cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronary angioplasty performed within the thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction II study.

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of the infarct-related artery was performed within 42 days of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) administration in 1,414 of the 3,534 patients who participated in the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) II study. Primary angiographic success was obtained in 88.7%, with bypass surgery within 24 hours in 3.3% and death within 24 hours in 0.7% of patients. By 1 year, 25.1% of the 1,414 patients had sustained one or more adverse outcomes including death (3.6%), reinfarction (8.4%), or the need for further revascularization (20%). METHODS AND RESULTS Despite these generally favorable results, multivariate testing identified several anatomic and clinical subgroups as having an increased risk ratio (RR) for adverse outcome: Unsuccessful PTCA was more common in patients undergoing protocol-assigned PTCA within 2 hours of rt-PA administration (RR, 2.7; p less than 0.001) and in patients over age 70 years (RR, 1.7; p = 0.034). The need for further revascularization within 1 year was increased in the 30.4% of patients with multivessel disease (RR, 2.5; p less than 0.001), patients with prior angina (RR, 1.4; p less than 0.006), or those undergoing ischemia-driven PTCA within 15 hours of rt-PA administration (RR, 1.7; p = 0.022). The risk of death or recurrent infarction within 1 year was increased by the presence of multivessel disease (RR, 1.6; p = 0.007) or prior angina (RR, 1.5; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS These observations do not necessarily apply to patients undergoing primary PTCA (or PTCA after other thrombolytic agents); however, they do offer a unique yardstick against which to evaluate the results of PTCA in myocardial infarction.
Potent inhibition of tau fibrillization with a multivalent ligand.

Abstract Small-molecule inhibitors of tau fibrillization are under investigation as tools for interrogating the tau aggregation pathway and as potential therapeutic agents for Alzheimer’s disease. Established inhibitors include thiacarbocyanine dyes, which can inhibit recombinant tau fibrillization in the presence of anionic surfactant aggregation inducers. In an effort to increase inhibitory potency, a cyclic bis-thiacarbocyanine molecule containing two thiacarbocyanine moieties was synthesized and characterized with respect to tau fibrillization inhibitory activity by electron microscopy and ligand aggregation state by absorbance spectroscopy. Results showed that the inhibitory activity of the bis-thiacarbocyanine was qualitatively similar to a monomeric cyanine dye, but was more potent with 50% inhibition achieved at ∼80 nM concentration. At all concentrations tested in aqueous solution, the bis-thiacarbocyanine collapsed to form a closed clamshell structure. However, the presence of tau protein selectively stabilized the open conformation. These results suggest that the inhibitory activity of bis-thiacarbocyanine results from multivalency, and reveal a route to more potent tau aggregation inhibitors.
Automated detection of blob structures by Hessian analysis and object scale

Automated detection of blob-like structures is desirable in many biomedical applications such as nodule detection in radiographs and CT images, lymph nodes detection in CT images, and cell counting or tracking in biological images. Multiscale analysis of Hessian matrix is widely used for enhancement or detection of blob-like structures in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images. We proposed a new blob detector and a new detection response measure, blobness, based on eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix and local object scale. Pixels with higher blobness are clustered as detected blobs. We evaluated our method by comparison with two existing methods on both simulated and real images. Our results indicated that our automated blob detector had better performance on those images especially when the blobs were close to each other. Our method can be easily extended to 3D for computer-aided detection of blob-like structures in medical images.
Emploi et réussite scolaire dans les écoles primaires au Chili, en Colombie, en Equateur et au Pérou

Resume. En Amerique latine, beaucoup d'eleves travaillent parallelement a la poursuite de leur scolarite, soit a la maison, soit a l'exterieur. Partant de donnees recemment publiees, l'auteur applique la methode des moindres carres ordinaires a plusieurs niveaux pour detecter les associations entre le travail – intensite et localisation – et les resultats en calcul et en lecture a la fin de l'ecole primaire dans quatre pays andins. Meme apres controle d'un effet de selection – les enfants qui travaillent sont ceux qui frequentent les moins bonnes ecoles –, l'emploi apparait comme nuisible aux resultats scolaires, surtout lorsque sa duree est superieure ou egale a quatre heures par jour.
Blinding the Monocytes to Protect the Heart

Despite the impressive success of statins in lowering cholesterol levels, atherosclerotic heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the Western world. Although a central role for cholesterol, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in atherogenesis is undisputed, other contributing factors likely include diabetes mellitus, triglycerides, oxidation of proteins or lipids, and immune responses to self- or bacterial antigens. Whatever the precise agents, an expanding body of evidence strongly implicates inflammation as a final common pathway leading to the formation of unstable atherosclerotic plaques, plaque rupture, and acute myocardial infarction.1,2 Consistent with the hypothesis that inflammation plays an important role in plaque instability, a large, prospective, clinical trial found that elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were a strong predictor of future major cardiovascular events, even in patients who met current American Heart Association guidelines for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.3 Clinical trials are now testing the hypothesis that potent anti-inflammatory drugs, such as methotrexate4 or interleukin-1b,5 can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients who have suffered myocardial infarctions. Ideally, however, one would prefer a drug that more specifically targets vascular inflammation. In this regard, biological insights into the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis have focused attention on circulating blood monocytes.
The effect of postural change on pulmonary compliance

