cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mobile Application Development: Essential New Directions for IT

As mobile devices have become more powerful and pervasive, mobile computing has become more important. As the market share of mobile operating systems steadily grows and more IT applications are developed and deployed on mobile devices, this will become a larger and increasing part of professional IT practice. Consequently IT students should gain experience creating and deploying mobile applications. We designed a project for a junior level operating systems course and asked 35 students to develop an application using one of the following leading mobile device software development kits: Apple iPhone, Microsoft Windows Mobile and Google Android. Students were free to select a platform and define their own applications. While iPhone has approximately 50% of the mobile OS market share, only 8 students selected iPhone as their development platform of choice, 15 selected Android, another 12 selected Windows Mobile. A post-project survey was administered to the students to evaluate the process of choosing a platform, hardware and software features used in their applications, and the overall learning experience. This provided several conclusions about preferences, future applications and learning. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and will help us improve future learning experiences.
Dosimetric evaluation of a variable field electron beam applicator

A commercially available variable electron beam applicator designed for the Phillips SL-75/20 linear accelerator was tested for possible clinical use. The basic design of this collimator consists of four movable L-shaped stainless steel blades forming the corners. In addition, four smaller fixed blades of the same material and thickness fill in the sides. Film placed in polystyrene phantoms were exposed in all experiments. Field size, field flatness, beam homogeneity and penumbra measurements, all indicated that the applicator is acceptable for clinical use. However, for use with large field sizes and/or high energy electron beams some minor modifications are suggested.
Dead Teachers of Living Languages

Author's Summary— Why are modern foreign language teachers conspicuously absent from education conferences? Are they educationally dead?)
Consequences of Urban Stability Conditions for Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulations of Urban Dispersion

Abstract The validity of omitting stability considerations when simulating transport and dispersion in the urban environment is explored using observations from the Joint Urban 2003 field experiment and computational fluid dynamics simulations of that experiment. Four releases of sulfur hexafluoride, during two daytime and two nighttime intensive observing periods (IOPs), are simulated using the building-resolving computational fluid dynamics model called the Finite Element Model in 3-Dimensions and Massively Parallelized (FEM3MP) to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with two options of turbulence parameterizations. One option omits stability effects but has a superior turbulence parameterization using a nonlinear eddy viscosity (NEV) approach, and the other considers buoyancy effects with a simple linear eddy viscosity approach for turbulence parameterization. Model performance metrics are calculated by comparison with observed winds and tracer data in the downtown area and with observe...
Fractionation and capillary gas chromatographic—mass spectrometric characterization of the neutral components in marijuana and tobacco smoke condensates

Abstract Polar and non-polar “neutral” constituents of the smoke condensates of Mexican marijuana and standard tobacco were resolved by capillary gas chromatography and structurally characterized through mass spectrometry. Comparisons of the two materials reveal substantial qualitative and quantitative differences. The cannabinoid-like substances partition into both the non-polar and polar fraction. In total, over 130 “neutral” smoke components have been characterized.
Fluvial Sand Shapes: Effects of Tributary Mixing: ABSTRACT

Similarities and differences in gross shapes of fluvial quartz sand grains contain information useful for interpretation of sediment transport history. The shapes of sand grains in a given river depend on the source, or sources, of sand within the drainage basin and on the abrasion and shape sorting that has occurred during transport. It is highly unlikely that 2 major streams will carry precisely similar-shaped grain suites. Therefore, when 2 streams join, the resulting sand can be recognized, on the basis of shape, as being mixtures of the 2 input streams. The multiple rotations method of quantitative shape analysis characterizes sets of grain shapes with 5 or 6 numerical factor loadings, and individual grains are described by 5 or 6 factor scores. Trends of shape changes, such as those that occur along the length of a river, show up well on bivariate-factor score plots. These trends are interrupted and offset by mixing of sands contributed by tributary streams. Shapes of sands obtained from the Missouri River above the junction with the Platte River in Nebraska are different from those from below the Platte; but when Platte River sand shapes are subtracted, the remaining differences are insignificant. Farther downstream, sands from the Kansas River show the same relationships. The relative contributions of sand from a river and its tri utaries, and the rates of mixing of the sands, can be estimated from quantitative shape analysis of several samples. End_of_Article - Last_Page 295------------
Vibronic spectra of matrix-isolated lead sulfide

