cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-driven construction of Convex Region Surrogate models

With the increasing trend of solving more complex and integrated optimization problems, there is a need for developing process models that are sufficiently accurate as well as computationally efficient. In this work, we develop an algorithm for the data-driven construction of a type of surrogate model that can be formulated as a set of mixed-integer linear constraints, yet still provide good approximations of nonlinearities and nonconvexities. In such a surrogate model, which we refer to as Convex Region Surrogate (CRS), the feasible region is given by the union of convex regions in the form of polytopes, and for each region, the corresponding cost function can be approximated by a linear function. The general problem is as follows: given a set of data points in the parameter space and a scalar cost value associated with each data point, find a CRS model that approximates the feasible region and cost function indicated by the given data points. We present a two-phase algorithm to solve this problem and demonstrate its effectiveness with an extensive computational study as well as a real-world case study.
Adsorption and decomposition of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on expanded graphite/metal oxides

Abstract Composites based on expanded graphite (EG) and metal oxides (MOs) were prepared by an explosive combustion and blending method. A metal oxide (Ag2O, CuO or ZnO)-containing phase was employed as a component with reactive functionality, which was supported on EG as a component with adsorptive functionality. The physical properties of the EG/MO composites were examined using SEM and FTIR spectroscopy, the results of which indicated that the MOs were incorporated in the EG matrix after impregnation. Solid state magic angle spinning (MAS) 1H, 31P and cross polarization (CP) MAS 13C NMR studies of the EG/MO composites were performed after adsorption of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). The FTIR and NMR data showed that the initial uptake occurred through both molecular and reactive adsorption. Molecular adsorption occurred by van der Waals interaction of M(Zn, Cu, Ag)⋯O P and hydrogen-bond formation to isolated hydroxyl groups. Reactive chemisorption appeared to occur through interaction with both Lewis acid sites and active oxygen species present on the MO surface. The FTIR and NMR results exhibited a trend of reactivity towards DMMP in the order Ag2O > ZnO > CuO, which indicated stronger interaction between the Lewis acid sites and the phosphoryl O atom of DMMP for Ag2O as compared with ZnO and CuO, with concomitant formation of surface-coordinated DMMP and bridge-bonded O P O phosphorus oxide species.
A New Composite Eyeball-Periorbital Transplantation Model in Humans: An Anatomical Study in Preparation for Eyeball Transplantation.

Background Vascularized composite allotransplantation offers a new hope for restoration of orbital content and perhaps vision. The aim of this study was to introduce a new composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation model in fresh cadavers in preparation for composite eyeball allotransplantation in humans. Methods The composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation flap borders included the inferior border, outlined by the infraorbital rim; the medial border, created by the nasal dorsum; the lateral border, created by the lateral orbital rim; and the superior border, created by the superior part of the eyebrow. The pedicle of the flap included the facial artery, superficial temporal artery, and external jugular vein. The skin and subcutaneous tissues of the periorbital region were dissected and the bony tissue was reached. A coronal incision was performed and the frontal lobe of the brain was reached by means of frontal osteotomy. Ophthalmic and oculomotor nerves were also included in the flap. After a "box osteotomy" around the orbit, the dissection was completed. Methylene blue and indocyanine green injection (SPY Elite System) was performed to show the integrity of the vascular territories after facial flap harvest. Results Adequate venous return was observed within the flap after methylene blue dye injection. Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography identified a well-defined vascular network within the entire composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation flap. Conclusions For the first time, a novel composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation model in human cadavers was introduced. Good perfusion of the flap confirmed the feasibility of composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation in the clinical setting. Although harvesting of the flap is challenging, it introduces a new option for reconstruction of the periorbital region including the eyeball.
A System Analytics Framework for Detecting Infrastructure-Related Topics in Disasters Using Social Sensing

The objective of this paper is to propose and test a system analytics framework based on social sensing and text mining to detect topic evolution associated with the performance of infrastructure systems in disasters. Social media, like Twitter, as active channels of communication and information dissemination, provide insights into real-time information and first-hand experience from affected areas in mass emergencies. While the existing studies show the importance of social sensing in improving situational awareness and emergency response in disasters, the use of social sensing for detection and analysis of infrastructure systems and their resilience performance has been rather limited. This limitation is due to the lack of frameworks to model the events and topics (e.g., grid interruption and road closure) evolution associated with infrastructure systems (e.g., power, highway, airport, and oil) in times of disasters. The proposed framework detects infrastructure-related topics of the tweets posted in disasters and their evolutions by integrating searching relevant keywords, text lemmatization, Part-of-Speech (POS) tagging, TF-IDF vectorization, topic modeling by using Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA), and K-Means clustering. The application of the proposed framework was demonstrated in a study of infrastructure systems in Houston during Hurricane Harvey. In this case study, more than sixty thousand tweets were retrieved from 150-mile radius in Houston over 39 days. The analysis of topic detection and evolution from user-generated data were conducted, and the clusters of tweets pertaining to certain topics were mapped in networks over time. The results show that the proposed framework enables to summarize topics and track the movement of situations in different disaster phases. The analytics elements of the proposed framework can improve the recognition of infrastructure performance through text-based representation and provide evidence for decision-makers to take actionable measurements.
Saturated fatty acid mutants in yeast.

