cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chiral recognition by various bisphosphine-rhodium complexes in asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins through helical conformation of phenyl groups on the phosphorous atom

Abstract Chiral reversion of the stereoselectivity of the rhodium complex of (1R,2R)-bis(diphenylphosphinamino)cyclohexane by N-methylation of the ligand in asymmetric hydrogenation was described.
Is daily computed tomography image guidance necessary for nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal radiotherapy? An investigation based on helical tomotherapy

In order to analyze the magnitude of set up errors corrected by Helical TomoTherapy Mega-Voltage CT on a daily or weekly basis and their impact on the delivered dose to the tumor and organs at risk (OAR), the setup errors of 6 nasal cavity and 4 nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were treated with Helical Tomotherapy for 25-33 fractions were retrospectively analyzed. Each patient had MVCT guided repositioning for all fractions of treatment. The new dose volume histogram (DVH) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for planning target volume (PTV) and OARs were calculated for hypothetical situations where no imaging guidance (IG) or once weekly image guidance (WIG) took place. The mean total set up error if treated without daily IG was 3.6±1.0 mm, which can be reduced to 1.7±0.6 mm if a WIG was performed. The geometrical uncertainties from the absence of image guidance resulted in a reduction of mean PTV EUD dose by 2.1±1.0%, which can be reduced to 1.4±1.0% with WIG. The EUD of OARs increased 1.8±2.0Gy or 0.8±1.3Gy without or with WIG respectively. Without daily IG, the mean patient position uncertainty has relatively small impacts on the mean PTV and OAR dosimetry, which can be further reduced approximately by half using a WIG. On the other hand, because of the large variance, with low probability, substantial deviation from the original planned dosimetry may occur without IG. Therefore, daily MVCT is preferred as an important safety measure in the IMRT.
Relationships between equilibrium swelling in good solvents and the type and concentration of filler

Abstract The effect of type and concentration of filler on equilibrium swelling of elastomers in solvents has been the subject of numerous investigations. The main aim of these studies has been to shed some light on the interactions which take place between the elastomer and the filler and hence to gain information on possible mechanisms of reinforcement. Along with the experimental work, several groups of investigators have attempted to analyse the problem theoretically; however, these have only been moderately successful. In this paper, it will be shown that the relative modulus or the relative network chain concentration, as a function of filler content for elastomers containing reinforcing fillers can be described using two empirical equations which had been used previously to relate small strain relative modulus and the viscosity of Newtonian suspensions to filler content and hence which appear to be applicable generally.
Baryon symmetric big bang cosmology

The framework of baryon-symmetric big-bang cosmology offers the greatest potential for deducing the evolution of the universe as a consequence of physical laws and processes with the minimum number of arbitrary assumptions as to initial conditions in the big-bang. In addition, it offers the possibility of explaining the photon-baryon ratio in the universe and how galaxies and galaxy clusters are formed, and also provides the only acceptable explanation at present for the origin of the cosmic gamma ray background radiation.
Influence of bentonite, magnesium, and polyamines on degradation and aggregation of tobacco mosaic virus

Abstract Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) aggregated irreversibly when incubated for 16 hours at 40° at pH 8.0 in 0.01 M MgCl2, 0.01 M bis(3-aminopropyl)amine, or 0.01 M bis(2-aminopropyl)amine. It also aggregated in salts of monovalent cations at 0.1 to 0.2 ionic strength at pH 6.5 or 8.0, but this aggregation was partly reversible. Aggregation was more rapid in some salts of monovalent cations than in others, suggesting a specific ion effect. The electrophoretic mobility was low in all buffers in which aggregation was rapid. A high surface charge may have inhibited aggregation by preventing collisions. Low concentrations of TMV degraded more rapidly in the presence of bentonite than in its absence in buffers of pH 7.0–9.0. Magnesium and polyamines inhibited the degradation. Degradation of TMV in some preparations to RNA and protein was complete at pH 8.5 in presence of bentonite and EDTA. In bentonite at pH 9.0, TMV degraded to short rods whose length depended on the Mg2+ or polyamine concentration in the range of 10−2 to 10−4 M. Rods of average length of 190 mμ that formed in bentonite and 0.0005 M MgCl2 had a full complement of RNA and 10–100% of the specific infectivity of 300 mμ rods. Excess TMV protein inhibited the aggregation of TMV under some conditions. Magnesium and polyamines had a similar effect on TMV, but differed in their reaction with chelating agents. The effect of magnesium could be counteracted by EDTA or citrate, but that of the polyamines could not.
Performance analysis of near-field thermophotovoltaic devices considering absorption distribution

