cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Venous distensibility during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract 1. 1. There is a 20 to 30 per cent increase in venous distensibility during the menstrual cycle; the greatest distensibility occurs one week premenstrually. 2. 2. Venous distensibility curves followed the steroid curves in pregnancy and menstruation. 3. 3. During the menstrual cycle, venous distensibility follows closely the progesterone curve.
Randomized Trial of Silver Nitrate, Erythromycin, and No Eye Prophylaxis for the Prevention of Conjunctivitis Among Newborns Not at Risk for Gonococcal Ophthalmitis

Objective. To compare the efficacy of commonly used forms of eye prophylaxis for newborns with no prophylaxis in the prevention of nongonococcal conjunctivitis. Design. Randomized doubly masked clinical trial. Setting. University of Washington Hospital and affiliated clinics, Seattle, between 1985 and 1990. Subjects. The medical records of 8499 women were evaluated for possible participation; 2577 were eligible. Of the 758 enrolled, the infants of 630 were evaluable. Intervention. Comparison of silver nitrate, erythromycin, and no eye prophylaxis given at birth for the prevention of conjunctivitis. Main outcome measures. Conjunctivitis during the first 60 days of life and nasolacrimal duct patency in the first 2 days of life. Results. The frequency of impatent tear ducts at the 30- to 48-hour examination did not differ significantly by prophylaxis group. Among the 630 infants randomized and observed, 109 (17%) developed mild conjunctivitis. Sixty-nine (63%) of the cases appeared during the first 2 weeks of life. After 2 months of observation, infants allocated to silver nitrate eye prophylaxis at birth had a 39% lower rate of conjunctivitis (hazard ratio = 0.61, 95% confidence interval = 0.39 to 0.97), and those allocated to erythromycin had a 31% lower rate of conjunctivitis (hazaid ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval = 0.44 to 1.07), than did those allocated to no prophylaxis. Conclusion. Silver nitrate eye prophylaxis caused no sustained deleterious effects and even provided some benefit to infants born to women without Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, the effect was modest and against microorganisms of low virulence. The results suggest that parental choice of a prophylaxis agent including no prophylaxis is reasonable for women receiving prenatal care and who are screened for sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy.
Information technology and information asymmetry: the future of private individual health insurance

The amount of available information, and the statistical ability to find patterns in it fundamentally alter risk pooling. This threatens to alter the structure of the insurance industry, and potentially to destroy insurability, as we will see. While too much information destroys risk pooling and rating, too little information, or one party with far more information than the other, likewise can destroy the structure of the industry. The regulatory implications, not yet understood, will be profound. The authors present the results of their analyses of the relationships among consumers' riskiness and risk aversion, information asymmetry, adverse self selection, policy pricing, and consumer choice, including choice among alternative forms of insurance policies. They review selected references, including those on information technology and market segmentation, and on information endowment and the insurance industry specifically.
Acellular dermis for facial soft tissue augmentation: preliminary report.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of acellular dermis as a viable alternative for soft tissue augmentation in facial reconstruction. DesignA prospective, nonrandomized observational study consistin...
A virtually imaged phased array with tapered reflectivity

The virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) can create large angular dispersion for demultiplexing of dense WDM signals. In order to reduce crosstalk and increase fiber coupling efficiency, we modify the VIPA design by tapering the reflectivity. We develop a simulation to confirm this improvement.
On testing and estimating the interaction between treatments and environmental conditions in binomial experiments: The case of two stations

Estimating confidence intervals for the interaction between treatments and environmental conditions in binomial experiments is analyzed. Testing the interaction is studied also. The problem is reduced to that of estimating or testing the interaction parameter in 2 × 2 × 2 contingency tables with given marginals. Programs for determining the exact conditional tests and their power functions are provided for sample of size not exceeding 100. Large sample approximations based on maximum likelihood (ML) and on the arcsin transformation for proportions are studied.
Semi-analytical model of the point spread function of scattered radiation including a multiple scattering term

A previously reported semi-analytical expression for calculating the point spread function (PSF) of singly scattered x-ray radiation is shown to exhibit excellent correspondence with Monte Carlo-determined PSFs where only single scatter was allowed to occur. A neural network was trained to transform the semi-analytic single scatter PSF to the PSF for both single and multiple scatter. Using comparisons between the semi-analytic/neural network generated and the Monte Carlo generated PSFs, excellent agreement was found. The technique proposed here appears to be an accurate method for rapidly calculating the scatter PSF from three physical parameters, and such a formulism should be useful in algorithms designed to correct for scattered radiation effects in digital images.
African-American Youth In Public Housing Showing Low Alcohol and Drug Use