Abstract Vibronic spectra are reported for lead sulfide in argon, krypton and SF 6 matrices at low temperatures. Emission stimulated by laser line irradiation of PbS is observed from the v ′ = 0 level of three electronic states lying at about 14 500, 18 500 and 21 500 cm −1 above the ground state. Emission is also observed from an excited state of Pb 2 S 2 at about 17 000 cm −1 . In addition, the laser radiation gives rise to the vibrational Raman spectrum of PbS in argon at 423.2 cm −1 and to a very weak Raman band at 297 ± 2 cm −1 which we attribute to Pb 2 S 2 . The effects of temperature on the matrix spectra, of matrix material on the band origins, and of matrix concentration on the vibrational relaxation process, and the apparent degrees of coupling among the electronic states have all been examined. The electronic absorption spectrum of PbS in Ar is reported and the matrix data are compared with available information on gaseous PbS.
Temporal Trends in Metal Levels in Eggs of the Endangered Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) in New York

Female birds sequester certain organic and inorganic compounds in their eggs which have been widely used as a bioindicator for examining the body burdens of contaminants and therefore the temporal and spatial trends of the contaminants in the environment. The same analyses can also reflect the status or vulnerability of the indicator species. Extensive bridge de-leading activities in the New York Bight (Cape May to Montauk) in the early 1990s coincided with a long-term study of the endangered roseate tern (Sterna dougallii) on Long Island, New York, affording the opportunity to test the utility of such fish-eating species as bioindicators of lead contamination, as well as the potential impact on the bird population itself. In this paper we test the null hypothesis that there were no temporal trends between 1989 and 1994 in metal levels in eggs of roseate terns nesting at Cedar Beach, Long Island, where the birds have been declining since the late 1980s. We report levels and trends for cadmium, chromium, manganese, mercury, and selenium as well as lead in abandoned eggs collected each year. There were significant interyear differences for all metals, with 1990 to 1992 generally having higher levels than 1989 and 1994. The yearly differences were particularly prominent for lead, where the 10-fold increase may have been partially due to the increased removal of leaded paint from bridges in the early 1990s, leading to increased lead in the aquatic environment. Cadmium and chromium are also released during de-leading. The causes for the higher levels in the other metals in the early 1990s are unclear. Metal levels in roseate tern eggs are several times higher than the median reported for most birds, and the possible impact on the population requires study.
Wave Structure Function and Mutual Coherence Function of an Optical Wave in a Turbulent Atmosphere

The most commonly used expression for the wave structure and mutual coherence function for an optical wave propagating in a turbulent atmosphere, which is based on an unphysical extrapolation of the Kolmogorov spectrum, is shown in general to be incorrect. For a modified spectrum, we show that the correction to the wave structure and mutual coherence functions, the implied resolution, and the resulting signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio using heterodyne detection, are considerable. Approximate expressions for the coherence function, valid over three distinct propagation distance regions, are derived, and experimental evidence in support of our results is cited.
Graph energy change due to edge deletion

The energy of a graph is the sum of the singular values of its adjacency matrix. We are interested in how the energy of a graph changes when edges are deleted. Examples show that all cases are possible: increased, decreased, unchanged. Our goal is to find possible graph theoretical descriptions and to provide an infinite family of graphs for each case. The main tool is a singular value inequality for complementary submatrices and its equality case.
k‐Opioid Receptors Behind the Blood‐brain Barrier are Involved in the Anti‐hypertensive Effects of Systemically Administered k‐Agonists in the Conscious Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

We have shown previously that chronic intrahippocampal, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous administrations of non-peptide opioid receptor agonists induced depressor responses in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). However, it is not clear whether the hypotensive effect of systemic administration involves kappa receptors behind the blood-brain barrier. In this study, the relative roles of central vs peripheral kappa-opioid receptors in the hypotensive effect of kappa-agonists was examined in conscious SHRs following chronic subcutaneous administration of two selective kappa-agonists, BRL 52656 which freely penetrates the blood-brain barrier, and BRL 52974 which has only limited ability to do so. Initial studies determined the dose-response relationship for each of the two drugs given intraperitoneally twice a day, while monitoring systolic arterial pressure (SAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) measured by the tail-cuff method. Both drugs caused biphasic arterial pressure responses, with lower doses of BRL 52656 causing depressor effects and higher doses resulting in pressor effects. By contrast, lower doses of BRL 52974 caused pressor effects and higher doses depressor effects. The biphasic effects occurred with BRL 52656 from 0.01 to 3.0 mg kg(-1) and that for BRL 52974 from 0.1 to 30 mg kg(-1). In subsequent studies the drugs were infused chronically, subcutaneously via osmotic minipumps over a 14-day period, BRL 52656 at 0.2 or 0.5 mg kg(-1)/day and BRL 52974 at 0.2 mg kg(-1)/day. At lower doses, BRL 52656 decreased SAP, MAP and HR but at higher doses only bradycardia was observed. BRL 52974 given chronically subcutaneously over 14 days had no significant effects on arterial pressure and decreased heart rate only after seven days of treatment. Collectively, the results established that only the kappa-agonist, which gained access to the central nervous system, lowered arterial pressure and heart rate, whereas the compound with limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier was ineffective at equivalent doses. The complex dose-response pattern found with both drugs suggests that kappa-agonists have central hypotensive and bradycardic actions at low doses but at higher doses a mixture of both central and peripheral actions leads to hypertension and tachycardia.
Serial cardiac catheterizations and exercise hemodynamics after correction of tetralogy of Fallot: average follow-up 13 months and 7 years after operation.

