cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Boundary-value problem for plasma centrifuge at arbitrary magnetic Reynolds numbers

We solve in closed form the boundary-value problem for the partial differential equations which describe the (azimuthal) rotation velocity and induced magnetic fields in a cylindrical plasma centrifuge with ring electrodes of different radii and an external, axial magnetic field. The electric field, current density, and velocity distributions are discussed in terms of the Hartmann number H and the magnetic Reynolds number R. For small Hall coefficients, the induced magnetic field does not affect the plasma rotation. As a result of the Lorentz forces, the plasma rotates with speeds as high as 100,000 cm/sec around its axis of symmetry at typical conditions, so that the lighter (heavier) ion and atom components are enriched at (off) the center of the discharge cylinder.
Hardness of amorphous hard carbon films determined by the ultra-low load microindentation technique

Amorphous carbon films variously designated as i-C, α-C:H diamond-like or hard carbon films, have interesting optical and mechanical properties and are candidates for wear and corrosion protection in a wide range of applications. Because the depth of penetration by the indenter in normal hardness tests often approaches or exceeds the thickness of the diamond-like coating film, hardness data may reflect large substrate effects. This paper gives the results of ultra-low load microindentation hardness measurements which allow data to be obtained for indentation depths as small as 20 nm. The data also yield information on the elastic modulus of the coatings. Films were obtained from a number of sources and had been prepared by several techniques. The hardness values are in the range of 7 to 15 GPa and depend on the exact preparation parameters. The hardness data will be compared to those obtained by the Knoop technique.
Effect of sodium taurodeoxycholate, CaCl2 and albumin on the action of pancreatic lipase on droplets of trioleoylglycerol and the release of lipolytic products into aqueous media.

Abstract 1. 1. Effects of various substances on the activity of pancreatic lipase and on the release of lipolytic products into aqueous media were studied with droplets of trioleoylglycerol suspended from a membrane filter at the top of a flow-through chamber. The droplets were perifused for 7 min with a commercial preparation of pancreatic lipase in 0.15 M NaCl solution at pH 6.5 and then perifused for 60 min with lipase-free media, either 0.15 M NaCl at pH 6.5 or basal medium at pH 7.4 (70 mM sodium barbital) containing different additives. 2. 2. About 6% of the trioleoylglycerol in droplets was hydrolyzed during the perifusion with lipase. Another 15% was hydrolyzed in 30 min, but none thereafter, when the droplets were perifused with 0.15 M NaCl alone. The rate of hydrolysis was doubled and prolonged when droplets were perifused with basal medium at pH 7.4. Lipolytic products formed at pH 7.4 were 62% oleic acid, 20% monooleoylglycerol and 18% dioleoylglycerol, yet only 4% of the lipolytic products were released into the perifusate. 3. 3. Sodium taurodeoxycholate (TDC) (17 mM) added to basal medium increased 18 × the amount of lipolytic products released into the perifusate but increased lipolysis only 13%. The molar ratio of oleic acid to monooleoylglycerol in the perifusate was 5.7 during the first 30 min and 4.0 during the last 30 min. 4. 4. Ca 2+ (3.3 mM) added to basal medium increased lipolysis 87% but did not affect the amount (4%) of lipolytic products released into the perifusing medium. 5. 5. TDC and Ca 2+ added to basal medium produced the largest increase in lipolysis, with 59% of trioleoylglycerol hydrolyzed in 15 min and 91% in 60 min. The amount of lipolytic products released into the perifusing medium, however, was not increased above that released into medium containing TDC alone. 6. 6. Serum albumin (0.6 mM) and Ca 2+ added to basal medium increased 14 × the amount of lipolytic products released into the perifusate without affecting the basal lipolytic rate. Albumin, however, suppressed by 40% the stimulatory effect of Ca 2+ on pancreatic lipase activity. 7. 7. The findings show that Ca 2+ enhanced the activity of pancreatic lipase on triacylglycerol without affecting release of lipolytic products into the medium, whereas TDC increased release without affecting formation of lipolytic products. TDC did increase, however, the stimulatory effect of Ca 2+ on lipolysis. Thus, bile salts could facilitate fat digestion in vivo , in the presence of Ca 2+ , by enhancing the action of pancreatic lipase and dispersing lipolytic products into the surrounding aqueous phase.
Proton Therapy and Concomitant Capecitabine for Non-Metastatic Unresectable Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Purpose: To review early outcomes for patients enrolled on our institution's protocol (PC01) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer, and to test whether the serious adverse event rate could be reduced from 15% (expected) to <5%. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients were enrolled, but only 11 patients are reported in this analysis. Pathology on all patients was reviewed at University of Florida Health Medical Center in Jacksonville to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Unresectability was defined by radiographic evidence of encasement of the celiac axis and/or superior mesenteric artery or by occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein, portal vein, or both confluences. Patients received proton therapy to a planning target volume dose of 59.4 Gy (relative biological effective) at 1.8 Gy (relative biological effective) per fraction over 7 weeks with concomitant oral capecitabine (1000 mg orally twice-daily, 5 days/week on radiation treatment days only). Only gross disease ...
Collagen expression and biomechanical response to human recombinant transforming growth factor beta (rhTGF-β2) in the healing rabbit MCL

