cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Large Agricultural Cooperative as a Competitor

A cooperative is a special type of business firm owned and operated for mutual benefit by the users (member-patrons). Actual management is by salaried professionals. The interests of the members are represented by an elected board of directors. It is assumed that those in control of the typical, large cooperative want it to compete effectively so that it may survive and grow. However, there are likely constraints on growth beyond those of the typical investorowned firm (IOF). It is assumed that those directing the cooperative may define its mission in ways that are limiting in terms of commodities handled and trade territory served. At the extreme, a cooperative may be charged to provide farm supplies in a particular state or region. Other market areas and especially other business activities are off-limits. While the missions of most regionals are less constrained than that example, the very fact of its user orientation does limit the legitimate activities of a cooperative. The cooperative generally is not simply an unconstrained moneymaker as may be an IOF.' This paper is concerned with open-membership marketing and farm supply cooperatives. The intricate details of centralized, federated and hybrid organizations are not developed.
The Steiner tree polytope and related polyhedra

We consider the vertex-weighted version of the undirected Steiner tree problem. In this problem, a cost is incurred both for the vertices and the edges present in the Steiner tree. We completely describe the associated polytope by linear inequalities when the underlying graph is series—parallel. For general graphs, this formulation can be interpreted as a (partial) extended formulation for the Steiner tree problem. By projecting this formulation, we obtain some very large classes of facet-defining valid inequalities for the Steiner tree polytope.
The Transmission of Slow Neutrons through Microcrystalline Materials

The transmission of monochromatic slow neutrons through microcrystalline Be and BeO has been determined. The source of neutrons was the Argonne heavy water pile. These neutrons were monocromatized by means of a mechanical velocity selector for low energies and a neutron crystal spectrometer for higher energies. The results are in excellent agreement with the theory of elastic scattering from crystals. It is found by comparison of the results on BeO with the theory that the scattering amplitudes of Be and O have the same sign. This method may be used to determine the relative scattering phases of other pairs of nuclei which can be combined to form a crystalline material. The sample must consist of crystals smaller than a micron in linear dimensions. Other possible sources of disagreement between theory and experiment are discussed in Section 5.
Calibration standards for differential scanning calorimetry I. Zinc: absolute calorimetric measurement of Tfus and ΔfusHm

Abstract The temperature and enthalpy of fusion of a pure zinc specimen chosen from NIST SRM 2221a have been measured for the first time simultaneously in a high-precision method-of-mixtures isothermal phase-change calorimeter. The measured temperature of fusion (692.745 ± 0.010) K was obtained with a new partial-fusion technique described in this publication. This result agrees well with the IPTS-68 temperature for the freezing temperature of pure zinc. The measured molar enthalpy of fusion (7026 ± 40) J · mol−1 differs substantially from previous values in the evaluated literature. Detailed examination of the original zinc literature and of the several published attempts to derive from them the enthalpy of fusion has reinforced the author's conclusion that the present result for the enthalpy of fusion of zinc is of higher accuracy than any value currently given in evaluated compilations.
Preterm severe preeclampsia in singleton and twin pregnancies

We aimed to evaluate rates of delivery and clinical manifestations of preterm severe preeclampsia in singleton and twin gestations. This retrospective cohort study included 86 765 deliveries from 2000 to 2009, including 3244 twins. Rates of delivery for severe preeclampsia among infants born 24 to 31+6, and 32 to 36+6 weeks gestation were calculated, and diagnostic criteria were compared. Re-term severe preeclampsia was more common in twin pregnancies (2.4% vs 0.4%, P<0.001, relative risk 5.70 (95% confidence interval 4.47 to 7.26)). This was also true for deliveries from 24 to 31+6 (0.8% vs 0.2%, P<0.001) and 32 to 36+6 weeks (1.7% vs 0.3%, P<0.001). Diagnostic criteria and disease manifestation including hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelet count syndrome, abruption and growth restriction were similar between groups. Twin pregnancies are significantly more likely than singletons to be delivered preterm for severe preeclampsia. Diagnostic criteria and disease manifestation were similar in singletons and twins, at all gestational ages.
Just-in-time purchasing: an empirical investigation

Abstract The just-in-time lJITr literature suggests that, for JIT to be successful, a manufacturing firm has to make changes in its purchasing operations. However, empirical examination of the JIT purchasing related issues is limited. For example, a literature search identified 49 JIT purchasing articles. Of these, only 14 are empirical studies; two dealing with statistical testing of a few JIT purchasing issues. This comprehensive empirical study is undertaken to investigate lar changes in the purchasing attributes since JIT implementation, lbr supplier evaluation cri-teria, and lcr problems with JIT purchasing implementation. Statistically significant changes are observed in 28 out of 32 attributes identified in the literature, suggesting that the manufacturing firms are successfully implementing JIT purchasing programmes. Of the 14 supplier evaluation criteria, the empirical investigation shows nine of them being important. Erratic demand for the product and cust...
Faster topology-aware collective algorithms through non-minimal communication

