cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Paul Erdős: The Master of Collaboration

Over a span of more than 60 years, Paul Erdős took the art of collaborative research in mathematics to heights never before achieved. In this brief look at his collaborative efforts, we will explore the breadth of Paul’s interests, the company he kept, and the influence of his collaboration in the mathematical community. Rather than focusing on the mathematical content of his work or the man himself, we will see what conclusions can be drawn by looking mainly at publication lists.
ML Typing, Explicit Polymorphism and Qualified Types

The ML type system was originally introduced as a means of identifying a class of terms in a simple untyped language, often referred to as core-ML, whose evaluation could be guaranteed not to “go wrong”. In subsequent work, the terms of core-ML have also been viewed as a ‘convenient shorthand’ for programs in typed languages. Notable examples include studies of ML polymorphism and investigations of overloading, motivated by the use of type classes in Haskell.
Sediment Acoustics: Wideband Model, Reflection Loss and Ambient Noise Inversion

Abstract : Long-term goals are physically sound models of acoustic interaction with the ocean floor including penetration, reflection and scattering in support of MCM and ASW needs. The objectives are: (1) Consolidation of the BIC08 model of sediment acoustics, its verification in a variety of sediment types, parameter reduction and documentation in preparation for transition. (2) A new model of sediment reflection based on a mixture of models suitable for shallow water sonars. (3) Coupling of BIC08 to rough surface scattering models. APPROACH (1) Consolidation of the BIC08 model: This model contains plausible physical processes. It is based on the Biot-Stoll grain contact squirt flow and shear viscous drag (BICSQS) model, which includes squirt flow at the grain-grain contacts [Chotiros, Isakson 2004], combined with improvements in squirt flow modeling, the frame virtual mass extension to account for the random grains rotation [Chotiros, Isakson 2007], and the high-frequency viscous drag correction [Chotiros, Isakson 2008]. The approach is to reconcile common parameters in the different components, and consolidate the input parameters to reduce the parameter count. Further tests are planned to continue to test it against experimental measurements and extend it to a wider variety of ocean sediments, through participation in future shallow-water and sediment acoustics experiments. New experimentation methods are envisioned, including the exploitation of ambient noise for bottom characterization using a compact, partially buried array. (2) A new model of sediment reflection: This is a new approach to modeling ocean sediments that recognizes that the sediment is often patchy. The reflection measurements from the SAX04 experiment [Isakson, Chotiros, Camin, Piper 2010] are an extreme example. This suggests a new approach to modeling bottom reflection as a random process, in which each bottom bounce contains both a deterministic as well as a random component.
Expression, action, and regulation of transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor during embryonic and perinatal rat testis development.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the current study was to extend pre-vious observations and examine the expression pattern and effectsof transforming growth factor alpha (TGF ) and epidermal growthfactor receptor (EGFR) on embryonic testis morphogenesis andgrowth. The expression of TGF was determined after morphologi-cal sex determination (seminiferous cord formation at embryonicday13 [ED13]) through perinatal testis development (postnatal day 5[PD5]) with a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chainre-action procedure. Expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for TGFappeared to be more dynamic during testis development when com-pared with the expression of mRNA for EGFR. Message for TGFwas reduced at ED16 and PD4, and was elevated at PD0 duringtestis development. In contrast, EGFR mRNA levels were negligibleat ED15 and were elevated constitutively from ED16 through PD5.Immunohistochemistry was conducted at ED14, ED16, ED19, PD0,PD3, and PD5 to localize cellular expression of both TGF andEGFR. At ED16, positive staining for EGFR was localized to thecords, and by ED19, was mainly in the cords with slight expressionin the interstitium. From PD0 to PD5, positive staining for EGFR wasdetected in the germ, Sertoli, and interstitial cells. Immunohisto-chemistry for TGF detected localization at ED14 and ED16 to theSertoli cells and to speciﬁc cells in the interstitium. From ED19through PD5, TGF was detected in the Sertoli, germ, and interstitialcells, and in endothelial cells within the interstitium. To determinethe effects of TGF on embryonic testis growth and seminiferouscord formation, ED13 testis organ cultures were treated with senseand antisense TGF oligonucleotides. Antisense TGF inhibitedtes-tis growth by 25%–30% in ED13 testis organ cultures when com-pared with sense oligonucleotide control pairs. To examine the ef-fects of TGF on perinatal testis growth, PD0 testis cultures weretreated with different doses of TGF .TGF increased thymidine in-corporation into DNA in PD0 testis cultures. Therefore, TGF ap-pears to have actions on both embryonic and perinatal testis growth.The regulation of TGF and EGFR mRNA levels were examinedusing PD0 testis cultures treated with hormones that stimulate testisgrowth. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulated (P .05) andtestosterone tended to stimulate (P .07) mRNA expression ofEGFR. Epidermal growth factor stimulation of PD0 testis culturesdidnot affect levels of mRNA expression for EGFR, but did suppress ex-pression of mRNA for TGF . These results taken together demon-strate that TGF can act to regulate early embryonic and perinataltestisgrowth. Furthermore, TGF and EGFR expression can be regulatedthrough growth stimulatory hormones such as FSH and testosterone.Key words: FSH, gametogenesis, mesenchymal-epithelial,Sertolicell.J Androl 2001;22:1019–1029
A distance-based selection of parents in genetic algorithms

