cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical-potential measurements and phase diagram of a pseudoternary solid: LixCuyMo6S8.

By use of x-ray-diffraction and electrochemical techniques we have measured the phase diagram of the pseudoternary solid, ${\mathrm{Li}}_{x}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{y}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{6}{\mathrm{S}}_{8}$. We compare our measurements of the Li chemical potential, $\ensuremath{\mu}$, and the response function $\ensuremath{-}{(\frac{\ensuremath{\partial}x}{\ensuremath{\partial}\ensuremath{\mu}})}_{y,T}$ near phase boundaries to predictions of theory.
The Combinatorics of Flat Folds: A Survey

We survey results on the foldability of flat origami models. The main topics are the question of when a given crease pattern can fold flat, the combinatorics of mountain and valley creases, and counting how many ways a given crease pattern can be folded. In particular, we explore generalizations of Maekawa's and Kawasaki's Theorems, develop a necessary and sufficient condition for a given assignment of mountains and valleys to fold up in a special case of single vertex folds, and describe recursive formulas to enumerate the number of ways that single vertex in a crease pattern can be folded.
Blau Syndrome–Associated Nod2 Mutation Alters Expression of Full-Length NOD2 and Limits Responses to Muramyl Dipeptide in Knock-in Mice

The biochemical mechanism by which mutations in nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2) cause Blau syndrome is unknown. Several studies have examined the effect of mutations associated with Blau syndrome in vitro, but none has looked at the implication of the mutations in vivo. To test the hypothesis that mutated NOD2 causes alterations in signaling pathways downstream of NOD2, we created a Nod2 knock-in mouse carrying the most common mutation seen in Blau syndrome, R314Q (corresponding to R334Q in humans). The endogenous regulatory elements of mouse Nod2 were unaltered. R314Q mice showed reduced cytokine production in response to i.p. and intravitreal muramyl dipeptide (MDP). Macrophages from R314Q mice showed reduced NF-κB and IL-6 responses, blunted phosphorylation of MAPKs, and deficient ubiquitination of receptor-interacting protein 2 in response to MDP. R314Q mice expressed a truncated 80-kDa form of NOD2 that was most likely generated by a posttranslational event because there was no evidence for a stop codon or alternative splicing event. Human macrophages from two patients with Blau syndrome also showed a reduction of both cytokine production and phosphorylation of p38 in response to MDP, indicating that both R314Q mice and cells from patients with Blau syndrome show reduced responses to MDP. These data indicate that the R314Q mutation when studied with the Nod2 endogenous regulatory elements left intact is associated with marked structural and biochemical changes that are significantly different from those observed from studies of the mutation using overexpression, transient transfection systems.
The β-thymosin enigma

Actin dynamics in nonmuscle cells is controlled by the availability of actin nucleating sites and actin monomers. Thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta-4) has been implicated in modulating the availability of actin monomers in a large variety of cells. It together with actin nucleating, severing, and uncapping proteins, harnesses the intrinsic dynamic properties of actin to regulate the actin polymerization response in cells. Overexpression or addition of exogenous Tbeta-4 or its homolog, Tbeta-10, alters the actin cytoskeleton, and has multiple effects on cellular functions related to motility. Some of these effects are consistent with beta-thymosins functioning exclusively as monomer-binding proteins, while others are not. Therefore, the complex pleiotropic effects of beta-thymosin in cells may be due to direct and indirect effects on the actin cytoskeleton, as well as modulation of signaling pathways that will impact the cytoskeleton and a variety of cell functions.
Quantified Visual Scoring of Metastatic Melanoma Patient Treatment Response Using Computed Tomography: Improving on the Current Standard

To assess whether quantitative visual scoring (QVS) is a better early predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) in patients on chemotherapy for metastatic melanoma using CT than the currently used Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) standard. Retrospective evaluation of 65 consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma on treatment who had a baseline and follow-up CT after two cycles of therapy. QVS was used to code imaging findings on the radiology reports considering size change, brain metastases, new lesions, mixed lesion response, and the number of organ systems involved. RECIST 1.1 criteria placed patients in the progressive disease, stable disease, or partial response groups. Multiple regression analysis was used to correlate the various independent variables with PFS. The Cox hazard proportions ratio, median survival, and Kaplan–Meier curves of the different prognostic groups were calculated. QVS of size change was found more sensitive in detecting patients deteriorating (57.1% versus 37.5%) or improving (23.8% versus 10.7%), more correlated with the median PFS for the deteriorating (1.8 versus 1.7 months), stable (5.6 versus 4.0 month), and improving (8.3 versus 5.5 months) categories and more predictive of PFS (Cox hazard proportion ratio of 3.070 versus 1.860) than RECIST 1.1 categorization. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated QVS of lesion size correlated most closely with PFS among the variables assessed (r = 0.519, p < 0.0001). QVS in this study was superior to standard RECIST categorization in terms of discriminating treated metastatic melanoma patients likely to have longer PFS.
What is a Gene? From Molecules to Metaphysics