Thirty-nine saturated fatty acid requiring mutants were isolated after treatment with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). These mutants have been assigned to three major complementation classes and from tetrad analysis appear to represent three unlinked genes: at least two loci are not linked to any centromere. Two major complementation categories are delineated by two non-allelic mutnats. Though fully complementary to each other, each fails to complement any mutant in several different complementation subgroups. Characterized by their response to external suppressors, these mutants represent nonsense mutations. One mutant is of the amber variety and the other is ochre. Tetrad analysis of diverse hybrids involving the saturated fatty acid auxotrophs revealed cryptic aneuploidy for chromosomes III, VIII and the as yet unidentified chromosomes that carry the above ochre and amber mutants. Clearly, this represents a minimal estimate. A more precise evaluation requires inclusion of sufficient genetic markers adequate to monitor the entire yeast genome. Gene dosage alterations due to aneuploidy had no apparent effect on the efficiency of interallelic complementation. The implications of these findings on the regulation and assembly of fatty acid synthetase are discussed. A working hypothesis concerning the relation between the effect of the primary lesion and nondisjunction is presented.
Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis — Review of Current Methods

Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic mycosis in the United States. Over 500,000 cases are diagnosed annually. Additionally, histoplasmosis is common in Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, parts of Asia, and Africa. Uncommonly cases are diagnosed in the United Kingdom and Europe. Histoplasmosis is an important opportunistic infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity, particularly in those with AIDS.
Student engagement: What is it? Why does it matter?

This chapter considers the relationships of student engagement with ­academic achievement, graduating from high school, and entering postsecondary schooling. Older and newer models of engagement are described and critiqued, and four common components are identified. Research on the relationship of each component with academic outcomes is reviewed. The main themes are that engagement is essential for learning, that engagement is multifaceted with behavioral and psychological components, that engagement and disengagement are developmental and occur over a period of years, and that student engagement can be modified through school policies and practices to improve the prognoses of students at risk. The chapter concludes with a 13-year longitudinal study that shows the relationships of academic achievement, behavioral and affective engagement, and dropping out of high school.
Solar variability and the Earth's climate

Lockwood et al.1 recently presented some intriguing new evidence of solar variability, but Parker's accompanying News and Views article2 gave an exaggerated and misleading picture of the potential effects on terrestrial climate. This picture is at variance with both the evidence3 and a public statement by Lockwood himself, reported in ref. 4.
Quality Control and Six Sigma

The phrase “statistical quality control” (SQC) refers to the application of statistical methods to monitor and evaluate systems and to determine whether changing key input variable (KIV) settings is appropriate. Specifically, SQC is associated with Shewhart’s statistical process charting (SPC) methods. These SPC methods include several charting procedures for visually evaluating the consistency of key process outputs (KOVs) and identifying unusual circumstances that might merit attention.
Individuals with psychosis and a lifetime history of cannabis use show greater deficits in emotional experience compared to non-using peers.

AbstractBackground: While previous research suggests that active cannabis use is a barrier to the emotional experiences of anticipating pleasure and expressing emotion in early psychosis, the relat...
STUDIES ON THE ELECTROPHORETIC VARIANTS OF HUMAN HYPOXANTHINE-GUANINE PHOSPHORIBOSYLTRANSFERASE

ABSTRACT. During the purification of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) from normal human male erythrocytes, three distinct peaks of HGPRT activity (I-pI 5.65; II-pI 5.80; III-pI 6.01) have been reproducibly distinguished by preparative isoelectric focusing and subsequently purified to homogeneity. With these highly purified preparations of variants I, II, and III we have found that: (1) the three variants are interconvertible as determined by polyaery1amide gel electrophoresis; (2) the three variants are immunologically identical; (3) the three variants have similar substrate utilization and end-product inhibition; (4) the three variants have the same native molecular weight (68,000) and Stokes radius (36a) and each is composed of two non-covalently bound subunits of equal molecular weight (34,000) and net charge; (5) the amino acid composition of variants II and III is nearly identical. We conclude that the electrophoretic variants of human erythrocyte HGPRT most likely result from a non-genetic post-transcriptional alteration of one or both subunits of the HGPRT enzyme molecule. Although the exact nature of the post-transcriptional alteration is not known, differential sialiation, differential binding of ribose-5-phosphate or ampholytes and association of the subunits into trimers, tetramers, etc. have been excluded.
THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE RECOMBINANT DNA MOLECULE PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF NIH

