cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel fill-time window minimisation problem and adaptive parallel tabu search algorithm in mail-order pharmacy automation system

This paper presents a novel fill-time window (FTW) problem in a mail-order pharmacy automation (MOPA) system. The MOPA system uses a batch process to fulfil and distribute tens of thousands of highly customised prescription orders. It has been utilised to accommodate an increasing prescription volume and pharmacy dispensing productivity. Since the majority of prescription orders consist of multiple medications, the long medications’ waiting time in the collation process will increase the makespan or even cause a production deadlock in extreme cases. To minimise the collation time of multiple medication orders, the FTW is defined as the time difference between the first and last dispensed medications within a prescription order and the FTW problem is introduced as a flexible order scheduling problem by considering makespan as a constraint. To minimise the FTW, an integer mathematical model has been developed to find an optimal production schedule. To solve this NP-hard order scheduling problem efficiently,...
The Visible Hand: The Managerial Revolution in American Business

The article reviews the book “The Visible Hand: The Managerial Revolution in American Business,” by Alfred D. Chandler Jr.
Evaluating geographic variation in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in youth in four US regions

Abstract We evaluated geographic variation in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM, T2DM) in four regions of the United States. Data on 807 incident T1DM cases diabetes and 313 T2DM cases occurring in 2002–03 in South Carolina (SC) and Colorado (CO), 5 counties in Washington (WA), and an 8 county region around Cincinnati, Ohio (OH) among youth aged 10–19 years were obtained from the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study. Geographic patterns were evaluated in a Bayesian framework. Incidence rates differed between the study regions, even within race/ethnic groups. Significant small-area variation within study region was observed for T1DM and T2DM. Evidence for joint spatial correlation between T1DM and T2DM was present at the county level for SC (rSC=0.31) and CO non-Hispanic Whites (rCO=0.40) and CO Hispanics (rCO=0.72). At the tract level, no evidence for meaningful joint spatial correlation was observed (rSC=−0.02; rCO=−0.02; rOH=0.03; and rWA=0.09). Our study provides evidence for the presence of both regional and small area, localized variation in type 1 and type 2 incidence among youth aged 10–19 years in the United States.
What does ultrasonography miss in blunt trauma patients with a low glasgow coma score (GCS)

Background: The role of ultrasound (US) as a screening tool for the evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma is still controversial. Determining the types of missed injuries and the accuracy of US in patients with a low GCS will improve the evaluation of these blunt trauma patients. Methods: Prospectively collected data from the trauma registry of a Level I trauma center was reviewed. Results: 7,952 patients were included in the study. US examination had an accuracy of 89%, sensitivity of 77%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 78%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98%. GCS correlated with ISS and base deficit levels. US examination had a significantly lower accuracy in patients with a low GCS and in women. Conclusion: The sensitivity and specificity of US examination is similar in those with normal and low GCS. Therefore ultrasonographic examination may be considered a good screening tool for the evaluation of patients with blunt abdominal trauma, but its accuracy is diminished in patients with a low GCS. Further imaging may be warranted in these patients.
New Conjugated Polymers with Donor−Acceptor Architectures: Synthesis and Photophysics of Carbazole−Quinoline and Phenothiazine−Quinoline Copolymers and Oligomers Exhibiting Large Intramolecular Charge Transfer

Alternating carbazole−quinoline and phenothiazine−quinoline donor−acceptor conjugated copolymers and a corresponding oligomer were synthesized, and their solution and solid-state photophysics were investigated. The new copolymers, poly(2,2‘-9-methyl-3,6-carbazolylene-6,6‘-bis(4-phenylquinoline)) and poly(2,2‘-10-methyl-3,7-phenothiazylene-6,6‘-bis(4-phenylquinoline)), had intrinsic viscosities of 11.2−22.0 dL/g, indicating very high molecular weights. The optical band gaps of the new copolymers were 2.35−2.64 eV, which are significantly smaller than the corresponding homopolymers. The absorption and emission spectra of the related donor−acceptor oligomers, 3,6-[bis(4-phenyl-2-quinolyl)]-9-methylcarbazole and 3,7-[bis(4-phenyl-2-quinolyl)]-10-methylphenothiazine, in solvents of varying polarity showed positive solvatochromism. An unusual dual fluorescence, with a blue emission band at 454 nm and an orange emission band at 584 nm, was observed in solid films of the carbazole-linked oligomer and related to i...
Use of poly test wafer volume fraction as an input to control a diffusion poly doping process

The process control of lightly doping polysilicon with Phosphine can be difficult. In high volume semiconductor manufacturing the equipment downtime and poor process performance associated with this type of process is expensive. Utilizing the volume fraction of the polysilicon test wafers, as measured on an ellipsometer, as input prior to dope, improvements to process performance and control as well as equipment downtime can be achieved.
United States government documents and great plains agriculture: A select guide

Abstract This article presents a select listing of government-published indexes and agency records important to the study of Great Plains agricultural history during the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries.
Research Spotlight: Records suggest El Niño variability to continue in warmer world