In this paper we propose an improvement to the widely used metaheuristic genetic algorithm. We suggest a change in the way parents are selected. The method is based on examining the similarity of parents selected for mating. Computational comparisons for solving the quadratic assignment problem using a hybrid genetic algorithm demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. This conclusion is examined statistically. We also report extensive computational results of solving the quadratic assignment problem Tho150. The best variant found the best known solution 8 times out of 20 replications. The average value of the objective function was 0.001% over the best known solution. Run time for this variant is about 18 hours per replication. When run time is increased to about two days per replication the best known solution was found 7 times out of 10 replications with the other three results each being 0.001% over the best known.
Structural Features of Steroids Which Initiate Proliferation of Density-inhibited 3T3 Mouse Fibroblasts

Abstract The ability of cortisol to initiate DNA synthesis and division of density-inhibited 3T3 mouse fibroblasts appears to correlate with its glucocorticoid activity. Steroids which possess high glucocorticoid activity in vivo such as triamcinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, cortisol, corticosterone, and aldosterone stimulated both DNA synthesis and cell division. The relative potency of these active steroids was related to their relative glucocorticoid potency. Deoxycorticosterone had a very slight stimulatory effect consistent with its slight glucocorticoid activity in other tissue culture systems. Steroids which are devoid of glucocorticoid activity such as testosterone, β-estradiol, tetrahydrocortisol, and progesterone did not initiate DNA synthesis or cell division. The only exception to the correlation between stimulatory and glucocorticoid activity was cortisone. Cortisone was inactive; however, its in vivo glucocorticoid activity apparently depends upon its conversion to cortisol. The structural features of the steroids required for initiation of DNA synthesis and cell division were: an 11β-hydroxyl, a 3-carbonyl and/or a 4:5 double bond, and a C-20,21 constituent. The C-17 and C-21 hydroxyl groups of cortisol were not essential for activity; however, activity was reduced in the absence of these substituents. The addition of an α-fluoro substituent at C9 and/or the addition of a methyl or hydroxyl group at C-16, reduced the concentration necessary to bring about a maximal stimulation, but the magnitude of the maximal stimulation was no greater than that observed when cells were treated with cortisol.
GSAT and local consistency

It has been shown that hill-climbing constraint satisfaction methods like min-conflicts [Minton et al., 1990] and GSAT [Selman et al., 1992] can outperform complete systematic search methods like backtracking and backjumping on many large classes of problems. In this paper we investigate how preprocessing improves GSAT. In particular, we will focus on the effect of enforcing local consistency on the performance of GSAT. We will show that enforcing local consistency on uniform random problems has very little effect on the performance of GSAT. However, when the problem has hierarchical structure, local consistency can significantly improve GSAT. It has been shown [Konolige, 1994] that there are certain structured problems that are very hard for GSAT while being very easy for the Davis-Putnam procedure. We will show that they become very easy for GSAT once a certain level of local consistency is enforced.
Exploiting big biology: Integrating large-scale biological data for function inference

The amount of data produced by molecular biologists is growing at an exponential rate. Some of the fastest growing sets of data are measurements of gene expression, comparable in quantity only to gene sequences and the vast biological literature. Both gene expression data and sequence data offer hints as to the functions of thousands of newly discovered genes, but neither give complete answers. Therefore, much effort is being focused on integrating these large data sets and combining them with all available functional data to draw inferences about the functions of uncharacterised genes. This review discusses the most pertinent functional data for genome-wide functional inference and describes several methods by which these disparate data types are being integrated.
Prophylactic chemotherapy in stages I and II uterine sarcoma.

Abstract Prophylactic chemotherapy was used following hysterectomy in patients with stages I and II uterine sarcoma. The outcome in this small group of patients appeared better than in a historical control. The findings suggest that there is a place for prophylactic or adjuvant chemotherapy following total hysterectomy in early-stage uterine sarcoma.
Noninvasive monitoring of cerebral blood flow by a dye bolus method: Separation of brain from skin and skull signals

Tracking a bolus of contrast agent traveling through the cerebral vasculature provides a measure of the blood flow velocity in the respective cerebral tissue. This principle has been the basis for the first approaches in functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and is of great value for investigating patients with vascular disease, especially stroke. While bolus measurements are a standard procedure in MR imaging, optical bolus tracking is as yet not established. Here we study optical absorption changes induced by a bolus of the dye indocyanine-green with near infrared spectroscopy in healthy volunteers. The aim is to assess the latency and shape of the change in absorption. Since application in the adult human critically depends on differentiation between extra- and intracerebral vascular compartments we focus on an approach for such a separation. To do this frequency-domain and multidistance measurements are analyzed by a Monte Carlo based model for photon transport in tissue. Based on measurements of both the photon's mean time of flight (phase) and the intensity, our results allow differentiation between an upper (skin and skull) and a lower layer (brain). The bolus in the deeper tissue layers has a peak of about 10 s width, while the change in absorption in the upper layers shows a much longer recovery time. This is in qualitative agreement with MR imaging results using a gadolinium bolus. This result is promising with respect to the potential of bedside monitoring of mean transit time (MTT) changes in patients with stroke or related vascular disease.
The Rewards of Diversifying Into Unrelated Businesses