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an early history of the Advisory Committee of NIH for the program of recombinant DNA molecule. An advisory committee was established to investigate and give guidance to the developing field of recombinant DNA molecule. The Committee held its first meeting in which several members expressed views as to how members should proceed and what would be required of them. A wide diversity of viewpoints was apparent among several Committee members, ranging all the way from those who felt that recombinant DNA experiments entailed little or no increased risks to those who were deeply concerned about the possibility of massive adverse impact on their environment and their ecosystem. The Committee recommended that the Asilomar document, still in preparation at that time, should form the basis of actions by the NIH and the scientific fraternity pending the development of its own set of guidelines. The draft of the guidelines was fairly widely circulated among interested scientists in all portions of the country and it elicited a large amount of correspondence.
The Progress of Law: Aeschylus’s Oresteia in Feminist and Critical Theory:

The Oresteia is conventionally read as an account of progress from the age of private vendetta to the public order of legal justice. According to G.W.F. Hegel, an influential proponent of this view...
Still Unwilling to Pay: An Empirical Analysis of 50 U.S. Newspapers’ Digital Subscription Results

U.S. newspapers’ digital experiment has been going on for more than two decades, with Christensen’s disruptive technology thesis providing theoretical support for the industry’s digital transformat...
Interaction, Feedback and Task Research in Second Language Learning : Methods and Design

The role of interaction and corrective feedback is central to research in second language learning and teaching, and this volume is the first of its kind to explain and apply design methodologies and materials in an approachable way. Using examples from interaction, feedback and task studies, it presents clear and practical advice on how to carry out research in these areas, providing step-by step guides to design and methodological principles, suggestions for reading, short activities, memory aids and an A-Z glossary for easy reference. Its informative approach to study design, and in-depth discussions of implementing research methodology, make it accessible to novice and experienced researchers alike. Commonly used tools in these paradigms are explained, including stimulated recalls, surveys, eye-tracking, metanalysis and research synthesis. Open research areas and gaps in the literature are also discussed, providing a point-of-departure for researchers making their first foray into interaction, feedback and task-based teaching research.
Locating Hispano-Philippine ivories

On 19 October 1655, the Manila galleon the San Francisco Javier sunk off the cost of the Philippine island of Samar, on its return journey from Acapulco. The wreck was the result of stormy weather ...
Natural Language Processing of Patient-Experience Comments After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background There is interest in improving patient experience after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) due to recent shifts toward value-based medicine. Patient narratives are a valuable but unexplored source of information. Methods Records of 319 patients who had undergone primary TKA between August 2016 and August 2019 were linked with vendor-supplied patient satisfaction data, which included patient comments and the Press Ganey satisfaction survey. Using machine-learning-based natural language processing, 1048 patient comments were analyzed for sentiment and classified into themes. Postoperative outcomes, patient-reported outcome measures, and traditional measures of satisfaction were compared between patients who provided a negative comment vs those who did not (positive, neutral, mixed grouped together). Multivariable regression was used to determine perioperative variables associated with providing a negative comment. Results Of the 1048 patient comments, 25% were negative, 58% were positive, 8% were mixed, and 9% were neutral. Top 2 themes of negative comments were room condition (25%) and inefficient communication (23%). There were no differences in most of the studied outcomes (eg, peak pain intensity, length of stay, or Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Junior and pain scores at 6-week follow-up) between the 2 cohorts (P > .05). However, patients who made negative comments were less likely to highly recommend their hospital care to peers (P Conclusion Although the current study showed that patient satisfaction might not be a proxy for traditional objective perioperative outcomes, efforts to improve the nontechnical aspects of medicine are still crucial in providing patient-centered care.
Magic Vertex-Labeling of a Half-Cube

A cube is sliced in half by a plane cut orthogonal to a diagonal. We want to label the ten vertices of the half-cube with digits 0 through 9 so that the sum of the labels around each triangle is a constant, and the sum of the labels around each pentagon is another constant. We count all such labels.
Genomic Variation and Recent Population Histories of Spotted (Strix occidentalis) and Barred (Strix varia) Owls.

Spotted owls (SOs, Strix occidentalis) are a flagship species inhabiting old-growth forests in western North America. In recent decades, their populations have declined due to ongoing reductions in suitable habitat caused by logging, wildfires, and competition with the congeneric barred owl (BO, Strix varia). The northern spotted owl (S. o. caurina) has been listed as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act since 1990. Here, we use an updated SO genome assembly along with 51 high-coverage whole-genome sequences to examine population structure, hybridization, and recent changes in population size in SO and BO. We found that potential hybrids identified from intermediate plumage morphology were a mixture of pure BO, F1 hybrids, and F1 × BO backcrosses. Also, although SO underwent a population bottleneck around the time of the Pleistocene-Holocene transition, their population sizes rebounded and show no evidence of any historical (i.e., 100-10,000 years ago) population decline. This suggests that the current decrease in SO abundance is due to events in the past century. Finally, we estimate that western and eastern BOs have been genetically separated for thousands of years, instead of the previously assumed recent (i.e., <150 years) divergence. Although this result is surprising, it is unclear where the ancestors of western BO lived after the separation. In particular, although BO may have colonized western North America much earlier than the first recorded observations, it is also possible that the estimated divergence time reflects unsampled BO population structure within central or eastern North America.
The leverage of sea power