[1] There has been some debate as to whether global warming could lead to a permanent El Nino state rather than a periodically varying El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which occurs now. It has also been suggested that ice-free Arctic summers could affect high-latitude and midlatitude circulation patterns and climate variability. Now sediment records from the Arctic suggest that even as climate warms, the variability of ENSO will continue. Davies et al. analyzed the first annually resolved sediment core spanning 1000 years about 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL046151, 2011)
GIANT FLUCTUATIONS IN A DEGENERATE FERMI GAS

It was suggested that the ground stute of an interacting gas of fermions has giart density or spin-density fluctuations and that the Hartree and Hartree- Fcck equations of a one-dimensional gas have solutions which give lower enengies than customary plane wave solutions. Arguments are set forth for the view that for sufficiently weak interactions the Hartree (and Hartree-Fcck) ground stutes in two or more dimensions are the familiar plane wave states. It is concluded that for weak interactions the Hartree equations have a nontnivial ground stute only in one dimension. There is little doubt that this is also tnne for the HartreeFock equation. (B.O.G.)
The synthesis of hydroxyphenylthiophenes

The synthesis of the five isomeric methoxyphenylthiophenes is described. The methoxy compounds were hydrolyzed to yield the hydroxyphenylthiophenes.
Coal Mineral Matter Transformation During Combustion and Its Effects on Gas Turbine Blade Deposition and Erosion

The reaction pathways along which mineral matter is transformed during pulverized coal combustion and the corresponding characteristics of the ash formed are especially important from the standpoint of coal-fired gas turbine operation. Using a novel FT-IR technique and EDX analysis, these mineral matter transformations are investigated when coal is burned in a pulverized coal-dust burner. The mineral transformations of quartz, gypsum, calcite, dolomite, pyrite, and those of the aluminosilicate minerals, kaolinite and montmorillonite, have been evaluated. Discussion of the results focuses on the effect of these mineral transformations on the deposition and erosive characteristics of the resulting combustion-generated ash.
Very longwave infrared (> 14 μm) quantum-dot photodetector

We report a very longwave Infrared (> 14 μm) quantum dot photodetector working at 77 K. Very longwave infrared (VLWIR) detection at a cut-off wavelength of 15.3 μm was achieved through QD size engineering. Peak specific photodetectivity D* of 3.3x10 8 cmHz 1/2 /W. A large photoresponsivity of 0.93 A/W and high photoconductive gain of 62.4 were demonstrated at a bias voltage of V = 3.7 V at T = 77 K. The low-bias and liquid nitrogen temperature performance demonstration based on InAs-GaAs material systems indicates that the QDIP technology is promising for VLWIR sensing and imaging.
Overweight and depression.

Is being overweight distressing? If it is, is the distress due to negative appraisals by others, to the stresses of trying to fit norms of thinness by dieting, or to the health consequences of being overweight? If being overweight is stigmatizing, negative evaluations by others may be internalized as high levels of depression. This perspective predicts that being overweight has a direct effect on depression, and that the effect is greater in social groups where being overweight is less common, especially among women, Whites, younger people, the well-educated, and the well-to-do. Alternatively, overweight may not be distressing per se. Instead, attempting to fit norms of appearance that equate thinness with attractiveness by dieting is distressing. According to this perspective, the association between being overweight and depression is explained by dieting. Finally, this association may be due to the health consequences of being overweight. A random sample of 2,020 U.S. adults aged 18-90 were interviewed by telephone in 1990. Results showed that being overweight has no direct effect on depression in any social group except among the well-educated. Overweight persons are more likely to diet and to experience worse physical health, both of which are associated with depression. Combined, these explain the negative effects of being overweight on depression.
Tandem inorganic/organic hybrid solar cell using a PbSe nanocrystal photoconductor for carrier multiplication

To achieve efficient carrier extraction from nanocrystal quantum dots, we introduce a novel tandem cell device using PbSe nanocrystal quantum dots and a P3HT/PCBM bulk hetero junction cell. The device is fabricated using an all solution based process. The device consists of a hydrazine treated PbSe nanocrystal photoconductive film coupled to the P3HT/PCBM bulk hetero junction cell. In this work, the photocurrent from the PbSe nanocrystal photoconductive layer, and the role of carrier multiplication at UV wavelengths, is elucidated. By using light biased spectral response measurements, we successfully demonstrate an enhancement of quantum efficiency at photon energies greater than three times the bandgap of the PbSe nanocrystals. Additionally, this tandem structured device shows a self-passivation property that provides protection from UV irradiation to the underlying polymer cell.
Silencing of monocarboxylate transporters via small interfering ribonucleic acid inhibits glycolysis and induces cell death in malignant glioma: an in vitro study.