We investigated biomechanical and collagen expression in a healing bilateral rabbit medial collateral ligament (MCL) model to human recombinant transforming growth factor beta (rhTGF-beta2) at three and six weeks. Each rabbit had rhTGF-beta2 in a bioabsorbable pellet administered in one side, with the contralateral side serving as control (no rhTGF-beta2). All MCL healed with rhTGF-beta2 producing a profoundly increased scar mass at three weeks which decreased in size toward control at six weeks. In-situ hybridization demonstrated collagen expression (type I and III) no different than control at three weeks, but by six weeks elevated expression of type I was seen. Biomechanical analysis at three weeks showed no effect of rhTGF-beta2 on structural properties. However, at six weeks rhTGF-beta2 significantly inhibited both the maximum load (p < 0.05) and energy absorbed (p < 0.05) with no change in stiffness. Despite increased type I collagen expression and profound increase in early scar mass, rhTGF-beta2 did not improve the structural properties. Whether the dose or mode of delivery is responsible for decline in structural properties cannot be determined in this design. We hypothesize investigations of healing ligaments to cytokines should have biologic and biomechanical properties correlated in the same study at a minimum of two time points.
Daring to care: the role of culturally relevant care in mentoring Black and Latino male high school students

This study seeks to challenge the uni-dimensional way care in school is written about by highlighting an often overlooked aspect of care – the kind that students do for each other. Data is drawn from focus groups conducted with the youth participants and founder of Umoja Network for Young Men (UMOJA), an all-male, school-based mentoring program for over-aged and under-credited (OA/UC) high school students. The authors draw on theories of culturally relevant pedagogy, care, and critical pedagogy to present the findings and propose a form of culturally relevant care (CRC) that entails warm demanding and building mutual trust. This study highlights the humanizing experiences of the Black and Latino male transfer students and their mentor. This focus on the experiences of young Black and Latino male participants seeks to shift the discourse from one focused on deficits to one that recognizes their agency and capacities for social and academic success.
Penetration, distribution and kinetics of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in human skin in vitro

The in vitro penetration of3H-labeled 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) into human cadaver skin was studied at concentrations of 65 and 6.5 ng TCDD per cm2 of skin surface. Vehicles used were acetone to simulate exposure to TCDD as a dry material, and mineral oil to simulate exposure to TCDD in an oily medium. Penetration was performed for 30, 100, 300, and 1000 min in improved Franz cells. Skin was used either intact, or with stripped horny layer. Skin was sectioned along its natural layers and radioactivity determined in epidermis and dermis. TCDD did not readily penetrate into human skin in vitro. The vehicle of exposure to TCDD played an important role in dermal penetration. The rapidly evaporating acetone allowed TCDD to penetrate deeply into the loose surface lamellae of the horny layer, but then appeared to be poorly available for further penetration. Mineral oil as the vehicle, on the other hand, represented a lipophilic compartment which competed with lipophilic constituents of the stratum corneum for TCDD and hence slowed its penetration even more. The stratum corneum acted as a protective barrier, as its removal increased the amount of TCDD absorbed into layers of the skin. Hourly rates of absorption of TCDD per unit area of skin were calculated in two ways: a worst case scenario where TCDD absorbed into any layer of skin including the stratum corneum was used for regression analysis; and a physiological approach where only that amount of TCDD was considered absorbed which had penetrated beyond the epidermis into the region of dermal vascularization. Under worst case scenario conditions the stratum corneum appeared to mediate dermal absorption of TCDD, since calculated rates of absorption decreased when skin stripped of its stratum corneum was exposed to TCDD. This was, however, not the case with the physiological approach. There was a consistent relationship between concentration of TCDD applied and concentration of TCDD found in skin. Also, a clear-cut correlation was found between the amount of TCDD that penetrated and the time of exposure. The rate of penetration into intact skin of different concentrations of TCDD from acetone ranged from 100 to 800 pg TCDD per hour and cm2 of skin (worst case scenario), or 6 to 170 pg per hour and cm2 with the physiological approach. With mineral oil as the vehicle the rate of penetration into intact skin was lower, ranging from 20 to 220 pg and 1.4 to 18 pg, respectively, per hour and cm2 of skin. Our results on the distribution of TCDD in human skin also suggest that as yet unknown constituents of epidermis and upper dermis have a somewhat higher affinity towards TCDD than those of the lower dermis.
Criminal Activity Among the Homeless: A Study of Arrests in Baltimore