Colin S. Gray’s The Leverage of Sea Power1 may well be the best book on naval warfare of the last century, if not beyond. This time-span is deliberately chosen, for it excludes Julian Corbett’s Som...
Stability During Stairmill Ascent With Upward and Downward Applied Forces on the Pelvis

This study investigates how external vertical forces on the pelvis change the stability of stairmill climbing and other gait parameters such as kinematics and muscle activity. We use a Tethered Pelvic Assist Device (TPAD) to apply forces on the pelvis during continuous ascent on a stairmill. Ten young healthy subjects participated in three one-minute stair ascent with no force, a 10% body weight (BW) downward force, and a 10% BW upward force applied on the pelvis. The stability is determined by evaluating the base of support (BoS) and margin of stability (MoS). Kinematics and muscle activities were used to characterize the biomechanical changes. The results show that the upward forces applied on the pelvis decreased the (i) MoS by 1.84cm in the lateral direction, 2.07cm in the anterior direction, (ii) double stance phase by 1.85%, and (iii) the knee flexion by 5°. Furthermore, the peak activation levels of the muscles rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), and left gastrocnemius decreased. In contrast, the downward forces applied on the pelvis increased (i) the MOS by 1.5cm in the anterior direction and (ii) mean activation levels of RF and VL muscles. This study provides insights into the effects of applied vertical forces on the pelvis during stair ascent. These findings contribute to the understanding of the gait parameter changes and their relation with stability. Results could be used as a basis for designing training protocols to improve balance during stair ascent.
Androgen deprivation therapy before radical prostatectomy is associated with poorer postoperative erectile function outcomes.

UNLABELLED: Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Erectile dysfunction is a recognized complication of radical prostatectomy. Androgen deprivation therapy adversely impacts sexual function. Our study shows that the preoperative use of androgen deprivation therapy significantly reduces erectile function recovery after radical prostatectomy. The underneath pathophysiological mechanisms for this to occur are reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To define the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), undergone before radical prostatectomy (RP), on erectile function (EF) recovery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients presenting to a sexual medicine clinic after undergoing RP who had received ADT before RP (ADT+ group) were compared with a contemporary, age and comorbidity-matched cohort of 94 patients who did not receive ADT (ADT- group) before undergoing RP. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, comorbidity profiles and duration of ADT exposure. All the patients underwent Doppler penile ultrasonography within 6 months of RP and were administered the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. All the patients underwent evaluation of EF recovery. We analysed the incidence of venous leak (VL), mean IIEF EF domain score and proportion of men with EF domain scores ≥ 24 at 18 months after RP. RESULTS: The mean age, comorbidity profiles, median Gleason score, median pre-treatment PSA level, and mean time to evaluation after RP were similar between the two groups. The median duration of ADT exposure in the ADT+ group was 3 months. The incidence of VL within 6 months of surgery was 60% for the ADT+ and 20% for the ADT- group (P < 0.001). Likewise, the IIEF EF domain scores and proportion of men with EF domain scores ≥ 24 at 18 months were significantly lower in the ADT+ group, even when controlled for nerve-sparing status. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that preoperative use of ADT adversely impacts EF outcomes and should therefore be avoided in the absence of robust data suggesting any oncological benefit.
Evaluating the effectiveness of exploration and accumulated experience in automatic case elicitation

Non-learning problem solvers have been applied to many interesting and complex domains. Experience-based learning techniques have been developed to augment the capabilities of certain non-learning problem solvers in order to improve overall performance. An alternative approach to enhancing pre-existing systems is automatic case elicitation, a learning technique in which a case-based reasoning system with no prior domain knowledge acquires knowledge automatically through real-time exploration and interaction with its environment. In empirical testing in the domain of checkers, results suggest not only that experience can substitute for the inclusion of pre-coded model-based knowledge, but also that the ability to explore is crucial to the performance of automatic case elicitation.
Pelvic limb kinetic and kinematic analysis in Labrador Retrievers predisposed or at a low risk for cranial cruciate ligament disease.

