3514 Background: A pathologic complete response (pCR) to pre-operative chemoradiation (CRT) is associated with improved prognosis in rectal cancer patients treated with total mesorectal excision (TME), but the proportion of patients who achieve a pCR is relatively small. We investigated the effect of adding increasing cycles of pre-operative neoadjuvant chemotherapy after CRT followed by surgery on pCR rate, adverse events (AEs) and surgical complications. METHODS Three sequential phase II trials or study groups (SGs) were conducted in patients with endorectal ultrasound or MRI Stage II and III rectal cancer. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant 5-FU-based CRT, followed by 0, 2 or 4 cycles of mFOLFOX-6 followed by TME. Tumor response was assessed by pathology according to RECIST criteria. AEs and surgical complications were reported according to CTCAE 3.0. RESULTS Demographics were similar between SGs. Clinical characteristics, treatment compliance, pathological tumor response, AEs and surgical complications are shown below (Table). CONCLUSIONS Advanced rectal cancer patients who receive pre-operative CRT and increasing cycles of chemotherapy before surgery have a higher pCR rate without increasing AEs or surgical complications. Studies assessing delivering all chemotherapy before rather than after TME are underway. [Table: see text].

SEVENTY-NINE lactating cows were assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) early weaning of calves (30 days postpartum), (2) early weaning and hormone therapy, (3) suckling calves throughout the experiment and (4) suckling calves and hormone therapy. The hormone therapy was initiated at 30 days post-calving and consisted of a progestogen implant combined with injections of FSH-P and an injection of estradiol-17β. The cows were with fertile bulls for 70 days (30 to 100 days postpartum). The hormone treatment increased (P

Many international border crossings screen cargo for illicit nuclear material using radiation portal monitors (RPMs) that measure the gamma-ray flux emitted by vehicles. Screening often consists of primary, which acts as a trip-wire for suspect vehicles, and secondary, which locates the radiation source and performs isotopic identification. The authors present a method of anomaly detection for primary screening that uses past observations of gamma-ray signatures to define an expected benign vehicle population. Newly acquired spectra are then compared to this expected population using statistical criteria that reflect acceptable alarm rates and probabilities of detection. Shown here is an analysis of spectroscopic RPM data collected at an international border crossing using this technique. The raw data were analyzed to develop an expected benign vehicle population by decimating the original pulse-height channels, extracting composite variables with principal components analysis, and estimating variance-weighted distances from the "mean vehicle spectra" with the Mahalanobis distance metric. The following analysis considers data acquired with both NaI(Tl)-based and plastic scintillator-based RPMs. For each system, performance estimates for anomaly sources are compared to common nuisance sources. The algorithm reported here shows promising results in that it is more sensitive to the anomaly sources than common nuisance sources for both RPM types.

Spectral signature databases abound in the field of remote sensing. Scientists use these databases to assist in their analysis everyday. Many decisions are made about hyperspectral data and the observations made with this data based on the assumption that these databases contain "ground truth" representations of the signatures for materials sensed. For the most part, this is true if the team collecting the signatures that populate these databases follow sound practices when collecting this data. The data does, however, represent a very specific picture of the "truth". Signatures found in databases represent a specific collection configuration or geometry. The source of illumination, whether it is artificial or natural, is in a very specific location as is the sensor used to collect radiance for the derivation of the reflectance signatures. A signature found in the database is useful for only a very specific scenario, one that matches the geometry used during ground truth collection. There are other very significant factors regarding illumination field and scattering properties of the material and reference standards that influence the computed reflectance signature. This work will illustrate some of the dramatic variation that can exist in the reflectance signatures derived for the same material using different techniques. Difference upward of 30% may exist for the same material. These observations are presented so that scientists who look to these databases in the future will consider very carefully the metadata that is presented with the signatures that they use to make sure they are applicable to the phenomenology and collection scenario that they have under study. These observations should also point out that signatures presented without detailed metadata could be very hazardous to use if the outcome of the analysis being performed relies upon the absolute reflectance spectra being known.