ABSTRACT This study examined the rate of alcohol and drug abuse among male and female adolescents in public housing communities and identified those risk factors leading to alcohol and drag abuse. One hundred twenty-three adolescents were interviewed with the modified children's Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. Twelve percent fell within the group categorized as alcohol abusers and 15% as drag abusers. No gender difference in alcohol or drag abuse was found to be statistically significant. A logistic regression showed poor academic performance as a risk factor for alcohol abuse to be statistically significant (Wald Statistic = 5.67, p < 0.05) while being in a special group with high achievers was negatively related to alcohol abuse (Wald Statistic = 6.77, p < 0.01). Also, age (Wald Statistic = 4.16, p < 0.0001) and alcohol abuse (Wald Statistic = 20.40, p < 0.0001) were found to be significantly positive predictors of drag abuse, meaning drug abuse increases as alcohol use and ag...
Effect of helium on void formation in nickel

Abstract This study examines the influence of helium on void formation in self-ion irradiated nickel. Helium was injected either simultaneously with, or prior to, the self-ion bombardment. The void microstructure was characterized as a function of helium deposition rate and the total heavy-ion dose. In particular, at 575°C and 5 × 10 −3 displacements per atom per second the void density is found to be proportional to the helium deposition rate. The dose dependence of swelling is initially dominated by helium driven nucleation. The void density rapidly saturates after which swelling continues with increasing dose only from void growth. We conclude that helium promotes void nucleation in nickel with either helium implantation technique, pre-injection or simultaneous injection. Qualitative differences, however, are recognized.
Model-based within-a-cycle estimation of rate shaping for a piezoelectric fuel injector

Piezoelectric fuel injectors provide a means to reduce fuel consumption, noise and emissions in modern IC engines. This paper summarizes an effort resulting in within-a-cycle estimation of injected fuel for “rate shaped” profile. A reduced order model is introduced by simplifying a physically-based, experimentally-validated simulation model. The estimation algorithm is derived from the model, implemented at a “loop time” of 6 μs on an FPGA, is able to make an online prediction of fuel injection rate, and it is experimentally validated.
Supervised Link Discovery on Large-Scale Biomedical Concept Networks

Computational approaches to generate hypotheses from biomedical literature have been studied intensively in recent years. Nevertheless, it still remains a challenge to automatically discover novel, cross-silo biomedical hypotheses from large-scale literature repositories. In order to address this challenge, we first model a biomedical literature repository as a comprehensive network of biomedical concepts and formulate hypotheses generation as a process of link discovery on the concept network. We extract the relevant information from the biomedical literature corpus and generate a concept network and concept-author matrix on a cluster using Map-Reduce framework. We extract a set of heterogeneous features such as random walk based features, neighborhood features and common author features. The potential number of links to consider for the possibility of link discovery is large in our concept network and to address the scalability problem, the features from a concept network are extracted using a cluster with Map-Reduce framework. We further model link discovery as a classification problem carried out on two network snapshots taken in two consecutive time frames, such that the classification model that is built on the first snapshot can be tested on the second snapshot. A set of heterogeneous features, which cover both topological and semantic features derived from the concept network, have been studied with respect to their impacts on the accuracy of the proposed supervised link discovery process.
Early lexical acquisition: the role of cross-situational learning:

Several theorists have proposed that children may learn the meaning of a new word by paying attention to the element that remains constant across multiple uses of that word. The current study presents a direct test of this hypothesis. Two-, three- and four-year-olds (N = 24 in each group) were presented with novel objects that differed systematically in shape and texture. Children were shown one target object and were told 'This is a modi one'. In the Shape condition, two objects that matched the target object in shape (and differed in texture) were also labelled 'modi ones'. In the Texture condition, the two objects matched the target in texture (and differed in shape). Subsequent tests indicated that, in extending the novel adjective to other exemplars, children in all age groups attended to the consistent element across naming contexts. Implications for theories of lexical acquisition are discussed.
Gated holography: materials, techniques, and applications

We explain and compare two different methods (two-step and two-center recording) for gated holographic recording in lithium niobate crystals. We first compare the holographic recording performance of the two schemes based on the experimental results published in the literature. Then, we use a general model to compare the essential physics of the two methods theoretically, and we show that two-center recording has better performance in low light intensities. Global optimization of two-center recording as well as a unique feature of gated holography (i.e., localized recording) for new applications will also be discussed.
Neurocognitive perspectives in language outcomes of Early Head Start: Language and cognitive stimulation and maternal depression.