To illuminate the role of criminal activity among the homeless, particularly the homeless mentally ill, the author compared 634 arrests of homeless persons with 50,524 arrests in the general population that were made in Baltimore in 1983. Significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics of the two groups of arrested persons and in the types of offenses prompting the arrests. Among the homeless, those arrested were more likely to be male, white, and over age 45 and to have committed trivial, victimless crimes. Evidence suggests that ostensibly serious offenses such as assault, larceny, and burglary charged to homeless persons tended to involve petty thievery, entry into vacant buildings, and other acts aimed at maintaining subsistence in the absence of housing.
Salinity-stress Enhances Photoinhibition of Photosynthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Summary Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultured under salinity conditions displays lower rates of cell growth and correspondingly lower rates of light-saturated photosynthesis. Salinity does not exert adverse effects on the stoichiometry and chlorophyll antenna size of the two photosystems. However, salinity-stress enhances substantially the susceptibility of cells to photoinhibition. This arises due to the lower light-saturated rates of photosynthesis under salinity-stress (direct-effect), and due to a salinity-induced inhibition of the recovery (repair) of cells from the photodamage (indirect effect).
On the mechanisms of interphase boundary carbide precipitation

Discussion du mecanisme de nucleation des carbures aux rangees immobiles des bords dans les ferrites allotriomorphes
Selenium mobilization during a flood experiment in a contaminated wetland: Stewart Lake Waterfowl Management Area, Utah

Abstract Constructed and natural wetlands can accumulate elevated levels of Se; however, few data are available on cost-effective methods for remobilization and removal of Se from these areas. A field experiment was conducted to assess the effectiveness of flooding on the removal of Se from dry surface sediments. The 83-m 2 flood-experiment plot contained 10 monitoring wells, a water-quality minimonitor (continuous measurement of pH, specific conductance, water temperature, and dissolved O 2 ), a down-hole Br electrode, and 2 pressure transducers. Flooding was initiated on August 27, 2002, and a Br tracer was added to water delivered through a pipeline to the flood plot during the first 1.2 h. Standing water depth in the flood plot was maintained at 0.3 m through September 1, 2002. The Br tracer data indicate a dual porosity system that includes fracture (mud cracks) and matrix flow components. Mean vertical water velocities for the matrix flow component were estimated to range from 0.002 to 0.012 m/h. Dissolved (less than 0.45 μm) Se increased from pre-flood concentrations of less than 10 μg/L to greater than 800 μg/L during flooding in samples from deep (2.0 m below land surface) ground water. Selenium concentrations exceeded 5500 μg/L in samples from shallow (0.8 m below land surface) ground water. Ratios of Se to Br in water samples indicate that Se moved conservatively during the experiment and was derived from leaching of near-surface sediments. Cumulative Se flux to the deep ground water during the experiment ranged from 9.0 to 170 mg/m 2 . Pre- and post-flood surface soil sampling indicated a mean Se flux of 720 mg/m 2 through the top 15 cm of soil. Ground-water samples collected 8 months after termination of the flood experiment contained Se concentrations of less than 20 μg/L. The minimonitor data indicate a rapid return to chemically reducing conditions in the deep ground water, limiting the mobility of the Se dissolved in the water pulse introduced during the flood experiment. Ratios of Se to Br in deep ground-water samples collected 8 months after the experiment confirmed the removal of Se from the aqueous phase. Based on the median Se flux rate estimated during the experiment of 0.65 mg/h/m 2 ( n = 52), 7 flooding cycles would be required to meet the 4 μg/g remediation goal in surface soils from the SLWMA wetland.
8.3: Invited Paper: Advantages of IGZO Oxide Semiconductor

Oxide semiconductors as represented by InGaZnO have been developed and used for driving TFT of LCD. Since there have been discussions on comparison of oxide semiconductors with amorphous and/or poly-silicon which have been conventionally used for LCD, this paper will summarize pros and cons of each semiconductor material, deepen discussions for future developments, and clarify advantages of oxide semiconductors.
Review: Enhanced oral hygiene prevents respiratory infection in older persons in hospitals and nursing homes

Source Citation Sjogren P, Nilsson E, Forsell M, Johansson O, Hoogstraate J. A systematic review of the preventive effect of oral hygiene on pneumonia and respiratory tract infection in elderly peo...
Solid state NMR spectroscopy of specifically 13C-enriched lignin in wheat straw from coniferin

Abstract Three coniferins, specifically 13 C-enriched at side chain α, β and γ carbons, and natural abundance (unenriched) coniferin were administered to internode cavities of lignifying culms of dwarf wheat. Difference 13 C CP/MAS spectra were obtained between the spectra of the coniferin-fed and the unfed wheat straws, or between the spectra of straws fed with enriched coniferin and unenriched coniferin. The difference spectra indicated that, although the feeding of coniferin increased the lignin content slightly, the normal lignification process was not affected seriously by feeding of the precursor. The lignin derived from the coniferin in the wheat stalk was specifically 13 C-enriched at the positions corresponding to the fed precursors. It is estimated that of the total lignin associated with the bottom and top sections of the wheat straws, respectively, 15.4±2.0 and 9.5±2.5% of the lignin originated from the labelled coniferin. The percentages of the major dimeric substructures of enriched lignin in the top and bottom of internodes, respectively, are: β - O -4 including β - O -4/ α - O - R (R = carbohydrates and lignols), 74±1.5 and 65±1.5%; combined β-5, β-β and β-1 structures, 18±1.5 and 28±1.5%; and combined coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde end groups, 8±1.5 and 6±1.5%.
Potential contribution of type I alveolar epithelial cells to chronic neonatal lung disease.

