cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary carcinosarcoma of the skin: report of a case and review of the literature.

Background. Carcinosarcoma is a biphasic tumor composed of intimately admixed epithelial and mesenchymal elements, both of which are malignant. Primary cutaneous involvement is extremely rare. Therefore it has been difficult to characterize the clinical course of carcinosarcoma of the skin. Objective. To describe a further case of carcinosarcoma of the skin and to provide a review of the literature. Methods. The clinical records of the patient and histopathology of the neoplasm are reviewed. In addition, the results of all previously reported cases of carcinosarcoma of the skin are compiled for reexamination. Results. After complete excision of the carcinosarcoma, the patient shows no evidence of disease for 9 months. Long-term follow-up is needed because of the risk of recurrence or metastasis that may occur with this neoplasm. Conclusion. Carcinosarcoma of the skin appears to be associated with a good prognosis when compared with similar tumors located elsewhere. Metastasis (with or without documented mortality) has been reported in 3 of 16 patients (16.7%). Death from local disease has been reported in one additional patient (6.3%). However, further cases with long-term follow-up are needed in order to better understand the nature of this cutaneous neoplasm.
Sub-picosecond time-resolved IR spectroscopy of the vibrational dynamics of Rh (CO)2 (acac)

Abstract Sub-picosecond pulses are used to measure the transient IR spectra of vibrationally excited Rh(CO) 2 (acac) in dilute solutions of n -hexane and CCl 3 H. Ground-state bleach and excited-state absorption features are observed at t D >0, while interference-like spectra characteristic of the perturbed free induction decay (FID) of the probe polarization are seen at t D t D >), the bleach signal exhibits an initial decay ( n -hexane, 3–6 ps; CCl 3 H, 2.2–4 ps) attributed to rapid v-v coupling between the symmetric and asymmetric stretch modes of the dicarbonyl, followed by much slower ( n -hexane, 61 ps; CCl 3 H, 101 ps) population relaxation. Calculated transient spectra and bleach decay curves obtained from a 5-level density matrix model of the coupled CO oscillators account for the data, including the effects due to perturbed FID and rapid v-v coupling.
Catalytic partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas over Ni–CeO2

Abstract The partial oxidation of methane to syngas was studied in this work over Ni-containing ceria catalysts with nickel content of 5, 10 and 20 at.% at atmospheric pressure. All catalysts, in the as prepared state, showed similar activity and CO selectivity at T ≥550°C. Catalyst pre-reduction was not required. Reaction mixtures were dilute, containing 3 mol% CH 4 and 1.5 mol% O 2 . Methane conversion and CO selectivity approached their respective thermodynamic equilibrium values above 550°C. The H 2 /CO ratio was equal to 2 at T >600°C. In the range 0.54–0.04 g s/cm 3 (STP), contact time effects were absent in partial oxidation of methane over the 5 at.% Ni–Ce(La)O x catalyst. The phase composition, nickel dispersion and carbon deposition on the catalysts were investigated by various characterization techniques, including XRD, STEM/EDS, XPS and TPO analyses. The 5 at.% Ni–Ce(La)O x catalyst, comprising highly dispersed nickel oxide in ceria, showed excellent resistance to carbon deposition and stable performance during 100 h-on-stream at 650°C. On the other hand, high-content (>10 at.%) nickel in ceria, comprising both dispersed nickel and bulk nickel oxide particles, was unstable even after a much shorter time-on-stream; carbon deposition was clearly the cause of this performance instability.
Two-atom resonance fluorescence

The excitation spectrum arising from the interaction between two identical atoms (molecules), one of which is excited in the presence of a resonant strong electromagnetic field (pump field), is investigated. The excitation spectrum is found to consist of those describing the symmetric and antisymmetric modes, respectively. The form of both spectra depends on the relation between the distance $R$ separating the atoms and the wavelength $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ of the transition from the ground state to the excited state. For $Rl\ensuremath{\lambda}$, and when certain conditions prevail, the spectral function for the symmetric modes consists of three Lorentzian lines describing the central peak and the two sidebands whose radiative widths are equal to ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}$, $\frac{3{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}}{2}$, and $\frac{3{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}}{2}$, which are twice the corresponding ones arising from an isolated single atom interacting with the pump field. For the antisymmetric modes the central peak has a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function distribution indicating the stability of the mode in question, while, when certain conditions are satisfied, the two sidebands are described by Lorentzian lines each having a radiative width of the order of $\frac{{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{0}}{2}$, which is equal to the natural linewidth for a photon spontaneously emitted from an isolated atom. For both the symmetric and antisymmetric modes, the dipole-dipole interaction between the atoms brings about small energy shifts. For $Rg\ensuremath{\lambda}$, apart from the small energy shifts caused by the dipole-dipole interaction, the spectral functions for symmetric and antisymmetric modes are similar to that for the single atom interacting with the pump field.
Map of seven polymorphic markers on rat Chromosome 14: linkage conservation with human Chromosome 4

