The Training and Development Process for a Multiple-Grand-Slam Finalist in Tennis.

Purpose: To investigate the training and development process of a multiple-Grand-Slam finalist.

Methods: A mixed-methods case-study design was used to capture the quantitative and qualitative aspects related to the training and successful development process. We used a 3-step data-collection process and pragmatic analyses of (1) training history based on logs, plans, and questionnaires; (2) in-depth semistructured interviews with the player's head coach/father, physical coach, and team administrator/mother; and (3) systematic quality assurance through negotiation among researchers and all key informants, including the player.

Sine-limiting microcell solar concentrators for space.

Microcell concentrating photovoltaics (µCPV) have the potential to improve performance and reduce the cost of solar power in space. Here, we introduce an ultracompact V-cone tailored edge ray (V-TERC) concentrator, rooted in nonimaging optics, which enables operation near the sine limit. Relative to previous space µCPV implementations, this concentrator design enables an approximate four-fold increase in concentration ratio for a given acceptance angle and specific power.

Ultralow Index SiO Antireflection Coatings Produced via Magnetron Sputtering.

Antireflection (AR) coatings with graded refractive index profiles approaching air offer unparalleled AR performance but lack a scalable fabrication process that would enable them to be used more widely in applications such as architecture and solar energy conversion. This work introduces a sputtering-based sacrificial porogen process to fabricate multilayer nanoporous SiO coatings with tunable refractive index down to = 1.11.

Design and demonstration of ultra-compact microcell concentrating photovoltaics for space.

Optical concentration can improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of photovoltaic power but has traditionally been too bulky, massive, and unreliable for use in space. Here, we explore a new ultra-compact and low-mass microcell concentrating photovoltaic (µCPV) paradigm for space based on the monolithic integration of transfer-printed microscale solar cells and molded microconcentrator optics. We derive basic bounds on the compactness as a function of geometric concentration ratio and angular acceptance, and show that a simple reflective parabolic concentrator provides the best combination of specific power, angular acceptance, and overall fabrication simplicity.

Graded-Index Fluoropolymer Antireflection Coatings for Invisible Plastic Optics.

Plastic optics are used in an ever-expanding range of applications and yet a durable, high performance antireflection (AR) coating remains elusive for this material class. Here, we introduce a sacrificial porogen approach to produce ultralow refractive index nanoporous fluoropolymer AR coatings via thermal coevaporation of Teflon AF and the small molecule N, N'-bis(3-methylphenyl)- N, N'-diphenylbenzidine (NPD). Using this approach, we demonstrate a five-layer, step-graded AR coating that reduces the solar spectrum-averaged (400 < λ < 2000 nm) reflectance of acrylic plastic to <0.

Randomized trial of a hypnosis intervention for treatment of hot flashes among breast cancer survivors.

Purpose: Hot flashes are a significant problem for many breast cancer survivors. Hot flashes can cause discomfort, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. A well-tolerated and effective mind-body treatment for hot flashes would be of great value.

Double modulation of 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of advanced colorectal carcinoma: report of a trial with sequential methotrexate, intravenous (loading dose) folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and a literature review.

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) modulation with either folinic acid (FA) or methotrexate (MTX) has improved 5-FU's potential cytoreductivity. We combined MTX and FA with 5-FU to further augment 5-FU's cytoreductivity. Patients (n = 34) with advanced colorectal carcinoma were first given intravenous MTX (escalated from 30 mg/m2 to 70 mg/m2).

Pilot study of induction therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (CAP) and chest irradiation prior to thoracotomy in initially inoperable stage III M0 non-small cell lung cancer.

In an attempt to increase the resection rate of patients with non-small cell lung cancer, two cycles of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin chemotherapy and chest irradiation (3000 cGy in 10 fractions, split course) were administered to 42 initially inoperable (T3 or N2M0) patients. Three patients were subsequently determined to be ineligible, two because of small cell histology and one because of M1 disease. Among the 39 eligible patients, 20 (51%) had a regression following the combined-modality therapy.

Propylbutyldopamine. Mechanism of blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients.

The effects of propylbutyldopamine ( PBDA ), an analog of dopamine lacking significant vasoconstrictor effects, were examined in seven patients with essential hypertension. Cardiovascular hemodynamics, renal plasma flow, urinary sodium excretion, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system were examined during PBDA infusion both before and after administration of low (8 micrograms/kg) and high (40 micrograms/kg) doses of the dopamine receptor antagonist metoclopramide. Infusion of PBDA at a rate of 20 micrograms/kg/min lowered mean arterial pressure from an average control value of 112 +/- 4 to 94 +/- 3 mm Hg during the last 5 minutes of infusion (p less than 0.

Transfusion-induced alloimmunization in patients awaiting renal allografts.

Lymphocytotoxic antibodies can be induced by the immunologic stimulus of pregnancy, blood transfusion, or tissue allograft. The presence of such antibodies can delay or prevent renal transplantation. However, a history of prior transfusion exposure has been strongly associated with excellent renal allograft survival.