cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness Research in Oncology Methodology: Observational Data

The goal of comparative effectiveness research is to inform clinical decisions between alternate treatment strategies using data that reflect real patient populations and real-world clinical scenarios for the purpose of improving patient outcomes. Observational studies using population-based registry data are increasingly relied on to fill the information gaps created by lack of evidence from randomized controlled trials. Administrative data sets have many advantages, including large sample sizes, long-term follow-up, and inclusion of data on physician and systems characteristics as well as cost. In this review, we describe the characteristics of many of the commonly used population-based data sets and discuss the elements included within these data sets. An overview of common research themes that rely on population-based data and illustrative examples are presented. Finally, an overview of the analytic techniques commonly employed by health services researchers to limit the effects of selection bias and confounding is discussed. The analysis of well-designed studies of comparative effectiveness is complex. However, careful framing, appropriate study design, and application of sophisticated analytic techniques can improve the accuracy of nonrandomized studies. There are multiple areas where the unique characteristics of observational studies can inform medical decision making and health policy, and it is critical to appreciate the opportunities, strengths, and limitations of observational research.
Analysis of pulverized coal particles (10-100 μm) for Fe, S, Ca, Si and Al on a particle-by-particle basis

Abstract A computer controlled scanning electron microscope fitted with soft X-ray fluorescence analysed thousands of pulverized coal particles in the size range 10 to 100 μm for amounts of Al, Si, Ca, S and Fe in each of the particles. Two coals were used, namely, subbituminous C, Comanche-Wyoming and subbituminous B, Rosebud-Montana. In pulverized coal combustion Rosebud coal has a bad slagging record not predictable from conventional slagging indices based on the elemental analyses of the total coal ash. The coal particles were placed into one of four groups: little mineral matter; low melting point inorganic composition; high melting point compositions; and large amounts of iron or pyrite. On this basis, Rosebud coal had 47% of its mineral matter in groups likely to cause slagging compared with 12% for Comanche coal, in agreement with the slagging record. It is concluded that although the particle-by-particle analysis technique used here is in a crude state of development, it can give a correct indication of the possible slagging behaviour of a pulverized coal in cases where conventional slagging indices based on the analysis of the total mean coal ash fail to give the correct indication.
Using the web to look for work: Implications for online job seeking and recruiting

Purpose – The web is now a significant component of the recruitment and job search process. However, very little is known about how companies and job seekers use the web, and the ultimate effectiveness of this process. The specific research questions guiding this study are: how do people search for job‐related information on the web? How effective are these searches? And how likely are job seekers to find an appropriate job posting or application?Design/methodology/approach – The data used to examine these questions come from job seekers submitting job‐related queries to a major web search engine at three points in time over a five‐year period.Findings – Results indicate that individuals seeking job information generally submit only one query with several terms and over 45 percent of job‐seeking queries contain a specific location reference. Of the documents retrieved, findings suggest that only 52 percent are relevant and only 40 percent of job‐specific searches retrieve job postings.Research limitations...
The Expanding Role of Philanthropy in Education Politics

Philanthropic involvement in education politics has become bolder and more visible. Have foundations changed funding strategies to enhance their political influence? Using data from 2000, 2005, and 2010, we investigate giving patterns among the 15 largest education foundations. Our analyses show growing support for national-level advocacy organizations. Furthermore, we find that foundations increasingly fund organizations that operate as “jurisdictional challengers” by competing with traditional public sector institutions. We apply social network analysis to demonstrate the growing prevalence of convergent grant-making—multiple foundations supporting the same organizations. These results suggest that a sector once criticized for not leveraging its investments now increasingly seeks to maximize its impact by supporting alternative providers, investing concurrently, and supporting grantees to engage in policy debates.
Conformational studies and crystal structures of cis- and trans-1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)hexamethyl-1,4-disilacyclohexa-2,5-diene

Abstract The geometries of cis -and trans -bis(1,4-trimethylsilyl)-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexamethyl-1,4-disilacyclohexa-2,5-diene have been studied by 13 C NMR and X-ray single crystal analysis. The trans isomer adopts a nearly planar conformation with a slight deformation toward a chair form which is most likely caused by steric interactions between the vinyl-methyl substituents and the groups on the ring silicon atoms. Unlike the trans isomer and the other previously reported disilacyclohexadienes, the cis isomer resides in a slightly twisted boat conformation. The two bulky trimethylsilyl substituents are located in pseudo-axial positions. This finding is in accord with recent calculations which predict the bulky 1,4 substituents should occupy axial positions in the cyclohexa-2,5-dienyl ring system.
The effect of immunosuppression on protective immunity of turkey poults against infection with turkey coronavirus.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of humoral and cellular immunities on turkeys infected with turkey coronavirus (TCV). Two trials were conducted with two separate hatches of turkey poults. Turkeys were experimentally immunosuppressed with cyclosporin A (CsA) or cyclophosphamide (CY) and infected with TCV. Prior to infection, treatment with CsA selectively suppressed T cell activity as revealed by 2–3 fold decreased (p<0.1) lymphocyte proliferation responses to a T cell mitogen, concanavalin A (Con A). Treatment with CY mainly induced B cell deficiency as indicated by significant reductions (p<0.05) in antibody responses to sheep erythrocytes 7 days after injection. Body weight gain of turkeys treated with CY was significantly lower (p<0.05) than that of untreated turkeys at 9 days post-infection (PI). Turkeys treated with CY had 1–2 fold higher immunofluorescent antibody assay (IFA) scores for TCV antigens (p<0.05) in the intestine than untreated turkeys at 9 or 14 days PI. These results suggested that humoral immunity against TCV infection may be important in turkeys.
pH and ionic strength effects on the performance of ceramic membranes in water filtration