This paper describes a collaborative collection campaign to spectrally image and measure a well characterized scene for hyperspectral algorithm development and validation/verification of scene simulation models (DIRSIG). The RIT Megascene, located in the northeast corner of Monroe County near Rochester. New York, has been modeled and characterized under the DIRSIG environment and has been simulated for various hyperspectral and multispectral systems (e.g., HYDICE, LANDSAT, etc.). Until recently, most of the electro-optical imagery of this area has been limited to very high altitude airborne or orbital platforms with low spatial resolutions. Megacollect 2004 addresses this shortcoming by bringing together, in June of 2004, a suite of airborne sensors to image this area in the VNIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR regions. These include the COMPASS (hyperspectral VNIR,SWIR), SEBASS (hyperspectral LWIR), WASP (broadband VIS, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR) and MISI (hyperspectral VNIR, broadband SWIR, MWIR, LWIR). In conjunction with the airborne collections, an extensive ground truth measurement campaign was conducted to characterize atmospheric parameters, select targets, and backgrounds in the field. Laboratory measurements were also made on samples to confirm the field measurements. These spectral measurements spanned the visible and thermal region from 0.4 to 20 microns. These measurements will help identify imaging factors that affect algorithm robustness and areas of improvement in the physical modeling of scene/sensor phenomena. Reflectance panels have also been deployed as control targets to both quantify sensor characteristics and atmospheric effects. A subset of these targets have also been deployed as an independent test suite for target detection algorithms. Details of the planning, coordination, protocols, and execution of the campaign will be discussed with particular emphasis on the ground measurements. The system used to collect the metadata of ground truth measurements and disseminate this data will be described. Lastly, lessons learned in the field will be underscored to highlight additional measurements and changes in protocol to improve future collections of this area.

We describe the design, fabrication, and performance of a five-element quarterwave-shifted distributed feedback laser array with monolithically integrated spot size converters intended for use as a multiple-wavelength source in dense wavelength-division telecommunications systems. Facet power in excess of 10 mW with less than 150 mA bias and longitudinal side mode suppression greater than 40 dB were routinely achieved. Narrow far-field full-width at half-maximum angles of 6.9/spl deg//spl times/16.3/spl deg/ provided 3.5-dB coupling loss into single-mode fiber with 1.0-dB misalignment tolerances of /spl plusmn/2.0 /spl mu/m. With /spl plusmn/10/spl deg/C thermal tuning, 22 1555-nm channels spaced by 50 GHz were accessed with this device. Thorough field evaluation indicates that such a device is consistent with manufacturing requirements.

We have demonstrated a semiconductor optical amplifier and electroabsorption modulator monolithically integrated with a novel dual-waveguide spot-size converter at the input for low-loss coupling to planar lightguide circuit silica waveguides or cleaved single-mode optical fiber. These devices exhibit greater than 10 dB fiber-to-fiber gain, output power of +4 dBm, 3-dB modulation bandwidth of 6 GHz, and modulator extinction ratios of 20 dB dc and 14.4 dB RF for a 2.4-V/sub pp/ drive.

We study the role of p-doping on the characteristics of InGaAsP/InP multi-quantum well lasers through detailed simulations and experiments. The static and dynamic characteristics of a series of 1.3 μm lasers with varying p-i junction placement were measured. The device characteristics were simulated including carrier transport, capture of carriers into the quantum wells, quantum mechanical calculation of the levels and optical gain in the wells and solution for the optical mode. The simulations were self consistent and carried out as a function of device bias. The simulations account for the trends observed with p-doping profile. In particular, the simulated optical gain and small signal resonance frequencies agree well with the measurements. The trend of larger resonance frequency with increased p-doping in the active layer of the laser depends on both the gain and the carrier transport through the multi-quantum well region.

In this paper, we study both experimentally and theoretically how the change of the p-doping profile, particularly the p-i junction placement, affects the output characteristics of 1.3-mu m InGaAsP-InP multiple-quantum-well (MQW) lasers, The relationship between the p-doping profile before and after regrowth is established, and the subsequent impact of changes in the p-i junction placement on the device output characteristics, is demonstrated. Device characteristics are simulated including carrier transport, capture of carriers into the quantum wells, the quantum mechanical calculation of the properties of the wells, and the solution for the optical mode and its population self-consistently as a function of diode bias. The simulations predict and the experiments confirm that an optimum p-i junction placement simultaneously maximizes external efficiency and minimizes threshold current. Tuning of the base epitaxial growth Zn profile allows one to fabricate MQW devices with a threshold current of approximately 80 A/cm(2) per well for devices with nine QW's at room temperature or lasers with a characteristic temperature T-0 = 70 K within the temperature range of 20 degrees C-80 degrees C.