Known algorithms for two important collective communication operations, allgather and reduce-scatter, are minimal-communication algorithms; no process sends or receives more than the minimum amount of data. This, combined with the data-ordering semantics of the operations, limits the flexibility and performance of these algorithms. Our novel non-minimal, topology-aware algorithms deliver far better performance with the addition of a very small amount of redundant communication. We develop novel algorithms for Clos networks and single or multi-ported torus networks. Tests on a 32k-node BlueGene/P result in allgather speedups of up to 6x and reduce-scatter speedups of over 11x compared to the native IBM algorithm. Broadcast, reduce, and allreduce can be composed of allgather or reduce-scatter and other collective operations; our techniques also improve the performance of these algorithms.
New developments in medulloblastoma treatment: the potential of a cyclopamine–lovastatin combination

Pediatric brain tumors are the most common cause of cancer-related death in children. Despite advances in neuroimaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy and the introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents, up to 30% of all patients diagnosed with medulloblastoma will die from their disease, thus underscoring the need for more effective treatments. This review explores the relationship between cholesterol and cancer in light of a recent study that demonstrated that the hedgehog (Hh) antagonist cyclopamine blocked expression of the Hh pathway targets PTCH1 and GLI1, lowered Bcl2 levels and increased apoptosis in medulloblastoma cells. In addition, Hh pathway blockade sensitized medulloblastoma to the effects of the proapoptotic, cholesterol-lowering agent lovastatin. The use of Hh pathway antagonists and cholesterol synthesis inhibitors in medulloblastoma is a novel and exciting approach as it targets pathways crucial for tumor survival. The safety of such approach, however, still needs to be tested in animal models of the disease before its application in human patients.
Why are patients being readmitted after surgery for esophageal cancer

Objective Readmission after surgery is an unwanted adverse event that is costly to the healthcare system. We sought to evaluate factors associated with increased risk of readmission and to characterize the nature of these readmissions in patients who have esophageal cancer. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in 306 patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1993 and 2011. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with 30-day readmission. Readmissions were defined as inpatient admissions to our institution within 30 days of discharge. Results The median age at surgery was 61 years; the median postoperative length of stay was 9 days; and 48% of patients had ≥1 postoperative complication (POC). The 30-day readmission rate was 13.7% (42 of 306). In univariate analysis, length of stay and having ≥1 POC were significantly associated with readmission. In multivariate analysis, having ≥1 POC was significantly associated with a >2-fold increase in risk for 30-day readmission (odds ratio 2.35, with 95% confidence interval [1.08-5.09], P = .031) when controlling for age at diagnosis and length of stay. Of the 42 patients who were readmitted, 67% experienced POCs after surgery; 50% of patients who experienced POCs were readmitted for reasons related to their postoperative complication. The most common reasons for readmission were pulmonary issues (29%), anastomotic complications (20%), gastrointestinal concerns (17%), and venous thromboembolism (14%). Conclusions Complications not adequately managed before discharge may lead to readmission. Quality improvement efforts surrounding venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, and discharging patients nothing-by-mouth, may be warranted.
A novel approach for the detection and genetic analysis of live melanoma circulating tumor cells.

Background Circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection and genetic analysis may complement currently available disease assessments in patients with melanoma to improve risk stratification and monitoring. We therefore sought to establish the feasibility of a telomerase-based assay for detecting and isolating live melanoma CTCs. Methods The telomerase-based CTC assay utilizes an adenoviral vector that, in the presence of elevated human telomerase activity, drives the amplification of green fluorescent protein. Tumor cells are then identified via an image processing system. The protocol was tested on melanoma cells in culture or spiked into control blood, and on samples from patients with metastatic melanoma. Genetic analysis of the isolated melanoma CTCs was then performed for BRAF mutation status. Results The adenoviral vector was effective for all melanoma cell lines tested with sensitivity of 88.7% (95%CI 85.6-90.4%) and specificity of 99.9% (95%CI 99.8-99.9%). In a pilot trial of patients with metastatic disease, CTCs were identified in 9 of 10 patients, with a mean of 6.0 CTCs/mL. At a cutoff of 1.1 CTCs/mL, the telomerase-based assay exhibits test performance of 90.0% sensitivity and 91.7% specificity. BRAF mutation analysis of melanoma cells isolated from culture or spiked control blood, or from pilot patient samples was found to match the known BRAF mutation status of the cell lines and primary tumors.
A review of intelligent control techniques in HVAC systems

Two main objectives in the control of Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are increasing thermal comfort and reducing energy consumption. Achieving these purposes requires a suitable control system design. In this paper, a thorough review of intelligent control techniques used in HVAC systems to date is completed. Such an overview provides an insight into artificial intelligence methods for the control of HVAC systems and can offer scholars and HVAC learners comprehensive information about a variety of soft computing techniques in the field of HVAC. This information can in turn allow for improved designs of a proper controller for their work.
Recursive multiscale error-diffusion technique for digital halftoning