The alveolar surface is covered by large flat Type I cells (alveolar epithelial cells 1, AEC1). The normal physiological function of AEC1s involves gas exchange, based on their location in approximation to the capillary endothelium and their thinness, and in ion and water flux, as shown by the presence of solute active transport proteins, water channels, and impermeable tight junctions between cells. With the recent ability to produce relatively pure cultures of AEC1 cells, new functions have been described. These may be relevant to lung injury, repair and the abnormal development that characterizes bronchopulmonary dysplasia. To hypothesize a potential role for AEC1 in the development of lung injury and abnormal repair/development in premature lungs, evidence is presented for their presence in the developing lung, how their source may not be the Type II cell (AEC2) as has been assumed for forty years, and how the cell can be damaged by same type of stressors as those which lead to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Recent work shows that the cells are part of the innate immune response, capable of producing pro-inflammatory mediators, which could contribute to the increase in inflammation seen in early bronchopulmonary dysplasia. One of the receptors found exclusively on AEC1 cells in the lung, called RAGE, may also have a role in increased inflammation, and to alveolar simplification. While the current evidence for AEC1 involvement in BPD is circumstantial and limited at present, the accumulating data supports several hypotheses and questions regarding potential differences in the behavior of AEC1 cells from newborn and premature lung compared with the adult lung.
Temperature and Electron Density Measurements in a DC Glow Discharge

Data on the glow discharge have been accumulated by photographic detection with an echelle spectrometer. Intensity, excitation temperature, and electron density results are reported for the cathode dark space, negative glow, and Faraday dark space regions of the plasma for three values of discharge current and five values of fill gas pressure. It is concluded that neither excitation temperature nor electron density is a useful descriptor of excitation conditions in low pressure plasmas. Excitation is interpreted in terms of an ionization-radiative recombination model, and intensity of argon atomic emission is shown to be correlated with the product of discharge current and argon ionization cross section.
Respiratory and Olfactory Cytotoxicity of Inhaled 2,3-Pentanedione in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Flavorings-related lung disease is a potentially disabling disease of food industry workers associated with exposure to the α-diketone butter flavoring, diacetyl (2,3-butanedione). To investigate the hypothesis that another α-diketone flavoring, 2,3-pentanedione, would cause airway damage, rats that inhaled air, 2,3-pentanedione (112, 241, 318, or 354 ppm), or diacetyl (240 ppm) for 6 hours were sacrificed the following day. Rats inhaling 2,3-pentanedione developed necrotizing rhinitis, tracheitis, and bronchitis comparable to diacetyl-induced injury. To investigate delayed toxicity, additional rats inhaled 318 (range, 317.9—318.9) ppm 2,3-pentanedione for 6 hours and were sacrificed 0 to 2, 12 to 14, or 18 to 20 hours after exposure. Respiratory epithelial injury in the upper nose involved both apoptosis and necrosis, which progressed through 12 to 14 hours after exposure. Olfactory neuroepithelial injury included loss of olfactory neurons that showed reduced expression of the 2,3-pentanedione–metabolizing enzyme, dicarbonyl/L-xylulose reductase, relative to sustentacular cells. Caspase 3 activation occasionally involved olfactory nerve bundles that synapse in the olfactory bulb (OB). An additional group of rats inhaling 270 ppm 2,3-pentanedione for 6 hours 41 minutes showed increased expression of IL-6 and nitric oxide synthase-2 and decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A in the OB, striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum using real-time PCR. Claudin-1 expression increased in the OB and striatum. We conclude that 2,3-pentanedione is a respiratory hazard that can also alter gene expression in the brain.
Improving the Prediction Capability of Radial Basis Function Networks

Radial basis function networks (RBFNs) have been well established as a class of supervised neural networks. Because they do not require a priori process information and they possess localized inter...
Reduction of charge injection into PECVD SiN x H y by control of deposition chemistry

The high rate of charge trapping in thin-film silicon nitride causes its electrical properties to change with stressing level and time. The rate of shift of the high-frequency CV curves of Al/SiNxHy/cSi capacitors was used here to measure nitride charging rate and to compare PECVD nitrides deposited under various conditions of plasma power and gas mixture in the same parallel-plate reactor. By operating the plasma under high power to activate the NH3 or N2 and under low SiH4 flow to ensure that all of the SiH4 reacts with N, it is possible to deposit N-rich nitride that has no detectable Si—H bonding, which bonding others have correlated with charge trapping. Nitride deposited under these conditions using NH3 and 13 MHz rf power had charging rates for both gate polarities that were 20 times lower than those of nitride that had a “stoichiometric” N/Si ratio of 4/3 and that had its H distributed among Si—H and N—H bonds. MIS capacitors made with the latter nitride also had a high negative initial flat-bond voltage, indicating the presence of grown-in positive charge. This charge was large enough to invert the surface ofp-Si substrates. N-rich nitride free of Si—H that was deposited either using N2 or using low-frequency rf power (≤400 kHz) had higher charging rates than did that deposited from NH3 at 13 MHz. Also, the low-frequency material contained grown-in positive charge that is attributed to H+ implanted by the high ion bombardment energy of the low-frequency plasma.
The Abundance of Ergosterol in Candida Species Does not Influence Fluconazole Sensitivity