Abstract The effect of postural change on pulmonary compliance was studied by tilting subjects backward forty-five degrees. A mean decrease of 0.045 1/cm H2O of pulmonary compliance was observed in a group of subjects with normal ventilatory function. Factors, such as change in pulmonary blood volume, effect of gravitational force on mediastinal structure, decrease of functional residual capacity and variation of inspiratory level, which might affect the result were discussed. The tilted backward position shifted the gravitational force to mediastinal structures and compressed the esophageal wall. Therefore, intraesophageal pressure measurements were artefactually affected. This compression artefact was considered the major cause for the decrease in pulmonary compliance for the tilted backward position. Increase of pulmonary blood volume played little or no role in decreasing pulmonary compliance. The postural change used in this experiment was not associated with any appreciable shift of blood volume as occurs in the supine position.
A meta-analytic review of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire

Abstract The current paper presents a meta-analytic review of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), which consists of fifteen subscales designed from classic social–cognitive learning theories and which is widely used to predict academic performance. Results based on 2158 correlations from 67 independent samples and 19,900 college students indicate that the subscales of the MSLQ vary in their utility for predicting grades, with grade-related validities ranging from ρ = .40 for the subscale measuring students' effort regulation to ρ = .05 for the subscale measuring students' help-seeking behaviors. Factor-analyses of the meta-analytic intercorrelations broadly support the theoretical structure of the MSLQ. Alteration or elimination of items with undesirable psychometric characteristics could potentially both augment empirical support for the theoretical structure of the MSLQ and strengthen its subscales' predictive utility for academic performance.
Structure-property relationship of Si-DLC films

Abstract In the present work, Ar+ ion beam assisted deposition was utilized at various ion energies and current densities to prepare silicon-containing diamond-like carbon (Si–DLC) films. TEM analysis showed that the films are mainly amorphous and composed of diamond-like and graphite-like domains. The bonding characteristics of the films were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that Si suppresses formation of aromatic structures and participates in the structure of DLC by tetrahedral bonding with H and CHn groups. A direct correspondence was determined between ion current density during deposition and the sp3/sp2 ratio in the films. Lower ion current densities were found to favor SiC tetrahedral bonds, increase sp3/sp2 ratio and hardness but also increase surface roughness and decrease deposition rate. Pin-on-disc experiments were conducted to characterize the tribological behavior of the Si–DLC films. In general, the films exhibited low friction and high wear resistance, especially under low loading conditions. The results suggest that films with a pronounced graphitic nature possess better tribological characteristics. Films with enhanced diamond-like character and of sufficient thickness may have potential for applications against ceramic counter faces.
Potassium and Phosphorus

Abstract Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] lines can be classified as glossy (light yellow green and shiny leaves) and nonglossy (normal dark green leaves) based on seedling morphology. Glossy lines are land races endemic to regions with low soil fertility and hot dry climates. Four glossy and four nonglossy sorghum lines were grown in nutrient solutions with different levels of phosphorus to determine genotype differences in P uptake, distribution and use. Glossy lines had higher root, shoot, and plant dry matter yields, and lower P concentrations than nonglossy lines. Glossy and nonglossy lines did not differ in plant P contents. Although glossy and nonglossy lines absorbed similar amounts of P from solution, glossy lines used P more efficiently. Glossy lines might adapt better to low P conditions than nonglossy lines, and provide sorghum breeders with germplasm for improving P efficiency.
Case of ABO-Incompatible Living Donor Kidney Transplantation without Blood Products in a Jehovah's Witness

ABO-incompatible kidney transplantations have been performed successfully in Korea without splenectomy using plasmapheresis, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody infusions and other immunosuppressants. However, there is no report of a case of ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation in a Jehovah’s Witness. Hence, we report our experience of successful ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation without blood products in a Jehovah’s Witness. The recipient was treated with six sessions of plasmapheresis and he received intravenous rituximab before transplantation. Immunosuppressive regimen consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroid. The replacement fluid for plasmapheresis was 5% albumin solution instead of fresh frozen plasma. We measured the clotting factors before and after plasmapheresis and used cryoprecipitate to prevent bleeding.
Regulation of blue-green algal buoyancy and bloom formation by light, inorganic nitrogen, C02, and trophic level interactions