Seven polymorphic markers identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, including markers for six genes—DRD1L (dopamine receptor, D1-like-2), GLUKA (glucokinase), PF4 (platelet factor 4), ALB (albumin), AFP (α-fetoprotein), and BSP (bone sialoprotein)—and one anonymous locus (D14N52), were mapped to a single 67-cM linkage group with F2 intercross progeny of F344/N and LEW/N inbred rat strains. Two of these markers, ALB and AFP, have previously been assigned to rat Chromosome (Chr) 14, allowing assignment of this entire linkage group. Five of the markers—DRD1L, PF4, ALB, AFP, and PBSP—have been physically mapped to a large region of human Chr 4 encompassing the p arm and the q arm to band q28. Homologs of two of the markers, ALB and AFP, have been mapped to Chr 5 in the mouse. Comparison of human Chr 4 with the homologous regions on Chr 14 of the rat and Chr 5 of the mouse indicated that linkage conservation with human Chr 4 extends over a greater region in the rat than in the mouse. The markers described here were found to be highly polymorphic in twelve inbred strains (F344/N, LEW/N, ACI/N, BUF/N, BN/SsN, LOU/MN, MNR/N, MR/N, SHR/N, WBB1/N, WBB2/N, and WKY/N). These polymorphic markers should be useful in genetic linkage studies of important phenotypes in rats.
Endocrine influences on human mammary cancer formation. A critique.

The possible relationship of abnormal C18 and C19 steroid excretions to fibrocystic disease and to carcinoma of the human female breast has been reviewed in relation to newer knowledge of estrogen receptor sites in uterine and mammary tissues. Proteins from these receptors exhibit different binding affinities for C18 and C19 steroids, with none of the latter exhibiting competitive binding. Within the C18 (estrogen) series, estriol inhibits competitively the uterotropic activity of estradiol 17B, displaces estradiol from uterine receptor proteins and thus far is not reported to be carcinogenic for the breast. Subnormal excretion of the C19 steriods androsterone and etiocholanolone relative to 17–hydroxycorticosteroids has been reported in chronic bronchial asthma and in untreated cancer of the breast but not thus far in premenopausal Caucasian women with fibrocystic mammary disease. Earlier reports of normal and increased estriol excretion in untreated mammary cancer compared with matched controls have not been confirmed by 3 recent investigations, in which fibrocystic disease alone, fibrocystic disease plus untreated mammary cancer and premenopausal or postmenopausal mammary cancer patients excreted subnormal estriol relative to estrone or estradiol. Hyperthyroidism is the only nonneoplastic syndrome reported thus far besides fibrocystic disease or cancer with reduced estriol quotients, but up to one fifth of euthyroid premenopausal women without mammary disease may excrete subnormal estriol quotients. Stress, tissue anoxia, ACTH therapy, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, obesity, castration and menopause normally increase the rate of estriol excretion relative to other estrogens and must be considered in future investigations needed to elucidate the divergent results reported for C18 steroid excretion in this disease.
State-of-the-art instruments for measuring radon/thoron and their progeny in dwellings--a review

Radon and radon progeny measurements are conducted world-wide for the assessment of the radiation dose to workers and the general public. In the last 10 years, a variety of instruments have been developed that utilize different principles of detection for different measurement applications. The various instruments and methods used today depend on whether radon or radon/thoron progeny are being measured, the type of radiation being detected, and also the duration of the measurement. Other important design criteria are applicability, portability, convenience, reliability, and cost considerations. The instruments under consideration use the following detection systems: pulse ionization chambers, electret ionization chambers, scintillation detectors with zinc sulfide ZnS(Ag), alpha particle spectrometers with silicon diodes, surface barrier or diffused junction detectors, registration of nuclear tracks in solid-state materials, and gamma-ray spectometry with NaI(TI) scintillation crystals or germanium lithium (GeLi) semiconductors. Discussed in this paper are the advantages and disadvantages of the various portable instrumentation used for measuring radon, thoron, and their progeny. Also provided is guidance for their application in the field.
Occupational Stressors and Antinormative Behavior

Using Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory as a guiding framework, the relationship between workplace-related stressors and maladaptive emotional and behavioral outcomes was examined via personal interview data from a private-sector corporation. Victims of aggressive behavior, such as those who had been attacked or threatened physically, insulted or harassed by phone, insulted or called names, bothered with unwanted sexual advances, threatened of job security, set up for failure, or mistreated in some other way were more likely to maladaptively cope in various ways. Other less blatant mistreatment such as being kept from obtaining a raise, deprived of privileges given to others, denied training, or treated as if one did not exist revealed a similar differentiating relationship. Limitations and policy implications that accompany the findings are provided to inform organizations in their efforts to promote a safe, stable, and effective work environment.
Vertical and horizontal synchronization services with outlier detection in underwater acoustic networks