Objective To compare kinematics, net moments, powers, ground and joint reaction forces (GRF, JRF) across the hock, stifle and hip joints in Labrador Retrievers at low risk or predisposed to cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD). Study Design Cross-sectional clinical study. Animals Clinically normal Labradors predisposed (n = 11) or at low risk for CCLD (n = 9). Methods Right pelvic limbs were classified as predisposed or not to CCLD using a predictive score equation based on combining tibial plateau angle (TPA) and femoral anteversion angle (FAA) measured on radiographs. Kinematic, GRF, and morphometric data were combined in an inverse dynamics approach to compute hock, stifle and hip kinematics, net moments, powers, and JRF while trotting. Results The extensor moment of the hock joint was greater in predisposed limbs compared with nonpredisposed limbs (0.37 versus 0.28 Nm/kg). The power generated around the hock and stifle joints in predisposed limbs was increased (0.69 versus 0.44 W/kg for the hock, 1.59 versus 1.05 W/kg for the stifle). Trotting velocity, stance time, vertical and craniocaudal GRF and JRF did not differ between groups. Conclusions Extensor moment at the hock was increased in predisposed limbs compared with nonpredisposed limbs. Predisposed limbs generated more energy than nonpredisposed limbs around the hock and stifle joints.
A novel mode and frequency reconfigurable origami quadrifilar helical antenna

This paper presents a design of origami mode and frequency reconfigurable quadrifilar helical antenna that can reconfigure itself to operate at different modes (i.e., normal or axial mode) and different frequencies. This antenna is also collapsible and therefore, it is very suitable for satellite and space applications.
DETECTION OF PARENT MOLECULES IN COMETS USING UV AND VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY

A new method for detecting and characterizing comets is presented. Theoretical calculations using CS2 as an example are presented to support the possibility of using this method to identify parent molecules in comets. Laboratory experiments are suggested that can be used to provide the kind of data that is needed to make this proposal successful.
Sexual Dimorphism in the Tarsal Bones: Implications for Sex Determination

Abstract: An accurate determination of sex is essential in the identification of human remains in a forensic context. Measurements of some of the tarsals have been shown to be sexually dimorphic by previous researchers. The purpose of the present study is to determine which dimensions of the seven tarsals demonstrate the greatest sexual dimorphism and therefore have the most potential for accurate sex determination. Eighteen measurements of length, width, and height were obtained from the tarsals of 160 European-American males and females from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. These measurements were made using a mini-osteometric board. Logistic regression analyses were performed to create equations for sex discrimination. All measurements showed significant sexual dimorphism, with the talus, cuboid, and cuneiform I producing allocation accuracies of between 88 and 92%. Combinations of measurements provided better accuracy (88.1–93.6%) than individual measurements (80.0–88.0%).
DEGRADATION OF PYRUVATE BY MICROCOCCUS LACTILYTICUS III. Properties and Cofactor Requirements of the Carbon Dioxide-Exchange Reaction

Whiteley, H. R. (University of Washington, Seattle) and N. G. McCormick. Degradation of pyruvate by Micrococcus lactilyticus. III. Properties and cofactor requirements of the carbon dioxide-exchange reaction. J. Bacteriol. 85:382–393. 1963.—At an acid pH, extracts of Micrococcus lactilyticus (Veillonella alcalescens) catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and acetyl phosphate, and the rapid exchange of carbon dioxide into the carboxyl group of pyruvate. These reactions take place only under anaerobic conditions and require phosphate (or arsenate), a reducing agent, diphosphothiamine, coenzyme A, an electron acceptor (ferredoxin, flavins, dyes, or certain inorganic anions), and a divalent cation (Co++> Mn++ > Mg++ > Fe++). High concentrations of coenzyme A and electron acceptors stimulate pyruvate breakdown but inhibit CO2 exchange. Exchange is also inhibited by p-chloromercuribenzoate but not by arsenite. Extracts rapidly lose the ability to mediate the exchange reaction after passage through diethylaminoethyl- or triethylaminoethyl-cellulose or Dowex-1; this loss in activity may be prevented by adding a reducing agent and the above cofactors. The exchange of CO2 and formate by M. lactilyticus is compared.
AQUA: asking questions and understanding answers

Story understanding programs are often designed to answer questions to demonstrate that they have adequately understood a story (e.g., [Leh78]). In contrast, we claim that asking questions is central to understanding. Reading a story involves the generation of questions, which in turn focus the understander on the relevant aspects of the story as it reads further. We are interested in the kinds of questions that people ask as they read. In this paper, we talk about the origin of these questions in the basic cycle of understanding, and their effect on processing. We present an understanding algorithm based on our theory of questions, which we have implemented in a computer program called AQUA (Asking Questions and Understanding Answers).
New models of care in family medicine.

The report of the Future of Family Medicine Task Force 6, published as an online supplement to the Annals and available at , makes a bold call for a national demonstration project to implement the elements of the New Model of family medicine. This
Concurrent radiation therapy and paclitaxel or docetaxel chemotherapy in high-risk breast cancer.

