-collision ion-scattering spectrometry. Results indicate that at extremely low Ni coverages, \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 A\r{}, Ni atoms diffuse into the Si substrate and form regions of predominantly type-B ${\mathrm{NiSi}}_{2}$. Further Ni deposition results in the lateral growth of silicide islands enriched with Si on the surface. At 12 A\r{} coverage the islands coalesce, then grow in thickness until 30 A\r{} Ni has been deposited, at which point a pure-Ni film begins to form.
Sampling from Natural Populations with RNAi Reveals High Outcrossing and Population Structure in Caenorhabditis elegans

Summary Despite a nearly worldwide distribution in nature, Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits low levels of genetic polymorphism [1–6], possibly as an indirect consequence of low levels of outcrossing. In the laboratory, Caenorhabditis elegans males are produced at low rates and are steadily eliminated from cultures [7, 8], so that reproduction happens largely through self-fertilization in hermaphrodites. C. elegans is increasingly the focus of evolutionary research [1–4, 7, 9–12]; however, natural outcrossing rates are difficult to measure because mating tests with laboratory strains are usually required to identify C. elegans . We sampled natural populations of C. elegans with an RNA interference (RNAi) assay. Heterozygosities and polymorphism patterns revealed surprisingly high levels of population structure and outcrossing (approximately 22% of individuals are estimated to be the result of outcrossing and not self-fertilization). The finding of strong local population structure, together with low levels of diversity on local and global scales, suggests a metapopulation model of frequent extinction and recolonization of local populations. The occurrence of substantial outcrossing suggests that the extinction of local populations is probably not driven by the accumulation of harmful mutations.
Effect of feeding strategy on the stability of anaerobic sequencing batch reactor responses to organic loading conditions

Abstract The goal of this study was to examine the effect of feeding strategy on the capability for treatment and the stability of an anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) under increasing organic loading. The lab-scale ASBR systems were operated at 35 °C using synthetic organic wastewater under both batch and fed-batch operational modes with different feed to cycle time (F:C) ratios. Experimental studies were conducted over a wide range of volumetric organic loading rates (VOLRs) (1.524 g COD/l/d) by varying the hydraulic retention time (HRT) (1.25, 2.5, and 5 d) and the feed wastewater’s COD (3750–30,000 mg/l). With an F:C ratio greater than or equal to 0.42, the fed-batch mode operation showed higher system efficiency in COD removal, volumetric methane production rate (VMPR), and specific methane production rate (SMPR) as compared to those in the batch mode with identical VOLR and HRT. In the fed-batch mode, the COD removals reached 86–95% with VOLR up to 12 g COD/l/d. The maximums for VMPR of 3.17 l CH4/l/d and for SMPR of 1.63 g CH4–COD/g VSS/d were achieved with a VOLR of 12 g COD/l/d at HRTs of 2.5 and 1.25 d, respectively. The fed-batch operation presented a lower concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) than those in the batch operation. A lower concentration of VFAs confirmed the stability and efficiency of the fed-batch mode operation. The specific methanogenic activity (SMA) analysis showed that the VFA-degrading activity of the biomass in the fed-batch mode was higher for acetate and butyrate, and lower for propionate. Determined biomass yield and bacterial decay coefficients in the fed-batch operational mode were 0.05 g VSS/g CODrem and 0.001 d−1, respectively.
Ecology of the Vegetation of a Second‐Growth Sequoia Forest

Studies were made of an 80—acre tract of big tree forest which was logged about 1875 for sugar pine, ponderosa pine, and big tree. Disturbances related to logging created conditions ideal for establishment of trees, and a dense second—growth forest has developed. Incense—cedar and white fir are the most abundant trees, but the rapidly growing big trees now dominate in the early successional stages, but now the many species of shrubs and herbaceous plants present occur in low frequency. See full-text article at JSTOR
Enzymatic modification of milk protein concentrate and characterization of resulting functional properties

Abstract Milk protein concentrates are suitable ingredients for high-protein beverages, but are underutilized due to poor solubility at ambient temperature and neutral pH. The other functional properties of milk protein concentrate, such as emulsification and foaming, depend on its solubility. Milk protein concentrate with 80 g protein 100 g −1 was hydrolyzed with three digestive enzymes – chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pepsin – and one cysteine protease – papain – to improve solubility and functionality. Two hydrolysates were produced with each enzyme at targeted levels of hydrolysis to help prevent the development of bitterness. Reduced urea sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that casein subunits were more susceptible to hydrolysis compared with the whey proteins. Enzyme hydrolysis improved the solubility of the milk protein concentrate in the pH range of 4.6–7.0 inclusive. All enzyme hydrolysates had reduced surface hydrophobicity and gel strength. Hydrolysis with chymotrypsin and trypsin improved emulsion activity and stability whereas emulsification capacity was improved with all enzymes. Foaming properties depended on enzyme and hydrolysis time. The hydrolysis of milk protein concentrate with food enzymes can improve solubility and alter resultant functional properties.
Effect of Recording Duration on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Out-of-Center Sleep Testing for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