Eleven patients had right heart catheterization an average of 13 mo after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot, and the procedures were then repeated an average of 7 years postoperatively. In the intervening time there was generally no important change in the pressure gradient between the right ventricle and pulmonary artery or in right ventricular systolic pressure. Mean right atrial pressure tended to fall with time. Arteriovenous oxygen difference at rest was lower at the second study, and the resting cardiac output was generally normal. One patient with a persistent ventricular septal defect had progressive hemodynamic deterioration between the two studies. Exercise performance up to 10 years postoperatively was also assessed. The relationship between oxygen consumption and cardiac output was usually normal, but exercise magnified the right heart's filling pressure abnormalities. In the absence of an easily demonstrable ventricular septal defect, right heart hemodynamics were either stable or impro...
Anatomic evaluation of anterior platysma muscle.

Abstract The structure of the submental platysma muscle was evaluated in 20 preserved cadavers. Four distinct patterns were identified, depending on the pattern of merging of the right and left platysma bundles. Fifteen percent of cases showed a complete platysma diaphragm submentally, while in the other 85% there was some degree of midline dehiscence. In the 85% of cases where right and left fibers merged or crossed to form a V or U shape, the apex of the V or U was measured relative to the chin point. The distance between right and left fibers was measured at two locations posterior to the chin point. The width of the midline dehiscence (when present) was 6–24 mm (mean 11.8 mm) 1 cm posterior to its apex and 10–44 mm (mean 20.00 mm) 2 cm posterior to the apex. The wider and more divergent the dehiscence and the more U-shaped the dehiscence between left and right platysma bundles, the greater may be the tendency to a “turkey gobbler” deformity with inadequate medial support for the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
Spin-polarized low-energy positron beams and their applications

The production and use of low-energy (100 eV to 5 keV) high-intensity, spin-polarized positron beams is reviewed. Methods for obtaining beams with high polarization are discussed. Applications include studies of the moderation process, surface and bulk magnetism, optically active molecules, and the production of polarized anti-protons.
Liquid and thin-film filters for hybrid solar energy conversion systems

Abstract The concept of spectral selectivity in the design of combined photoquantum/photothermal solar convertors can be the basis for improving the overall conversion efficiency of hybrid solar energy systems. Spectral selectivity allows those photons not easily utilized by the photovoltaic (PV) system to be separated and channeled into a thermally decoupled loop. This paper presents an estimated performance analysis of a system that employs dichroic or spectrally selective beamsplitters (SSBS) developed by the authors. Preliminary analyses of the thermal and photovoltaic subsystems and the combined system using moderately concentrated solar radiation showed enhanced performance. Compared to a 12% net conversion efficiency for a conventional photovoltaic system, the photovoltaic component of a hybrid system reaches a 26% efficiency with respect to the 38% of the solar spectrum it receives from the beamsplitter. The remaining 62% of the spectrum not useful for photovoltaic conversion is collected as high-grade heat at an efficiency of 50%. Thus, the ability to extract and direct various portions of the solar spectrum to the appropriate system can increase the conversion efficiency of each process, reduce unwanted heating effects in the photovoltaic system, and reduce costs.
Tree replacement in small canopy gaps of a Tsuga canadensis forest in the Southern Appalachians, Tennessee.

Tree species replacement was studied in 95 canopy gaps created by the fall of single trees in an undisturbed, old-growth forest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. When large trees (dbh>70 cm) of the very shade tolerant species, Tsuga canadensis, die and fall, they are usually replaced by less tolerant species such as Betula alleghaniensis, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Magnolia fraseri. Species diversity of the replacement trees, measured by the index, 1/Σpi2, was 5.77 compared to a diversity of 1.66 for the fallen trees.
Congressional Bargaining in Presidential Time: Give and Take, Anticipation, and the Constitutional Rationalization of Dead Ducks

This article introduces a simple theory of bargaining between presidents and members of Congress. Although it employs the analytics common to the typical “sequenced” theories, its approach places more emphasis on give and take, on less reliable information about intentions, and on more complex strategic considerations. The formal results highlight a presidential tenure effect, which in turn suggests four empirical expectations. The article then uses a unique empirical opportunity and data to assess and eventually validate expectations suggesting, in turn, that declining presidential tenure has a substantial effect on confidential bargaining, making coalition formation more erratic and costly. The article concludes with a theoretically informed discussion of how growing congressional seniority led to imposing the 20th and 22nd constitutional amendments.
Characterization of adsorbed dicarbonyls of rhodium