Abstract This paper elucidates the energy transfer and conversion processes in near-field thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems, considering local radiation absorption and photocurrent generation in the TPV cell. Radiation heat transfer in a multilayered structure is modeled using the fluctuation–dissipation theorem, and the electric current generation is evaluated based on the photogeneration and recombination of electron–hole pairs in different regions of the TPV cell. The effects of near-field radiation on the photon penetration depth, photocurrent generation, and quantum efficiency are examined in the spectral region of interest. The detailed analysis performed in the present work demonstrates that, while the near-field operation can enhance the power throughput, the conversion efficiency is not much improved and may even be reduced. Subsequently, a modified design of near-field TPV systems is proposed to improve the efficiency.
CONE PENETRATION OF PARTIALLY SATURATED SANDS

A laboratory study of cone penetration through partiallly saturated sand was conducted. A new method for preparing specimens at various degrees of saturation, which utilizes pressure release from previously carbonated water, is described. In closed water systems, where capillary tensions increase effective confining pressures, penetration resistance was significantly higher than in either dry or saturated conditions. Conversely, in closed-gas systems the penetration resistance was slightly lower than at full saturation.
Burn Rate Measurements of HMX, TATB, DHT, DAAF, and BTATz

Abstract : In this paper we present new burn rate results for several energetic materials. The burn rates of octahydro- 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), HMX and estane-based binder (PBX 9501), 1,3,5-triamino- 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), and TATB and KelF binder (PBX 9502), are reported and compared with existing data. Burn rate data of these common explosives complement and extend existing data sets. Burn rate data of three novel high-nitrogen materials are presented in this work. Specifically, the high-nitrogen monopropellants considered are 3,6-dihydrazino-s-tetrazine (DHT), 4,4'-diamino-3,3' -azoxyfurazan (DAAF), and 3,6-bis(1H-1,2,3,4-tetrazol-5-amino)-s-tetrazine (BTATz). High-nitrogen compounds may be key to meeting the advanced performance objectives of next-generation solid propellants. High-nitrogen solids offer the possibility of high performance, reduced emissions, and lower plume signature (low temperature and no HCl) than current propellant systems. The theoretical specific impulse is comparable to HMX. In contrast to HMX, however, high-nitrogen materials tend to be insensitive to impact. Because high-nitrogen energetic materials have intrinsically large positive heats of formation and produce low-molecular-weight reaction products, they may be suitable for consideration in high-performance propellant applications. BTATz appears particularly interesting because of its rapid burn rate, relatively low-pressure exponent, and high heat of formation. The effect of a small amount of binder is investigated for all but one of these materials.
The impact of text structure reading strategy instruction in a second language: benefits across languages

The goal of the present study was to examine the efficacy of learning a text structure strategy (TSS) for improving reading comprehension and recall for second language (L2) learners, as well as to test for transfer of the strategy to the native language (L1). University L2 learners of English completed a five-session course on using the TSS to improve recall and comprehension of expository texts. All instructions and materials were in English, the L2. As part of learning the structure strategy, participants practiced identifying key words that signal the structure of text being read (called ‘signal words’). At no point were these signal words ever translated into Spanish (L1) for the participants. At pre-test and post-test participants read and recalled two texts, one in Spanish and the other in English, while underlining areas of text that they deemed important. After completing strategy instruction, participants made significant gains in their ability to recall information from text in both English and...
Examining Variation in Attitudes toward Aggressive Retaliation and Perceptions of Safety among Bullies, Victims, and Bully/victims

This article examines the link between involvement in bullying, as either a bully, victim, or bully/victim, and attitudes toward violence and perceptions of safety among 16,012 middle and high school students. Analyses indicated that 37.6% were frequently involved in bullying. Bully/victims were the most likely to report feeling unsafe and disconnected from their school, whereas bullies were the most likely to support aggressive retaliation. Implications for school counselors are discussed.
A linear programming algorithm for the simple model for discrete chebychev curve fitting

Abstract The Lx norm has been widely studied as a criterion for curve-fitting problems. This procedure is well suited to problems in numerical analysis [7], where errors due to round-off are assumed to have an underlying uniform distribution. TheLx norm, or Chebychev problem, allows for the “worst case”, in the sense of requiring the largest absolute error to be a minimum. Stiefel [9] developed a method called the “exchange method” for finding Chebychev estimates. The method presented here differs from the exchange method in several important respects: We use a “reduced basis” although determinants are used instead of finding an explicit basis inverse; and we develop a procedure for multiple pivots, or skipping extreme point solutions. The algorithm is specialized to solve the problem with an intercept term and a single independent variable. Results of the computational experience with a computer code version of the algorithm are presented.
Ethanol effects on active Na+ and K+ transport in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes☆

Abstract To define further the influence of ethanol on membranes, its effects on Na+ pump function were studied in monolayer cultures of fetal rat hepatocytes. The effects of ethanol (2 and 4 mg/ml) on total K+ influx, ouabain-sensitive K+ influx, Na+ pump density (from specific [3H]ouabain binding), pump turnover rates and intracellular Na+ were measured following exposure of the cells to ethanol for 1–24 hr. In parallel studies, the effects of ethanol (2 mg/ml) on cell water content and membrane fluidity were measured. Ethanol had no immediate effect on K+ influx, but after 1 hr ethanol in concentrations of 2 and 4 mg/ml decreased the total K+ influx (μmol/1011 cells/sec) from a control of 8.5 ± 0.64 to 4.46 ± 0.50 and 4.09 ± 0.26 respectively (N = 6 for each experiment; P
Genetic engineering of malaria parasite resistance in vector mosquitoes