Underwater Acoustic Networks (UANs) have important applications in ocean exploration and lake pollution monitoring. UANs are however different from terrestrial sensor networks due to their highly variable, long propagation delay, and mobility. Clock synchronization is an important protocol to achieve timing-based sensor communications. In this paper, we propose a three dimensional, scalable UAN time synchronization scheme that can achieve both horizontal (i.e., in the same water depth) and vertical (i.e., from bottom up to the surface) clock synchronization to overcome the effects of long acoustic delay. To secure UAN clock synchronization services, we also propose a two-step security UAN synchronization model: (1) correlation test and (2) statistical reputation and trust model. The proposed model can detect outlier timestamp data and identify nodes generating insider attacks. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verification and validation testing of the Bridle and Umbilical Device for Mars Science Laboratory

The Bridle Umbilical Device (BUD) subsystem is used during the Skycrane maneuver of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) during the final phases of the Entry Descent and Landing (EDL). During this phase the BUD subsystem will control the deployment of the MSL Rover from the Descent Stage. This paper covers the verification and validation testing of the subsystem. Testing included component through full system level testing. Testing ranged from simple bench top extraction tests to full system deploy drop test that included external disturbances such as the Rover mobility impulse. This paper will discuss the test that were performed, why they were performed and how these test results were used in the overall Verification and Validation of the MSL Skycrane phase.
Pressure broadening of far infrared rotational transitions: 88.65cm−1 H20 and 114.47cm−1 O3

Abstract We measured N 2 and O 2 pressure broadening coefficients for the 88.65 cm −1 line of H 2 0 at 290 K and the 114.47 cm −1 line of O 3 at 290 and 210 K. Broadening measurements of these lines also include determinations of the self broadening and a frequency measurements of the transitions.
Statistical aspects of long‐range weather‐forecasting

Various attempts have been made to forecast the weather on the basis of certain statistical relationships for which no sufficient physical cause is known. An attempt is made in this paper to point out the underlying statistical principles involved In such relationships and to indicate how the operation of simple laws of chance will give rise to such relationships as have been discovered.
Screening and Diagnosis of Micronutrient Deficiencies Before and After Bariatric Surgery

Background Micronutrient deficiencies are key concerns after bariatric surgery. We describe the prevalence of perioperative testing and diagnosis of micronutrient deficiencies among a cohort of insured bariatric surgery patients.
Pharmacokinetic comparisons of tail-bleeding with cannula- or retro-orbital bleeding techniques in rats using six marketed drugs.

Abstract Introduction: The evaluation of drug disposition properties of chemical entities in drug discovery research typically involves the conduct of pharmacokinetic studies in rodents that requires blood sampling over several time points, preferably without disrupting the physiological status of the animals. Several blood withdrawal methods have been employed throughout the industry, yet these methods have not been comprehensively evaluated with regard to their effects on pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug investigated to recommend best practices. Methods: In this paper, the pharmacokinetics of six marketed drugs from four distinct therapeutic classes were compared using tail-vein, femoral-artery cannula-, and retro-orbital sinus bleeding techniques. The marketed drugs used in these studies were pentoxifylline, gemfibrozil, glipizide, methotrexate, clonidine, and fluoxetine. Results: Following oral administration, peak plasma concentration (Cmax), and area under the curve (AUC0–24) values for all compounds were not significantly different with the tail-vein method when compared to cannula- or retro-orbital sinus bleeding, except for fluoxetine and gemfibrozil for which minor, but statistically significant differences were observed. The effect of arterial versus venous tail-bleeding on the pharmacokinetics of pentoxifylline indicated no statistical differences in either Cmax or AUC0–24 values. However, for fluoxetine, higher exposures were observed with tail arterial than venous sampling (2-fold with respect to Cmax and 1.7-fold with respect to AUC0–24, p
Clinical kinetics of intact cisplatin and some related species

Plasma concentrations of cisplatin, total platinum, and total filterable platinum were monitored in 24 patients after either 50 or 100 mg/m2 of cisplatin by rapid intravenous injection. Half the patients at each dose were pre treated with mannitol. Total platinum levels declined in a triphasic fashion with a terminal half-life (t½) ≥24 hr. Both total filterable platinum and cisplatin levels declined in a monophasic manner and exhibited t½s of 0.3 to 0.5 hr. The ratio of cisplatin to total filterable platinum in plasma remained constant (0.6 to 0.8) over the time period (2 hr) during which they could be detected, while the ratio of the plasma levels of cisplatin to total platinum decreased continuously from ≈0.5 at 5 min to approximately 0.10 at 2 hr. Larger doses of cisplatin resulted in higher plasma levels of all three species monitored, and although the increases appeared somewhat less than proportional to dose, terminal plasma slopes were not dose dependent. Neither mannitol nor dose had an effect on the various species ratios, nor did mannitol appear to affect either plasma levels or terminal plasma decline. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 29, 658–664; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.91
SU‐D‐144‐04: Physiologically Gated Microbeam Radiation Therapy Using Electronically Controlled Field Emission X‐Ray Source Array