Abstract The effects of pH and ionic strength on the performance of ceramic microfiltration membranes are evaluated. An α-alumina membrane, characterized by a 0.8 μm nominal pore diameter, was operated in a crossflow configuration with three types of feed waters: particle-free electrolyte solutions, dispersions of mineral colloids and solutions of humic acid. The permeate flux was affected significantly by the pH of the feed water. The experimental results are interpreted in the context of electroviscous, visco-electric, and solvation effects. These results suggest that counterions exert an influence on the permeate flux at distances substantially greater than a Debye length from the pore walls.
Role of the Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc lectin in recruiting proteins to the host:parasite interface.

One of the most striking features of Entamoeba histolytica is its ability to kill host cells in a contact-dependent manner. The galactose/N-acetylD -galactosamine (Gal/GalNAc) binding lectin of E. histolytica is an important virulence factor that has been demonstrated to play a role in adherence and contactdependent cytolysis of target cells as well as in phagocytosis and resistance to lysis by complement (1). The Gal/GalNAc lectin of E. histolytica is a heterodimeric protein composed of a transmembrane heavy subunit (170 kDa) and a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored light chain subunit (31/35 kDa) that are linked by disulfide bonds (1). We propose that the E. histolytica lectin recruits amebic proteins to the host:parasite interface via its cytoplasmic domain. A role for the cytoplasmic domain in signaling adherence and cytotoxicity has been demonstrated by Vines et al. (2) using inducible expression of a fusion gene encoding the cytoplasmic domain of the lectin. Overexpression of the lectin cytoplasmic domain decreased extracellular adherence to host cells. Mutations of specific residues within the cytoplasmic domain abrogated the adherence phenotype. These studies suggest that overexpressed cytoplasmic domain is titrating out a protein that controls the binding activity of the lectin. Inside-out signaling via a cytoplasmic domain has been observed in the integrin family of proteins (3).
A phase I trial of AUC-directed carboplatin with infusional doxorubicin and ifosfamide plus G-CSF in patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies

The effect of the addition of G-CSF to carboplatin, ifosfamide and doxorubicin (CIA) at the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) was studied in a phase I clinical trial. Nine patients with incurable solid tumors were treated: six endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers, one colon cancer with pelvic masses and two unknown primary cancers. The carboplatin dose was calculated using the Calvert formula and administered in a standard 30-min intravenous infusion. The initial carboplatin dose was AUC 4.0 mg/ml per min. Fixed doses of ifosfamide (1.25 g/m2 per day), mesna (1.0 g/m2 per day, and doxorubicin (15 mg/m2 per day) were combined and given as a 4-day continuous intravenous infusion in an attempt to decrease nonhematologic toxicity. The dose-limiting toxicity of CIA was myelosuppression, mainly neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Nonhematologic toxicities were hemorrhagic cystitis, weakness, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. The MTD for CIA was established at the first dose level of carboplatin (4.0 mg/ml per min). Following this, G-CSF was added to the regimen in an unsuccessful effort to escalate the carboplatin dose. Free and total carboplatin pharmacokinetics were determined using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. There was one complete response and one partial response among eight evaluable patients. Both responding patients had advanced ovarian cancer. We conclude that carboplatin dose intensification beyond an AUC of 4.0 mg/ml per min is not made feasible by the addition of G-CSF to infusional doxorubicin and ifosfamide in patients with advanced gynecologic cancer.
Specific Neurotoxin Lesions of Median Raphe Serotonergic Neurons Disrupt Maternal Behavior in the Lactating Rat

