cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of breast cancer care in the elderly

BACKGROUND The elderly represent a large proportion of the women with breast cancer. However, there is a lack of information regarding breast cancer care in the elderly. METHODS A patient care evaluation survey for breast carcinoma was conducted by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons for 1983 and 1990. Data were obtained from hospital tumor registries from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Information regarding presentation, diagnostics, staging, treatment, recurrence, and survival were analyzed. Comparisons were made between women 75 years and older and those younger than 75 years. RESULTS Included were 17,029 women diagnosed with breast carcinoma during 1983 and 24,004 diagnosed during 1990. In 1983 and 1990, 20.4% and 23.4% of women, respectively, were 75 years or older. Fewer cancers were detected mammographically and needle localized biopsies were performed less often in the elderly. There was no difference in tumor location or histology. Stage at diagnosis appeared more advanced in the elderly. Most women regardless of age, underwent modified radical mastectomy. Of the elderly who did undergo breast conserving surgery in 1983 and 1990, 72% and 39%, respectively, did not receive radiation therapy. No difference was found in the local recurrence rates between the elderly and younger groups. In the elderly, 20% of deaths occurred from causes other than breast cancer. Overall disease specific survival was worse in the elderly but, when analyzed by stage, was significantly different for only certain stages. CONCLUSIONS There are several differences in the detection, diagnostic methods, stage at diagnosis, treatment approaches, and outcome of breast cancer in elderly women compared with younger women. Cancer; 1996;78:101-11.
Bombesin produces hypothermia in insulin treated rats

Abstract Previous studies have shown that central injection of bombesin produces hypothermia in food-deprived, but not food satiated rats at normal ambient temperatures. The present study evaluated the effects of bombesin on core body temperature (Tb) and feeding behavior in rats pretreated with insulin. Administration of bombesin (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μg) into the lateral cerebral ventricle produced hypothermia in rats injected with insulin (10 U/kg; i.m.). No significant change in core temperature was observed in control rats following bombesin. Insulin treatments significantly stimulated feeding behavior and the highest dose of bombesin significantly reduced feeding behavior. The results demonstrate bombesin-induced hypothermia under metabolic conditions similar to acute starvation. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that bombesin-induced hypothermia in food-deprived rats is directly related to the fasting state. Bombesin is a tetradecapeptide originally isolated from amphibian skin (Anastasi, Erspamer, and Bucci, 1971). Bombesin-like immunoreactivlty and binding sites are present in a variety of brain regions (Falkovits, 1984; Panula, Yang, and Costa, 1982). Bombesin has been reported to produce hypothermia at normal ambient temperatures in rats following acute starvation (Avery and Calisher, 1982; Babcock and Wunder, 1984). The mechanism underlying bombesin-induced hypothermia in food-deprived rats in unknown. Nutritional factors associated with the fasting state, as well as secondary consequences of prolonged food deprivation (i.e. stress) must be evaluated before the importance of this phenomenon can be determined. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of bombesin on Tb following insulin administration. Insulin has been previously shown to stimulate feeding behavior by producing hypoglycemia (Steffens, 1969). Thus, insulin provides a method of experimentally inducing feeding behavior without food-depriving the animal. If factors associated with the fasting state are critical, bombesin should produce hypothermia in insulin treated rats. Alternatively, if factors secondary to acute starvation are responsible for bombesin-induced hypothermia, changes in Tb would not be expected. Bombesin has also been shown to inhibit food intake in the rat (Gibbs, Fauser, Rowe, Rolls, Rolls and Maddison, 1979). Thus the present study also evaluated the effects of bombesin on food intake.
Properties of cellulose acetate in solution. II. Light scattering and elasticity measurements on gels in benzyl alcohol

Kinetic studies are reported for the light scattering and elasticity of thermally reversible gels of cellulose acetate in benzyl alcohol over a range of temperature and polymer concentration. The small-angle light scattering data are found to be described by exponential correlation functions, and it is concluded that the scattering has its origin in the nonrandom character of the crosslinking in the gels studied. The elasticity is discussed in terms of the density of crosslinks in the gels. Thus, the kinetics studied by light scattering and elasticity measurements are independently related to temperature and polymer concentration.
STATISTICAL APPROACH TO THE VENEZIANO MODEL.