Purpose: Microbeam radiation therapy (MRT) is an experimental pre‐clinical technique using arrays of microscopically‐thin, low‐energy X‐ray radiation to treat radio‐resistant, deep‐seated tumors. All previous MRT experiments were performed using synchrotron radiation. We have developed a compact MRT small animal system using carbon nanotube (CNT) field emission x‐ray technology. Our purpose is to incorporate respiratory gating to the MRT system, minimizing motion blurring and increasing the peak‐to‐valley‐dose ratio (PVDR), which is important for normal tissue sparing. Methods: A prototype CNT MRT system was employed. The intrinsically divergent radiation is collimated into ∼300um microbeams using an external collimator. Parallel microbeam planes were delivered by translating the object perpendicular to the microbeam plane in a step‐and‐shoot fashion. The device generated an average entrance dose rate of 1Gy/minute. For respiratory‐gated irradiation, electron field emission from CNT cathodes was synchronized with the respiratory cycle of the mouse so x‐ray radiation is only extracted during the motionless phase of respiration.A phantom simulating mouse respiration used a servo motor pushing on a pressure sensor in a typical breathing pattern. A control program used the signal to trigger x‐ray irradiation during the motionless phase. Two experiments were run: a single line irradiation at 160 kVp delivering 0.9 Gy/min for 5 minutes, and three such lines of irradiation separated by 900um. Dose profiles were measured with EBT2 Gafchromic dosimetry films. Results: A single beam showed a FWTM increase from 638 to 1088um with un‐gated motion. With gating, the FWTM was 669um, similar to the motionless case.PVDR quantifies MRT effectiveness in the case of multiple lines. Motion reduces PVDR 50 percent; with gating PVDR is almost entirely recovered, 5.5 percent higher than without motion. Conclusion: Gated MRT largely eliminates microbeam broadening from physiological motion, maintaining high PVDR. The technique increases precision and will be tested during MRT treatments.
The magnetotail and substorms

The tail plays a very active and important role in substorms. Magmetic flux eroded from the dayside magnetosphere is stored here. As more and more flux is transported to the magnetotail and stored, the boundary flares more, the field strength in the tail increases, and the currents strengthen and move closer to the earth. Further, the plasma sheet thins and the magnetic flux crossing the neutral sheet lessens. The experimental evidence for these processes is discussed and a phenomenological or qualitative model of the substorm sequence is presented. In this model, the flux transport is driven by the merging of the magnetospheric and interplanetary magnetic fields. During the growth phase of substorms the merging rate on the dayside magnetosphere exceeds the reconnection rate in the neutral sheet.
PERIODICITY IN SEQUENCES DEFINED BY LINEAR RECURRENCE RELATIONS.

A sequence of rational integers u0, u1, u2, ...(1) is defined in terms of an initial set u0, u1, ..., uk-1 by the recurrence relation un+k + a1un+k-1 + ... + akun = a, n ≥ 0, (2) where a1, a2, ..., ak are given rational integers. The author examines (1) for periodicity with respect to a rational integral modulus m. Carmichael (1) has shown that (1) is periodic for (ak, p) = 1 and has given periods (mod m) for the case where the prime divisors of m are greater than k. The present note gives a period for (1) (mod m) without restriction on m. The results include those of Carmichael. The author also shows that if p divides ak (1) is periodic after a determined number of initial terms and obtains a period.
Implementing a fax referral program for quitline smoking cessation services in urban health centers: a qualitative study

Background Fax referral services that connect smokers to state quitlines have been implemented in 49 U.S. states and territories and promoted as a simple solution to improving smoker assistance in medical practice. This study is an in-depth examination of the systems-level changes needed to implement and sustain a fax referral program in primary care.
Survival and prognostic indicators for dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: 32 cases (1990-2000).

Objective— To determine prognostic indicators for short-term outcome and long-term survival for dogs with intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IPSS). Study Design— Retrospective study. Animals— Thirty-two dogs of various breeds. Methods— Clinical data extracted from medical records of dogs with IPSS were reviewed and included gender, age at surgery, weight, preoperative packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein concentration (TP), albumin (ALB), serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), preprandial and postprandial bile acid concentrations (pre-BA, post-BA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glucose concentration, band neutrophils, per-rectal nuclear scintigraphy shunt fraction, whether an angiogram was performed, shunt location at surgery, whether a partial or complete attenuation of the shunt was performed, rectal temperature at the end of surgery, and duration of surgical procedure. Follow-up was determined from visits to the veterinary teaching hospital or by telephone communications with the owner or referring veterinarian. Results— Median survival time was 35.68 months, and 1- and 2-year probabilities of survival were 60% and 55%, respectively. Body weight, TP, ALB, and BUN were identified as prognostic indicators for short-term outcome. PCV and TP were identified as prognostic indicators for long-term survival. Conclusions— PCV and TP were identified as prognostic indicators for long-term survival, whereas body weight, TP, ALB, and BUN were identified as indicators for short-term outcome in dogs with IPSS. Shunt location at surgery did not have any effect on short-term outcome and long-term survival. Clinical Relevance— Total protein, ALB, BUN, and PCV can be used to determine prognosis of dogs with intrahepatic shunt.
Seasonal Synchronization of ENSO Events in a Linear Stochastic Model