Malaria is the most significant vector-borne disease and mostly affects people living in the lesser developed countries of tropical and sub-tropical regions. Climate changes, rapid global transportation, immigration and invasion of exotic mosquito vectors bring the threat of introduction of the disease to developed nations. Sustainability of malaria control requires the discovery of therapeutic and prophylactic drugs, development of effective vaccines and control of vector mosquitoes. Drug development and vaccine research have been pursued aggressively over the past 20 years, and progress in novel approaches to vector control is now evident. Our long-term objective is the production and utilization of strains of vector mosquitoes that are genetically refractory to the transmission of malaria parasites. These insects will be used to test the hypothesis that an increase in the frequency of a gene or allele that confers decreased vector competence to a population of mosquitoes will result in a reduction in the incidence and prevalence of malaria. Completed studies make it possible to develop strains of Anopheles mosquitoes expressing specific effector molecules that interfere completely with the transmission of the most lethal human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Data are reviewed here that support the use of single-chain monoclonal antibodies (scFv) that disable parasites in the midgut and hemolymph of transgenic mosquitoes.
Surgery for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the setting of mitral valve disease: A role for pulmonary vein isolation?

Background It is unknown whether pulmonary vein isolation or a complete Cox-Maze procedure is needed to ablate paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with mitral valve disease. Our objective was to assess the impact of different surgical treatments for this arrhythmia in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery. Methods From July 1993 to January 2004, 152 patients underwent combined surgical treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease. Ablation procedures included pulmonary vein isolation alone (n = 31, 20%), pulmonary vein isolation with left atrial connecting lesions (n = 80, 53%), and Cox-Maze (n = 41, 27%). The latter had longer durations of atrial fibrillation than the former (p Results Prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation peaked at 22% at 2 weeks and declined to 9% at 1 year. Risk factors included older age (p = 0.09), larger left atrium (p = 0.05), and rheumatic (p = 0.003) and degenerative etiologies (p = 0.03). Freedom from ablation failure was 84% at one year. Ablation procedure did not affect prevalence of atrial fibrillation or incidence of ablation failure. Conclusions Pulmonary vein isolation alone may be adequate treatment for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing mitral valve surgery, particularly when it is of short duration. A randomized trial is necessary to examine this strategy, especially in patients with longer duration of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Acute organic brain syndrome with propranolol

(1971). Acute Organic Brain Syndrome with Propranolol. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 357-359.
Enumeration of Cytotoxic CD8 T Cells Ex Vivo during the Response to Listeria monocytogenes Infection

Cytotoxicity is a key effector function of CD8 T cells. However, what proportion of antigen-specific CD8 T cells in vivo exert cytotoxic activity during a functional CD8 T-cell response to infection still remains unknown. We used the Lysispot assay to directly enumerate cytotoxic CD8 T cells from the spleen ex vivo during the immune response to infection with the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. We demonstrate that not all antigen-responsive gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-secreting T cells display cytotoxic activity. Most CD8 T cells detected at early time points of the response were cytotoxic. This percentage continuously declined during both the expansion and contraction phases to about 50% at the peak and to <10% of IFN-γ-producing cells in the memory phase. As described for clonal expansion, this elaboration of a program of differentiation after an initial stimulus was not affected by antigen or CD4 help but, like proliferation, could be influenced by later reinfection. These data indicate that cytotoxic effector function during the response to infection is regulated independently from IFN-γ secretion or expansion or contraction of the overall CD8 T-cell response.
Texture segmentation using Gaussian Markov random fields and LEGION

An image segmentation method is proposed for texture analysis. The method is composed of two main parts. The first part determines a novel set of texture features based on Gaussian Markov random field (GMRF). Unlike other GMRF-based methods, our method is not limited by a fixed set of texture types. The second part is LEGION (Locally Excitatory Globally Inhibitory Oscillator Networks) which is a 2D array of neural oscillators. The coupling strengths between neighboring oscillators are calculated based on texture feature differences. When LEGION is simulated, the oscillators corresponding to the same texture tend to oscillate in synchrony, whereas different texture regions tend to attain different phases. Results demonstrating the success of our method on real texture images are provided.
Robust decentralized source localization via averaging

We present a new approach to localizing an isotropic energy source using measurements from distributed sensors based on kernel averaging techniques. The location estimate is easily and efficiently calculated in a decentralized fashion. Statistical properties are derived for a very general measurement model. Experiments suggest that the proposed estimator is much more robust and exhibits better performance characteristics than the popular least squares estimator under a variety of conditions.
A glutamate/glutamine/aspartate/asparagine transport operon in Rhodobacter capsulatus