The most dramatic change in industrial America in this century has been the trend toward diversifying into unrelated businesses. This trend has redefined the way American firms do business. And this restructuring contradicts conventional notions of industrial stability and industry specialization. Not since multiple mergers created giant companies around the turn of the century—like U.S. Steel, American Tobacco, Du Pont, General Electric, International Harvester, International Paper, National Biscuit, U.S. Rubber and others—has restructuring on such a scale occurred.
Caregiver Perception of Sexual Behaviors of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Sexuality defines how we interact with others, what relationships we develop, how we love and show affection, and how we feel about our bodies. Individuals afflicted with intellectual disabilities often lack skills to make sensible decisions regarding their safety and well being. Caregivers are in the position to provide social skills and experiences needed to develop exploration of sexuality and awareness of self protection skills. The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to determine the perception of caregivers toward the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Perception of Sexuality scale was used to measure caregiver attitude toward sexual behaviors of individuals with intellectual disability. The survey format was sent to 160 caregivers and yielded responses from 87 participants. Inferential statistics was used to determine basic characteristics of the responses.
Bond Angle Effects on the Migratory Insertion of Ethylene and Carbon Monoxide into Palladium(II)−Methyl Bonds in Complexes Bearing Bidentate Phosphine Ligands

Labile (P−P)Pd(CH3)(OEt2)+BAr‘4- complexes (2) have been prepared via protonation of (P−P)PdMe2 (1), where P−P = cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene (a, dppee), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (b, dpbz), 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (c, dppe), 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane (d, dmpe), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (e, dppp), 1,3-bis(diisopropylphosphino)propane (f, dippp), 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane (g, dppb) and Ar‘ = 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3. Unstable complex 2d (P−P = dmpe) was generated in situ. X-ray structures are reported for 1e and 2e−g. Treatment of 2a−g with CO in CH2Cl2 at −90 °C yields the (P−P)Pd(CH3)(CO)+ complexes 3a−g. Barriers to migratory insertion in 3a−g were determined with the ordering to be: 3f (dippp) ≈ 3g (dppb) < 3e (dppp) ≪ 3a (dppee) ≈ 3b (dpbz) ≈ 3c (dppe) < 3d (dmpe). Exposure of 2a−g to ethylene at −80 °C yields the ethylene complexes (P−P)Pd(CH3)(C2H4)+ (5a−g). Barriers to migratory insertion in these complexes were determined by NMR spectroscopy to be: 5b (dpb...
Effect Of Axial Load On Forced Vibrations Of Beams

Abstract The steady state linear response of beams subjected to a distributed, harmonically varying, transverse force is considered. A static axial load, either tensile or compressive, is also applied to the beam, and damping is included in the analysis. Four standard sets of boundary conditions are treated. The influence of the axial load on the response is investigated, with attention focused on the maximum amplitude of the central deflection over all possible forcing frequencies. Approximate formulas are proposed for the effect of axial load on this maximum response and on the corresponding forcing frequency. The first of these formulas is then compared to a similar approximation for the central deflection when the transverse force is static rather than harmonic.
What one faculty member does to promote undergraduate research

An anthropologist reflects on his efforts to involve undergraduates in research and creative endeavors. He concludes with a set of questions that focus the reader's attention on creating undergraduate opportunities in research.
The Role of the Periaqueductal Gray in the Modulation of Pain in Males and Females: Are the Anatomy and Physiology Really that Different?

Anatomical and physiological studies conducted in the 1960s identified the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and its descending projections to the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and spinal cord dorsal horn, as a primary anatomical pathway mediating opioid-based analgesia. Since these initial studies, the PAG-RVM-spinal cord pathway has been characterized anatomically and physiologically in a wide range of vertebrate species. Remarkably, the majority of these studies were conducted exclusively in males with the implicit assumption that the anatomy and physiology of this circuit were the same in females; however, this is not the case. It is well established that morphine administration produces greater antinociception in males compared to females. Recent studies indicate that the PAG-RVM pathway contributes to the sexually dimorphic actions of morphine. This manuscript will review our anatomical, physiological, and behavioral data identifying sex differences in the PAG-RVM pathway, focusing on its role in pain modulation and morphine analgesia.
Spontaneous Rupture and Thrombotic Effects in a Swine Model of Untreated Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