Candidiasis an infection caused by the genus of yeast Candida. These commensal organisms are normally found on the skin and in the human body cavities; however, they can cause disease when the host defense or flora is disrupted or as a result of immunosuppression. Fluconazole is a favored antifungal drug to treat these infections. The fluconazole mode of action is to inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzyme 14 alpha-demethylase, thereby preventing the conversion of lanosterol to ergosterol, an essential component of fungal membranes. Unfortunately, some species of Candida are fluconazole-resistant. The goal of this work was to examine whether the cellular ergosterol content of various Candida species could be correlated with sensitivity to fluconazole. Initially, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays were performed with Candida species to establish their sensitivity to the fluconazole. These data indicated that the majority were fluconazole-sensitive and a few species showed resistance, as expected. To establish whether there was a relationship between the ergosterol content and sensitivity to fluconazole, ergosterol and its precursor dehydroergosterol were extracted from various Candida species using a liquid-liquid organic extraction protocol. The level of each sterol was determined by UV spectroscopy, and expressed as a percentage of the wet weight of the cells. Our preliminary data indicates that the ergosterol content of the cells did not differ significantly between species suggesting that the ergosterol content of various Candida species does not play an essential role in their sensitivity to fluconazole.
Pulse-train uniformity and dynamics in optical fiber lasers

We consider a model of a mode-locked fiber ring laser for which the evolution of a propagating pulse in a birefringent optical fiber is periodically perturbed by a rotation of the polarization state due to a passive polarizer. The stable modes of operation of this laser that correspond to pulse trains with uniform amplitudes are fully classified. Four parameters are essential in understanding the resulting pulse train uniformity: polarization, phase, amplitude, and chirp. Utilizing the variational nature of the governing equations, a reduced set of four coupled nonlinear ODEs is found that describes the leading-order pulse dynamics. Pulse train uniformity is achieved in three parameter regimes in which the amplitude and chirp decouple from the polarization and phase. Alignment of the polarizer with either the slow- or fast-axis of the fiber is sufficient to establish this stable mode-locking.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Management of Plastibell circumcision ring migration and glans penis incarceration

Circumcision is one of the most common elective surgical procedures performed. Common complications of Plastibell circumcision, a popular method of neonatal circumcision performed in surgery outpatient clinics, include bleeding, wound infection, and technical issues related to the Plastibell ring. Delayed or incomplete separation of the ring occurs in some cases, and can result in proximal slippage of the ring with penile shaft or glans herniation. Despite the risk of adverse outcomes, a universal method for the safe, expedient management of retained Plastibell rings has not been described. We report three cases of delayed separation of the Plastibell ring with a novel approach for ring removal. Each case presented within several weeks post-circumcision. The presentations ranged from normal appearance of the phallus to mild dysuria, to glans erythema and disfigurement. An orthopedic ring cutter was successfully used to remove the ring in clinic, with no sequelae. This technique is simple and the instrumental design virtually eliminates the risk of further trauma to the penis. We propose use of the ring cutter as a safe, reliable approach to remove a retained Plastibell ring. Expectant management may include prophylactic ring removal if the ring has not separated within a reasonable post-operative time period.
Pap Plus Speculoscopy in adoelscents: A new cervical cancer screening technique

Background The Papanicolaou (Pap) smear has been the mainstay for cervical cancer screening for over 50 years. However, the Pap smear has been shown to have a high false negative rate, a factor that may miss a considerable number of pre-malignant lesions. Accordingly, other tests are being evaluated that improve the sensitivity of cervical screening. One such adjunctive method is Speculoscopy™ (Trylon Corp., Torrance, CA) and involves the application of a chemiluminescent light source (blue-white spectrum) to the inner aspect of a speculum blade following routine Pap smear. Methods Observation of any cervical aceto-white areas constituted a “positive” speculoscopic screen. All patients with positive speculoscopic exams or positive Pap smears demonstrating non-inflammatory cellular changes were referred for colposcopic-directed biopsies. We have used Pap smear plus Speculoscopy (PPS) to evaluate 28 adolescents (≤ 16 years-old at time of exam) at their annual clinician visit for contraception. Results PPS was well tolerated by all 28 women. Two of the 28 Pap smears demonstrated cellular changes requiring colposcopic evaluation. These two patients also demonstrated aceto-white lesions during speculoscopy, as did 2 other adolescents in the cohort who had normal Pap smear results. One of the two women with dual positive screens required further treatment (cryotherapy). In addition, one of the two women with a positive speculoscopic exam alone required further treatment (cryotherapy). Conclusions This preliminary study shows PPS to be well tolerated by adolescents and enhancing the sensitivity of cervical screening. Further studies will be needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of PPS, as well as its applicability to high- and low-risk populations.
Weighing the positives.