Impairments in lactation after electrolytic lesions of the median raphe (MR) nucleus have been corrected by treatment with PRL. Specific serotonin neurotoxin lesions were used in the present study to determine whether decrements in litter growth after electrolytic lesions could be attributed to serotonergic neuron damage at the MR locus, and whether MR lesions (MRL) disrupted suckling-induced PRL release. Intracerebral microinjection of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) into the MR nucleus produced dose-related decrements in litter growth after either 4 micrograms (sham, 1.35 +/- 0.05; MRL, 1.04 +/- 0.05 g/pup X day; P less than 0.001) or 8 micrograms 5,7-DHT (sham, 1.35 +/- 0.06; MRL, 0.87 +/- 0.11 g/pup X day; P less than 0.001). Despite hypothalamic serotonin depletions of 15% and 55%, respectively, for the two doses of 5,7-DHT, there was no difference between sham and MRL animals in either basal or suckling-induced PRL release. When lesions were placed on day 1 of lactation (L) so that killing on day 7-L corresponded to the early maximal neurotoxin effect, MRL mothers still showed litter growth decrements (0.37 +/- 0.07; sham, 0.98 +/- 0.08 g/pup X day; P less than 0.001) and normal PRL values. When maternal behavior was examined, MRL animals exhibited a higher incidence of abnormal behaviors (failure to retrieve pups, cannibalism, and failure to initiate suckling during a 1-h test period; Fisher's exact P, Sham vs. MRL, less than 0.01, less than 0.05, and 0.15, respectively) than sham animals or animals with 5,7-DHT lesions in the dorsal raphe nucleus or superior colliculus. In addition, suckling behavior scores, determined from daily suckling behavior observations, were lowest in the MRL group and correlated with litter growth only in this group (r = 0.789; P less than 0.01). These data suggest that serotonergic elements in the MR nucleus play an obligatory role in maintaining normal maternal behavior during lactation, but they are not involved in suckling induced PRL release.
Metabolism meets autophagy.

Historians tell us that around the year 200 AD, the first sanitation force was created in ancient Rome. This rudimentary force consisted of simple two man teams, whose function was to walk through the streets of the ancient capital and throw any accu-mulated garbage into a wagon. Over the next two thousand years, the growth and maintenance of every civilization has required—in one form or another—the similar efficient removal of its waste prod-ucts. Surprisingly, for many years, biolo-gists neglected that a similar recycling requirement might also be necessary for tissue maintenance. Thankfully, over the last few years, the growing interest in the biology of autophagy appears to have at least partially corrected this historic oversight. One particular area where the role of autophagy is rapidly assuming a more prominent role is in the regulation of normal metabolic homeostasis and in the progression of various metabolic dis-eases. Interest in this area was sparked by some early observations where an essential autophagic gene was conditionally deleted within the β cell, the insulin producing cell of the pancreas. These models dem-onstrated that the absence of autophagy within β cells resulted in impaired insu-lin secretion, as well as overall impaired glucose homeostasis in the animal.
Clustered flow shop models

This paper deals with flow-shop models where n items are grouped in fixed sequences, called clusters. The clusters are to be processed on m machines in the same technological order. Each machine handles the clusters in the same order. Each completed item is available for processing on the next machine. The question is how to arrange the clusters to minimize the completion time. Models that include setup times for clusters with identical items are also examined. Approximate solutions along with new lower bounds are presented. Those solutions are optimal for the two machine case.
Do acute-phase reactants predict response to glucocorticoid therapy in retroperitoneal fibrosis?

Objective To determine the value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level at the time of diagnosis for predicting radiographic response to glucocorticoid therapy in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RFP). Methods Data were collected retrospectively for 37 patients with an established diagnosis of RFP (the diagnosis was proven by biopsy in 31 patients), all of whom met the following inclusion criteria: 1) availability of a recorded baseline ESR and/or CRP level and results of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, 2) availability of followup CRP level and/or ESR with radiographic imaging 12–24 weeks after initiation of therapy, and 3) treatment with prednisone monotherapy at a starting dosage of 40–60 mg daily. Patients were divided into 2 therapeutic response groups: group 1 showed radiographic regression, and group 2 showed no change or radiographic progression. Any progression or regression was determined by an estimated change of ≥25%. Results The median baseline CRP levels were 2.2 mg/dl (interquartile range [IQR] 1.4–8.0) in group 1 and 1.2 mg/dl (IQR 0.8–4.1) in group 2 (P = 0.35). The median baseline ESR in group 1 was 57.5 mm/hour (IQR 39.2–102.5), which was not statistically different from the median ESR in group 2 (58 mm/hour [IQR 33–66]). The mean CRP level and ESR tended to be higher in patients with radiographic regression, but these differences failed to reach statistical significance. Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed no correlation between the baseline CRP level (r = −0.11, P = 0.51) or ESR (r = −0.06, P = 0.71) and the radiographic response. Conclusion The ESR and CRP level at baseline are poor predictors of a therapeutic response to glucocorticoid therapy in patients with RPF.
Quantification of head motion in children during various fMRI language tasks