Objective Dependence on glycolysis is a hallmark of malignant tumors. As a consequence, these tumors generate more lactate, which is effluxed from cells by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). We hypothesized that 1) MCT expression in malignant tumors may differ from normal tissue in quantity, isoform, or both; and 2) silencing MCT expression would induce intracellular acidification, resulting in decreased proliferation and/or increased cell death. Methods We quantified expression of MCT isoforms in human glioblastoma multiforme and glioma-derived cells lines by Western blot analysis. MCTs that were abundant or specific to glioma then were targeted in the model U-87 MG glioma cell line via small interfering ribonucleic acid-mediated gene silencing and tested for inhibition of lactate efflux, intracellular pH changes, reduced proliferation, and/or induction of cell death. Results MCT 1 and 2 were the primary isoforms expressed in human glioblastoma multiforme and glioma-derived cell lines. In contrast, MCT 3 was the predominantly expressed isoform in normal brain. Small interfering ribonucleic acid specific for MCT 1 and 2 reduced expression of these isoforms in U-87 MG cells to barely detectable levels and reduced lactate efflux by 30% individually and 85% in combination, with a concomitant decrease of intracellular pH by 0.6 units (a fourfold increase in intracellular H(+)). Prolonged silencing of both MCTs reduced viability by 75% individually and 92% in combination, as measured by both phenotypic and flow cytometric analyses. Conclusion MCT targeting significantly reduced the viability of U-87 MG cells mediated by both apoptosis and necrosis. This indicates that the strategy may be a useful therapeutic avenue for treatment of patients with malignant glioma.
Bacterial enteropathogens associated with diarrhea in a rural population of Haiti.

Purpose Diarrheal disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity in developing countries. To further understand the epidemiology of diarrheal disease among a rural population surrounding Robillard, Haiti, fecal swabs from patients with diarrhea were screened for the presence of enteropathogenic bacteria. Patients and methods Fecal swabs were collected from 34 patients with signs and symptoms of diarrhea and stored in BBL™ Cary-Blair transport medium (Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sparks, MD) until transit to the USA. Swab material was inoculated on to different enrichment and selective agars for incubation. Fermenting and nonfermenting bacteria that grew on the enteric selection media were identified by the BBL™ Crystal™ Enteric/Nonferementing Identification system (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Organisms identified as Escherichia coli were further screened for the presence of virulence factors by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results Of 34 patients, no Campylobacter, Shigella, Salmonella, or Vibrio spp. were isolated from swabs transported to the USA for culture. Of 73 E. coli isolates cultured from the swabs, one enteropathogenic strain of E. coli was identified by multiplex PCR. Escherichia fergusonii and Cronobacter sakazakii, both potential gastrointestinal pathogens, were also isolated from patient stools. Conclusion This study was undertaken to determine if bacterial enteropathogens could be detected in the stools of patients suffering from diarrhea or dysentery and, in the absence of sufficient facilities, rectal swabs could be transported to the USA for culture. Although several genera of overt enteropathogens were not detected, one enteropathogenic E. coli and other pathogenic enterobacteriaceae were successfully cultured and identified.
Granular disintegration of marble in nature: A thermal-mechanical origin for a grus and corestone landscape

Abstract Here we document for the first time in detail a natural landscape dominated by granular disintegration of marble and the associated production of marble grus sediment and corestones. We provide several lines of evidence for a thermal-mechanical origin for the observed granular disintegration and resulting corestones. In the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California, calcite marble outcrops whose average grain diameter is greater than approximately 0.5 mm are weathering into grus sediment and exhibit a corestone morphology. Minimal soil development in thick grus colluvium combined with results from a simple erosion experiment indicates that grus production and erosion is rapid. Our data indicate that unlike granite, marble granular disintegration and corestone development is a uniquely sub-aerial process. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and micro-probe analyses of rock samples collected in recent quarry exposures indicate that detachment of grain boundaries occurs primarily within the upper 2–20 cm of the outcrop surface. There is minimal evidence of secondary calcite dissolution or precipitation at grain boundaries below the upper-most few centimeters of the rock surface, despite widespread intergranular fracturing. At depths greater than 20 cm below the natural ground surface, granular disintegration and corestone weathering are not evident, and dissolution and precipitation of secondary calcite is only observed within a few centimeters of joint planes. Corestone morphology appears to form through the erosion of loosened grus debris at sharp edges of subaerially exposed joints. The resulting form represents a morphologic equifinality to that of granite corestones and results from different processes than those which have been proposed for granite. An 8-month, once-per-three minute temperature record from a thermocouple embedded into a marble corestone indicates that the upper 2.5 cm of the corestone regularly achieves temperatures greater than 40 °C, the temperature which is thought to be sufficient to produce permanent strain in calcite. All of these results are consistent with theoretical and experimental studies that indicate that marble is susceptible to mechanical weathering by thermal processes. Overall, this study provides new documentation that solar heating and cooling can be an important driver of physical weathering in natural systems of the Earth's surface.
Surgery of massive fibrous dysplasia and osteoma of the midface