STUDY OBJECTIVES This study investigated the minimum recording time needed during out-of-center sleep testing (OCST) to accurately diagnose the presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). DESIGN AND SETTING A retrospective analysis was conducted of OCSTs performed from October 2009 to May 2012 at the Mayo Clinic Center of Sleep Medicine using the portable Embletta™ system. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS Demographic information was collected for patients who underwent OCSTs during the study period, including presenting symptoms, examination findings, and comorbidities. INTERVENTION Each study was divided into 60-, 120-, 180-, 240-, 300-, 360-, and 420-min intervals beginning at the recording start time to determine the respiratory event index (REI) for each of these time intervals. These interval values were then compared to the original REI derived from the total recording time (REITRT) by a paired t-test and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS There were significant differences between the REITRT and the REI from the 60-min (P < 0.0001), 120-min (0.0001), 180-min (0.003) and 240-min (0.006) intervals with a lack of concordance, suggesting these intervals are poor diagnostic correlates for the REITRT. REIs determined at 300, 360, and 420 min were not significantly different from the REITRT and had highly significant CCCs, 0.963, 0.987, and 0.995, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that at least 300 min recording time during out-of-center sleep testing is needed for accurate diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and determination of obstructive sleep apnea severity.
Parallel diffraction grating anomalies

Experiments are described which show that grating anomalies are not confined to that part of the incident light which is polarized with its electric vector perpendicular to the rulings. The appearance of the new anomalies is attributed to groove depth. The parallel anomalies have been found only when using gratings with grooves much deeper than the wavelength, and they vanish when the wavelength becomes comparable to the groove depth. It is shown why neither Strong nor Ingersoll found parallel anomalies, and why Rayleigh’s theory concludes that they should not exist. New experiments with thin dielectric coats show that very thin layers of dielectric of the order of a fraction of a wavelength thick modify the appearance of both parallel and perpendicular anomalies, although a thickness of about one and one-half wavelengths is required before the anomalous wavelength begins to shift. With thick layers of dielectric, both the parallel and perpendicular anomalies are shifted a calculable amount which depends on the refractive index.
NUTRITION STUDIES DURING EARLY ORGANOGENESIS: DISPARATE UTILIZATION OF LEUCINE AND METHIONINE BY THE 8.5 AND 9.5 DAY RAT EMBRYO. • 326

NUTRITION STUDIES DURING EARLY ORGANOGENESIS: DISPARATE UTILIZATION OF LEUCINE AND METHIONINE BY THE 8.5 AND 9.5 DAY RAT EMBRYO. • 326
Reproducibility of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for replicate bacterial culture analysis.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) was used to demonstrate the reproducibility of bacterial spectra collected on different days. The reproducibility of analysis by MALDI-MS of intact Escherichia coli and Bacillus atrophaeus is presented as a replicate culture study in which spectra were collected on ten different occasions over a three-month period and by two different operators. The analysis resulted in the detection of specific biomarkers in the m/z 2000-20 000 range. Some of the peaks in the Escherichia coli spectra are identified by comparison with other published work. All of the spectra obtained are reproducible over the course of the experiment, but operator variability does exist. The Escherichia coli spectra show operator variability while the Bacillus atrophaeus spectra do not. This work demonstrates the utility of MALDI in obtaining consistent spectra from bacteria over a period of time.
Understanding Learning Control of Molecular Fragmentation

We analyze the physical mechanisms underlying control over molecular fragmentation in a family of similar molecules using shaped ultrafast laser pulses. Our interpretation of the control mechanism in one molecule allows us to predict the nature and degree of control possible in the others. The predictions are verified and variations in the control are discussed. This study points to systematic behavior in chemical reactions of similar species driven by photonic reagents.
Effects of combined treatment with mephedrone and methamphetamine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine on serotonin nerve endings of the hippocampus.