A statistical approach to dual (Veneziano) dynamics is proposed. It operates with hadrons of given temperature rather than specifying in detail all hadronic quantum numbers. Heavy-resonance production predictions of the statistical approach are found to agree with experiment.
Power and Rate Control for Cognitive Radios: A Dynamic Programming Approach

In this paper, we investigate the power and rate control schemes for multiple cognitive radio (CR) links in the same neighborhood, which operate over multiple channels (frequency bands) in the presence of licensed primary radios (PRs). Specifically, by considering a practical delay in spectrum sensing, an efficient algorithm based on dynamic programming (DP) is proposed to maximize the average sum-rate of the CR links over a finite time horizon under the constraints on the CR-to-PR interference and the average transmit power for each CR link. In the proposed algorithm, the PR occupancy of each channel is modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain (DTMC). Based on such a model, a novel power and rate control strategy is derived, which is a function of the delayed spectrum sensing output, the instantaneous channel gains for the CR links, and the remaining power budgets for the CR transmitters. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm leads to significant performance improvement over heuristic algorithms.
‘Made in Italy? Who cares!’ Prada’s new economic geography

Abstract The fashion firm Prada is currently turning away from the idea of place-image (communicated through its ‘Made in Italy’ labels) as a source of monopoly rents. In this article, I concern myself with this and other recent changes in the firm’s profit making, monopoly rent generating, and wealth producing strategies and tactics – linked together by the need, on the part of Prada, to deal with the recent loosening of the once tight interweaving of place and production. How Prada, in the process, redefined what counts as ‘place’ in a relational manner is interesting; as is the fact that the firm has become even more sophisticated in its attempts to extract every drop of profit, monopoly rent, and wealth out of the capitalist system (via, for example, a strategy of corporate appropriation which involves not only a distinctive ‘anti-brand/anti-fashion/anti-commercial’ position but also a supposedly disinterested patronage of contemporary culture). All this has significant implications for the geography literature.
The structure of the major immediate early gene of human cytomegalovirus strain AD169.

Abstract The nucleotide sequence of the major immediate early (IE) gene of human cytomegalovirus strain AD169 was determined. The structure of the gene was examined by nuclease mapping and by sequence analysis of a cDNA clone made from IE mRNA. The gene encodes a spliced molecule of 1736 nucleotides, made up of four exon sequences of 121, 88, 185 and 1342 nucleotides. Three introns (827, 114 and 170n) were located near the 5′ end of the gene. A single open reading frame starting in the second exon extends for 491 amino acids, corresponding to a protein of molecular weight 64000. The putative promoter region contains several short direct and inverted repeat sequences of 16, 18, 19 and 21 nucleotides, which extend 509n upstream from the transcription start site. The structure of the major IE gene and its protein product are discussed and compared with the corresponding IE gene from the Towne strain of HCMV.
Tools for controlling quality: What is done prior to production, as well as thereafter, is as important as the production process itself in ensuring the quality of products

In the Middle Ages, skilled craftsmen worked long years as apprentices under the watchful eyes of journeymen and masters before they were prepared to produce quality products. But with the introduction of interchangeable parts by Eli Whitney at the beginning of the 19th century, new methods of quality control were required. First piece-part measurements, then inspections and statistical sampling techniques, were introduced. By World War II, modern methods of quality control were established, and in the past four decades these have changed relatively little.
Effects of hardwood sawdust in potting media containing biosolids compost on plant growth, fertilizer needs, and nitrogen leaching

Abstract Biosolids compost is used in media to grow potted plants. Nitrogen (N) in media leachate may contribute to nitrate (NO3‐N) contamination of surface or ground water. Addition of sawdust to potting media containing biosolids compost will increase the carbon (C) to nitrogen ratio and could prevent N leaching without adversely affecting plant growth. A control medium containing 0% sawdust (v/v), 30% perlite, 50% municipal biosolids compost, and 20% sand was modified to contain either 10, 20, or 30% (v/v) fresh hardwood sawdust. The sawdust replaced either 1/3, 2/3, or all of the perlite in the control medium. Slow release fertilizer, slow plus quick release fertilizer, or no fertilizer was added to each of the four media to determine how the sawdust affected fertilizer needs. Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora L.) and Rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta L. ’Goldstrum') were grown in pots for five months. Leachate was tested for NO3‐N and ammonium N (NH4‐N). Increasing amounts of sawdust produced no differences ...
Bad news can be good news: Early dropouts in an English auction with multi-dimensional signals

Abstract In an English auction with multi-dimensional signals, a “reversal” may arise: an earlier dropout may be better news to the seller than a later dropout, and the expected revenue can be decreasing over some range of clock prices.
Development of a Second Generation Coenzyme A Analogue Synthon

We have previously reported a general synthetic approach to analogues of coenzyme A (CoA) which involves enzymatic synthesis of a general CoA analogue synthon having a thioester linkage in place of the amide bond nearest the thiol group (Martin et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1994, 116, 4660). We report here the synthesis of a second CoA analogue synthon 1c which has the amide bond more distant from the thiol group replaced with a thioester. This analogue was prepared by nonenzymatic synthesis of a racemic phosphopantetheine analogue followed by enzymatic conversion to the corresponding CoA analogue. Stereochemical analysis showed that the natural enantiomer of the phosphopantetheine analogue was selectively converted to product by the enzyme phosphopantetheine adenylyltansferase, yielding a product that possessed the desired stereoconfiguration. Reaction of the new synthon 1c with a primary amine results in amide bond formation to form the CoA analogue of interest. This new methodology provides access to an even broader array of CoA analogues modified in the beta-alanylcysteamine moiety. This has been demonstrated in the synthesis of an analogue having an extra methylene group in the beta-alanine moiety and two analogues in which the amide bond nearest the thiol group is replaced with a pair of methylene groups.
Controls on the degree of fluvial incision of continental shelves