The technique of mapping a given gray level to some arrangement of dots such that it renders the desired gray level is called halftoning. In this research, we propose a new digital halftoning algorithm to achieve this goal based on an approach called the recursive multiscale error diffusion. Our main assumption is that the resulting intensity from a raster of dots is in proportion to the number of dots on that raster. In analogy, the intensity of the corresponding region of the input image is simply the integral of the (normalized) gray level over the region. The two intensities should be matched as much as possible. It is shown that the area of integration plays an important role to how successful the matching of the two intensities can be, and since the area of integration corresponds to different resolutions (therefore to different viewing distances), we address the problem of matching the intensities, as much as possible for every resolution. Advantages of our method include very good performance, versatility and ease of hardware implementation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Leaf essential oil composition of 10 species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from Monteverde, Costa Rica

Abstract The leaf essential oils of 10 species of Ocotea (Lauraceae) from Monteverde, Costa Rica ( Ocotea floribunda , Ocotea holdridgeana , Ocotea meziana , Ocotea sinuata , Ocotea tonduzii , Ocotea valeriana , Ocotea veraguensis , Ocotea whitei , and two undescribed species, Ocotea new species “los llanos”, and Ocotea new species “small leaf”) have been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC–MS in order to discern the differences and similarities between the volatile chemical compositions of these species. The principal common constituents of the 10 species of Ocotea were α-pinene, β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and germacrene-D.
Exercise status affects skin perfusion via prostaglandin, nitric oxide, and EDHF pathways in diabetes

Participation in regular exercise training improves dorsal skin perfusion, while type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2 DM) often limits it via reductions in the action or release of vasodilatory compounds. This study was undertaken to investigate the relative contributions of prostaglandins (PG), nitric oxide (NO), and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in dorsal foot skin perfusion in individuals with and without T2 DM and a sedentary lifestyle. Participants included 24 individuals with T2 DM and 28 nondiabetic controls whose exercise status was determined via questionnaire. Their dorsal foot skin perfusion was measured at rest using laser Doppler assessment during localized heating to 44 degrees C with oral aspirin (ASA, 325 mg) treatment. In addition, they received an infusion via a subcutaneous microdialysis probe of either saline (left foot) or L-NAME, a NOS-inhibitor (right foot). Compared to normative data without ASA, heat-stimulated perfusion in regular exercisers (n=22) was significantly more suppressed by ASA and by ASA/L-NAME than in sedentary individuals (n=30). Chronic exercisers exhibit a greater reliance on PG and lesser involvement of EDHF with unchanged NO compared to sedentary individuals, who rely more on EDHF and less on PG release. One possible exception may be diabetic, sedentary individuals, who may rely somewhat more on NO than EDHF. These results suggest that regular exercise may exhibit the greatest effect on the normal functioning of these vasodilatory pathways, although diabetes and a sedentary state together may somewhat alter their relative importance.
Differential responsiveness of immature- and mature-stage murine B cells to anti-IgM reflects both FcR-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Abstract Mature and immature B cells differ in their responses to antigen receptor crosslinking. Whereas mature B cells enter cell cycle in response to such stimulation, immature B cells exhibit proliferative unresponsiveness and undergo induced tolerance following surface immunoglobulin (sIg) engagement. Previous studies evaluating antigen receptor-mediated negative signaling have utilized intact goat anti-immunoglobulin (anti-Ig) antibodies as polyclonal ligands based upon observations that the Fc portion of these reagents does not interact with and mediate negative signaling through the FcR on mature B cells. Thus, the negative effects of goat anti-Ig on immature B cells have been attributed solely to signals mediated via their antigen receptors. In the studies reported here we show that the activation unresponsiveness inherent to immature B cells is FcR independent. However, we also show that immature B cells are sensitive to FcR-mediated inhibition and that these effects can be mediated by intact goat antibodies at concentrations that promote positive activation signals in mature B cells. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of immature B cell LPS responses by anti-Ig antibodies, used in previous studies as an in vitro model for B cell tolerance induction, is an FcR-mediated phenomenon. We show that developmentally associated anti-Ig-mediated inhibition of LPS requires the use of intact antibodies, and that this inhibition can be blocked by the anti-FcR monoclonal antibody 2.4G2. Flow cytometric analysis of FcR-positive B cells indicates that both mature and immature B cells express equivalent levels of FcRγ. Therefore, the sensitivity of immature, but not mature, cells to intact goat anti-μ antibodies suggests that either FcRs or their associated inhibitory pathways change during B cell development.
Refractive‐index correction for translucent films

The Saunderson correction used in turbid-medium calculations applies only to opaque films. If the film is translucent and free standing, we must use a more comprehensive equation that takes both transmission and reflection into account. The Saunderson correction is valid, however, if the translucent film is laid over an opaque substrate and viewed by reflection only.
A Ribosomal Protein of Yersina Pseudotuberculosis Having Partial Epitope Identity with HLA-B27