A neurocognitive, developmental framework was used to examine the effectiveness of Early Head Start (EHS) programs. Evidence has shown that caregiver variables impact early brain development. The study aimed to better understand this relation. Results showed that the EHS program made no significant impact, and at 3 years old, children were significantly behind population norms in language development, partially replicating previous findings with children from poverty backgrounds. EHS and parental depression were significant predictors of language and cognitive stimulation; however, depression and stimulation, but not involvement in EHS, were significant predictors of vocabulary. Implications for EHS programs are discussed, such as addressing caregiver variables (e.g., depression) and increasing focus on services to expectant families. Future direction also are discussed, such as understanding how young children's stress, within the context of caregiver variables, is related to neurocognitive outcomes.
Intermittency and de Bruijn's oscillations

Abstract Intermittency in fluid turbulence has been associated with log-periodic oscillations in moments of the velocity. These oscillations may have their origin in a self-similar, fractal description of the flow. The author has recently rigorously proved that such oscillations appear in the measurement of fractal dimension in boolean delay equations using a theorem of De Bruijn and a new tauberian theorem. This note applies this theory to a simple fractal to demonstrate the generality of this new technique.
The impact of priority rule combinations on lateness and tardiness

Several recent studies have explored the concurrent deployment of different priority rules at different processing stages of a manufacturing system. This study investigates the same issue by combining three popular simple priority rules with a combinatorial rule. In a three-stage flow shop, these rules are combined into 64 combination schemes and their performance compared under two shop load levels with two due date setting methods. The performance criteria considered are: mean lateness; mean tardiness; maximum tardiness; and per cent of tardy jobs. The results indicate that the rule combinations are a better strategy than their pure forms when various performance measures are jointly evaluated. Particularly, selected combinations of the Modified Shortest Processing Time, Shortest Processing Time, and the Earliest Due Date rules appear to be very effective. While the extent of shop load level shows little impact on the relative performance of the schemes, the endogenous method of due date setting consistently yields better results than the exogenous method.
The use of capnography in the air medical environment

We can count on two things when we receive a call as part of an air medical transport team--the patient is in critical condition, and time is of the essence. Whether the patient has experienced trauma from a motor vehicle crash, has fallen, or has suffered an insult as a consequence of poor health, our technique, skill, and judgment are tested constantly. Fortunately, we have equipment at our disposal to make our job easier. One of the more difficult aspects and responsibilities of air medical transport teams is placement of an endotracheal tube (ET). Along with the techniques used for successful endotracheal intubation (ETI), available technology can maximize patients' ventilatory status using an instrument that detects expired carbon dioxide (CO(2)) levels.
Alcohol interactions with brain opiate receptors

Ethanol, added in vitro to mouse caudate membranes, inhibited high-affinity binding of 0.2 nM 3H-dihydromorphine (3H-DHM) over an ethanol concentration range of 250-1,000 mM. At lower, physiologically-attainable ethanol concentrations (e.g.: 50 mM), 3H-DHM binding was significantly increased. Over the concentration range of 50-1,000 mM, ethanol inhibited 0.5 nM 3H-[D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (3H-ENK) binding to mouse caudate tissue, and no stimulation of 3H-ENK binding was noted at any of these concentrations of ethanol. Ethanol inhibits opiate binding in a pseudo-competitive manner and, therefore, the concentration of ligand used to assess the effects of ethanol is of major importance. Results obtained with other alcohols which differ in their membrane:water partition coefficients suggest that alcohol effects on opiate binding are not solely dependent on the membrane-disordering properties of the alcohols.
Preservice Teachers Explore Their Conceptions of the Writing Process with Young Pen Pals.

Abstract Linking preservice teachers’ professional education with meaningful classroom practice is an important goal of teacher preparation (Burk, 1989; Darling‐Hammond, 1997, 1998; Goodlad, 1990; Korthagen & Kessels, 1999). In this study, 44 preservice teachers enrolled in two language arts methods courses were paired as pen pals with two classes of first and second graders for ten weeks. The purpose of the study was to explore the influence of the children's writing on the preservice teachers’ conceptions of writing as a complex growth process (Dyson, 1996) rather than a discreet set of skills. Throughout the ten‐week study, the preservice teachers examined the developmental nature of the writing process using the six‐trait writing analysis (Spandel and Stiggins, 1997), wrote journal entries relating what they were learning about the writing process based on their regular analysis of the children's letters, and engaged in follow‐up classroom discussion and peer verification of an on‐going assessment of ...
Polymer-stabilized white reflective cholesteric displays

We report results of optical and electro-optical properties of a white reflective display from polymer-stabilized cholesteric texture (PSCT) technology. The new PSCT system is consisted of a cholesteric liquid crystal, photoinitiator and chiral monomer. After polymerizing at homeotropic texture of the cholesteric materials, the PSCT display reflects white light at the planar texture, indicating a broad distribution of helical axes of the cholesteric material. When the cholesteric materials is switched to the focal conic texture, the display reflects a black color with a black paint coated at the back panel.
Challenges for reducing the size of laser activated remote phosphor light engines for DLP projection

Laser activated remote phosphor (LARP) is an upcoming technology for high luminance SSL light engines. This presentation outlines some of the challenges met reducing the engine’s size, so it can be retrofitted into DLP-projectors.
“Let us Go and Burn Her Body”: The Image of the Jews in the Early Dormition Traditions