Abstract We have studied the adsorbed states of CO on dispersed Rh in Y zeolites by solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the dicarbonyl form of adsorbed rhodium has been revealed using a Carr—Purcell—Meiboom—Gill multiple pulse sequence. NMR lineshape calculations show that adsorbed Rh (CO)2 species are undergoing a 180° flipping motion about the C2 axis which bisects the CRHC angle. Spectra calculated with this motional model have been compared with published spectra of CO on RhY zeolites.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of Al4S6

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of Al 4 S 6 in T d symmetry are examined theoretically using the Gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of three types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis. Molecular orbitals and bonding are examined.
Optoacoustic Spectroscopy for Noninvasive, High-Resolution Hematoma Diagnostics and Oxygenation Measurements: Clinical Studies

We have developed an optoacoustic spectroscopy technique for noninvasive hematoma diagnostics and oxygenation monitoring with high resolution and accuracy. We will report results of our animal and clinical studies on these important applications.
Comparison of structure development in quiescent crystallization, die extrusion and melt spinning of isotactic polypropylene and its compounds containing fillers and nucleating agents

The influences of fillers and nucleating agents on crystalline structure and stress induced crystallization of isotactic polypropylene were studied under a range of cooling and processing conditions, including die extrusion and melt spinning. Continuous cooling transformation curves were determined for polypropylene and various polypropylene filler compounds. The influence of spinline stress on crystallization was studied. The experiments reveal that under quiescent conditions, the kinetics and crystalline forms produced by the crystallization of polypropylene are dominated by nucleating fillers and impurities. The crystalline orientation-spinline stress relationship, on the other hand, was found to be the same for polypropylene and its compounds. At high uniaxial stresses, kinetics and orientation development are dominated by homogeneous orientation crystallization.
Correcting reproductive health disparities in women: an opportunity to improve the health of future generations.

Reproductive problems pose a significant public health problem for women across all age groups, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Women of color, women with few resources, women with limited education, and women from groups such as immigrants, and gay and lesbian who have traditionally faced discrimination, are disproportionately affected. By whatever definition one uses for race and ethnicity, unequal access to care, differences in the pathophysiology of disease, and a disparate response to treatment are all factors that collectively contribute to health disparities in women. Even physiologic processes such as puberty, ovulation, conception, and menopause vary between different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Of note, reproductive problems are not solely a result of issues related to access to health care. Evidence from the medical literature supports disparities in infertility treatment outcomes and an increased prevalence of problems such as preterm birth, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, uterine fibroids, and estrogen-deficiency states.1 In this issue of Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, we focus on these important disparities in reproductive health of women by considering health disparities across the lifespan of women. The guest editors believe preconception and pregnancy represent an unparalleled window of opportunity for intervention(s) that will impact not just the mother and infant but also future generations.
Retrospect and Prospect of NARI Generator Excitation System

In this paper the development and achievements of NARI generator excitation system were introduced, and the main design features were discussed. With the development of today's electric power system toward smart grid and smart power station/plant, the modern excitation system should provide support for this change, and the trends of excitation system development were highlighted. Keywords-smart grid, smart plant, excitation system, low frequency oscillation,sub-synchoronous oscillation
MICROMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF FIBER CRACK PROPAGATION IN FIBROUS COMPOSITES DUE TO THERMAL STRESSES

Abstract The transverse crack propagation in the fibers of composites due to thermal stresses is studied using a micromechanical model and linear elastic fracture mechanics. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fiber-matrix mismatch and fiber elastic and thermal anisotropy on the transverse fiber cracking. To approach the problem, a three-domain cylindrical model is introduced to simulate the fiber cracking. The model problem is then solved using the technique of the dislocation and singular integral equation. The stress intensity factors of the fiber crack are calculated for various conditions (different fiber volume fractions, different fiber elastic or thermal expansion anisotropics, etc.). It is found that fiber elastic anisotropy has no perceptible effect on the transverse fiber cracking, whereas fiber thermal anisotropy affects the fiber transverse cracking in a somewhat intricate way.
The mass of the T2+ glueball in SU(2) Yang-Mills theory

Abstract Koller and van Baal carried out an intermediate volume calculation for pure SU(2) gauge theory. I re-analyze the boundary conditions they imposed on the wave functions, and obtain a mass for the T2+ glueball which is in agreement with recent Monte Carlo results.
PACU AND ICU CARE: Evaluation and Management of Postoperative Cardiovascular Complications