Purpose: Head motion during functional MRI scanning can lead to signal artifact, a problem often more severe with children. However, the documentation for the characteristics of head motion in children during various language functional tasks is very limited in the current literature. This report characterizes head motion in children during fMRI as a function of age, sex, and task. Methods: Head motion during four different fMRI language tasks was investigated in a group of 323 healthy children between the age of 5 and 18 years. A repeated measures ANOVA analysis was used to study the impact of age, sex, task, and the interaction of these factors on the motion. Results: Pediatric subjects demonstrated significantly different amounts of head motion during fMRI when different language tasks were used. Word-Picture Matching, the only task that involved visual engagement, suffered the least amount of motion, which was significantly less than in any of the other three tasks; the latter were not significantly different from each other. Further examination revealed that the main effect of language task on motion was significantly affected by age, sex, and their interaction. Conclusion: Our results suggest that age, sex, and task are all associated with the degree of head motion in children during fMRI experiments. Investigators working with pediatric patients may increase their success by using task components associated with less motion (e.g., visual stimuli), or by using this large scale dataset to estimate the effects of sex and age on motion for planning purposes. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
NOx uptake mechanism on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalysts

The NO x adsorption mechanism on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated by performing NO x storage/reduction cycles, NO2 adsorption and NO + O2 adsorption on 2%Pt/(x)BaO/Al2O3 (x = 2, 8, and 20 wt%) catalysts. NO x uptake profiles on 2%\Pt/20%BaO/Al2O3 at 523 K show complete uptake behavior for almost 5 min, and then the NO x level starts gradually increasing with time and it reaches 75% of the inlet NO x concentration after 30 min time-on-stream. Although this catalyst shows fairly high NO x conversion at 523 K, only ~2.4 wt% out of 20 wt% BaO is converted to Ba(NO3)2. Adsorption studies by using NO2 and NO + O2 suggest two different NO x adsorption mechanisms. The NO2 uptake profile on 2%Pt/20%BaO/Al2O3 shows the absence of a complete NO x uptake period at the beginning of adsorption and the overall NO x uptake is controlled by the gas–solid equilibrium between NO2 and BaO/Ba(NO3)2 phase. When we use NO + O2, complete initial NO x uptake occurs and the time it takes to convert ~4% of BaO to Ba(NO3)2 is independent of the NO concentration. These NO x uptake characteristics suggest that the NO + O2 reaction on the surface of Pt particles produces NO2 that is subsequently transferred to the neighboring BaO phase by spill over. At the beginning of the NO x uptake, this spill-over process is very fast and so it is able to provide complete NO x storage. However, the NO x uptake by this mechanism slows down as BaO in the vicinity of Pt particles are converted to Ba(NO3)2. The formation of Ba(NO3)2 around the Pt particles results in the development of a diffusion barrier for NO2, and increases the probability of NO2 desorption and consequently, the beginning of NO x slip. As NO x uptake by NO2 spill-over mechanism slows down due to the diffusion barrier formation, the rate and extent of NO2 uptake are determined by the diffusion rate of nitrate ions into the BaO bulk, which, in turn, is determined by the gas phase NO2 concentration.
Dr. Fumio Matsumura: Remembering his early years and accomplishments

Abstract Growing up on the foothills of Northern Japan Alps, Fumio Matsumura had a passion for high mountains, which he held onto throughout his life. Soon after graduating from Tokyo University, Fumio found himself at the University of Alberta lured by the Canadian Rockies. His Ph.D. studies at the University of Western Ontario under A.W.A. Brown turned out to be an invaluable experience. Throughout his career at Wageningen, Cornell, Wisconsin, Michigan State and UC Davis, Fumio charismatically mentored a large number of students and collaborators both in research and outdoors. While his research was extremely diverse, his fascination with target macromolecules endured as the constant driving force, yielding volumes of findings on the mode of action of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides and dioxin-like pollutants. The excitement he instilled in his many students will live on, and continue to fuel their research endeavors.
Evidence of NOx production within or upon ice particles in the Greenland snowpack

NOx and NOy were determined in the interstitial air of surface snow and in ambient air at Summit, Greenland. NOx levels in interstitial air were 3 to >10 times those in ambient air, and were generally greater than ambient NOy levels. [NOy] in interstitial air varied diurnally in a manner consistent with photochemical generation within the snowpack. These observations imply that photochemical reactions occurring within or upon the ice crystals of surface snow produced NOx from a N-reservoir compound within the snow. Average [NOx]:[HNO3] and [NOx]:[NOy] ratios in ambient air above the snow were elevated relative to other remote sites, indicating that NOx release within the snowpack may have altered NOx levels in the overlying atmospheric boundary layer. We suggest that the observed release of NOx may have been initiated by photolysis of nitrate, present in relative abundance in surface snow at Summit. Such a process may affect levels of nitrate and other compounds in surface snow, the overlying atmosphere, and glacial ice, and its potential role in cirrus cloud chemistry should be investigated.
Estimating the conditional variance of a design consistent regression estimator

Abstract A design consistent regression estimator provides the means for constructing a finite population parameter estimate that is conditionally unbiased under a model, yet resistant to model failure (i.e., design consistent). In a similar fashion a model unbiased conditional variance estimator for the parameter estimate can be developed that is also a design consistent estimator of design mean squared error.
32Pi- and 45Ca-metabolism by matrix vesicle-enriched microsomes prepared from chicken epiphyseal cartilage by isosmotic Percoll density-gradient fractionation.