Abstract Purpose: Evidence supports the inclusion of the taxanes in the treatment of breast cancer. A recent randomized trial has shown a survival advantage to the addition of paclitaxel in the adjuvant treatment of node-positive patients. Several studies have suggested diminished local control if adjuvant radiation is delayed, while in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated a benefit of concurrent administration of taxanes with radiation. For these reasons, we began in 1995 to administer radiation therapy concurrently with the taxanes in advanced breast cancer. This retrospective review examines the feasibility of such treatment. Methods and Materials: Forty-four patients were treated with concurrent radiation and either paclitaxel (29 patients) or docetaxel (15 patients). One patient received both paclitaxel and docetaxel. Eighteen patients were treated for recurrent disease, 9 had received prior radiation. Toxicity was assessed by the RTOG scale for acute and late effects. Results: Concurrent radiation and taxane chemotherapy was well tolerated. Nine patients (20%) experienced Grade 3 acute skin toxicity. This was more likely with docetaxel than paclitaxel ( p = 0.04). Among patients undergoing breast conservation, there were no Grade 3 toxicities. With a median follow-up of 11 months, 1 patient has developed breast fibrosis. Conclusion: Concurrent administration of both paclitaxel and docetaxel with radiation resulted in acceptable toxicity. Overall, the acute skin toxicity seen with docetaxel was more pronounced. However, among patients undergoing breast conservation the taxanes were both well tolerated. Further study is necessary to assess the impact of concurrent treatment on long-term outcome.
EFFECT OF SALT LOADING ON CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSE TO MENTAL STRESS IN ADOLESCENTS

The effects of salt loading on the cardiovascular response to mental stress was compared between 8 adolescents with high genetic risk (Genetic group) for essential hypertension (hypertensive parents) and 8 adolescents with low risk (Control group) (normotensive parent). Systolic (S), Diastolic (D) pressure and heart rate (HR) were monitored (Arteriosonde) at 1 minute intervals during difficult mental arithmetic. Plasma catecholamines (CA) were determined before and after stress. Subjects then consumed 10gm/day Na Cl in excess of usual diet for 14 days. Mental stress and CA were then repeated. Measurement of urine Na confirmed high salt intake. A greater cardiovascular response (greater increase in S, D, and HR) was seen in Genetic group compared to Control (p < .01). Salt loading increased BP, augmented the high D responses and suppressed CA in the Genetic group. Salt loading produced no change in BP or CA in Controls. Concl: Genetic adolescents have a higher cardiovascular response to mental stress. Some genetic adolescents are salt sensitive. Control adolescents are salt resistant.
Meeting report: genes, neurons, circuits, and behaviors: highlights of cold spring harbor meeting on Drosophila neurobiology, October 3-7, 2007.

Wallerian degeneration of axons occurs after axons have been injured or severed. In mice, a single protein, Wlds, has been shown to protect injured axons from degeneration for days, in contrast wit...
The activation areas for grain boundary sliding

The activation areas for grain boundary sliding in Al, Pb, Sn, Zn, and Cu are compared with those for creep in the same materials. It is found that the activation area-stress relation for grain boundary sliding is similar to that for creep. This observation is consistent with a dislocation or ledge mechanism of grain boundary sliding.
Antidrug antibodies in psoriasis: a systematic review

Antidrug antibodies (ADAs) against biological agents may be clinically significant and potentially alter a biological drug's treatment efficacy. This systematic review aims to (i) determine the prevalence of ADAs against infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab and ustekinumab in patients with psoriasis; (ii) ascertain whether ADAs are associated with changes in drug efficacy; and (iii) explore the use of concomitant methotrexate to prevent ADA formation. Through a systematic search using Medline and Embase from 29 January 1950 to 29 March 2013, we identified 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Of 7969 patients with psoriasis, 950 tested positive for ADAs. Antibodies against infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab and ustekinumab were reported in 5·4-43·6%, 0-18·3%, 6-45% and 3·8-6% of patients, respectively. Anti-infliximab antibodies were associated with lower serum infliximab concentrations in three studies, and decreased treatment response in five studies. ADAs against etanercept were non-neutralizing and not associated with any apparent effects on clinical response. Antiadalimumab antibodies were associated with lower serum adalimumab concentrations in three of five studies, and reduced clinical efficacy in four studies. Two of six studies reported that antiustekinumab antibodies were associated with lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index responses, and three ustekinumab studies noted that most of these antibodies were neutralizing. Although the use of concomitant methotrexate with biological agents to prevent ADA formation in other immune-mediated diseases is promising, their use in psoriasis is sparse. ADA development remains a challenge with biological therapies and therefore should be considered in patients with psoriasis who experience diminished treatment response.
Exchange-rate volatility and trade: a semiparametric approach