The dynamic physiologic changes that occur in the early postoperative period place the cardiac patient at increased risk for a variety of cardiovascular complications. The limitations in cardiac reserve in patients with cardiac disease also increase the clinical significance of any postoperative problems. For example, the development of hypertension is usually well tolerated in healthy patients, but may precipitate congestive heart failure (CHF), myocardial ischemia, or arrhythmias in the patient with underlying cardiac pathology. The anesthesiologist's responsibility to the patient with heart disease extends to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and intensive care unit (ICU). Appropriate perioperative management can lower the incidence of potentially life-threatening postoperative problems. This article discusses three common postoperative complications (myocardial ischemia/infarction, hypertension, arrhythmias) that occur with increased frequency in patients with cardiac disease. Understanding the mechanisms of their development, their physiologic impact, and available treatment options should lead to optimal postoperative care of the cardiac patient undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Nuclear-based techniques for explosive detection

Abstract The status of bulk explosive detection techniques based on nuclear interrogation methods is reviewed. The desirable characteristics of an operational system capable of meeting the requirements for civil aviation security are compared with what can be expected from nuclear-based techniques. The comparison is limited to those techniques that utilize penetrating neutron and photon probes on the target elements of explosives most likely to be encountered in the airport scenario. The physical properties of a relevant group of explosives are surveyed for unique characteristics that could provide detectable signatures to nuclear-based techniques. A survey of the accessible reactions and their relative detection sensitivities are tabulated for a selection of practical interrogating probes. Some results obtained with systems currently under development are reported.
Radiation-Related Treatment Effects across the Age Spectrum: Differences and Similarities or What The Old and Young Can Learn From Each Other

Radiation related effects in children and adults limit the delivery of effective radiation doses and result in long-term morbidity affecting function and quality of life. Improvements in our understanding of the etiology and biology of these effects, including the influence of clinical variables, dosimetric factors, and the underlying biological processes have made treatment safer and more efficacious. However, the approach to studying and understanding these effects differs between children and adults. Using the pulmonary and skeletal organ systems as examples, comparisons are made across the age spectrum for radiation related effects, including pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, osteonecrosis, and fracture. Methods for dosimetric analysis, incorporation of imaging and biology as well a length of follow-up are compared, contrasted, and discussed for both organ systems in children and adults. Better understanding of each age specific approach and how it differs may improve our ability to study late effects of radiation across the ages.
Sumoylation-dependent Control of Homotypic and Heterotypic Synergy by the Krüppel-type Zinc Finger Protein ZBP-89

The Kruppel-like transcription factor ZBP-89 is a sequence-specific regulator that plays key roles in cellular growth and differentiation especially in endodermal and germ cell lineages. ZBP-89 shares with other members of the Sp-like family an overlapping sequence specificity for GC-rich sequences in the regulatory regions of multiple genes. Defining the mechanisms that govern the intrinsic function of ZBP-89 as well as its competitive and non-competitive functional interactions with other regulators is central to understand how ZBP-89 exerts its biological functions. We now describe that post-translational modification of ZBP-89 by multiple small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) isoforms occurs at two conserved synergy control motifs flanking the DNA binding domain. Functionally sumoylation did not directly alter the ability of ZBP-89 to compete with other Sp-like factors from individual sites. At promoters bearing multiple response elements, however, this modification inhibited the functional cooperation between ZBP-89 and Sp1. Analysis of the properties of ZBP-89 in cellular contexts devoid of competing factors indicated that although on its own it behaves as a modest activator it potently synergizes with heterologous activators such as the glucocorticoid receptor. Notably we found that when conjugated to ZBP-89, SUMO exerts a strong inhibitory effect on such synergistic interactions through a critical conserved functional surface. By regulating higher order functional interactions, sumoylation provides a reversible post-translational mechanism to control the activity of ZBP-89.
Hypoxia after prenatal cocaine attenuates striatal dopamine and neurotrophic activity

We have previously shown that newborn rabbits exposed to cocaine prenatally have an altered cardiorespiratory response to hypoxia. We report the effect of postnatal hypoxia on brain DA and neurotrophic activity in New Zealand White rabbit pups (n = 41) born to cocaine-exposed does (30 mg/kg/day SC from days 7-15 of a 32-day gestation = COCaine) and control does (sterile H2O = VEHicle). Four to 6-day-old pups were exposed to 20 min of room air (0.21 fractional inspired oxygen tension, FIO2). One third of each group was then exposed to 20 min of either 0.15 (moderate hypoxia) or 0.08 (severe hypoxia) FIO2. Immediately following hypoxic challenge the pups were sacrificed. Striatal tissue extracts were subsequently assessed for DA and striatal trophic activity by monitoring the number of neuron specific enolase immunoreactive (NSEir) cells in mesencephalic culture following incubation with striatal extracts. Increasing the severity of hypoxia increased DA content (p < 0.005), but reduced DA activity (p < 0.0001) and trophic activity (p < 0.001). Cocaine exposure reduced striatal DA (p < 0.005) as well as NSEir (p < 0.001) in all conditions relative to vehicle-treated controls. These data suggest that prenatal cocaine exposure enhances the vulnerability of the DA system to the stress of hypoxia, possibly through alterations in neurotrophic activity.
Pseudo‐volcanism and lunar impact craters

