cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional Science, Regional Policy, and the “New” Regional Economics: Future Possibilities in Historical Perspective

Recently there has been an unusual amount of soul searching among regional scientists concerning the nature and significance of regional science (for example, Isserman 1993, 1995; Bailly and Coffey 1993). Having been closely involved with regional science for most of its forty years, I find no evidence that the quality of research has declined or that somehow the field has become lost or irrelevant. As in other disciplines, therc are on-going feuds between theoretical and applied camps, but this tension is unavoidable and should not be a cause for alarm. The yin and the yang are both necessary.
Improved understanding of the spark plasma sintering process

The process by which spark plasma sintering produces high densification of powder specimens is examined to determine the role of sparks and plasma. Measurements are reported of the electromagnetic emission during the pulsing current using the state-of-the-art Tektronix MDO4104B-6 to obtain voltage vs time and simultaneously radio frequency (rf) emission in selected power vs frequency regions. The results show strong rf emission over the selected frequency region 0–160 kHz during pulsing and nearly an order of magnitude decrease of power during pulsing but in the gap (no pulse). These measurements showed no rf emission dependence on the electrical conductivity of the specimen or with current levels between 0–500 A and support the conclusion that no sparking or plasma production takes place in the specimen. The steep slope of the current vs time profile is demonstrated to produce the rf emission in a manner described by Hertz and is suggested to provide forces on the sintering material that encourage densif...
The use of oral antibiotics before isotretinoin therapy in patients with acne

Background Systemic antibiotics are used widely to treat moderate to severe acne, but increasing antibiotic resistance makes appropriate use a priority. Objective We sought to determine the duration of systemic antibiotic use in patients with inflammatory/nodulocystic acne who eventually required isotretinoin. Methods We performed a retrospective, single-site chart review of patients with acne diagnostic codes evaluated January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2014, at a dermatology practice in an academic medical center. Included patients were prescribed isotretinoin during the study period and received 30 days or more of antibiotics. Results The average duration of antibiotic use was 331.3 days. In all, 21 patients (15.3%) were prescribed antibiotics for 3 months or less, 88 patients (64.2%) for 6 months or more, and 46 patients (33.6%) for 1 year or longer. Patients treated only at the study site had a mean duration of antibiotic treatment of 283.1 days whereas patients who also received antibiotics from another institution had a mean duration of 380.2 days. This difference approached statistical significance (P = .054). Limitations This study was limited to a single center. Conclusion Expert guidelines recommend responsible use of antibiotics in acne in light of emerging resistance. We found that patients who eventually received isotretinoin had extended exposure to antibiotics, exceeding recommendations. Early recognition of antibiotic failure and the need for isotretinoin can curtail antibiotic use.
Direct inhibition of insulin secretion by synthetic somatostatin.

Summary Synthetic somatostatin has been found tosignificantly inhibit glucose-induced insulin secretion by the perfused rat pancreas. This inhibition was observed to be rapidly reversible.
¿Amigo de la Raza? Reexamining Determinants of Latino Support in the U.S. Congress*

Objectives. This study updates and extends research on substantive Latino representation in the U.S. Congress. An improved method of measuring “Latino interests” is proposed. Methods. Using a scorecard from the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda as the dependent variable, standard OLS regression is employed to determine the variables that best predict how members of the 108th Congress vote on issues that are salient to the Latino community. Results. The findings indicate that Latinos are substantively represented overwhelmingly by Democrats and those from majority-Democratic districts or states, while religion and level of constituency poverty also play a notable role. Conclusion. This study adds strong support to the “party as a substantive representative” model of minority representation. It also shows that Latinos are not more likely to be substantively represented by fellow Latinos, nor do larger Latino constituencies affect a lawmaker's propensity to vote in favor of Latino interests.
Regulation of tumor suppressor p53 and HCT116 cell physiology by histone demethylase JMJD2D/KDM4D

JMJD2D, also known as KDM4D, is a histone demethylase that removes methyl moieties from lysine 9 on histone 3 and from lysine 26 on histone 1.4. Here, we demonstrate that JMJD2D forms a complex with the p53 tumor suppressor in vivo and interacts with the DNA binding domain of p53 in vitro. A luciferase reporter plasmid driven by the promoter of p21, a cell cycle inhibitor and prominent target gene of p53, was synergistically activated by p53 and JMJD2D, which was dependent on JMJD2D catalytic activity. Likewise, overexpression of JMJD2D induced p21 expression in U2OS osteosarcoma cells in the absence and presence of adriamycin, an agent that induces DNA damage. Furthermore, downregulation of JMJD2D inhibited cell proliferation in wild-type and even more so in p53−/− HCT116 colon cancer cells, suggesting that JMJD2D is a pro-proliferative molecule. JMJD2D depletion also induced more strongly apoptosis in p53−/− compared to wild-type HCT116 cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate that JMJD2D can stimulate cell proliferation and survival, suggesting that its inhibition may be helpful in the fight against cancer. Furthermore, our data imply that activation of p53 may represent a mechanism by which the pro-oncogenic functions of JMJD2D become dampened.
Effect of additives and pulse plating on copper nucleation onto Ru

