cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
[Vascular endothelial growth factor in malignant and non malignant prostatic tissue: Association with tumor recurrence at one year after prostatectomy].

72 544x376 Normal 0 21 false false false Normal 0 21 false false false ES X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN MALIGNANT AND NON MALIGNANT PROSTATIC TISSUE. ASSOCIATION WITH TUMOR RECURRENCE AT ONE YEAR AFTER PROSTATECTOMY. Background : Prostate cancer (PC) is the second cause of death by cancer in men in Chile. Its behavior is so variable that it is necessary to search reliable prognostic markers. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one of the most powerful pro-angiogenic factors. There is no agreement on its validity as a diagnostic or prognostic factor. Aim : To search for VEFG in prostatic tissue. Material and Methods : This study was performed in prostatectomy tissue coming from 41 patients with PC and 39 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Specimens were studied using immunohistochemical staining for VEGF. The percentage of stained glandular cells per patient was calculated and associated with pathological diagnosis in cancer patients. Results: PC biopsies had a mean of 82% of VEGF (+) stained cells, while BPH had only 1.6% (p Conclusions : These results would rule out VEGF as a prognostic factor in this series of patients. /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabla normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
GENERAL FORMALISM OBEYING INTRINSIC EXCLUSION PRINCIPLE

It is shown here that the formalism for fermions introduced previously by the author is the most general one, if $p$, $n$, $\ensuremath{\Lambda}$, ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{+}$, ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{0}$, ${\ensuremath{\Sigma}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\Xi}}^{0}$, and ${\ensuremath{\Xi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are the only elementary baryons, and $\ensuremath{\nu}$, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ the only elementary leptons ($\ensuremath{\nu}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ are two kinds of neutrinos). The most general form of the mass operator for all possible baryons is derived. On this level, $\ensuremath{\pi}$ and $K$ mesons are treated phenomenologically.Next, the formalism is extended to mesons and the most general form of the mass operator for all possible mesons is obtained. The formalism allows for two new elementary mesons, a single-strange isoquartet $R$ and doubly-strange isotriplet $D$. Also there is a possibility of two new excited mesons. Masses of new mesons are estimated. A symmetry between strong interactions of baryons and mesons of different kinds is considered.
Toward an Understanding of Context in Composition

Contradictory approaches to context and written language have clouded understanding of the nature and role of context in composition. This article treats writing within a larger framework of context and language use in general to suggest important interrelationships among writer, context, and text. Implications for writing-process research are examined.
Response to neighbors and strangers by capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)

Capuchin monkeys in the laboratory were observed when another monkey was introduced to their group. The introduced monkey was either from a hostile neighboring group; from a completely strange group, or from the host group. Attacks were directed primarily toward strange males but were rare. The results were discussed in terms of the neighbor effect, mere exposure theory, and species differences in responses to strangers.
Lightweight and Flexible: Emerging Trends in Software Architecture from the SATURN Conferences

Over its 10-year history, the annual Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Architecture Technology User Network (SATURN) conference has become a barometer for the ever-evolving software architecture climate. This article summarizes some software architecture trends that emerged during SATURN 2014 and gives a glimpse of the future based on the current SATURN 2015 technical program.
Specification of Monthly Precipitation in the Western United States from Monthly Mean Circulation

Abstract The ability to specify monthly precipitation at 36 stations in Washington, Oregon and California by various indices of monthly mean circulation has been investigated. Most of the circulation indices were derived from eigenvector analyses of 700 mb geopotential height or relative vorticity for 1951–76 or 300 mb relative vorticity for 1963–76. The results indicate that an average up to 60% of the rainfall variance may be specified by same-month average circulation parameters. The 700 mb parameters analyzed within a limited domain in the vicinity of the rainfall network result in the best specification ability. Indices derived from larger domains or from the 300 mb vorticities result in generally poorer specifications. Considerable spatial variation in specification ability is apparent with greatest skills evident in the coastal region of northern California and Oregon and lowest skills in the eastern regions of all three states.
Socioeconomic status, race, and bone turnover in the Midlife in the US Study