In his recent book, Mary through the Centuries, Jaroslav Pelikan notes that “one of the most profound and persistent roles of the Virgin Mary in history has been her function as a bridge builder to other traditions, other cultures, and other religions.” This is particularly true of the late ancient Near East, where Mary's significance frequently reached across various cultural and religious boundaries. But it is equally true that Mary often served to define boundaries between traditions, cultures, and religions. As Klaus Schreiner explains in his similarly recent book, Maria: Jungfrau, Mutter, Herrsherin, “Brucken, die Juden und Christen miteinander hatten verbinden konnen, schlug Maria im Mittelalter nicht… Maria trennte, grenzte aus.” In the rather substantial chapter that follows, Schreiner presents perhaps the best overview of Mary's role as a focus of Jewish/Christian conflict in late antiquity and the Middle Ages. Scholars have long recognized the role played by the Virgin and her cult in the exclusion of Jews from Christian society during the Western Middle Ages, Marian piety being, along with eucharistic devotion, the most anti-Jewish aspect of medieval piety. Throughout the medieval period, and likewise continuing into the Renaissance and Reformation, the Virgin Mary figured prominently in Christian anti-Jewish literature, where the (alleged) Jewish disparagement of Virgin Mary “weighed heavier than thefts of the host, ritual murders, and … ell poisoning.”
Methane + Propane Structure II Hydrate Formation Kinetics

The growth rates of methane (CH4) + propane (C3H8) structure II (sII) hydrates were measured via 13C NMR in a custom-built nonspinning probe. The CH4 + C3H8 hydrate surface reaction growth data suggested that the large cages occupied by C3H8 formed twice as fast as small cages filled with CH4, although there were half as many large 51264 cages as small 512 cages in a sII unit cell. Growth rates were measured at 269 K as a function of ice particle size ranging between 150 and 1180 μm, and vapor pressure in the range 0.34−0.84 MPa. A hypothesis based on low occupancy of sII small cages was presented to explain faster growth of large cages. A simple surface reaction model, which related growth rate to pressure and particle size, was developed.
Thermal Transport in a Microchannel Exhibiting Ultrahydrophobic Microribs Maintained at Constant Temperature

This paper presents numerical results exploring the periodically repeating laminar flow thermal transport in a parallel-plate microchannel with ultrahydrophobic walls maintained at constant temperature. The walls considered here exhibit alternating microribs and cavities positioned perpendicular to the flow direction. Results describing the thermally periodically repeating dynamics far from the inlet of the channel have been obtained over a range of laminar flow Reynolds numbers and relative microrib/cavity module lengths and depths in the laminar flow regime. Previously, it has been shown that significant reductions in the overall frictional pressure drop can be achieved relative to the classical smooth channel laminar flow. The present predictions reveal that the overall thermal transport is also reduced as the relative size of the cavity region is increased. The overall Nusselt number behavior is presented and discussed in conjunction with the frictional pressure drop behavior for the parameter range explored. The following conclusions can be made regarding thermal transport for a constant temperature channel exhibiting ultrahydrophobic surfaces: (1) Increases in the relative cavity length yield decreases in the Nusselt number, (2) increasing the relative rib/cavity module length yields a decrease in the Nusselt number, and (3) decreases in the Reynolds number result in smaller values of the Nusselt number.
Connection system designed for plastic optical fiber local area networks

throughout the 1990's. In addition, the volume and speed of data being transmitted over these networks is alsoexpected to rise dramatically. These trends will necessitate the use of a medium capable of supporting thathigher bandwidth, i.e. fiber optics. Glass fiber, the traditional networking solution has the disadvantage of highcost, both of components and installation. Consequently, this has discouraged widespread use. Plastic opticalfiber (POF), on the other hand, has many of the same advantages as glass fiber (e.g., high bandwidth and no
Intentional action and moral considerations: still pragmatic

Adams & Steadman (2004) argued that the core concept of intentional action does not involve moral considerations, but that moral considerations are involved in the pragmatic implications of intentional talk. Joshua Knobe (Knobe 2003a, 2003b) discovered data showing an asymmetry in folk judgments about intentional action. Persons answering Knobe’s questionnaires judge actions to be performed intentionally when were right the present reasoning would be no better than the reasoning which Brueckner criticises. For the present reasoning still relies on (**). I reply that there is nothing absurd about the idea that just about any sound philosophical and mathematical argument fails the negation test. It would be absurd to say that just about any such argument is trivial. But failure in the negation test is not enough to make an argument trivial. An argument fails the negation test if and only if were a normally intelligent person to want the argument to have a false conclusion, reflection would destroy his attitude. And an argument is trivial only if it fails this test. But there is another necessary condition for the triviality of an argument: were a normally intelligent person to want the argument to have a true conclusion, reflection would destroy his attitude. Sound demonic arguments do doubtless meet this further necessary condition. But we cannot infer from (**) that all or most other sound philosophical or mathematical arguments are in the same boat. It is perfectly possible to have a reflectively indestructible desire for the truth of what one believes to be necessarily true.
Origin of galanin in nerves of cat airways and colocalization with vasoactive intestinal peptide.