Mendelian genes have become molecular genes, with increasing puzzlement about locating them, due to increasing complexity in genomic webworks. Genome science finds modular and conserved units of inheritance, identified as homologous genes. Such genes are cybernetic, transmitting information over generations; this too requires multi-leveled analysis, from DNA transcription to development and reproduction of the whole organism. Genes are conserved; genes are also dynamic and creative in evolutionary speciation—most remarkably producing humans capable of wondering about what genes are.
Ethics and Editors

To the Editor .—We would like to raise several points regarding your marginal comment published in the April issue of theJournal(127:471, 1974). In these comments it is stated that there are "rumors of efforts to ban all clinical investigation on minors." Although various types of regulation and legislation on research on human subjects have already been proposed, and more will certainly be forthcoming, none of these efforts propose to ban all research on children. Studies where the child himself may benefit directly from experimental treatment would rarely be interdicted. It is the "nontherapeutic" research that is being questioned in relation to those individuals who either cannot be appropriately informed or cannot freely consent or both. It is to this type of research as it applies to such individuals that we wish to respond. It is unfortunate that many researchers who are striving to preserve the status quo of
Muscarinic cholinergic receptors promote growth of human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that muscarinic receptors induce mitogenesis in cells capable of undergoing cell proliferation. Human prostate gland is innervated by the autonomic nervous system and muscarinic receptors have been localized in the prostate gland. METHODS Effects of carbachol (a stable analog of acetyl choline) on DNA synthesis of LNCaP cells (a human prostate cancer cell line) and primary prostate cells was examined. The DNA synthesis in the cultured cells was assessed using techniques of 3H-thymidine incorporation and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Carbachol induced a significant increase in BrdU- and 3H-thymidine incorporation of LNCaP cells. The effect of carbachol was completely reversed by atropine, a selective muscarinic antagonist. Subtypes of muscarinic receptors mediating carbachol-induced DNA synthesis were identified using selective receptor subtype antagonists. Pirenzepamine and gallamine did not affect carbachol action on LNCaP cells but diphenylpyralamine, an M3 receptor antagonist, completely blocked carbachol-induced DNA synthesis. Carbachol also stimulated DNA synthesis in primary prostate cells. Prostate carcinoma (PC)-derived primary prostate cells displayed a dramatically greater response to carbachol (a ten-fold increase in DNA synthesis) as compared to benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH)-derived cells (a two-fold increase in DNA synthesis). CONCLUSIONS M3 receptors stimulate the proliferation of LNCaP cells, BPH-derived and PC-derived primary prostate cells. A dramatically higher response to carbachol by PC-derived prostate cells suggests that M3 receptors may be up-regulated in PC. M3 receptors may play a significant role in PC tumor growth and androgen-independent tumor progression. Prostate 30:160–166, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
What do patients want? Survey of patient desires for education in an urban university hospital.

Introduction: This study examines the emergency department (ED) waiting room (WR) population’s knowledge about the ED process and hospital function and explores the types of educational materials that might appeal to patients and their companions in an ED waiting room. Our goal was to identify potential high-impact opportunities for patient education. Methods: A 32-question survey about demographics, usage of primary care physicians (PCP), understanding of the ED and triage process, desire to know about delays, health education and understanding of teaching hospitals was offered to all qualified individuals. Results: Five hundred and forty-four surveys were returned. Fifty-five percent reported having a PCP, of which 53% (29% of all WR patients) called a PCP prior to coming to the ED. It was found that 51.2% can define triage; 51% as an acuity assessment and 17% as a vital signs check. Sixty-nine percent knew why patients were seen according to triage priority. Seventy-two percent wanted to know about delays, yet only 25% wanted to know others’ wait times. People wanted updates every 41 minutes and only three percent wanted a physician to do this. Forty-one percent wanted information on how the ED functions, 60% via handouts and 43% via video. Information on updates and common medical emergencies is significantly more important than material on common illnesses, finding a PCP, or ED function (p<0.05). Median estimated time for medical workup ranged from 35 minutes for radiographs, to one hour for lab results, computed tomography, specialist consult, and admission. Sixty-nine percent knew the definition of a teaching hospital and of those, 87% knew they were at a teaching hospital. Subgroup analysis between racial groups showed significantly reduced knowledge of the definitions of triage and teaching hospitals and significantly increased desire for information on ED function in minority groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The major findings in this study were that many visitors would like handouts about ED function and medical emergencies over other topics. Additionally, the knowledge of functions such as triage and teaching hospitals were 70% and 69%, respectively. This was reduced in non-Caucasian ethnicities, while there was an increased desire for information on ED function relative to Caucasians. This research suggests increasing updates and educational materials in the waiting room could impact the waiting room and overall hospital experience. [West J Emerg Med. 2014;15(7):-0.]
High-Spatial and High-Mass Resolution Imaging of Surface Metabolites of Arabidopsis thaliana by Laser Desorption-Ionization Mass Spectrometry Using Colloidal Silver

