cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chapter 10 – Adrenal Corticoids

Glucocorticoids are a family of steroid hormones that are essential to life. The primary glucocorticoid is cortisol. It acts on different cells in a variety of different ways. Without the secretion of cortisol during stress, a human could not survive. An important result of glucocorticoid action is to stimulate the production of glycogen, especially in the liver, and to maintain blood glucose concentration. The process of gluconeogenesis is a classic biochemical transformation of noncarbohydrate “carbon,” e.g. glycerol, pyruvate, lactose, glucogenic amino acids (e.g. glutamine, alanine and all the amino acids of the TCA cycle) and fatty acids with an odd number of carbons into glucose for storage as glycogen. The primary focus of this chapter is to describe the biological functions of six steroids important to or related to the glucocorticoids and three important steroid drug forms. However, these nine biologically important steroids are a small number compared to the ~100 steroids that are covered in Chapter 2 of this book. (Chapter 2 provides an extensive review of the fundamental chemistry of steroids and their biological production by a large family of steroid enzymes which are required to convert cholesterol into each of the steroids that have functions in human cells.)
Assessing the glare potential of side-lit indoor spaces: a simulation-based approach

This work proposes a new digital tool to assess visual comfort in side-lit indoor spaces, which: (i) provides useful and simple visualizations for preliminary glare studies, (ii) spatially maps gla...
Competition-Adjusted Measures of Real Exchange Rates

We develop a methodology to construct real effective exchange rates that incorporate two distinctive elements not accounted for in the traditional measures: i) competition in third markets and ii) adjustments for similarity in export baskets between exporters and their competitors. In addition to constructing competition adjusted real effective exchange rates at the aggregate country level, we develop similar measures at the country-product, country-destination, and country-product destination level. We then build a novel and public dataset where we apply this methodology to compute monthly adjusted REERs for a panel of 120 countries and 769 products. As an application, we use the dataset to examine the changes in export competitiveness in countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between May 2014 and February 2016, a period characterized by substantial movements in exchange rates. We find that using traditional measures of real effective exchange rates misallocates between one third and one half of the relevant weights, and it leads to an important underestimation of the loss in export competitiveness. Furthermore, we find that there are very significant differences across products and destinations with regards to changes in export competitiveness.
Non-invasive evaluation of toxicity in vitreoretinal domain following insertion of sustained release methotrexate micro-implant.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the safety and toxicity profile of a chitosan (CS) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-based sustained release methotrexate (MTX) intravitreal micro-implant in normal rabbit eyes using non-invasive testing that included electroretinography (ERG), ultrasound biomicroscopy (US), slit-lamp biomicroscopy (SLB), funduscopy, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods PLGA-coated CS-based micro-implants containing 400 μg of MTX and placebo (without drug) micro-implants were surgically-implanted in the vitreous of the right and the left eyes, respectively, in each of the thirty New Zealand rabbits. ERG, US, SLB, funduscopy, and IOP were assessed in both eyes at pre-determined time points (days: 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 56). The safety of micro-implants was assessed by analyzing the ERG data using different statistical models, to quantify and compare the functional integrity of the retina. Further, US, funduscopy, SLB and IOP determined the condition of the retina, the micro-implant and associated intraocular features. Results Statistical analyses of the ERG data showed unchanged functional integrity of retina between eyes with the PLGA-coated CS-based MTX micro-implant and the placebo micro-implant. US analysis showed that micro-implants were stationary throughout the study. SLB, funduscopy and IOP further confirmed that there were no abnormalities in the intraocular physiology. Conclusion The findings from ERG, US, SLB, funduscopy, and IOP showed no detectable adverse effects caused by our biodegradable micro-implants. These non-invasive techniques appeared to show lack of significant ocular toxicity over time in spite of degradation and changes in morphology of the micro-implants following intraocular implantation.
Abstract MP56: Specific Nutrients Associate Better Than Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension Score With Adult Cardiovascular Risk Factors Over 25 Years: The Princeton Lipid Study

Introduction: Diet is a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease risk and is the basis for dietary guidelines such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. However, l...
Does a Laparoscopic Approach to Distal Pancreatectomy for Cancer Contribute to Optimal Adjuvant Chemotherapy Utilization

