cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local control of T3 carcinomas after accelerated fractionation: a look at the "gap".

Abstract Purpose: To study the effects of midcourse treatment break or gaps related to the local control of T3 carcinoma of the oropharynx and larynx following accelerated hyperfractionated radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: All patients were treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1979 through 1994 with treatment consisting of 1.6 Gy per fraction, two fractions a day for the treatment of T3 carcinoma of the oropharynx and larynx. They were entered in the head and neck data base. Their treatment dates, treatment breaks, and doses vs. local control were analyzed and compared. A p -value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 162 patients were available for review. Due to the acute severe mucosal effects, most of the patients required a midcourse pause or "break" after a dose of 38.4–48 Gy before treatment could be resumed and completed. The data indicate that (a) prolongation of the treatment gap for more than 14 days, (b) total treatment course longer than 45 days, (c) total dose less than 67 Gy, and (d) male gender adversely affected local control. In spite of the gaps, the female patients with advanced carcinomas enjoyed the benefits of improved local control after the accelerated hyperfractionated radiation therapy. Conclusions: Accelerated hyperfractionation radiation therapy using 1.6 Gy per fraction/twice-a-day (b.i.d.) for a total dose of 70.4 Gy in 6 weeks is effective in achieving high local control of T3 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx and larynx. The midcourse treatment gap should be as short as possible with the projected total dose and time. Should the gaps be unduly prolonged due to various circumstances, further increase in the total dose, for example, 72–75 Gy, and/or increase of the fraction sizes, for example, 1.8–2.0 Gy/f b.i.d. after the gap may be necessary to compensate for the adverse effects of the tumor regeneration from the prolonged gap.
Synthesis of a tritium labelled pyrrolizidine alkaloidisenecioyl retronecine

Retronecine (7β-hydroxy-1-hydoxymethyl-1,2-dehydro-8α-pyrrolizidine) (II) which is prepared from the hydrolysis of monocrotaline (I) was oxidized with manganese dioxide in the presence of potassium cyanide to methyl 1,2-dehydro-7β-hydroxy-8α-pyrrolizidine-1-carboxlate (III). Retronecine (II') was 3H labelled at the 1 methyl proton by the reduction of III with LiAl3H4. The semi-synthetic pyrrolizidine alkaloid disenecioyl retronecine (Di-3,3-dimethylacrylic acid ester of retronecine). having a high specific activity. was prepared by the acylation of 3H retronecine (II') with senecioyl chloride (3,3-dimethylacryloyl chloride).
A chiral N = 1 type I vacuum in four dimensions and its heterotic dual

In this paper we consider type I string theory compactified on a {bold Z}{sub 7} orbifold. The model has N=1 supersymmetry, a U(4){circle_times}U(4){circle_times}U(4){circle_times}SO(8) gauge group, and chiral matter. There are only D9-branes (for which we discuss tadpole cancellation conditions) in this model corresponding to a perturbative heterotic description in a certain region of the moduli space. We construct the heterotic dual, match the perturbative type I and heterotic tree-level massless spectra via giving certain scalars appropriate vacuum expectation values, VEVs, and point out the crucial role of the perturbative superpotential (on the heterotic side) for this matching. The relevant couplings in this superpotential turn out to be nonrenormalizable (unlike the Z-orbifold case discussed by Kakushadze, where Yukawa couplings sufficed for duality matching). We also discuss the role of the anomalous U(1) gauge symmetry present in both type I and heterotic models. In the perturbative regime we match the (tree-level) moduli spaces of these models. We point out possible generalizations of the {bold Z}{sub 3} and {bold Z}{sub 7} cases to include D5-branes which would help in understanding nonperturbative five-brane dynamics on the heterotic side. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
NCAR summer minority employment

A limited number of summer employment positions are available to college students who have not had extensive exposure to atmospheric science laboratory work. The program, sponsored by the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), is open to all students who will have completed sophomore year by the 1981 summer, but it is intended primarily to aid minorities. Accepted applicants will be assigned to a research project that focuses on topics that include atmospheric dynamics, climate, oceanography, acid precipitation, numerical weather prediction, atmosphere physics, and solar and space physics. Students will receive a monthly salary of $750, a housing allowance, and round-trip air fare to NCAR in Boulder, Colorado.
Learning to search: Functional gradient techniques for imitation learning