In highly eutrophic ponds, buoyancy of the gas-vacuolate blue-green alga Anabaenopsis Elenkinii (Miller) was regulated by complex interactions between chemical and physical parameters, as well as by biological interactions between various trophic levels. Algal buoyancy and surface bloom formation were enhanced markedly by decreased light intensity, and to a lesser extent by decreased CO2 availability and increased availability of inorganic nitrogen. In the absence of dense populations of large-bodied Cladocera, early season blooms of diatoms and green algae reduced light availability in the ponds thus creating conditions favorable for increased buoyancy and bloom formation by A. Elenkinii. The appearance of blue-green algal blooms could be prevented by a reduced density of planktivorous fish, which allowed development of dense cladoceran populations. The cladocerans limited the growth of precursory blooms of diatoms and green algae, and given the resulting clear-water conditions, buoyancy of A. Elenkinii was reduced, and blue-green algal blooms never appeared.
Controlling denitrification in closed artificial ecosystems.

Abstract Denitrification, the dissimilatory reduction of NO 3 − to N 2 O and N 2 , is found in a wide variety of organisms. In closed artificial systems, especially closed plant growth chambers, a significant loss of fixed-N occurs through denitrification, thereby decreasing the efficiency of the system and fouling the atmosphere with N 2 O. Denitrification is a form of anaerobic respiration. Whenever available, however, denitrifiers preferentially use O 2 as their terminal electron acceptor. As a result, rates of denitrification and growth are a function of O 2 . Typically, in closed systems O 2 consumption is greater than the diffusion of O 2 through the medium to the cell, decreasing the O 2 level near the cell and denitrification occurs. Using Pseudomonas fluorescens (ATCC # 17400) as a model organism grown in a two L bioreactor under varying levels of O 2 we studied its effects on population growth and its ability to mitigate denitrification in closed systems. The results indicate that denitrification occurs in a closed system even when it is considered aerobic, that is well mixed and sparged with either air, or sufficient pure O 2 to cause a complete turnover in the gaseous atmosphere in the bioreactor vessel every five minutes.
Nitrogen accumulation and partitioning by three grain legumes in response to soil water deficits

Abstract Few experiments have been conducted to compare the partitioning and accumulation of nitrogen (N) in plant components of grain legumes grown under different soil water regimes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of soil water deficit on N accumulation and partitioning in soybean ( Glycine max L. Merr.), pigeon pea ( Cajanus cajan L.), and peanut ( Arachis hypogaea L.). In 1984, the three legumes were subjected in a field environment to either well-watered or water-stressed treatments. Nitrogen concentration, total N accumulation, and N partitioning were determined throughout the growing season by measuring N content and concentration in leaves, stems, pod walls, and seeds. Peanut accumulated more total N than either soybean or pigeon pea under both the well-watered and water-stressed treatments. Water stress decreased both N concentration and total N accumulation, especially in soybean and pigeon pea. Less remobilization of N occurred in soybean leaves and stems during the seed-filling period in the stressed treatment because the water stress limited pod addition and subsequent seed demand for N. Loss of N from leaves during seed growth was greater in the crop with the most senescent growth habit (soybean), and lowest in the non-senescent but determinate crop (pigeon pea). Although peanut does not exhibit rapid leaf senescence during seed maturation as does soybean, considerable loss in leaf N was also observed in peanut leaves during the seed-filling period. Soy-bean, peanut, and pigeon pea differed in accumulation and partitioning of N under water-stressed and non-stressed environments. The partitioning and remobilization of N was dependent on the growth habit of the species and was significantly influenced by soil water deficits.
Activities of 3β-HSD and aromatase in slices of developing and adult zebra finch brain

Abstract Sex steroids influence the development and function of the songbird brain. Developmentally, the neural circuitry underlying song undergoes masculine differentiation under the influence of estradiol. In adults, estradiol stimulates song behavior and the seasonal growth of song control circuits. There is good reason to believe that these neuroactive estrogens are synthesized in the brain. At all ages, estrogens could act at the lateral ventricle, during migration, or where song nuclei exist or will form. We investigated the activity of two critical steroidogenic enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase (3β-HSD) and aromatase, using a slice culture system. Sagittal brain slices were collected from juvenile (posthatch day 20) and adult zebra finches containing either the lateral ventricle, where neurons are born, or the telencephalic song nuclei HVC and RA. The slices were incubated with 3 H-dehydroepiandrosterone or 3 H-androstenedione. Activity was determined by isolating certain products of 3β-HSD (5α-androstanedione, 5β-androstanedione, estrone, and estradiol) and aromatase (estrone and estradiol). Activities of both 3β-HSD and aromatase were detected in all slices and were confirmed using specific enzyme inhibitors. We found no significant difference in activity between adult males and females in either region for either enzyme. Juvenile female slices containing the lateral ventricle, however, showed greater levels of 3β-HSD activity than did similar slices from age-matched males. Determination of the activity of these critical steroidogenic enzymes in slice culture has implications for the role of neurosteroids in brain development.
Integrating Intellectual Property Concepts into MIS Education: An Empirical Assessment*