Although laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) versus open approaches (ODP) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with reduced morbidity, its impact on optimal adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) utilization remains unclear. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether oncologic resection quality markers are equivalent between approaches. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried between 2010 and 2016 for PDAC patients undergoing DP. Effect of LDP vs ODP and institutional case volumes on margin status, hospital stay, 30-day and 90-day mortality, administration of and delay to AC, and 30-day unplanned readmission were analyzed using binary and linear logistic regression. Cox multivariable regression was used to correct for confounders. The search yielded 3411 patients; 996 (29.2%) had LDP and 2415 (70.8%) had ODP. ODP had higher odds of readmission [odds ratio (OR) 1.681, p = 0.01] and longer hospital stay [β 1.745, p = 0.004]. No difference was found for 30-day mortality [OR 1.689, p = 0.303], 90-day mortality [OR 1.936, p = 0.207], and overall survival [HR 1.231, p = 0.057]. The highest-volume centers had improved odds of AC [OR 1.275, p = 0.027] regardless of approach. LDP conferred lower margin positivity [OR 0.581, p = 0.005], increased AC use [3rd quartile: OR 1.844, p = 0.026; 4th quartile; OR 2.144, p = 0.045], and fewer AC delays [4th quartile: OR 0.786, p = 0.045] in higher-volume centers. In selected patients, LDP offers an oncologically safe alternative to ODP for PDAC independent of institutional volume. However, additional oncologic benefit due to optimal AC utilization and lower positive margin rates in higher volume centers suggests that LDP by experienced teams can achieve best possible cancer outcomes.
Is Reproductive Orientation Associated with Sexual Satisfaction Among Partnered U.S. Women

Little is known about how “reproductive orientation” (i.e., trying to get pregnant, ambivalent about pregnancy, trying to avoid pregnancy, or having had a sterilization surgery) is associated with sexual satisfaction among women of childbearing age. Using data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (N = 2811), we examined the association of reproductive orientation with sexual satisfaction, adjusting for relationship characteristics including union type (cohabitation versus marriage), quality, and length; infertility history; and demographic characteristics including age, parity, and race/ethnicity. Results indicated that women who were ambivalent or trying to get pregnant reported significantly higher levels of sexual satisfaction than women who were sterile in the unadjusted model, but not in the models that included relationship quality. The association of reproductive orientation and sexual satisfaction depended upon relationship quality; among women with lower relationship quality, “trying” was associated with higher, and among those with higher relationship quality, with lower sexual satisfaction.
Acute Biliary Pancreatitis: Image, Intervene, or Observe?

Evaluation of patients with suspected acute biliary pancreatitis relies on biochemical testing and radiological imaging. No single parameter accurately predicts choledocholithiasis. Most predictive models focus on history, biochemical and radiological evaluations. The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Standards of Practice Committee proposed a risk-stratification scheme to evaluate patients with suspected biliary pancreatitis for choledocholithiasis. This chapter will focus on different case scenarios of biliary pancreatitis, asking specific questions related to each case presentation, and then followed by a discussion of the literature and recommended management.
Hemoglobin as a Promoter of Central Nervous System Damage

The full extent of an injury to the central nervous system (CNS) is often not evident until long after the initial insult. Multiple factors may be involved, but one which appears to be of great importance is hemorrhage into the site of damage.1 Indeed, in at least one experimental model of CNS trauma, neutrophils only accumulate in those areas to which blood has extravasated.2 We have hypothesized that free hemoglobin (Hb) may promote oxidative reactions and, thereby, certain inflammatory events. Indeed, in terms of susceptibility to oxidation, the brain would appear to be a combustible tissue, low in oxidant defense enzymes3 and rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. In this paper, we adduce evidence in support of the general proposition that fib, and especially iron derived therefrom, may be particularly hazardous within the interstitium of the CNS, acting to promote oxidative damage to areas previously subject to hemorrhage.
Sensory properties of packaged fresh and processed poultry meat

: Sensory and quality issues are among the most important factors that influence consumer purchasing decisions of meat products. This chapter discusses the most important sensory and quality issues, which include appearance, texture, flavor/taste, functional properties and nutritional values associated with a both packaged fresh and processed poultry product. The extent to which the mode of packaging is a factor is also addressed.
Parallel Geometric Algorithms in Coarse-Grain Network Models

We present efficient deterministic parallel algorithmic techniques for solving geometric problems in BSP like coarse-grain network models. Our coarse-grain network techniques seek to achieve scalability and minimization of both the communication time and local computation time. These techniques enable us to solve a number of geometric problems in the plane, such as computing the visibility of non-intersecting line segments, computing the convex hull, visibility, and dominating maxima of a simple polygon, two-variable linear programming, determination of the monotonicity of a simple polygon, computing the kernel of a simple polygon, etc. Our coarse-grain algorithms represent theoretical improvement over previously known results, and take into consideration additional practical features of coarse-grain network computation.
Joint instability and cartilage compression in a mouse model of posttraumatic osteoarthritis

Joint instability and cartilage trauma have been previously studied and identified as key mediators in the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). The purpose of this study was to use an in vivo model to compare the effect of joint instability, caused by the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), versus cartilage compression. In this study, mice were subjected to cyclical axial loads of twelve Newtons (N) for 240 cycles or until the ACL ruptured. One and eight weeks after this procedure, knees were sectioned coronally and evaluated for osteoarthritis by histology. Using a scoring scale established by [Pritzker K, Gay S, Jimenez S, et al. (2006): Osteoarthritis Cartilage 14:13-29], the articular cartilage across each surface was scored and combined to produce a total degeneration score. The ACL-ruptured group had a significantly greater total degeneration score than either control or compression treated joints at 1 and 8 weeks. Additionally, only sections from ACL-ruptured knees consistently showed synovitis after 1 week and osteophyte formation after 8 weeks. Thus, it appears using that ACL rupture consistently creates a severe osteoarthritis phenotype, while axial cartilage compression alone does not appear to be an appropriate method of inducing PTOA in vivo.
Assessing the potential economic value of health information technology interventions in a community-based health network.