Abstract A simple model of ENSO is developed to examine the effects of the seasonally varying background state of the equatorial Pacific on the seasonal synchronization of ENSO event peaks. The model is based on the stochastically forced recharge oscillator, extended to include periodic variations of the two main model parameters, which represent ENSO’s growth rate and angular frequency. Idealized experiments show that the seasonal cycle of the growth rate parameter sets the seasonal cycle of ENSO variance; the inclusion of the time dependence of the angular frequency parameter has a negligible effect. Event peaks occur toward the end of the season with the most unstable growth rate. Realistic values of the parameters are estimated from a linearized upper-ocean heat budget with output from a high-resolution general circulation model hindcast. Analysis of the hindcast output suggests that the damping by the mean flow field dominates the seasonal cycle of ENSO’s growth rate and, thereby, seasonal ENSO varia...
PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR IN AN URBAN SOCIAL STRUCTURAL CONTEXT

Research into environmental concern and behavior has been extensive in the past few decades. The connection between the two, as well as other related variables, has however remained somewhat elusive. This study attempts to refine our understanding of how concern for the environment is related to pro-environmental behavior such as buying ecologically friendly products, driving less, conserving resources at home, recycling, etc., by considering the role played by social structural context and self-efficacy. Furthermore, through principle component analysis a particular dimension of pro-environmental behavior is identified so as to produce more robust and consistent results. Social structural context and self-efficacy are found to be powerful mediators of the relationship between environmental concern and pro-environmental behavior. Lastly, social structural context, as measured by the availability of curbside recycling, is shown to act as a gateway to additional pro-environmental behaviors beyond recycling.
E‐Commerce relationships: The impact of trust on relationship continuity

Most research has emphasized the interpersonal components of trust involved in establishing ecommerce relationships while limited attention has been paid on the technology and its interactions on e‐commerce relationships. This paper examines the impact of two forms of trust in e‐commerce relationships namely; technology trust relating to institutional structural assurances and security mechanisms embedded in e‐commerce technologies; and relationship trust referring to trading partners competent, predictably, reliability, and benevolence in the e‐commerce relationship. Based on the findings of a previous study that examined inter‐organizational dyads in business‐to‐business e‐commerce participation, we identify and illustrate how e‐commerce relationships evolve applying four modes in e‐commerce relationships namely; learning, monitoring, collaborating and distancing modes. We develop a number of propositions to facilitate empirical testing and indicate the framework’s key implications for future research a...
The new ParaDIgm: IgM from bench to clinic: November 15-16, 2011, Frankfurt, Germany.

The inaugural IgM event entitled "The new ParaDIgm: IgM from bench to clinic" brought together the increasingly active and growing IgM antibody community to discuss recent advances and challenges facing the discovery and development of IgM antibody therapies and technologies. Researchers, clinicians and biomanufacturing experts delivered 21 talks on the basic science and isolation of IgM, upstream and downstream development, and formulation and clinical development of the molecules. Participants networked around topics aimed at exploring the full potential of IgM antibodies. The meeting was held at DECHEMA Gesellschaft fur Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e. V. (Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology), a non-profit scientific and technical society based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The meeting was sponsored by Patrys, Laureate Biopharma, Bio-Rad Laboratories, BIA Separations, Percivia and the Bio Affinity Company (BAC). The second New ParaDIgm: IgM from bench to clinic meeting, will be held on April 23-24, 2013 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Surgical treatment of late tricuspid regurgitation after left cardiac valve replacement.

Abstract Background . The development of late tricuspid regurgitation (TR) following left cardiac valve replacement is an important complication, as it is associated with a severe impairment of exercise capacity and a poor symptomatic outcome. The pathogenesis of this condition remains poorly defined. It is still a challenge in terms of its prevention, treatment and indications for surgical correction. Aims . To investigate the possible pathogenesis and report the surgical results of the late TR after left cardiac valve replacement. Methods . There were 56 patients with moderate to severe TR after left cardiac valve replacement, divided into normal prosthesis group (10 patients with normal prosthetic valve function) and dysfunctional prosthesis group (46 patients with prosthetic valve dysfunction). In the normal prosthesis group, 4 patients underwent mitral valve replacement (MVR) and 6 patients underwent combined mitral and aortic valve replacement (DVR). Patients in the dysfunctional prosthesis group included MVR in 36, aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 4 and DVR in 6, with bioprosthetic valve dysfunction occurring in 18, mechanical prosthetic valve obstruction in 22 and periprosthetic valve leakage in 6 patients. At the initial operation, 10 patients underwent DeVega's tricuspid annuloplasty and 46 patients' tricuspid valves were normal. At the second operation, the surgical treatment of TR included tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) in 9 and tricuspid annuloplasty in 47. Results . Two patients died postoperatively giving a 3.6% hospital mortality. The 54 survivors were followed up for 6–132 months (mean of 79.4 months). Heart function improved significantly in 8 with TVR and in 40 with tricuspid annuloplasty. Echocardiography showed moderate TR in 5 and severe TR in 1 patient with tricuspid annuloplasty who need a further surgical treatment. Conclusion . Pulmonary hypertension, myocardial dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation might be responsible for the development of late TR after left cardiac valve replacement. Tricuspid annuloplasty, as the surgical method of first choice, resulted in improvement in 87% of patients with late TR after left cardiac valve replacement. TVR can also be safely applied to repair organic disease and the extremely dilated tricuspid valve annulus. If the TR area is more than 25cm 2 , the TVR is recommended.
Mapping morphological genes relative to molecular markers in lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.)