A mutant of Rhodobacter capsulatus was identified in which an operon encoding a binding-protein-dependent transporter was interrupted by Tn5 transposition. Cloning and sequence analysis of the wild-type operon revealed a four-gene cluster with similarities to genes encoding periplasmic binding proteins (BztA), integral membrane proteins (BztB and BztC), and ATP-binding proteins (BztD). To assess the function of this putative binding-protein-dependent transport system, a mutant was constructed in which most of the bztABCD operon was deleted and replaced by an antibiotic-resistance marker. The deletion mutant grew more slowly than the wild type in NH4(+)-free medium supplemented by glutamate, glutamine, aspartate or asparagine; it was resistant to toxic analogues of Glu, Asp, and Asn at concentrations that inhibited growth of the wild type; and it was defective in the uptake of Glu, Gln, and Asp. A complementing plasmid containing the wildtype copy of bztABCD was able to rescue all the mutant phenotypes. Taken together, these results indicate that the proteins encoded by bztABCD are active in the uptake of Glu, Gln, Asp, and Asn. In addition, competition experiments, in which the ability of each of the four amino acids to compete for the transport of one another was examined, demonstrated that all four substrates share at least one component of this transport system.
Metabolic response to optic centers to visual stimuli in the albino rat: anatomical and physiological considerations.

The functional organization of the visual system was studied in the albino rat. Metabolic differences were measured using the /sup 14/C-2-deoxyglucose (DG) autoradiographic technique during visual stimulation of one entire retina in unrestrained animals. All optic centers responded to changes in light intensity but to different degrees. The greatest change occurred in the superior colliculus, less in the lateral geniculate, and considerably less in second-order sites such as layer IV of visual cortex. These optic centers responded in particular to on/off stimuli, but showed no incremental change during pattern reversal or movement of orientation stimuli. Both the superior colliculus and lateral geniculate increased their metabolic rate as the frequency of stimulation increased, but the magnitude was twice as great in the colliculus. The histological pattern of metabolic change in the visual system was not homogenous. In the superior colliculus glucose utilization increased only in stratum griseum superficiale and was greatest in visuotopic regions representing the peripheral portions of the visual field. Similarly, in the lateral geniculate, only the dorsal nucleus showed an increased response to greater stimulus frequencies. Second-order regions of the visual system showed changes in metabolism in response to visual stimulation, but no incremental response specific for typemore » or frequency of stimuli. To label proteins of axoplasmic transport to study the terminal fields of retinal projections /sup 14/C-amino acids were used. This was done to study how the differences in the magnitude of the metabolic response among optic centers were related to the relative quantity of retinofugal projections to these centers.« less
On shortest paths amidst convex polyhedra

Let K be a 3-D convex polyhedron having n vertices. A sequence $\xi $ of edges of K is called a shortest-path sequence if there exist two points X, Y on the surface S of K such that is the sequence of edges crossed by the shortest path from X to Y along S. We show that the number of shortest-path sequences for K is polynomial in n, and as a consequence prove that the shortest path between two points in 3-space which must avoid the interiors of a fixed number of disjoint convex polyhedral obstacles, can be calculated in time polynomial in the total number of vertices of these obstacles (but exponential in the number of obstacles).
What Have We Learned from Public Housing Resident Management

This article reviews literature on the resident management of public housing that is synchronous with the attention it received in the late 1970s and 1980s. The earliest research emphasized the improvement of routine management functions and typically questioned the widespread feasibility of resident management. Objectives covered in later research included self-reliance, community and economic development, and home ownership. This literature proposes variables that affect the success or failure of resident management and other alternatives to conventional public housing management. Two major research needs remain: a framework to examine the interaction of factors that determine resident management outcomes and a comparative analysis of other options that address issues common to resident management.
Effects of different electrode materials on the performance of lithium tetrafluorooxalatophosphate (LiFOP) electrolyte

Abstract The cycling performance of LiPF4(C2O4) electrolyte is compared with LiPF6 electrolyte in the presence of several different electrode materials. The cycling of MCMB/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 and natural graphite/LiFePO4 cells provides very similar performance for both electrolytes. However, MCMB/LiMn2O4 cells have a lower initial reversible capacity with LiPF4(C2O4) electrolytes. A detailed analysis of the surface films on both the cathode and the anode via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted. The performance differences are attributed to the anode as opposed to the cathode.
The Slowly Dying Child