Among a group of 940 US adults, economic adversity and minority race status were associated with higher serum levels of markers of bone turnover. These results suggest that higher levels of social stress may increase bone turnover. To determine socioeconomic status (SES) and race differences in levels of bone turnover. Using data from the Biomarker Substudy of the Midlife in the US (MIDUS) study (491 men, 449 women), we examined cross-sectional associations of SES and race with serum levels of bone turnover markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BSAP], procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide [PINP], and N-telopeptide [Ntx]) separately in men and women. Linear multivariable regression was used to control for body weight, menopausal transition stage, and age. Among men, low family poverty-to-income ratio (FPIR) was associated with higher turnover, but neither education nor race was associated with turnover. Men with FPIR <3 had 1.808 nM BCE higher Ntx (P = 0.05), 3.366 U/L higher BSAP (P = 0.02), and 7.066 higher PINP (P = 0.02). Among women, neither education nor FPIR was associated with bone turnover, but Black women had 3.688 nM BCE higher Ntx (P = 0.001), 5.267 U/L higher BSAP (P = 0.005), and 11.906 μg/L higher PINP (P = 0.008) compared with non-Black women. Economic adversity was associated with higher bone turnover in men, and minority race status was associated with higher bone turnover in women, consistent with the hypothesis that higher levels of social stresses cause increased bone turnover. The magnitude of these associations was comparable to the effects of some osteoporosis medications on levels of turnover.
Size and color discrimination of the robber fly Efferia tricella (Diptera: Asilidae) as a predator on tiger beetles (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).

A size continuum of 8 similarly-shaped species of tiger beetles, Cicindela spp., with dark or orange abdomens was presented to wild, female robber flies of the species Efferia tricella (Bromley). A significant inverse correlation between prey size and attack rate was found. In addition, medium sized tiger beetles (surface area = 86 mm2) with orange abdomens were attacked 13–18% less frequently than were medium sized tiger beetles with dark abdomens. However, small tiger beetles (surface area = 53 mm2) with orange abdomens were attacked only 7% less frequently than were small tiger beetles with dark abdomens.
Tobacco, alcohol, coffee, and caffeine as risk factors for colon cancer in a low-risk population

We used data from a population-based case-control study to examine how use of tobacco products and consumption of alcohol, coffee, and caffeine relate to colon cancer in Utah. We hypothesized that low use of these substances is one factor contributing to the low colon cancer incidence in Utah and could help explain the low risk associated for colon cancer with being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In females, we observed little or no increase in risk of colon cancer from smoking cigarettes or from consumption of alcohol, caffeine, or coffee. Males who used pipes, however, experienced an increased risk for colon cancer (OR = 4.1, 95% CI = 1.3-12.3). Risk for colon cancer associated with alcohol use was greatly attenuated after adjusting for caffeine and pipe use in males; males who consumed higher levels of caffeine during the two to three years prior to the interview were at higher risk than males who consumed low levels of caffeine (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0-4.2); similar associations were observed for coffee consumption. Nonuse of these substances could explain the low colon cancer incidence rates observed in members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Utah males.
Maximum likelihood estimation of time to first event in the presence of data gaps and multiple events.

We propose a novel likelihood method for analyzing time-to-event data when multiple events and multiple missing data intervals are possible prior to the first observed event for a given subject. Th...
The long journey of Italian grappa: from quintessential element to local moonshine to national sunshine

The history of grappa has its roots in the metaphysical alchemic search for the quintessential classical element along with earth, fire, water, and air. The Greeks called such element aether, or pure, fresh air, and it was believed to be the material of the region of the universe where the gods lived. It was the product of distillation, mostly from wine. When Italian distillers turned their attention to the less valuable pomace, or the skins, seeds, and other residues left after the grapes are crushed for wine, grappa was born. Using data which was collected during fieldwork in northern Italy and from private and public archival documents, published works, and selected secondary data, the paper follows the social, cultural, and economic journey of grappa from its remote and still obscure birth to the long, modest identification as the laborer's alcoholic staple, to the present times, when grappa is experiencing a new and trendy socioeconomic success as national patrimony. Paralleling other typical regiona...
Future of the courts: Fixed, flexible, and improvisational frameworks

Abstract This paper explores changes to the court system that could improve governance in the future. In addition to reviewing the relevant trends, the paper offers three scenarios based on fixed, flexible, and improvisational frameworks and within-, pan-, and non-spatial jurisdictions. The solutions depicted in the scenarios draw heavily on innovative uses of information technology. In combination, the frameworks and IT solutions lead to the re-consideration of several fundamental precepts about the legal system. For example, could conducting legal proceedings only in cyberspace violate due process guarantees and could the lack of in-person interactions bias case outcomes? Are pan-jurisdictional courts constitutional and are the potential unintended consequences of these courts acceptable? The vision of an improvisational, non-spatial international court system raised the questions of whether a non-governmental entity can be entrusted to manage the system and whether parties should be able to negotiate amongst themselves the frameworks for their legal processes.
Experimental assessment of a new research tool for the estimation of two-dimensional myocardial strain