Two F2 populations were generated by crossing morphologically diverse genetic stocks in order to map 10 morphological traits relative to polymerase chain reaction-based molecular markers (RAPDs). Using one segregating population generated from crossing the experimental line, ‘dwarf-2’, with the butterhead cultivar, ‘Saffier’, the dwarf phenotype conditioned by the dwf2 locus was mapped using bulked segregation analysis to within 38 cM of the Adh3 locus. Using the second segregating population generated by crossing two experimental lines, 87-25-1M × 87-109M, nine traits [white seed (w), brown seed (br), salmon flower colour (sa), pale yellow flower colour (pa), virescent juvenile leaf colour (vi), plump involucre (pl), yellow seed (y), one of two complementary genes for anthocyanin expression (C or G) and anthocyanin spotting (Rs)] were linked to RAPD loci, but only six of them could be placed on an existing genetic map of lettuce generated by analysis of cv. ‘Calmar’ × cv. ‘Kordaat’. A tenth trait, golden yellow (gy), remained unlinked. Approximately a third of the RAPD markers analysed segregated in both the 87-25-1M × 87-1090M and ‘Calmar’ × ‘Kordaat’ populations. In the genomic regions with multiple segregating loci in common, their relative orders and distances were mostly conserved. In one instance, linkage detected in the present study consolidated two separate groups on the earlier genetic map.
Association between fruit and vegetable intake and change in body mass index among a large sample of children and adolescents in the United States.

Association between fruit and vegetable intake and change in body mass index among a large sample of children and adolescents in the United States
Rapid formation of polychlorinated dioxins/furans in the post combustion region during heterogeneous combustion

Abstract The formation of chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) downstream from the combustion zone of a heterogeneous combustor occurred within seconds in the temperature range of 430-380°C, but not at substantially lower temperatures. A spouted bed reactor was used with sand as the heterogeneous medium and a fuel mixture of 1,2-dichlorobenzene/heptane. Total PCDD/F-concentrations were in the range of 100 ng m −3 ; chlorobenzenes other than the starting compound and chlorophenols were formed. The formation of PCDD/F may be mediated by high surface area particles originating from the bed due to attrition. Homogeneous gas phase mechanisms cannot account readily for the levels observed.
A method for calculating the spring constant of atomic force microscopy cantilevers with a nonrectangular cross section.

An important figure of merit in atomic force microscopy is the spring constant of the cantilever probe. To create high aspect ratio tips, cantilever probe manufacturers commonly use dynamic etch techniques that modify the shape and dimensions of both the tip and the beam. Most of the methods used to determine beam stiffness assume a rectangular cross section even though the commonly used etches produce beams with trapezoidal cross sections. We present herein an improved method for determining beam stiffness that takes into account the actual geometry of the cantilever.
Match enhancement in SAR ADCs by algorithmic unit capacitor assignment

This paper presents the concept of and an implementation technique for match enhancement in SAR ADCs. Conventionally the binary weighted capacitors in a SAR ADC are realized by combining unit capacitors and those unit capacitors are assigned to elements of the binary weighted array during layout. Note that an n-bit CR-SAR ADC has 2 n unit capacitors whose capacitance values will follow a Gaussian distribution. This work enhances matching between binary weighted capacitors by choosing those unit capacitors closest to the median as the minimum size capacitors in the array and combining capacitors further from, but on opposite sides of, the median to give to the larger capacitors in the array. This requires rank ordering of unit capacitance values. Simulation results of an 8-Bit SAR ADC with the proposed match enhancement technique indicate that a reduction of four in the DAC area and power is attainable.
Introducing CodeWorkout: an adaptive and social learning environment (abstract only)

Rudimentary programming skills are essential to developing fundamental proficiency in computer science. However, learning programming techniques can be challenging and frustrating for many students. CodeWorkout is an online learning environment that offers drill-and-practice exercises with novel social and adaptive scaffolding. Learners can track their progress on an assortment of computer science areas and skills while taking advantage of social features to discuss questions and help teach each other. Meanwhile, objective measurements of questions and teaching hints help promote the best, most effective content for learning. Our poster demonstrates how both computer science students and teachers benefit from joining the CodeWorkout community and taking advantage of its unique features.
Computerized Design, Generation and Simulation of Meshing of a Spiroid Worm-Gear Drive with a Ground Double-Crowned Worm