This paper briefly describes the special publication, "Fault and Disturbance Data Requirements for Automated Computer Analysis", prepared by working group III of the Relaying Practices and Consumer Interface Protection Subcommittee of the IEEE Power System Relaying Committee. The publication describes the analysis objectives and the data necessary to facilitate automated analysis.

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 95th Annual Convention Podium and Poster Abstracts June 9-14, 1996 Seattle, Washington: PDF Only

In order to meet the increasing market needs for uncooled lasers for such applications as fiber- in-the-loop, high efficiency, high power, and highly reliable 1.3 micrometer uncooled InGaAsP/InP strained multi-quantum well Fabry-Perot lasers were fabricated with 50 mm wafer processing. Slope efficiency as high as 0.39 W/A and peak power as high as 46 mW at 85 degrees Celsius was obtained by optimizing the device structure for high temperature operation. We have also demonstrated excellent uniformity and reproducibility over 6 wafers. Reliability was also shown to be very good. More than 10,000 chips sites are available on a 50 mm wafer, and the cost is expected to be low. Because of the high performance, these lasers are expected to be used for various applications.

PURPOSE: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) was first used on a regular basis in the United States in 1990. Because there is a sole source of instrumentation, the surgeons who use this equipment are known to us. Thus, this earliest registry is a compilation of data based on most patients who underwent TEM in the United States from 1990 to 1994. METHOD: One hundred fifty-three cases were voluntarily registered by six surgeons. Pathology included 54 carcinomas, 82 adenomas, and 17 other entities. Most resections were full thickness. Fifty percent of cases were out of reach of standard instruments. Complication rate, hospital stay, and blood loss were recorded. Technical difficulties at time of surgery (9 percent), early complications (15 percent), and late complications (5 percent) have been tabulated. RESULTS: Recurrence rates for carcinoma were 10 percent fur T1, 40 percent for T2, and 66 percent for T3 stages. Failures were treated by abdominoperineal resection or low anterior resection. Adenomas recurred in 11 percent, but these recurrences were small and easily treatable. CONCLUSION: TEM has a low complication rate. By carefully selecting small, superficial cancers and adenomas, TEM results in superior outcome over other approaches to the mid and upper rectum.

The identification of the ureter is critical to spare it from injury during right and left colectomy. A porcine model is used to evaluate ultrasound as a means of identifying the ureter during laparoscopic colectomy.

A highly selective reactive ion etching process using SiCl4, CF4, O2, and He is reported. The selectivity of the etch, which is adjustable, ranges from 308:1 to 428:1 for GaAs to Al0.11Ga0.89As. This variability in selectivity is achieved by adjusting the helium flow rate. One very attractive feature of this etch is that it uses no chlorofluorocarbons and therefore complies with future bans on these substances imposed at both federal and corporate levels.1-3 The etch is demonstrated on a GaAs field effect transistor structure with an underlying Al0.11Ga0.89As stop-etch layer The etch can be used for both anisotropic and isotropic applications.