High-spatial resolution and high-mass resolution techniques are developed and adopted for the mass spectrometric imaging of epicuticular lipids on the surface of Arabidopsis thaliana. Single cell level spatial resolution of approximately 12 mum was achieved by reducing the laser beam size by using an optical fiber with 25 mum core diameter in a vacuum matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-linear ion trap (vMALDI-LTQ) mass spectrometer and improved matrix application using an oscillating capillary nebulizer. Fine chemical images of a whole flower were visualized in this high spatial resolution showing substructure of an anther and single pollen grains at the stigma and anthers. The LTQ-Orbitrap with a MALDI ion source was adopted to achieve MS imaging in high mass resolution. Specifically, isobaric silver ion adducts of C29 alkane (m/z 515.3741) and C28 aldehyde (m/z 515.3377), indistinguishable in low-resolution LTQ, can now be clearly distinguished and their chemical images could be separately constructed. In the application to roots, the high spatial resolution allowed molecular MS imaging of secondary roots and the high mass resolution allowed direct identification of lipid metabolites on root surfaces.
DNA ploidy and vimentin expression in primary breast cancer

DNA ploidy and vimentin expression in primary breast cancer The DNA content of 50 breast cancers of varying tumour type, grade and stage was measured using static image cytometry, and correlated with vimentin expression in the tumour cells. A tendency to increased vimentin expression and aneuploidy was observed in high grade and late stage tumours1. A statistically significant difference was observed in DNA index and ploidy balance between grade 1 and grades 2 and 3 carcinomas (P 0.05). Clonal heterogeneity was observed in 25% of breast carcinomas, and was associated with increased vimentin expression. These changes may be indicative of genomic alteration and tumour aggressiveness. ADN-ploidie et expression de la vimentine dans les cancers primitifs du sein Le contenu en ADN de 50 cancers du sein de differents types histologiques, grades et stades a ete mesure par cytometrie en analyse d'image et correle avec l'expression de la vimentine par les cellules tumorales. Dans les tumeurs de haut grade et de stade avance. Une tendance a une augmentation de l'expression de la vimentine et de l'aneuploidie a ete observee (1). Une difference significative a ete observee pour l'index d'ADN et la balance de ploidie entre les carcinomes de grade 1 et grades 2 et 3 (p<0,05) et entre les carcinomes de stade 1 et de stade 2 (p<0,05). L'expression de la vimentine differe egalement de faqon significative entre les grades 1, 2, 3 (p< 0,001) et, entre les carcinomes canalaires de stades 1, 2, 3 (p<0,05). Aucune difference significative n'est observee entre l'index de proliferation et le degre d'hyperploidie (p<0,05). L'heterogeneite clonale est observee dans 25% des carcinomes mammaires et est associee a une augmentation de l'expression de la vimentine. Ces modifications peuvent etre une indication des alterations genomiques et de l'agressivite tumorale. DNA-Ploidie und Vimentinexpression im Mammakarzinom Von 50 unterschiedlichen Mammakarzinomen hinsichtlich Histologie, Grading und Stadium wurden der DNA-Gehalt mittels Bildanalyse ermittelt und mit der Vimentinexpression korreliert. Es ergab sich eine Trend zu erhohter Vimentin-expression bei aneuploiden Highgrade Tumoren fortgeschrit tener Stadien. Statistisch gesicherte unterschiede ergaben sich zwischen DNA-Werten der G1 Tumoren gegenuber G2 und 3 (p 0,05). Eine klonale Heterogenitat wurde in 25% der Falle beobachet und war‥ mit erhohter Vimentinexpression verbunden. Diese Veranderungen konnen als Hinweis auf Anderungen des Genoms und der Aggressivitat verstanden werden.
Restrictive Rental Practices and Their Impact on Families

This article presents the results of a national survey about exclusionary rental policies concerning children. Based on a national sample of renters and the owners or managers of their rental units, the data document the nature, extent and magnitude of exclusionary policies, the attitudes of managers about renting to families with children, the attitudes of renters toward living near children, and the effects that these policies have had on American families. The study shows that exclusionary practices against children have increased in the past decade. The data suggest that exclusionary practices pose a real problem for many American families.
Thrombotic complications in children from short-term percutaneous central venous catheters: what can we do?

Summary The reported incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in children has increased dramatically over the past decade, and the primary risk factor for VTE in neonates and infants is the presence of a central venous catheter (CVC). Although the associated morbidity and mortality are significant, very few trials have been conducted in children to guide clinicians in the prophylaxis, diagnosis, and treatment of CVC-related VTE. Furthermore, pediatric guidelines for prophylaxis and management of VTE are largely extrapolated from adult data. How then should the anesthesiologist approach central access in children of different ages to lessen the risk of CVC-related VTE or in children with prior thrombosis and vessel occlusion? A comprehensive review of the pediatric and adult literature is presented with the goal of assisting anesthesiologists with point-of-care decision-making regarding the risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of CVC-related VTE. Illustrative cases are also provided to highlight decision-making in varying situations. The only risk factor strongly associated with CVC-related VTE formation in children is the duration of the indwelling CVC. Several other factors show a trend toward altering the incidence of CVC-related VTE formation and may be under the control of the anesthesiologist placing and managing the catheter. In particular, because children with VTE may live decades with its sequelae and chronic vein thrombosis, careful consideration of lessening the risk of VTE is warranted in every child. Further studies are needed to form a clearer understanding of the risk factors, prophylaxis, and management of CVC-related VTE in children and to guide the anesthesiologist in lessening the risk of VTE.
Predictive Utility of Subject-, Task-, and Problem-Specific Self-Efficacy Judgments for Immediate and Delayed Academic Performances