Abstract Aims Mephedrone is a stimulant drug of abuse with close structural and mechanistic similarities to methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Although mephedrone does not damage dopamine nerve endings it increases the neurotoxicity of amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA. The effects of mephedrone on serotonin (5HT) nerve endings are not fully understood, with some investigators reporting damage while others conclude it does not. Presently, we investigate if mephedrone given alone or with methamphetamine or MDMA damages 5HT nerve endings of the hippocampus. Main methods The status of 5HT nerve endings in the hippocampus of female C57BL mice was assessed through measures of 5HT by HPLC and by immunoblot analysis of serotonin transporter (SERT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), selective markers of 5HT nerve endings. Astrocytosis was assessed through measures of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (immunoblotting) and microglial activation was determined by histochemical staining with Isolectin B4. Key findings Mephedrone alone did not cause persistent reductions in the levels of 5HT, SERT or TPH2. Methamphetamine and MDMA alone caused mild reductions in 5HT but did not change SERT and TPH2 levels. Combined treatment with mephedrone and methamphetamine or MDMA did not change the status of 5HT nerve endings to an extent that was different from either drug alone. Significance Mephedrone does not cause toxicity to 5HT nerve endings of the hippocampus. When co-administered with methamphetamine or MDMA, drugs that are often co-abused with mephedrone by humans, toxicity is not increased as is the case for dopamine nerve endings when these drugs are taken together.
Collembola (Arthropoda, Hexapoda) from the mid Cretaceous of Myanmar (Burma)

Abstract A prior study involved 78 Collembola specimens preserved in Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) amber from Canada. This work deals with 109 specimens from the mid Cretaceous (Cenomanian or possibly slightly lower) of Myanmar, 37 of which have been identified to the generic level; 14 new species are described. Two species of the family Isotomidae are placed in previously described genera. One is placed in the Late Cretaceous genus Protoisotoma ( burma ), and one in the extant genus Proisotoma (s.l.) pettersoni . The remaining specimens are placed in 11 newly erected genera or as “Incertae sedis” taxa in the broadly construed families Sminthuridae, Isotomidae, and Neanuridae. The new genera are Sminthuridae (s.l.): Grinnellia , Sminthuricinus , Mucrovirga , and Sminthurconus ; Isotomidae: Villusisotoma (two species, V. brevis and V. longa ), Burmisotoma , Propachyotoma , and Protodesoria ; Neanuridae (s.l.) Protodontella . Two new genera ( Praentomobrya and Cretacentomobrya ) are placed in a new family (Praentombryidae), which is similar to the modern family Entomobryidae. Most of the extinct genera are very similar to modern genera. This similarity, along with the occurrence of an extant genus, suggests that a greater proportion of the Collembola of Myanmar (Burma) survived the end-Cretaceous than did taxa in Canada, even though the former are approximately 30 Ma older.
CONGRUENCY FACTORS RELATED TO VISUAL CONFUSION OF ENGLISH LETTERS

An index was developed to determine the congruency of letter pairs in the lower-case English alphabet in Century Schoolbook print. The index was based on the ratio of common area to independent area. The congruency matrix of the 325 letter pairs was factor analyzed. Five factors indicated major letter groups and illustrated critical features for discrimination within letter groups.
Submeasures on nuanced MV-algebras

Abstract This paper further investigates the properties of submeasures on n-nuanced MV-algebras introduced by the author in a previous work. We prove that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the set of submeasures on an n-nuanced MV-algebra and the set of submeasures on its MV-center. As a main result, we prove an extension theorem for submeasures on n-nuanced MV-algebras. This result generalizes the extension theorems which have been proved by Riecan for MV-algebras and by Georgescu for Łukasiewicz–Moisil algebras. The perfect NMVA n is defined and studied and the notion of a bounded local submeasure on a perfect NMVA n is introduced. It is proved that any bounded local submeasure on a perfect NMVA n L can be extended to a submeasure on L.
Design of Drag-Link Mechanisms With Minimax Transmission Angle Deviation

In this paper, the design equations are derived for the synthesis of a drag-link mechanism, with given output-link rotation and the corresponding input-link rotation. The design criterion used is based on the maximum capability of a drag-link mechanism to provide a given delay or advance in the output motion. The solutions are given as a single-valued parametric set of equations for the link lengths. The transmission-angle optimization is accomplished by the minimization of the maximum transmission-angle deviation from 90 deg. It is shown that the optimum design can be obtained by solving a cubic equation in a single parameter. Design charts for the optimum design of a drag-link mechanism were developed. It is also shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the design of a crank-and-rocker mechanism and the drag-link mechanism.
Variations in presentation of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen's disease) in immunocompromised patients