Abstract The impact of organic additives and pulse-plating parameters on the initial stages of copper electrodeposition on Ru is characterized. Microscopy is used to observe 7–15 nm thick Cu deposits, prior to complete coverage of the substrate. Because the nucleus density is very high for the conditions studied here, the counting of individual Cu islands is difficult and an alternative method to analyze the images is presented. Results are compared for different additives for continuous plating and pulse-plating conditions. Pulse plating has a significant impact on the nucleus density. Replacement of Cl− ions with Br− ions of the same concentration yields an increase in the nucleus density at the same current density. A PEG–PPG–PEG block copolymer, when used instead of PEG as a suppressor, appeared to result in high nonuniformity in particle size.
Economic appraisal of co-operative enterprise in the United States: Principles and issues

Co-operatives are a unique type of enterprise with important differences from traditional firms. This paper explores these differences, with emphasis on the nature of their profits, entrepreneurial status, co-operative principles, transactional and cost differences and co-operative contributions to the economic system. Co-operative enterprises procure certain services for members at cost which distinguishes them from business firms which buy and sell products to make profits for the owners. Co-operation can be limited to two fundamental principles: services at cost and member control. Co-operatives aim to generate savings by providing members with goods and services more economically than they could obtain them from alternative sources. Thus, the co-operative intends to enhance profits in the individual businesses (or households) of members. However, members exercise entrepreneurial control over the co-operative—in much the same manner as do the owners of a business firm. Co-operatives aim to operate at different points on their short-run average cost curves than typical business firms and their differences in transactional perspective tend to increase competition in certain markets. Co-operatives frequently offer services firm entrepreneurs do not see fit to offer. Co-operatives thus have an important role in the US economic system.
On the contribution of electromagnetic penguins to ϵ

Abstract I discuss the importance of the electromagnetic penguin (EMP) contribution to ϵ′. I confirm the corrections to earlier calculations found by Buras and Gerard (BG). Incorporating these corrections, I calculate the Wilson coefficients of the EMP operators using the full anomalous dimension matrices, and also using the large- N (number of colors) approach of BG. I disagree with BG on the coefficient of the EMP operator dominant at large N : my result is of opposite sign and smaller in magnitude. This means that for large N the EMP contribution increases ϵ′, but by less than 1%. I also find that this Wilson coefficient is poorly estimated in the large- N approach. I agree with the BG result for the coefficient of the EMP operator subdominant at large N . This coefficient is large, and is well estimated using the large- N anomalous dimension matrices. I emphasize that the crucial factor determining the EMP contribution to ϵ′ is the size of the hadronic matrix elements of the subdominant EMP operator. Though suppressed at large N , it increases ϵ′ by 5–20% if one assumes vacuum insertion approximation, and by up to 100% if one uses the results from a recent lattice calculation.
Optimal Preorder Strategy with Endogenous Information Control

In this paper, we investigate the integrated information and pricing strategy for a seller who can take customer preorders before the release of a product. The preorder option enables the seller to sell a product at an early stage when consumers are less certain about their valuations. We find that the optimal pricing strategy may be highly dependent on the amount of information available at preorder and that a small change in the latter may cause a dramatic change in the proportion of consumers who preorder under optimal pricing. Furthermore, the seller's optimal information strategy depends on a key measure, the normalized margin, which is the ratio between the expected profit margin and the standard deviation of consumer valuation. Although the seller may want to release some information or none, she should never release all information. Finally, under the optimal information and pricing strategy, the benefit of preorder is most pronounced when the normalized margin is in a medium range. This paper was accepted by Martin Lariviere, operations management.
Quantum-mechanical consequences of the Hubble expansion

Quantum-mechanical effects associated with a locally expanding space-time, described by a flat Robertson-Walker metric, are investigated. Specifically, we ask the following question: Can the local expansion rate of the Universe be detected by making precision measurements on atomic and molecular systems? A simple example involving a particle in an expanding box would seem to indicate that time-dependent fractional energy shifts may be detectable. Next, a careful perturbative analysis of realistic quantum-mechanical systems possessing quite generic smooth, continuous potentials is performed by employing an adiabatic approximation. It is found thatfor realistic systems the quantum effects due to a local spacetime expansion are too small to be detectable. Consequently, we also conclude that theactual physical size of an atomic or molecular system remains fairly constant, independent of the current rate of spatial expansion.
High-resolution magnetic resonance angiography of hands with timed arterial compression (tac-MRA)