Self-efficacy perceptions of Korean female high school students (N = 202) were assessed at 3 different levels of specificity in English and mathematics. Problem-specific, task-specific, and subject-specific self-efficacy beliefs all formed separate factors in both subject areas. However, the 3 self-efficacy factors were too highly correlated to contribute independently to outcome prediction. Various nested models produced comparable fits as long as they contained predictive paths from either the problem- or the task-specific self-efficacy factor. Contrary to the hypothesis, predictive relations between self-efficacy and achievement were not much affected by their temporal contiguity. When the author combined English and math factors in a single structural model, English achievement was predicted only by English self-efficacy and math achievement only by math self-efficacy. The same pattern was maintained regardless of the specificity of self-efficacy measures.
Coplanar patterns of self-assembled monolayers for selective cell adhesion and outgrowth

Abstract A recently developed deep UV photolithographic method produces high resolution (1–200 μm feature size) patterns of coplanar self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) which spatially control the adhesion and outgrowth of biological cells. Characterization of these patterned SAMs, using wettability, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), shows that high resolution adjacent regions of intact SAMs are formed in the same molecular plane. Selective adhesion and outgrowth of neuroblastoma cells, explanted rat hippocampal cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells are demonstrated on these SAM patterns. Patterned SAMs might provide new approaches to the study of intercellular communication and development, and allow arrangement of cells on surfaces of sensor devices, prosthetic implants, or tissue repair templates.
The ancient Hebrew culture: Illustrations of modern strategic management concepts in action

Using archival analysis of modern English translations of Hebrew Old Testament books, the current study identifies associations between the actions and writings of ancient Israel's leadership and modern-day principles of strategic management. The results of this study provide examples of four key concepts in mainstream strategic management: (1) organisational mission, (2) organisational culture, (3) organisational structure, and (4) environmental scanning. Chronicling selected activities of the ancient Hebrew culture provides rich illustrations of modern strategic management concepts in practice more than three millennia ago.
Establishment communication systems: LAN's or PABX's—which is better?

In the sixties and early seventies, major activities in networking were focused on private and public data networks using either circuit and packet-switching technology or integrating both switching methods into a single network. In this time frame, manufacturers of main frames defined and implemented network architectures, ISO started work on the reference model of the Open-System Interconnect Architecture, and CCITT recommended the X-series of interfaces.Local-area communication networks (LAN's) represent a comparatively new field of activity which can be viewed as an extension to data networks for making high-speed packet-switching services available to the in-house domain. Currently, much research and development work is being pursued in this field, both at universities and in industry. The term local refers to communication on the users' premises, i.e., within a building or among a cluster of buildings.Local data and voice communication are not new. A typical example of a system widely used today for local data communication between hosts and display terminals is a star configuration where the terminals are attached to control units tightly coupled to a processor via I/O channels. The necessary terminal control functions are provided in the control unit and shared among a set of terminals. The most widely used local communication system is the Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX). Most PABX's installed today are optimised for real-time voice, and use analog technology.
A theistic proof of perfection

The pinnacle of traditional theism is its claim that God is " tha t than which no greater can be conceived". As it has come to be interpreted in recent times, this is understood as the claim that God is a greatest possible, or maximally perfect, being? Now, this characterization of God has been thought by some to be the loftiest reMization of truth ever vouchsafed to human minds. I t has been seen by others, standing in the tradition of Hume, to be nothing more that the ultimate expression of the most obsequious human proclivity for fa tuous f lat tery and appeasement. Theists themselves are sometimes a bit ambivalent about the concept of divine perfection. Is the ascription of perfection to God anything more than, in McTaggart 's memorable phrase, "a piece of theological etiquette"? Is it a superadded bit of what Matthew Arnold called "over-belief"? Or on the contrary, can it be seen as a natural capstone to independent theistic convictions, an idea in which the theistic metaphysical vision culminates? In this short essay, I want to a t tempt to show how a number of metaphysical beliefs together can entail that God is a greatest, even the greatest possible being, beliefs which severally can be independently plausible to theists who may otherwise feel uncertain about the explicit claim of maximal perfection for God. I shall do this by laying out a simpl~ deductive argument whose premises will be the metaphysical claims which can be independently plausible to theists of a traditional bent, and whose conclusion will be the claim of perfection for God. Each premise will be briefly commented upon.
On cost allocation for a spanning tree: A game theoretic approach