Background Although cutaneous malignancy is well known to occur at a higher rate in organ transplant recipients, limited data exist regarding the presentation of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ in patients with immunosuppression from any cause. Objective To characterize the presentation of SCC in situ in immunosuppressed patients compared with patients with normal immune function. Methods A retrospective comparative university-based study, reviewing charts with histologically confirmed Bowen's disease diagnosed between January 1999 and January 2003. Results Two hundred ninety-nine patients (193 men, 106 women) with 407 SCC in situ tumors were included. Fifty-seven patients (19%) were immunocompromised, including 43 organ transplant recipients, 7 patients with acute and chronic leukemia, and 6 patients with immune-suppressing infections or autoimmune disease. Immunocompromised patients were significantly younger (mean, 61.7 years) than non-immunocompromised patients, 72.6 years, P P = .0115). Immunocompromised patients were significantly more likely to have multiple SCC in situ tumors (33% vs 15%; P = .012). Immunocompromised patients were also more likely to present with tumors on the trunk and extremities (odds ratio [OR], 2.03; P = .0019) and particularly on the neck (OR 3.7; P = .00075) than were non-immunocompromised patients. Overall, 11 patients (3.7%) developed a histologically confirmed recurrence of SCC in situ after apparently adequate surgical treatment. The rate of recurrence was higher in immunocompromised (9%) than in non-immunocompromised patients (3%; P = .039). Limitations The mean follow-up duration of 35 months may underestimate the recurrence rate. Conclusions Immunocompromised patients are at significant risk of SCC in situ, and SCC in situ in this population is likely to occur multiply and behave more aggressively. Close dermatologic surveillance of these patients is warranted.
Itch and Analgesia Resulting from Intrathecal Application of Morphine: Contrasting Effects on Different Populations of Trigeminothalamic Tract Neurons

Intrathecal application of morphine is among the most powerful methods used to treat severe chronic pain. However, this approach commonly produces itch sufficiently severe that patients are forced to choose between relief of pain or itch. The neuronal populations responsible for processing and transmitting information underlying itch caused by intrathecal application of morphine have not been identified and characterized. We describe two populations of antidromically identified trigeminothalamic tract (VTT) neurons in anesthetized rats that are differentially affected by morphine and explain several aspects of opioid-induced itch and analgesia. We found that intrathecal application of morphine increased ongoing activity of itch-responsive VTT neurons. In addition, intrathecal application of morphine increased responses to pruritogens injected into the skin and greatly heightened responses to innocuous mechanical stimuli. In contrast, the ongoing activity and responses to noxious pinches in nociceptive VTT neurons were frequently inhibited by the same dose of morphine. These results reveal that i.t. application of morphine affects specific subpopulations of VTT neurons in ways that may produce itch, hyperknesis, alloknesis, and analgesia.
A 5GHz+ 128-bit Binary Floating-Point Adder for the POWER6 Processor

A fast 128-bit end-around carry adder is designed and fabricated as part of the POWER6 floating-point unit in a 65nm SOI process technology. Efficient use of static circuits and careful balance of the look-ahead tree enable our floating point design to operate beyond 5GHz with 1.1 V supply
Obtaining a function of bounded coarse variation by a change of variable

On etudie comment et quand on peut changer une fonction integrable improprement de Riemann F(x) en soit une fonction simplement integrable soit une fonction integrable dominee F(f(t))f'(t) par un changement de variable x=f(t)
External Validation of Outcome Prediction Model for Ureteral/Renal Calculi

Purpose: We externally validated a previously designed neural network model to predict outcome and duration of passage for ureteral/renal calculi. The model was also evaluated using a 6 mm largest stone dimension cutoff in predicting stone outcome.Materials and Methods: The model was previously designed on 301 patients at Albany Medical Center (free shareware from www.uroengineering.com). The model had a prediction accuracy of 86% for passage outcome and 87% for passage duration. In this study we tested the model on a separate 384 patients from 6 different external institutions to assess the prediction accuracy. All patients had a single renal/ureteral calculus by evaluation in an emergency room setting or by primary physicians and were then referred for further treatment. Model accuracy was also compared to using a 6 mm largest stone dimension cutoff in predicting the need for intervention.Results: Testing on the 384 patients from all 6 external institutions revealed an outcome prediction accuracy of 88%...
FLOW INJECTION ANALYSIS OF AQUEOUS OZONE BY USING TIRON-Fe(II) AS A REAGENT

Flow injection analysis of aqueous ozone was investigated by using tiron-Fe(II) as a reagent. The precision(RSD) and the S/N of FIA signal(1.22 mg dm -3 O 3 , n=5) were 1.4% and 10.4, respectively. The determinations of sub mg dm -3 -mg dm -3 levels of ozone were achieved with the sampling frequency of about 80 samples h -1
The reduction of iodopentamminecobalt(III) iodide and potassium hexacyanocobaltate(III) with potassium in liquid ammonia