The authors propose methods of computerized design and analysis of a spiroid wormgear drive with ground worm based on the following considerations: (1) The theoretical thread surface of the hob is generated by a cone surface. (2) The worm surface is crowned in profile and longitudinal directions in comparison with the hob thread surface. (3) The double crowning of the worm enables to localize the bearing contact and obtain a predesigned parabolic function of transmission errors of an assigned level. Computerized design of the worm-gear drive enables to discover and avoid singularities of the generated worm face-gear surface and pointing of teeth. The meshing and contact of the double-crowned worm and the worm face-gear is simulated to determine the influence of misalignment on the shift of bearing contac and transmission errors. Computer program for numerical solution is developed and applied. A numerical example that illustrates the developed theory is provided.
The effect of antibiotic therapy for patients infected with Helicobacter pylori who have chronic urticaria

Abstract Background Several small trails looking at antibiotic therapy targeted at Helicobacter pylori for the treatment of chronic urticaria have peen published and have had conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review of existing studies to help answer the clinical question of whether this therapy has a role in the treatment of chronic urticaria. Methods We identified studies published in the English language with searches of MEDLINE, PREMEDLINE, American College of Physicians Journal Club, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, and Cochrane Libraries using the key words " Helicobacter pylori " and "urticaria." Relevant studies from bibliography reviews were also included. Studies included met the following criteria: (1) patients had urticaria for at least 6 weeks; (2) other known causes of urticaria were excluded by appropriate testing; (3) the initial diagnosis of H pylori infection was made by either serology, urea breath test, or upper endoscopy; and (4) an adequate trial of an antibiotic with known activity against H pylori was completed. Results In all, 10 studies met our inclusion criteria. The rate of remission of urticaria when H pylori was eradicated was 30.9% (59/191) compared with 21.7% (18/83) when H pylori was not eradicated; the background remission rate among control subjects without H pylori infection was 13.5% (10/74). When data from the 10 studies were combined, eradication of H pylori was both quantitatively and statistically associated with remission of urticaria (odds ratio 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.4-6.8; P = .005). Conclusion We found that resolution of urticaria was more likely when antibiotic therapy was successful in eradication of H pylori infection than when patients who were infected did not achieve eradication. These results suggest that clinicians, after considering other causes of urticaria, should constitute (1) testing for H pylori ; (2) treating with appropriate antibiotics if H pylori is present; and (3) confirming successful eradication of infection.
Subpopulations of migrating neurons express different levels of LHRH in quail and chick embryos

LHRH neurons of the septal-preoptic area originate in the olfactory placode and migrate in the olfactory nerve into the brain during embryonic development. In adult birds, LHRH neurons have been found in the septal-preoptic area, mesencephalon and more recently in the lateral anterior nucleus of the thalamus (LA). LHRH neurons of the LA do not originate in the olfactory placode. Using immunocytochemistry, we examined the distribution of LHRH neurons in the embryonic and adult quail nervous system. The pattern of LHRH immunostaining in quail embryos was similar to that seen in chick embryos. However, there were many fewer neurons immunostained for LHRH from the olfactory placode to the septal-preoptic area in quail than in chick embryos. In contrast, there were more labeled neurons and more intense LHRH immunostaining in the thalamus of the quail than in the thalamus of chick embryos. In agreement with other studies, our data suggest that there are species differences in LHRH expression in migrating neurons. The current results should also be considered for quail-chick chimeras involving the olfactory placode.
Accelerating the calculation of the rovibrational energies of tetraatomic molecules using a two-layer Lanczos algorithm

The two-layer Lanczos algorithm has been extended to study the rovibrational spectrum of four-atom molecules in a mixed grid/finite basis representation basis. This algorithm exploits the partitioning structure of the Hamiltonian in polyspherical coordinates, and calculates the eigenstates in a reduced-dimension (RD) way but exactly. It consists of the standard Lanczos method for the outer layer iteration and the guided spectral transform (GST) Lanczos for the inner layer. For H2CO, numerical results show that the two-layer Lanczos method is substantially efficient.
Proliferation and the advantage of longer-lived radionuclides in radioimmunotherapy.