One of the ‘freshest’ heavily rayed craters on the Moon is the large nearly circular Copernicus. Copernicus is generally considered to be of impact origin [Shoemaker, 1962; Schmidt et al., 1967], and many of the small craters associated with it, including some of those arranged in chains, are ascribed to impacts of secondary fragments. Other authorities, however, cite many features of volcanic origin, including some within Copernicus itself [Green, 1967]. Volcanic features are even suggested by those generally advocating the predominance of impact mechanisms [Schmidt et al., 1967].
Is there a standard type and duration of adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer

Summary Adjuvant chemotherapy clearly reduces the odds of subsequent breast cancer recurrence, metastases, and mortality. There are three main areas of interest regarding adjuvant chemotherapy: (1) Should everyone receive it? (2) Is there an optimal regimen for everyone or selected individuals at this time? And (3) Can we improve on existing regimens? A multitude of investigations from around the world have addressed the three questions raised above. Increasingly we are able to identify both those patients most likely to need adjuvant chemotherapy (prognosis) and, perhaps, those most likely to benefit from it (prediction). In this regard, web-based, multi-factorial calculators, best exemplified by Adjuvant!, permit a patient and her caregiver to estimate her absolute odds of benefit from chemotherapy, thus better informing women in their assessment of benefits and risks ( http://www.adjuvantonline.com/index.jsp ). The answer to the next question, whether there is an optimal regimen, dose, and schedule of adjuvant chemotherapy, is, frankly, “no™. Clinical research over the last four decades has strongly suggested the following principles: • Combination chemotherapy appears to be superior to single agent, although ongoing clinical trials are re-addressing this issue. • Multiple cycles of chemotherapy are superior to a single peri-operative course. Furthermore, there appears to be an optimal duration of therapy, although this has not been well-defined. • “Modern™ chemotherapy including an anthracycline and a taxane appears to be superior to the CMF regimen. However, the “best” combination has not been proven. • There is a dose response curve with increasing benefit up to an optimal dose level, but this curve appears to plateau. Further dose escalation, at least for cyclophosphamide, anthracyclines, and the taxanes, or very high doses of combination therapies which require bone marrow stem cell transplantation, is of little benefit. • Dose-dense chemotherapy (every one or two weeks) may be superior to less frequent scheduling (every three weeks), although this strategy may be class or even agent specific. In summary, it is clear that adjuvant chemotherapy is beneficial for women with early stage breast cancer, and it is clear that selected regimens, based on specific agents, cumulative and cycle-specific dose, and schedule may affect the relative efficacy. It is not clear which patients are most likely to benefit from any adjuvant chemotherapy at all, or from specific strategies. Thus, at this time there is no single standard type or duration of adjuvant chemotherapy, and physicians should choose from regimens that have proven benefit as demonstrated in randomized Phase III trials.
Development, Diversity, and Regional Demographic Variability in the U.S.

The purposes of this study are to describe the extent and geographic structure of demographic variability [in the United States] and to try to account for the variability on the basis of social and economic development....Emphasis is on understanding the variation in natality (birth rate) mortality (death rates) fertility and the incidence of births to young mothers as outcome variables in the context of other kinds of demographic variables including age structure sex ratio divorce and of a broader set of variables relating to social and economic development. The objectives are to demonstrate that there are significant and fascinating geographic differences in demographic character...and to provide some understanding of the significance of this variation to the present and future American character. (EXCERPT)
Effects of community-based collaborative group characteristics on social capital.

Recent research suggests that community-based collaboration may build social capital—defined as trust, norms of reciprocity, and networks. Social capital may improve a group’s ability to collaborate, manage risk, innovate, and adapt to change. We used mail surveys of group participants and key informant interviews to assess whether the following collaborative group characteristics affected social capital built within 10 collaborative groups in northwest Colorado: perceived success, conflict, activeness, stakeholder diversity, previous collaboration experience, similar values and beliefs, group size, group age, and initial social capital. Perceived success and initial levels of social capital were the strongest predictors of current levels of and changes in social capital over time. Collaboration experience negatively influenced current levels of trust. Our results suggest that collaborative groups may need to consider the outcomes of collaborative interactions in order to build social capital.
Buried in a footnote

In which the author agrees with the Young Colleague's argument about the need for new ways to write history, but finds it pretty much old news both in content and form, and in which he objects to being honored, along with other innovators, only in footnotes rather than in the text.
A GABAergic influence on the light-induced increase in dopamine turnover in the dark-adapted rat retina in vivo.