The reduction of [Co(NH3)5I]I2 with potassium in liquid ammonia at −33·5° has been shown to proceed directly to elemental cobalt without evidence for intermediation of oxidation states of Co<3+. By the reduction of K3[Co(CN)6], the previously assumed compound of cobalt in the 1 + oxidation state, K3[Co(CN)4], has been isolated and identified. Complete directions are given for the construction of unusually versatile equipment for use in carrying out reactions in liquid ammonia at or below its normal boiling point.
Hybridization by Cosonication of Pigeon Erythrocyte Membrane with Exogenous Lipid Vesicles

Concentrated mixtures of lipid vesicles and pigeon erythrocyte membrane were cosonicated in order to produce functional hybrid vesicles. From the properties of the resulting material, we conclude that hybrids were very probably formed. These properties were as follows: (i) The presence of membrane increased the sonic fragmentability of lipid vesicles. Sonic fragmentability was assessed by measuring sonication-induced release of previously trapped [14C]-choline and trapping of external [3H]-choline. (ii) Space enclosed by lipid was served by the membrane-like properties of 36Cl- permeability and ATP-dependent 45Ca++ uptake activity. (iii) 36Cl-permeability was more readily and fully induced into the more easily fragmented lipid vesicles. Further sonication caused loss of the induced 36Cl--permeability. This loss was less rapid with the less easily fragmented lipid vesicles; i.e., less easily fragmented lipids protected 36Cl--permeability better. (iv) Glycine uptake activity was partially protected from sonic damage by the presence of lipid vesicles. (v) On centrifugation in bovine serum albumin density gradients, cosonicated material showed lipid properties (enclosed choline and 32Pi space and [3H]-cholesterol) and membrane properties (36Cl--permeability and ATP-dependent 45Ca2+ uptake) coinciding at a density intermediate between those reached by separately sonicated membrane and lipid vesicles. (vi) Electron micrographs showed the disappearance of pure membrane-like structures and the appearance of large amounts of new vesicles whose appearance is consistent with a hybrid structure.
MANAGING WATER QUALITY IN WETLANDS WITH FORESTRY BMP'S

Forested wetlands are uniquely critical areas in forest operations that present special challenges to protect water quality. These locations are a direct interface between the impacts of forest operations and water. BMP's are designed to minimize nonpoint source pollution, but much of the science behind current guidelines is based on an understanding of erosion processes in upland situations. In wetlands and around temporary stream crossings, redirection of flow, sedimentation processes, and alterations of flow velocity become important. Existing forested wetland BMP's appear to adequately address water quality protection. If existing BMP's became prescriptive regulations, however, there is potential for mis-application and unintended ecological impacts.
Effect of Physician and Patient Gender Concordance on Patient Satisfaction and Preventive Care Practices

Male and female physicians who deliver primary care have been shown to have different practice styles. Female physicians are more likely to deliver preventive services than their male counterparts, especially services for female patients such as Pap smears.1–7 Female physicians also appear to communicate differently with their patients than male physicians; they are more likely to discuss lifestyle and social concerns with patients, to give their patients medical information during a visit,8–12 and to have a participatory decision-making style.13 However, it is unclear how communication style affects patient satisfaction.2,8–10,13,14 Some studies have shown that female physicians spend more time with their patients than male physicians, but other studies have contradicted these results.15 Female and male patients also have different communication styles, with women tending to present more personal history and symptom information during a visit than their male counterparts.16–18 Female patients also value more time and explanations from their physicians than male patients19 and in some settings, receive more total time and communication from their physicians.19–21 Many studies of the influence of gender on practice style and patient satisfaction have adjusted for patient characteristics such as age, gender, and health status,1–10,13,22 but none have directly examined or adjusted for patients' underlying health values and beliefs, which may influence both choice of physician and evaluation of the care. Some observers have speculated that patients who seek out female physicians expect a more sensitive and empathetic style of care.12,23 Such expectations may place a greater pressure on female physicians, particularly in a competitive health care environment that emphasizes productivity and shorter visit duration.23–25 This study is based on a survey of patients of primary care physicians at a large group-model HMO. We examined associations of physician gender, patient gender, and the interaction between them with patient satisfaction and the delivery of primary care prevention and health promotion services. To examine these associations, we compared respondents in four dyads: female patients of female doctors, male patients of female doctors, female patients of male doctors, and male patients of male doctors. To determine whether patient selection factors such as health values and beliefs affected these outcomes, we looked at patients who chose their own physician (among whom selection is likely to occur) and those who were assigned to a physician by the health plan.
PACS image security server

