cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantum Theory's Silent Pioneer

Farmelo explores the life and science of the brilliant and reticent theoretical physicist Paul A. M. Dirac.
A gene near the plasmid pSa origin of replication encodes a nuclease

Summary We have cloned and sequenced a gene (nuc) from the IncW plasmid pSa which shows amino acid sequence similarity to staphylococcal nuclease (EC 3.1.4.7) and to the parB locus of plasmid RP4. The 525bp open reading frame encodes a 174-amino-acid potential polypeptide of 19.7kDa. Expression of the gene was confirmed using an in vitro transcription-translation assay which produced a protein of identical size. Nuclease activity was demonstrated using DNA as the substrate in toluidine blue-DNA agar plates. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed a signal sequence, and TnphoA insertion within the open reading frame indicated that a portion of the protein is transported across the bacterial cell membrane.
Can the Pathology of a Thyroid Nodule Be Determined by Positron Emission Tomography Uptake

Objectives. To determine if standardized uptake values (SUV) on positron emission tomography (PET) are predictive of thyroid pathology and the significance of serial SUV measurements of thyroid nodules over time.Study Design. Case series with chart review.Setting. Academic health center.Subjects. In total, 23,384 PET and PET/computed tomography (CT) scans were performed between December 2001 and April 2011.Methods. Patients with incidental thyroid uptake were identified. SUVmax, age, sex, size of thyroid lesion, indication for PET scan, and cytology/pathology were collected.Results. Incidental thyroid uptake was noted in 1309 PET scans (5.60%), focal uptake in 690 (2.95%), and diffuse uptake in 619 (2.65%). Complete data were available for 359 PET scans from 103 patients. Malignancy was identified in 28 patients (27%). Twenty-five of the 28 lesions (89%) were primary thyroid malignancies. A significant difference between malignant SUVmax and benign SUVmax was found (mean ± SD, 7.04 ± 7.88 for malignancies...
Hectospec: a 300-optical-fiber spectrograph for the converted MMT

ABSTRACT We describe a multi-object spectrograph that is currently under design for the f/5 focus of the converted Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT). The f/5 Cassegrain focus will use a three element refractive corrector to produce a 1° diameter field of view well matched to multi-object spectroscopywith optical fibers. The optical fibers will be mounted on magnetic buttons and positioned with twohigh speed robots, using the general techniques pioneered by the AUTOFIB instrument. Our goalis to position the 300 fibers in 300 seconds. The spectrograph optics will be bench mounted on theobserving floor, and will be fed by fibers that are 10 meters in length. The spectrograph will havea 250 mm diameter collimated beam to allow a resolution of 4-8 A FWHM over approximately anoctave of spectrum between 3400A and 1gm. It is our intention to complete the Hectospec beforethe commissioning of the f/5 focus in late 1996. 1. INTRODUCTION The Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT), which is jointly operated by the Smithsonian Institutionand the University of Arizona, will be converted to use a single 6.5 m primary mirror in 1995. Theconversion will double the MMT's collecting area, and (at the f/5 Cassegrain focus) allow a 400-foldincrease in the field of view to a diameter of 1°. This large field of view will allow efficient multi-object spectroscopy with optical fibers; we intend to exploit this capability with a new instrumentnamed the Hectospec. Hectospec will consist of two parts: a high-speed fiber positioner and a bench
The composition of tetraphenylarsonium thiocyanatotungstate in chloroform

Abstract The variation of extraction efficiency as a function of thiocyanate concentration and of tetraphenylarsonium concentration has established part of the composition of the extracted species which is involved in the determination of tungsten by extraction as the tetraphenylarsonium tungsten-thiocyanate ion-pair. The thiocyanate : tungsten ratio is 2:1, and the tetraphenylarsonium : tungsten ratio is 1:1, indicating an anionic charge of one for a mononuclear complex.
Sex role messages in television commercials: An update