Potential cure and prolonged survival has modified the outlook for childhood cancer. Longevity has made most important the real ization that the child and family encounter many psychological stresses. Understanding this phenomena adds to the ultimate success of care.
Early Effect of Incision Length and Closure Method on the Keratorefractive Aspect and Visual Performance in Cataract Surgery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of incision length and suture method on astigmatic change and visual recovery in cataract surgery. Study design: Retrospective study of postoperative results at 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after surgery. SETTING: Ophthalmic Department of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety eyes were divided into three groups depending on the number of sutures: a single horizontal suture (group 1), three interrupted sutures (group 2) and five interrupted sutures (group 3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity corrected and uncorrected, keratometric astigmatism. RESULTS: Over 60% of the eyes in group 1, 43% of the group 2 and 67% of the group 3 showed an uncorrected visual acuity of 24:/40 or better at first postoperative week. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference ( P P
Carbon-13 chemical shift tensors of carboxylic acids: GIAO calculations in acetic acid + methylamine dimer

GIAO calculations are presented of the 13C chemical shift tensors of the carboxyl group in the dimer of acetic acid with methylamine. The calculations indicate that the local geometrical parameters describing the carboxyl group are related linearly to the distance between the proton and oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group, which is also a measure of the strength of the hydrogen bond. The individual principal components of the chemical shift tensor exhibit very different dependences on the O-H distance. While δ33 is almost independent of the O-H distance, δ22 varies by more than 70 ppm for O-H distances ranging from 0·8 A to 1·5 A. The calculated values indicate that the difference between the in-plane shielding components, δ11 and δ22, can be used as a measure of the relative delocalization of the π electrons of the carbonyl group, the strength of the hydrogen bond and the local geometry of the carboxyl group.
A method for removing calculus accumulated at the interface between implant abutments and the overlying bar.

aStaff Prosthodontist. bStaff Periodontist. (J Prosthet Dent 2010;105: 62-63) 1 A, Presence of calculus inside right and left implant abutment/bar interfaces was identified (white areas). Overdenture implant bar did not seat completely. B, Endodontic file (K-File #40) was used to apply EDTA inside screw holes and remove calculus. Note that left abutment has not yet been cleaned. Implant-supported bar overdentures distribute occlusal forces among implants and provide the edentulous patient additional retention and comfort with the prosthesis. If the overdenture bars loosen because of missing or loose retention screws, calculus may form inside the implant abutment/bar interface due to continuous exposure to oral fluids. As a result, complete seating of the connecting overdenture bar may be compromised. Different methods have been proposed to remove plaque and calculus around implants, including the use of powered irrigators. The advantages of subgingival irrigation include a reduction of gingivitis, reduction or alteration of sulcular microflora, and the ability to apply antimicrobial agents.1,2 One study compared the effectiveness and surface modification of different prophylaxis procedures on titanium implant surfaces.3 The results showed that the most significant alterations to the implant surfaces were created by metal-tipped ultrasonic scalers, followed by stainless steel curettes. The areas treated with titanium curettes showed fewer surface alterations than the areas treated with metal-tipped ultrasonic scalers and stainless steel curettes. Plastic curettes and rubber polishing cups produced the least amount of alterations to the implant surfaces.3 The use of chelating agents in endodontics has been popular to aid and simplify the preparation of sclerotic root canals. RC-Prep (Premier Dental Products Co, Plymouth Meeting, Pa) is a formulation that is purported by the manufacturer to include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), urea peroxide, and glycol and has been used in endodontics for decades. These agents act only on calcified tissues that form as a result of the substitution of calcium and phosphate ions for sodium and soluble salts. Urea peroxide was added to the chelating agent to increase the effectiveness of irrigation and removal of intracanal debris.4 This article introduces a method for removing calculus from inside the implant abutment screw hole, combining the chemical properties of EDTA with urea peroxide and the use of endodontic files. This approach may minimize permanent alterations of the internal surfaces of the screw threads, although the operator must exercise care to not overinstrument and damage the internal screw threads of the implant.
Relationship between productivity and N2 (C2H2) fixation in a Thalassia testudinum community1

N/sub 2/ (C/sub 2/H/sub 2/) fixation and primary production were measured in communities of Thalassia testudinum at two sites in Bimini Harbor (Bahamas). Production was determined by uptake of (/sup 14/C)NaHCO/sub 3/, by leaf growth measurements, and by applying an empirical formula based on leaf dimensions. The last two methods gave similar results but the /sup 14/C method gave higher values. Anaerobic sediment N/sub 2/ fixation supplied about 1/4 to 1/2 of the nitrogen demand for leaf production (by leaf growth method) and there was a significant correlation between N/sub 2/ fixation and CO/sub 2/ fixation rates when all components of the communities were considered (macrophyte, phyllosphere epiphytes, and detrital leaves). N/sub 2/ fixation is important to production in Thalassia communities and the plant and its leaf epiphytes may be distinct entities in terms of nitrogen and carbon metabolism.
Saturation effects on stagnation radiative heating for the Jupiter Probe