The evolving legal environment surrounding intellectual property (IP) and its impact on information systems, especially involving electronic commerce, and the type of education and training provided by management information systems (MIS) faculty to MIS students is a relationship that has not been investigated. Although organizations are confronted with IP infringement actions dealing with copyright, trademark, and their relationship to information systems, these issues are not adequately dealt with in MIS courses and programs today. These include improper posting of copyrighted material onto Web sites, improper use of metatags, and inappropriate deep linking and framing. Metatags, linking, and framing are often integral components of e-commerce and web development coursework. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study surveyed 122 MIS academics to ascertain their intentions to incorporate these IP concepts into their MIS courses. The results strongly support the TPB constructs regarding faculty members' intentions to incorporate these issues. Follow-up contacts with a number of respondents also showed very strong support for academics actually incorporating these issues into their coursework.
The Disconnected Values (Intervention) Model for Promoting Healthy Habits in Religious Institutions

The purpose of this article is to provide an intervention model that can be used by religious leaders for changing health behavior among practicing members of religious communities. The intervention does not require extensive training or licensure in counseling psychology. At the heart of this model is the acknowledgement that a person’s negative habits (e.g., lack of exercise, poor nutrition) and his or her deepest values and beliefs (e.g., faith, health, family) are often misaligned, or disconnected. In addition, the unhealthy outcomes from these habits are contrary to the scriptural traditions of the world religions and thus are especially relevant to individuals who practice their religious beliefs. The Sacred Scriptures of Judaism and Christianity, for example, are replete with teachings that extol the virtues of practicing habits that promote good health and energy. In addition, evidence is mounting in the existing health intervention literature that adopting permanent and desirable changes in health behavior have not been successful, and that adherence to desirable habits such as exercise and proper nutrition is short-lived. The Disconnected Values Model (DVM) provides a novel approach for enhancing health behavior change within the context of the mission of most religious institutions. The model is compatible with skills presented by religious leaders, who possess more credibility and influence in changing the behavior of members and service attendees of their respective religious institutions. The religious leader’s role is to provide the client with faith-based incentives to initiate and maintain changes in their health behaviors, and perhaps to provide resources for the individual to pursue an action plan. A case study is described in which the DVM intervention was used successfully with an individual of strong faith.
Chord-arc surfaces with small constant. II. Good parameterizations

Abstract In a companion paper we introduced a notion for hypersurfaces in R d + 1 that is analogous to the chord-arc condition with small constant for planar curves. In this paper we address the problem of finding good parameterizations for these surfaces. In particular, we show that these surfaces must be homeomorphic to R d , and we build parameterizations with L p bounds on the gradient, and the gradient of the inverse, with p → ∞ as the chord-arc constant goes to 0. When d = 2 we use the uniformization theorem to find a quasisymmetric parameterization. We do not know how to build bilipschitz parameterizations when d ≥ 2, or quasisymmetric parameterizations when d ≥ 3. The author conjectures that they do not exist in general. However, we can build bilipschitz reflections in all dimensions, and these reflections will satisfy certain extra estimates, in terms of Carleson measures.
Alterations of Forssman-antigenic reactivity and of monosaccharide composition in plasma membrane from polyoma-transformed hamster cells.

Abstract Plasma membrane was prepared from BHK cells and their polyoma virus transformed cells according to the procedure of Wallach and Kamat . The immunological reactivity of Forssman antigen was assayed on the isolated membranes by the hemolysis-inhibition technique. The results confirmed the previous observations that the reactivity was found in the transformed cells but not in the untransformed cells. When the untransformed BHK membrane was treated with trypsin, the antigenic reactivity appeared. Trypsin treatment of the polyoma virus-transformed BHK membrane enhanced the reactivity to some extent. These results imply that the acquisition of the reactivity is due to the organizational changes of the plasma membrane of the BHK cells concomitant with viral transformation. Determination of sugar contents of the membrane showed that in the plasma membrane of the transformed cells, most of the neutral and aminosugars were decreased as compared with those of the untransformed cells. This pattern of reduction in monosaccharides implies a decrease of carbohydrate moiety in glycoproteins and glycolipids in the plasma membrane of the polyoma virus-transformed BHK cells.
Human Milk, Nutrition, and the World Resource Crisis