Summary Timed arterial compression (tac) of blood flow can be achieved by inflation of a blood-pressure cuff. We postulated that this technique might improve contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the arteries of the hands. We studied eight volunteers and six patients with occlusive arterial disease of the hands with standard MRA and tac-MRA. Compared with standard MRA, acquisition time was extended with the blood-pressure cuff by a factor of four, leading to quadrupled image resolution (512×1024). Furthermore, flow-related artifacts were not seen. Tac-MRA permits visualisation of the peripheral arterial system in finer detail than that achieved with standard MRA.
A potential role for creatine in drug abuse

Supplemental creatine has been promoted for its positive health effects and is best known for its use by athletes to increase muscle mass. In addition to its role in physical performance, creatine supplementation has protective effects on the brain in models of neuronal damage and also alters mood state and cognitive performance. Creatine is found in high protein foods, such as fish or meat, and is also produced endogenously from the biosynthesis of arginine, glycine, and methionine. Changes in brain creatine levels, as measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are seen in individuals exposed to drugs of abuse and depressed individuals. These changes in brain creatine indicate that energy metabolism differs in these populations relative to healthy individuals. Recent work shows that creatine supplementation has the ability to function in a manner similar to antidepressant drugs and can offset negative consequences of stress. These observations are important in relation to addictive behaviors as addiction is influenced by psychological factors such as psychosocial stress and depression. The significance of altered brain levels of creatine in drug-exposed individuals and the role of creatine supplementation in models of drug abuse have yet to be explored and represent gaps in the current understanding of brain energetics and addiction.
Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroic spectra of G-actin.

Abstract Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroic spectra of native G-actin containing either Mg2+, Ca2+, or Mn2+ as the strongly bound cation did not differ in the far ultraviolet. Similarly, exchange of the bound ATP for ITP did not affect the peptide backbone conformation of the protein. Denaturation by heat or EDTA caused an irreversible loss of about 40% of the optically active structure of G-actin. From the ultraviolet circular dichroic spectra the conclusion was drawn that α-helix is the main optically active conformation both in the native and denatured actin and amounts to about 30% and 18%, respectively. The contribution of the β structure may not exceed 10%, while the remaining residues do not appear to contribute to the optical activity. Indications by circular dischroism of the presence of unfolded coil structures appear only in 6 m guanidine HCl. Sucrose, 30%, has no effect on the circular dichroic values of native G-actin, but it causes a reversible increase in circular dichroic values of denatured actin. Certain features of the circular dichroic pattern are consistent with there being rather short helical segments in actin.
From dimerization, to cycloaddition, to atom transfer cyclization: the further chemistry of TMM diradicals.

We describe [a] the first examples of intramolecular cycloaddition of a TMM diyl to a remotely tethered aldehyde, [b] the effect of a Lewis acid upon the course of TMM chemistry, [c] examples of exclusive intramolecular cycloaddition, competitive cycloaddition and ATC, and exclusive ATC, and [d] a set of predictive guidelines with which to assess whether cycloaddition or ATC will be the preferred path, and when the two processes will be competitive. Remarkably, a wide variety of structures can be obtained simply by varying the length of the tether within the diazenes investigated. DFT calculations were used to probe the energy surfaces for both atom transfer and cycloaddition. The transition structure for atom transfer involving the captodative system indicates that it occurs earlier along the reaction coordinate than for a system having only one radical stabilizing group. This is consistent with the existence of an exothermic process leading from the initial diyl to the captodatively stabilized distonic ...
Real Monster/Fake Auteur: Humor, Hollywood, and Herzog in Incident at Loch Ness

What was strange about the story on Werner Herzog in Variety from June 30, 2003? 1 Certainly not that it reported Herzog was beginning production on a documentary about the Loch Ness Monster, or mo...
Binge drinking and negative alcohol-related behaviors: A test of self-control theory

Binge drinking and alcohol-related behaviors have been viewed as major concerns on college campuses. Although national studies were conducted to describe these behaviors, less research attempted to explain them. Self-control theory is extended as a theoretical framework to explain both while considering other known risk factors. Using a sample of college students (n = 268) from a university in the southern United States, the additive and interactive effects of self-control were modeled to predict binge drinking and negative alcohol-related behaviors. A series of multivariate regression models showed that low self-control had effects on binge drinking and related behaviors. Binge drinking's effect on negative alcohol-related behaviors varied across levels of self-control.
Effects of Detector Thickness on Geometric Sensitivity and Event Positioning Errors in the Rectangular PET/X Scanner