The equations for nonequilibrium radiation transport in the stagnation ablation layer for conditions typical of entry of spacecraft into the atmosphere of a major planet are developed. The equations are simplified and shown to contain two parameters which are used to classify the radiation transfer as equilibrium or nonequilibriu m. The parameter co represents the ratio of the radiative de-excitation rate to the sum of the radiative de-excitation rate plus the collisional excitation rate. The second parameter is to' and it represents the ratio of the radiative excitation rate, due to external radiation, to the sum of the radiative de-excitation rate plus the collisional excitation rate. Both parameters vary between zero and unity. It is shown that the population ratio of the two electronic states of a molecular band approaches its equilibrium value as co approaches zero. When to and to" are greater than zero the population ratio becomes greater than its equilibrium value. An order of magnitude analysis is undertaken for conditions expected in the shock layer near the maximum heating point in the entry trajectory of the Jupiter Probe. It shows that saturation effects are likely to occur in the ablation layer.
1142PDLARGE CELL NEUROENDOCRINE CARCINOMAS (LCNEC) OF THE LUNG: PATHOLOGIC FEATURES, TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES

ABSTRACT Aim: LCNEC is a rare thoracic malignancy, for which pathologic classification and optimal therapies are debated. We report the largest series of stage IV LCNECs, evaluating clinicopathologic features, treatment and survival. Methods: Pts with stage IV LCNEC evaluated at MSKCC from 2006-2013 were identified. Clinicopathologic and treatment data were collected. Radiologic RECIST evaluation was performed for pts with existing diagnostic imaging. Pts with available tissue underwent pathology re-review to confirm diagnosis, and potentially identify features that could impact outcomes. Results: 50 pts were identified (median age: 66 years; 62% male; 88% former/current smokers). Common sites of metastasis: lymph nodes (n = 29); brain (n = 22); liver (n = 13). 34% of pts had diagnostic molecular testing with PCR-based fragment length analysis, mass spectrometry based assay for point mutation genotyping, and ALK FISH testing: 24% had KRAS mutations (mtns) (n = 4/17; G12D, n = 2; G12C, n = 1; Q61H, n = 1). No EGFR mtns or ALK rearrangements were noted. 33 pts had archived tumor at MSKCC for central pathology re-review. The diagnosis of LCNEC was confirmed in all but 2 cases, which were reclassified as SCLC and combined SCLC/LCNEC (both brain metastases), respectively. Treatment data was available on 39 pts: 77% (n = 30) received first-line platinum(plt)/etoposide. 23% (n = 9) received other regimens: plt/taxane (n = 4), plt/pemetrexed (n = 1), plt/pemetrexed/bevacizumab(bev) (n = 1), temozolomide (n = 1)/bev (n = 1), clinical trial (n = 1). Objective response rate was 32% with plt/etoposide by RECIST (95% CI: 16-52%). Median OS was 12.2mos (range: 9-19.3mos) for all pts. Karnofsky performance status 250 were poor prognostic factors for OS on multivariate analysis (p Conclusions: Pts with stage IV LCNEC have low response to plt/etoposide treatment and poor OS. KRAS mutations are commonly observed. Prospective studies are needed to investigate optimum therapeutic strategies. Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
An economic evaluation of health-promotive built environment changes

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to help public investment decision makers see the greatest return on their built environment investments by developing an analysis framework for identifying the most promising improvement strategies and assessing the attainable return on investment. METHODS: The 2001 National Household Travel Survey sample (N=4974) from Dane County, Wisconsin, was used to develop a Spatial Seemingly Unrelated Regression model of daily vehicle miles traveled and miles walked or biked. The empirical model was used to analyze the travel impacts of hypothetical built environment changes. These travel impacts were translated into health impacts and monetary values using cost-benefit analysis. RESULTS: Two win-win built environment strategies were found: increased regional retail accessibility and increased prevalence of sidewalks. Based on the present analyses, an investment of $450 million to make sidewalks available to all Dane County residents was estimated to yield a cost-benefit ratio of 1.87 over a 10-year life cycle. CONCLUSION: Certain built environment measures could be predicted to be effective strategies for exerting a positive influence on people's travel behavior and the health of the community. Quantifiable public health benefits gained by better air quality and increased physical activity were shown to outweigh the cost of implementing the built environment measure of adding sidewalks to all roads. Language: en
Newcastle Disease Virus–Induced Damage to Embryonic Tracheae and Red Blood Cells

SUMMARY. Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-induced damage to the embryonic chicken trachea, the tracheal explants, and red blood cells (RBCs) was studied by scanning electron microscopy. In the tracheae, NDV caused deciliation and depletion of the epithelial cells. In the tracheal explants, the same pathologic changes could be seen within 6 hr of virus infection. In RBCs, a perforation and a change in surface morphology were observed.
Reoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Feasible for Locally Recurrent Breast Cancer, But is it Worthwhile?