Programming robot behavior remains a challenging task. While it is often easy to abstractly define or even demonstrate a desired behavior, designing a controller that embodies the same behavior is difficult, time consuming, and ultimately expensive. The machine learning paradigm offers the promise of enabling "programming by demonstration" for developing high-performance robotic systems. Unfortunately, many "behavioral cloning" (Bain and Sammut in Machine intelligence agents. London: Oxford University Press, 1995; Pomerleau in Advances in neural information processing systems 1, 1989; LeCun et al. in Advances in neural information processing systems 18, 2006) approaches that utilize classical tools of supervised learning (e.g. decision trees, neural networks, or support vector machines) do not fit the needs of modern robotic systems. These systems are often built atop sophisticated planning algorithms that efficiently reason far into the future; consequently, ignoring these planning algorithms in lieu of a supervised learning approach often leads to myopic and poor-quality robot performance. While planning algorithms have shown success in many real-world applications ranging from legged locomotion (Chestnutt et al. in Proceedings of the IEEE-RAS international conference on humanoid robots, 2003) to outdoor unstructured navigation (Kelly et al. in Proceedings of the international symposium on experimental robotics (ISER), 2004; Stentz et al. in AUVSI's unmanned systems, 2007), such algorithms rely on fully specified cost functions that map sensor readings and environment models to quantifiable costs. Such cost functions are usually manually designed and programmed. Recently, a set of techniques has been developed that explore learning these functions from expert human demonstration. These algorithms apply an inverse optimal control approach to find a cost function for which planned behavior mimics an expert's demonstration. The work we present extends the Maximum Margin Planning (MMP) (Ratliff et al. in Twenty second international conference on machine learning (ICML06), 2006a) framework to admit learning of more powerful, non-linear cost functions. These algorithms, known collectively as LEARCH (LEArning to seaRCH), are simpler to implement than most existing methods, more efficient than previous attempts at non-linearization (Ratliff et al. in NIPS, 2006b), more naturally satisfy common constraints on the cost function, and better represent our prior beliefs about the function's form. We derive and discuss the framework both mathematically and intuitively, and demonstrate practical real-world performance with three applied case-studies including legged locomotion, grasp planning, and autonomous outdoor unstructured navigation. The latter study includes hundreds of kilometers of autonomous traversal through complex natural environments. These case-studies address key challenges in applying the algorithm in practical settings that utilize state-of-the-art planners, and which may be constrained by efficiency requirements and imperfect expert demonstration.
The role of olfactory stimuli in the location of weakened hosts by twig-infesting Pityophthorus spp.

Summary 1. Senescing, shade-suppressed, or broken branches of Monterey pine Pinus radiata are infested by twig beetles in the genus Pityophthorus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). The studies reported here tested whether twig beetles can discriminate between healthy and pitch canker-diseased branches, whether diseased branch tips produce more ethylene than undamaged controls, and whether ethylene and other volatiles, produced by the plant in response to tissue damage, are utilised by twig beetles in host location. 2. Significantly greater numbers of twig beetles were reared from pitch canker-symptomatic than from pitch canker-asymptomatic branches of Monterey pine collected in the field. 3. Needles of Monterey pine branches inoculated with the pitch canker fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum produced significantly higher levels of ethylene than needles of control branches, and this was evident just prior to, and during, symptom expression. 4. In trapping studies in which pheromone production was prevented, there was no evidence of attraction of twig beetles to a source of ethylene alone, to cut host branches, or to cut branches treated with the ethylene-releasing compound, ethephon. The results suggest that twig beetles identify weakened branches after landing.
Body mass index and phenotype in subjects with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma

Background Although obesity has been hypothesized to worsen asthma, data from studies of subjects with well-characterized asthma are lacking. Objective We sought to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI), asthma impairment, and response to therapy. Methods BMI (in kilograms per meter squared) and asthma phenotypic and treatment response data were extracted from Asthma Clinical Research Network studies. The cross-sectional relationship between BMI and asthma impairment was analyzed, as was the longitudinal relationship between BMI and response to asthma controller therapies. Results One thousand two hundred sixty-five subjects with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma were evaluated. Analyses of lean versus overweight/obese asthmatic subjects demonstrated small differences in FEV 1 (3.05 vs 2.91 L, P = .001), FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio (mean, 83.5% vs 82.4%; P = .01), rescue albuterol use (1.1 vs 1.2 puffs per day, P = .03), and asthma-related quality of life (5.77 vs 5.59, P = .0004). Overweight/obese asthmatic subjects demonstrated a smaller improvement in exhaled nitric oxide levels with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment than did lean asthmatic subjects (3.6 vs 6.5 ppb, P = .04). With ICS/long-acting β-agonist treatment, overweight/obese asthmatic subjects demonstrated smaller improvements in lung function than lean asthmatic subjects, with an 80 mL ( P = .04) and 1.7% ( P = .02) lesser improvement in FEV 1 and FEV 1 /forced vital capacity ratio, respectively. Significant differences in therapeutic response to leukotriene modifiers between BMI categories were not observed. Conclusions Increased BMI is not associated with clinically significant worsening of impairment in subjects with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. There is a modest association between increased BMI and reduced therapeutic effect of ICS-containing regimens in this patient population. Prospective studies evaluating the effect of being overweight or obese on treatment response in asthma are warranted.
The SGR for physician payment--an indispensable abomination.