Health information professionals recognize the need to demonstrate that the benefits of health information technological (HIT) interventions outweigh their costs. However, such cost-benefit analyses are rarely conducted for HIT interventions, due in part to the lack of a standard methodology. In this study, we describe how the U.S. Public Health Service’s guidelines for health economic analyses can be used to evaluate HIT interventions. This framework is described in the context of an economic analysis we are conducting for three HIT interventions to be implemented in a community-based health network caring for Medicaid beneficiaries in Durham County, North Carolina. At present, the 17,779 patients in our study cost Medicaid more than $5 million per month. In sensitivity analyses, we demonstrate that if our information intervention redirects just 10% of low-severity emergency room encounters to outpatient encounters, it will result in $12,523 of monthly savings to the local health system.
From the Boardroom to the Chamber: Business Interests and Party Politics in Mexico

One of the lesser-acknowledged conclusions from analyses of the third wave of democratization relates to the importance of conservatives to democratic consolidation. Yet we know very little about the way that such interests are incorporated into the formal, institutional arena of parties and elections – especially as relates to business interests. This is true in spite of a clear, cross-regional rise in the presence of entrepreneurs themselves in politics. This article generates and evaluates a set of expectations for the political behavior of business interests. I focus my empirical attention on Mexico, where such interests are historically speaking very well organized internally, and analyze the incorporation of business-association members into the parliamentary delegation of Mexico’s three major political parties. I conclude by considering where we might look for the political mobilization of business interests in the interest of establishing a research agenda for the future.
Thermal hydraulics analysis of the Advanced High Temperature Reactor

Abstract The Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a liquid salt-cooled nuclear reactor design concept, featuring low-pressure molten fluoride salt coolant, a carbon composite fuel form with embedded coated particle fuel, passively triggered negative reactivity insertion mechanisms, and fully passive decay heat rejection. This paper describes an AHTR system model developed using the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) thermal hydraulic transient code TRAC/RELAP Advanced Computational Engine (TRACE). The TRACE model includes all of the primary components: the core, downcomer, hot legs, cold legs, pumps, direct reactor auxiliary cooling system (DRACS), the primary heat exchangers (PHXs), etc. The TRACE model was used to help define and size systems such as the DRACS and the PHX. A loss of flow transient was also simulated to evaluate the performance of the reactor during an anticipated transient event. Some initial recommendations for modifying system component designs are also discussed. The TRACE model will be used as the basis for developing more detailed designs and ultimately will be used to perform transient safety analysis for the reactor.
Tween 85 grafted PEIs enhanced delivery of antisense 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate oligonucleotides in vitro and in dystrophic mdx mice

A series of cationic amphiphlic copolymers (Z series) constructed from Tween 85 and low molecular weight (Mw) polyethyleneimine (LPEI) have been evaluated for the delivery of antisense 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate RNA (2′-OMePS) in both cell culture and dystrophic mdx mice. All Z copolymers improved the 2′-OMePS-induced dystrophin expression both in vitro and in vivo compared with PEI 25k formulated or 2′-OMePS alone. The most effective polymers are in the order of Z9 > Z3 > Z7, Z1, Z2, Z6 > others by formulation at the dose of 20 μg mL−1 in myoblast cell culture. Significantly enhanced exon-skipping of 2′-OMePS with Z polymers in mdx mice was obtained in the order of Z7 > Z9, Z3 > Z8, Z6 > others. The highest efficiency of targeted exon-skipping with Z7 [T85–PEI 2k (1 : 1)] reached over 8 fold compared with 2′-OMePS alone in mdx mice. Further analyses of the structure and function indicate that the more hydrophobicity and lower PEI content of the polymer microstructure are, the greater are the delivery efficiency and exon-skipping. The unique hydrophobic interactions between the Z polymers and 2′-OMePS likely create more stable complexes in primarily hydrophilic environments both in vitro and in vivo. The overall results suggested that Tween 85 modified LPEIs provide a promising delivery approach for applications of 2′-OMePS oligonucleotides as therapeutic reagents.
Between Guru and Deceiver? Responding to Unchosen Metaphors in the Religious Studies Classroom.