The phenotype HLA-B27 is common in patients who develop reactive arthritis after having an infection. One hypothesis concerning the pathogenesis of reactive arthritis is that molecular mimicry between HLA-B27 and certain bacterial components might be involved. It is known that an infection with Yersinia is commonly associated with reactive arthritis in B27 positive patients. Therefore, we were interested to investigate whether cross-reactivity between Yersinia and HLA-B27 exists. A gene library of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was created in the plasmid vector pUC13. One of the resulting clones contained a gene encoding an intracytoplasmic protein that seems to have partial epitope identity with HLA-B27. It reacted in western blot. ELISA and immunoprecipitation with three different HLA-B27 specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies of the IgG and IgM class. However DNA-sequencing of the cloned Yersinia gene and the predicted amino acid sequence revealed only a very remote similarity with HLA-B27 in the p...
Effects of Weight-Bearing Exercise on Bone Health in Girls: A Meta-Analysis

Background Because growing bone possesses a greater capacity to adapt to mechanical loading than does mature bone, it is important for girls to engage in weight-bearing activities, especially since the prevalence of osteoporosis among older women is considerably higher than that of older men. In recent years, the osteogenic potential of weight-bearing activities performed by children and adolescents has received increasing attention and accumulating evidence suggests that this type of activity may improve bone health prior to adulthood and help prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Transition Tori in the Five-Body Problem

Abstract Transition tori are invariant tori connected by transverse heteroclinic orbits. As shown by Arnold, nearby orbits can drift from torus to torus. In this paper, a family of transition tori is constructed for the planar five-body problem.
Satellite observed long-term averaged seasonal and spatial ozone variations in the stratosphere

Nine years of Nimbus-7 SBUV ozone mixing ratio data (October 1978-September 1987) have been used to analyze the distributions of the long-term average annual and semiannual ozone oscillations in the lower, middle, and upper stratosphere over the region 65 deg S to 65 deg N. It is shown that the derived harmonics are consistent with the result of earlier investigations based on limited sets of data. Year-to-year changes of amplitudes of the annual and semiannual variations are generally small except in the tropical midstratosphere (due to the effect of El Chichon) and the southern subpolar upper stratosphere. Analyses are also presented to show the vertical and seasonal distribution of the zonal ozone variations. It is shown that, for the long-term averaged data, wave 1 is larger during winter than summer and in winter larger in the Northern than Southern Hemisphere. The importance of photochemical and thermal/dynamic processes in modifying the time and zonal variations is discussed.
Velocity selection in the symmetric model of dendritic crystal growth

An analytic solution of the problem of velocity selection in a fully nonlocal model of dendritic crystal growth is presented. The analysis uses a WKB technique to derive and evaluate a solvability condition for the existence of steady-state needle-like solidification fronts in the limit of small under-cooling Delta. For the two-dimensional symmetric model with a capillary anisotropy of strength alpha, it is found that the velocity is proportional to (Delta to the 4th) times (alpha exp 7/4). The application of the method in three dimensions is also described.
Oil spill in Russian arctic 1

Abstract A noted American specialist on the oil and gas industry of Russia and the former USSR discusses conflicting views on the magnitude of a large oil spill in the Arctic, first disclosed in the West in October 1994. Estimates assessing the volume of crude spilled on the tundra and its underlying permafrost range from 2 million barrels (270,000 tons) at the high end to 14,000 tons. Russian authorities, including the newly organized federal investigative commission, tend to minimize the damage, assessing the cost of clean‐up and repairs at ca. $1.2 million. In contrast, Western sources view the oil spill and the ensuing environmental degradation with concern, estimating the cost of clean‐up to be as high as $100 million. The paper includes material on the pipeline system as well as on related developments in the Timan‐Pechora Oil Basin.
Improving and integrating data on invasive species collected by citizen scientists

Limited resources make it difficult to effectively document, monitor, and control invasive species across large areas, resulting in large gaps in our knowledge of current and future invasion patterns. We surveyed 128 citizen science program coordinators and interviewed 15 of them to evaluate their potential role in filling these gaps. Many programs collect data on invasive species and are willing to contribute these data to public databases. Although resources for education and monitoring are readily available, groups generally lack tools to manage and analyze data. Potential users of these data also retain concerns over data quality. We discuss how to address these concerns about citizen scientist data and programs while preserving the advantages they afford. A unified yet flexible national citizen science program aimed at tracking invasive species location, abundance, and control efforts could be designed using centralized data sharing and management tools. Such a system could meet the needs of multiple stakeholders while allowing efficiencies of scale, greater standardization of methods, and improved data quality testing and sharing. Finally, we present a prototype for such a system (see www.citsci.org).
Response of Flexible Polymers to a Sudden Elongational Flow