During sea-level low stands continental shelves were dissected by a network of channels somewhat resembling today's coastal plain streams. The network was subsequently buried or erased by marine processes during sea-level transgression, so that only some tracts are still conserved in the geological record. Herein we use a numerical model to study the effect of base level change by sea-level fall on the total channel incision. We find that four factors control the total incision on the shelf: (i) the presence of convex deposits; (ii) the evolution of the rivers towards equilibrium (graded) conditions; (iii) geometrical differences between coastal plain and shelf; and (iv) the exposure of the continental slope. The conceptual model is then applied to the Adriatic Sea, Italy. Simulations show that incisions in the Adriatic shelf develop in high stand fluvial deposits in the early stages of sea-level fall. At lower sea level, fluvial incision occurs in the mid-Adriatic due to the regrading of the Po River after the capture of the Apennine streams in its drainage system.
Policy errors in executive and legislative decision-making

Policy makers get information about the likely outcomes of policy options from experts before they make their decisions. In the executive branch, policy experts tend to reflect the views of the chief executive, whereas in the legislative branch members seek policy advisors whose views reflect their own. The result is a more diverse group of policy advisors in the legislative branch than in the executive branch, which under plausible conditions generates more accurate policy projections. Policy errors will tend to be smaller in legislative than in executive decision-making, providing an argument for making policy decisions in the legislative branch rather than the executive branch.
Surface effects at the nanoscale significantly reduce the effects of stress concentrators

Abstract At nanoscales, the large surface over volume ratio is shown to be instrumental in eliminating or significantly reducing the adverse effects of nanoscale stress concentrators (NSCs) such as impurities, inclusions, pores, and cracks. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, Cu crystals with and without NSCs are strained in tension and in shear, at two strain rates, one being an order of magnitude larger than the other. Cube-shape crystals with periodic boundary conditions show sensitivity to NSCs similar to macrosize samples where fracture mechanics works well. For such crystals, atomistic defects cluster near the loaded surfaces, the clustering being stimulated significantly by the NSCs. Crystals with non-periodic boundary conditions, however, show insensitivity to NSCs, for the sample sizes examined herein, i.e., cubes up to about 30 nm side length. Atomistic defects do not cluster near the loading surfaces but rather distribute over the entire sample. Even though the spatial distribution of atomistic defects depends on the presence of NSCs, the total number of such defects is found to be independent of the presence of NSCs for the cubic crystals. The reason for this is the presence of a “vast” amount of surfaces, for the non-periodic boundary conditions case, where numerous atomistic defects initiate, making the number of defects initiating from NSCs insignificant. Provided that the average energy in creating these defects is constant, a robust explanation of the insignificance of NSCs emerges.
Investigation on the high frequency thermosonic flip chip bonding under low temperature

The feasibility of using high frequency (109 kHz) thermosonic bonding for a flip chip package under 60/spl deg/C bonding temperature is studied, and the effects of bond power and bond force on die shear strength are elucidated. It is noticed that the die shear strength increased with the bond power initially, and reached a maximum level at 2 W and attained a plateau level eventually. Furthermore, it appears that the increase in bond power substantially reduced the package standoff height and strengthened the die shear strength. Essentially, the package standoff height is dependent on the bump deformation during the thermosonic bonding, in which the increase in bond power imparted significant amounts of bump deformation. By analogy, the increase in bump deformation due to the elevated bond force also enhanced the die shear strength. Comparing the performance between 63 kHz and 109 kHz bonding, it is interesting to note that satisfactory die shear strength was only achieved in 63 kHz bonding at higher bond power level, while the 109 kHz bonding demonstrated the distinctive characteristic in establishing the joints even at lower power level under 60/spl deg/C. From the SEM micrography, it is observed that the deformation of gold bumps under low frequency bonding was more severe. The bonding mechanisms due to the power and vibrating frequency are also discussed schematically.
Elevated Polymorphism and Divergence in the Class C Scavenger Receptors of Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans

Scavenger receptor proteins are involved in the cellular internalization of a broad variety of foreign material, including pathogenic bacteria during phagocytosis. I find here that nonsynonymous divergence in three class C scavenger receptors ( Sr-C 9s) between Drosophila melanogaster and D . simulans and between each of these species and D . yakuba is approximately four times the typical genome average. These genes also exhibit unusually high levels of segregating nonsynonymous polymorphism in D. melanogaster and D . simulans populations. A fourth Sr-C is comparatively conserved. McDonald-Kreitman tests reveal a significant excess of replacement fixations between D . melanogaster and D . simulans in the Sr-C 9s, but tests of polymorphic site frequency spectra do not support models of directional selection. It is possible that the molecular functions of SR-C proteins are sufficiently robust to allow exceptionally high amino acid substitution rates without compromising organismal fitness. Alternatively, SR-Cs may evolve under diversifying selection, perhaps as a result of pressure from pathogens. Interestingly, Sr-CIII and Sr-CIV are polymorphic for premature stop codons. Sr-CIV is also polymorphic for an in-frame 101-codon deletion and for the absence of one intron.
Making Sense of Moocs: A Reconceptualization of HarvardX Courses and Their Students

This thesis explores the degree to which discussions about massive open online courses (MOOCs) would benefit from the reconceptualization of fundamental metrics and concepts. MOOCs are contextualized within a rich history of distance learning technologies dating to the mid-19th century, and this context motivates examinations of retention and asynchronicity as issues critical to our understanding of MOOCs. Using novel datasets derived from edX server logs, SQL tables, and Qualtrics survey responses from students in the first six HarvardX courses, I develop a quantitative framework for analyzing these issues. Student retention, I argue, determines the societal value we ascribe to these courses and ought to be reconceptualized with reference to more modular metrics that account for the ways students can have meaningful educational experiences in a MOOC without "completing" it by earning a certificate. Asynchronicity, I argue, shapes the way we understand what it means to be a student, and thus the idea of a "student" ought to be reconceptualized with broader categorizations that account for the diverse paths students take through these courses. In short, MOOCs represent a fundamental departure from current and past educational models, and as a result, we need to change the way we think about what "courses" and "students" are.
Promoting sexual health equity in the United States: implications from exploratory research with African-American adults

In an effort to inform communication efforts to promote sexual health equity in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sought toexplore African-Americans’ perceptions of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) problem in their communities, reactions to racially comparative STD data and opinions about dissemination of such information. Semi-structured triads and individual interviews were conducted with African-American adults (N ¼158) in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Most participants believed that STDs are a problem in their communities but were unaware of the extent to which STDs disproportionately affect African Americans. Once informed about racial differences in STD rates, participants commonly reacted with shock, fear and despair; a minority raised questions about the information’s source and credibility. Most felt it was critical to get the information out to African-American communities as a ‘wake-up call’ to motivate change, though some raised concerns about its dissemination. Findings suggest that information about racial differences in STD rates must be strategically crafted and delivered through targeted channels to be acceptable to African Americans. So as not to further harm communities burdened by other social/health inequities, alternative (strength-based) approaches should be considered for motivating positive change.
DINE-1 , the highest copy number repeats in Drosophila melanogaster are non-autonomous endonuclease-encoding rolling-circle transposable elements ( Helentrons )

The Drosophila INterspersed Elements-1 (DINE-1/INE1) transposable elements (TEs) are the most abundant component of the Drosophila melanogaster genome and have been associated with functional gene duplications. DINE-1 TEs do not encode any proteins (non-autonomous) thus are moved by autonomous partners. The identity of the autonomous partners has been a mystery. They have been allied to Helitrons (rolling-circle transposons), MITEs (DNA transposons), and non-LTR retrotransposons by different authors. We report multiple lines of bioinformatic evidence that illustrate the relationship of DINE-1 like TEs to endonuclease-encoding rolling-circle TEs (Helentrons). The structural features of Helentrons are described, which resemble the organization of the non-autonomous partners, but differ significantly from canonical Helitrons. In addition to the presence of an endonuclease domain fused to the Rep/Helicase protein, Helentrons have distinct structural features. Evidence is presented that illustrates that Helentrons are widely distributed in invertebrate, fish, and fungal genomes. We describe an intermediate family from the Phytophthora infestans genome that phylogenetically groups with Helentrons but that displays Helitron structure. In addition, evidence is presented that Helentrons can capture gene fragments in a pattern reminiscent of canonical Helitrons. We illustrate the relationship of DINE-1 and related TE families to autonomous partners, the Helentrons. These findings will allow their proper classification and enable a more accurate understanding of the contribution of rolling-circle transposition to the birth of new genes, gene networks, and genome composition.
Identification of the wheat curl mite as the vector of Triticum mosaic virus.

Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) is a newly discovered virus found infecting wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Kansas. This study was conducted to determine if the wheat curl mite (WCM, Aceria tosichella) and the bird cherry oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) could transmit TriMV. Using different sources of WCM and two different isolates of TriMV, we were able to show the WCM is the vector of TriMV. Field analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demonstrated natural infection patterns of wheat infected with TriMV, Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), or both TriMV and WSMV, putatively infected by viruliferous WCM from a volunteer source growing adjacent to the wheat. Moreover, by single WCM transfers using WCM obtained from different wheat plants naturally infected with TriMV and WSMV and naturally infested with WCM, we showed that these WCM also transmitted TriMV only to wheat or transmitted both TriMV and WSMV to wheat. The infection rates of wheat with TriMV only using WCM transmission was low in both laboratory and field analyses. However, field analyses by ELISA showed that levels of infection of wheat by both TriMV and WSMV were high. No transmission of TriMV to wheat by R. padi occurred in our studies.
Synthesis and properties of strontium-doped yttrium manganite

The system Y1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 0.000, 0.005, 0.010, 0.050, and 0.100) was studied as a potential cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells. Powders were prepared using an organometallic precursor; however, achieving homogeneous compositions was complicated due to the presence of intermediate, metastable phases. The desired hexagonal Y1−xSrxMnO3 phase formed from the precursor at 800 °C, while small amounts of a metastable orthorhombic (Y,Sr)MnO3 phase formed in the temperature range between 850°and 960 °C, and another orthorhombic YMn2O5 phase between 840°and 1200 °C. The metastable (Y, Sr)MnO3 phase readily transformed into the stable hexagonal phase at about 960 °C. The other metastable intermediate phase, YMn2O5, was formed as a decomposition product of a portion of the major hexagonal YMnO3 at 840 °C, and subsequently reacted with Y2O3 back to the hexagonal YMnO3 at 1200 °C. For the studied compositions, densities higher than 95% theoretical could be obtained by sintering in air at temperatures above 1400 °C for 2 h. The investigated system was comparable in electrical conductivity with the current cathode material La1−xSrxMnO3, and had an average apparent thermal expansion coefficient between 5 and 7 ppm/°C in the temperature range between 200°and 1000 °C. Unfortunately microcracking was observed in all sintered specimens, possibly caused by a high-temperature phase transition between the hexagonal and cubic polymorphs of Y1−xSrxMnO3. The microcracking presents a major obstacle to the use of this material as a cathode in solid oxide fuel cells.
Single-item migraine screening tests, self-reported bothersome headache or stripe pattern hypersensitivity?

Background A simple screening tool may potentially help the migraine diagnosis in a primary care setting. The use of single-item tests, such as stripe pattern hypersensitivity test and self-reported bothersome headache (HA) question, as migraine screening tools have not been fully explored. Methods Two hundred and fifty-four subjects (patients and companions) were randomly enrolled from an OB/GYN clinic (men 82, women 172; age 38 ± 14). They were instructed to rate the stripe sensitivity level (0–4) and to report any bothersome HA (yes/no). A brief structured HA interview was conducted to describe the HA characteristics and for migraine diagnosis based on the ICHD-IIIβ criteria. Results In a multivariate model, bothersome HA question and stripe pattern hypersensitivity test were both significantly associated with EM+PM+CM (odds ratio: 24.0, P < 0.01 vs 2.6, P = 0.01) or EM (odds ratio: 16.2, P < 0.01 vs 3.0, P < 0.01). Bothersome HA question had a greater screening power than stripe pattern hypersensitivity for screening EM+PM+CM (area under the ROC curve: 0.84 [95% CI 0.78–0.89] vs 0.62 [95% CI 0.55–0.69]) or EM (area under the ROC curve: 0.80 [95% CI 0.73–0.86] vs 0.64 [95% CI 0.56–0.72]). Conclusion When performed in an OB/GYN clinic, self-reported bothersome HA question seemed more powerful than visual stripe pattern test in screening migraine thus could potentially be used as a single-item screening test.
Income, Health, and the Value of Preserving Options

We model family choice among health plans taking account of family, insurer and health care provider (e.g., doctor) characteristics not addressed by earlier models. We use an additively separable utility function permitting an intuitive treatment of how families trade health against consumption, and how income and health risk influence that trade-off. Health care provider quality affects expected health outcomes and the family’s choice set includes health maintenance organization and preferred provider organization (PPO) plans. We model how families value the PPO’s option to use out-of-network providers taking into account uncertainty about future diagnoses and incomplete information about provider quality. The model’s predictions are consistent with enrollment patterns in the National Health Interview Survey. The approach has implications for cost control and income-related disparities in quality of care.
Outcomes of Esophageal Dilation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Safety, Efficacy, and Persistence of the Fibrostenotic Phenotype

Outcomes of Esophageal Dilation in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Safety, Efficacy, and Persistence of the Fibrostenotic Phenotype
Wood: Future Availability