In less developed countries protein-calorie malnutrition of early childhood is widespread. Severe syndromes such as kwashiorkor and marasmus are found in 1-7% of young children in some populations. Many more are affected by less severe manifestations. It has been estimated that there are 10-20 million young children with severe syndromes most of whom will die without treatment. Conversely infantile obesity is becoming a problem in more affluent populations. Recently the pattern of malnutrition has altered in many developing countries due to urbanization and a decline in breast-feeding. Nutritional marasmus with diarrhea in the 1st year of life is more common. Human milk as compared with cows milk contains a more abundant supply of nutriments most needed for the rapid growth and development of the central nervous system. Much illness in early childhood is related to infection which occurs more easily in those with malnutrition and aggravates that condition. Breast-feeding is known to have a contraceptive effect. Appropriate child spacing is thus aided. Human milk must be considered a resource priority in national development policy and in international planning for health. As an emergency measure in famine relief attention should be given to providing food for lactating women rather than to distributing formulas.
Comment on “Generalized grating equation for virtually imaged phased-array spectral dispersers”

I correct an error made by Vega et al. [Appl. Opt. 42, 4152 (2003)], who derived the spectral dispersion properties of a virtually imaged phased-array etalon using a ray-based, multibounce interference analysis. I demonstrate that the corrected dispersion law is in agreement with the results obtained by paraxial wave theory [Xiao et al., IEEE J. Quantum Electron.40, 420 (2004)].
Geriatrics content in residency curricula

T wo trends drive curricula for geriatric training development: the rapid growth of the very elderly population, with their disproportionate use of health care, and the ascendancy of primary care. This article will outline the nature of the geriatrics knowledge base, the relationship of geriatrics to primary care, the faculty development needed to teach geriatrics, and the curriculum needed to train residency graduates in the care of older people.
Sparing effects of intrauterine treatment with prostaglandin E2 on luteal function in cycling gilts.

Abstract Twelve crossbred gilts, 8 to 9 months of age, were used to study the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on luteal function during the estrous cycle. Intrataurine and jugular vein catheters were surgically placed before day 7 of the treatment estrous cycle and gilts were randomly assigned to 1 or 3 treatment groups. Groups I and II received constant intrauterine infusion of vehicle (6.0 ml/24 hr) or PGE2 (2400 μg/day; 6.0 ml/24 hr) respectively; while group III was given intrauterine infusions of 400 μg PGE2 every 4 hr. All infusions were initiated on day 7 and continued until estrus or through day 23. Jugular blood samples were collected twice daily from days 7 to 30 for progesterone analysis. Intrauterine infusion of PGE2 at the dose and frequencies given in this study delayed the decline in jugular plasma progesterone and resulted in prolongation of the estrous cycle length. The results of this study have shown that PGE2 at the dosage and frequency of administration used was capable of extending corpus luteum function.
Small Submersible Acoustic Communications System Design

A design is presented for a system providing highly reliable command and control acoustic communications between a mother ship and a number of small, fast submersibles. The small submersibles may be employed for underwater mining, exploration, bottom mapping, or military surveillance. Modulation and coding design is presented; the techniques discussed provide multiple protection against multipath and fading, high reliability, acceptable transmitted signal total time duration, simplicity, and economy. The required decision point signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for Rayleigh fading conditions is derived for the modulation and coding design. Particular attention is paid in the receive signal processing to the initial doppler and message doppler variation problems inherent in a scenario with mobile end points. A Figure-of-Merit calculation is provided for typical geometrical and environmental parameters. It is shown for a realistic source level that the required SNR can be achieved at long range with extreme end point motion.
Product Quality, Attributes, and Brand Name as Determinants of Price: The Case of Consumer Electronics