Congress has just extended the life of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) — the formula that Medicare uses to calculate physicians' fees — for 6 more months. The SGR was enacted in 1998 to hold down the growth of these fees. It replaced a formula with the same objective that wasn't working. It ties the annual growth of Medicare fees to growth of the real gross domestic product, Medicare caseloads, and practice costs. But it ignores the principal reason that health care spending outpaces income growth: the increasing number and complexity of medical interventions. The SGR purports to control total . . .
Clinical diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Background. The clinical diagnosis of localized prostate carcinoma in the asymptomatic male has been based on a careful digital rectal examination (DRE). Methods. The DRE, prostate specific antigen (PSA), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS), prostate needle biopsy (PNB), and other modalities are examined for their role in prostate cancer diagnosis. Results. Up to 20% of localized prostatic cancer is still diagnosed “retrospectively” on transurethral resection (TURP) for clinically benign disease and prostatism. The role of fine-needle aspiration (FNA), flow cytometric study (FCM), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer is limited. Conclusions. Those men older than 50 years of age who have lower tract symptoms, either obstructive or irritative, or who have abnormal serum levels of PSA, regardless of DRE findings, are advised to undergo TRUS with ultrasound-guided PNB.
Alkalinity Buildup During Silicate Weathering Under a Snow Cover

Results from the study of experimental plots at Hubbard Brook, New Hampshire for the years 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996 show that the water draining from under a plot planted with pine trees exhibits its highest alkalinity during the year at about the time of spring snowmelt. This high alkalinity is believed to be due to buildup during the winter under a snow cover. The soil solutions are protected from acidic precipitation by the snow, and the natural process of the reaction of organic acids and carbonic acid with minerals and exchange complexes to form dissolved HCO3 − (and organic anions) proceeds with an increase in alkalinity through the winter. When the snow melts the acidic meltwater mixes with, neutralizes and displaces the water previously occupying the soil interstices. This leads to a decided drop in alkalinity of the drainage water. The alkalinity buildup under the pine plot was found to be two to ten times greater than under a similar plot containing no higher plants. This strongly emphasizes the important role of plants, in their ability to produce organic acids and high levels of CO2, in accelerating the weathering of silicate minerals.
A texture-mapping approach for the compression of colored 3D triangulations

We present an algorithm that constructs compact and realistic descriptions of colored 3D objects using texture mapping on compressed triangulations. A high-resolution triangular mesh model is created by integrating measurements from a color 3D laser sensor. Each vertex is attributed with a RGB color value. The high-resolution triangulation is transformed into a compressed triangulation and a texture map. This map embeds the color information of the vertices removed during the geometric compression and projected on the lower resolution triangulation. We describe the algorithm for the rapid and efficient construction of a texture map for compressed triangulations of arbitrary topology. Experiments show that high compression rates can be achieved while maintaining good visual similarity between the original and compressed models.
The Case For Measuring Quality In Mental Health And Substance Abuse Care

Over the past decade, efforts to measure and improve quality have permeated health policy and health care generally but have barely penetrated mental health and substance abuse care. We review barriers and recent activities in these areas and propose a short list of quality measures to engage the policy and practice community in a discussion about how best to evaluate the care of people with these conditions. Quality measures could include, for example, screening, brief intervention, and referral for alcohol abuse. Because proposing a list is only a first step, we suggest other elements of a broader strategy to bring mental health and substance use care into the mainstream of health care quality improvement.
Biosynthesis and distribution of insect-molting hormones in plants--a review.

Insect-molting hormones, phytoecdysteroids, have been reported to occur in over 100 plant families. Plants, unlike insects, are capable of the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids from mevalonic acid, and in several cases the biosynthesis of phytoecdysteroids was also demonstrated to proceedvia sterols.Spinacia oleracea (spinach) biosynthesizes polypodine B and 20-hydroxyecdysone, which is the predominant insect-molting hormone found in plant species. The onset of ecdysteroid production in spinach requires the appropriate ontogenetic development within the plant, which is related to leaf development. In spinach, lathosterol is the biosynthetic precursor to ecdysone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. Phosphorylated ecdysteroid intermediates, particularly ecdysone-3-phosphate, are required during biosynthesis. Polyphosphorylated forms of ecdysteroids are putative regulatory components of the pathway. During spinach development, the 20-hydroxyecdysone is transported from the sites of biosynthesis to the apical regions. An analysis of the physiological data available suggests that different species may synthesize ecdysteroids in various organs and distribute these ecdysteroids to other sites. Annual plants appear to concentrate ecdysteroids in the apical regions, including flowers and seeds. Perennial plants may recycle their ecdysteroids between their deciduous and their perennial organs over the growing season. Further investigations of ecdysteroid biosynthesis and physiology within plants will be required before an acceptable system can be designed to test phytoecdysteroid effectivenessin vivo against insect herbivory.
Endoscopic Partial Inferior Turbinoplasty

Endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty with a microdebrider has been introduced as an alternative to other inferior turbinectomy techniques for the treatment of nasal airway obstruction. Between June 1994 and December 1997, 100 patients underwent endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty. Concurrent septoplasty was performed in 81 patients, and functional endoscopic sinus surgery was performed in 43 patients. Synechiae formation in 12 patients was the most common complication and resolved in nearly all cases. Postoperative improvement in nasal patency occurred in 93% of the patients. In the 48 patients for whom preoperative subjective scores were available, a significant difference was noted when comparing preoperative and postoperative subjective and outcome scores of nasal patency (P < 0.0001). Patients with underlying allergy and chronic sinusitis tended to have lower outcome scores. Postoperative rhinomanometry was obtained in 21 patients and revealed a normalized mean total nasal resistance of 0.23 Pa/mL/second. This improved to 0.17 Pa/mL/second with topical decongestion (P = 0.0029), revealing the retention of the turbinate mucosa’s vasoactive capability. We conclude that endoscopic partial inferior turbinoplasty provides a good alternative to other inferior turbinectomy techniques and is associated with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidity. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999;121:406-9.)
Worst-month rain attenuation and XPD statistics for satellite paths at 12 GHz

Worst-month attenuation and XPD data are presented from a three year measurement program at Blacksburg, Virginia USA using the SIRIO 11.6 GHz beacon. The ratio of worst month to annual percentage occurrence levels (Q) for the attenuation and XPD data agree closely with each other. They also show excellent agreement to the CCIR model. Comparisons to previously reported experimental results are also given.
Field-Assisted Nanopatterning

A new atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based lithography method called field-assisted nanopatterning (FAN) has been demonstrated. Through the use of a conventional atomic force microscope with no alterations, FAN controllably patterns solid or liquid organic and inorganic molecules in the air under ambient conditions. In this manner, patterns can be produced with feature sizes that range from tens of microns to sub-20 nm. Examples include the high-resolution FAN of [60]fullerene, N-methylpyrrole, naphthalene, poly-3-octylthiophene, polyaniline, meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, and gold. These molecules have been patterned onto highly ordered pyrolytic graphite, indium−tin oxide, Au, and passivated Au. The molecules are first coated on a standard AFM tip and then are deposited onto the substrate when a threshold tip bias is achieved. The deposition process is a field-assisted transfer of the molecules from the tip to the substrate. Patterning is turned on or off by controlling tip bias, and the same tip is used for...
Colloid deposition rates on silica bed media and artifacts related to collector surface preparation methods

Colloid deposition rates in porous media under unfavorable filtration conditions were compared for filter media cleaned by a variety of methods. The bed media consisted of soda-lime glass beads or ultrapure quartz sand, and the colloids were 0.245-μm-diameter carboxyl latex spheres. Deposition rates, expressed as attachment efficiencies, a, were determined as a function of pH at constant ionic strength. The filter media were cleaned with strong acid (HCl) alone, strong acid in combination with concentrated chromic acid, heat (810 o C), acetone, or boiling 4 N HNO 3
Stateless key distribution for secure intra and inter-group multicast in mobile wireless network

Group communication has become an important component in wireless networks. In this paper, we focus on the environments in which multiple groups coexist in the system, and both intra and inter-group multicast traffic must be protected by secret keys. We propose a mechanism that integrates polynomials with stateless secret updates to achieve personal key share distribution and efficient key refreshment during group changes. The proposed mechanism distributes keys via true broadcast. Compared to previous approaches, the proposed mechanism has the following advantages: (1) The adoption of symmetric encryption/decryption for multicast traffic matches the limited processing capability of wireless nodes. (2) The stateless feature of key distribution matches the properties of mobile wireless networks including frequent topology changes and temporary connection disruptions. (3) Special mechanisms are designed to reduce the communication overhead during key updates and provide protection against both intra and inter-group impersonation. The storage, computation, and communication overhead of the proposed mechanism is investigated. Analysis and simulation are conducted to demonstrate the improvements over previous approaches.
Natural convective boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past a convectively heated vertical plate

Abstract Natural convective flow of a nanofluid over a convectively heated vertical plate is investigated using a similarity analysis of the transport equations followed by their numerical computations. The transport model employed includes the effect of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The analysis shows that velocity, temperature and solid volume fraction of the nanofluid profiles in the respective boundary layers depend, besides the Prandtl and Lewis numbers, on four additional dimensionless parameters, namely a Brownian motion parameter Nb , a thermophoresis parameter Nt , a buoyancy-ratio parameter Nr and convective parameter Nc . In addition to the study of these parameters on the boundary layer flow characteristics (velocity, temperature, solid volume fraction of the nanofluid, skin friction, and heat transfer), correlations for the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers have been developed based on a regression analysis of the data. These linear regression models provide a highly accurate (with a maximum standard error of 0.004) representation of the numerical data and can be conveniently used in engineering practice.
Reexamination of the Species Assignment of Diacavolinia Pteropods Using DNA Barcoding