Matrix vesicle-enriched fractions were isolated from different zones of epiphyseal cartilage by nonenzymatic methods involving tissue homogenization, differential centrifugation, and isosmotic Percoll gradient fractionation. Uptakes of both32Pi and45Ca were studied concomitantly over periods from 20 min to 24 h. Percoll density gradients separated epiphyseal microsomes into two alkaline phosphatase-rich fractions: a low-density noncalcifiable fraction (P-I), and a higher-density fraction (P-II) which readily mineralized. The P-II fraction was found only in calcifying regions of the growth plate. Based on chemical and physical properties and enzyme activities, both fractions were similar except that P-II contained significantly higher levels of mineral ions than did P-I, and had lower levels of alkaline phosphatase. The mineral appeared to be primarily in a noncrystalline form. Metabolism of32Pi and45Ca by P-II followed a complex kinetic pattern in which accumulation of large amounts of both ions was preceded by an initial limited burst of uptake and a lag-phase of variable duration. During mineral ion loading, the density of the P-II fraction progressively increased as evidenced by co-migration of45Ca,32Pi, and alkaline phosphatase to increasingly higher densities. During the period of early mineral deposition (1–5 h), Ca/P uptake ratios were very low (1.0–1.2) and X-ray diffraction patterns showed a predominantly amorphous pattern. This suggests that the mineral accumulated in matrix vesicles is initially some form of noncrystalline calcium monohydrogenphosphate. L-tetramisole, a potent inhibitor of alkaline phosphatase, inhibited accumulation of both45Ca and32Piin the absence of organic P substrates,32Pi being preferentially inhibited over45Ca. This finding, coupled with recent studies on the behavior of alkaline phosphatase at physiological pH, suggests that the protein is not acting as a phosphohydrolase, but rather as a Pi-binding or transport agent in vesicle-mediated calcification.
Release of acrosomal enzymes following in vitro capacitation of ejaculated rabbit spermatozoa

Significant release of the acrosomal enzymes arylsulfatase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase and hyaluronidase was observed following the treatment of ejaculated rabbit spermatozoa for 12 hours in 20% rabbit serum for inducing in vitro capacitation, and these sperm were capable of in vivo fertilization; however, the treatment of sperm for 15 minutes in high ionic strength (380 mOsm/kg) or low ionic strength medium (305 mOsm/kg) for in vitro capacitation did not result in any significant release of the above enzymes nor were the sperm capable of in vivo fertilization. Serum-treated spermatozoa remained significantly motile following the 12 hour treatment, 51% underwent the acrosome reaction and were capable of fertilizing 66% of the ova in vivo. Identical serum treatment of lysosomes from rabbit liver resulted in a comparable release of the lysosomal enzymes. Serum treatment for in vitro capacitation resulted in vesiculation of the anterior margin of half the spermatozoa, but left their inner acrosomal membranes and equatorial segments intact. A biochemical relationship between the release of acrosomal enzymes and capacitation is suggested.
Teaching Spanish Caribbean History Through In the Time of the Butterflies: The Novel and the Showtime Film

This manuscript presents a proposal for teaching Latino Caribbean heritag using as principal focus the novel and film In the Time of the Butterflies. It discusses terms of literary works and their readings, the foundation of a Spanish caste system, African immigration, and political and economic aspects affecting Dominican American identity and culture. It is geared to teaching in the undergraduate classroom and from the perspectives of race, gender, and transnationalism, with examples to engage critical thinking.
Parents' Specific Concerns about Daily Asthma Medications for Children

Specific concerns from 706 parents regarding their children's (M age = 8.0, SD = 3.9) use of daily asthma medications were systematically identified and organized. 270 (38.2%) of 706 parents expressed a total of 470 concerns (M = 1.74, SD = 0.93; Range 1-5), including concerns about side effects (48.9%; e.g., growth retardation); aspects of the regimen (29.3%; e.g., medication amount); and "steroid" use (10.4%). Independent predictors of parental concern included use of inhaled corticosteroids (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.07-2.40), nasal corticosteroids (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.21-2.38), and alternative therapies (OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.32-2.56). Providers should be prepared to address a wide range of medication concerns, especially those related to side effects.
Comparison of outcomes and the use of multimodality therapy in young and elderly people undergoing surgical resection of pancreatic cancer.