We used simulations to investigate the relationship between sensitivity and spatial resolution as a function of crystal thickness in a rectangular PET scanner intended for quantitative assessment of breast cancers. The system had two 20 × 15-cm2 and two 10 × 15-cm2 flat detectors forming a box, with the larger detectors separated by 4 or 8 cm. Depth-of-interaction (DOI) resolution was modeled as a function of crystal thickness based on prior measurements. Spatial resolution was evaluated independent of image reconstruction by deriving and validating a surrogate metric from list-mode data ( dFWHM). When increasing crystal thickness from 5 to 40 mm, and without using DOI information, the dFWHM for a centered point source increased from 0.72 to 1.6 mm. Including DOI information improved dFWHM by 12% and 27% for 5- and 40-mm-thick crystals, respectively. For a point source in the corner of the FOV, use of DOI information improved dFWHM by 20% (5-mm crystal) and 44% (40-mm crystal). Sensitivity was 7.7% for 10-mm-thick crystals (8-cm object). Increasing crystal thickness on the smaller side detectors from 10 to 20 mm (keeping 10-mm crystals on the larger detectors) boosted sensitivity by 24% (relative) and degraded dFWHM by only ~ 3%/8% with/without DOI information. The benefits of measuring DOI must be evaluated in terms of the intended clinical task of assessing tracer uptake in small lesions. Increasing crystal thickness on the smaller side detectors provides substantial sensitivity increase with minimal accompanying loss in resolution.
La ética de la liberación ante la ética del discurso

En este articulo el autor responde a cuatro objeciones que Karl-Otto Apel desarrolla en el trabajo: La etica del Discurso ante el desafio de la Filosofia de la Liberacion (Isegoria 11, pp. 108-125). 1) La miseria que es una evidencia de exigencia etica, necesita para alcanzar validez intersubjetiva de la mediacion hermeneutica de las ciencias sociales criticas. 2) En el nivel ideologico la Filosofia de la Liberacion no acepta ser criticada de historicismo y de un cierto economicismo marxista "standard", ya que reconstruye el pensamiento de Marx de manera original. 3) La transcendentalidad trans-ontologica que propone la Filosofia de la Liberacion es propia de la alteridad de tipo levinasiano. 4) Aunque se acepta la necesidad de efectuar una fundamentacion formal antiesceptica, lo que importa etica y materialmente es la demostracion ante el cinico que pretende justificar la muerte de la verdad etica de la praxis de liberacion
“There’s an App for That”: Technical Standards and Commodification by Technological Means

Though the term “commodification” is used broadly, a theory of the processes by which goods become exchangeable and in fact objects of monetized exchange reveals a key site for technological politics. Commodities are goods that are alienable, somewhat rival, generally with low exclusion costs, and that are often consumed in use. Technological advances can affect all of these traits for certain goods, effectively bringing about a process of commodification by technological means. However, in order to function with specific contexts, technologies are designed and manufactured according to technical standards, standards that in turn take on features of what David Grewal (2008) has called “network power.” As such, standard setting processes become the potential locus for political argument over the legitimacy of a commodification process. Theorists hoping to develop more democratic theories of technological governance should thus recognize the significance of standards and the role they play in either promoting or controlling social relations organized according to the norms of monetized exchange.
Chondrule formation during planetesimal accretion

We explore the idea that most chondrules formed as a consequence of inefficient pairwise accretion, when molten or partly molten planetesimals ~ 30–100 km diameter, similar in size, collided at velocities comparable to their two-body escape velocity ~ 100 m/s. Although too slow to produce shocks or disrupt targets, these collisions were messy, especially after ~ 1 Ma of dynamical excitation. In SPH simulations we find that the innermost portion of the projectile decelerates into the target, while the rest continues downrange in massive sheets. Unloading from pre-collision hydrostatic pressure P0 ~ 1-100 bar into the nebula, the melt achieves equilibrium with the surface energy of chondrule-sized droplets. Cooling is regulated post collision by the expansion of the optically thick sheets. on a timescale of hours–days. Much of the sheet rains back down onto the target to be reprocessed; the rest is dispersed.
Neurointensivists' opinions about death by neurological criteria and organ donation.

Introduction: Neurointensivists are at the front line of treatment of patients who progress to death by neurological criteria (DNC). Although some of these patients will become organ donors, there has not been a systematic evaluation of the opinions and resources available to neurointensivists in regard to these important issues. Methods: We conducted a survey of neurointensivists regarding controversial issues in the declaration of DNC, procedures for discussing death and approaching donor families, and participation in donation after cardiac death (DCD). Results: The majority of centers described by the respondents had all five most commonly accepted ancillary tests to determine DNC (61%). Radionuclide blood flow studies are the most frequently reported test used (64%). Younger physicians are more likely to use transcranial Doppler exams (TCD) than their older counterparts (41% versus 28%, p<0.001). Discussions about DNC with the family are most often presided by the attending physician, and donation requests are most commonly initiated by organ procurement organization (OPO) representatives, but there is significant variation from center to center. Nine out of 10 physicians in our survey reported that they are likely to participate in DCD. Conclusion: Despite this enthusiasm, there is no clear consensus on many of the issues surrounding DCD, including how long after cardiac cessation recovery should begin. We believe that this study will serve as a springboard for more discussion about the diagnosis of DNC, the role of physicians in organ requests and donor management, and the procurement of organs through DCD.
Etiologic Evaluation of Male Pseudohermaphroditism in Infancy and Childhood