: Light stimulates tyrosine hydroxylase activity and dopamine (DA) turnover in the dark-adapted rat retina in vivo. The DA neurons are located in the amacrine cell layer and form numerous connections with other cells in this layer. Conceivably, alterations in neurotransmission in these other cells could influence the light-responding parameters of the DA neurons. Evidence presented in this paper shows that in vivo pharmacologic manipulation of the GABA system modifies the light-induced change in DA turnover. The decline in DA content following inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase by α-methyl-p-tyrosine (αMPT, 250 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to estimate DA turnover. The decline in DA content in retinas of the μMPT-treated rats was significantly enhanced by light exposure for 30 or 60 min. Two doses of the potent GABA agonist muscimol (13.2 or 26.4 μmol/kg, i.v., cumulative) significantly inhibited the light-induced increase in DA turnover (p <.001). This action was selective for GABA because the GABA antagonist picrotoxinin (1.88 mg/kg, i.v., cumulative) reversed the muscimol-mediated blockade of the light-induced stimulation. In fact, DA turnover in the presence of light, muscimol, and picrotoxinin was not different from DA turnover in light alone. These data suggest that there is either a direct or indirect GABAergic input to the DA system of the rat retina. Current studies are aimed at clarifying the physiological role, if any, that this input plays in the normal light response of the retinal DA system.
Computer-assisted assignment of educational standards using natural language processing

Educational standards are a central focus of the current educational system in the United States, underpinning educational practice, curriculum design, teacher professional development, and high-stakes testing and assessment. Digital library users have requested that this information be accessible in association with digital learning resources to support teaching and learning as well as accountability requirements. Providing this information is complex because of the variability and number of standards documents in use at the national, state, and local level. This article describes a cataloging tool that aids catalogers in the assignment of standards metadata to digital library resources, using natural language processing techniques. The research explores whether the standards suggestor service would suggest the same standards as a human, whether relevant standards are ranked appropriately in the result set, and whether the relevance of the suggested assignments improve when, in addition to resource content, metadata is included in the query to the cataloging tool. The article also discusses how this service might streamline the cataloging workflow. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma-induced force and self-induced drag in the dielectric barrier discharge aerodynamic plasma actuator

§Through high-time-resolution laser interferometry, we observe the motion of a test article under the influence of a dielectric barrier discharge aerodynamic plasma actuator, and from this motion we deduce the time history of the force produced by the actuator to a resolution substantially smaller than the period of the actuator’s AC cycle. We find that the negative- and positive-going half cycles of the plasma discharge produce a force on the surrounding neutral air in the same direction, but that only the negative-going half cycle produces a force sufficient to substantially overcome the drag induced by accelerating the air in the immediate vicinity of the aerodynamic surface (within the boundary layer under normal circumstances).
Knowledge and Interests in Organization Studies: A Conflict of Interpretations

Why are there conflicting views of the interests which motivate the study of organizations? We contend that the sources of conflict are four interpretive bases: knowledge is viewed as an instrument or as a discourse, and knowledge is constructed on the basis of trust or suspicion. The interplay of interpretive bases produces competing models of organization studies: Social Innovation, Critique, Language Game of Truth and Hermenuetics. In turn, the four models inspire six debates on the nature of interests which incite the study of organizations.
COMPARISON of five assays for immune complexes in the RHEUMATIC DISEASES. An Assessment of Their Validity for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical assessment (disease activity, severity, and extraarticular manifestations) of 101 rheumatoid arthritis patients was correlated with several laboratory tests, including 5 immune complex assays: the bovine conglutinin, 125I–C1q binding, monoclonal rheumatoid factor inhibition, Raji cell, and staphylococci binding assays. Elevated disease activity indices were most closely associated with the presence of immune complexes detected by the 125I–C1q and staphylococci binding assays. There were significant but weak correlations between the level of disease activity and the level of immune complexes as measured by the bovine conglutinin, 125I–C1q binding, Raji cell, and staphylococci binding assays. Articular disease severity, as measured by anatomic stage, was best discriminated by the bovine conglutinin, monoclonal rheumatoid factor inhibition, and staphylococci binding assays. Extraarticular manifestations were best discriminated by the Raji cell and staphylococci binding assays. We concluded that the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and overlap of the associations were not sufficient to warrant their wide use for the diagnosis and management of rheumatoid arthritis in individual patients. Conversely, the 125I–C1q and staphylococci binding assays were as good as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the IgG rheumatoid factor test (the 2 best tests of many examined) in assessing disease activity. Further prospective studies with these assays will determine their usefulness in following rheumatoid arthritis for a prolonged period.
Seismic Retrofitting for Chord Reinforcement for Unreinforced Masonry Historic Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms

AbstractThe existing wood-diaphragm-to-masonry-wall connections in unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings provided very little or insufficient resistance in past earthquakes. Recent strengthening techniques for the connections between URM walls and flexible diaphragms concentrate only on the installation of wall anchorages for out-of-plane tension forces and shear bolts for in-plane shear forces. Strengthened chord elements, however, are also essential parts of URM buildings to resist earthquakes. This paper proposes seismic rehabilitation techniques where steel angles are used as chord reinforcement. A practical design example is presented, where chord axial forces caused by in-plane diaphragm deflections and chord shear flows caused by transverse seismic forces are computed. The computed axial forces and shear flows are to be used in the design of the chord reinforcement and the chord shear connections, respectively.
Low-frequency noise characteristics of ultrathin body p-MOSFETs with molybdenum gate

We report the low-frequency noise characteristics of ultrathin body (UTB) p-channel MOSFETs with molybdenum (Mo) as the gate material. Using the number fluctuation model with correlated mobility fluctuation, the dependence of the noise behavior on bias condition is explained. The impact of nitrogen implantation (for gate work function engineering) on the noise behavior is also presented. An exponential increase in noise with nitrogen implant dose is attributed to interface-trap generation caused by nitrogen penetration through the gate oxide.
Behavioral attributes influence annual mating success more than morphological traits in male collared lizards

Traits that potentially influence mating success (MS) may be ‘‘static’’ with low lability once they develop or ‘‘dynamic’’ with highly modifiable expression. We used principal components (PCs) analyses of dynamic behavioral and morphological traits that are static over the short term to determine their relative contributions to the ability of territorial male collared lizards to acquire access to females and obtain high MS. We estimated annual MS of males as the relative frequency with which they engaged in courtship with reproductively active resident females. Three PCs explained statistically significant phenotypic variation among males. Morphological traits loaded significantly on 2 PCs that explained 26.3% and 13.0% of the variance, respectively, whereas behavioral variables loaded significantly on a different component that explained 15.7% of the variance in male traits. The frequency with which males initiated aggressive encounters with same-sex competitors did not load significantly on these PC axes. Males having behavioral PC scores above the mean had significantly higher MS than those with behavioral scores below the mean, whereas male MS was not related to component scores for either of the axes describing static morphological variables. Results indicate that in our population behavior patterns associated with advertisement, particularly to females, influence male MS more strongly than morphological traits or the initiation of direct aggression with same-sex competitors. Key words: behavior, collared lizard, mating success, morphology. [Behav Ecol]
From research to policy: enhancing uptake of quality improvement methods in government contracts

Presentation The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provide healthcare coverage for 100 million people and, particularly through provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the agency strives to improve care and to ensure coverage for all Americans. Government agencies like CMS need processes that encourage improvements in value and outcomes and reduce variation in quality, and yet have been slow to embrace quality improvement (QI) methods. With QI, the agency could be more effective in partnering with providers to achieve “triple aim” outcomes of improving patient experiences with health care, improving population health, and reducing percapita health care costs [1]. Most CMS work proceeds through contracts that specify actions and on-time deliverables (such as supplies or helpdesk services). Similarly, contracts to “Quality Improvement Organizations” (QIOs) typically require that an “evidence-based” intervention be applied in a certain number of clinical settings – not that the intervention be tested further and adapted to the local context, or even that a particular outcome be achieved. Such contracts are eminently auditable, an important fact in the scrutiny of government contracting by CMS, Congress, the press, and others. Translating efficacious interventions into effective health care processes and outcomes at a local level ordinarily requires iterative, exploratory testing and adaptation, which is the core of QI. CMS’s traditional purpose has been to pay the bills and uphold the “standard of care”; it generally does not issue research grants that allow exploration of novel implementation approaches. Although CMS has not historically been at the forefront of QI methods, the agency’s position is simultaneously changing to adopt QI and encountering challenges along the way. Key points: • Implementation of evidence-based interventions with strict fidelity to the research protocol is often an ineffective strategy; testing and adaptation are usually necessary for optimal implementation and for scaling up. • Quality improvement methods such as statistical process control (SPC), frequent and repeated measurement, rapid-cycle testing of interventions and strategies, and qualitative insights about causal chains and effectiveness are powerful implementation tools that could work better to achieve program goals than implementation of rigidly specified interventions. • Writing an auditable contract for these approaches poses challenges. • Strategic partnerships between QI researchers, QI leaders, and government staffers/officials might be effective in promoting familiarity with QI methods and structuring contracts to allow for integration of QI methods while meeting audit and evaluation needs.