Objectives: To compare outcomes and the use of multimodality therapy in young and elderly people with pancreatic cancer undergoing surgical resection. Design: Retrospective, single-institution study. Setting: National Cancer Institute/National Comprehensive Cancer Network cancer center. Participants: Two hundred three individuals who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at Duke University Medical Center comprised the study population. Participants were divided into three groups based on age (<65, n = 97; 65�74, n = 74; ?75, N = 32). Measurements: Perioperative outcomes, the use of multimodality therapy, and overall survival of the different age groups were compared. Results: Similar rates of perioperative mortality and morbidity were observed in all age groups, but elderly adults were more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility. A similar proportion of participants received neoadjuvant therapy, but a smaller proportion of elderly participants received adjuvant therapy. Overall survival was similar between the age groups. Predictors of poorer overall survival included coronary artery disease, positive resection margin, and less-differentiated tumor histology. Treatment with neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy were predictors of better overall survival. Conclusion: Carefully selected elderly individuals experience similar perioperative outcomes and overall survival to those of younger individuals after resection of pancreatic cancer. There appears to be a significant disparity in the use of adjuvant therapy between young and elderly individuals.
Simple Correctors for Elimination of High-Order Modes in Corrugated Waveguide Transmission Lines

When using overmoded corrugated waveguide transmission lines for high power applications, it is necessary to control the mode content of the system. Ideally, overmoded corrugated transmission lines operate in the fundamental HE11 mode and provide low losses for long distances. Unwanted higher order modes (HOMs), particularly LP11 and HE12, are often excited in the experimental systems due to practical misalignments in the transmission line system. This paper discusses how the unwanted modes propagate along with the fundamental mode in the transmission line system by formulating an equation that relates the center of power offset and angle of propagation of a beam (for the HE11 and LP11 modes) or the waist size and phase front radius of curvature of a beam (for the HE11 and HE12 modes). By introducing two miter bend correctors into the transmission system-miter bends that have slightly angled or ellipsoidal mirrors-the HOMs can be precisely manipulated in the system. This technique can be used to eliminate small quantities of unwanted modes, thereby creating a nearly pure fundamental mode beam with minimal losses. Examples of these applications are calculated and show the theoretical conversion of up to 10% HOM content into the fundamental HE11 mode with minimal losses.
Temporal Regulation of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 Complex during Adenovirus Infection

Adenovirus infection induces a cellular DNA damage response that can inhibit viral DNA replication and ligate viral genomes into concatemers. It is not clear if the input virus is sufficient to trigger this response or if viral DNA replication is required. Adenovirus has evolved two mechanisms that target the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex to inhibit the DNA damage response. These include E4-ORF3-dependent relocalization of MRN proteins and E4-ORF6/E1B-55K-dependent degradation of MRN components. The literature suggests that degradation of the MRN complex due to E4-ORF6/E1B-55K does not occur until after viral DNA replication has begun. We show that, by the time viral DNA accumulates, the MRN complex is inactivated by either of the E4-induced mechanisms and that, with E4-ORF6/E1B-55K, this inactivation is due to MRN degradation. Our data are consistent with the conclusion that input viral DNA is sufficient to induce the DNA damage response. Further, we demonstrate that when the DNA damage response is active in E4 mutant virus infections, the covalently attached terminal protein is not cleaved from viral DNAs, and the viral origins of replication are not detectably degraded at a time corresponding to the onset of viral replication. The sequences of concatemeric junctions of viral DNAs were determined, which supports the conclusion that nonhomologous end joining mediates viral DNA ligation. Large deletions were found at these junctions, demonstrating nucleolytic procession of the viral DNA; however, the lack of terminal protein cleavage and terminus degradation at earlier times shows that viral genome deletion and concatenation are late effects.
1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylate synthase, a key enzyme in ethylene biosynthesis

Abstract 1-Aminocyclopropanecarboxylate (ACC) synthase, which catalyzes the conversion of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to ACC and methylthioadenosine, was demonstrated in tomato extract. Methylthioadenosine was then rapidly hydrolyzed to methylthioribose by a nucleosidase present in the extract. ACC synthase had an optimum pH of 8.5, and a Km of 20 μ m with respect to SAM. S-Adenosylethionine also served as a substrate for ACC synthase, but at a lower efficiency than that of SAM. Since S-adenosylethionine had a higher affinity for the enzyme than SAM, it inhibited the reaction of SAM when both were present. S-Adenosylhomocysteine was, however, an inactive substrate. The enzyme was activated by pyridoxal phosphate at a concentration of 0.1 μ m or higher, and competitively inhibited by aminoethoxyvinylglycine and aminooxyacetic acid, which are known to inhibit pyridoxal phosphate-mediated enzymic reactions. These results support the view that ACC synthase is a pyridoxal enzyme. The biochemical role of pyridoxal phosphate is catalyzing the formation of ACC by α,γ-elimination of SAM is discussed.
Machine Vision Algorithms on the NCUBE/10

ABSTRACT Presented is the work in progress, benchmarking machine vision algorithms run on the NCUBE/ 10 system. Early results show that speedups of O(log n) are achievable on low -level floating point algorithms. 1.0 INTRODUCTION At Rutgers University we have been trying to define a multi -level machine vision architecture toprovide for real -time industrial inspection . Currently our investigation has led us to try toanswer the question, given a set of algorithms, what network topology will most efficiently executethem?One problem with this approach is that a set of applications has to be chosen to act as the rep-resentative workload for the proposed system. In other fields of computer architecture, the fieldof benchmarking has drawn much attention. Benchmarks such as Dhrystone and unpack have helped system designers focus their design directions. in the field of machine vision, such a set ofbenchmarks has been missing until recently. "Phis paper describes a performance analysis using this
How to Study Community Power: The Pluralist Alternative