• We outlined a diagnostic scheme for use with prepubertal patients with male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH) that included karyotyping, a genitourethrogram, a human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation test with plasma hormone level determinations, and determination of 5α-reductase activity and androgen receptor binding in genital skin fibroblasts. A thorough evaluation is warranted in all patients since the correct diagnosis may assist in determining gender assignment and providing appropriate genetic counseling. We studied 25 patients by the prescribed diagnostic scheme: seven of them had a partial gonadal dysgenesis, two were deficient in 5α-reductase activity, two showed partial androgen insensitivity, four had multiple congenital malformations, one had a Wilms' tumor, and nine were considered as having an idiopathic form of MPH. (AJDC1984;138:755-759)
Generic and subtribal relationships in neotropical cymbidieae (orchidaceae) based on matk/ycf1 plastid data

Relationships among all subtribes of Neotropical Cymbidieae (Orchidaceae) were estimated using combined matK/ycf1 plastid sequence data for 289 taxa. The matrix was analyzed using RAxML. Bootstrap (BS) analyses yield 100% BS support for all subtribes except Stanhopeinae (87%). Generic relationships within subtribes are highly resolved and are generally congruent with those presented in previous studies and as summarized in Genera Orchidacearum. Relationships among subtribes are largely unresolved. The Szlachetko generic classification of Maxillariinae is not supported. A new combination is made for Maxillaria cacaoensis J.T.Atwood in Camaridium.
Effect of fat and protein content of milk from individual cows on the specificity rates of antibiotic residue screening tests.

The effect of high concentrations of milk protein and milk fat on the specificity rates of several antibiotic residue screening tests was evaluated in this study. Milk was sampled from 60 Jersey and 30 Holstein cows at one milking and analyzed for β-lactam residues using four antibiotic residue screening tests. Cows selected were not treated with an antibiotic for at least 30 d prior to sample collection, and milk was visibly normal. Before milk collection, quarter foremilk was aseptically sampled for mastitis pathogen analysis. Milk subsamples were analyzed for fat and protein contents, and somatic cell counts (SCC). Ten Jersey and four Holstein cows were infected with one or more mastitis pathogens. Concentrations of milk fat (4.78 vs. 3.39%) and protein (3.81 vs. 3.00%) were greater for Jersey cows compared with Holstein cows. Milk SCC averaged 148,000/ml and did not differ by breed. The specificity rates were greater than 0.9 for three of the four screening tests. Across breeds, there was an increased probability of a false-positive outcome for the Penzyme test (Coulter Food Science, Milwaukee, WI)), with increased milk protein content and decreased SCC. Increased milk fat content was associated with an increased probability of false-positive outcomes for the CITE Snap test (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Westbrook, ME). High concentrations of milk protein and milk fat can adversely affect antibiotic residue test performance, but the degree of the effect is dependent upon the analytical method of the screening test.
Magnetic deflections of ultra-high energy cosmic rays from Centaurus A

Abstract We present the results of a study that simulates trajectories of ultra-high energy cosmic rays from Centaurus A to Earth, for particle rigidities from E / Z = 2 EV to 100 EV, i.e., covering the possibility of primary particles as heavy as Fe nuclei with energies exceeding 50 EeV. The Galactic magnetic field is modeled using the recent work of Jansson and Farrar (JF12) which fitted its parameters to match extragalactic Faraday rotation measures and WMAP7 synchrotron emission maps. We include the random component of the GMF using the JF12 3D model for B rand ( r → ) and explore the impact of different random realizations, coherence length and other features on cosmic ray deflections. Gross aspects of the arrival direction distribution such as mean deflection and the RMS dispersion depend mainly on rigidity and differ relatively little from one realization to another. However different realizations exhibit non-trivial substructure whose specific features vary considerably from one realization to another, especially for lower rigidities. At the lowest rigidity of 2 EV, the distribution is broad enough that it might be compatible with a scenario in which Cen A is the principle source of all UHECRs. No attempt is made here to formulate a robust test of this possibility, although some challenges to such a scenario are noted.
A decoupled modal form Duffing equation for an orthotropic laminate in a clamped boundary condition with thermal diffusion