The article discusses the effectiveness of annual tests that screen for cancers such as mammograms which may have negative rather than positive benefits on patients. A mathematical analysis using Bayes' theorem is presented to demonstrate how a positive test result can be false, though the numbers vary with different cancers and tests.
Penalties and the deterrence of unlawful collusion

This paper investigates the size of penalties required to deter cartel formation. Allowing the penalty to be increasing in duration within the infinitely repeated game framework, penalties do not need to be as severe as previous research would suggest.
Laser-mediated cartilage reshaping with feedback-controlled cryogen spray cooling: biophysical properties and viability.

Background and Objective Recent studies have indicated that chondrocyte viability decreases with prolonged or repeated laser irradiation. To optimize laser-mediated cartilage reshaping, the heating process must be finely controlled. In this study, we use high-power Nd:YAG laser irradiation (λ = 1.32 μm) combined with cryogen spray cooling (CSC) in an attempt to reshape porcine septal cartilage while enhancing chondrocyte viability. Study Design/Materials and Methods Chondrocyte viability was determined after high-power (50 W/cm2) Nd:YAG-mediated cartilage reshaping with and without cryogen spray cooling (CSC) and correlated with dynamic measurements of tissue optical and thermal properties. Results After 1.5 to 2.0 seconds of laser exposure, characteristic changes in diffuse reflectance (indicating the onset of accelerated stress relaxation) was observed in both laser only and laser with CSC specimens. After 2 seconds of laser exposure, specimens in both groups retained the curved shape for up to 14 days. After one laser exposure, chondrocyte viability was 94.35 ± 6.1% with CSC and 68.77 ± 20.1% (P < 0.05) without CSC. After two laser exposures, a similar trend was observed with CSC (70.18 ± 16.44%) opposed to without CSC (28 ± 45%; P < 0.05). Conclusion CSC during high-power laser irradiation allows rapid heating while minimizing extreme front surface temperature elevations and axial thermal gradients. Laser irradiation with CSC can be used to effectively reshape cartilage tissue with the additional advantage of increasing chondrocyte viability. Lasers Surg. Med. 28:1–10, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Generalized ferroelectric capacitor modeling methodology

Abstract A generalized ferroelectric capacitor modeling methodology is presented from a theoretical basis through implementation in PSPICE. The approach postulates nonspecific sources of mobile charge as the source of nonideal hysteresis characteristics. These charges are modeled as depletion capacitances in an equivalent circuit model of the ferroelectric capacitor, capable of simulating both AC and DC behavior. A parameter extraction software package is presented, the use of which establishes that the model parameters may be fit to measured hysteresis data with a high degree of accuracy. PSPICE simulation results are then produced which demonstrate the ability to simulate hysteresis and switching behavior. These results may be correlated to measured data to identify specific physical phenomenon, and speed process and device design.
Bacteriorhodopsin immobilized in sol-gel glass

Abstract The 96N mutant of bacteriorhodopsin (BR) has been successfully entrapped in a sol-gel glass. The protein retains it light-sensitive properties when immobilized at pH 9.0. Spectroscopic studies on the immobilized BR shows properties similar to the those observed when in suspension.
The Indispensability Argument and Multiple Foundations for Mathematics

One recent trend in the philosophy of mathematics has been to approach the central epistemological and metaphysical issues concerning mathematics from the perspective of the applications of mathematics to describing the world, especially within the context of empirical science. A second area of activity is where philosophy of mathematics intersects with foundational issues in mathematics, including debates over the choice of set–theoretic axioms, and over whether category theory, for example, may provide an alternative foundation for mathematics. My central claim is that these latter issues are of direct relevance to philosophical arguments connected to the applicability of mathematics. In particular, the possibility of there being distinct alternative foundations for mathematics blocks the standard argument from the indispensable role of mathematics in science to the existence of specific mathematical objects.
Polarization Effects on Directional Transmittance of a Corrugated Cover

This paper questions the assumption that polarization effects are negligible in a model for directional transmittance of a corrugated cover (employed to reduce convective and radiative losses in a solar collector) in view of multiple reflection and transmission effects and polarized components as stated by the Fresnel relations. Figures showing reflection and transmission pattern and directional transmittances are presented. It is concluded that directional transmittances are adequately predicted by an analysis that neglects polarization effects.
Arguing Public Diplomacy: The Role of Argument Formations in US Foreign Policy Rhetoric

Since 2002, US communication-based foreign policies have resulted in the launch of two high-profile international broadcasting stations — Radio Sawa and al-Hurra television — as well as other failed ventures such as the 'Shared Values' documentary campaign and the Hi Arabic youth magazine. These policies have, at best, delivered mixed results as a form of public diplomacy for the United States. The principal objective of this article is to illuminate how governing beliefs about public diplomacy might have mitigated its success, by identifying the implicit policy imagination revealed in policy arguments. This article investigates the discursive imagination behind US international broadcasting programmes and how public debate outlines an 'argument formation' for US foreign-policy rhetoric. Three episodes of policy argument between 2001 and 2005 are assessed as demonstrative of a rhetorically constructed policy imagination that prompted a broadcasting strategy that was incompatible with the communicative norms of its targeted foreign audience.
Binding effects in electronic excitations by heavy charged particles