This paper proposes and illustrates an approach to measuring one aspect of brand equity, viewed as a price premium and defined as the increment that a brand name contributes to the price of a product above and beyond that justified by its quality (where quality is determined by an assessment of the relevant attributes, features, or characteristics). Two illustrative studies apply the proposed measure to consumer-electronics products found in home-theater or audio-video entertainment centers. Study 1 uses data presented byConsumer Reports to regress market price on overall quality and on dummy variables coded to represent brand names. Here, the results for home-theater products suggest a conspicuous absence of incremental brand-name effects. Study 2 generalizes this result by analyzing data for various electronic products offered by theCrutchfield Catalog. Across six product categories, when controlling for differences in an attributes-based index of product quality, a significant brand-related price premium appears to occur only for Carver. This finding again casts doubt on the importance of brand equity in the market for consumer electronics.
Don't give up your gamma probe.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning relies on the differential uptake by tumor cells of a radiolabeled glucose, FDG (F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose), and by generating a whole-body image, can image both the primary tumor and its regional and distant metastases. Although the management algorithms of lymphoma, esophageal, lung, and colorectal cancers increasingly incorporate PET as a tool for preand posttreatment evaluation, the role of PET in breast cancer remains undefined. Whereas early experience found that PET could identify virtually all large breast cancers and known metastases, its main limitation has proved to be its lack of sensitivity in detecting smaller-volume disease. Currently, PET has the resolution to identify only those tumor foci 5 mm or larger. This is a significant limitation and effectively excludes PET from a role in breast cancer screening, where mammography has dramatically increased the proportion of breast cancers diagnosed as duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or as very small invasive lesions, and where both ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (both highly sensitive) play a growing role. Whereas PET seems comparably sensitive in imaging known cancers (93% in one study1), and will occasionally yield an incidental diagnosis of cancer when done to evaluate an unrelated malignancy, its role in population screening is unknown and its cost would seem prohibitive. Current efforts, therefore, focus on defining the role of PET for staging, both regional lymph nodes and distant sites. For axillary lymph node staging, Greco et. al.2 found that PET was both sensitive (identifying 68 of 72 patients who were node positive, 94%, corresponding to a false– negative rate of 6%) and specific (identifying 82 of 95 node-negative patients, 86%, corresponding to a false– positive rate of 14%), and expressed the hope that PET might identify patients who could avoid axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND). Schirrmeister et al.1 reported much less encouraging results (sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 92%), as have Wahl et. al.3 (sensitivity of 61% and specificity of 80%), Guller et al.4 (sensitivity of 43% and specificity of 94%), and others5–7 (sensitivity 20% to 79% and specificity 57% to 100%). This trend continues in a report from Lovrics et al.8, in this issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology, of a study comparing preoperative PET with ALND in 90 patients, 72 of whom also had a SLN biopsy. PET lacked sensitivity, detecting only 36% of patients who were node positive on ALND (with pathologic analysis by hematoxylin and eosin [HE accepted July 22, 2004. From the Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Address correspondence to: Elisa Rush Port, MD, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, MRI-1026, New York, New York, 10021; Fax: 212-794-5812; E-mail: eport@mskcc.org.
Use of Fourier series in the analysis of discontinuous periodic structures

The recent reformulation of the coupled-wave method by Lalanne and Morris [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A13, 779 ( 1996)] and by Granet and Guizal [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A13, 1019 ( 1996)], which dramatically improves the convergence of the method for metallic gratings in TM polarization, is given a firm mathematical foundation in this paper. The new formulation converges faster because it uniformly satisfies the boundary conditions in the grating region, whereas the old formulations do so only nonuniformly. Mathematical theorems that govern the factorization of the Fourier coefficients of products of functions having jump discontinuities are given. The results of this paper are applicable to any numerical work that requires the Fourier analysis of products of discontinuous periodic functions.
Obfuscation of design intent in object-oriented applications

Protection of digital data from unauthorized access is of paramount importance. In the past several years, much research has concentrated on protecting data from the standpoint of confidentiality, integrity and availability. Software is a form of data with unique properties and its protection poses unique challenges. First, software can be reverse engineered, which may result in stolen intellectual property. Second, software can be altered with the intent of performing operations this software must not be allowed to perform.With commercial software increasingly distributed in forms from which source code can be easily extracted, such as Java bytecodes, reverse engineering has become easier than ever. Obfuscation techniques have been proposed to impede illegal reverse engineers. Obfuscations are program transformations that preserve the program functionality while obscuring the code, thereby protecting the program against reverse engineering. Unfortunately, the existing obfuscation techniques are limited to obscuring variable names, transformations of local control flow, and obscuring expressions using variables of primitive types. In this paper, we propose obfuscations of design of object-oriented programs.We describe three techniques for obfuscation of program design. The class coalescing obfuscation replaces several classes with a single class. The class splitting obfuscation replaces a single class with multiple classes, each responsible for a part of the functionality of the original class. The type hiding obfuscation uses the mechanism of interfaces in Java to obscure the types of objects manipulated by the program. We show the results of our initial experiments with a prototype implementation of these techniques. In particular, we shown that the runtime overheads of these obfuscations tend to be small.
Self-setting collagen-calcium phosphate bone cement: Mechanical and cellular properties

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) can conform to complex bone cavities and set in-situ to form bioresorbable hydroxyapatite. The aim of this study was to develop a CPC-collagen composite with improved fracture resistance, and to investigate the effects of collagen on mechanical and cellular properties. A type-I bovine-collagen was incorporated into CPC. MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were cultured. At CPC powder/liquid mass ratio of 3, the work-of-fracture (mean ± sd; n = 6) was increased from (22 ± 4) J/m2 at 0% collagen, to (381 ± 119) J/m2 at 5% collagen (p ≤ 0.05). At 2.5–5% of collagen, the flexural strength at powder/liquid ratios of 3 and 3.5 was 8–10 MPa. They matched the previously reported 2–11 MPa of sintered porous hydroxyapatite implants. SEM revealed that the collagen fibers were covered with nano-apatite crystals and bonded to the CPC matrix. Higher collagen content increased the osteoblast cell attachment (p ≤ 0.05). The number of live cells per specimen area was (382 ± 99) cells/mm2 on CPC containing 5% collagen, higher than (173 ± 42) cells/mm2 at 0% collagen (p ≤ 0.05). The cytoplasmic extensions of the cells anchored to the nano-apatite crystals of the CPC matrix. In summary, collagen was incorporated into in situ-setting, nano-apatitic CPC, achieving a 10-fold increase in work-of-fracture (toughness) and two-fold increase in osteoblast cell attachment. This moldable/injectable, mechanically strong, nano-apatite-collagen composite may enhance bone regeneration in moderate stress-bearing applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2009
Using Barbaric Methods in South Africa: The British Concentration Camp Policy during the Anglo-Boer War