In our previous canine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm, although aneurysm growth was observed, the aneurysms did not rupture. This prompted us to develop a swine model, which has the advantage of fibrinolytic and coagulation systems similar to those found in humans. We simulated aneurysms by connecting fascia pouches to the aorta. In nine pigs, two pieces of fascia (5 × 8 cm each) were sutured to the posterior surface of the aorta. After the lateral edges of the aorta were sutured together, the aorta was clamped below the renal arteries and at the aortic bifurcation. We then resected a piece of aorta within the pouch, clamped the pouch below the open roof, and unclamped the aorta. When the entire pouch had been sutured, the last clamp was removed and blood flowed into the “aneurysm.” The total aortic cross clamp time was between 4 and 25 minutes. “Aneurysm” size ranged from 3.0 × 2.5 cm to 7.5 × 4.0 cm (length × width). Aneurysm rupture occurred in seven pigs between 4 and 43 days after initial surgery; however, rupture never occurred at a suture site. Aneurysm size at rupture was two to four times greater than that of the original pouch. We found thrombus in all of the aneurysms examined more than 2 days after surgery. Histology revealed aneurysm walls that were thicker than the fascia. Although fascia segments could be identified because of their characteristic trilayer of thick collagen fibers, most of the aneurysm wall contained thin collagen fibers. These observations are consistent with new collagen production. We constructed a swine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm that possessed the features of growth and rupture necessary to simulate human aneurysms. Our method will allow techniques designed to isolate aneurysms from the circulation to be tested in a model with a fibrinolytic system similar to that of humans.
Environmental impact of electricity deregulation

Abstract Restructuring of electric utilities affects environmental quality primarily through its effect on airborne emissions. We examine emissions from 1993 to 2002 and discuss possible explanatory factors. Annual NOx and SO2 emissions fell nationally, mostly due to decreases in emission limits driven by state and Federal regulations. CO2 emissions have increased almost proportionately with increased generation. Generation increased more than it would have, partly due to energy efficiency spending reductions that accompanied deregulation. The fuel mix shifted slightly from coal to gas, offsetting some CO2 emissions increases and contributing to SO2 and NOx emissions decreases. While the percentage share of generation from renewable sources remained at about 2%, recent and expected future increases in wind generating capacity promise future emissions reductions. Although deregulation lacks clear environmental advantages, the deregulation process creates an opportunity for implementation of state policies to reduce emissions. Regulated and deregulated states with renewable portfolio standards (RPS) have a higher average percent of generation from renewable sources. Average energy efficiency savings are higher in regulated states, but slightly higher in deregulated states with a system benefits charge (SBC) than in regulated states without a SBC.
UDDER INFECTION WITH STREPTOCOCCI OF THE SCARLET FEVER TYPE : II. A STUDY OF THE SCARLET FEVER TYPE OF STREPTOCOCCI ISOLATED FROM THE UDDER OF THE COW.

The streptococcus isolated from the udder of a cow on a farm where an outbreak of scarlet fever originated has been correlated with known scarlet fever strains. This streptococcus and another also isolated from the udder of a cow are indistinguishable in cultural characters and certain antigen affinities from S. scarlatinae. Skin tests indicate that the strain isolated from the milk of the cow in a herd to which the scarlet fever epidemic was attributed produced a toxin which was neutralized with scarlet fever antitoxin.
Context-guided universal hybrid decision tree for activity classification

Obtaining accurate measurements of human activities is important for a broad set of health applications. We propose a context-based hybrid decision tree classifier with a real-time portable solution for reliably classifying daily life activities and for providing instant feedback. At first, to determine user contexts, we utilize sensors typically found on smart phones or tablets to collect environment data. Then, we select different types of hybrid decision tree classifiers based on detected human context. The tree classifier can flexibly implement different decision rules at its internal nodes, and can be adapted from a population-based model when supplemented by training data for individuals. In addition, with the introduction of portable devices, the users can receive instant feedback of their current mobility status.
Simulation-based strategies for microstructure-sensitive fatigue modeling

Abstract Further efforts to provide more direct dependence of fatigue life estimation methods on microstructure of alloy systems must consider various factors that are not explicitly addressed by conventional fatigue design tools such as the strain-life curve, the stress-life curve, the modified Goodman diagram, or fatigue limit concepts, or by traditional linear elastic fracture mechanics approaches. In this work, we offer insight from micromechanical perspectives on tradeoffs of fatigue crack formation and growth regimes in low cycle and high cycle fatigue, including considerations of effects of notches of various scales. Relations between remote loading conditions and microstructure-scale cyclic plasticity/crack behavior are considered as a function of stress amplitude and microstructure to support assessment of intrinsic microstructure fatigue resistance (percolation limits for connected microplasticity) as well as effects of extrinsic features such as non-metallic inclusions. Algorithms are summarized for computing nonlocal cyclic plastic shear strain and inferring fatigue resistance, both in terms of mean behavior and variability with microstructure. Several applications are presented, including intrinsic and extrinsic fatigue resistance of Ni-base superalloys, fatigue of polycrystals, cast A356-T6 Al alloy, and fretting fatigue of Ti–6Al–4V.
Measurement invariance in a measure of prosocial moral reasoning to use with adolescents from the USA and Brazil