Thecosome pteropods (Mollusca, Gastropoda) are an ecologically important, diverse, and ubiquitous group of holoplanktonic animals that are the focus of intense research interest due to their external aragonite shell and vulnerability to ocean acidification. Characterizing the response of these animals to low pH and other environmental stressors has been hampered by continued uncertainty in their taxonomic identification. An example of this confusion in species assignment is found in the genus Diacavolinia. All members of this genus were originally indentified as a single species, Cavolinia longirostris, but over the past fifty years the taxonomy has been revisited multiple times; currently the genus comprises 22 different species. This study examines five species of Diacavolinia, including four sampled in the Northeast Atlantic (78 individuals) and one from the Eastern tropical North Pacific (15 individuals). Diacavolina were identified to species based on morphological characteristics according to the current taxonomy, photographed, and then used to determine the sequence of the “DNA barcoding” region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). Specimens from the Atlantic, despite distinct differences in shell morphology, showed polyphyly and a genetic divergence of <3% (K2P distance) whereas the Pacific and Atlantic samples were more distant (∼19%). Comparisons of Diacavolinia spp. with other Cavolinia spp. reveal larger distances (∼24%). These results indicate that specimens from the Atlantic comprise a single monophyletic species and suggest possible species-level divergence between Atlantic and Pacific populations. The findings support the maintenance of Diacavolinia as a separate genus, yet emphasize the inadequacy of our current taxonomic understanding of pteropods. They highlight the need for accurate species identifications to support estimates of biodiversity, range extent and natural exposure of these planktonic calcifiers to environmental variability; furthermore, the apparent variation of the pteropods shell may have implications for our understanding of the species’ sensitivity to ocean acidification.
The distribution of lifetime Medicare benefits, taxes and premiums: Evidence from individual level data

Abstract The absence of individual level data linking earnings histories to the receipt of Medicare benefits has hampered the study of the program's distributional properties. Data developed by the Social Security Administration for an early cohort of Medicare beneficiaries includes both earnings records and Medicare payment records and thus overcomes this limitation. For this early cohort, lifetime benefits and taxes are found to rise with lifetime earnings, but taxes rise more rapidly resulting in redistribution from higher to lower earning beneficiaries. Lifetime benefits in the top decile of the earnings distribution are 19% higher than in the bottom decile, but taxes and premiums are four times higher in the top than in the bottom decile. Once taxes and premiums are subtracted, net benefits in the top decile are 79% of net benefits in the bottom decile
Live-trapping and bovine tuberculosis testing of free-ranging white-tailed deer for targeted removal

Context Significant efforts have been made in Michigan, USA, to reduce the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) over the past 15 years. Since 2002, however, prevalence has changed little, prompting the need for new control strategies. Aims In January–March of 2007 and 2008, a trap–test–cull project was conducted on an 11 000-ha property in the north-eastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The objectives were to assess the feasibility of live-trapping and testing white-tailed deer for TB as a means for targeted removal and estimate the cost of this effort. Methods Live-trapped deer were ear-tagged and a blood sample was drawn for use with the CervidTB STAT-PAK (commonly called Rapid Test) for TB diagnosis in the field. Deer testing negative were released, whereas deer testing positive were euthanised to confirm blood-test results via bacterial culture. Key results In all, 762 (741 with known sex and age) individual deer were captured and tested for TB. Adults comprised 59% (437 of 741) of the captures. Eight (1.8%) adults were positive on the blood test; six of eight (1.4% of adults) were confirmed TB positive via bacterial culture. Estimated TB prevalence in the present study was 2.5% (adjusted for Rapid Test sensitivity of 56%), being lower than what would be expected on the basis of routine hunter-harvest surveillance for this site which has yielded prevalence rates from 3.4% to 4.8%. Results demonstrated the ability to trap and test a substantial number of deer given high deer densities (16–20 deer per km2), availability of traps and abundant workers. The 2-year project cost a total of ~US$228 000, or US$38 000 per culture-positive animal. Conclusions Because of the cost and effort involved, a project such as the present one applied to Michigan’s larger TB-management area (148 018 ha) is not feasible. Implications If the efficiency and effectiveness of a trap–test–cull project could be improved by vaccinating test-negative animals, should a vaccine be approved for use in free-ranging white-tailed deer, a trap–test–cull project applied on a scale similar to the present study may prove beneficial by possibly reducing disease transmission, in addition to removing TB-positive animals.
Intracoronary administration of the α1-receptor agonist, methoxamine, does not reproduce the infarct-limiting effect of ischemic preconditioning in dogs