We use a gravity model to analyse the impact of exchange-rate volatility on the volume of bilateral international trade. Semiparametric regression methods are applied to the pooled data for over 200 countries. Our results indicate that volatility affects trade negatively although at very high level of volatility the effect diminishes and eventually becomes statistically indistinguishable from zero. Countries apparently find avenues to mitigate the detrimental impact of exchange rate uncertainty when volatility attains very high levels. These results help reconcile the contradictory findings often found in the literature on the impact of exchange-rate uncertainty on trade volume.
Determinants of recurrence after sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of surgery-associated variables on recurrence rates after sigmoid resection for diverticulitis. METHODS: Patients who underwent elective sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis between 1992 and 2000 at two tertiary referral centers were followed up for recurrent disease as the primary end point. Recurrence after surgery was defined as left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis, with consistent CT and/or contrast enema findings on admission and after six weeks. A logistic regression of the following variables was undertaken: patient demographics, duration of preoperative symptoms, previous admissions and abdominal surgery, surgical access (laparoscopic or open), postoperative complications, splenic flexure mobilization, anastomotic technique (handsewn or stapled), specimen length, inflammation at proximal resection margin, and anastomotic level (colosigmoid or colorectal). The last three variables were defined by the pathologist. Anastomosis level was based on muscle layer configuration (taeniae coli) at the distal resection margin. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-six patients (105 females) with a mean age of 60.4 (standard deviation, ± 10) years were available for follow-up at 67 ± 30 (range, 11–130) months. The median duration of preoperative symptoms was 18 (range, 12–120) months. All but one (99 percent) patient had at least one admission before surgery. One hundred forty (59 percent) and 96 (41 percent) patients underwent laparoscopic or open resection, respectively. The conversion rate was 13 percent (18 patients) in the former group and the 30-day complication rate was 23 percent, with 0.4 percent 30-day mortality and a 2.1 percent reoperation rate. The splenic flexure was mobilized in 109 patients (47 percent). Anastomoses were fashioned by stapler in 171 patients (73 percent) and were to the rectum in 143 patients (72 percent). Specimen length was 17.9 ± 5.9 (range, 9–47) cm with inflammation at the proximal margin in 30 patients (14 percent). Twelve (5 percent) patients developed a recurrence at a mean of 78 ± 25 (range, 34–109) months with reoperation in one (0.4 percent). The level of anastomosis was the only predictor of recurrence in regression analysis (P = 0.033). Patients with colosigmoid anastomosis had a four times higher risk of having a recurrence compared with patients with colorectal anastomosis (odds ratio, 95 percent confidence interval = 1.12, 14.96). CONCLUSION: Colorectal (rather than colosigmoid) anastomosis was the single predictor of lower recurrence rates after elective sigmoid resection for uncomplicated diverticulitis.
Degradation of DNA and structure-activity relationship between bleomycins A2 and B2 in the absence of DNA repair

The contribution of DNA repair to the net number of DNA breaks produced during chemical degradation of DNA was determined by using temperature-sensitive mutant cells deficient in ATP-dependent DNA ligase [poly(deoxyribonucleotide):poly(deoxyribonucleotide) ligase, EC 6.5.1.1]. In a very sensitive assay for determining lesions introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNAs, 2-14C- and 6-3H-prelabeled DNAs from ligase-proficient and ligase-deficient cells were sedimented together through precalibrated, isokinetic alkaline sucrose gradients. DNA ligation was slower after chemical degradation of DNA by bleomycin than after gamma irradiation. DNA breaks increased approximately linearly with drug concentrations, and were approximately equivalent for ligase-proficient and ligase-deficient cells. These results were unexpected because ligase-deficient, but not ligase-proficient, cells lacked the capacity to eliminate DNA breaks produced by bleomycin. The results indicated that DNA repair did not occur during the chemical degradation of DNA under the experimental conditions. Bleomycin B2 produced considerably more DNA breaks than bleomycin A2 over a range of concentrations in ligase-proficient cells, which tolerated higher numbers of DNA breaks in general than ligase-deficient cells. The chemical analogues are structurally identical except for their cationic C-terminal amine. The actual number of DNA breaks produced by bleomycin A2 or bleomycin B2, and not the concentration of bleomycin A2 or bleomycin B2 per se, determined the amount of cell killing. DNA repair is critical in quantitating DNA breaks produced by chemicals, but was ruled out as a factor in the higher DNA breakage by bleomycin B2 than bleomycin A2.
Evolution of the conducting state of polyaniline from localized to mesoscopic metallic to intrinsic metallic regimes

Abstract The results of microwave dielectric constant (ϵmw) and dc conductivity (σdc) of doped polyaniline (PAN) samples in different charge delocation regimes are reported. With camphor culfonic acid doped PAN prepared in m-cresol solvent (PAN-CSA (m-cresol)) respresenting the most delocalized material, a negative ϵmw is measured indicating an intrinsic metallic state. The Drude model at low frequency is used to estimate a relatively small plasma frequency ω p ⋍ 0.015 eV and an anomalously long scattering time τ ⋍ 1.2 × 10−11 s. This τ implies the importance of phonon back scattering for the most delocalized electrons as expected for the open Fermi surface of a highly anisotropic metal. Depending on the crystallinity, there are two different charge localization regimes in PAN samples: uncoupled metallic islands and coupled “mesoscopic” metallic state. The three-dimensional nature of metallic state is demonstrated by the correlation of low temperature dielectric response with the parallel and perpendicular crystalline domain lengths obtained from x-ray data. The charge localization to delocalization transition dependence on the polymer processing will be discussed. We present the temperature dependent nonmetal-metal transition for some preparations of PAN-CSA (m-cresol). The intrinsic conductivity of metallic PAN is estimated to be ∼ 107 S/cm.
On the Elimination of the Branching Problem in the Synthesis of Spatial Motion Generators with Spheric Joints. Part 2: Application