Abstract The non-linear thermo-elasticity response of an orthotropic laminate in a clamped boundary condition is analyzed by means of the method of weighted residuals for its behaviors subject to thermal and mechanical loading. The equation of motion for the laminate's deflection is obtained in the form of a decoupled modal form Duffing equation, without Berger's approximation. The thermal field, with both the in-plane and transverse temperature variations, is incorporated in both a steady-state and transient state. The formulation indicates that a transverse thermal field with a temperature rise produces a load onto the laminate, while the in-plane temperature variation affects the system frequency and stability. We demonstrate the numerical results of the modal response of an isotropic laminate for the thermal buckling and vibration.
Multimodality treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases

Background Neuroendocrine liver metastases have a distinct tumor biology and symptomatology that render their management challenging. This difficulty is reflected in the literature, which lacks consensus on a treatment algorithm. The aim of this study is to propose a treatment algorithm based on patient morbidity and the efficacy of different treatment options. Methods The medical records of 127 patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases were reviewed. As first-line treatment, 69 of these patients underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), 29 patients were treated by liver resection, and 29 underwent embolization. Clinical characteristics and surgical parameters were analyzed with the chi-square test, and cumulative survival was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. All data are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Results Of the 3 treatment modalities, RFA was the most commonly used initial treatment for patients with up to approximately 16 discrete lesions. Resection was used to debulk large tumors of limited number. Embolization was the first-line treatment for more extensive disease not amenable to RFA or resection. RFA provided effective cytoreduction while affording patients a shorter duration of stay and lower complication rates. On univariate analysis, the size of dominant metastases, extrahepatic disease, resection of primary tumor, and treatment modality affected survival. On multivariate analysis, sex, the size of dominant metastases, and extrahepatic disease were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion To our knowledge, this study is the largest report on a multimodality approach to the treatment of neuroendocrine liver metastases yet published in the literature. Because of the patient selection criteria used in our study, a direct comparison of the treatment arms is not strictly possible. We used an initial treatment algorithm based on the presentation of the patient. Because this disease has a multifocal nature and accompanying elevated recurrence rate, careful follow-up of patients and subsequent treatments are often needed to minimize disease burden.
Increased risk for demyelinating diseases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Background & Aims: Reports of multiple sclerosis (MS), demyelination, and optic neuritis (ON) associated with anti–tumor necrosis factor α therapy resulted in warnings on prescribing instructions for infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab. However, the underlying relationship between IBD and these neurologic conditions has not been established. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study and a retrospective cross-sectional study using 1988 to 1997 data from the General Practice Research Database. A total of 7988 Crohn's disease and 12,185 ulcerative colitis patients were matched for age, sex, and primary care practice to 80,666 randomly selected controls. In the cohort study, incident cases of MS, demyelination, and/or ON (MS/D/ON) had to occur at least 1 year after registration with the physician and after the diagnosis of IBD. In the cross-sectional study, the diagnosis of MS/D/ON could either precede or follow the IBD diagnosis. Results: In the cohort study, the incidence of MS/D/ON was higher in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared with their matched controls, reaching statistical significance for ulcerative colitis (ulcerative colitis incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–5.15; Crohn's disease IRR, 2.12; 95% confidence interval, .94–4.50). In the cross-sectional study, MS/D/ON was more prevalent in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis compared with their matched controls (Crohn's disease odds ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.32; ulcerative colitis odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.39). Conclusions: Demyelinating diseases occur more commonly among patients with IBD than among non-IBD patients. Future studies should clarify whether treatment with tumor necrosis factor α blockers results in further increased incidence of MS/D/ON among IBD patients.
Seasonal Microhabitat Selection and Use of Syntopic Populations of Lithobates okaloosae and Lithobates clamitans clamitans

Abstract Quantifying and comparing habitat selection of related, syntopic species may help elucidate how species partition resources and compete. The Florida Bog Frog (Lithobates okaloosae) is endemic to northwestern Florida and is syntopic with the more widely distributed Bronze Frog (Lithobates clamitans clamitans). Our objective was to determine whether these closely related frogs selected different microhabitat characteristics at male calling sites, which in turn may influence successful reproduction or survival. From 2006 to 2008, we quantified microhabitat characteristics of male calling sites used by both species on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. We created a suite of a priori models and used paired logistic regression to assess each species' habitat selection. Further, we compared habitat characteristics from each species' most highly supported model to directly compare habitat use. Model selection indicated that calling sites for L. okaloosae were best described by habitat features related to mic...
Vitreopapillary traction: cost-effective diagnosis by optical coherence tomography.