One-dimensional strain imaging has been shown to be angle dependent. To address this problem, a new methodology, 2D-strain, has become available. The aim of this study was to validate this methodology in an in vivo set-up against sonomicrometry. In five open chest sheep, ultrasound gray-scale images were acquired of the inferolateral wall from two different angles. The longitudinal and radial strain components were simultaneously extracted using the novel 2D-strain methodology. The extracted values were compared with sonomicrometry using Bland-Altman statistics and correlation coefficients. A good agreement was found for the longitudinal strain component, while, for the radial strain estimates, the accuracy was less. 2D-strain is a fast and accurate tool to assess longitudinal strain from apical views. Further improvements are needed for the method to be sufficiently accurate in estimating the deformation perpendicular or close to perpendicular to the ultrasound beam.
EXAMINING MERGER SYNERGY WITH THE CAPITAL ASSET PRICING MODEL

This paper analyzes the impact of mergers on the alphas and betas of actual merged firms compared to those of the homemade mergers an investor could have created by buying proportional shares of the two firms. The results provide some evidence of merger synergy. Where alpha and beta shifts were observed, the evidence did not indicate that either the relative size of target firms or concurrent capital structure changes were related to these shifts as current theory suggests. There is weak evidence that nonconglomerate mergers were more frequently synergistic.
Shamanism and Altered States of Consciousness: An Introduction

In this article, the issue of shamanism and altered states of consciousness (ASC) is reviewed from a cross-cultural and multidisciplinary perspective. It is suggested that in spite of considerable differences in the uses of these terms, there are conceptual and empirical grounds for distinction among different types of trance practitioners. The authors argue that shamanism is a cultural adaptation of hunting and gathering societies to the biological potential for ASC, and that the specific nature of that manifestation changes as societies become more complex. The role of ASC in understanding shamanic phenomena, the roots of religious experience, and the modern manifestations of the potential for trance are examined. Western cultural avoidance of ASC has inhibited understanding of these phenomena, and has prevented an integration of shamanistic and trance perspectives into the understanding human of psychology, consciousness, and knowledge of the world.
Lateral acetabular rotation improves anterior hip subluxation

Surgical reorientation of the acetabulum is used to improve stability of subluxated or dysplastic hips, but the specific mechanical consequences of reorientation have not been quantified. I used a rigid body spring model of the human hip to study the effects of different acetabular positions on hip stability during single-limb stance. The model predicted subluxation direction and magnitude, and the effective joint contact area, as functions of acetabular position. Frontal plane acetabular orientation varied from 20 degrees medial rotation to 50 degrees lateral rotation, corresponding to center-edge angles from 0 degrees to 70 degrees. Sagittal acetabular orientation varied from 45 degrees anterior rotation to 15 degrees posterior rotation. Center-edge angles less than 20 degrees produced progressive anterolateral subluxation, with dislocation occurring when center-edge angles were less than 0 degrees. Lateral subluxation disappeared when cen-ter-edge angles were 30 degrees or greater. Anteroposterior subluxation was controlled by anterior or posterior rotation of the acetabulum in the presence of low center-edge angles, but there was no specific position of stability that effectively stabilized the femoral head. Anterior subluxation also was controlled by lateral rotation of the acetabulum. Joint contact area increased 1% for every 3 degrees lateral acetabular rotation. The anterolateral subluxation associated with hip dysplasia can be controlled by acetabular reorientation. Joint contact area will increase, thereby reducing peak joint pressure. Anterior and lateral subluxation can be improved by lateral rotation alone, which may reduce the severity of anterior femoroacetabular impingement after periacetabular osteotomy.
Catching Up With the Vaughn Express: Six Years of Standards-Based Teacher Evaluation and Performance Pay

Traditional methods of paying and evaluating teachers in the United States are longstanding, but discussions about changing these systems to support teacher quality and student achievement goals are becoming more common. Efforts to make significant changes to these programs can be difficult and take many years to design, gain approval, and implement; thus, few examples of alternative teacher compensation and evaluation systems exist. Relieved from many of the restrictions and requirements associated with most traditional public school systems, charter schools often are better positioned to implement changes more quickly than a traditional school, yet their experiences can provide useful information for others who are engaging in similar activities. Thus, the experience of a large urban charter school that designed and implemented an innovative teacher compensation system and standards-based teacher evaluation system that has been in place for six years offers important lessons in designing, implementing, evaluating and refining these systems.
Multisatellite observations of MeV ion injections during storms