The Boer War, which is frequently referred to as Britain's Vietnam or Afghanistan, was marked by gross miscalculations on the part of both British military and political leaders. In their efforts to subdue the Boers, Britain used more troops, spent more money, and buried more soldiers than anytime between the Napoleonic wars and World War I - a century during which it had been busy expanding its empire. Despite the miscalculations, lapses in judgement, and blatant stupidity demonstrated throughout the war by the British leaders, historically speaking, one policy remains far more notorious than any other. Unable to bring the war to a conclusion through traditional fighting, the British military, and in particular the two men who were in command, Frederick, Baron Roberts and Herbert, Baron Kitchener, responded to the Boer use of guerilla warfare by instituting a scorched earth combined with a concentration camp policy.1 Nearly forty years later, Lord Kitchener's decision to institute a full-scale concentration camp strategy came back to haunt the British. On the eve of the Second World War, when a British ambassador to Gernlany protested Nazi camps, Herman Goering rebuffed the criticism by pulling out an encyclopedia and looking up the entry for concentration camps, which credited the British with being the first to use them in the Boer War.2 Under the scrutiny that comes with the passage of time, the concentration camp policy has rightfully been viewed as not only inhumane, but hopelessly flawed. When Lords Roberts and Kitchener, who were desperate to counter the Boers' effective use of guerilla warfare, turned to the concentration camp policy they failed to consider that the plan might fail. In the end the strategy, in a number of ways, actually benefited the Boers militarily while simultaneously proving to be a public relations disaster for theBritish govemment.3
Theory of Nuclear Coulomb Energy

The characteristic oscillatory behavior of the Coulomb energy differences for light nuclei is explained in terms of the different values of the average Coulomb interaction between two particles when the wave function is, respectively, symmetrical and antisymmetrical in the space coordinates of the particles. The possible effect of the low binding energy of the least strongly bound particle in $4n+1$ nuclei is discussed. It is shown how the Coulomb energy differences obtained empirically from odd nuclei may be used to estimate Coulomb energy differences for various other cases.
Scaling law for the contact-propagation regime of first-passage percolation.

We study first-passage percolation on a lattice with a fraction p< or approx. =p/sub c/ of bonds assigned zero time delay, the others having finite delays governed by the cumulative distribution F(x). This ''contact-propagation'' regime exhibits criticality analogous to the random superconducting network. We derive, and confirm numerically, a scaling law that relates the divergence of the first-passage velocity near the percolation threshold p/sub c/ to static percolation exponents and to F(x).
A novel key–lock mechanism for inactivating amino acid neurotransmitters during transit across extracellular space

There are two kinds of neurotransmissions that occur in brain. One is neuron to neuron at synapses, and the other is neuron to glia via extracellular fluid (ECF), both of which are important for maintenance of proper neuronal functioning. For neuron to neuron communications, several potent amino acid neurotransmitters are used within the confines of synaptic space. However, their presence at elevated concentrations in extra-synaptic space could be detrimental to well organized neuronal functioning. The significance of the synthesis and release of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) by neurons has long been a puzzle since glutamate (Glu) itself is the “key” that can interact with all Glu receptors on membranes of all cells. Nonetheless, neurons synthesize this acetylated dipeptide, which cannot be catabolized by neurons, and release it to ECF where its specific physiological target is the Glu metabotropic receptor 3 on the surface of astrocytes. Since Glu is excitotoxic at elevated concentrations, it is proposed that formation and release of NAAG by neurons allows large quantities of Glu to be transported in ECF without the risk of injurious excitotoxic effects. The metabolic mechanism used by neurons is a key–lock system to detoxify Glu during its intercellular transit. This is accomplished by first synthesizing N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and then joining this molecule via a peptide bond to Glu. In this paper, a hypothesis is presented that neurons synthesize a variety of relatively nontoxic peptides and peptide derivatives, including NAA, NAAG, homocarnosine (γ-aminobutyrylhistidine) and carnosine (β-alanylhistidine) from potent excitatory and inhibitory amino acids for the purpose of releasing them to ECF to function as cell-specific neuron-to-glia neurotransmitters.
Build What You Use

To prove success in ubiquitous computing research, you must implement your ideas and deploy them in support of a work practice or community activity. Anything less, and the design's utility will always be doubted, even if the core engineering is outstanding.
Estimating Lactating Projection Factors as Joined Straight Lines