Abstract Case reports: A prospective, noncomparative, observational case series. Three patients, aged 76 to 81, all referred to subspecialty services for evaluation of optic disc elevation, and all were found to have optic disc (vitreopapillary) traction as verified by optical coherence tomography. Comments: Vitreopapillary traction is a recently recognized syndrome characterized by incomplete posterior vitreous detachment. The use of optical coherence tomography is helpful in the diagnosis of this syndrome, preventing many costly, unwarranted evaluations.
Initial charge separation kinetics of bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers in oriented Langmuir-Blodgett films in an applied electric field

Abstract The free energy of the initial charge separation in bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers has been modified by placing oriented Langmuir-Blodgett films of the purified protein between external electrodes in a planar capacitor and applying a field of nearly 106 V/cm. The near-infrared transient absorption changes associated with the decay of the excited state of the bacteriochlorophyll dimer and the initial charge separation was measured with 300 fs time resolution with and without applied field. The surprisingly small field induced rate changes of the oriented systems compared to unoriented systems suggest that modulation of the energy gap between excited bacteriochlorophyll dimer and the charge separated state with bacteriochlorophyll monomer reduced is the principal influence of electric field on rate. The field induced quantum yield failure observed at longer timescales appears to be associated with modulation of the bacteriopheophytin to bacteriochlorophyll dimer charge recombination.
Dielectric loss with changing temperature

INDUSTRIAL dielectric heating by high electric frequency, for curing or thermosetting, frequently involves heating cycles over the range 20 seconds to four or five minutes duration, for temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Rates of temperature rise up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit per minute or more are common.
Azathioprine formulation optimizes metabolite profile in inflammatory bowel disease.

SUMMARY Background: Recent studies have suggested that mercaptopurine metabolism is influenced by drug formulation (mercaptopurine vs. azathioprine) and concomitant use of 5-aminosalicylic acid medications. Aim: To determine the influence of dose, formulation and 5-aminosalicylic acid use on mercaptopurine metabolism. Methods: Metabolites from 131 inflammatory bowel disease patients were analysed. Logistic regression was used to analyse correlations between dose and metabolite levels. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the effects of drug formulation and 5-aminosalicylic acid use. Results: A positive correlation was detected between dose and 6-tioguanine nucleotides levels for azathioprine/Imuran formulation (P ¼ 0.005) but not for mercaptopurine formulation. Adjusted mean 6-tioguanine nucleotides levels were similar for both formulations. Adjusted mean 6-methylmercaptopurine levels were higher for mercaptopurine formulation than for azathioprine formulation (1950 vs. 1056, P ¼ 0.04). 5-aminosalicylic acid use: 6-tioguanine nucleotides levels did not differ based on concomitant 5-aminosalicylic acid use. However, 5-aminosalicylic acid use did result in higher adjusted mean 6-methylmercaptopurine levels: 2078 on 5-aminosalicylic acid vs. 991 off 5-aminosalicylic acid (P ¼ 0.004). Conclusions: (i) Azathioprine may have metabolic benefits by achieving a correlation of dose with 6-tioguanine nucleotides levels and by leading to lower mean 6-methylmercaptopurine levels. (ii) 5-aminosalicylic acid use does not significantly impact 6-tioguanine levels and may lead to higher 6-methylmercaptopurine levels.
Trans-stilbene phosphorescence

Abstract Internal and external heavy-atom effects induce phosphorescence in trans-stilbene and in indeno [2,1-α] indene, a rigid trans-stilbene analogue, in glassy media at 77 K. The origins of these emissions are found in the narrow range of 580–600 nm.
Effects of hydrocarbon and water impurities on CO2/CH4 separation performance of ester-crosslinked hollow fiber membranes

Abstract High-performance ester-crosslinked hollow fiber membranes were evaluated for sensitivity to aggressive hydrocarbon and water impurities. The hollow fiber samples show improved separation productivity and hydrocarbon-induced antiplasticization resistance under extremely challenging feed conditions in comparison to previously reported cases. The CO 2 permeance was improved from 10 GPU to 50 GPU with a CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 28 in testing at an 800 psi 50/50 CO 2 /CH 4 feed with 1000 ppm (molar) toluene, 35 °C. Moreover, membrane samples with different skin layer thicknesses show significantly different sensitivities to toluene. The thinner skinned samples are hypothesized to have higher fractional free volume ( FFV ) and hence show more tendency to antiplasticize when exposed to impurities as compared to thicker skinned samples. The high separation performance of crosslinked hollow fibers was fully recovered after removing the high-level contaminants, including toluene and heptane, and showed negligible changes over 100 h exposure to a 600 psi 50/50 CO 2 /CH 4 feed with 750 ppm toluene, indicating a strong stability against contaminants. Furthermore, exposure to 101 ppm (molar) water impurity did not cause an apparent subsequent change in the separation properties. The excellent properties in the presence of hydrocarbon and water contaminants demonstrate that ester-crosslinked hollow fiber membranes are attractive for natural gas purification, even under more aggressive operating conditions.
Effect of the size and dispersion of precipitates formed in hot rolling on recrystallization texture in ferritic stainless steels