Background: The cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning has been hypothesized to occur through one or more signalling mechanisms which activate protein kinase C. Stimulation of α 1-adrenergic receptors by catecholamines released during the preconditioning episodes of ischemia is one of these putative signalling mechanisms. Methods: To determine whether stimulation of α 1-adrenergic receptors before an ischemic challenge can mimic preconditioning, anesthetized dogs were treated with 4 intracoronary infusions of methoxamine HC1 (10 μg/kg/min; n = 8), each 5 min in duration and followed by 5 min of washout. Control dogs ( n = 10) were given similar infusions of 0.9% NaCl. A third group of dogs was preconditioned with 4 cycles of 5 min ischemia, each followed by 5 min of reperfusion ( n = 8). All dogs then underwent 60 min of ischemia (circumflex coronary occlusion) followed by 3 h of reperfusion. Infarct size (expressed as % of area-at-risk) was measured with TTC macrochemistery and analyzed (using analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]) with respect to coronary collateral blood flow (measured using radioactive microspheres). Results: Methoxamine markedly increased systemic arterial and left atrial pressures prior to but not during the ischemic challenge. Baseline predictors of infarct size were not different among the groups. Mean infarct size (adjusted from ANCOVA) did not differ between control and methoxamine-treated groups, 28.3 ± 2.8% vs. 29.7 ± 3.2%, respectively ( P = NS), but was only 12.7 ± 3.2% in the preconditioned group ( P < 0.01 vs. control and methoxamine). Conclusions: A series of methoxamine infusions before an ischemic challenge did not affect infarct size. Thus, stimulation of α 1-adrenergic receptors alone is insufficient to mimic the cardioprotective effect of ischemic preconditioning in this canine model.
Urinary matrix calculi: our experience at a single institution.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Matrix stones are an uncommon form of urinary calculi and may be mistaken for tumors involving the renal collecting system, thereby presenting a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma to the practicing urologist.Materials and Methods: From 1980 to 2003 we identified 5 patients with urinary matrix stones referred to our tertiary medical center for evaluation and treatment.Results: All 5 cases had complex clinical and radiographic features at presentation. We outline the clinical presentations, imaging findings and management, and review the literature of matrix stone disease.Conclusions: A high index of suspicion is required in diagnosing matrix calculi in addition to carefully selected radiographic imaging. Due to their variable appearance in standard radiological studies, the evaluation of matrix stones may require invasive techniques such as ureteroscopy for accurate diagnosis. Percutaneous removal is the primary treatment modality to render patients stone-free.
Impervious surface quantification using a synthesis of artificial immune networks and decision/regression trees from multi-sensor data

Abstract Impervious surface quantification is important for many planning and management applications because of the impacts that impervious surfaces have on a range of environmental resources such as groundwater. This research proposes an integrated method to quantify impervious surfaces at multiple spatial scales via a synthesis of several machine learning approaches. In this study, we 1) proposed a hierarchical classification method to detect impervious surfaces through a fusion of optimized artificial immune networks (OPTINC) and decision trees at high spatial resolution, 2) evaluated the method using multi-sensor data (i.e., high spatial resolution WorldView-2 and LiDAR data) to map impervious surfaces, 3) tested the applicability of the binary impervious surface maps to quantify sub-pixel imperviousness from Landsat TM data of a larger region using regression trees at moderate spatial resolution, and 4) examined the model sensitivity of regression trees to training sample size for impervious surface quantification. OPTINC and decision trees successfully identified impervious surfaces at high resolution (overall accuracy > 90%). The regression tree predicted imperviousness from the TM data with a moderate success (R2 = 0.64 and MAE = 14.2%). Although the regression tree appeared robust when training sample size was sufficiently large, it was not stable with small sample size (e.g.,
A strongly first order electroweak phase transition from strong symmetry-breaking interactions.

We argue that a strongly first order electroweak phase transition is natural in the presence of strong symmetry-breaking interactions, such as technicolor. We demonstrate this using an effective linear scalar theory of the symmetry-breaking sector.
Practical VLSI realization of morphological operations

Mathematical morphology has been proven to be a very useful tool for image processing and computer vision. Gray scale and binary morphological operations are usually implemented by software. Software implementation is, however, inefficient and slow. To achieve real-time morphological processing, a new hardware implementation method is presented based on VLSI. The complexity of the implementation method is also discussed.
Demonstrated Actions of Instructional Leaders

To confirm perceptions, actions, and behaviors articulated by the district superintendents, triangulation interviews were conducted with school principals and school board members in each of the participating districts. A 52- item questionnaire was also administered to every principal and school board member in these districts. Responses of these personnel confirmed the articulated actions and behaviors of these superintendents in their promotion of the technical core of curriculum and instruction.
Real-time implementation of wavelet-based Advanced Combination Encoder on PDA platforms for cochlear implant studies