POLITICAL SCIENTISTS ARE BEGINNING TO VIEW certain major contributions to the study of community politics less favorably than one would have expected after hearing the fanfare surrounding the original acceptance of these works.1 Often billed as studies of "community power structure," these works have been produced mostly by sociologists, whose orientation has been to study the politics of American communities as a subsidiary aspect of social structure. "The political organization of Jonesville," writes one
The Joys of Victimage in George W. Bush’s War of Totality

This essay reexamines George W. Bush’s post-9/11 rhetoric of escalation for the way it articulated a war of totality with a nationalist sentiment of giddy victimage. My analysis pivots around a speech Mr. Bush delivered in the fall of 2005 at Norfolk Naval Base. Steeped in figures of amplification, the speech is a dramatic exemplar of Mr. Bush’s habit of articulating totality with pleasure. His performance conjoined the “whatever-it-takes” commitment of the nation’s socioeconomic and human resources with a dark strain of civic pathos. I thus argue that the challenge for critics of public discourse is figuring out how to disentangle the threads of sorrow and giddiness that produce rhetorics of escalation and wars of totality. This in turn requires grappling with the sensation of ecstatic victimage that dwells in the bosom of national trauma.
Treatment of esthesioneuroblastoma: a 16-year meta-analysis of 361 patients.

Objectives/Hypothesis: This study reviews the published outcomes related to surgical (open, endoscopic, and endoscopic-assisted) and nonsurgical treatment for esthesioneuroblastoma. Study design: Literature meta-analysis. Methods: A meta-analysis of individual patient data for esthesioneuroblastoma publications between 1992 (the earliest identified description of endoscopic resection) and 2008 was conducted. A total of 49 journal articles, comprising 1,170 cases of esthesioneuroblastoma, were included in the study. Criteria for meta-analysis inclusion were five or more patients in a study with sufficient patient data resolution for analysis. Twenty-three studies comprising 361 patients met all inclusion criteria. The overall treatment and outcome at final follow-up of each patient was recorded. Patients were pooled according to treatment techniques and compared to one another using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve and the Mann-Whitney U test to examine differences in follow-up times and publication years. Results: Log-rank tests showed a greater published survival rate for endoscopic surgery compared to open surgery (P = .0019), even when stratifying for publication year (P = .0018). There was no significant difference in follow-up time. Review of Kadish tumor staging for each modality showed larger tumors were more often treated with an open approach, but open and endoscopic survival measures were comparable. Conclusions: These results suggest that endoscopic surgery is a valid treatment method with comparable survival to open surgery. Further prospective analysis will be beneficial.
The magnetic susceptibility of cherts: Archaeological and geochemical implications of source variation

Recent exploratory studies have suggested the potential of magnetic susceptibility (MS) as a rapid and low-cost sourcing technique for lithic archaeological materials. Most commercially available susceptibility instruments, however, do not have the sensitivity to characterize weakly susceptible cherts and silicified woods. Comparative results from nine chert, two silicified wood, a porcellanite, and four obsidian sources using a highly sensitive, calibrated, and magnetically-shielded instrument allow exploration of MS variability within and between geological sources. Color, texture, grain size, and large inclusions of cherts and obsidians are not straightforward determinants of MS. Weathering rinds (patinas) and cortex from a variety of cherts yield reduced MS values, as does a recrystalized cobble of Rio Maior flint, indicating that magnetic mineral removal during chemical weathering and diagenesis is more prevalent than staining or other mineral penetration of cobbles. In situations of multiple overlapping MS ranges, analysis is limited to discriminating cherts with high or low MS range distributions, for example in an atypicality index. Some silicified woods, obsidians, and porcellanites possess a much greater range of intersource variability, and thus sourcing analysis is more likely to be broadly successful using the susceptibility of these materials. Unexpected results from an archaeological test using a historic lithic assemblage from Azinheira, Portugal, indicate that assemblage MS may be influenced by practices of raw material selection. Understanding variability in lithic MS has relevance for the design of most source geochemical sampling, as well as the behavioral interpretations that result from such investigations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Epidemiology and Treatment

Recently designated as a disorder in the DSM-5, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) presents an array of avenues for further research. PMDD's profile, characterized by cognitive-affective symptoms during the premenstruum, is unique from that of other affective disorders in its symptoms and cyclicity. Neurosteroids may be a key contributor to PMDD's clinical presentation and etiology, and represent a potential avenue for drug development. This review will present recent literature on potential contributors to PMDD's pathophysiology, including neurosteroids and stress, and explore potential treatment targets.
Improving the Crystallization Resistance of Aluminum(III) 8-Hydroxyquinoline-Based Emitting Materials by Entropic Stabilization