Medical image security in a PACS environment has become a pressing issue as communications of images increasingly extends over open networks, and hospitals are currently hard-pushed by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to be HIPPA complaint for ensuring health data security. Other security-related guidelines and technical standards continue bringing to the public attention in healthcare. However, there is not an infrastructure or systematic method to implement and deploy these standards in a PACS. In this paper, we first review DICOM Part15 standard for secure communications of medical images and the HIPAA impacts on PACS security, as well as our previous works on image security. Then we outline a security infrastructure in a HIPAA mandated PACS environment using a dedicated PACS image security server. The server manages its own database of all image security information. It acts as an image Authority for checking and certificating the image origin and integrity upon request by a user, as a secure DICOM gateway to the outside connections and meanwhile also as a PACS operation monitor for HIPAA supporting information.
Solute Knight Shifts in Noble Metals

Knight shifts are reported for Cu, Cd, Al, In, Sn, and Ga as dilute solutes in Au; Hg, In, and Al as dilute solutes in Ag; In as a dilute solute in Cu; and Sn as a dilute solute in Ag-Au alloys. These data are considered together with all other Knight-shift data on dilute solutes in the three noble metals. A valence effect is found which is opposite in sense for Cu and Ag on the one hand, and Au on the other. Cd resonance linewidths for Au-Cd alloys show appreciable broadening with increase in alloy content or test frequency. New values of hyperfine fields for the free atom are obtained, together with several choices of values for the paramagnetic spin susceptibility of the hosts. Implications of the rigid-band theory for lattice volume effects are examined. The problem of exchange enhancement of the spin susceptibility is reviewed. Values for Knight's parameter $\ensuremath{\xi}$, usually considered as a measure of the amount of $s$ character in the metal, are tabulated and discussed. The valence trends found in the Knight shifts are also evident in the $\ensuremath{\xi}$ values, and these cannot be attributed to a phase-shift analysis common to the three noble metals. Varying band character and local effects appear important to the results. The origin of the solvent Knight shifts in noble metal alloys is examined in terms of the rigid-band theory; the results emphasize several shortcomings in charge screening theory as currently applied to solvent shifts.
Wavelength-independent coupler from fiber to an on-chip cavity, demonstrated over an 850nm span

A robust wide band (850 nm) fiber coupler to a whispering-gallery cavity with ultra-high quality factor is experimentally demonstrated. The device trades off ideality for broad-band, efficient input coupling. Output coupling efficiency can remain high enough for practical applications wherein pumping and power extraction must occur over very broad wavelength spans.
Interferometric GPS Flight Reference/Autoland System: Flight Test Results

An interferometric GPS flight reference system (IGPS FRS) has been implemented and flight tested on a transport category aircraft. The underlying principle of operation is similar to that used for kinematic surveying, and is also referred to as differential carrier-phase tracking. The objectives of the IGPS FRS include 0.1 m accuracy RMS (each axis); one or more updates per second; UTC time synchronization better than 0.1 ms; real-time, all-weather operation; and repeatable flight paths. The latter requirement calls for full aircraft integration and coupled flight. This paper discusses the IGPS FRS architecture, its principles of operation, the aircraft integration, and the initial static calibration and flight test performance results. These are the first reported results for an interferometric GPS flight reference/autoland system that resolves carrier-phase ambiguities in flight while simultaneously providing high-precision guidance to a transport category aircraft through direct coupling to its flight control system.*
Policy Issues Concerning Water Quality/Quantity

Although the necessity for coordinating water quality control with other project purposes has long been recognized, President Carter's water-policy initiatives did not come to grips with the problem. National water-quality objectives cannot be achieved without more attention to related matters, including stormwater management, soil erosion, water supply, and land-use planning. Similarly, important water-quantity objectives often involve necessity for water quality control. This paper considers water quality/quantity interfaces, including the relationship of planning to decision-making, alternative criteria for planning, and alternative arrangements for planning at Federal, state, and local levels. 5 references.
KSSOLV—a MATLAB toolbox for solving the Kohn-Sham equations

We describe the design and implementation of KSSOLV, a MATLAB toolbox for solving a class of nonlinear eigenvalue problems known as the Kohn-Sham equations. These types of problems arise in electronic structure calculations, which are nowadays essential for studying the microscopic quantum mechanical properties of molecules, solids, and other nanoscale materials. KSSOLV is well suited for developing new algorithms for solving the Kohn-Sham equations and is designed to enable researchers in computational and applied mathematics to investigate the convergence properties of the existing algorithms. The toolbox makes use of the object-oriented programming features available in MATLAB so that the process of setting up a physical system is straightforward and the amount of coding effort required to prototype, test, and compare new algorithms is significantly reduced. All of these features should also make this package attractive to other computational scientists and students who wish to study small- to medium-size systems.
Suicide, life course, and life story.