Two troublesome portraits of religious studies professors often exist in the minds of some students at any given time: the Guru, or wise spiritual teacher, and the Deceiver. These metaphors capture student perceptions of us that may be ill-informed and beyond our control. We will examine and compare how our own chosen metaphors for teaching – theological typologist and neutral enthusiast – respond creatively to the unchosen metaphors of guru or deceiver. We cannot avoid being cast as gurus/deceivers, but we can discern how our own metaphors for teaching engage “unchosen” student metaphors for us. This exercise can enhance our self-awareness about our own normative agendas in the classroom, and help to sharpen colleagues' conversations about our sometimes differing assumptions regarding the discipline and teaching of religious studies.
Use of a Dedicated Pediatric CT Imaging Service Associated With Decreased Patient Radiation Dose

Purpose The growing use of CT as a diagnostic imaging tool has led to increased concern over radiation dose, particularly in pediatric patients. The ALARA concept has been popularized in dose reduction. ALARA supports the use of low-dose, pediatric-specific protocols. Strict adherence to low-dose protocols can be challenging, particularly in a high-volume radiology department that scans both pediatric and adult patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether the relocation of pediatric radiologic services from a combined high-volume pediatric and adult hospital to a children's hospital improves compliance with adjusted lower CT exposure parameters and thus the estimated effective dose of radiation delivered to pediatric patients. Methods A retrospective review of abdominal and pelvic CT console dose and exposure parameter data on 495 patients from a combined pediatric and adult radiology department and subsequently 244 patients from a dedicated pediatric radiology department was performed. The console dose-length product was converted to estimated effective dose. Patients were divided into 1 of 8 weight categories for analysis. Results A statistically significant decrease in the estimated effective dose for abdominal and pelvic CT studies was observed in all but one of the weight categories at the pediatric radiology department compared with the pediatric and adult radiology department. Conclusions Imaging pediatric patients in a dedicated pediatric imaging department with dedicated pediatric CT technologists may result in greater compliance with pediatric protocols and significantly reduced patient dose. Conversely, greater scrutiny of compliance with pediatric dose-adjusted CT protocols may be necessary for departments that scan both children and adults.
Utility of on-site evaluation of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration specimens.

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an integral tool in the diagnosis and staging of malignant tumors of the lung. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples has been advocated for as a guide for assessing the accuracy and adequacy of biopsy samples. Although ROSE has proven useful for numerous sites and procedures, few studies have specifically investigated its utility in the assessment of EBUS-TBNA specimens. The intention of this study was to explore the utility of ROSE for EBUS-TBNA specimens. Materials and Methods: The pathology files at our institution were searched for all EBUS-TBNA cases performed between January 2010 and June 2010. The data points included number of sites sampled per patient, location of site(s) sampled, on-site evaluation performed, preliminary on-site diagnosis rendered, final cytologic diagnosis, surgical pathology follow-up, cell blocks, and ancillary studies performed. Results: A total of 294 EBUS-TBNA specimens were reviewed and included in the study; 264 of 294 (90%) were lymph nodes and 30 of 294 (10%) were lung mass lesions. ROSE was performed for 140 of 294 (48%) specimens. The on-site and final diagnoses were concordant in 104 (74%) and discordant in 36 (26%) cases. Diagnostic specimens were obtained in 132 of 140 (94%) cases with on-site evaluation and 138 of 154 (90%) without on-site evaluation. The final cytologic diagnosis was malignant in 60 of 132 (45%) cases with ROSE and 46 of 138 (33%) cases without ROSE, and the final diagnosis was benign in 57 of 132 (47%) with ROSE and 82 of 138 (59%) without ROSE. A cell block was obtained in 129 of 140 (92%) cases with ROSE and 136 of 154 (88%) cases without ROSE. Conclusions : The data demonstrate no remarkable difference in diagnostic yield, the number of sites sampled per patient, or clinical decision making between specimens collected via EBUS-TBNA with or without ROSE. As a result, this study challenges the notion that ROSE is beneficial for the evaluation of EBUS-TBNA specimens.
A nano/micro ‘meso’ scale self-calibrating integrated optical wavelength and intensity meter

Wavelength-division multiplexing has become the dominant approach to utilizing the massive bandwidth of optical fibers and integrated optics, including those based on a photonic crystal approach and recent nanotechnology achievements. For tunable sources and tunable receivers, it is desirable to measure the wavelength accurately and quickly. Unfortunately, current wavelength-measurement devices are not integrated and not fast enough to support 1 Gbit/s and higher requirements of the modern communication lines. We show here how to make an integrated optical system that results in an intensity-independent wavelength determination and a wavelength-independent intensity determination at ultra-short pulse duration or higher than ∼1-GHz bandwidth. The two output beams from a Mach–Zehnder interferometer, tuned to 3 dB at each output at the beginning of the wavelength-measurement range, provide all of the needed information. We show how a simple fast wavelength meter can be built into a silicon – or other – optical chip. It employs fuzzy metrology using both outputs of an integrated interferometer.
The japanese americans: Comparative occupational status, 1960 and 1950.