Galanin is a 29 amino acid residue neuropeptide. In mammalian airways, galanin is found in nerve fibers associated with airway smooth muscle, bronchial glands, and blood vessels, and in nerve cell bodies of airway ganglia. The present study was conducted to determine if galanin-containing fibers in the walls of feline airways originate from the nerve cell bodies of airway ganglia. The colocalization of galanin with vasoactive intestinal peptide was also investigated. Organotypic cultures of cat airways were held in culture for 0 (nonculture control), 3, 5, and 7 days. After each culture period, the distribution of galanin and the colocalization of galanin with vasoactive intestinal peptide were determined by immunocytochemistry. Galanin-containing fibers were found in bronchial smooth muscle, around bronchial glands and in the walls of bronchial arteries and arterioles throughout the culture period. Nerve fibers and cell bodies containing both galanin and vasoactive intestinal peptide were observed after all culture periods. Nerve fibers and cells bodies that contained galanin frequently contained vasoactive intestinal peptide as well, but nerve fibers with only galanin or vasoactive intestinal were also observed. Galanin- and vasoactive intestinal peptide-containing nerve fibers and cell bodies were both well maintained throughout the culture period. The findings show that galanin-containing nerve fibers associated with bronchial smooth muscle, bronchial glands, and bronchial arteries, originate from nerve cell bodies of intrinsic airway ganglia, and that galanin and vasoactive intestinal peptide are frequently colocalized in these neurons.
Interpolation over a sphere based upon a minimum norm network

Abstract A new method for interpolating data over a spherical domain is presented. The method accepts data with independent values scattered on the surface of a sphere and produces a smooth function defined on the surface of the sphere that interpolates the given dependent data values. Similar to the minimum norm network method for the planar domain, this method is based upon a functional minimization that characterizes a curve network. Examples illustrating the application of this method are included.
Effect of different fractions of zein on the mechanical and phase properties of zein films at nano-scale

Abstract The phase behavior of zein films has been investigated at nano-scale using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and compared to the phase behavior of the bulk using a thermal characterization technique. The local surface properties of the films were evaluated as a function of water activity using AFM. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of zein films decreased with increasing water activity. Adhesion forces measured by the AFM force curves increased with increasing water activity. Topography of zein and zein fractions were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively by the use of AFM and dedicated software to calculate the surface roughness. It has been found that processing technologies (solvent casting, drop deposition and spin casting) has influence on the surface structures of films. The films which were formed by the alpha zein rich fraction were found to have highest roughness values. Sectional surface profiles revealed that α-zein films have mean roughness (Ra) of 1.808 nm and root mean square roughness (RMS) of 2.239 nm while β-zein films have mean roughness (Ra) of 1.745 nm and root mean square roughness (RMS) of 3.623 nm. The discussions conducted on the differences/similarities in the observations were based on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties and interactions of these zein fractions.
Tribological Properties of Embedded Solid Lubricant Coatings Fabricated by Patterning Methods

In this work we have investigated the tribological properties of embedded solid lubricant coatings and compared them to monolithic and alloy films of the same constituents. Lithographic patterning methods were used to create two-component coatings in which columns of MoS2 were embedded in a Ti matrix. Coatings were deposited using rf sputter deposition, and co-deposition of MoS2 and Ti was used to deposit the alloy coatings. A pin-on-disk (POD) test was used to examine the frictional behavior and mechanical stability of the coatings, and was carried out in both low and high humidity conditions. Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the morphology of the wear track after the POD test. Coatings of MoS2 alone were found to perform well under low-humidity conditions, but poorly under high humidity. Alloying of MoS2 with Ti was found to provide some improvement under high humidity. The patterned film, which consisted of 2 μm diameter pillars of MoS2 , spaced 10 μm apart and embedded in a Ti film, was found to exhibit friction and wear properties superior to either Ti or MoS2 alone. The coatings investigated here have potential applications for cutting tools and metal forming dies that will enhance tool life and reduce the energy expended due to frictional forces.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Associations of C-Reactive Protein to Indices of Vascular Health and the Influence of Serum 25(OH)D Status in Healthy Adults

Elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] are associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Ethnic differences in serum hs-CRP and 25(OH)D concentrations and CVD are known. Objectives: to investigate the ethnic differences in hs-CRP concentrations, to assess the influence of 25(OH)D on these ethnic differences and to examine the influence of 25(OH)D on association between hs-CRP and cardiovascular health indices. Subjects: 62 healthy adults [26 African Americans (AA), 26 European Americans (EA), and 10 Hispanic Americans (HA)], ages 18&#x2013;55 years. Serum hs-CRP and 25(OH)D as well as pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) were measured. hs-CRP was inversely associated with 25(OH)D (r=&#x2212;0.25, P=0.049), and hs-CRP was positively associated with PWV (r=0.29, P=0.04). The association of hs-CRP with PWV attenuated after adjustment for 25(OH)D (P=0.15). hs-CRP was higher in AA compared to EA (P=0.05); this differences was reduced by 32&#x25; after adjusting for serum 25(OH)D. Conclusion: eventhough the inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and CRP does not infer causality, lower serum 25(OH)D may increase risk for inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The lower 25(OH)D in AA may predispose to greater inflammation and associated vascular dysfunction.
Daily Variability in Running Economy Among Well-Trained Male and Female Distance Runners

(1994). Daily Variability in Running Economy Among Well-Trained Male and Female Distance Runners. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 65, No. 1, pp. 72-77.
Assessment of Nanomodified Endotracheal Tubes in a Bench Top Airway Model

Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious and costly clinical problem. Specifically, receiving mechanical ventilation over 24 hours increases the risk of VAP and is associated with high morbidity, mortality and medical costs. This complication is especially hard to diagnose in children because of non-specific clinical signs and lack of established diagnostic methods. Cost effective endotracheal tubes (ETTs) that are resistant to bacterial infection would be essential tools for the prevention of VAP. In addition to their bacterial resistance, ETT with magnetic nanoparticles could aid in the diagnosis of VAP allowing physicians to locate infections with greater accuracy. The objective of this study was twofold, first to develop strategies to decrease bacterial adhesion on nano-rough ETT and secondly to develop better methods to assess in vitro bacterial adhesion or biofilm formation on ETT. In preliminary tests, nanomodified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) ETTs has been shown to be effective at reducing bacterial colonization. This study also sought to evaluate the bacterial resistance of these ETTs more effectively by creating a bench top airway model, which can create a similar environment to the flow system that ETTs are exposed to in vivo. The airway model designed to test ETTs has two Plexiglas chambers representing the oropharynx and the lungs, a tube representing the trachea and finally an intricate pumping system to the oropharynx with bacteria flow and to the lung with simulated compliance and resistance. ETTs were connected to a ventilator and passing the oropharynx into the trachea and observed under the mechanical ventilation and continuous bacterial flow system. In addition, the study examined dual gas flow conditions and their effect on bacterial growth of ETT. In no less than three separate trials in the airway chamber, each ETT will be tested for its effectiveness at the reduction of bacterial growth within the airway by sampling from both lung and oropharynx chambers during continuous operation. Special attention will be given to the long-term effects on the ETT by including a study that lasts longer than ten days. Both the bacterial proliferation in the two chambers and on the ETT itself will be carefully analyzed. This specialized testing should yield valuable information on the efficacy of nanomodified ETT in airway conditions and will provide further evidence to determine if nanomodified ETTs are a valid solution to VAP.
Resuscitation of neonates at 23 weeks’ gestational age: a cost-effectiveness analysis

AbstractObjective: Resuscitation of infants at 23 weeks’ gestation remains controversial; clinical practices vary. We sought to investigate the cost effectiveness of resuscitation of infants born 23 0/7–23 6/7 weeks’ gestation.Design: Decision-analytic modeling comparing universal and selective resuscitation to non-resuscitation for 5176 live births at 23 weeks in a theoretic U.S. cohort. Estimates of death (77%) and disability (64–86%) were taken from the literature. Maternal and combined maternal–neonatal utilities were applied to discounted life expectancy to generate QALYs. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated, discounting costs and QALYs. Main outcomes included number of survivors, their outcome status and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the three strategies. A cost-effectiveness threshold of $100 000/QALY was utilized.Results: Universal resuscitation would save 1059 infants: 138 severely disabled, 413 moderately impaired and 508 without significant sequelae. Selective resu...
Symbolic debugging scheme for optimized hardware and software

Symbolic debuggers are system development tools that can accelerate the validation speed of behavioral specifications by allowing a user to interact with an executing code at the source level. In response to a user query, the debugger retrieves the value of a source variable in a manner consistent with respect to the source statement where execution has halted. However, when a behavioral specification has been optimized using transformations, values of variables may be inaccessible in the run-time state. We have developed a set of techniques that, given a behavioral specification CDFG, enforce computation of a selected subset V/sub cut/ of user variables such that (i) all other variables /spl upsi//spl isin/CDFG can be computed from V/sub cut/ and (ii) this enforcement has minimal impact on the optimization potential of the computation. The implementation of the new debugging approach poses several optimization tasks. We have formulated the optimization tasks and developed heuristics to solve them. The effectiveness of the approach has been demonstrated on a set of benchmark designs.
Protecting investors and the environment through financial disclosure

Abstract Financial markets are increasingly concerned about financial risks resulting from companies environmental exposures and are demanding greater disclosure and transparency. Despite long-established securities law and regulations requiring such disclosures, companies have not fully complied nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission vigorously pressed enforcement actions. Studies of disclosure of material environmental information in electricity generation and other environmentally-sensitive industries show a pattern of inadequate disclosure.
Thallium-201 imaging for diagnosis of left atrial myxoma.