The morphological stability of evaporated films of aluminum(III) 8-hydroxyquinoline (Alq3) was investigated. Films which were found to be non-crystalline by x-ray diffraction upon deposition, crystallized rapidly upon annealing, especially where defects were present. Blends of Alq3with aluminum(III) 5-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline were proposed for thermally stable amorphous emitting layers in light-emitting diodes. Films coevaporated at a 1:1 ratio did not show evidence of crystallization or phase separation even after long annealing periods at temperatures as high as 160°C.
New aspects of reliability in gas insulated substations

This paper shows the following new aspects of reliability concepts in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas insulated modules (GIM) that are used worldwide as hidden substations, located underground or in a building. The constructional reliability considerations of this paper emphasis the problems of: SF/sub 6/ leakage in connection to the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the solution brought to special shape gaskets through the years. Spring operating mechanisms and improvement reliability aspects. Monitoring and diagnostic tendencies of GIS substations in order to reduce maintenance.
Validation of Sexological Worldview: A Construct for Use in the Training of Sexologists in Sexual Diversity

The authors originally posited that a new construct must be developed to measure the success of affective training for sexologists, particularly the Sexuality Attitudes Reassessment (SAR) modality. Couching their critique in studies that have been conducted to measure the SAR’s effectiveness as a method used to evoke perspective transformation and more sensitive and humanistic service provision, the authors argued that the development of a professional’s sexological worldview would be a more accurate construct than attitude change to measure when considering the outcomes of SAR training. This study in the United States used a two-phase qualitative approach to validate the proposed sexological worldview construct. In the first phase, they surveyed a panel of 16 sexologists regarding their original proposed definition of sexological worldview and refined it. In the second phase, they completed 30 one-on-one interviews with a convenience sample of sexologists and sexology students. Using an inductive content analysis of the interview transcripts, seven themes emerged in support of the proposed definition of sexological worldview, including its components and its developmental characteristics. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the use of the construct for the training of sexologists.
THE ROLE OF ADJUVANT THERAPY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH LUNG CANCER: CONTROVERSIES AND CHALLENGES

Adjuvant treatment decisions are challenging since benefit for the individual patient cannot be measured immediately, and the decision process is actually a risk calculation. In 2007, the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) established evidence-based recommendations for the management of breast cancer in elderly individuals and updated this guideline in 2012. Whole breast radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery, with a boost to the tumor bed, should be considered in all elderly patients since it decreases risk of local relapse. There is no subgroup of fit older patients in whom post-BCS WBRT can be systematically omitted but benefit in terms of overall survival can be very limited in low risk or frail patients. Hypofractionated radiation schedules offer similar local-regional control and adverse effects as standard fractionation regimens. The evidence for partial breast irradiation in older patients is not sufficiently robust to recommend it as standard therapy. Concerning adjuvant hormonal therapy, there is no age-dependent efficacy of tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Efficacy is slightly greater with aromatase inhibitors; however, elderly patients are more vulnerable to toxicity and safety is important in choice of agent. Omission of endocrine therapy is an option for patients with a very low-risk tumour (pT1aN0) or life-threatening comorbidities. The decision to treat with adjuvant chemotherapy should not be age-based. Older patients with node-positive, hormone-negative disease potentially derive the largest benefit. Four cycles of an anthracycline-containing regimen are usually preferred over CMF. Standard AC and CMF chemotherapy are better than single-agent capecitabine. Taxanes are associated with increased toxicity compared with younger women, but can be added to anthracyclines in high-risk healthy elderly patients, or replace anthracyclines to reduce the cardiac risk. Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, without cardiac disease, should be offered trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy. Tumor extent, general health status assessed by geriatric evaluation, tumor biology, and patient preference are critically important parameters to include for optimal adjuvant treatment decisions. Disclosure of interest: None declared
Interactions Between Anticonvulsants and Other Commonly Prescribed Drugs

Summary: Many drug interactions can be demonstrated, but only a few are so clinically significant that they necessitate adjusting drug dosages. The same drug combination may produce changes of variable extent or direction in different individuals. The reasons for this variability include genetic control of the rate and inducibility of drug metabolism, and environmental factors such as contact with chemicals. Among antimicrobial agents, chloramphenicol may cause accumulation of phenytoin (PHT) and phenobarbital (PB), and isoniazid may cause PHT, carbamazepine (CBZ), and primidone (PRM) to accumulate. Erythromycin may cause accumulation of CBZ. Among antiulcer agents, antacids may reduce PHT concentration while cimetidine may cause accumulation of PHT, CBZ, and diazepam (DZP). Salicylates displace strongly binding drugs such as PHT, DZP, or valproate (VPA) from the binding sites in plasma proteins, which may lead to some decline of the total plasma level with an increase in the unbound drug percentage. Conversely, anticonvulsants may influence the dosage requirements of oral anticoagulants by inducing their metabolism. Failures of oral contraceptives have been attributed to anticonvulsants in some patients. Probably the most predictable interaction that necessitates dosage adjustment is accumulation of PB caused by VPA. Intentional inhibition of PRM metabolism by nicotinamide serves as an example of attempts to utilize an interaction for improved therapeutic effect.