Wood is a critical raw material globally, used as a source of energy, building materials, paper, and more. Consumption is expected to rise substantially in the future, raising questions about future supply. Various options for increasing or extending wood and fiber supplies and/or reducing consumption are available, which in combination will help to ensure sufficiency. However, new interest in wood as a source of primary energy, including liquid fuels, may strain sustainability limits.
The Presence of a Choline-like Substance in Several Injectable Solutions of Liver

ConclusionSix injectable liver extracts were found to contain choline or a choline-like substance, since their acetylation produced vasodepressor activity which was antagonized by atropine.
Enhancing Mechanical Quality Factors of Micro-Toroidal Optomechanical Resonators Using Phononic Crystals

Fabrication of efficient optomechanical resonators with high mechanical $Q$ -factors without degrading their optical $Q$ -factors or reducing effective mass is challenging. One of the limiting sources of mechanical loss for silica micro-toroids is the clamping loss. Previous efforts on reducing this loss were focused on reducing the connectivity between the toroid and the pillar, which results in reduced effective mass and degraded phase noise. We explore a new approach for reducing the mechanical loss that relies on phononic crystals (PnCs). Since it is based on the geometrical modification of substrate, it does not affect the optical $Q$ -factor or effective mass. First, we experimentally verify the performance of the proposed PnC patterns without a micro-toroid by measuring their acoustic transmission properties. This experiment is used to verify the effectiveness of the PnCs for blocking outgoing acoustic waves and our numerical model. Then, using the same numerical model, we study the effects of PnCs on the mechanical $Q$ -factors of a micro-toroid previously investigated. Our results show that the PnCs improve the mechanical $Q$ -factor about 150%. This technique can be used in conjunction with other previously demonstrated methods for the enhancement of the $Q$ -factor for even greater improvements. [2015-0243]
Management and Income Inequality: A Review and Theoretical Model

Income inequality in the U.S. has now reached levels not seen since the 1920s. Management, as a field of scholarly inquiry, has the potential to contribute in significant ways to our understanding ...
Mitoxantrone-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia—A Velocity Vector Imaging Analysis

Background The purpose of this investigation was to: (1) determine incidence and predictors of mitoxantrone-induced early cardiotoxicity and (2) study left ventricular mechanics before and after receiving mitoxantrone. Method and Results We retrospectively analyzed 80 subjects diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent chemotherapy with bolus high-dose mitoxantrone. Echocardiographic measurements were taken at baseline and at a median interval of 55 days after receiving mitoxantrone. Thirty-five (44%) of the patients developed clinically defined early cardiotoxicity, 29 (36%) of which developed heart failure. There was a significant decrease in the ejection fraction (EF) not only in the cardiotoxicity group (17.6 ± 14.8%, P < 0.001) but also in the noncardiotoxicity group (5.3 ± 8.4%, P < 0.001). Decrease in global longitudinal strain (GLS) (−3.7 ± 4.5, P < 0.001 vs. −2.4 ± 4.3, P = 0.01) and global circumferential strain (GCS) (−5.6 ± 9, P = 0.003 vs. −5.3 ± 8.7, P < 0.001) was significant in both the cardiotoxicity and noncardiotoxicity group, respectively. A multivariate model including baseline left ventricular end-systolic diameter, baseline pre-E/A ratio, and baseline pre-E/e′ ratio was found to be the best-fitted model for prediction of mitoxantrone-induced early clinical cardiotoxicity. Conclusion High-dose mitoxantrone therapy is associated with an excellent remission rate but with a significantly increased risk of clinical and subclinical early cardiotoxicity and heart failure. Mitoxantrone-induced systolic dysfunction is evident from reduction in EF, increase in Tei index, and significant reduction in GLS and GCS. Baseline impaired ventricular relaxation evident from higher E/e′ ratio and lower E/A ratio independently predicts increased risk of mitoxantrone-induced early cardiotoxicity.
Experimental Blades Modal Recognition Technology Based on Pluse System

By use of Pluse system,a constant-section simulated blade is measured to obtain low-order modal frequency,curl and retortion mode of vibration.The measurement result and result by finite element modal analysis theory are compared.The error of frequency recognition of the two methods is no more than 2% and the modal recognition results are identical,meaning the method can be effective in modal recognition of blades and used in engineering practice.
Effects of Combining Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment With New Rural Cooperative Medical System

Objective To assess the effects of combining tuberculosis prevention and treatment with New Rural Cooperative Medical System,and provide scientific evidence for establishing an administrative pattern on tuberculosis prevention and treatment under new circumstances.Methods By conducting comparative analysis and evaluation in tuberculosis patients' curing process such as transfer treatment,timely sputum examinatim,regular treatment from 2007 to 2010 in Peng'an County.Result After the combination of tuberculosis prevention and treatment with New Rural Cooperative Medical System,patients' transfer treatment rate increased by 8.62%,actual transfer treatment by 30.70%;timely sputum examinatim at the end of June(August) increased by 30.44%,regular medicine taking by 7.28%.Conclusion Combination of tuberculosis prevention and treatment with New Rural Cooperative Medical System is a brand new practice and it has positive effects on prevention and curing administration
66 SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY PRACTICE PATTERNS: A COST-EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS

Mammography is the principal method of screening for breast cancer in the United States, however there is variability among radiologists in their interpretations of screening mammograms. This variability may cause differences in cost-effectiveness. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different radiologists9 practice patterns on the cost-effectiveness of screening mammography. The initial step of this analysis was an extensive literature search of published screening mammography audit results from radiology practices (five different practices were used in the final analysis). From these data, relevant parameters were selected, including screening recall rate, positive predictive value of biopsies based on mammographic findings and the Stage distribution of breast cancers diagnosed by mammography. These parameters were then inserted into a Markov model, which compares two hypothetical groups of women: the first undergoing annual mammographic screening beginning at age 40 and the second undergoing observation without screening. The model (developed using a commercial software product) is based on previously published data and calculates all of the costs and benefits accrued by each of the groups over a 39 year period. The cost-effectiveness of screening mammography (measured as marginal cost per year life saved) was calculated by comparing each of the five different practices to the observed group. The cost-effectiveness varied greatly. The most cost-effective practice had the lowest recall rate (5.20%), a high positive predictive value of biopsy (38%) and a high percentage of Stage 0 and 1 cancers (89.3%), resulting in a marginal cost per year life saved of $6,587.63 compared to the observed group. However, another practice in this study, with a recall rate of 13%, a positive predictive value of biopsy of 19% and stage 0 and 1 cancers totaling 72.1% was considerably less cost-effective. In this case, the marginal cost per year life saved of screening mammography was $21,052.67. The results suggest that the different practice patterns of individual radiologists have a profound effect on the overall cost-effectiveness of screening mammography.
Geometric Multiplicities and Geršgorin Discs

If A is an n × n complex matrix and λ is an eigenvalue of A with geometric multiplicity k, then λ is in at least k of the n Gersgorin discs of A.
Dermatologic Diseases Of The External Auditory Canal

The external auditory canal is the only cul-de-sac lined with skin in the human body. Accordingly, most diseases of the external auditory canal, including infections and tumors, could rightly be considered dermatologic. This article, however, discusses only the involvement of the canal by primary dermatologic conditions that typically have a more general distribution as well as local dermatologic reactions to environmental insults.
Identification from step response – The integral equation approach

An overview of identification of continuous-time models from step responses using the integral equation approach is presented. Both open loop and closed loop identification as well as identification of multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) models are considered. Solutions to practical implementation problems are provided and methods for identification with transient initial conditions using raw data as well as estimation algorithms in the presence of disturbances are outlined. The methodologies are presented in a simplified way using the example of a first order model; however, the algorithms are applicable for models with higher orders. Solution techniques for the estimation equations are also discussed. Identification results under different experimental conditions and data quality are presented to demonstrate the performance of the algorithms. A number of experimental and simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Aspartame Intake Relates to Coronary Plaque Burden and Inflammatory Indices in Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Background Dietary sweeteners may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but this has not been assessed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods One hundred twenty-four HIV-infected and 56 non-HIV-infected participants, without history of known coronary artery disease were included. Dietary intake was assessed using a 4-day food record. Coronary plaque was determined using cardiac computed tomography angiography. Results Human immunodeficiency virus-infected participants had significantly greater intake of dietary sweeteners, including total sugar (P = .03) and added sugar (P = .009); intake of aspartame (artificial sweetener) was greater among aspartame consumers with HIV versus non-HIV consumers (P = .03). Among HIV-infected participants, aspartame intake was significantly associated with coronary plaque (P = .002) and noncalcified plaque (P = .007) segments, as well as markers of inflammation/immune activation (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2), which may contribute to increased atherogenesis. In multivariable regression modeling, aspartame remained an independent predictor of plaque in HIV. In contrast, among non-HIV-infected participants, no sweetener type was shown to relate to plaque characteristics. Conclusions We demonstrate increased intake of dietary sweeteners and a potential novel association between aspartame intake, plaque burden, and inflammation in HIV. Our data suggest that aspartame may contribute to CVD risk in HIV. Further studies should address potential mechanisms by which aspartame may contribute to increased plaque burden and cardiovascular benefits of dietary strategies targeting aspartame intake in HIV.
Ly6Clo monocytes drive immunosuppression and confer resistance to anti-VEGFR2 cancer therapy