[1] We report here on the formation of new ion radiation belts observed in connection with several solar energetic particle events and large geomagnetic storms in 1998 and 2000. We use observations from the Polar spacecraft, the highly elliptical orbit (HEO) 1997-068, and the Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX), to study details of the inner zone radiation belt at high and low altitudes. We focus specifically on the four International Solar Terrestrial Physics events of August and September 1998 and April and July 2000. In several events we find new 2–15 MeV proton belts at various locations between L = 2.0 and L = 3.5. The low-altitude SAMPEX observations revealed features not visible at high altitudes, such as radiation belts with multiple peaks in L shell. During the July 2000 event, energetic helium and iron were observed at L ∼ 2, suggesting a solar energetic particle source for these injected ions. We compare observations of these new belts and remark on the significant differences from event to event.
Physical Activity and its Influence on the Repair Process of Medial Collateral Ligaments

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether alterations in physical activity would modify the repair process of ligaments as evaluated by tissue DNA, collagen synthesis, and tensile strength. Compared to immobilization, progressive exercise markedly enhanced the healing process by inducing a more rapid return of tissue DNA, collagen synthesis, and separation force to within "normal" limits. Exercise also significantly increased wet and dry weights of repaired ligaments whereas immobilization markedly decreased these measurements because of the change in total collagen content. However, it remains uncertain whether progressive exercise can cause a shift in the equilibrium rates between collagen synthesis and collagen degradation.
High sensitivity photothermal surface spectroscopy with polarization modulation

Abstract Polarization modulation has been applied to photothermal laser spectroscopy of molecules absorbed on surfaces. A sensitivity of 0.005 of a monolayer is demonstrated for ammonia on silver films.
The Lady and the Eel: how Aphra Behn introduced Europeans to the "numb eel"

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) has been called the first professional British female writer. Behn probably visited Surinam in the 1660s, but it was not until 1688 that she wrote Oroonoko: or, The Royal Slave, the novel for which she is best remembered. Although overlooked by historians of science, Oroonoko provided a description of the "numb eel," effectively introducing many Europeans to the exotic and frightening creature that would become known as the "electric eel" during the second half of the 1700s, when it would play a central role in showing the reality of animal electricity, effectively putting neuromuscular physiology on its more modern course. This article examines Behn's early life, including why she might have gone to Surinam, the sources that might have helped her write her colorful description of the eel, and how what she had written circulated widely and continued to contribute to the changing scientific landscape after her death.
Three human computation projects

At the height of its construction, 44,733 people worked on the Panama Canal. The Great Pyramid of Giza required 50,000 workers and the Apollo Project 400,000. No matter what you put on this list, humanity's largest achievements have been accomplished with less than a few hundred thousand workers because it has been impossible to assemble (let alone pay!) more people to work together --- until now. With the Internet, we can coordinate the efforts of billions of humans. If 400,000 people put a man on the moon, what can we do with 100 million? My research aims to develop theories and build computer systems that enable massive collaborations between humans and computers for the benefit of humanity. I am working to develop a new area of computer science called human computation, which studies how to harness the combined power of humans and computers to solve problems that would be impossible for either to solve alone.In this talk I will discuss several examples of my work in human computation, including reCAPTCHA, The ESP Game, and Duolingo. I have used these projects in many of my courses to illustrate state of the art concepts in computer science.
Semiconductor-to-Metal Transition in n -Type Group IV Semiconductors

A synthesis is given of the most significant experimental features of the semiconductor-to-metal transition in group IV semiconductors. Two characteristic concentrations are discussed, the first being for a delocalization of electrons (the "Mott" transition), and the second being associated with the entry of the Fermi level into the conduction band of the host material. Experimental values are given for the two concentrations in several materials. Experimental data covering measurements of Hall coefficient, electrical resistivity and carrier mobility, NMR properties, magnetoresistance, magnetic susceptibility, and ESR properties are employed in arriving at values for the two characteristic concentrations. Si: P is taken as the model system because of the completeness of experimental measurements. Si: As is also briefly considered. Existing data for $n$-Ge are examined, as well as the more restricted evidence concerning $n$-SiC.
Use of modifiers in on‐line and off‐line supercritical fluid extraction

For many applications using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), modifiers may be required.This paper will present some findings regarding the use of various modifiers including methanol, hexane, acetone, chloroform, dichloromethane, toluene, and tributylphosphate, in on-line and off-line SFE with cryogenic adsorbent trapping. The specific applications involved the extractions of petroleum hydrocarbons and pesticides from naturally incurred soils.
An examination of effect estimation in factorial and standardly-tailored designs.