Abstract A method to construct factors for projecting milk and fat records is presented. Unknown production is estimated from last sample-day and herd-average data. Factors for these variables vary linearly with days in milk within stage of lactation. The curve of these factors is continuous between stages. Records are projected by addition of the known partial-record production to an estimated remaining production (production from the last day of the partial record until day 305). This estimate is based on last sample-day production and, for records through 155 days, mature-equivalent herd average.
Eimeria ochrogasteri n. sp. from the Prairie Vole Microtus ochrogaster

SYNOPSIS. Eimeria ochrogasteri n. sp. (Coccidia, Eimeriidae) from a prairie vole Microtus ochrogaster (Rodentia, Cricetidae) is described. This is the first recorded coccidium in prairie voles. Sporulated oocysts spherical to ellipsoidal, mean 24.0 by 20.5 μ. Oocyst wall double, outer layer thick, yellow-brown, deeply pitted, inner layer clear. Oocyst residuum varies from many small globules to a coalesced group of large and/or small globules. Polar granule present. Micropyle absent. Sporocysts ovoid with “capped” Stieda body, mean 12.3 by 8.2 μ. Sporocyst residuum present. Sporozoites average 14.9 by 2.9 μ with spherical anterior and oblong posterior refractile globules. This species was found in 1 of 71 voles from Weld county, Colorado.
The hyperpolarizability dispersion of neon is not anomalous

Abstract Experimental measurements are presented which show that the anomalous hyperpolarizability dispersion previously observed for neon is spurious. The electric-field-induced second harmonic generation measurements of the hyperpolarizability of neon are now in agreement with the best ab initio results, both in the static limit and at optical frequencies. This experiment gives γNe=122.2±0.4 and 123.5±0.5 au at λ=514.5 and 488.0 nm, respectively. The experimental estimate of the static hyperpolarizability of neon is 108±2 au.
Nine years results with potato fertilizers

In this experiment on Congaree soil 1 ton per acre of a 5-5-5 mixture gave the most profitable yield. Increasing the percentage of N, P or K in the mixture did not result in significant increases in yield except in the case of P where 9% gave a significant increase over 5% but not over 7%.
Short-time dynamics of first-order phase transition in a disordered system

Nonequilibrium short-time dynamics of first-order phase transition in a driven-disordered system at zero temperature is investigated. In a random-bond Ising model under external field, the largest discontinuous jump of order parameter shows a power-law evolution in short times: ΔM(t) ~ tθ. The scaling exponent θ is equal to (d − β/ν)/z, where d is the dimensionality; β, ν and z are the critical exponents of the system. θ is found to be a universal exponent for any metastable relaxation in the short-time regime. This investigation suggests that the short-time dynamics is valid for the first-order phase transition in the driven disordered system and the critical phenomenon of the disordered system can be understood in the framework of nonequilibrium dynamics.
Mass production level ArF immersion exposure tool

VLSI chips are becoming denser and the industry is now moving to the development of devices at the 65nm node. While Nikon is working toward the development of next-generation lithography tools, we are also making efforts to extend the life of DUV excimer steppers by continuing reductions in feature size without any major changes to the conventional process. Nikon's new model, the ArF Immersion Scanner NSR-S609B, utilizes immersion lithography in which the space between the projection lens and the wafer is filled with ultra pure water with a refractive index of 1.44. This immersion technology enables the NSR-S609B to break through the N.A. 1.0 barrier to achieve the world's highest N.A. of 1.07, an impossible feat by a conventional lithography or dry exposure. This system will contribute to the production of advanced 55nm and smaller devices. Latest evaluation results of the immersion imaging system and the new stage system are presented.
Toward learning from patient safety reporting systems.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the frequency and type of factors involved in incidents reported to a patient safety reporting system and answer specific questions to enhance the value of PSRS data to improve patient safety. Materials and Methods Prospective cohort study of incidents reported from adult and pediatric intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States to the web-based, voluntary, and anonymous Intensive Care Unit Safety Reporting System. Results from July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2004. Main outcome variables were incidents that could or did lead to patient harm. Results Analysis includes 2075 incidents from 23 ICUs. Median number of reports/ICU/month was 3; 5 hospitals submitted 58% of reports. Harm was reported in 42% of incidents with 18 deaths. Common event types: medication/therapeutics (42%) and incorrect/incomplete care delivery (20%); 48% of line/tube/drain incidents led to physical harm. Deficiencies in training/education contributed to 49% of incidents and teamwork issues 32%; 42% of incidents had 2 or more contributing factors. As the number of contributing factors per incident increased, so did risk of harm. Conclusions The Intensive Care Unit Safety Reporting System provides a mechanism for multiple ICUs to identify hazards. Data trends show a correlation between multiple contributing factors and higher rates of harm. Further research is needed to help determine how to use PSRS data to improve patient safety.