This paper presents the real-time implementation of wavelet-based Advanced Combination Encoder on PDA platforms for cochlear implant studies. Three real-time implementations using the conventional FFT, our previous recursive DFT, and the wavelet transform are compared in terms of computational complexity, processing time and fixed-point accuracy. The results obtained show that this new real-time implementation on PDA platforms is computationally comparable to our previous real-time recursive DFT implementation while achieving a higher accuracy or a lower quantization error.
Clinical Decision-Making in Community Children’s Mental Health: Using Innovative Methods to Compare Clinicians With and Without Training in Evidence-Based Treatment

Background Mental health professionals’ decision-making practice is an area of increasing interest and importance, especially in the pediatric research and clinical communities.
Analysis of short-channel effects in organic field-effect transistors

We present a comprehensive study of short channel effects in organic field-effect transistors by measuring the electrical characteristics of devices with fixed channel width and varying channel length. Our studies are conducted on a p-type organic semiconductor, (E,E-2,5-bis-{4'-bis-(4''-methoxy-phenyl)amino-styryl}-3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene that is spin-coated from solution to form bottom contact organic field-effect transistors. Drain-source currents from transistors with a channel length of 50 μm show excellent agreement with the square law equations derived for crystalline Si MOSFETs in both the linear and saturation regimes. As the channel length is incrementally reduced to 1 μm, device characteristics such as saturation regime channel conductance, sub-threshold current and threshold voltage, behave in a manner similar to Si MOSFETs of decreasing channel length. Results of these studies indicate the presence of non-destructive current punch-through and in addition, both channel-length modulation and threshold-voltage roll-off, neither of which have previously been reported in OFETs.
Calculating Minimal Energy Shapes of Fusion Pores

We have developed a new computational model to calculate the shape of fusion pores that are in a state of minimal elastic energy as a function of pore length and lumen radius. A Helfrich Hamiltonian accounting for splay and lipid tilt was used for calculations. Minimal-energy shapes were obtained by numerically solving steepest descent partial differential equations derived from the Hamiltonian. The energy landscape was calculated by describing the bilayer as a single surface--the midplane between monolayers--or by describing the bilayer as two abutted monolayers, each with a neutral surface. The constraint imposed by mathematically placing two monolayers in apposition causes minimal energy to be larger than that predicated by (incorrectly) assuming that the elastic properties of a bilayer can be quantitatively captured through a single surface. Independent of pore size, the deformation of tilt did not appreciably affect elastic energies; in other words, membrane splay dominates elastic energies. For small radii, shapes of minimal energy were close to the shape of a catenoid. For large pores, however, deviations of minimal energy shapes from catenoids were large, resulting from the necessity that the membranes be parallel and the separation between them fixed at distances far from the rim of the pore. Energies for minimal shapes were 15-60kT less than the energy of the toroidal shape for pore radii in the range of 2-16 nm and for initially parallel membranes that were separated by 2-4 nm. For the smallest pore possible (i.e., an initial pore), a toroidal geometry overestimated the minimal energy by 30 kT. For pores with radius larger than length, membrane separation near the rim of the pore exceeds the distance between the parallel membranes. These shapes of minimal elastic energy can now be used to calculate fusion pore dynamics.
Predictability and Its Relationship to Scale Interaction Processes in Blocking

Abstract This paper addresses that aspect of predictability which appears related to scale interaction processes in blocking. The basic approach consists of synoptic analysis and quasi-geostrophic diagnosis of the dynamical processes in the real versus forecast model atmosphere. Time–longitude plots of a blocking index, together with sequences of 500 mb height charts, are used to show the temporal and spatial relationships of circulation systems of three distinct wavebands; planetary, medium and short scale, defined as total wavenumbers 0–6, 7–12, and 13–30, respectively. The relevant quasi-geostrophic concepts and equations are formulated to permit explicit evaluation of the relative importance of barotropic versus baroclinic mechanisms and the contributions to each of scale interactive and non- (or self-) interactive processes. The case discussed here is the Atlantic/European blocking of January 1987, particularly the initial stage of development (3–12 January), and was drawn from the recent National Me...
A model of muscular control of upper airway geometry

Abstract Some disorders of the upper airway in humans are marked by decreased cross-sectional area and increased airway wall compliance. Based on our observations from studies performed in the isolated upper airway of dogs, we hypothesized that the size, and perhaps the geometry, of the airway was altered by changes in the relative activation levels of various muscle pairs. This could be accomplished either by altering the intensity of the neuromuscular input, or by activating muscle pairs which have different geometric orientation to the airway. We developed an analytic relationship to allow us to vary the stimulus level driving any one of six muscle pairs, each with a different anatomic orientation, to evaluate the relationship between those parameters and upper airway volume. With data generated from bilateral electrical stimulation of upper airway muscles, we described a shape factor which allowed us to predict the maximum force produced at optimal length. These findings were applied to a length/tension curve common to striated muscle to allow us to examine the muscle behavior at lengths other than optimal. The position of each muscle was described in spherical coordinates relative to an elastic cylinder, which represented the isolated, sealed upper airway. These coordinates defined the direction in which the force generated by each muscle pair would be applied. Three compliance constants determined the change in airway dimensions produced by the muscle force. This system and its variables were used to calculate the change in volume of the sealed upper airway chamber resulting from muscle contraction. We evaluated the effect of muscle contraction on the change in upper airway volume and found good correlation between the simulation results and the changes generated by the electrical stimulation of the muscles in the isolated, sealed upper airway preparation in dogs. By changing the values for the compliance variables, one can mimic the floppy upper airway associated with sleop apnea. By changing the level of muscle activation, one can mimic the increased efforts associated with emphysema. These findings are applicable to several clinical situations including obstructive sleep apnea and electrical stimulation of the diaphragm as well as maneuvers for enhancing voice training.
1H resonances of proximal histidine in CO complexes of hemoglobins provide a sensitive probe of coordination geometry