Background Many clinical trials are designed to test an intervention arm against a control arm wherein all subjects are equally eligible for all interventional components. Factorial designs have extended this to test multiple intervention components and their interactions. A newer design referred to as a `standardlytailored' design, is a multicomponent interventional trial that applies individual interventional components to modify risk factors identified a priori and tests whether health outcomes differ between treatment arms. Standardly-tailored designs do not require that all subjects be eligible for every interventional component. Although standardly-tailored designs yield an estimate for the net effect of the multicomponent intervention, it has not yet been shown if they permit separate, unbiased estimation of individual component effects. The ability to estimate the most potent interventional components has direct bearing on conducting second stage translational research.Purpose We present statistic...
Women's and residents' experiences of communication in the diagnostic mammography suite.

Abstract Objective To gain understanding of radiology residents’ and women's experiences, concerns, information needs, coping strategies and perspectives about optimal communication during diagnostic mammography. Methods Qualitative analysis of focus groups of radiology residents and women who had undergone diagnostic mammograms. Results Five categories of themes emerged from our analysis: information needs, perspectives and ideals, emotional experiences and observations, working together, individual experiences, and others’ roles. Women preferred continuous orientation, clear explanations and emotional support by physicians and radiology technologists throughout diagnostic processes. Communication about diagnostic mammogram results evoked the threat of breast cancer and was experienced as “bad news” by women, but not necessarily by all radiology residents. Lack of collaboration among radiologists, technologists and other healthcare professionals engendered confusion and anxiety in patients. Radiology residents felt inadequately prepared to meet the communication challenges of providing information and emotional support tailored to women's needs in this context. Conclusion Women's experiences are influenced by the extent to which they receive clear information and support, and perceive collaboration among professionals involved in the diagnostic mammography process. Practice implications Radiology education must address communication with patients and among healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing diagnostic procedures and interventions.
Therapeutic Recreation Treats Depression in the Elderly

Therapeutic recreation can be an effective method to treat depression in elderly home care patients. Home care is the fastest growing component in the Medicare budget. The co-occurrence of physically limiting conditions and depression in the elderly is well documented. Untreated depression carries an enormous risk and cost. Therapeutic recreation is an ideal psychosocial treatment for use in the home care setting because of its effectiveness and versatility. Certified therapeutic recreation specialists use various interventions such as poetry, music, and exercise as part of a treatment team. In addition to effectively managing depression, therapeutic recreation can be beneficial in reducing the effects of many concurrent physical conditions.
Habitat use by elk (cervus elaphus) within structural stages of a managed forest of the northcentral United States

Abstract Timber management is the most prominent land management activity in the Black Hills National Forest in the northcentral United States. Management units are stands 4–32 ha in size and are described using a hierarchal vegetative description including vegetation type, size class (age), and overstory canopy cover. For the most part, these stands are relatively homogeneous resulting from decades of even-aged management. Because elk (Cervus elaphus) select habitats at different scales from home ranges to microsites, it is important for managers to know how elk utilize vegetative conditions within these stands. We compared vegetative conditions at microsites selected by elk to the vegetative conditions of similarly classified stands to enable managers to better understand how timber management affects elk habitat. Within these relatively homogeneous forest stands under even-age management of the Black Hills, elk demonstrated selection for particular forest attributes. Vegetative conditions that provide cover for elk were selected for in open stands (both aspen and pine), but while in dense stands, elk selected for more open conditions. The elk hiding cover model should be adjusted for this forest.
Linking the physiologic and phylogenetic successions in free-living bacterial communities along an estuarine salinity gradient

In this paper we assess whether the bacterial compositional succession that occurs along an estuarine salinity gradient is accompanied by changes in both community and single-cell metabolic activity in the free-living bacterioplankton. In addition, we explore whether up- and downstream estuarine communities, which are dominated by different phylogenetic groups, show distinct patterns in single-cell activity and characteristics. We have characterized the physiological succession of the bacterioplankton along the salinity gradient in the Choptank River Estuary (Maryland), using a combination of indices of single-cell activity, which include respiratory activity, membrane polarization and integrity, and DNA and RNA contents, combined with flow cytometry. We have also measured bacterioplankton community production, respiration, and growth efficiency along the estuary. Our data suggest that the sharp phylogenetic succession that occurs within the fresh to saltwater transition region is accompanied by profound metabolic changes both at the single-cell and community levels and that the phylogenetic succession occurs together with measurable physiological stress. The different indices of single-cell characteristics that we have used converge to suggest that within the fresh to saltwater transition zone, there is generalized decline in growth and possibly a loss of activity and even significant cell mortality. At the community level, these changes in singlecell physiology at the site of the phylogenetic succession appear to translate into a generalized decline in bacterial growth efficiency with a decrease in bacterial growth and production but an actual increase in bacterial carbon consumption. Our data also suggest that different phylogenetic groups may have intrinsically different levels of single-cell activity or at least respond differently to the activity assays that we currently use.
Toxicity After Central versus Peripheral Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A Propensity Score Matched-Pair Analysis