Reoperative sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is feasible in patients with local recurrence (LR) of invasive breast cancer but it remains unclear if this procedure affects either treatment or outcome. In this study, we ask whether axillary restaging (vs. none) at the time of LR affects the rate of subsequent events: axillary failure (AF), non-axillary recurrence (NAR), distant metastasis, or death. We queried our institutional database to identify patients treated surgically for invasive breast cancer with a negative SLNB (1997–2000) who developed ipsilateral breast or chest wall recurrence as a first event. We excluded those with gross nodal disease at the time of LR. The cumulative incidence of subsequent events was estimated using competing risks methodology. Of 1527 patients with negative SLN at initial surgery, 83 had an ipsilateral breast (79) or chest wall recurrence (4) with clinically negative regional nodes; 47 (57 %) were treated with and 36 (43 %) without axillary surgery. Primary tumor characteristics were similar between groups, although time to LR was shorter in the no axillary surgery group (median 3.4 vs. 6.5 years; p < 0.05). All patients in the axillary surgery group and 94 % of patients in the no axillary surgery group had surgical excision of their LR, and the use of subsequent radiation and systemic therapy was similar between groups. At a median follow-up of 4.2 years from the time of LR, the rates of AF, NAR, distant metastasis and death were low and did not differ between groups. Among breast cancer patients with LR and clinically negative nodes, our results question the value of axillary restaging but invite confirmation in larger patient cohorts. Since randomized trials support the value of systemic therapy for all patients with invasive LR, reoperative SLNB, although feasible, may not be necessary.
The role of person-to-person transmission in an epidemiologic study of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Objective Recent laboratory studies suggest that Pneumocystis carinii may be transmitted from person-to-person. Recent exposure to persons with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) among HIV-infected persons with and without PCP was assessed to evaluate the person-to-person transmission hypothesis. Design A case–control study design was used. Methods In Seattle and Los Angeles, a history of contact with persons with PCP was compared between HIV-infected patients with laboratory-confirmed PCP (n = 209) and HIV-infected patients with no history of PCP (n = 254). Results No association was found between past exposures to persons with PCP and an increased odds for PCP [odds ratio (OR), 0.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3–1.1] in the total study group. In addition, no association was observed when the analysis was restricted to cases and controls who were not on adequate PCP prophylaxis in the previous 3 months (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.3–1.5). Most cases in Los Angeles (95%) and Seattle (96%) were not receiving PCP prophylaxis in the 3 months prior to a PCP diagnosis. Many controls in Los Angeles (54%) and Seattle (47%) were also not on prophylaxis. In addition, 23% of the Seattle cases and 42% of the Los Angeles cases were unaware of their HIV infection at the time of their PCP diagnosis. Conclusions Although most participants were not on adequate prophylaxis, we found no evidence of person-to-person transmission of Pneumocystis carinii in a population with advanced HIV disease. The difficulty quantifying past exposures to persons with PCP is a limitation of this type of research.
Determination of carbon 14 in fatty acids by direct mount technic.

SummaryIt is demonstrated in the present investigation that the C14 activity of a fatty acid sample can be readily determined by a direct procedure that avoids the dilution of activity and laboriousness associated with the preparation of BaCO3 mounts. The simplicity of this new procedure permits a single operator to mount as many as 50 samples in 8 hours with an error of reproducibility not in excess of 5%. By means of an empirically constructed curve, the observed activities can be converted to a BaCO3 basis.
Partially fluorinated thioethers at the water/air interface. Langmuir monolayer characterization and X-ray scattering studies.

A series of partially fluorinated aliphatic thioethers of the following formula: CF3−(CF2)7−(CH2)10−S−CnH2n+1, where n = 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 18, were synthesized and spread from chloroform solution onto the water/air interface in a Langmuir trough. Upon compression of the film, the surface pressure−mean molecular area isotherms were recorded. It turned out that all the investigated compounds are capable of stable Langmuir monolayers formation. The electrical properties of the studied monolayers have been investigated by monitoring the change in the surface potential (ΔV) upon film compression. The performed experiments proved that regardless of the length of the CnH2n+1 chain, the orientation of the film molecules is very similar. The investigated monolayers have been visualized applying Brewster angle microscopy. The monolayers of the shorter homologues turned out to be homogeneous until their collapse, whereas for longer homologues, the formation of multilayer aggregates was observed. The methods of gra...
Paclitaxel/carboplatin in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer

Chemotherapeutic intervention in advanced and metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed over the past 2 decades. The improvements offered by cisplatin (Platinol)-based regimens, though significant in terms of survival and quality of life, were modest at best. Carboplatin (Paraplatin), which possesses a toxicity profile favorable to that of its parent analogue cisplatin, yielded survival rates superior to that of the cisplatin-combination chemotherapy arms in a large randomized study of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. With the introduction of taxanes in the early 1990s, paclitaxel (Taxol) demonstrated single-agent activity of 21% to 24%, with a 40% 1-year survival rate in metastatic disease. The next generation of phase I/II studies evaluated the efficacy of paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin. Results with this regimen have shown substantial promise, and 1-year survival rates as high as 54% have been reported. Full doses of both agents have been combined without any additional toxicity, and there appears to be a dose-response effect with paclitaxel. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has been incorporated as the investigational arm of all the ongoing multicenter and cooperative group studies. While the results from these randomized studies are awaited, this combination has become the most widely used regimen in community practice for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. It is also being evaluated for treatment at earlier disease stages, in the setting of minimal tumor burden, and in combined-modality regimens.
Causes of upper extremity compartment syndrome