Current anti-VEGF therapies for colorectal cancer (CRC) provide limited survival benefit, as tumors rapidly develop resistance to these agents. Here, we have uncovered an immunosuppressive role for nonclassical Ly6Clo monocytes that mediates resistance to anti-VEGFR2 treatment. We found that the chemokine CX3CL1 was upregulated in both human and murine tumors following VEGF signaling blockade, resulting in recruitment of CX3CR1+Ly6Clo monocytes into the tumor. We also found that treatment with VEGFA reduced expression of CX3CL1 in endothelial cells in vitro. Intravital microscopy revealed that CX3CR1 is critical for Ly6Clo monocyte transmigration across the endothelium in murine CRC tumors. Moreover, Ly6Clo monocytes recruit Ly6G+ neutrophils via CXCL5 and produce IL-10, which inhibits adaptive immunity. Preventing Ly6Clo monocyte or Ly6G+ neutrophil infiltration into tumors enhanced inhibition of tumor growth with anti-VEGFR2 therapy. Furthermore, a gene therapy using a nanoparticle formulated with an siRNA against CX3CL1 reduced Ly6Clo monocyte recruitment and improved outcome of anti-VEGFR2 therapy in mouse CRCs. Our study unveils an immunosuppressive function of Ly6Clo monocytes that, to our knowledge, has yet to be reported in any context. We also reveal molecular mechanisms underlying antiangiogenic treatment resistance, suggesting potential immunomodulatory strategies to enhance the long-term clinical outcome of anti-VEGF therapies.
Correction: A simple model of burst nucleation

Correction for ‘A simple model of burst nucleation’ by Alexandr Baronov et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 20846–20852.
Modified Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) Techniques for the Treatment of Gastric Varices: Vascular Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO)/Coil-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (CARTO)/Balloon-Occluded Antegrade Transvenous Obliteration (BATO)

Gastric varices in the setting of portal hypertension occur less frequently than esophageal varices but occur at lower portal pressures and are associated with more massive bleeding events and higher mortality rate. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of gastric varices has been well documented as an effective therapy for portal hypertensive gastric varices. However, BRTO requires lengthy, higher-level post-procedural monitoring and can have complications related to balloon rupture and adverse effects of sclerosing agents. Several modified BRTO techniques have been developed including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, and balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration. This article provides an overview of various modified BRTO techniques.
Lymphatics in the liver

The liver is the largest lymph producing organ. A significant increase in the number of hepatic lymphatic vessels, or lymphangiogenesis, has been reported in various liver diseases, including, but not limited to, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its apparent relevance in healthy and diseased livers as these and other observations indicate, the hepatic lymphatic system has been poorly studied. With knowledge of the lymphatic system in other organs and tissues incorporated, this review article addresses the current knowledge of the hepatic lymphatic system and the potential role of lymphatic endothelial cells in the health and the disease of the liver and concludes with a brief description on future directions of the study of the hepatic lymphatic system.
Linear periodic systems

The purpose of this chapter is to develop the theory of a linear periodic RFDE(f) that is analogous to the Floquet theory for ordinary differential equations. It is shown by example that a complete Floquet theory will not exist. However, it is possible to define characteristic multipliers and exploit the compactness of the solution operator to show that a Floquet representation exists on the generalized eigenspace of a characteristic multiplier. The decomposition of the space C by a characteristic multiplier is also applied to the variation-of-constants formula.
A matched and controlled longitudinal cohort study of dehydrated human amniotic membrane allograft sheet used as a wraparound nerve bundles in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a puissant adjunct for enhanced potency outcomes.

We sought to explore the potency outcomes in two systematically controlled, non-randomized, matched, homogenous patient cohorts, which either underwent intervention (INT) with placement of dehydrated human amniotic membrane (dHAM) around nerve bundles (NVB) during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) or did not (CON). It is hypothesized that dHAM use would lead to better potency outcomes. 1400 eligible informed, consented patients underwent full bilateral nerve-sparing RALP by a single surgeon, wherein 700 patients had dHAM allograft wrapped around the NVB and 700 did not. Groups were matched demographically, clinically, and biochemically. Potency was defined as the ability to have satisfactory penetrative intercourse > 50% of time with SHIM score of ≥ 17 with or without of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. A retrospective matched longitudinal cohort study was performed at 1 year. The first noticeable erection sufficient enough for a satisfactory penetrative intercourse was significantly earlier (p < 0.01; 34.6 ± 3.6 days), whereas the decrease in SHIM score was lower (4.27 ± 0.14 days) in INT. Binary logistic regression demonstrated that INT was an independent significant (p < 0.001) predictor of achieving potency at 1 year, such that INT was 3.86 times (95% CI 2.43–6.13) more likely to achieve potency in the same period when compared with CON. Chi square analysis demonstrated that recovery of potency in INT was better (p < 0.05) in every quarter compared to CON. A higher (p < 0.005) percentage (93.1%) of INT regained potency versus CON (87.1%) at 1 year.