Cooperative game theory solution concepts are used to allocate costs in a spanning tree network. Stable cost allocations are related to the core of a cooperative game and it is proved that every game generated from a minimum cost spanning tree with an immovable source has a core. A refinement of the core, called the irreducible core, is introduced and the extreme points of the solution can be characterized by permutations of the minimal cost spanning tree. Points in the irreducible core are shown to be stable under unions of additional players. A weighted Shapley value is used to obtain a unique allocation of costs. This value coincides with the marginal costs of the spanning tree when there is only one minimal spanning tree. When multiple sources are allowed, counterexamples to the existence of a core are presented unless extra taxes are levied on the users.
Graphical representations of the class I MHC cleft

We describe computer graphics and computer aided manufacture of three-dimensional models designed specifically to elucidate the cleft in the class I human leukocyte antigen. The models evolve from computer graphical representations and provide a geometrically and chemically concise and detailed view of the antigen binding site. The techniques provide a new approach to representations of binding sites. The model provides sufficient detail to support binding specificities analysis of active sites involved in protein and DNA binding.
In vitro activity of cefcanel versus other oral cephalosporins.

Cefcanel is a new orally absorbed cephalosporin. Its activity was compared with that of cefuroxime, cefaclor, cephalexin, and cefixime against grampositive and negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Cefcanel had excellent activity against methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureus andStaphylococcus epidermidis, MIC90 1 µg/ml, superior to the other oral cephalosporins. However, methicillin-resistant staphylococci were resistant, MIC ≥16 µg/ml.Streptococcus pyogenes andStreptococcus pneumoniae were inhibited by 0.015–1 µg/ml, concentrations comparable to other cephalosporins.Clostridium spp. were inhibited by 0.25 µg/ml, 8- to 128-fold lower concentrations than were found for other agents, but the MICs were >64 µg/ml forBacteroides spp. The MIC90 forMoraxella catarrhalis was 1 µg/ml, similar to cefuroxime but 16-fold greater than the MICs of cefixime.Escherichia coli andKlebsiella pneumoniae which were high beta-lactamase producers were resistant, MICs >64 µg/ml, and 50 % ofEnterobacter cloacae andCitrobacter freundii were resistant. Cefcanel was hydrolyzed by TEM-1, TEM-3 and Moraxella Bro-1 beta-lactamases.Escherichia coli containing TEM-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 had cefcanel MICs of ≥16 µg/ml. Although cefcanel inhibited gram-positive species as well as or at lower concentrations than other cephalosporins, it lacked activity against gram-negative species that produced common plasmid beta-lactamase although it inhibitedHaemophilus influenzae carrying TEM-1.
EXPERIMENTAL VENUE AND ESTIMATION OF INTERACTION STRENGTH

Ecologists utilize laboratories, mesocosms, and field environments as the settings for their experiments. However, the ways in which these venues influence exper- imental outcomes remain poorly understood. I tested the effect of experimental venue by conducting parallel manipulations in mesocosms and in the field. A target-neighbor ex- periment estimating the impact of larval wood frog (Rana sylvatica) density on the per- formance of spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) larvae was carried out in a set of artificial pond mesocosms and within mesh enclosures placed in natural ponds. Larvae of P. crucifer suffered sharp reductions in growth and development in the presence of increasing R. sylvatica densities when reared in mesocosms, but showed no response in field enclosures. A comparative test suggested that mesocosms yielded relatively unrealistic responses. These findings demonstrate that, apart from other considerations such as spatial scale, experimental venue can alter conclusions regarding interactions between species. If venue dependence is widespread, ecologists will need to strategically assess the choice of venue when con- sidering the goals of their experiments.
Sequential Analysis with Delayed Observations

Abstract In testing one hypothesis against another, observations may be obtained sequentially. The special feature of the situation considered in this paper is that after the decision to stop observation is made a fixed number of additional observations are available for the terminal decision. The test is then based on the ratio of the likelihoods (at two simple hypotheses) of all the observations (whatever stopping rule is used). Numerical comparisons are made for various cases when the hypotheses concern the mean of a normal distribution with the variance known; these cases include a fixed-sample-size procedure as well as cases where several numbers of additional observations are available after the Wald sequential probability ratio test is used as a stopping rule.
A multiple regression model to explain the cost of brand-drugs

Abstract The goal of this study is to examine how four factors - level of competition, therapeutic purpose, age of the drug, and manufacturer play a role in the pricing of brand-name prescription drugs. Understanding how these factors contribute to high drug prices will allow players in this supply chain to negotiate more favorable contract terms. This can be a large benefit to society as this insight can lead to improved efficiency in pricing and increased savings, which can be passed to the consumer. We develop measures for these factors based on publicly available information. Using data on the wholesale prices of prescription drugs, we estimate a model for drug prices based on our measures of competition, therapeutic purpose, age, and manufacturer. Our analysis reveals that these factors are significant in estimating drug prices. We observe that proliferation of dosing levels tends to reduce the prices, therapeutic conditions which are both less common and more life-threatening lead to higher prices, older drugs are less expensive than newer drugs, and some manufacturers set prices systematically different from others even after controlling for other factors. These findings indicate that publicly observable factors can be used to explain drug prices.
Fracture behavior and analysis of fiber reinforced concrete beams