In our previous study we used the linear-quadratic model [J. Nucl. Med. 35, 1861 (1994)] to confirm our initial finding, based on the time-dose-fractionation model [J. Nucl. Med. 34, 1801 (1993)], that longer-lived radionuclides (e.g., 32 P , 91 Y ) can offer a substantial therapeutic advantage over the shorter-lived radionuclides presently used in radioimmunotherapy (e.g., 90 Y ). The original calculations using the linear-quadratic (LQ) model did not account for proliferation of the tumor and critical bone marrow tissues. It has been suggested that inclusion of a proliferation term in the LQ model can have a substantial impact on the biologically effective dose (BED). With this in mind, we have reexamined the therapeutic efficacy of longer versus short-lived radionuclides using the LQ model replete with proliferation terms for tumor and bone marrow. Relative advantage factors (RAF), which quantify the overall therapeutic advantage of a long-lived compared to short-lived radionuclide, were calculated accordingly. While the extrapolated initial dose rate required to achieve a given BED can be affected by the inclusion of proliferation terms for both the tumor and marrow, the relative advantage factors for the longer-lived radionuclides were not significantly affected. Longer-lived radionuclides such as 114m In and 91 Y are about three times more therapeutically effective than the shorter-lived 90 Y which is currently used in RIT. In other words, for a given therapeutic effect in the tumor, a longer-lived radionuclide can result in a lower deleterious effect to the bone marrow than a short-lived radionuclide. Given that bone marrow is generally considered to be the dose-limitingorgan, these results have important implications for radioimmunotherapy.
The formylpeptide chemotactic receptor on rabbit peritoneal neutrophils: Change of receptor affinity and number by L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK)

Abstract Pretreatment of rabbit peritoneal neutrophils at 37° with 10–35 μM L -1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) decreases by 20–50% the detectable number of f Met-Leu-[3H]Phe binding sites. Greater TPCK concentrations, between 50 and 100 μM, cause less of a decrease or actually increase peptide binding activity to a level greater than that of untreated cells. Furthermore, Scatchard analysis indicates that the sites detected on neutrophils after TPCK treatment have 1.2–3.2 fold lower apparent Kd (higher affinity) than those detected on untreated, control cells (1.1±1.7×10−8 M vs 1.7±1.5×10−8 M, p
Temperature dependence of band gaps in HgCdTe and other semiconductors

Band-edge shifts induced by the electron-phonon interaction are calculated for HgCdTe alloys and various semiconductor compounds starting from accurate zero-temperature band structures. The calculated temperature variation of gaps agrees with experiments to better than 10% in all materials except InAs and InSb where the deviation is about 50%. While the simple picture that the intra (inter)-band transitions reduce (increase) the gap still holds, we show that both the conduction band edge Ec and valence band edge Ev move down in energy. These shifts in Ev affect the valence band offsets in heterojunctions at finite temperature. The temperature variations of valence band offset and the electron effective mass are also reported.
Personnel detection using ground sensors

In this paper we present a multi-modal multi-sensor fusion algorithm for the detection of personnel. The unattended ground sensors employed consist of acoustic, seismic, passive infrared (PIR) and video camera. The individual sensor data is processed and the probabilities of detection of a person are estimated. Then, the individual probability estimates are fused to estimate the overall probability of detection of a person. The confidence levels of each sensor modality are estimated based on a large set of data. The performance of the algorithm is tested on data collected in an unoccupied basement of a building with single and multiple people present.
Mobility and Aging: New Directions for Public Health Action

Optimal mobility, defined as relative ease and freedom of movement in all of its forms, is central to healthy aging. Mobility is a significant consideration for research, practice, and policy in aging and public health. We examined the public health burdens of mobility disability, with a particular focus on leading public health interventions to enhance walking and driving, and the challenges and opportunities for public health action. We propose an integrated mobility agenda, which draws on the lived experience of older adults. New strategies for research, practice, and policy are needed to move beyond categorical promotion programs in walking and driving to establish a comprehensive program to enhance safe mobility in all its forms.
An overview of neurovascular disease management

Neurovascular disorders, including brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), carotid artery disease, and intracranial atherosclerotic disease, take a huge health and economic toll on U.S. citizens and can lead to a host of neurological problems ranging from stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage to disability and death. According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, cerebral aneurysms affect an estimated 6 million Americans and are responsible for close to half a million deaths worldwide each year, with half the victims age 50 and younger. 1 A 2004 study showed that survivors of brain aneurysm rupture and their caretakers lost roughly $138 million in combined wages in a single year. 1 Of the roughly 30,000 cases of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that occur annually, about 60% result in disability or death. Close to 1 million strokes occur in the United States each year, with 10% to 15% attributed to intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Despite these devastating effects, progress has been made in the management of neurovascular diseases, and the field has undergone significant advances in the last decade due to the explosion of innovation in endovascular and microsurgical devices and treatments. This is particularly true for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, especially after the landmark 2005 ISAT trial validating endovascular therapy as a mode of treatment for these types of lesions. 2 Since then, endovascular therapy has evolved from simple coiling to balloon- and stentassisted coiling and now flow diversion. These have all given surgeons and patients a broader range of options for treating aneurysms with new minimally invasive techniques. With flow diversion, the need for treating aneurysms with complex bypasses has dropped significantly although it remains important in a limited number of patients. Flow diversion uses a low-porosity stent placed in a parent artery across the aneurysm neck to slow blood flow and promote thrombosis, thereby excluding the aneurysm from circulation while preserving flow through the parent vessel. Early results have been promising for large proximal internal carotid aneurysms although early results for posterior circulation aneurysms have not been as favorable. 3