Scholars have noted the need to examine the psychometric properties of measures that can be used in evaluating moral education programs. The present study was designed to examine the best‐fitting factor model of a commonly‐used measure of prosocial moral reasoning (PROM) across samples from Brazil and the USA, gender and adolescent age groups. The samples consisted of 619 college students (M age = 20.59 years, SD = 4.08; 41% men, 59% women) and 239 middle and high school students (M age = 14.02 years, SD = 3.04; 45% boys, 55% girls) from the USA. There were 114 college students (M age = 21.81, SD = 4.33; 35% men, 65% women) and 136 middle and high school students (M age = 14.93 years, SD = 1.55; 42% boys, 58% girls) from Brazil. A series of (multigroup) confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the best fitting factor structure of the PROM and the invariance of this factor structure across culture, gender and age groups. Evidence for measurement invariance was found such that a four‐factor model...
Modulation of drug metabolism by food restriction in male rats.

Abstract Forty-five percent food restriction for 28 days in male rats caused a significant decrease in hexobarbital sleeping time which was inversely related to hepatic cytochrome P-450 content. These changes corroborated well with enhanced in vitro activity of hepatic microsomal aniline hydroxylase, p-chloromethylaniline-N-demethylase and p-nitrobenzoate reductase and concomitant increases in cytosolic G-6-P + 6-PG dehydrogenase and malic enzyme activities. Thus food restriction, unlike starvation, enhances drug metabolism and related enzymatic activity.
The domestic content of international desire

Yes, a "grotesque mediocrity" reigns within our generally depoliticized professional life. So why aren't the complacencies of the orthodox even more embarrassing? Why does the overall agenda of research and conceptualization still tilt-either reflectively or unreflectively-toward the reproduction of a deplorable status quo? Certainly we should play havoc with neorealist orthodoxy-and also with the flashy timidity of its self-appointed successors. But what is actually being articulated in the discipline? An unexpected obituary for the structuralists, the cocksure neorealists and aficionados of old-fashioned Realpolitik? Titillating revisionism for the respected ghosts of classical realism? Or merely corrective mechanisms in the self-reproduction of a certain kind of white-gloved theoretical discourse? There is another agenda to which even the most rarefied conceptualizing can bend its efforts. What makes a nation's attachment to its expansive global (or regional) position so obsessive? Why is a particular state leadership so anxious to flex its particular muscles in a particular way? Why does an imperial power consider its ability to exert control over the social relations that constitute an open world political economy so important? Why are a nation's commitments to the international status quo wrapped up so tightly in the flag, and sanctified accordingly? Do any of the analytical moves at hand, however trumpeted, help us comprehend the grounds on which the key acts of government foreign policy are erected, or the grounds on which they might be confronted or opposed? I am thinking, for example, of the brutal American intervention in Vietnam and, most immediately, the attempted subversion and violent harassment of Nicaragua. Those matters, those sorts of questions, are likely to ambush our little self-important academic scuffles. The "balance-of-power scheme" seems to have little to say about them.
The zingiberidae, a new subclass of liliopsida (Monocotyledons)

The Zingiberidae are described as a new subclass, containing the orders Zingiberales and Bromeliales.
Non-compact symmetries in field theories with indefinite metric

Abstract We motivate the study of non-compact internal symmetries appearing in some renormalizable field theories by the indefinite metric method. The use of the indefinite metric formalism in constructing a positive-definite physical Hilbert space is illustrated for the non-compact free fields and the non-compact sigma models. We discuss the problems associated with non-compact symmetries occuring in these theories. The notion that positivity of the quantum hamiltonian for a non-compact theory must be based on its classical field theory analogue must be abandoned. For the non-compact O(1, N)/O(N) sigma model we show how to obtain a unitary S-matrix in the physical subspace from a pseudo-unitary S-matrix in the overall Hilbert space, as well as the feature of dynamical mass generation and asymptotic freedom behavior. For the non-compact CPN sigma model we discuss the appearance of a dynamically generated composite gauge boson without external input. The prospect of composite gauge bosons for supergravity theories is assessed. Whenever possible, we compare and discuss the features of compact versus non-compact symmetries in a field theory.
The preferred conformation(s) of trimethyl phosphate as derived from NMR spectra of partially oriented molecules and potential energy calculations

Abstract The 1H and 31P NMR spectra of oriented trimethyl phosphate have been investigated. Potential energy calculations on the system indicate that the gauche (with the rotation angle φ around the CP bond(s) ⋍ 60°) and the trans (with φ ⋍ 155°) are the preferred conformers with the gauche having lower energy than the trans. Assuming reasonable bond lenghts and bond angles and similar order parameters of the threefold symmetry axis for the two preferred conformers, it is shown from NMR studies that the gauche conformer is predominant. Solvent/temperature dependence of the conformer ratio is evident from the NMR spectra. The 1H and the 31P chemical shift anisotropies are determined from the spectra in mixed liquid crystals of opposite diamagnetic anisotropies.
The Waveform Relaxation method for systems of differential/algebraic equations