This article explores how a life-course perspective and narrative methodology can be used to study risk factors for late-life suicide. A life-course approach to aging and suicide requires consideration of age as both social and personal construction. “On-” and “off-time” events and their impact on adjustmenta are used to illustrate these social and personal constructions. Cohort, period, and histrorical events have potentially profound effects on risk for suicide, yet the study of these effects is difficult because they are so often confounded in longitudinal study. Lifelong personality characteristics that are not life-threatening in earlier life may be of greater risk in later life depending on life circumstances such as physical dependencies. A life-story or narrative approach offers an alternative method for incorporating these complicated factors when studying late-life suicide. The psychological autopsy can be considered a type of “narrative” used by various individuals to gain understanding about a suicide.
The Financial Attractiveness of Broiler Housing Investments with Farmers Home Administration Financing

Abstract The Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 broadened the lending authority of the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). This paper appraises the attractiveness of investments in growout facilities made by contract broiler growers with insured loans obtained through FmHA. The impact of recent legislation permitting additional investment tax credits for broiler houses was also evaluated. Representative broiler growout facility investment requirements for fan ventilated and light controlled houses and automatic side curtained houses were synthesized. Complete FmHA debt financing of these investments at 8.5% interest with a 20-year amortized repayment schedule was assumed. Annual operating receipt and expenditure estimates were based on a 5.5 batch average and three contract payment rate alternatives. Other income and income tax considerations were also incorporated. Given a 10-year investment evaluation period, the imputed after-tax labor/management return estimates were typically sufficient to provide labor resource returns equivalent to market rates and an excess residual component for management services.
Optical scintillation measurements in a desert environment III: high-speed imaging of scintillation patterns and their application to aperture averaging

The spatial scale of variations of intensity imposed on a propagating beam as it transits the turbulent atmosphere is of importance in designing free space laser communications receivers. Consecutive images of the entrance pupil of a 125mm diameter telescope have been acquired at a rate of 328fps over a series of ranges from 2km to 24km. The images are analyzed with respect to the aperture averaging available to a given receiver system.
Algebraic implications of composability of physical systems

From classical and quantum mechanics we abstract the concept of a two-product algebra. One of its products is left unspecified; the other is a Lie product and a derivation with respect to the first. From composition of physical systems we abstract the concept of composition classes of such two-product algebras, each class being a semigroup with a unit. We show that the requirement of mutual consistency of the algebraic and the semigroup structures completely determines both the composition classes and the two-product algebras they consist of. The solutions are labelled by a single parameter which in the physical case is proportional to the square of the quantum of action.
The relationship between DSM-IV alcohol use disorders and DSM-IV major depression: examination of the primary-secondary distinction in a general population sample

This study examined the primary-secondary distinction with respect to DSM-IV alcohol use disorders and major depression in a large representative sample of the USA. Primary, secondary and concurrent depressives (i.e. the comorbid groups), respondents classified with major depression only and respondents classified with alcohol use disorders only were compared on a large number of sociodemographic, alcohol-related, depression-related and drug-related variables. Results were at variance with a majority of findings from the treatment literature with regard to familial aggregation of alcohol use disorders and sociodemographic, alcohol and depression profiles. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the primary-secondary distinction.
Effect of lumbrical muscle incursion within the carpal tunnel on carpal tunnel pressure: A cadaveric study*

Lumbrical muscle incursion within the carpal tunnel has been implicated as a possible cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. During finger flexion, surgeons have observed the presence of lumbrical muscles in the carpal tunnel. However, the significance of this incursion has not been evaluated. To evaluate the effect of lumbrical muscle incursion within the carpal tunnel as a cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal canal pressures were measured in cadaver hands at the level of the hamate hook for four finger positions: (1) 100% finger flexion; (2) 75% finger flexion; (3) 50% finger flexion; and (4) full extension. After measuring carpal tunnel pressures for each position, the lumbrical muscles were excised and the pressures were again recorded. A progressive increase in carpal tunnel pressure was noted for each degree of finger flexion in the group with intact lumbricals. This is in sharp contrast to a relatively stable carpal tunnel pressure during finger flexion for the group without lumbrical muscles. Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in carpal tunnel pressure for both variables, lumbrical muscles and finger position. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance for carpal tunnel pressures demonstrated that the effect of finger position was significant for the group with intact lumbricals but not for the group with lumbricals removed. We conclude that lumbrical muscle incursion into the carpal tunnel can result in elevation of carpal tunnel pressure in cadaver hands and could be a variable in the cause of work-related carpal tunnel syndrome.
Analysis of glucose metabolism in cynomolgus monkeys during aging