Traditionally, television commercials have served to reinforce conventional sex role stereotypes. The purpose of this study is to determine if there have been any changes in the portrayal of sex roles of television commercials in the past ten years. Specifically, this research is, in part, a replication of the O'Donnell and O'Donnell (1978) study and also an extension of their study. Additionally, this study examines what occupation the visible product representatives are placed in, which sex is shown to represent the product, and which sex is shown in more professional roles. Results of this study find that conventional sex role stereotypes persist in television commercials in 1988.
Age‐Related Changes in Rat Sublingual Salivary Gland Morphology1

Sublingual salivary glands were removed from 3.5-, 12-, 18- and 24-month-old Fisher 344 male rats and examined for age-related changes in morphology. Morphometric analysis revealed stability in the proportional volume of acinar tissue, connective tissue and vascular tissue across age groups. The proportion of gland volume occupied by ducts increased with age due to an increase in proportional volume of striated ducts. A number of qualitative age-related changes were noted including an increase in squamous metaplasia of duct epithelium, periductal lymphocytic foci and diffuse periductal lymphocytic infiltration. Consolidated deposits were identified in the lumen of intralobular ducts and appeared most frequent in young animals and declined in frequency with age. These morphologic changes while apparently age-related were evident by 12 months of age indicating that developmental and maturational factors rather than senescence may account for these findings.
The RHIC Spin Program: recent results and future prospects

The main physics goal of RHIC-Spin is the study of the internal spin structure of the nucleon. RHIC is a collider accelerator at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Four different experiments study the collisions of 100 GeV polarized proton beams. Some recent results are presented and near term goals are discussed. In particular the measurement of the gluon polarization Δ g through inclusive meson, (di-)jet, and direct photon production is discussed. The accelerator performance and progress during the 2004 polarized proton run is also addressed.
Superfilling technology: transferring knowledge to industry from the National Institute of Standards and Technology

In the mid-1990s, the semiconductor industry manufactured devices with critical circuit dimensions of between 0.35 and 0.25 μ, and it used aluminum or an aluminum copper alloy to interconnect device components. However, the critical dimension needed to be reduced so that devices could become faster and more efficient. At circuits dimensions of 0.18 μ or less, aluminum no longer conducts electricity well enough to maintain the circuit’s efficiency; thus, the industry determined that copper—a superior conducting material—would be needed to help the industry produce smaller and faster semiconductor devices. Still, technical barriers existed, preventing a seamless transition from aluminum to copper. Thus, in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) began focused research on superfilling aimed at assisting the semiconductor industry during this period. In this paper, we document the net economic benefits (private and social) accruing from NIST’s core research investments in superfilling during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Using traditional evaluation methodology and metrics, we calculated economic impact estimates, and the results suggest that NIST’s public resources were, from a social perspective, used efficiently.
External Non‐invasive Cardiac Pacing: A Comparative Hemodynamic Study of Two Techniques with Conventional Endocardial Pacing

Out-of-hospital therapy for cardiac arrest due to bradyarrhythmias or asystole is pharmacologic and the outcome is uniformly dismal. Optimal therapy for the latter disturbances may be artificial cardiac pacing, but conventional invasive pacing techniques are not employed or are of limited value in the out-of-hospital and emergency department setting. This investigation compared the hemodynamic effects of two techniques of non-invasive external pacing: 1) transcutaneous transthoracic pacing (TTP) and 2) tongue-to-epigastrium pacing (TEP), with conventional transvenous right ventricular endocardial pacing (RVEP) in a closed-chest, chronic heart block canine model. All techniques significantly increased (p less than .001) cardiac output (CO). However, CO and mean arterial pressure (MAP) measured during external pacing with either non-invasive technique were significantly greater than that during RVEP (p less than .001). TEP produced vigorous skeletal muscle stimulation and, in the canine model, it produced contraction resulting in impaired ventilation, hypoxemia, and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance. TTP in this model resulted in improved MAP and CO when compared with control and RVEP values and did not affect arterial or mixed venous blood gas values. Thus, this study demonstrates that noninvasive TTP is comparable to RVEP in its hemodynamic effects. TTP may offer definitive non-invasive therapy for a subset of victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
A computational investigation of the electron affinity of CO3 and the thermodynamic feasibility of CO3−(H2O)n+ ROOH reactions