The ratios of K-shell X-ray production cross sections by He+ and H+ ions of 25 to 50 keV per amu energy in Al and Mg are found to be influenced strongly by additional binding of the target electrons at the time of excitation.
Uranium-series and radiocarbon geochronology of deep-sea corals: implications for Southern Ocean ventilation rates and the oceanic carbon cycle

We present new uranium-series and radiocarbon measurements for deep-sea corals from the Southern Ocean. These data are used to reconstruct ventilation ages, both at present and at the end of the last glacial period approximately 16 500 years ago. We apply an improved two-component mixing approach to correct uranium-series dates for contaminant thorium and protactinium present in oxide coatings. Calculated seawater radiocarbon values for contemporary samples decrease with depth in the water column and agree with direct seawater radiocarbon measurements for this area. This indicates that deep-sea corals can accurately record seawater radiocarbon distributions. Two of three glacial samples experienced open-system uranium-series systematics, however, a third sample from the Drake Passage yields concordant thorium and protactinium dates as well as seawater values for initial 234U/238U. This coral yields a ventilation age that is approximately 20–40% greater than modern values for its location. This increase is consistent with published deep-sea coral and calibrated planktonic–benthic foraminifera radiocarbon data, suggesting that the glacial oceans as a whole may have been substantially less ventilated, presumably due to decreased formation of North Atlantic Deep Water. An overall decrease in oceanic mixing rates could have contributed to lower dissolved carbon in surface ocean water and lower atmospheric pCO2 during the past glacial period.
A study of “total therapy” of acute lymphocyticleukemia in children

A study was designed to test the hypothesis that, following induction of remission and an intensive short-term, high-dosage phase of treatment, continuous maintenance chemotherapy with the use of a combination of 4 antileukemic agents concurrently in conjunction with radiotherapy to the entire craniospinal axis would produce prolonged complete remission in patients with previously untreated acute lymphocytic leukemia. The intensive systemic administration of antileukemic agents resulted in longer complete remissions than described in other studies, and survival was at least equal to that obtained with sequential use of these agents.
Employee Wellness Program Outcomes: A Case Study

The unhealthy behaviors of the U.S. workforce have been leading to steep increases in employer health costs. In an attempt to combat these rising costs, some employers have begun proactively sponsoring employee wellness programs. However, often their efficacy remains unstudied. In this article, program outcomes associated with wellness efforts at a large midwestern-based manufacturing company, focusing on workers' physical health, are examined. The program under study recently reached its one-year mark after inception; therefore, data collected within this article will be among some of the first indicators actively consulted to determine the success of this employee wellness program.
On the convergence rate of model selection criteria

The goal of the current paper is to compare consistent and inconsistent model selection criteria by looking at their convergence rates (to be defined in the first section). The prototypes of the two types of criteria are the AIC and BIC criterion respectively. For linear regression models with normally distributed errors, we show that the convergence rates for AIC and BIC are 0(n-1) and 0((n log n)-1/2) respectively. When the error distributions are unknown, the two criteria become indistinguishable, all having convergence rate O(n-1/2). We also argue that the BIC criterion has nearly optimal convergence rate. The results partially justified some of the controversial simulation results in which inconsistent criteria seem to outperform consistent ones.
Consumer understanding and satisfaction associated with a 3-tier prescription drug benefit.

ealth plans are continually searching for effective ways to constrain the growth in overall expenditures. One mechanism for controlling prescription medication costs is to increase the financial participation by beneficiaries. Multitiered copayments have emerged as a strategy for offering broad access to medications while simultaneously incorporating higher levels of consumer cost sharing. In general, tier copayment pharmacy benefits require the consumer (beneficiary) to pay a lower copayment amount for a generic drug, a higher copayment amount for a formulary brand-name drug, and a still-higher copayment amount for a nonformulary drug. A 3-tier benefit is typically designed such that the 2 upper copayment tiers consist of brand-name drugs, with the highest copayment applied to those medications that are either not on the health plan’s formulary or those that are otherwise not preferred, such as “lifestyle” medications that might be perceived to be of less medical importance. The cost differential between the second and third copayment tiers is generally designed to be large enough to motivate drug plan beneficiaries to choose second-tier medications over those in the third copayment tier. In 2004, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that 68% of workers with employer-sponsored insurance coverage had at least 3 tiers of cost-sharing arrangements. 1
Trade liberalization and labor demand elasticities: evidence from Turkey

Abstract In the recent debate over the impact of trade reform on factor markets, it has been argued that trade liberalization will lead to an increase in labor-demand elasticities — thus placing labor markets under increased pressure. Using Turkish plant-level data spanning the course of a dramatic trade liberalization, we test this idea. However, we are unable to find any empirical support for this supposed theoretical link: in most of the industries we consider, we cannot reject the hypothesis of no relationship between trade openness and labor-demand elasticities.
Myocardial ischemia after left ventriculography: Pathophysiology and clinical significance