Since most bony lesions of the midface will stop growing or regress, it is generally not appreciated when fibrous dysplasia and osteoma occasionally continue to grow, causing functional and cosmetic problems. To demonstrate the potential of the disease processes and management options available to the surgeon, a series of patients with massive fibrous dysplasia and osteoma of the midface is reviewed. Most of the patients show a facial deformity alone or in combination with telecanthus, epiphora, ex-ophthalmos, or nasal obstruction. Several types of radical and conservative surgical procedures are described to remove or control the bony lesions, to restore facial contour, and to reconstruct the sinuses, nasal passageways, lacrimal collecting system, and medial wall of the orbit.
Dopamine D2 receptors in addiction-like reward dysfunction and compulsive eating in obese rats

We found that development of obesity was coupled with emergence of a progressively worsening deficit in neural reward responses. Similar changes in reward homeostasis induced by cocaine or heroin are considered to be crucial in triggering the transition from casual to compulsive drug-taking. Accordingly, we detected compulsive-like feeding behavior in obese but not lean rats, measured as palatable food consumption that was resistant to disruption by an aversive conditioned stimulus. Striatal dopamine D2 receptors (D2Rs) were downregulated in obese rats, as has been reported in humans addicted to drugs. Moreover, lentivirus-mediated knockdown of striatal D2Rs rapidly accelerated the development of addiction-like reward deficits and the onset of compulsive-like food seeking in rats with extended access to palatable high-fat food. These data demonstrate that overconsumption of palatable food triggers addiction-like neuroadaptive responses in brain reward circuits and drives the development of compulsive eating. Common hedonic mechanisms may therefore underlie obesity and drug addiction.
Improving the memory bandwidth of highly-integrated, wide-issue, microprocessor-based systems

Next-generation wide-issue processors will require greater memory bandwidth than provided by present memory hierarchy designs. We propose techniques for increasing the memory bandwidth of multi-ported L1 D-caches, large on-chip L2 caches and dedicated memory ports while minimizing the cycle time impact. These approaches are evaluated within the context of an 8-way superscalar processor design and next-generation VLSI, packaging and RAM technologies. We show that the combined L1 and L2 cache enhancements can outperform conventional techniques by over 80%, and that even with an on-chip 512-kByte L2 cache, board-level caches provide significant enough performance gains to justify their higher cost.
Bimodal Interactions in the Superior Colliculus of the Behaving Cat

Bimodal enhancement, a form of nonlinear summation of physiological responses from two sensory modalities, has been demonstrated in the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SCi) and is thought to be a manifestation of a neural mechanism underlying behavioral facilitation to such stimuli. Most physiological studies, however, have been performed in anesthetized animals. We tested for bimodal enhancement in the SCi of behaving cats trained to orient to acoustic, visual, and bimodal stimuli. Surprisingly, we never observed the large enhanced responses reported in anesthetized animals, even when we varied the time between presentation of the visual and acoustic stimuli and/or decreased the level of the stimuli. Using three different behavioral paradigms, we found no support for enhanced interactions between auditory and visual modalities. Prominent depressive effects were seen, however, particularly when the cats were required to fixate a visual target during presentation of an acoustic stimulus.
The Inhibition of Maillard Browning by Different Concentrations of Rosmarinic Acid and Epigallocatechin‐3‐Gallate in Model, Bakery, and Fruit Systems

UNLABELLED Rosmarinic acid and Epigallocatechin gallate concentrations were studied as natural inhibitors of Maillard browning in glucose/glycine model systems, and in bakery rolls and applesauce. The concentrations of the inhibitors were varied to determine the highest level of inhibition without a pro-oxidant/browning effect. UV absorbance and gas chromatography/mass spec (GC/MS) with solid phase microextraction (SPME) sampling was used to study browning in the model systems. Hunter L*, a*, b* was used to analyze the color change results of the inhibitors on applesauce and bakery rolls. It was determined that a 1.0% solution of either antioxidant in the glucose/glycine system produced the greatest inhibition and a synergistic effect was not apparent when the two were combined. Inhibition of browning and a lack of synergy between the antioxidants were also determined in food systems consisting of applesauce and bakery rolls. GC/MS analysis of the model system revealed a high level of pyrazine formation in no-inhibitor control samples and the absence of pyrazines in inhibitor-containing samples. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Natural browning inhibitors, that is Rosmarinic acid and Epigallocatechin gallate, can be added to food items to inhibit browning over a prolonged period of storage in order to increase product shelf stability. The concentrations of the inhibitors require optimization since a pro-oxidant effect and increased browning will occur at high levels.
Apparent hydrodynamic thickness of densely grafted polymer layers in a theta solvent