Abstract Fiber reinforced concrete beams with varying notch depths and different volume fractions of steel fibers were tested. The results were analyzed to examine the applicability of various fracture mechanics approaches including: critical stress intensity factor, J-integral, critical crack opening displacement, compliance technique for determining the slow crack growth and R-curve analysis. Attempts were made to identify a fracture parameter which is independent of test-specimen geometry and which can correctly predict the effects of fiber addition. R-curve method appears to be promising.
Thermodynamic study of the KMgAlClSO4H2O system at the temperature 298.15 K

Abstract The Pitzer ion-interaction model has been used for thermodynamic simulation of the binary AlCl3H2O, Al2(SO4)3H2O, ternary KClAlCl3H2O, K2SO4Al2(SO4)3H2O, MgCl2AlCl3H2O, MgSO4Al2(SO4)3H2O, and the quaternary KClMgCl2AlCl3H2O systems at T=298.15 K. The optimum values of the binary parameters of ionic interactions for aluminum solutions have been calculated using activity data up to saturation of solutions. The ternary parameters have been chosen on the basis of the compositions of saturated ternary solutions taking into account the unsymmetrical mixing terms. Good agreement between experimentally determined and calculated solubilities has been found. Important thermodynamic characteristics (thermodynamic solubility product, standard molar Gibbs energy of formation) of the solid phases (simple and double salts) crystallizing in the systems under consideration are determined.
In-situ FT-IRAS study of the CO oxidation reaction over Ru(001): III. Observation of a 2140 cm−1 C-O stretching vibration

Utilizing Fourier Transform Reflection Absorption-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IRAS), we have investigated the CO oxidation reaction in-situ on a Ru(001) surface at high (≈ 10 Torr) pressures. Under certain temperature and reactant (CO and O2) partial pressure conditions, we observe for the first time on unsupported Ru a weakly adsorbed CO species which is characterized by an unusually high C-O stretching frequency of 2140 cm−1. A similar feature has been identified previously on small Ru particles in supported catalysts and attributed by some to a multicarbonyl species (−Ru(CO)n,n > 1). By following the intensity of this feature on Ru(001) relative to other peaks in the spectra, we believe that the 2140 cm−1 peak observed here is most likely due to a highly perturbed linearly adsorbed monocarbonyl on partially oxidized Ru sites generated by locally high concentrations of coadsorbed oxygen.
Thermotaxis, chemotaxis and age

It has been demonstrated that polymorphonuclear leukocytes migrate in vitro along a temperature gradient, i.e., that they exhibit positive thermotaxis. The effect varies monotonically with the temperature gradient, a fact which suggests that PMN thermotaxis may be important in nonspecific immune amplification. Thermotaxis and chemotaxis are synergistic: simultaneously applied codirectional chemotactic and thermotactic stimuli produce a motile response that is more than double the sum of the separate effects. Conversely, counter-directional stimuli produce inhibition. Chemotaxis correlates positively with age for cell donors less than 35 years old, but there is no significant correlation with age for the cell donors older than 61 years in this small pilot sample. Neither is there a significant correlation between chemotaxis and thermotaxis. Nonetheless, these preliminary data seem to open new avenues for the study of cell response to inflammation.
Study on energy focusing synthesis on pipe using time reversal technique

Deliver a focused energy by utilizing guided stress waves traveling along the structure to a desired location of the structure where the physical access is prohibited or significantly difficult is required by several areas, which include (a) remotely energy charging wireless devices for structural health monitoring and (b) removing blockages in pipelines. However, the wave energy is highly scattered due to the dispersive nature of the stress wave and the multipath effect in solid structures. In order to combat the high multipath channel dispersion in solid structures, we proposed a time reversal based synthesis method to achieve energy focusing and superposition. In this paper, we investigated the channel response of piezoelectric patches attached to a copper pipe based signal transmission system and studied the stress wave propagation over the pipe channel. Experimental results demonstrate that the stress wave transmitted electric energy from different sources is successfully focused at a predetermined spot simultaneously.
The Effect of HIV RNA and CD4 Lymphocytes on Growth Measurements of Hemophilic Boys and Adolescents

The Effect of HIV RNA and CD4 Lymphocytes on Growth Measurements of Hemophilic Boys and Adolescents
First use of electromagnetic setup and real-time tracking in a pediatric patient with vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma.