This paper uses 1950 and 1960 census data on the demographic, educational, and occupational distributions of Japanese Americans, after the enforced migrations of the Second World War, in order to compare the achievement of the urban Japanese Americans to that of their white counterparts.First, the data show that the Japanese-American population has increased in all regions of the nation, especially in the representative West (from 71 percent in 1950 to 82 percent in 1960). Second, educational attainment, which was about equal to that of whites in 1950, was better for males, and increasing at a faster rate or better for females, in 1960. Third, while in 1950 the differences in the occupational distributions of Japanese Americans and whites showed concentrations unfavorable to overall Japanese-American occupational structure, by 1960 the Japanese Americans had approached the levels of the white majority.The data, then, permit the author to conclude that if "minority" means full exclusion from participation in the life of society, the Japanese Americans cannot be called a minority. In conclusion, the author suggests that it would be useful to investigate the migration patterns of the Japanese Americans, for if redistribution has resulted in integration, will integration promote greater mobility to attain better integration?
A Numerical Model for Current-Zero Arc Interruption Processes

Consideration is given to the various energy transfer processes that dominate the interruption at current-zero of an arc in a gas blast breaker. Processes considered in some detail are Ohmic heating, radial thermal conduction, radial thermal convection, radiation transport, and viscous heating. A numerical model is developed based on the time-dependent energy equation describing these processes. A discussion of initial conditions for such a model is given ancj preliminary results are presented.
η Carinae’s Brightness Variations Since 1998: Hubble Space Telescope Observations of the Central Star* **

We have measured the brightness variations in ? Carinae for the past 6 years using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and Advanced Camera for Surveys. Unlike ground-based data, observations by the HST allow direct measurement of the brightness of the central star by resolving it from the surrounding bright ejecta. We find interesting behavior during 2003 in the continuum and H? emission. The data show that the established long-term brightening trend of ? Car continues, including regular events that coincide with the 5.5 yr spectroscopic cycle and other more rapid and unexpected variations. In addition to the HST data, we also present ground-based data obtained from the American Association of Variable Star Observers that show many of the same features. The dip in the apparent brightness of the central star at the time of the 2003.5 event is wavelength dependent with no decrease in the continuum. These observations cast doubt on a simple eclipse or occultation as the explanation for the dip and place constraints on the models for the event.
The loss and restoration of community: The treatment of severe war trauma

Abstract One of the most devastating outcomes of trauma is the violation of trust and the subsequent loss of the survivor's sense of community. War is the breakdown of the very concept of community. The acts of war may leave combatants questioning their own suitability for community membership and the community rejecting them as members. Severe trauma also destroys the ability to trust to the extent that the conditions necessary for conducting therapy may no longer exist. Creating an infrastructure to conduct therapy requires that professionals actively demonstrate trust in their own community as a model. Survivors may engage and test the trustworthiness of the professional community before therapy can proceed.
Contact and adhesive specificities in the associations, migrations, and targeting of cells and axons

What determines whether cells remain in one place, retaining their associations with their neighbors, or dissociate from these associations and move elsewhere? And, if they move, what determines where they go, where and when they stop, and whether or not they associate with like or unlike cells? These questions arise about many events during development, especially but not exclusively the development of the nervous system. The same questions arise when considering normal physiological processes, such as lymphocyte traffic, wound healing, and hemostasis, and pathologies such as invasion and metastasis, thrombosis, and inflammation. All these processes involve alterations in cell associations, many involve cellular (or axonal) migration, and all must be conducted with appropriate specificity to ensure proper development and function of the organism. Yn recent years there have been major advances in deciphering the molecular bases for the cell adhesion events underlying these biological phenomena. Perhaps it is not surprising that there are many different adhesive molecules involved; at times there appears to be a bewildering variety. However, common themes are emerging, and many of the molecules fall into families whose members appear in the different processes performing similar roles. This means that insights obtained in one system can be applied in others, and this cross fertilization among disciplines is proving very fruitful. In this review we will discuss current ideas concerning the roles of cell adhesion molecules and cell interactions, both in development and in several physiological and pathological processes, attempting to highlight the general features and commonalities and presenting working hypotheses.
Organizational Rhetoric, Materiality, and the Shape of Organizational Democracy

The concept of organizational democracy continues to interest U.S. and international government officials, business executives, commentators, and scholars. This essay analyzes the rhetoric of the WorldBlu consultancy's international campaign for “freedom at work” in the interest of advancing scholarship related to both organizational democracy and the materiality of organizational communication. Specifically, using the case of WorldBlu, the analysis pinpoints how capitalism's “real abstractions” shape conceptualizations of organizational democracy that underwrite pseudo-democratic forms of workplace organization.
Physiological Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Six Different Back Belts