We study the drainage of a near-theta solvent through densely grafted polymer layers and compare to recent notions that these layers display little permeabil- ity to solvent flow at surface separations less than a ''hydrodynamic thickness.'' The solvent is trans-decalin (a near-theta solvent at the experimental temperature of 247C). The polymer is polystyrene (PS) end-attached to two opposed mica surfaces via the selective adsorption of the polyvinylpyridine (PVP) block of a PS-PVP diblock copoly- mer. The experimental probe was a surface forces apparatus modified to apply small- amplitude oscillatory displacements in the normal direction. Out-of-phase responses reflected viscous flow of solvent alone—the PS chains did not appear to contribute to dissipation over the oscillation frequencies studied. The value of the hydrodynamic thickness (RH) was less than the coil thickness (Lo) measured independently from the onset of surface-surface interactions in the force-distance profile, implying significant penetration of the velocity field into the polymer layer. As the surface-surface separa- tion was reduced from 3Lo to 0.3Lo, the apparent hydrodynamic thickness (R*) de- creased monotonically to values R* ! RH. Physically, this indicates that the ''slip plane'' moved progressively closer to the solid surfaces with decreasing surface-surface separation. This was accompanied by augmentation of the effective viscosity by a factor of up to approximately 5, indicating somewhat diminished permeability of solvent through the overlapping polymer layers. Similar results hold for the flow through surface-anchored polymers in a good solvent. It is interesting to note the strong stretch- ing of densely end-grafted polymers in a theta solvent. q 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 2961-2968, 1997
Learning compliance control laws for robotic assembly: an application of adaptive reinforcement learning control

The primary objective of this paper is to demonstrate that the adaptive reinforcement learning method proposed by Asada-Izumi (1989) is efficient and useful in learning a compliance control law in a class of robotic assembly tasks. A simple ball-aligning task is used as an example, where a robot is required to move a ball to the corner of a box. In the simulation, the robot is initially provided with only position feedback gains to follow the nominal trajectory. However, at each attempt, the location of the box is randomly deviated from the nominal position as uncertainty of the environment and, therefore, compliant motion control is required to guide the ball to the corner of the box. After repeating the collision with the walls of the box, the robot can successfully generate force feedback gains to modify its nominal motion. Our results show that the new learning method can be used to learn a compliance control law effectively.
Dance-inspired technology, technology-inspired dance

The design of interactive dance is a challenging endeavor because both dance and computing are in themselves full of complexity, thus to create a cohesive union of the two involves much trial and error and a mutual disciplinary understanding. Since interactive dance is a performing art, technologists working as designers must consider how all of the parts -- choreography, media, interactivity -- are integrated to inform the overall gestalt and intent of the piece. To this end, we offer five design principles for making interactive dance: Connected Kinetics, Augmented Expression, Aesthetic Harmony, Interactive Build, and Integrated Process. These design principles have emerged from our practice-based research in collaboratively producing six different interactive dance pieces over the past four years.
Social Desirability Bias in Self-reports of Physical Activity: Is an Exercise Identity the Culprit?

Like that of other normative behaviors, much of the research on physical exercise is based on self-reports that are prone to overreporting. While research has focused on identifying the presence and degree of overreporting, this paper fills an important gap by investigating its causes. The explanation based in impression management will be challenged, using an explanation based in identity theory as an arguably better fitting alternative. Respondents were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) a web instrument using direct survey questions, or (2) a chronological reporting procedure using text messaging. Comparisons to validation data from a reverse record check indicate significantly greater rates of overreporting in the web condition than in the text condition. Results suggest that measurement bias is associated with the importance of the respondents’ exercise identity, prompted by the directness of the conventional survey question. Findings call into question the benefit of self-administration for bias reduction in measurement of normative behaviors.
Prosthetic replacement of the aortic arch.

Four patients are reported in whom the aortic arch and variable portions of the ascending and descending aorta were replaced with a prosthesis. In three patients the preoperative diagnosis was dissecting aneurysm of the aortic arch and in one an arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the aortic arch was present. A combination of surface cooling and cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized to produce total body hypothermia. Arch replacement was carried out during a period of total circulatory arrest. Cardiopulmonary bypass was then utilized to warm the patient and resuscitate the heart. The average duration of cerebral ischemia was 43 minutes and the average duration of myocardial ischemia was 74 minutes. The average lowest esophageal temperature was 14° C., and the average lowest rectal temperature was 18° C. Three patients are alive and well 4 to 13 months following surgery. One patient died 4 days postoperatively of pulmonary insufficiency. This experience indicates that by utilizing total body hypothermia and circulatory arrest aortic arch replacement can be carried out with an acceptable mortality rate. Corrective surgery should be offered to patients with life-threatening enlarging aneurysms of the aortic arch.
Identifying potential kidney donors using social networking web sites