A straightforward strategy for assignment of the C epsilon H, C delta H and N delta H proton resonances of the proximal histidine ligand in diamagnetic complexes of monomeric hemoglobins and myoglobins is reported. These resonances are subject to large ring current shifts and are highly sensitive to coordination geometry. There are no significant differences between the CO complexes of myoglobin, leghemoglobin or hemoglobin alpha-subunits in proximal His coordination geometry or hydrogen bonding to the backbone at Leu F4. Ring current calculations show that the His F8 coordination geometry in the CO complexes of myoglobin and hemoglobin alpha-subunits is very similar in crystal and solution.
An arginine-dependent step in the maturation of type 2 adenovirus.

Abstract Of all amino acids in Eagle's basal medium, only arginine is essential for synthesis of complete, infectious progeny virus in KB cells infected with type 2 adenovirus. Omission of any one or all of the other AA's from the medium permits limited virus replication, but none whatever can be detected in absence of medium arginine. When arginine was restored to infected cultures after 28–32 hours of deprivation, infectious virus was made without detectable lag and increased exponentially at the “normal” rate. Simultaneous addition of FUDR failed to inhibit virus production, suggesting that viral DNA had been synthesized in absence of arginine. Accordingly, when thymidine-3H was added to cultures only during arginine starvation, label was recovered in virus produced following restoration. Immunofluorescence and hemagglutination tests showed that “early” antigen as well as proteins associated with the hexon and penton-fiber subunits were synthesized during the arginine-free period. Thus all previously identified components of the mature virion appear to be made, at least to a limited extent, in the absence of external arginine. When the arginine restored to previously deprived infected cultures was tritium-labeled, radioactivity was associated with the purified virus yield. It is proposed that arginine plays a specific role in a late synthetic step essential for virion maturation.
Dynamic studies of ototoxicity in mature avian auditory epithelium.

: Hearing loss induced by ototoxicity is a worldwide problem despite the development of newer antibiotics and chemotherapy agents. The cellular mechanisms responsible for aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss are still poorly understood. We have developed two different methods of studying the dynamic cellular and subcellular changes in the chick auditory sensory epithelium that occur during hair cell death. The first study was performed in mature chicks after a single, high dose injection of gentamicin, which results in the rapid loss of all hair cells in the basal third of the cochlea. Chicks were sacrificed at discrete time points after drug treatment, and transmission electron microscopy was performed to study the ultrastructural changes in basal hair cells during the course of cell death. We noted various changes in the cell morphology including accumulation of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, dispersion of the cytoplasmic polyribosomes, mitochondrial swelling, and cellular extrusion by 24 h after injection. The next two studies were performed using tissue cultures from mature avian auditory sensory epithelium. Cultured cells were labeled using vital fluorescent markers, and levels of intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species within hair cells were studied following aminoglycoside exposure. We identified a dose-dependent increase in the levels of intracellular calcium, which was blocked by an inhibitor of voltage-gated calcium channels. We also found that levels of reactive oxygen species in hair cells greatly increased after exposure to gentamicin, and this response was blocked by two different antioxidants. These studies serve to identify key cellular and molecular changes in hair cells in response to ototoxic drugs. Further study of these processes may lead to a better understanding of how ototoxicity is induced and to potential preventative interventions.
David R. Boyd lecture in trauma care and emergency medical systems: Upper extremity injuries—past, present, and future

Since its recognition as a subspeciality soon after World War I, hand surgery has evolved into a highly specialized and sophisticated field of medicine. Enormous advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the upper limb; primary tenorrhaphy and the application of microsurgical techniques for revascularization, replantation, and free tissue transfer are among the most important innovations. This article reviews the history of flexor tendon surgery and reconstructive microsurgery up to the present time, and makes some predictions for the future direction of these, and other, areas of hand surgery.
“TORCing” Neutrophil Chemotaxis

During cell migration, chemoattractant-induced signaling pathways determine the direction of movement by controlling the spatiotemporal dynamics of cytoskeletal components. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Liu et al. report that the target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) controls cell polarity and chemotaxis through regulation of both F-actin and myosin II in migrating neutrophils.