Individual polymers at thermal equilibrium were exposed to an elongational flow producing a high strain rate, and their dynamics were recorded with video fluorescence microscopy. The flow was turned on suddenly so that the entire evolution of molecular conformation could be observed without initial perturbations. The rate of stretching of individual molecules is highly variable and depends on the molecular conformation that develops during stretching. This variability is due to a dependence of the dynamics on the initial, random equilibrium conformation of the polymer coil. The increasing appearance at high strain rates of slowly unraveling hairpin folds is an example of nonergodic dynamics, which can occur when a statistical mechanical system is subjected to nonadiabatic, or “sudden,” external forces.
194 THE EFFECT OF INTRAUTERINE GROWTH RETARDATION (IUGR) ON SMALL INTESTINAL ENZYMES

Fetal malnutrition and growth retardation can be related, in part, to poor placental blood supply. Experimental IUGR was induced on the 18th day of gestation in pregnant rats by ligating the uterine horn, while leaving the opposite horn intact as a control. On the 22nd day of gestation, the weight of the fetal, small intestine parallels the decrease of body weight. The weight loss is related to a significant reduction in DNA content and in cell number, and to a lesser extent, to a decrease in cell size. In contrast to maltase (M), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and enterokinase (EK), only lactase (L) activity is significantly decreased in fetuses paired from same mothers. These results suggest, that in addition to the decreases in small intestinal cell number and enzyme content in IUGR, there is a proportionally greater decrease in L activity. This can be explained by either a selective effect of IUGR on a critical developmental period for lactase, or that lactase is more vulnerable to insult. (*Units ± S.D. = μmole/gm protein/min.)
Perceptions of Special Education Teacher Trainee Competence

Teacher trainee performance ratings were collected from 151 special education junior and senior teacher trainees, 9 university supervisors, and 44 cooperating teachers from 23 schools. Factor analysis revealed that three identical factors that "explain" teacher trainee competence exist for each of the three samples; that there was little variability in the patterns of the three factors; and that the factors could be interpreted as Instructional Management, Cognitive Strategies Instruction, and Career/Vocational Education. Based on internal consistency reliability analyses, all 27 items remaining after the factor analyses were retained in their respective factors. All reliabilities exceeded .80 and were thus considered adequate for inclusion in an instrument called the Competency Rating Scale. It was apparent that all factors were significantly related, that university supervisors' ratings were related more closely to those of the trainees than to those of the supervising teachers, and that trainees' ratin...
The Effects of Engineering Design on Heterogeneous Biocatalysis in Microchannels

The results of a numerical study of the fundamental interactions of engineering design and micromixing on conversion in packed microchannels are presented. Previously, channel-based microreactors made of molded silicon plastic were designed, fabricated, and experimentally tested. These reactors have enzymes immobilized on the channel walls by various methods including layerby-layer nano self-assembly techniques. They also contain molded packing features to add reactive surface area and to redistribute the fluid. An arbitrary but intuitively sensible packing arrangement was initially chosen and used in experimental studies. The current computer simulation study was undertaken to understand how static laminar mixing affects the conversion efficiency. The reactors previously used experimentally have been simulated using CFD-ACE+ multiphysics software (ESI CFD Inc., Huntsville, AL). It is found that packing significantly increases conversion when compared with empty channels over the entire flow rate range of the study (0.25<Re<62.5). The boost in conversion has an optimal point near Re=20 for the particular geometry examined.
Microwave Nondestructive Detection and Evaluation of Voids in Layered Dielectric Slabs

A microwave nondestructive testing technique is discussed for detection and evaluation of voids in layered dielectric media backed by a conducting plate. This technique utilizes the phase properties of the effective reflection coefficient of the medium as a microwave signal penetrates inside the dielectric layers and is reflected by the conducting plate. Properties of the difference between this phase in the absence and presence of an air gap is investigated as a function of the void thickness, frequency, and dielectric properties of the layers. Utilizing a simple experimental apparatus measurements were also conducted, the results of which were compared with the theoretical predictions.
Factors influencing the plasma levels of amphetamine and its metabolites in catheterized rats.

Abstract Rats fitted with chronically indwelling Silastic tubing catheters in the right jugular vein were given orally a low dose (0.067 mg/kg) of d -amphetamine sulfate (A) alone or in combination with other chemicals or environmental conditions. In general, A levels increased slowly over 1 hr, peaked and declined during the 4-hr test period. Levels of metabolites (M) were already appreciable at 15 min, slowly increased to 1 hr, and remained constant over the rest of the testing period. A variety of chemicals and environmental conditions that were meant to mimic some human situations (social interaction, food, stress, alcohol, bicarbonate and ammonium chloride) selectively affected the half-lives, the areas under the time-curve, and the levels of A and M at different times during the experiment. In two cases, individual differences in A and M blood levels were found in these rats, which belong to a genetically homogenous group.
Assessment of silicon carbide x-ray mask overlay performance in the IBM Advanced Lithography Facility x-ray stepper