This paper reports efforts towards establishing a parallel numerical algorithm known as Waveform Relaxation (WR) for simulating large systems of differential/algebraic equations. The WR algorithm was established as a relaxation based iterative method for the numerical integration of systems of ODEs over a finite time interval. In the WR approach, the system is broken into subsystems which are solved independently, with each subsystem using the previous iterate waveform as ''guesses'' about the behavior of the state variables in other subsystems. Waveforms are then exchanged between subsystems, and the subsystems are then resolved repeatedly with this improved information about the other subsystems until convergence is achieved. In this paper, a WR algorithm is introduced for the simulation of generalized high-index DAE systems. As with ODEs, DAE systems often exhibit a multirate behavior in which the states vary as differing speeds. This can be exploited by partitioning the system into subsystems as in the WR for ODEs. One additional benefit of partitioning the DAE system into subsystems is that some of the resulting subsystems may be of lower index and, therefore, do not suffer from the numerical complications that high-index systems do. These lower index subsystems may therefore be solved by less specialized simulations. This increases the efficiency of the simulation since only a portion of the problem must be solved with specially tailored code. In addition, this paper established solvability requirements and convergence theorems for varying index DAE systems for WR simulation.
Digital versus analog urodynamic systems

Computers have enabled physicians and urodynamicists to perform seemingly endless tasks, yet the transformation from conventional analog systems to digital systems has been at a price of which many users are unaware. Processes that require split-second data recording can often be noticeably different between the two systems, with resulting significant differences in final management. This article describes the benefits and risks of both analog and digital systems with regard to data collection and processing, time averaging and the pitfalls of digital storage. While the effects of computerization may be minimal for general practitioners, academics should understand the importance of these phenomena when interpreting data collected from different systems.
Consumer preferences for locally produced food ingredient sourcing in restaurants.

Increasing restaurant supply chain participants’ knowledge of consumer preferences toward the use of locally produced ingredients in restaurants may provide insight into a valuable marketing opportunity. This study uses conjoint analysis to evaluate consumers’ locally produced ingredient preferences relative to two other key restaurant attributes (the price of the dining experience and restaurant type). Results suggest that, for one fifth of surveyed restaurant consumers, a restaurant’s practice of “buying locally” is the primary restaurant attribute of importance. The implications of these results for supply chain providers (e.g., producers, manufacturers, and food service distributors) are discussed.
177 Solute Clearance in CRRT: Comparing Measured Effluent Volume to Actual Delivered Dose

SOLUTE CLEARANCE IN CRRT: COMPARING MEASURED EFFLUENT VOLUME TO ACTUAL DELIVERED DOSE William Lyndon, Keith Wille, Ashita Tolwani University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, U.S.A. Substantial efforts have been made towards defining the dose threshold of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) associated with improved survival in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. Published studies have based dose of CRRT on small solute clearance, expressed as total effluent volume (TEV) per weight and unit time (ml/kg/hr). These studies have not compared CRRT dose based on the measured TEV to the actual delivered dose as determined by direct quantitative measurement of the solute in the effluent. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the measured TEV corrected for pre-dilution replacement fluid (RF) accurately estimates actual delivered small solute clearance. We retrospectively analyzed data that had been prospectively collected for 200 patients enrolled in a randomized controlled trial comparing survival with a prescribed effluent rate of 20 ml/kg/hr (standard dose) to 35 ml/kg/hr (high dose) using pre-dilution continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Filters were changed every 72 hours. Effluent urea nitrogen (EUN) and creatinine (ECr) levels, and TEV were obtained daily. Estimated effluent dose was defined as the TEV corrected for the pre-dilution effect of the RF. Actual delivered dose was calculated as: (EUN/BUN)*TEV for urea and (ECr/SCr)*TEV for creatinine. Complete data were available for 165 patients. The difference in actual delivered dose for the standard dose compared to the high dose group was statistically significant for both measured urea and creatinine clearances (p<0.0001). For the standard dose group, there was no difference between the estimated effluent dose and actual delivered urea and creatinine clearances. For the high dose group, estimated dose based on TEV differed significantly from both the delivered urea clearance by 7.1% (p<0.0001), and the creatinine clearance by 13.9 % (p<0.0001). Direct measurement of solute clearance is indicated if providing predilutional CVVHDF.
Furosemide Binding by Human Albumin: Comparison of Two Methods of Fluorescence Quenching Analysis

Disagreement exists over the primary-site binding constant for the interaction of furosemide with human albumin. Disagreement also exists over which experimental methods are accurate in this particular interaction. Therefore, furosemide binding by human albumin was examined using albumin fluorescence quenching by both the method of Levine and the method of Steiner et al. The binding constants obtained by each method differed greatly, with the results of the latter method being similar to those of other experimental methods. It was concluded that the method of Levine overestimates the binding constant for this drug-protein interaction.
Response patterns to repeated CO2 inhalation in individuals with high anxiety sensitivity