Back belts lately have generated considerable debate as to their effectiveness. Eight male subjects wore six different back belts (wide and narrow, firm and flexible) while squat and stoop lifting a tote box at two loads, 15% MVC and 40% MVC. Four different physiological measures were recorded: 1) erector spinae EMG, 2) ratings of perceived exertion, 3) blood pressure and heart rate, and 4) low back compressive forces (Fcomp). A no-belt control condition was also tested. A general linear model revealed no significant differences in any of the physiological measures for either the type of belt or no belt used (p>0.05). However, load and posture showed significant (p<0.05) effects. Also, the body mass index (BMI) was a significant covariate, with higher ratings, blood pressure, heart rate and Fcompfor higher BMI. Overall, the results of this study add to the growing body of evidence that back belts may not offer a reduction in the physical stress associated with manual materials handling.
Adaptive Discretionary Wiring For Wafer Scale Integration Using Electron Beam Lithography

The recent resurgence of interest in Wafer Scale Integration (WSI) is driven by a requirement for dense multilayer interconnect at wiring capacities far in excess of that which is achievable in ceramic hybrid packages. All of the problems associated with achieving satisfactory yield in such structures must now be reexamined to see whether the current technology is capable of achieving what has proven so elusive in the past. One of the relevant technologies is direct write electron beam lithography. Initially. efforts are being directed at fabricating wire at rather large dimensions (5-10 pm) with similar wire separations. At these dimensions. good clean room practices should be adequate to fabricate about 20-70 meters of fault-free wire on 97% of the wafers. However. longer wire lengths encounter some defects with higher probability. The IBM EL-2 electron beam lithography system available at the Rensselaer Center for Integrated Electronics is capable of achieving discretionary wafer wide wire patterning because it can be used in direct write to wafer mode with excellent registration and low stitching error. The availability of this tool eliminates the cost of plate making and permits the use of adaptive wafer wire rework for repair. In this paper we examine some of the strategies and technical issues associated with E-Beam patterning of wafer length interconnections.
Eye Gaze as Relational Evaluation: Averted Eye Gaze Leads to Feelings of Ostracism and Relational Devaluation

Eye gaze is often a signal of interest and, when noticed by others, leads to mutual and directional gaze. However, averting one’s eye gaze toward an individual has the potential to convey a strong interpersonal evaluation. The averting of eye gaze is the most frequently used nonverbal cue to indicate the silent treatment, a form of ostracism. The authors argue that eye gaze can signal the relational value felt toward another person. In three studies, participants visualized interacting with an individual displaying averted or direct eye gaze. Compared to receiving direct eye contact, participants receiving averted eye gaze felt ostracized, signaled by thwarted basic need satisfaction, reduced explicit and implicit self-esteem, lowered relational value, and increased temptations to act aggressively toward the interaction partner.
Acid phosphatase isozymes in haploids and selfs of group tuberosum potato cultivars

Abstract Acid phosphatase isoenzymes were compared from 185 haploids (2 n = 24) and 201 selfs (2 n = 48) of four parental potato cultivars in Group Tuberosum. Either one or two isoenzymes were detected in each potato tuber extract by acid gel disc electrophoresis with α-naphthyl phosphate as substrate. The two acid phosphatase isoenzymes appear to be controlled by independent genes. The presence of a suppressor gene for one of the isoenzymes is postulated.
The age-related immunity in cattle to Babesia bovis infection involves the rapid induction of interleukin-12, interferon-gamma and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression in the spleen.

SUMMARY Young calves possess a strong innate immunity against Babesia bovis infection that lasts for approximately 6 months after birth and is abrogated with the removal of the spleen. This immunity is characterized as cellular involving a soluble mediator. Nitric oxide has been implicated by virtue of its babesiacidal affects in vitro, but questioned to be as effective in vivo, due to its ability to downregulate type-1 immunity. Spleen cells were obtained from 4-month-old calves and adult steers and processed for monitoring cytokine and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression during the response to initial B. bovis infection. The data provided evidence of a transient role for nitric oxide in innate immunity, characterized by brief iNOS induction in the spleen of calves that was not detectable in the spleens of adults. The iNOS message followed the early induction of interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-g message in calves. The induction of IL12 and IFN-g message in adults was delayed until IL-10 message was induced. Transformation growth factor-b mRNA expression levels were greater in spleen cells from adults early in infection and then declined, whereas expression levels increased in spleen cells from calves later in the infection process. Together, the data support the concept of ‘first come, first serve’ cytokine influence over cellular activities, the importance of a type-1 response in the control of an initial infection and the need for tight regulation in order to prevent pathology associated with over production of nitric oxide and inflammatory cytokines.
Storm-Track Activity in IPCC AR4/CMIP3 Model Simulations