Mitra, A.; Walker, S. A.; Bayer, I.; Pickovsky, B.; Cohen, S. M.; Schmitt, S. L.; Lucas, F. L.; Wexner, S. D.; Szilagy, E. J.; Ryan, J. B.; Williams, J. G.; Deen, K. I.; Grant, E.; Kumar, D.; Wiltz, O. H.; Garcia, J. E.; Feliciano, R.; Martino, J.; Solomon, M.; McLeod, R. S.; O'Connor, B.; Steinhart, H.; Greenberg, G.; Cohen, Z.; Meagher, A. P.; Adams, W. J.; Lubowski, D. Z.; Ellis, C. N.; Boggs, H. W.; Coyle, D. J.; Blakemore, W. S.; Nahas, S. C.; Ibrahim, R. El; Pinotti, H. W.; Palakanis, K.; DeNobile, J.; Sweeney, B.; Blankenship, C.; Sun, J. H.; Stiegmann, G. V.; Kim, J. G.; Pearlman, N. W.; Landes, R. V.; Hankin, R. C.; Barkel, D. C.; Beauregard, W. L.; Poulik, M. D.; Chen, J. C.; Dmuchowski, C.; Cho, E.; Lee, P. Y.; Fletcher, W. S.; Sullivan, E. S.; Vetto, J. T.; Hull, T. L.; Lavery, I. C.; Saxton, J. P.; McCue, J.; Sheffield, J.; Phillips, R.; DiPierro, J.; Milsom, J. W.; Fazio, V. W.; Strong, S. A.; Vernava, A. M. III; Longo, W. E.; Wade, T. P.; Virgo, K. S.; Coplin, M. A.; Johnson, F. E.; Cavina, E.; Menconi, C.; Ghiselli, G.; Seccia, M.; Tjandra, J. J.; Lowndes, R.; McKirdy, H.; Schroeder, T.; Hughes, L. E.; Sentovich, S. M.; Rivela, L. J.; Thorson, A. G.; Blatchford, G. J.; Christensen, M. A.; Jensen, L. L.; Lowry, A. C.; Miller, R.; Mills, A.; Durdey, P.; Hock-Saive, D.; Lombard, R.; Jehaes, C.; Markiewicz, S.; Penders, L.; Fontaine, F.; Cusumano, P.; Nelissen, G.; MacDonald, A.; Baxter, J. N.; Bessent, R. G.; Gray, H. W.; Finlay, I. G.; Duthie, G. S.; Farouk, R.; Bartolo, D. C. C.; Ramanujam, P. S.; Venkatesh, K. S.; Oliver, G. C.; Vachon, D.; Eisenstat, T. E.; Rubin, R. J.; Salvati, E. P.; Dorsey-Tyler, K. R.; Harmon, G.; Medwell, S. J.; Binderow, S. R.; Noguerás, J. J.; Jagelman, D. G.; Decanini, C.; Bohm, B.; Stolfi, V. W.; Cataldo, P. A.; Hadick, C.; Resnikov, P.; Mellinger, J. D.; Cunningham, B.; Vayer, A. J. Jr.; Larach, S. W.; Williamson, P. R.; Ferrara, A.; Salomon, M.; Nogueras, J. J.; Sullivan, J.; Staniunas, R. J.; Keck, J. O.; Counihan, T.; Marcello, P.; Barrett, R. C.; Oster, M.; Roberts, P. L.; Schoetz, D. J.; Murray, J. J.; Veidenheimer, M. C.; Coller, J. A.; Sagar, P. M.; Lewis, W.; Williamson, M.; Holdsworth, P. J.; Johnston, D.; Jorge, J. M. N.; Morgado, P. J. Jr.; James, K.; Morgado, P. Jr.; Penna, C.; Kartheuser, A.; Tiret, E.; Parc, R.; McIntyre, P. B.; Pemberton, J. H.; Wolff, B. G.; Dozois, R. R.; Beart, R. W.; Kelley, K. A.; Harrison, J. B.; Hockenberry, S. E.; Williamson, M. E. R.; Lewis, W. G.; Sagar, P.; Armstrong, D. N.; Collopy, B. C.; Ryan, P. J.; Fink, R.; Mackay, J. R.; Woods, R. J.; Nazarian, H. K.; Kong, L. B.; Fleshner, P. R.; Keighley, M. R. B.; Farmakis, N.; Tudor, R.; Wiltz, O.; Wong, W. D.; Goldberg, S. M.; Rothenberger, D. A.; Arnold, M. W.; Schneebaum, S.; Martin, E. W. Jr.; Young, D. C.; Schechter, S.; Snyder, M. L.; Orkin, B. A.; Smith, L. E.; Dean, P. A.; Ramsey, P. S.; Nelson, H.; Barker, G.; Neoptolomos, J. P.; Patel, R. T.; Pall, A.; Adu, D. Author Information

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons 91st Annual Convention Podium and Poster abstracts: PDF Only