We report the first use of the Calypso system (Calypso Medical, Seattle, WA) in a pediatric patient with group III vaginal rhabdomyosarcoma. The Calypso system was used to improve patient setup, to limit anesthesia, to provide for real-time tracking of target location, and to minimize the need for daily portal imaging studies and their associated extraneous radiation dose.
Dual phase FDG-PET imaging of brain metastases provides superior assessment of recurrence versus post-treatment necrosis

To study the ability of dual phase FDG-PET/CT imaging to accurately distinguish tumor versus necrosis in patients treated for brain metastases. 32 (22 female, 10 male) consecutive patients with treated brain metastases, lesion size greater than 0.5 cm(3) and suspected recurrence on MRI underwent dual-phase FDG-PET/CT. Clinical outcome was assessed by biopsy or by MRI. SUVmax and SUVmean values of the lesion (L) and gray matter (GM) at the level of the thalamus were measured on early (1) and delayed (2) imaging. L1/GM1 and L2/GM2 and the change of L/GM ratios as a function of time were calculated [(L2/GM2 - L1/GM1)/(L1/GM1)]. Cut-off values were obtained by ROC analysis. P 0.19 of L/GM ratios as a function of time was 95% sensitive, 100% specific, and 96.4% accurate (P = 0.0001; AUC = 0.97) for distinguishing tumor versus radiation necrosis. The ratio of the change of the lesion to WM ratios over time was the second best indicator of outcome when compared to all indices used (ROC cut-off = 0.25, sensitivity 89.5% and specificity 90.9%, and accuracy 89.2%; P = 0.0001; AUC = 0.95), Early or late SUVs of the lesion alone did not differentiate between tumor and necrosis. Regardless of histological type, differentiation of necrosis from metastatic brain lesions was improved by using the change of lesion to gray matter SUVmax ratios as a function of time.
Functional diversity of five homologous Cu+-ATPases present in Sinorhizobium meliloti.

Copper is an important element in host–microbe interactions, acting both as a catalyst in enzymes and as a potential toxin. Cu+-ATPases drive cytoplasmic Cu+ efflux and protect bacteria against metal overload. Many pathogenic and symbiotic bacteria contain multiple Cu+-ATPase genes within particular genetic environments, suggesting alternative roles for each resulting protein. This hypothesis was tested by characterizing five homologous Cu+-ATPases present in the symbiotic organism Sinorhizobium meliloti. Mutation of each gene led to different phenotypes and abnormal nodule development in the alfalfa host. Distinct responses were detected in free-living S. meliloti mutant strains exposed to metal and redox stresses. Differential gene expression was detected under Cu+, oxygen or nitrosative stress. These observations suggest that CopA1a maintains the cytoplasmic Cu+ quota and its expression is controlled by Cu+ levels. CopA1b is also regulated by Cu+ concentrations and is required during symbiosis for bacteroid maturation. CopA2-like proteins, FixI1 and FixI2, are necessary for the assembly of two different cytochrome c oxidases at different stages of bacterial life. CopA3 is a phylogenetically distinct Cu+-ATPase that does not contribute to Cu+ tolerance. It is regulated by redox stress and required during symbiosis. We postulated a model where non-redundant homologous Cu+-ATPases, operating under distinct regulation, transport Cu+ to different target proteins.
Automated selection of computed tomography display parameters using neural networks

A collection of artificial neural networks (ANN's) was trained to identify simple anatomical structures in a set of x-ray computed tomography (CT) images. These neural networks learned to associate a point in an image with the anatomical structure containing the point by using the image pixels located on the horizontal and vertical lines that ran through the point. The neural networks were integrated into a computer software tool whose function is to select an index into a list of CT window/level values from the location of the user's mouse cursor. Based upon the anatomical structure selected by the user, the software tool automatically adjusts the image display to optimally view the structure.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Self-esteem and complicance in encopretic children

The impact of encopresis on self-esteem, and the relationships between self-esteem scores, compliance, and treatment success were measured in a group of school-age encopretic children. Results on the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale revealed significantly lower scores in the encopretic group. Physicians and parents were asked to rate each encopretic child's level of compliance and success in treatment in a follow-up interview. There was no significant relationship between lower self-esteem scores and treatment compliance. All of the children were rated as successful in treatment. Implications for treatment of childhood encopresis are discussed.
The Kinetic Temperature Structure within NGC 2024

An ideal molecular probe for tracing the kinetic temperature in dense molecular cloud cores should allow the temperature determination to be independent of gas density effects. The formaldehyde (H2CO) molecule, a slightly asymmetrical rotor, is just such a molecule. By using several sets of judiciously chosen H2CO line ratios, we have reliably determined the gas kinetic temperatures of the dense gas condensations within the NGC 2024 star formation region. Our measurements indicate TK > 40 K toward the embedded sources FIR3-FIR7. These sources, which had previously been identified as isothermal protostars, are likely in a more evolved state.
Tu1736 Temporal Changes in Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices in the Department of Veterans Affairs Between 2004 and 2010

diameter ( SD) of the EGCs was 26.0 9.5mm and 28 (70%) lesions had the diameter of more than 20mm. The immediately secondary treatments with argon plasma coagulation (APC) or additional ESD (AESD) were performed in 14 (35%) and operations were done in 4 (10%) just after 1st ESD. The residual cancers were found in 2 surgical specimens of 4 patients who underwent operation. No lymph node metastasis was noted in these patients. There was no the local and distant recurrence for mean follow-up period (40.0 months 25.2, median SE) in 18 patients with immediately secondary treatment. Twenty-two (55%) cases without secondary treatment were followed up with endoscopic surveillance. Among 22 patients, 3 (13.6%) had the local recurrence during follow-up endoscopic surveillance (30.0 months 19.0, median SE). The EGCs with local recurrence were treated by Re-ESD (2 cases) and operation (1 case). Conclusions: Immediately secondary treatment was effective for the EGC patients who were regarded as laterally incomplete resection in pathologic report after ESD. The endoscopic surveillance should be performed meticulously in the patients without immediately secondary treatment. Endoscopic procedure can be firstly considered as less invasive treatment in selected patients with incompletely resected and locally recurred EGCs after ESD.
The use of tissue flaps as an adjunct to pelvic surgery