Social networking sites like Facebook may be a powerful tool for increasing rates of live kidney donation. They allow for wide dissemination of information and discussion and could lessen anxiety associated with a face-to-face request for donation. However, sparse data exist on the use of social media for this purpose. We searched Facebook, the most popular social networking site, for publicly available English-language pages seeking kidney donors for a specific individual, abstracting information on the potential recipient, characteristics of the page itself, and whether potential donors were tested. In the 91 pages meeting inclusion criteria, the mean age of potential recipients was 37 (range: 2-69); 88% were US residents. Other posted information included the individual's photograph (76%), blood type (64%), cause of kidney disease (43%), and location (71%). Thirty-two percent of pages reported having potential donors tested, and 10% reported receiving a live-donor kidney transplant. Those reporting donor testing shared more potential recipient characteristics, provided more information about transplantation, and had higher page traffic. Facebook is already being used to identify potential kidney donors. Future studies should focus on how to safely, ethically, and effectively use social networking sites to inform potential donors and potentially expand live kidney donation.
Increased endothelial NOS in lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension

Altered pulmonary vascular reactivity is a source of morbidity and mortality for children with congenital heart defects and increased pulmonary blood flow. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important mediator of pulmonary vascular reactivity. The objective of this study was to characterize potential early alterations in expression, localization, and activity of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) induced by increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension. Utilizing aortopulmonary vascular graft placement in the fetal lamb, we have established a unique animal model of pulmonary hypertension that mimics congenital heart disease with increased pulmonary blood flow. Ten fetal lambs underwent in utero placement of an aortopulmonary vascular graft (shunt). RNase protection assays and Western blotting were performed on lung tissue prepared from 4-wk-old shunt lambs and age-matched controls. eNOS mRNA (2.4:1, P < 0.05) and protein (2. 08:1, P < 0.05) were increased in lungs of shunt lambs. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that the increase was confined to the endothelium of pulmonary arteries. eNOS protein (1.55:1, P < 0.05) and tissue cGMP concentrations (2.1:1, P < 0.05) were also increased in isolated fifth-generation pulmonary arteries of shunt lambs. In addition, total lung eNOS activity was increased (2.9:1, P < 0.05). Thus we report a previously undescribed, early upregulation of eNOS gene expression and activity in lambs with increased pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary hypertension.
Rodent myoblast interactions with laminin require cell surface glycoconjugates but not laminin glycosyl groups

Laminin glycosyl groups are necessary for the spreading of murine melanoma cells which become attached to this glycoprotein. Laminin has been implicated in myogenesis but the potential role of its glycosyl groups in this process has not been examined. In this study we report the effects of the carbohydrate moieties of laminin on myoblast adhesion, spreading, and differentiation. Unglycosylated laminin from tunicamycin-treated cultures of a mouse cell line, M1536 B3, was used in the experiments. Glycosylated laminin from a murine tumor and from cultures of M1563 B3 cells served as controls. Cell binding experiments with C2C12 mouse myoblasts showed that the cells preferred a laminin-coated surface, compared to the uncoated plastic surface (nontissue culture wells). Myoblasts did not distinguish between glycosylated and unglycosylated laminin substrates. Both glycosylated and unglycosylated forms of laminin promoted myoblast growth and differentiation. In contrast, cells on uncoated plastic surfaces grew very slowly and did not further differentiate. The L6 rat myoblast response to glycosylated and unglycosylated laminin was the same. These results indicate that although rodent myoblasts in culture require a laminin substratum for spreading, growth, and differentiation on a proprietary plastic surface, laminin carbohydrates are not implicated in those cellular responses. In contrast, parallel studies using the lectin, Con A, indicate that cell surface glycoconjugates of myoblasts are implicated in the response of these cells to a laminin substratum.
Perceptions of Health Status and the Relationship With Abuse History and Mental Health in Low-Income Single Mothers

This article examines the relationships among maternal abuse experiences, psychosocial factors, and perceptions of health status in a sample of 59 low-income mothers with young children. Data were collected in the first wave of a 3-wave panel study during structured in-home interviews. Sixty-four percent of the sample reported some form of childhood abuse, with approximately 41% of the women reporting an abusive relationship during the past 12 months. More than 59% of the mothers reported high depressive symptoms, but few women had received mental health treatment. High everyday stressors and high depressive symptoms were associated with poorer perceptions of maternal and child health status. Histories of abuse were not associated with levels of self-esteem. Nurses working with low-income single mothers must evaluate mothers’ risk status relative to mental health and family violence on an ongoing basis and provide appropriate treatment or referral.
Using miniature humanoids as surrogate research platforms

As research in biped gait, human interaction, and social robotics expands, hardware to explore these fields is becoming valuable. The high cost and risk of full-sized humanoid robots prevents many small laboratories for exploring these areas, however. In recent years, many models of miniature humanoid robot have been introduced to the pro-sumer market. These small humanoid robots cost 1000 to 2000 USD. They are easy to operate and maintain, yet lack articulation and processing power of full-size humanoids. The objective of the authors' research is to implement a miniature humanoid robot as a surrogate for larger humanoid robotics. To demonstrate this, a miniature humanoid was used to explore creativity and dance with a humanoid robot. The authors' particular interest in humanoids is dance as an expression of creativity and hence intelligence. To move beyond preprogrammed choreography requires the ability to listen to music, interpret rhythm and express a message through dance. Employing miniature humanoids as surrogate test platforms reduces risk before algorithms are ported to full-size ones. Experimental results are presented that support the viability of this approach.
High efficiency adaptive boost converter for LED drivers