In the present paper, the size and dispersion of precipitates in ferritic stainless steels have been varied by applying different hot rolling processes, the effect of which on the evolution of recrystallization textures was investigated. The precipitate characterization was observed and studied by transmission electron microscopy and the texture evolution processes were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron backscattering diffraction. The results show that low temperature finish rolling can promote the formation of a large number of fine and dense TiC precipitates in hot band. These fine and dense precipitates can be inherited in the final sheet, and are beneficial to facilitating the nucleation of randomly oriented grains by promoting the formation of inhomogeneous cold rolled microstructure, strongly suppressing the growth of recrystallized grains by pinning grain boundary migration, thereby weakening the formation of γ-fiber recrystallization texture and deteriorating the formability of final sheet. By contrast, strong γ-fiber recrystallization texture is developed in the sample with sparsely distributed coarse precipitates. Therefore, the size and dispersion of precipitates formed in hot rolling have significant effects on the nucleation of randomly oriented grains and the growth of recrystallized grains during recrystallization annealing, which play important roles in controlling the γ-fiber recrystallization texture in ferritic stainless steels.
The hormonal and metabolic response to stress in the neonate

It is apparent that adult patients demonstrate a catabolic response to the stresses induced by operative or accidental trauma. It seems that the degree of this catabolic response may be quantitatively related to the extent of the trauma or the magnitude of associated complications such as infection. The host response to infection, traumatic injury, or major operative stress is characterized by such events as fever, pituitary and stress hormone elaboration, mineral redistribution, and increased acute-phase protein synthesis [21].
Calculated compression, bending, shearing, torsion, and base-tilting force constants of B- and A-form poly(dG)·poly(dC)

Force constants associated with large-scale motions of the DNA double-helical homopolymer poly(dG)·poly(dC) are projected out of a long-range atom–atom Coulomb force field. Force constants for both B- and A-conformations have been calculated. Using the Coulomb interaction as previously incorporated into our DNA normal mode calculations, we obtain the forces determined by this long-range interaction. These include compression, bending, shearing, torsion, and base tilting. We show, quantitatively, how the shearing and torsional transverse interactions fall off with intercell distance more rapidly than the compressional (longitudinal) interactions. Reasonable values for the elastic moduli of B- and A-DNA are calculated. An important prediction of the present interaction theory is that although the single adjustable strength parameter in the Coulomb force field was chosen so as to reproduce an experimental value for the longitudinal sound velocity, the transverse torsional potential resulting from this fitted force field is in excellent agreement with results reported from supercoiling data and fluorescence measurements.
Development of cholinergic neurons of the rat retina.

Abstract Biochemical and electrophysiological features of cholinergic neurons from the developing rat retina were analyzed in an attempt to identify important periods in the maturation of these neurons. Acetylcholine synthesis was assayed in intact, isolated retinas; choline acetyltransferase activity was measured in homogenates. Spontaneous and evoked acetylcholine release and certain aspects of synapse formation were examined in a retina-muscle cell culture system. In this system, retinal cells from rats of different ages were dissociated with trypsin and added to previously cultured rat striated muscle cells which served as postsynaptic targets for cholinergic neurons. The results indicate that two developmental periods can be described. The first stage occurs during the final week of gestation well before morphological signs of synapses appear. During this early period, cholinergic neurons acquire the ability to synthesize and release acetylcholine and to form functional synapses. These developing neurons progressively lose their ability to form and to maintain synapses with an inappropriate target. A second stage of maturation begins at the end of the first postnatal week. In this phase, dramatic increases in acetylcholine synthesis, choline acetyltransferase activity, and high-affinity choline uptake are coupled temporally with the morphological differentiation of synapses.
Impact of soil and environmental processes on hyperspectral infrared signatures

In this paper we present results from our research on the impact of various soil types and processes on LWIR broadbandand hyperspectral signatures of landmines and the surrounding soil. These analyses utilized our digital hyperspectral models of the combined landmine-soil system for the computation of these signatures. These physics-based models incorporate models for external environmental processes and allow soil thermal parameters to be set as a function of the subsurface conditions (i.e., porosity, moisture content). Under this research effort, signature computations were conducted for various soil types as a function of the underlying soil conditions in order to examine the relative impact of these conditions on both the broadband and spectral LWIR signatures. Of particular interest were changes in spectral features and contrast changes due to soil water content. Results from the digital signature computations will be presented along with an analysis of the signature features. A comparison of the digital signature calculations to measured data will be included in this discussion. A brief description of the signature model will also be presented.