Abstract Primary tumors of the heart and pericardium are rare and, before the advent of 2-dimensional echocardiography, were infrequently diagnosed premortem. While 2-dimensional echocardiography has become the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of atrial tumors, other cardiac imaging techniques have been used.1–3 We report a case where an abnormality on exercise thallium-201 imaging led to subsequent diagnosis and treatment of a left atrial (LA) myxoma.
A water-solubilized, segmented, alternating block copolymer of a 1,4-bis-styrylbenzene with polyethylene glycol

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of a new segmented alternating copolymer is described, having monodisperse, partially methoxy-substituted bis-1,4-styrylbenzene chromophores linked with polyethylene glycol segments (average MW 1000) at the terminal aryl rings, so that the chromophore long axis lies along the polymerization vector. The product polymer is a blue-emitting material that is soluble in organic solvents and water. It is a waxy solid with a degree of polymerization of ∼3–6, a melting transition at 35 °C and good thermogravimetric stability up to 300 °C. It exhibits blue photoluminescence (PL) at 437 nm in chloroform, and at 445–465 nm in water, with relative PL quantum yields of 0.7 and 0.3, respectively. Its neat film luminescence maximum is 460 nm; solid state blending with PMMA blue shifts the emission to 440 nm at 10% polymer in PMMA.
The photoelectric theory of photosynthesis. IV. The chromophore area of chlorophyll.

La superficie de la coupe transversale de captation des photons, calculee a partir de l'absorptivite molaire par l'equation de Braude, est de 13,8 (A)2 pour la bande d'absorption principale de chlorophylle a 430 mµ. Cette superficie peut se comparer favorablement a la valeur 12,0 (A)2, calculee pour la superficie centrale circulaire Mg-N4, de la chlorophylle, mais elle est, tres nettement plus petite que la superficie du noyau carre de la porphyrine, qui est de 105 (A)2. Ce resultat est interprete comme preuve supplementaire pour la theorie photoelectrique de photosynthese, selon laquelle l'auteur a postule que c'est l'atome Mg de chlorophylle qui est excite electroniquement par absorption de lumiere.
Luminescence in Intrinsic and Annealed Electron-Irradiated GaAs:Cd

The lasing transition in boat-grown cadmium-doped GaAs is similar to that previously found in GaAs:Zn. In cadmium-doped GaAs, the three excited states of this transition (${C}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, ${B}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, and ${A}^{\ensuremath{'}}$) lie at energies of 1.484, 1.486, and 1.507 eV, respectively. In addition, there is a broad-band emission peak centered at 1.37 eV. All of these peaks move to lower energies with decreasing excitation intensity. 1.5-MeV electron irradiation causes exponential decreases in the broad-band and near-band-edge intensities with increasing electron fluence for fluences greater than ${10}^{16}$ $\frac{e}{{\mathrm{cm}}^{2}}$. Isochronal annealing of the irradiated material in the temperature range 50-190\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C causes increases in the emission centered about 1.37 eV, but the emission is modified and appears as two peaks (Cd 0, and Cd 1) at 1.369 and 1.337 eV. The temperature dependence of the intensity of the peaks indicate that Cd 1 is a phonon replica of Cd 0. The development of the structure is interpreted as occurring when Ga vacancies migrate and form localized modes that weaken the coupling of the Cd 0 defect to the lattice. Diminution of intensity and loss of structure are observed in the temperature range 190-240\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C and result from a decrease in the number of centers giving rise to localized modes. The killer center which degrades the luminesence is believed to be the As vacancy which anneals out at about 240\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The energy shift of the lasing transition and of the broad-band emission are interpreted to indicate that both bands are the emission envelopes of unresolved donor-acceptor pair transitions. The lasing transition arises from the recombination of holes localized at neutral Cd acceptors, with electrons localized at donors, possibly Si; whereas the broad-band emission is due to pair annihilation involving the same donor and Cd in a different charge state.
Crystal structure of bis(2,4-pentanedionato)copper(II)