This paper presents the design and simulation results of an 89% power efficient CMOS adaptive controlled boost (step-up) LED driver implemented in 0.25 μm BCD (Bipolar CMOS DMOS) technology. A novel adaptive minimum frequency control provides up to 32 V from a single battery (3.6 V to 5.5 V) input supply to 10 series-connected LEDs at the output. The proposed control scheme provides an accurate load current (3–50 mA) while achieving 6%–12% higher power efficiency than conventional fixed on-time schemes. The novel control circuitry is able to switch between PWM (Pulse width modulation) and PFM (Pulse frequency modulation) automatically by calculating the feedbacks from the inductor and LED's currents. This controller is functional from light to heavy loading situations which is critical in improvement of power efficiency and battery life-time for high-boost ratio applications in order as provide accurate LED current.
Big Data in the 1800s in surgical science: A social history of early large data set development in urologic surgery in Paris and Glasgow

1. Dennis J Mazur 1. Oregon Health and Science University, USA 1. Dennis J Mazur, Center for Ethics in Health Care, Mailcode: UHN-86, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA. Email: mzrdj11{at}gmail.com “Big Data” in health and medicine in the 21st century differs from “Big Data” used in health and medicine in the 1700s and 1800s. However, the old data sets share one key component: large numbers. The term “Big Data” is not synonymous with large numbers. Large numbers are a key component of Big Data in health and medicine, both for understanding the full range of how a disease presents in a human for diagnosis, and for understanding if one treatment of a disease is better than another treatment or better than just leaving the patient on his or her own without therapy. In this paper, we examine the first considerations of Big Data in medicine in Paris in the early 1800s when urologic surgeon Jean Civiale collected the first large numbers. Civiale collected the large numbers to defend the efficacy of his urologic instrument, the lithotrite, and the surgical procedure he developed, lithotrity, for the removal of bladder stones compared with earlier, more invasive surgical approaches. We examine how large numbers were adjudicated in social decision-making in the Academie des sciences, Paris, when a dispute arose among French urologic surgeons about the importance of large numbers in surgical science. After Civiale’s successful defense of his instrument and procedure in Paris, we examine how his approach to Big Data (large numbers) impacted data collection by George Buchanan in his use of the procedure at the Royal Hospital Infirmary in Glasgow.
Measurement and improvement of the adhesion of copper to polyimide

A contact angle measurement technique has been used to obtain an estimate of the interfacial energy and thermodynamic adhesive strength between copper and polyimide [pyromellitic dyanhydride oxydianalyn (PMDA-ODA) and p-phenylene biphenylteracarboinide (BPDA-PDA)]. Values of the strength of adhesion from these contact angle measurements are in reasonable agreement with values calculated using the Girifalco-Good-Fowkes nonpolar interfacial adhesion theory. Based on the surface energy it was predicted and experimentally observed that small copper clusters would embed into the polymer matrix if heated under ultrahigh vacuum conditions at temperatures near T{sub g} of the polymer. Controlled embedding of nanometer clusters was utilized to produce a textured interface, where the partially embedded clusters acted as ''nanonails'' to anchor a metal overlayer to the underlying polyimide substrate. These nanonails greatly increased the bonding between the copper overlayer and the polyimide, as demonstrated by mechanical debonding studies. (c) 1999 Materials Research Society.
A Retrospective Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Asthma Clinical Pathway in Pediatric Inpatient Practice

OBJECTIVE To determine if the asthma clinical pathway implemented at Wolfson Children's Hospital reduces the length of hospital stay. To determine if pathway use affected the use of asthma education, the use of appropriate discharge medications based on asthma classification, and readmission rates. METHODS A list of patients aged 2 to 18 years discharged from Wolfson Children's Hospital between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2006 with the diagnosis of asthma was generated. Medical records of eligible patients were reviewed for demographic information, asthma pathway use, duration of hospital stay in days, readmission rates, receipt of asthma education, and medications prescribed upon discharge. Patients placed on the asthma clinical pathway were compared to a control group with asthma who were matched based on age and discharge date. Length of stay was averaged for each group. Asthma education, discharge medications, and readmission rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Forty-three patient...
Exercise and Food Intake: What’s the Connection? What Are the Potential Sex Differences?