Purpose To compare toxicity after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for "central" tumors—within 2 cm of the proximal bronchial tree or with planning tumor volume (PTV) touching mediastinum—versus noncentral ("peripheral") lung tumors. Methods and Materials From November 2005 to January 2011, 229 tumors (110 central, 119 peripheral; T1-3N0M0 non–small-cell lung cancer and limited lung metastases) in 196 consecutive patients followed prospectively at a single institution received moderate-dose SBRT (48-60 Gy in 4-5 fractions [biologic effective dose=100-132 Gy, α/β=10]) using 4-dimensional planning, online image-guided radiation therapy, and institutional dose constraints. Clinical adverse events (AEs) were graded prospectively at clinical and radiographic follow-up using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Pulmonary function test (PFT) decline was graded as 2 (25%-49.9% decline), 3 (50.0%-74.9% decline), or 4 (≥75.0% decline). Central/peripheral location was assessed retrospectively on planning CT scans. Groups were compared after propensity score matching. Characteristics were compared with χ 2 and 2-tailed t tests, adverse events with χ 2 test-for-trend, and cumulative incidence using competing risks analysis (Gray's test). Results With 79 central and 79 peripheral tumors matched, no differences in AEs were observed after 17 months median follow-up. Two-year cumulative incidences of grade ≥2 pain, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, and skin AEs were 14%, 5%, 6%, and 10% (central) versus 19%, 10%, 10%, and 3% (peripheral), respectively ( P =.31, .38, .70, and .09). Grade ≥2 cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system AEs were rare ( P =.79), grade ≥2 PFT decline (36% vs 34%, P =.94), grade ≥3 clinical AEs (3% vs 7%, P =.48), and grade ≥3 PFT decline (0 vs 10%, P =.11) were similar for central versus peripheral tumors, respectively. Pooled 2-year incidences of grades 4 and 5 AEs were Conclusion Moderate-dose SBRT with these techniques yields a similarly safe toxicity profile for both central and peripheral lung tumors.
Creative problem solving as a result of majority vs minority influence

A comparison of influence processes exerted by a majority versus a minority is made, both theoretically and empirically. In this study, comparing the two processes in the same experimental setting, it was hypothesized that subjects would ‘follow’ the majority more than the minority, that is, they would be more influenced to adopt the exact same position. However, it was predicted that subjects exposed to the minority would be stimulated to find new solutions to the problem, solutions that were not offered by the minority but that the subjects would not have found by themselves. Further, these solutions would tend to be correct rather than incorrect. Results support these predictions.
Racial Composition of Hospitals: Effects on Surgery for Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose Black patients undergo potentially curative surgery for early-stage lung cancer at a lower rate when compared with white patients. Our study examines the relationship between the percentage of black patients treated at a hospital to determine whether it affects the likelihood of obtaining cancer-directed surgery for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods We examined claims data of Medicare-eligible patients with nonmetastatic NSCLC living in areas monitored by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program between 1991 and 2001. Hospitals were categorized by the percentage of black patients seen: ≤ 8%, more than 8% to 29%, and ≥ 30%. Logistic regression with clustering analysis was used to calculate the odds of undergoing surgical resection. Results Among 9,688 patients with NSCLC, 59% of white patients were seen at a hospital that had ≤ 8% black patients, whereas 60% of black patients were seen in hospitals that had ≥ 30% black patients. Regression analysi...
Nonhomologous RNA recombination during negative-strand synthesis of flock house virus RNA.

Abstract During sequential replicative passages of viral RNA from the nodavirus flock house virus, spontaneous deletion of RNA sequences occurred frequently. Families of deleted RNA molecules were derived from both segments of the bipartite viral genome and found to contain single, double, or triple deletions. These deletions were attributed to template switching by the flock house virus RNA replicase, resulting in recombination between distant sequences and excision of the intervening nucleotides. From sequence analysis of the recombination junctions, we concluded that the process of template switching was influenced by both the primary sequence and the secondary structure of the RNA and that it occurred predominantly during synthesis of RNA negative strands.
Antianaerobic Antimicrobials: Spectrum and Susceptibility Testing