The effects of contrast material on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were evaluated in three groups of patients. Twenty patients (group I) with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) were found to have a change in LVEDP greater than or equal to 20 mm Hg; 15 patients (group II) with severe CAD had elevation of LVEDP less than 20 mm Hg; ten patients (group III) with normal coronary angiograms had a rise in LVEDP less than 20 mM Hg. The change in LVEDP was higher in group I than in groups II and III (P less than 0.005). Nineteen patients (95%) in group I complained of angina pectoris or had ST segment depression (or both) after ventriculography in association with the sharp increment in LVEDP. Angina or ST depression were seen in only two patients (13%) in group II and none in group III. We conclude that 1) elevation of LVEDP of 20 mm Hg or more after ventriculography may be seen in patients with severe CAD (most likely secondary to direct depressant effect of the contrast material on the myocardium) and 2) the abrupt and marked rise in LVEDP may produce myocardial ischemia due to reduction of coronary blood flow, especially to the subendocardial layer.
Tyrosine hydroxylase in rat brain dopaminergic nerve terminals. Multiple-site phosphorylation in vivo and in synaptosomes.

Tyrosine hydroxylase, which catalyzes the initial step in catecholamine biosynthesis, is phosphorylated at serines 8, 19, 31, and 40 in intact pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells (Haycock, J.W. (1990) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 11682-11691). After 32Pi labeling of rat corpus striata in vivo or rat corpus striatal synaptosomes, 32P incorporation into tyrosine hydroxylase occurred predominantly at serines 19, 31, and 40. Electrical stimulation (30 Hz, 20 min) of the medial forebrain bundle (containing the afferent dopaminergic fibers) increased 32P incorporation into each of the three sites. Brief depolarization of the synaptosomes with elevated [K+]o (20-60 mM, 5-30 s) or veratridine (50 microM, 2 min) produced a selective increase in 32P incorporation into Ser19. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (1 microM, 5 min) increased 32P incorporation into Ser31, and cAMP-acting agents such as forskolin (10 microM, 5 min) increased 32P incorporation into Ser40. In contrast, 32P incorporation into Ser8, which was usually detectable but very low, was not regulated either in vivo or in situ by any of the activators of signal transduction pathways. In synaptosomes, the only treatment found to increase Ser8 phosphorylation was okadaic acid (a protein phosphatase inhibitor), which increased 32P incorporation into all four phosphorylation sites. Thus, three different signal transduction systems appear to mediate the physiological regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation at three different sites.
The impact of disclosing financial ties in research and clinical care: a systematic review.

Background Despite increased demand for disclosure of physician and researcher financial ties (FTs) to industry, little is known about patients’, research participants’, or journal readers' attitudes toward FTs. Methods We systematically reviewed original, quantitative studies of patients’, research participants’, or journal readers' views about FTs to pharmaceutical and medical device companies. The MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for English-language studies containing original, quantitative data on attitudes toward FTs. We screened 6561 citations and retrieved 244 potentially eligible abstracts. Of these, 20 met inclusion criteria. Results Eleven studies assessed FTs and perceptions of quality. In clinical care, patients believed FTs decreased the quality and increased the cost of care. In research, FTs affected perceptions of study quality. In 2 studies, readers' perceptions of journal article quality decreased after disclosure of FTs. Eight studies assessed the acceptability of FTs. Patients were more likely to view personal gifts to physicians as unacceptable, compared with professional gifts. In 6 of the 10 studies that assessed the importance of disclosure, most patients and research participants believed FTs should be disclosed; in the other 4, approximately one-quarter believed FTs should be disclosed. Among the 7 studies assessing willingness to participate in research, approximately one-quarter of participants reported less willingness after disclosure of FTs. Conclusions Patients believe that FTs influence professional behavior and should be disclosed. Patients, physicians, and research participants believe FTs decrease the quality of research evidence, and, for some, knowledge of FTs would affect willingness to participate in research.
Human Behavioral Ecology

Human behavioral ecology applies theory and method developed in evolutionary biology, anthropology and economics to elucidate adaptive variation in human behavior, particularly social behavior. Hypotheses about resource use, mating and parenting strategies, cooperation and competition, and life history are derived from models using a selectionist logic, and empirically tested to increase our understanding of how humans adapt to their natural and social environments. Keywords: adaptation; foraging; life history; parental investment; reproductive strategies
Preparation and Properties of the Charcoal Adsorbate of Liver Extract

Summary1. A method for the preparation of a concentrated liver extract is described in which the precipitation of CaCO3 by the interaction of CaCl2 and Na2CO3 is used to remove protein, and the active principle is subsequently adsorbed on norit. Of this extract 3 cc are derived from 100 g of fresh liver. 2. The extract is effective in the treatment of pernicious anemia in relapse and in the maintenance of a normal red blood cell level. 3. Some properties of the extract are discussed. 4. Tyrosine is present in the final product.