The present report extends previous work which has documented two distinct response patterns to repeated presentation of interoceptive cues (using CO2 inhalation) in PD patients [Beck, J. G. & Shipherd, J. C. (1997). Repeated exposure to interoceptive cues: does habituation of fear occur in panic disorder patients? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 35, 551-557]. We were interested in determining if these two patterns of fear habituation and sensitization would be noted in panic-naive individuals who reported high levels of Anxiety Sensitivity. A second aspect of this report examined whether attention to bodily sensations versus to neutral material would impact fear habituation and sensitization. Participants included 43 panic-naive individuals who scored at least 1 standard deviation above norms on the Anxiety Sensitivity Index. Results indicated that 37% of the sample reported habituation of fear, 47% reported fear sensitization and 16% demonstrated relatively stable fear levels across 12 inhalations of CO2 during session 1. The attentional manipulation did not exert a pronounced influence on anxiety, panic symptom severity, skin conductance, or heart rate in either Habituators or Sensitizers during session 2. These results are discussed in light of their relevance in understanding fundamental psychopathological processes underlying Panic Disorder.
Cultural responsibility in the preservation of local economic plant resources

Understanding the relationships between indigenous people and their threatened economic plants can aid the conservation effort on many levels. Understanding ethnic perceptions of the taxon is critical toin situ andex situ conservation projects and enhances the accompanying educational effort. Examples are discussed from the experience of a grassroots conservation group in southwestern United States, Native Seed/SEARCH. Four levels of economic plant vulnerability are examined among 1) wild-harvested plants, 2) husbanded wild plants, 3) domesticates, and 4) wild relatives of domesticates. Legal interpretations of endangered husbanded and domestic plants are discussed, and further documentation encouraged. Genetic dynamism of threatened indigenous crops is examined and the concept of Systems Conservation (i.e. the plant/human interactive systems) is introduced. Guidelines are offered for incorporating better cultural responsibility intoex situ conservation strategies. The concept of Biocultural Restoration is introduced with an example from an O'odham community. Examples are given of ways indigenous peoples and their knowledge can assist in the conservation effort.
A Precarious Case of Multiple Enlarged Arteriovenous Malformations in The Uterus

Introduction: Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are very rare vascular lesions that can be fatal if left untreated. Early radiologic detection and optimal treatment by an accomplished surgeon is essential to maximize patient survival. Case Report: In this paper, the authors present the case of a 49-year-old patient with a significant history of menorrhagia, anemia, and pelvic mass. She had a pelvic ultrasound that revealed a distended uterus, which was suggestive of multiple enlarged uterine and infundibular pelvic AVMs. The patient underwent a complicated abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral-salpingo oophorectomy with right ureteral ligation. The patient has done well postoperatively. Conclusions: Arteriovenous malformations in the uterus are often undetected in patients with menorrhagia or anemia. Therefore, clinical diagnosis may be delayed, adversely affecting patient prognosis. Comprehensive imaging, multispecialty invasive radiology, and surgical management are needed to treat these patient...
Pupillary sparing and aberrant regeneration in chronic third nerve palsy secondary to a posterior communicating artery aneurysm

We present an unusual case of a chronic pupil-sparing third nerve palsy due to a posterior communicating artery aneurysm with aberrant regeneration of the right upper eyelid and worsening symptoms after minor head trauma. A 53-year-old woman presented with a chronic pupil-sparing third nerve palsy due to a posterior communicating artery aneurysm with aberrant regeneration of her right upper eyelid. Three months prior to presentation, the patient experienced worsening of her symptoms after minor head trauma. Most patients with pupil-sparing third nerve palsies progress to pupil involvement; however, our patient never exhibited efferent pupillary dysfunction. A 53-year-old woman with a medical history of a remote transient ischaemic attack and myocardial infarction presented for evaluation of worsening headaches and double vision after a box fell and hit the back of her head 3 months prior to presentation. On further questioning, the right-sided headaches and intermittent horizontal binocular diplopia started 4 months prior to …
Late complications of newborn circumcision: a common and avoidable problem

The purpose of this paper is to study the types of operative and post-operative late complications resulting from newborn circumcisions and to make recommendations to prevent them. After obtaining IRB approval, a retrospective review of the late complications resulting from newborn circumcisions treated at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children from January 2003 to December 2007 was undertaken. The source used was the consultation notes and operative reports of affected patients. Additionally, cases seen in the outpatient Pediatric Urology Clinic from April 2007 to April 2008 were reviewed. A total of 8,967 children were operated during the study period, of which 424 (4.7%) were for complications resulting from previous neonatal circumcision. Penile adhesions, skin bridges, meatal stenosis, redundant foreskin (incomplete circumcision with uncircumcised appearance), recurrent phimosis, buried penis and penile rotation were the most frequent complications. At the outpatient clinic of the Section of Pediatric Urology, 127 boys with concerns following newborn circumcision were evaluated, representing 7.4% of the total volume of cases seen in this clinic. Our results indicate the need to undertake a collaborative study to define the incidence of complications following newborn circumcisions, which should be performed by practitioners with adequate training in the technique of their choice and its post-operative care.
Mechanism of up-regulated gap junctional intercellular communication during chemoprevention and chemotherapy of cancer