This paper presents the results of a study to explicitly assess the performance of silicon carbide masks by directly measuring overlay accuracy and precision of exposures made on a state-of-the-art commercially available x-ray stepper, the Suss XRS200/3. The work was done using a mask fabricated at IBM from silicon carbide coated wafers obtained from HOYA Electronics Corp. with exposures completed at IBM's Advanced Lithography Facility (ALF) using synchrotron-generated radiation. The mask pattern design contains many overlay measurement fiducials, resolution patterns, and alignment verniers, and two sets of three alignment marks: one set inboard (kerf) and one set outboard. The performance of an imaging-based alignment system, such as the ALX system on the Suss XRS200/3 steppers, varies depending upon the optical characteristics of the alignment marks on the mask and wafer.
Outpatient therapy with low molecular weight heparin for the treatment of venous thromboembolism: a review of efficacy, safety, and costs

Abstract Purpose To summarize the evidence comparing the efficacy, safety, and costs of outpatient and inpatient treatment of venous thromboembolism. Methods We searched the literature through March 2002 for studies comparing outpatient and inpatient treatment of venous thromboembolism with low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin, and for studies addressing the costs of low molecular weight heparin use in any setting. We included studies with comparison groups or decision analyses. Results Eight studies (three randomized trials and five cohort studies) compared outpatient use of low molecular weight heparin with inpatient use of unfractionated heparin in 3762 patients. The incidence of recurrent deep venous thrombosis was similar in the two groups (median, 4% [range, 0% to 7%] vs. 6% [range, 0% to 9%]), as was major bleeding (median, 0.5% [range, 0% to 2%] vs. 1% [range, 0% to 2%]). Use of low molecular weight heparin was associated with shorter hospitalization (median, 2.7 days [range, 0.03 to 5.1 days] vs. 6.5 days [range, 4 to 9.6 days]) and lower costs (median difference, $1600). Comparisons of outpatient and in-hospital use of low molecular weight heparin reported no difference in outcomes, but there were savings in hospitalization costs. Low molecular weight heparin was also found to be more cost saving and cost-effective than unfractionated heparin, with savings of 0% to 64% (median, 57%). Conclusion The evidence indicates that outpatient treatment of deep venous thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin is likely to be efficacious, safe, and cost-effective.
Ribonucleic acid synthesis in synchronously dividing populations of HeLa cells.

A NUMBER of investigations directed towards the description of the events occurring during the reproductive cycle of the mammalian cells have been made in randomly dividing cell populations. For example, the time-course of synthesis of DNA has been elucidated in several systems by use of microspectrophotometric or autoradiographic techniques1–3. However, for investigations in which it is difficult to identify the stage of a cell in the mitotic cycle, synchronously dividing populations are of value. Recently, we were able to obtain large populations of mitotically synchronized HeLa S-3 cells by preferential detachment of cells in mitosis from nearly confluent monolayers growing in very low calcium medium. We report here some of our observations on the rate of RNA synthesis in synchronized HeLa cells during one division cycle.
Experiences With Sexual Coercion in College Males and Females Role of Family Conflict, Sexist Attitudes, Acceptance of Rape Myths, Self-Esteem, and the Big-Five Personality Factors

The contributions of aggression in family of origin, acceptance of rape myths, sexist attitudes, the Big-Five personality factors, and self-esteem to the experience of sexual coercion or aggression were studied in a homogenous sample of young college students. Significant relationships were found between aggression in the family of origin and experience with sexual coercion for both males and females. Stepwise multiple regression indicated that personality and attitude measures, including acceptance of rape myths, were not related to sexual aggression in males. A similar analysis for females found small relationships between extroversion and childhood selfesteem and experience with sexual aggression. The implications of these results are discussed.
Assessment of Quantitative Methodology for Evaluation of Retrieved Metallic Femoral Components From Total Knee Replacements

The metallic surfaces of total joint replacement components are subject to surface damage and roughening that can severely limit the service lifetime of the bearing system. To date, there are no standards by which to characterize the severity and modes of this critical surface damage, and therefore it remains difficult to accurately assess how femoral damage influences total joint replacement longevity. This study introduces a novel femoral component damage scoring methodology that combines a semi-quantitative visual damage scoring assessment and a fully quantitative non-contact characterization of the articular surface profile. The femoral surface was divided into 6 pre-determined zones, with 5 possible modes of damage and 4 (0–3) levels of damage severity, to produce a maximum possible damage score of 90. The 5 modes of metallic surface damage were; number of scratches, scratch depth, third body wear, abrasion and pitting. Three independent examiners were trained and then evaluated 33 retrieved TKRs systems (n = 11 Oxinium and n = 23 CoCr) with in-situ times of 3.6 ± 4.2 yrs (range of 0.1–20 yrs). The average damage score was 19.9 ± 30.8 with an inter-observer variability of only 1.5% Articular damage mode frequency was calculated and found to be 61% for scratching, 15% for pitting and 52% for abrasion. The quantitative characterization of the articular surface profile of the femoral component using non-contact profilometry (n = 150/retrieved component) illustrated a positive correlation between damage score and the average surface roughness for implants with an Ra greater than 65 nm (R2 of 0.865). This methodology identified a critical Ra threshold above the standard manufacturing tolerance (∼50nm) wherein visual damage scoring was predictive of increases in quantitative surface roughness. This study validates the use of this novel methodology across most TKR material pairings. Future work will correlate damage scores and measured surface roughness with patient demographic and functional information.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Simple Electrochemical Method for the Quantitative Determination of Acetaminophen in Serum