Regular physical activity is widely regarded as playing a large role in obesity prevention and treatment efforts. However, current data suggest that men lose more weight with exercise training than women. Thus, in this chapter we review the impact of exercise on weight loss in men and women, and potential homeostatic (appetite hormones) and non-homeostatic (neuronal responses) explanations of sex differences. The evolving story may influence our view on the impact of exercise on weight loss, and whether a true sex difference exists.
Role of Arthropod Predators in Mortality of Early Instars of the Range Caterpillar, Hemileuca oliviae (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Impact of arthropod predators on mortality of early instars of the range caterpillar, Hemileuca oliviae Cockerell, was assessed in three field experiments. In the first two experiments, first instars of H. oliviae were introduced into experimental units; predators were excluded from half of the units insecticidally and with cages. Results showed no effect on larval survivorship from the initial level of larvae, indicating density-independent mortality, and a significant effect resulting from exclusion of potential predators. Evidence from sweep-net samples, pitfall traps, and general observations suggested an important role for generalist predators, especially the ant Crematogaster punctulata Emery. Possible impact of spiders, cicindelids, mantids, and gryllacridids is considered. In the third experiment, C. punctulata was shown to be a predator of H. oliviae . Implications for importance of arthropod predators in saving rangeland forage are discussed.
Experience with retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy in bilateral Wilms tumor.

Introduction Retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy has not been studied as a surgical approach for children with bilateral Wilms tumor. There are advantages to this technique, including isolation of urine leaks to the retroperitoneum, decreased risk of bowel injury, and decreased time to resuming a diet. Presently, all bilateral Wilms tumors are treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and attempted nephron-sparing surgery. In this study, we compare the outcomes of the retroperitoneal and transabdominal approaches in doing partial nephrectomy for bilateral Wilms tumor. Methods With the institutional review board approval, we reviewed records of 14 pediatric patients with metachronous or synchronous bilateral Wilms tumors who underwent surgery after chemotherapy between 1994 and 2014. Only operative procedures with the intent to cure were included (n = 15) and of these, 5 procedures were retroperitoneal and 10 were transabdominal in approach. Individual kidneys operated upon (n = 26) were analyzed using the preoperative radius exophytic/endophytic nearness anterior/posterior location nephrometry score to ensure that resected tumors were comparable between the two surgical groups. Charts were retrospectively analyzed for intraoperative parameters and postoperative course. Differences between parameters were evaluated using Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests. Results Resected tumors in both surgical treatment groups had comparable sizes, nephrometry scores, and rates of anaplasia. Operative time, blood loss, and transfusion requirement were similar between the two groups. The extent of lymph node sampling and rates of R0 resection were equivalent. One adverse intraoperative event, a bowel enterotomy, was seen in the transabdominal group. Patients after retroperitoneal partial nephrectomy required half the time to return to an oral diet as compared with those after a transabdominal surgery, approaching statistical significance (p = 0.08). Rates of the postoperative urine leak were similar, though two in the transabdominal group required reoperation for drainage. There were four recurrences, all in the transabdominal group. Conclusion Our experience demonstrates that the retroperitoneal approach is equivalent to the transabdominal technique with regards to intraoperative complications, lymph node dissection, and R0 resection. Advantages include less time to resumption of oral feeding, decreased risk of bowel injury, and isolation of urine leaks to the retroperitoneum. It should be considered a viable surgical option in the treatment of bilateral Wilms tumors.
SRANS and URANS CFD Simulations of Turbulent VHTR Lower Plenum Flow

Time-dependent and time-independent CFD simulations of the flow through a staggered tube bundle were performed. This flow configuration partially simulates the anticipated flow in the lower plenum of a Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR) design. To design a nuclear reactor with confidence, one needs strict benchmarking as part of a validation and verification exercise for any and all commercial CFD codes. Thus CFD simulations (FLUENT) of isothermal (at present), periodic flow through a tube bundle using both Steady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (SRANS) and Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations were investigated. Selected turbulence models for a single tube diameter and inlet velocity based Re-number, Re ∼ 1.8 × 104 , were investigated. The first-order turbulence models were: a standard k-e turbulence model, a Renormalized Group (RNG) k-e model, and lastly, a Shear Stress Transport (SST) k-e model; the second-order model was a Reynolds Stress Model (RSM). Comparison of CFD simulations against experimental results of Simonin and Barcouda was undertaken at five stations (x, y) locations. Under the SRANS, we found the ability of the models to predict the turbulence stresses (u′u′, v′v′, u′v′) generally marginal to poor. However, upon adapting a concept from Large Eddy Simulation (LES), our URANS simulation with RSM revealed a spatiotemporal, oscillating flow structures in the wake. In contrast, it appears that the URANS with (even a) RNG k-e model is unable to simulate this flow phenomena. In fact, the data suggests that the RNG k-e model is too spatiotemporally dissipative. Some aspects of the SRANS versus URANS and using the aforementioned turbulence models will be presented.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Screening the formula of deep profile control for Class II reservoirs in Sanan oilfield

The formula of profile control system has been screened for Class Ⅱ reservoirs in Sanan oilfield according to physical modeling experiments by measuring the viscosity and sealing characteristics of the profile control systems of different mass fractions.This formula comprises polymer(molecular weight over 25 million) and chromium crosslinker.The injection timing and slug size are optimized based on the optimization of profile control agent.The experiment shows that the profile control system of 1 200 mg/L polymer and 40 mg/L chromium crosslinker is recommended.The optimum injection is pre-injection of the profile control agent with slug size of 0.05 PV.