Multiple causes, including various types of trauma, prolonged compression, muscle avulsions, burn, snake bites, high-pressure injection injuries, exercise, infection, bleeding, and intravenous drug infiltration, have been reported to lead to the development of a compartment syndrome in the upper extremity. Awareness of the different causes and risks of compartment syndrome should facilitate early diagnosis and prompt treatment to help avoid the development of serious sequelae such as Volkmann's ischemic contracture. A review of the various reports of upper extremity compartment syndromes and classification systems is presented to assist in the understanding of this condition's development.
Fuel exploitation as a factor in Shoshone winter mobility

This paper estimates fuel exploitation as a way of assessing the extent to which use of firewood in the Desert West should be considered an important factor in determining on the basis of seasonal use, how quickly available wood stores would be exploited. Recognizing that more mobile foragers during spring-fall may not be seriously impacted by fuel availability, we focus our discussion on the potential impact of fuel depletion during the winter period. We use Julian Steward and Murphy and Murphy’s locational descriptions of winter villages on the Snake River Plain to calculate fuel return rates of driftwood/deadfall and sagebrush by foraging radii. We argue that fuel depletion is a primary cause of re-location of encampments during the winter period.
Small-signal capacitive electromechanical systems

Background In this chapter, we introduce the linear electromechanical two-port , its multiport generalization, and equivalent circuit models for them. This MEMS representation makes it possible to invoke the so-called cascade design paradigm. The resulting electromechanical multiport networks and equivalent circuits broadly describe the critical behavior of microelectromechanical devices and systems. For the cascaded sensor depicted in Fig. 4.1a, the mechanical input might be a pressure perturbation acting on a diaphragm or an acceleration acting on a proof mass. In whatever form taken, this input acts on a mechanical element that possesses mass and is constrained by a restoring spring, mechanical damping, and possibly other influences. The electromechanical coupling converts this motion into an electrical signal, which is then appropriately conditioned and electronically amplified by a detector. For the actuator in Fig. 4.1b, an input electrical signal drives the electromechanical transducer, which in turn produces a force acting on the mechanical system. The system then responds with the desired motion. These schemes are typical examples of cascaded systems consisting of sequentially connected two-port networks. The crucial assumption of the electromechanical two-port construct is that the amplitudes of the electrical and mechanical perturbations are small enough to justify linearization of the coupling mechanism. Linearization leads directly to transmission matrices similar to those introduced in Chapter 2. More importantly, the full power of linear systems theory , starting with AC phasors and transfer functions, becomes available. Initially, students with electrical engineering backgrounds will have the advantage because they are already adept at using these methods to design and analyze electronic amplifiers and filters.
Participation and Representation

Should democracies rely on direct citizen participation, or should governance be left to representatives? Is government a do-it-yourself job, or is it best contracted out to professionals, subject to some degree of public accountability and consent? Free democrats prefer participatory democracy; liberal democrats favor representative democracy. Free democrats see value in political participation, whereas liberal democrats are skeptical of direct democracy and worry about the consequences of having “too much” democracy. PARTICIPATION AND DIRECT DEMOCRACY In participatory democracies, citizens are encouraged, expected, and sometimes required to engage in politics and government. Participatory democracy depends on an active and informed citizenry to make important policy decisions, rather than leaving them to representatives or civil servants. It might seem that free and participatory democracies are the same thing, but they are not quite synonymous. All free democrats are participatory democrats in theory, but in practice they invariably must rely, to some degree, on representatives and civil servants – a necessity in the era of large nation-states. Conversely, some liberal democrats, notably John Stuart Mill, value the educative benefits of political participation. As a rule, however, free democrats place a much higher value on political participation than do liberal democrats. Participation in liberal democracies usually ends where participation in free democracies begins: voting in periodic elections.
Salespeople and the Verification Process: The Critical Role Salespeople Can Play in Firm Verification Strategies

Relationship marketing has garnered significant attention recently from business strategy researchers with findings indicating that firms engaged in strong relationships with their exchange partners can accrue significant relational benefits. However, research has also indicated that there are potential downsides for exchange partners that grow too close, develop too much trust, and expose themselves to opportunism. Gundlach and Cannon (2010) suggest that exchange partners can protect themselves against opportunism through the use of verifications strategies, including direct and indirect monitoring of exchange partners. Given their unique position at the interface of the exchange process, salespeople are potentially well suited to be actively involved in the informal monitoring function for organizations. In this paper, we explore the opportunity for salespeople to play a critical role for organizations in a monitoring capacity and identify the key factors that contribute to salesperson success in such a role. The proposed research indicates ways in which salespeople can operate more efficiently for their organizations and outlines additional benefits to the organization such as greater and more current market intelligence.