AbstractThe climatological storm-track activity simulated by 17 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC AR4)/phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) models is compared to that in the interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). Nearly half of the models show significant biases in storm-track amplitude: four models simulate storm tracks that are either significantly (>20%) too strong or too weak in both hemispheres, while four other models have interhemispheric storm-track ratios that are biased by over 10%. Consistent with previous studies, storm-track amplitude is found to be negatively correlated with grid spacing. The interhemispheric ratio of storm-track activity is highly correlated with the interhemispheric ratio of mean available potential energy, and this ratio is biased in some model simulations due to biases in the midlatitude temperature gradients. In terms of geographical pattern, the storm tracks in most CMIP3 models exhibit an equatorward bia...
Temperature Determinations from Band Spectral Data

A method of interpreting intensity distributions of lines in a band for determining the temperature of the emitter has been worked out which is independent of photometer calibration. The criterion used is the place in the band where adjacent lines of overlapping branches are of equal intensity, that is, the intersection of envelopes of the microphotometer records for the respective branches of a given band. The temperature is readily determined from graphs showing the temperature as a function of the $J$ values at which the simultaneous requirements of equality of intensity and equality of frequency are satisfied in a given pair of branches. The method has been applied to the (0,1), (0,2), (0,3) and (0,4) bands of the Angstrom system of CO excited in the electrodeless ring discharge, both at room temperature and within a furnace at 365\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. Comparison of thermometer indications with the temperatures obtained by this method indicates (a) that the rotational energy distributions are characteristic of the temperature of the gas in the source, and (b) that the electrodeless ring discharge is a low temperature source of spectra. The error of the new method under favorable conditions may be as small as 5 percent of the absolute temperature.
The effect of aromatase inhibition on the sexual differentiation of the sheep brain

This study tested the hypothesis that aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is necessary for sexual differentiation of the sheep brain. Pregnant ewes (n=10) were treated with the aromatase inhibitor 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD) during the period of gestation when the sheep brain is maximally sensitive to the behavior-modifying effects of exogenous testosterone (embryonic d 50–80; 147 d is term). Control (n=10) ewes received vehicle injections. Fifteen control lambs (7 males and 8 females) and 17 ATD-exposed lambs (7 males and 10 females) were evaluated for sexually dimorphic behavioral and neuroendocrine traits as adults. Prenatal ATD exposure had no significant effect on serum concentrations of androgen at birth, growth rates, expression of juvenile play behaviors, or the onset of puberty in male and female lambs. Rams exposed to ATD prenatally exhibited a modest, but significant, decrease in mounting behavior at 18 mo of age. However, prenatal ATD exposure did not interfere with defeminization of adult sexual partner preferences, receptive behavior, or the LH surge mechanism. In summary, our results indicate that aromatization is necessary for complete behavioral masculinization in sheep. However, before we can conclude that aromatization does not play a role in defeminization of the sheep brain, it will be necessary to evaluate whether intrauterine exposure of male fetuses to higher doses of ATD for a more extended period of time can disrupt normal neuroendocrine and behavioral development.
Community capitals and disaster recovery: Northwood ND recovers from an EF 4 tornado

The literature on community response to disaster emphasizes the significance of pre-existing bridging social capital in determining successful responses. While the social infrastructure in the form...
Lattice Boltzmann description of magnetization in porous media

The magnetic moments of fluid particles filling the pore space of a porous material (1) reside in a complex space, (2) are carried by the particles in diffusive exploration of the pore space, and (3) relax when the particles approach relaxation sites on the walls of the pore space. Further, when the magnetic moments are the object of a nuclear magnetic resonance experiment, they are manipulated by rf magnetic fields, internal magnetic field gradients, and applied magnetic field gradient pulses. In this paper, a lattice Boltzmann computational procedure is described that accounts for all of the vagaries in the experience of a magnetic moment in a porous material. The time evolution of the longitudinal and transverse magnetization, in a variety of experimental situations, can be simulated with this computational procedure. The z component of the magnetization, the longitudinal magnetization, is described by a set of coarse grained distribution functions for a scalar fluid. The time evolution of these distribution functions involves a scattering process (to account for diffusion) and a probability of transmission out of the pore space (to account for surface relaxation). A numerical example, involving a pore adjacent to a microporous region, is examined in detail. The transverse magnetization is a vector. Its x and y magnetization components are carried by separate scalar fluids. There is a set of coarse grained distribution functions for each fluid. Radio frequency magnetic fields, internal magnetic field gradients, applied magnetic field gradient pulses, etc., represent conversion processes in which the two fluids transform into one another. Two examples, one involving a periodic field gradient and a Hahn echo, and the other involving an isolated pore and a PFG sequence, are examined in detail.
A detailed method for estimating mixture flammability limits using chemical equilibrium