This study was designed to investigate the effect of aging on the glucose metabolism on cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. A total of 33 cynomolgus monkeys in three aged groups were monitored for glucose levels, serum parameters in fasting state and somatometric measurements. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were also performed. Aging associated changes lies in the less secretion of insulin and C-peptide during IVGTT in cynomolgus monkeys. It was also found that impaired insulin sensitivity occurred in female monkeys during aging based on HOMA-IR and KITT value. In addition, triglyceride level also rose with the increase of age. Less insulin secretion and impaired insulin sensitivity in female were the characteristic during the aging of cynomolgus monkeys in this study. Body mass index, weight and waist hip rate may be the relevant factors in insulin resistance of cynomolgus monkeys.
On-board autonomous attitude maneuver planning for planetary spacecraft using genetic algorithms

A key enabling technology that leads to greater spacecraft autonomy is the capability to autonomously and optimally slew the spacecraft from and to different attitudes while operating under a number of celestial and dynamic constraints. The task of finding an attitude trajectory that meets all the constraints is a formidable one, in particular for orbiting or fly-by spacecraft where the constraints and initial and final conditions are of time-varying nature. This paper presents an approach for attitude path planning that makes full use of a priori constraint knowledge and is computationally tractable enough to be executed on-board a spacecraft. The approach is based on incorporating the constraints into a cost function and using a Genetic Algorithm to iteratively search for and optimize the solution. This results in a directed random search that explores a large part of the solution space while maintaining the knowledge of good solutions from iteration to iteration. A solution obtained this way may be used 'as is' or as an initial solution to initialize additional deterministic optimization algorithms. A number of example simulations are presented including the case examples of a generic Europa Orbiter spacecraft in cruise as well as in orbit around Europa. The search times are typically on the order of minutes, thus demonstrating the viability of the presented approach. The results are applicable to all future deep space missions where greater spacecraft autonomy is required. In addition, onboard autonomous attitude planning greatly facilitates navigation and science observation planning, benefiting thus all missions to planet Earth as well.
Decrements in Miranda abilities: an investigation of situational effects via a mock-crime paradigm.

Programmatic research has made important advances during the last decade in understanding how cognitive and psychological variables affect Miranda comprehension and reasoning. However, the effects of situational stressors are largely overlooked in determining the validity of Miranda waivers. As the first systematic investigation, this study uses a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design on 123 undergraduate participants to examine the effects of being apprehended via a mock crime (i.e., stealing a watch from a Plexiglas case) paradigm on Miranda comprehension and reasoning. Besides the mock-crime condition, the mode of advisement (oral or written) and the length of the warning (124 vs. 228 words) were also investigated. When compared to controls, the mock-crime scenario produced moderate to large effects (ds from .58 to .75) on both Miranda recall and subsequent reasoning. In addition, oral advisements resulted in non-significant trend for decrements in Miranda recall. No main effects were observed for length and no significant interactions were found. Interestingly, specific components (e.g., right to counsel and free legal services) were generally more affected than the more familiar first two components (i.e., right to silence and evidence against you). Within the crime-scenario condition, participants with substantially increased state anxiety predictably performed more poorly than those participants whose state anxiety remained relatively stable. Directions for future research and the implications of these findings on our understanding of Miranda abilities are discussed.
Application of calorimetry on a chip to high-pressure materials

Silicon micromachined calorimeters (“calorimeter on a chip”) are used to measure heat capacities and phase transition enthalpies for thin film, single crystal, and powder samples (5–500 μg). The technology is thus compatible with the small samples produced in multianvil and large diamond anvil cells. Techniques for handling small samples and attaching them to the calorimetric devices have been developed. Initial data illustrate application to CoO and to Fe2SiO4 olivine and spinel, a quenched high pressure phase metastable at ambient conditions. The calorimetric entropy of the olivine - spinel transition in Fe2SiO4 (−16 ± 5 J/mol·K) is in good agreement with that calculated from phase equilibrium data (−14 ± 3 J/mol·K). A magnetic transition in iron silicate spinel, detected previously by Mossbauer spectroscopy, is seen in the calorimetric signal.
Workplace harassment, stress, and drinking behavior over time: Gender differences in a national sample

Research suggests that workplace harassment (WH) significantly predicts alcohol use and problem drinking behavior, but has generally failed to consider concurrent effects of other sources of stress. This two-wave study (n=1418) is the first to explore whether sexual harassment (SH) and generalized workplace harassment (GWH) predict increased drinking independently of the effects of job and life stress, and whether effects differ by gender, in a nationally representative sample. SH and GWH predicted increases in problem drinking one year later for men but not women, while life stress was associated with increased problem drinking for women but not men. This study confirms the importance of examining the associations between different types of stressors and drinking-related outcomes in gendered contexts.