SUMMARY Susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria recovered from selected cases can influence the choice of antimicrobial therapy. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has standardized many laboratory procedures, including anaerobic susceptibility testing (AST), and has published documents for AST. The standardization of testing methods by the CLSI allows comparisons of resistance trends among various laboratories. Susceptibility testing should be performed on organisms recovered from sterile body sites, those that are isolated in pure culture, or those that are clinically important and have variable or unique susceptibility patterns. Organisms that should be considered for individual isolate testing include highly virulent pathogens for which susceptibility cannot be predicted, such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium spp.; Bilophila wadsworthia; and Sutterella wadsworthensis. This review describes the current methods for AST in research and reference laboratories. These methods include the use of agar dilution, broth microdilution, Etest, and the spiral gradient endpoint system. The antimicrobials potentially effective against anaerobic bacteria include beta-lactams, combinations of beta-lactams and beta-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, macrolides, tetracyclines, and fluoroquinolones. The spectrum of efficacy, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and resistance patterns against these agents are described.
Exploiting partial success in applying automated formal methods

The past decades have produced a wide-range of formal techniques for developing and assessing the correctness of software systems. Techniques, such as various forms of static analysis, automated verification, and test generation, can provide valuable information about how a system satisfies its specified correctness properties. In practice, when applied to large modern software systems all existing automated formal methods come up short. They might produce false error reports, exhaust available human or computational resources, or be incapable of reasoning about some set of important properties. Whatever their shortcoming, the goal of proving a system correct remains elusive. Despite this somewhat dire outlook, there have been enormous gains in the effectiveness of a range of automated formal methods. Rather than looking for a silver bullet of a formal method, we ought to admit that no one method will be effective for all properties on all software systems. We should embrace the wealth of existing techniques by trying to characterize their relative strengths and weaknesses across a range of properties and software domains. Moreover, we should exploit the conventional wisdom that software systems are mostly correct - systems have much more correct behavior than incorrect behavior. Given this we should shift from focusing on proving correctness, to developing automated formal methods that calculate the set of system behaviors that are consistent with system specifications. Clearly if the specification-consistent set of behaviors is the set of all behaviors, then the property is proved, but that will rarely be the case. It is likely, however, that methods will be able to demonstrate that large sets of behaviors are specification-consistent. This type of partial evidence of correctness will be most valuable if evidence from multiple techniques can be combined. Equipped with a rich suite of evidence-producing formal methods, where the weakness of each method is masked by the strength of another, and a means for combining their partial evidence we will be well positioned to target the verification and validation of modern software systems.
The Effects of Nucleotide Substitution Model Assumptions on Estimates of Nonparametric Bootstrap Support

The use of parameter-rich substitution models in molecular phylogenetics has been criticized on the basis that these models can cause a reduction both in accuracy and in the ability to discriminate among competing topologies. We have explored the relationship between nucleotide substitution model complexity and nonparametric bootstrap support under maximum likelihood (ML) for six data sets for which the true relationships are known with a high degree of certainty. We also performed equally weighted maximum parsimony analyses in order to assess the effects of ignoring branch length information during tree selection. We observed that maximum parsimony gave the lowest mean estimate of bootstrap support for the correct set of nodes relative to the ML models for every data set except one. For several data sets, we established that the exact distribution used to model among-site rate variation was critical for a successful phylogenetic analysis. Site-specific rate models were shown to perform very poorly relative to gamma and invariables sites models for several of the data sets most likely because of the gross underestimation of branch lengths. The invariable sites model also performed poorly for several data sets where this model had a poor fit to the data, suggesting that addition of the gamma distribution can be critical. Estimates of bootstrap support for the correct nodes often increased under gamma and invariable sites models relative to equal rates models. Our observations are contrary to the prediction that such models cause reduced confidence in phylogenetic hypotheses. Our results raise several issues regarding the process of model selection, and we briefly discuss model selection uncertainty and the role of sensitivity analyses in molecular phylogenetics.
Cash-Flow Valuation and Value at Risk

Abstract The cash-flow valuation method (CFVM) has been developed in Canada for the valuation of insurance company annuity products. Its range of application is expected to be extended shortly to the valuation of most other life insurance company products. The CFVM is based on the use of “best-guess” assumptions, supplemented by specific provisions for adverse deviations. In this paper, special attention is paid to the calculation of the provision for adverse deviations with respect to the interest rate risk. We show that the determination of this provision is the analog for life insurance and annuity policy liabilities of the calculation by banks of Value at Risk (VaR) with respect to portfolios of securities held for trading.
How Much Money Does the ICC Need