Abstract Background The clinical problems of advanced malignancy with invasion of cancers into adjacent organs or structures, fistulizing complications from radiation therapy, postoperative infections, and delayed postoperative healing continue to challenge pelvic surgeons, regardless of subspecialty. The use of autologous muscle and myocutaneous flaps has been applied to the management and prevention of these clinical problems and found to be most helpful. Methods Records of patients undergoing abdominopelvic procedures in a single unit during the 15-year period from 1990 to 2005 were reviewed, and patients undergoing autologous tissue flaps were reviewed with respect to indications, complications, and outcomes. Results Thirty-four patients underwent 35 autologous muscle or myocutaneous flaps for the following indications: large anticipated defects in primary or reoperative cancer surgery (13 patients); malignant, traumatic, inflammatory, or radiation-induced fistulae (12 patients); excision of (an) adjacent organ(s) with need for reconstruction (7 patients); and chronic nonhealing pelvic wounds (2 patients). Wound complications occurred in 41% of patients; however, primary healing of flaps occurred in 88% of patients. Conclusions The use of autologous tissue flaps in select patients can be a useful adjunct in pelvic surgery in dealing with a wide variety of problems, specifically in filling large defects, providing vascularized tissue for fistula closure, and avoiding delayed wound healing commonly seen after high-dose radiation.
Bronchoprovocation studies in basidiospore-sensitive allergic subjects with asthma

Bronchoprovocation challenge with basidiospore extracts was performed in eight subjects with asthma and with positive wheal-and-flare skin reactivity and RAST to basidiospore allergens. Five of the eight patients demonstrated a significant decrease in FEV1 ranging from 20% to 47% after basidiospore-extract challenge. Both immediate and late-phase reactivity was observed. Six atopic control subjects with asthma and with negative skin reactivity to basidiospore extracts did not exhibit significant bronchospasm after basidiospore challenge. These results demonstrate that basidiospore extracts can induce bronchospasm in subjects with asthma who demonstrate IgE antibodies to basidiospore allergens.
The elastic-plastic mechanics of crack extension

This paper briefly reviews progress in the elastic plastic analysis of crack extension. Analytical results for plane strain and plane stress deformation fields are noted, and elastic-plastic fracture instability as well as transitional behavior and combined rate and thermal effects are discussed.
Land-use controls on sources and processing of nitrate in small watersheds: insights from dual isotopic analysis

Studies have repeatedly shown that agricultural and urban areas export considerably more nitrogen to streams than forested counterparts, yet it is difficult to identify and quantify nitrogen sources to streams due to complications associated with terrestrial and in-stream biogeochemical processes. In this study, we used the isotopic composition of nitrate (δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3−) in conjunction with a simple numerical model to examine the spatial and temporal variability of nitrate (NO3−) export across a land-use gradient and how agricultural and urban development affects net removal mechanisms. In an effort to isolate the effects of land use, we chose small headwater systems in close proximity to each other, limiting the variation in geology, surficial materials, and climate between sites. The δ15N and δ18O of stream NO3− varied significantly between urban, agricultural, and forested watersheds, indicating that nitrogen sources are the primary determinant of the δ15N-NO3−, while the δ18O-NO3− was found ...
Behavior of synchrotron motion in a storage-ring laser

A one-dimensional linearized analysis of a storage-ring laser is developed. The dynamic and equilibrium behavior of the energy spread, bunch length, and correlation are derived analytically through a formalism generally applicable to linear difference equations. The limits on the applicability of the linear approximation are discussed.
Microstructure of Conductive Anodic Filaments Formed during Accelerated Testing of Printed Wiring Boards

Under certain environmental conditions, printed wiring boards (PWBs) respond to applied voltages by developing sub‐surface deposits of copper salts extending from anode to cathode along separated fibre/epoxy interfaces. These deposits are termed conductive anodic filaments (CAFs) and, in this work, the dimensions and growth patterns of a CAF have been determined by serial sectioning. The CAF growth pathway is characterised and the spatial distribution of the copper salts is quantified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using backscattered electrons. The chemical composition of the CAF is determined using energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDS). Prior research using high‐resolution non‐destructive X‐ray microtomography is correlated with the serial sectioning data. The failure phenomenon known as CAF may pose serious long‐term reliability concerns in electronics applications exposed to adverse and hostile environments.
Miscue Analysis in School-Age Children

It has been suggested that children who have trouble learning to read may use less effective decoding strategies than children who learn to read typically. The present investigation examined readin...