A theory is proposed for elimination of the branching problem in the synthesis of spatial motion generators with at least one spheric joint. The theory is also applicable to planar linkages as a special case of spatial mechanisms. Applications of the theory are presented in Part 2 of the paper.
The Differential Range Spectrum of Cosmic-Ray Mesons

A counter-controlled cloud chamber has been used to investigate the differential range spectrum of mesons at sea level. The chamber contains eight lead plates each 7\textonehalf{} in. wide and one-half in. thick. A lead absorber of variable thickness, up to 27 in., may be placed above the chamber. The number of mesons observed the stop in the chamber per unit time has been found for various thicknesses of absorber above the chamber. A plot of the counting rate of particles which stop versus the thickness of absorber above the chamber reveals a broad low peak which has its maximum at a 6-in. thickness of absorber. The counting rate at the peak is 2.20\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ count/sec./sterad/g, about 10 percent higher than the counting rate with no absorber. Correction has been made for particles lost through scattering in the absorber. The corrected results show a more marked peak whose maximum occurs with a 9-in. thickness of absorber. The counting rate at the maximum of the corrected curve is 3.73\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ count/sec./sterad/g.
Coordinated interchange scheduling and opportunity cost payment: a market proposal to seams issues

This paper presents a joint market structure for energy, spinning reserves and VAR support in a multiarea setting. It is based on a cooptimization that can simultaneously optimize all three commodities across the "seams". An auxiliary problem principle based decomposition scheme is applied to the overall optimization for coordinating interchanges of energy and ancillary services between control areas. The proposed decomposition approach preserves independent dispatching for neighboring areas while achieves overall optimum. Nodal prices for energy and opportunity cost payments to forgone energy profit due to providing reserves and VAR support are also addressed. We believe the algorithm is of particular interest in the restructuring electricity industry for resolving seams issues. An illustrative example of a modified IEEE 30-bus system is used to demonstrate the validity of proposed algorithm.
Experimental Analysis for Wind Induced Disturbance Rejection on Bridge Crane Structures

This paper describes the development of a feedback controller for rejecting wind disturbances on a crane payload. The goal of this research is to perform in-situ parameter sensitivity testing that is specific to a given crane structure. Through experimentation, this paper evaluates the robustness of a closed-loop controller that implements station keeping on a bridge crane. A set of general trends were developed to describe how altering system parameters and operating conditions affected controller performance. Such findings are not limited to single parameter characterization and can be extended to multiple variables given specific system specifications.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Assessment of a partial-equilibrium/monte carlo model for turbulent syngas flames

Abstract Calculations and data for a turbulent jet flame of 40% CO, 30% H 2 , and 30% N 2 in coflowing air are compared extensively. The calculations are based on a partial-equilibrium model for the oxyhydrogen radical pool including CO, and on a velocity-composition joint probability density function (pdf), which closes the turbulent flux and mean chemical source terms. The pdf is joint between the three velocity components and two thermochemical scalars needed to describe partial-equilibrium conditions. The equation is solved numerically by a Monte Carlo technique. The data used are major species concentrations and temperature from pulsed Raman scattering. Difficulties with Raman measurements at high temperatures and of measuring CO 2 directly are discussed. The Raman signals are taken from previous studies but here are corrected for high-temperature effects and CO 2 vibrational spectra. Temperatures are obtained from the instantaneous density of the major species rather than from the Stokes/anti-Stokes ratio, which is more affected by chemiluminescence. The level of agreement between the model and the data is more favorable to the partial-equilibrium model than previously thought. The relative simplicity of the partial-equilibrium model makes it a candidate for practical calculations.
A Note on the Census Survival Ratio Method of Estimating Net Migration

Abstract In the census survival ratio method, one of the common assumptions is that the proportion which the enumerated population in any age-sex group bears to the actual population is the same at each census for each state as for the nation. The significance of this assumption is examined and it is established that such an assumption is not necessary. It is therefore replaced by a less stringent assumption, namely that the ratio of the degree of enumeration in a state (i.e. the proportion which the enumerated population in any age-sex group bears to the true population) to that of the nation is the same for the same cohort. In the light of the change in assumption, it is shown that much of the criticism of the method made by Daniel O. Price is untenable. Though his main conclusion (i.e. small relative differences in estimates of net migration should be interpreted with extreme caution) is correct, the errors in migration rates estimated by the census survival ratio method are probably much smaller than ...