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) budget has become a central and often thorny point of discussion between the Court, NGOs, and the Assembly of States Parties. Some states have argued that the court can make do with its existing budget, while the court and many NGOs argue that it is underfunded. Underlying this debate is the question of whether the Court is efficient. This chapter explores these issues and assesses the ICC’s performance.
Effect Logical Relatedness and Semantic Overlap on Argument Evaluation

In two studies we examined the extent to which skilled and less-skilled reasoners of arguments relied on relevance relations (semantic and logical relatedness) between claims and reasons when evaluating arguments. College students, selected as having high or low analytical reasoning skill, evaluated the quality of a set of two sentence arguments and rated the strength of their agreement with them. The arguments were structured to vary in their degree of semantic and logical relatedness. Experiment 1 used a direct test of readers' evaluation of the logical connection, whereas Experiment 2 used a more naturalistic, multifactor task (agreement judgment). Overall, both skilled and less-skilled reasoners accepted and more strongly agreed with high logical arguments than they did with low logical arguments, indicating that both skilled and less-skilled reasoners rely more on logical relatedness when evaluating arguments. However, skilled reasoners' reliance on logical relatedness was higher than that of less-sk...
Classic transcrural celiac plexus block simulated on 100 computed tomography images.

Abstract Study objective To evaluate intra-abdominal needle trajectories of the classic transcrural celiac plexus block (tCPB) with a simulation technique. Design Classic tCPB technique cited from 10 latest authoritative textbooks were simulated on abdominal computed tomography images retrospectively. Setting University-affiliated community hospital. Measurements One hundred axial computed tomography images across the celiac trunk were retrieved. Three lines simulating classic tCPB were executed on each image. The organs traversed by each line were noted and analyzed. The frequencies of organ traverse were compared with the incidences described in the literature. Main results All 3 lines traversed various organs with different frequencies. The right side line frequently traversed the right kidney (36%). The left side line always traversed the aorta (100%). The modified line on the right side frequently traversed the inferior vena cava (32%). The highest kidney traverse percentage on both sides and the highest aorta traverse percentage on the right side were observed in pancreatic cancer patients. Conclusions Despite uncommon clinical complications, classic tCPB needle placement frequently traversed through several key organs in this simulation series. Organ penetrations could be avoided by needle trajectory adjustment.
THE TENDO PATELLAE

We have measured the length of the patellar tendon in a small number of cases, using normal lateral roentgenograms. A gradual increase in the length of the tendon after the close of the growth period is noted. This is assumed to be due to stretching of elastic connective tissue. A table with the derived normal lengths is presented. We feel that in some large center further studies on a larger series of cases should be made.
The Effects of Positively and Negatively Contingent Rewards and Individual Differences on Performance, Satisfaction, and Expectations'

A laboratory experiment employing a random bonus found satisfaction to be a function of reward magnitude, not performance contingency. Individual differences contributed to both performance and sat...
Effect of age on testis delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the rat.

SummaryTestis δ5-3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase activity and protein content were determined in rats 4–24 mo of age. Activity of the enzyme per milligram of protein declined between 12 and 18 mo of age and remained depressed through 24 mo of age. Total testis enzyme activity was maximal at 12 mo of age. Chorionic gonadotropin increased testis 3β-OHSD activity significantly in 2-yr-old rats.
Halogen bonding in DNA base pairs.

Halogen bonding (R–X···Y) is a qualitative analogue of hydrogen bonding that may prove useful in the rational design of artificial proteins and nucleotides. We explore halogen-bonded DNA base pairs containing modified guanine, cytosine, adenine and thymine nucleosides. The structures and stabilities of the halogenated systems are compared to the normal hydrogen bonded base pairs. In most cases, energetically stable, coplanar structures are identified. In the most favorable cases, halogenated base pair stabilities are within 2 kcal mol–1 of the hydrogen bonded analogues. Among the halogens X = Cl, Br, and I, bromine is best suited for inclusion in these biological systems because it possesses the best combination of polarizability and steric suitability. We find that the most stable structures result from a single substitution of a hydrogen bond for a halogen bond in dA:dT and dG:dC base pairs, which allows 1 or 2 hydrogen bonds, respectively, to complement the halogen bond.
Adjustment of Role Stress of Free Normal Students

From the country to develop the relevant teacher education policy, Free normal college students has attracted the attention of all sectors, and was given the responsibility of future education. Which has generate some psychological pressure-pressure on the role of in the normal students free development process, The role of pressure adjustment of free normal students' growth is of great significance, by analysising and discussing adjustment method, hoping to promote the free normal students' physical and mental health.