To develop a strategy for efficacious intervention in order to prevent or treat various cancers, one must understand the basic mechanism(s) by which various anticancer dietary factors prevent or reverse the tumor promotion or progression phases. Carcinogenesis is a multistage, multimechanism process, involving the irreversible alteration of a stem cell (the "initiation" phase), followed by the clonal proliferation of the initiated stem cell (the "promotion" phase), from which the acquisition of the invasive and metastatic phenotypes are generated (the "progression" phase). While intervention to prevent or treat cancer could occur at each step, the objective of this presentation will focus on the rate limiting step, the promotion phase.Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) has been hypothesized to regulate growth control, differentiation and apoptosis. Most normal, contact-inhibited cells have functional GJIC, while most, if not all, tumor cells have dysfunctional homologous or heterologous GJIC. Cancer cells are characterized by the lack of growth control, by the inability to terminally differentiate and by resistance to apoptosis. Chemical tumor promoters (phorbol esters, DDT, phenobarbital, unsaturated fatty acids, saccharin, etc.) inhibit GJIC in a reversible fashion and at doses above particular chemical thresholds. Various oncogenes (e.g. ras, raf, neu, src, mos) down-regulate GJIC while several tumor suppressor genes can up-regulate GJIC. Antitumor promoters (retinoids, carotenoids, green tea components) and antioncogene drugs (i.e. lovastatin) can up-regulate GJIC. Transfection of gap junction genes ("connexins") into GJIC-deficient tumor cells can restore GJIC, growth control and reduce tumorigenicity. On the other hand, antisense gap junction genes can convert the phenotype of a non-tumorigenic cell to that of a tumorigenic one. Recently, a specific connexin knockout mouse was shown to have a higher frequency of spontaneous and induced liver cancers. Evidence from these studies clearly suggests that dietary factors can modulate GJIC by inducing various signal transducing systems. The modulation can either down-regulate GJIC and lead to tumor promotion or it can up-regulate GJIC and lead to suppression of the initiated cells. Multiple mechanisms of up- or down-regulation of GJIC exist, as well as multiple types of pre-malignant and malignant tumor cells that are unable able to have functional GJIC. GJIC can be down-regulated by mutations and by epigenetic means. Alteration of gene expression at the transcriptional, translational or post-translational levels would require specific dietary prevention or treatment of cancer. In conclusion, if dietary prevention or treatment of cancer is to occur, it must ameliorate the growth-stimulatory effects, above threshold levels, of chemicals, growth factors or hormones, that trigger various mitogenic/antiapoptotic signal transducing systems that block GJIC.
Pellicles designed for high-performance lithographic processes

AbstractThe semiconductor industry continues to push the resolution capability oflithographic processes in order to produce increasingly smaller device geometry at higherdensities To achieve these advances corresponding changes are occurring in thelithography equipment used to manufacture these devices. The wavelengths used forexposure are decreasing, numerical apertures are increasing and new off axis illuminationsystems are being introduced. These all have ramifications on the performance, effect andproper use ofpellicles in the lithography system. At the same time the available processbudgets are decreasing thereby increasing the relative effect ofthe pellicle contributiontowards those budgets. Many ofthe traditional pellicle designs are no longer the optimumchoice for use in high performance lithography. This study examines the effects ofpellicles in high performance lithography systems. Introduction: A pellicle at best has negligible effect on the lithographic process. In general the pelliclehas a negative impact on resolution and registration. Many excellent studies on the effectofpellicles on the lithographic process have been written. Most ofthese analysis werepresented at the onset of pellicle use in the industry during the early 1980s. Since thatpoint in time the resolution and registration capability of the lithographic process hasadvanced so that contributions at one time insignificant have become a significant part ofthe ever shrinking process error budgets. Equipment design has also evolved presentingnew demands on the performance of pellicle design. Multiple generations of equipmentexist in the fab as well as equipment from multiple vendors. Equipment design variationincludes exposure wavelengths, numerical aperture, degree of telecentricity, as well asconventional and off axis illumination systems. The challenge for pellicle manufacturers isto design products which are compatible with a diverse equipment set while minimizingthe effect of the pellicle on the lithographic process.
Accurate Confidence Intervals for the Ratio of Specific Occurrence/Exposure Rates in Risk and Survival Analysis

Transformation and computer intensive methods such as the jackknife and bootstrap are applied to construct accurate confidence intervals for the ratio of specific occurrence/exposure rates, which are used to compare the mortality (or survival) experience of individuals in two study populations. Monte Carlo simulations are employed to compare the performances of the proposed confidence intervals when sample sizes are small or moderate.