Abstract A simple electrochemical method for the determination of acetaminophen in serum is described. The eleotrode and associated electronics are simple, reliable, and inexpensive to build. The apparatus can be operated at a rate of 2–3 determinations per minute using only 10 μl serum per determination. The procedure includes extraction of acetaminophen in ethyl acetate and subsequent oxidative amperometric detection of the drug by a form of flow-injection analysis. The system parameters of buffer, pH, and redox potential have been optimized to permit measurement of less than 10 μg/ml of acetaminophen. The determination is linear over the range of 10–300 μg/ml with a C.V. of less than 3% for replicate analysis of the same sample.
Effect of Adsorbed Olefines on the Oxidation of Aluminium Films

THE presence of adsorbed species on metal surfaces has been observed to affect subsequent interactions of the metal with reactive gases1–3. To determine the effect adsorbed olefines have on the oxidation of aluminium, clean aluminium films were exposed to olefine vapour and the subsequent rate of oxygen adsorption was measured. The olefines used included ethylene, butene-1, hexene-1, octene-1, and cetene-1.
Synthesis of meta-C6H4[C(1-pyrazolyl)2(2-pyridyl)]2, a fixed geometry bitopic heteroscorpionate and the crystal structure of its unusual square planar silver(I) complex

Abstract The reaction between bis(1-pyrazolyl)sulfone (prepared in situ by the reaction between NaH, Hpz, and SOCl2 in THF) and C6H4[C(O)(2-py)]2 in THF catalyzed by CoCl2 yields m-C6H4[C(pz)2(2-py)]2 (1, pz= pyrazolyl, py=pyridyl) in moderate yield, along with 1-[C(pz)2(2-py)]-4-[C(O)(2-py)]C6H4. The potentially bitopic ligand 1 reacts with AgPF6 to yield [Ag(1)2](PF)6 (3), regardless of the stoichiometry of reagents used in the preparation. X-ray structural analysis of this silver complex shows that two ligands bond to a silver in a κ2-fashion via the pyrazolyls in one C(pz)2(py) group in each ligand while the other is non-coordinated. The AgN4C chelate rings adopt a boat conformation and the silver resides in an unusual square planar coordination environment. Non-covalent forces organize the two-dimensional structure of 3 such that it approaches a layered inorganic–organic hybrid material. Reaction of C6H5[C(pz)2(2-py)] and AgPF6 yields {Ag(κ2-C6H5[C(pz)2(2-py)])2}(PF6) (4). The structure is disordered but the ligands are bidentate, the nitrogen donor atoms are in a square planar coordination environment about the silver and the overall structure is similar to 3.
Applying Feature Selection to Short Time Wavelet Transformed Vibration Data for Reliability Analysis of an Ocean Turbine

This paper considers the use of feature selection within the state detection module for an ocean turbine condition monitoring system. The goal is to reduce the quantity of data to be processed while maintaining or improving state detection capabilities. Five feature selection techniques (Chi-squared, Information Gain, Signal-To-Noise, AUC and PRC) are evaluated based on their effects on four widely used machine learning algorithms, namely Naive Bayes, k-Nearest Neighbors, Decision Tree and Logistic Regression, when each machine learner is trained on the top n features selected by each feature selection technique. Six values of n (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 15) were considered. Features were extracted from the raw vibration signals using a Short Time Wavelet Transform with Baselining (STWTB) technique designed to allow for reliable state detection regardless of the turbine's operating conditions, which are often reflected within its vibration readings. The condition-independent features extracted by the STWTB are then fused to combine all the data observed by all sensor sources. Models were built on data gathered at one operating condition and tested against data from a different operating condition to simulate the problem of building models which work regardless of operating condition. Results show that k-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes and Logistic Regression have improved classification performance when using less than 11% of the 78 available features, with Logistic Regression needing just 2 features selected by the Signal-To-Noise technique to generate a perfect classification model. The Decision Tree performed best without feature selection.
Effect of exercise training on metabolic flexibility in response to a high-fat diet in obese individuals

Obese individuals typically exhibit a reduced capacity for metabolic flexibility by failing to increase fatty acid oxidation (FAO) upon the imposition of a high-fat diet (HFD). Exercise training in...
Rapid determination of the totaltrans content of neat hydrogenated oils by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy

A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy procedure is described for quantitating the levels of totalrans triglycerides or their fatty acid methyl ester derivatives in neat fats and oils. It requires either warming or no preparation of the laboratory sample, and about 5 min for spectroscopic measurement, band area integration, and calculation of thetrans content from a linear regression equation. To eliminate the strongly sloping background of the 966-cm−1trans band, the single-beam spectrum of thetrans-containing fat is “ratioed” against that of an unhydrogenated oil or a reference material that contains onlycis double bonds. Thus, a symmetric absorption band on a horizontal background is obtained. The area under thetrans band can then be accurately integrated between the same limits, 990 and 945 cm−1, for alltrans levels investigated. To speed up the analysis, an attenuated total reflection liquid cell was used, into which oils, melted fats or their methyl esters were poured without weighing or quantitative dilution with the toxic and volatile carbon disulfide solvent. Thetrans levels determined by attenuated total reflection were closer to those found by capillary gas chromatography when the hydrogenated fat was measured against the corresponding unhydrogenated oil than when it was measured against acis reference material. Small differences were found betweentrans levels in hydrogenated fat test samples and the corresponding methyl ester derivatives (9.3 and 2.2% at about 2 and 41%trans, respectively). The lower limits of identification and quantitation were 0.2 and 1%, respectively.
Normative Scripts for Object Labeling during a Play Activity: Mother-Child and Sibling Conversations in Mexican-Descent Families

This study compared patterns of mother and sibling object labeling as potential word learning resources for young children. Maternal labeling was also compared based on mothers’education level and target children’s age and gender. Target children (2- to 3-year-olds) from 40 Mexican-descent families engaged in a videotaped play activity with their mothers and siblings (4- to 6-year-olds). Mothers provided names for objects (referential labeling) as often as they mentioned objects as part of the ongoing activity (labeling in action). Siblings focused on referential labeling proportionately more than did mothers and did so as a demonstration of their knowledge of object labels, whereas mothers used this labeling style as a collaborative discussion. There were no differences in mothers’ labeling styles based on education level; however, there were interesting variations based on target child age and gender. Results suggest that there are diverse conversational motivations and normative scripts for object labe...
Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibition of phagolysosome biogenesis and autophagy as a host defence mechanism

A marquee feature of the powerful human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis is its macrophage parasitism. The intracellular survival of this microorganism rests upon its ability to arrest phagolysosome biogenesis, avoid direct cidal mechanisms in macrophages, and block efficient antigen processing and presentation. Mycobacteria prevent Rab conversion on their phagosomes and elaborate glycolipid and protein trafficking toxins that interfere with Rab effectors and regulation of specific organellar biogenesis in mammalian cells. One of the major Rab effectors affected in this process is the type III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase hVPS34 and its enzymatic product phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P), a regulatory lipid earmarking organellar membranes for specific trafficking events. PI3P is also critical for the process of autophagy, recently recognized as an effector of innate and adaptive immunity. Induction of autophagy by physiological, pharmacological or immunological signals, including the major antituberculosis Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma and its downstream effector p47 GTPase LRG-47, can overcome mycobacterial phagosome maturation block and inhibit intracellular M. tuberculosis survival. This review summarizes the findings centred around the PI3P-nexus where the mycobacterial phagosome maturation block and execution stages of autophagy intersect.
A Targeted and Adjuvanted Nanoparticle for Immunochemotherapy of Leishmania Infections

Targeted drug delivery is critical for minimizing off-target toxicity by chemotherapeutic drugs. Amphotericin-B is an effective anti-leishmaniasis agent that induces significant nephrotoxicity. Complexing amphotericin-B with liposomes (AmBisome, LAmB) reduces nephrotoxicity and improves LAmB efficacy in treating leishmaniasis in humans. However, complicated dosing regimens are required to minimize side effects. Given that Leishmania species are obligate parasites in phagocytes, selectively targeting LAmB to infected phagocytes would likely improve efficacy, decrease systemic toxicity, and simplify dosing regimens. To target LAmB to phagocytes, we developed a PADRE-derivatized-dendrimer (PDD)-LAmB nanocarrier platform by functionalizing dendrimers that complex LAmB with a peptide that targets major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II receptors. MHC class II receptor expression increases on phagocytes during the course of leishmaniasis, further enhancing infected cells as targets for PDD-LAmB. In a murine model for Leishmania major infection, PDD-LAmB efficiently targeted infected phagocytic cells, reducing the LAmB effective dose by 80 %, with improved pharmacokinetics. Moreover, the PDD MHC class II-targeting peptide is a universal helper T-cell epitope, allowing PDD-LAmB complexes to elicit parasite-specific T-cell responses. Thus, PDD-LAmB complex is a promising candidate for further development and human clinical trials, reducing and simplifying LAmB dosing, reducing side effects, and stimulating T-cell responses.