This paper presents a general method for the estimation of flammability envelopes for chemical mixtures based on chemical equilibrium. The impact of mixture initial temperature, the presence of diluents and elevated system pressures are implicitly accounted for. The performance of this method is tested against much of the experimental data reported in the literature for systems containing a wide range of chemicals from CHNO compounds to compounds containing sulfur, phosphorus, silicon and halogens. This method presents a very useful and accurate approach for assessing the flammability envelopes of mixtures where no experimental data is available, and to guide experimental flammability testing work.
Synthesis and characterization of [PPN][HRu(CO)4] and a convenient route to [PPN][HOs(CO)4]

Summary Simple high yield syntheses of the previously unreported anion HRu(CO) 4 − and of the osmium analog HOs(CO) 4 − as the PPN + salts are presented with infrared and 1 H NMR data.
A system approach to acoustic echo cancellation in robust hands-free teleconferencing

This paper presents a system approach to the acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) problem in a noisy acoustic environment. We propose a method that makes use of the estimated near-end signal from a postfilter to further improve the AEC system performance. The cancellation performance is enhanced especially during strong near-end interference (e.g., double talk). Simulation results show that our stereophonic AEC based on the system approach with postfilter integration outperforms the one using the original robust AEC system by itself without postfilter integration. The improved performance is noted especially during double talk, where simulation results show that the true echo return loss enhancement can be boosted by as much as 10 dB.
Prostaglandins Modulate Hormonal Effects on Rabbit Myometrial α1-Adrenergic Responses*

Estrogen increases the α1-adrenergic contractile sensitivity of the rabbit uterus. Since estrogen treatment increases prostaglandin (PG) production by the perfused rabbit uterus, and PGs contribute to the ai-adrenergic contractile response, we postulated that estrogen's effects on PG production or response may play a role in the increased α1-adrenergic sensitivity induced by estrogen. We studied the effects of the eicosanoid synthesis inhibitor meclofenamate (60 μM) on the response to epinephrine (10-9-10-6 M) of uterine strips from ovariectomized, mature, and estrogen-treated rabbits in terms of both contractile response and PGE2 and PGF2α production. We also measured the contractile response to PGE2 and PGF2α (both 10-10-10-5 M) and KC1 (70 M) of uterine strips from these groups. We found that in the ovariectomized rabbits, meclofenamate decreased PG production, but did not alter the ar nergic sensitivity. In the mature rabbit uterus, meclofenamate decreased both PGE2 and PGF2α production and reduced th...
Proteins at Interfaces: Principles, Multivariate Aspects, Protein Resistant Surfaces, and Direct Imaging and Manipulation of Adsorbed Proteins

The principles of protein adsorption are briefly reviewed with emphasis on model proteins at model interfaces. Using a data set for protein behavior at the air/water interface, a multi-variate, multi-axes treatment of protein adsorption behavior is developed: the Tatra plot. By the careful placement and scaling of radial axes, representing 12 protein, surface, and interface parameters, one can begin to deduce various correlations between these parameters. The correlations are then used to formulate hypotheses with which to design additional experiments. The treatment is extended to the solid/liquid interface using data available in the literature for model proteins on model solid surfaces. We then present brief discussion of the extension of the technique to more complex surfaces, including means to parameterize solid/liquid interfacial properties, before proceeding to more complex proteins based on a structural domain approach to protein structure and function. A preliminary analysis employing albumin is briefly presented. We move on to protein resistant surfaces based on polyethylene oxide and present a rationale for the properties and behavior of such interfaces, including a preliminary theoretical model which may be useful for the design and optimization of protein resistant surfaces. Finally, we briefly present some preliminary atomic force microscopy studies of immunoglobulins on mica surfaces, demonstrating not only direct imaging of proteins at interfaces in an aqueous environment but, perhaps even more importantly, their manipulation, processing, and ordering.
A test bench for evaluating fast ADCs

Abstract This document describes a test bench and procedures used to evaluate the performance of analog-to-digital converters that operate in the range of 10 to 140 million samples per second.
Centaur D-1T propulsion and propellant systems

A description is presented of the propulsion and propellant systems of the Centaur D-1T, an improved version of the Centaur high energy upper state. The primary change to the propulsion system to provide three-burn capability was the addition of radiation shielding to the propellant duct. The redundant valves and feed paths were added to the H202 supply and reaction control system to increase system tolerance to the most probable causes of failure. Other changes were made to enhance mission capability of the Centaur, and represent an increase in inherent reliability of the vehicle through reduction of single failure points and by substitution of more reliable components.
Interaction of potassium and calcium in penicillin-induced interictal spike discharge in the hippocampal slice

Abstract The role of potassium in initiating interictal spikes was investigated in hippocampal slices. Increases in K + concentration can initiate and determine the frequency of spiking. These effects require the presence of a convulsant drug, such as penicillin, and an appropriate concentration of calcium to produce the epileptiform activity. Our results suggest that sustained seizures result from a complex interaction of various ionic and nonionic determinants of excitability in nervous tissue.