The structure of bis(acetylacetonato)copper(II) has been redetermined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. The unit cell parameters area=11.331(9),b=4.697(3),c=10.290(9) A, andβ=91.84(7)dg. A finalR=0.056 for 727 observed reflections was obtained. The O-Cu-O chelate (bite) angle is 93.2(2)°. The two Cu-O bond lengths are 1.914(4) and 1.912(4) A. The complex has a slight chair structure and a step angle of 7.05°.
Early results after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents with morbid obesity

Background Obesity has been identified as one of the most important public health concerns in both children and adolescents. Unfortunately, even the most comprehensive and aggressive multidisciplinary weight management programs have shown only modest weight loss results. There has been increasing enthusiasm for bariatric surgery for adolescent patients with morbid obesity. Because of the relatively high morbidity and mortality associated with gastric bypass surgery, we have begun to explore laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as an alternative. We hypothesized that it would be a safe and effective short-term strategy. Methods We have prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing bariatric surgery at our institution since the inception of our adolescent weight loss surgery program in January 2010. Baseline data collected included age, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, body mass index, and comorbid conditions. Postoperative data collected included the type of operation, length of stay, operative morbidity, the need for reoperation, and percent excess weight loss and body mass index at 3-month intervals. Results Twenty-three patients have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at our institution since January 2010. Of these, 18 were female and 5 were male. The mean age was 17.3 ± 1.5 years of age. The mean preoperative weight was 149 ± 30 kg with a body mass index of 52 ± 9 kg/m 2 . There were no intraoperative complications, and the only postoperative complication has been pancreatitis in 1 patient. The mean length of stay was 2.2 ± 1.1 days. The mean follow-up was 10.9 ± 7.4 months. The percent excess weight loss at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively was 32%, 38%, and 40%, respectively, in those who had reached these time points. Conclusion Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a safe operation for adolescent patients with morbid obesity and represents an effective early treatment strategy with approximately 40% excess weight loss at 6 months and 1 year of follow-up. Because of the minimal morbidity associated with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, it may be the optimal non-device surgical option for this select group of adolescent patients.
Ras Activity in Acinar Cells Links Chronic Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

The relationship between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is unclear. CP is a risk factor for PDAC, CP is found within the vicinity of PDAC, and both share many similar genetic alterations. However, it has been long thought that PDAC arises only from duct cells. However, we have recently found that excessive activity within the Ras signaling pathway can lead to acinar cell death or metaplasia and is associated with the development of fibrosis resembling CP and the development of PDAC from acinar cells through the full complement of preneoplastic (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) lesions. Therefore, it is time to reevaluate the relationship between CP and PDAC. We proposed a new model in which Ras activity is the direct link between these 2 diseases. Here we will briefly review the shared properties between CP and PDAC and describe the new model.
New [K2NiF4] compounds with mixed B-ions

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of new [K2NiF4]-type compounds is described. New tolerance factors for this structure are given, and the lack of ordering is discussed.
Chemical transformations of cyclo and related polymers

The 1:2 regularly alternating copolymer of divinyl ether and maleic anhydride produced via the cyclocopolymerization mechanism has been converted to a number of derivatives, and certain of these derivatives have been found useful as antitumor agents. Citraconic anhydride was substituted for maleic anhydride in the above cyclocopolymerization and its derivatives also exhibited antitumor properties, as did the derivatives of the copolymers of furan with maleic anhydride and with itaconic anhydride, respectively. The divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer reacts with dimethylformamide to yield a copolymer possessing polyelectrolyte character. The completely methylated copolymer was found to be useful in determining the molecular weight distribution of the original copolymer by gel permeation chromatography. A second series of reactive polymers were prepared by cationic initiation of o-, m-, and p-(2-vinyloxy)ethoxy-β-nitrostyrenes, propagation occurring only through the vinyloxy group. The polymer of the p-isomer was crosslinked through anionic initiation on the nitrovinyl group. The m- and p-isomers were converted to linear polymers through the nitrovinyl group via anionic initiation which underwent crosslinking through the vinyloxy group upon standing in air. The o-isomer was not converted to polymer via anionic initiation. This unusual “ortho effect” appears to be a steric effect, as the only ortho derivative of β-nitrostyrene which has been polymerized by anionic initiation is o-fluoro-β-nitrostyrene. Poly-m-β-dinitrostyrene was converted to the polyanion by sodium methoxide. A third series of reactive polymers were synthesized via anionic initiation on the o-, m-, and p-(2-vinyloxy)ethoxystyrenes. Propagation occurred through the styrene double bond leaving the vinyloxy group pendant. Hydrolysis of this vinyl ether was accomplished in all cases to yield the poly-2-hydroxyethylstyrenes. Further reactions of these polymers with acrylonitrile, phenyl isocyanate, and diisocyanates led to new polymeric systems. Hydrolysis of the vinyloxy group of the original styrenes followed by esterification with acrylyl chlorides led to monomers that were cyclopolymerized by a radical mechanism to polymers containing ten-membered rings.