The results of electronic structure studies aimed at establishing an accurate theoretical value for the electron affinity of CO3 are reported. The minimum energy structures for CO3 and CO3− are found to be influenced by the same symmetry breaking effects that have plagued the structure determination of the isoelectronic NO3+ and NO3 species. Although both the planar C2v and D3h minimum energy structures are found for both CO3 and CO3−, and the difference in energy between these two structures is highly dependent on the theoretical method, it is proposed that the true minimum energy structure for each species is the D3h structure, while the C2v structure is believed to be a spurious result that is due to symmetry breaking effects. The electron affinity for CO3 was calculated with a number of high accuracy methods, resulting in electron affinities ranging between 3.85 to 4.08 eV. These values are significantly higher than some experimental estimates but are in better agreement with more recent experimental results. The thermodynamic feasibility of potential chemical ionization mass spectrometric (CIMS) detection schemes for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and methyl hydroperoxide (CH3OOH) using CO3− and CO3−(H2O) ionization schemes is also evaluated. An adapted version of G2MS theory was used for calculation of structures and thermodynamic properties of all relevant species for the study of the CIMS schemes. Several thermodynamically feasible CO3−(H2O)n chemical ionization schemes for the detection of H2O2 and CH3OOH are identified thus indicating that CO3−(H2O)n CIMS may be a general and selective method for the detection of atmospherically relevant peroxides.
A Complete Stochastic Wiring Distribution for Gigascale Integration (GSI)

Based on Rent’s Rule, a well established empirical relationship, a rigorous derivation of a complete wire length distribution for on-chip random logic networks is performed. The distribution is then used to describe an optimal architecture for a multilevel wiring network that provides maximum interconnect density and minimum chip size for a ULSI system. In addition, this new distribution has been incorporated into a Generic System Simulator (GENESYS), that projects overall performance of future ULSI systems. Assuming various interconnect materials such as copper, aluminum, silicon dioxide, and low dielectric polymers, GENESYS has been used to examine the effects that each material has on overall performance of ASIC’s over the next 15 years.
Scanning tunneling microscope lithography: a viable lithographic technology?

A steered beam lithography will represent an essential part of the technology to meet the future need for ultra-high resolution mask making and direct write. Conventional high voltage e-beam lithography is being developed to meet these challenges. However, there are a number of physical limitations (proximity effects, resist sensitivity) which must be overcome. To do so will prove to be extremely expensive if in fact these problems can be overcome. There are significant advantages in going to extremely low energies in e-beam lithography. Proximity effects are eliminated although the electron-optics become more exacting. The need to focus a low energy e-beam can be eliminated by maintaining a sharp tip close to a surface as in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). We have demonstrated technologically useful lithography with the STM operated with 4 - 50 V between tip and sample. Patterns have been defined in e-beam resists and by selective oxidation of semiconductor substrates under the action of the STM tip. In both cases the pattern can be transferred into the substrate with a dry etch. Sub 50 nm resolution is routine on a variety of substrates. A viable lithographic technology has been demonstrated in the research laboratory. However, several key issues must be addressed to develop a technologically viable lithography system compatible with existing microfabrication practice. These issues include: registration using the imaging properties of the STM for alignment, pattern accuracy and throughput. Advances in STM speed are described and suggestions made for improving lithographic performance with multiple sharp tips (each with an independent servo loop). The potential pay-off is high as a low voltage lithography tool will involve significantly less capital investment (and support cost) than the next generations of high voltage e-beam lithography tools.
Expression of the antimicrobial peptides in plants to control phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi

Three antimicrobial peptides exhibiting in vitro antifungal activity were expressed in Arabidopsis to compare their in planta activity. β-Purothionin, cecropin B, and phor21 were expressed under an endogenous promoter with moderate-level activity and excreted extracellularly. Expression of β-purothionin rendered the greatest antibacterial and antifungal resistance while cecropin B enhanced only antibacterial activity and phor21 did not improve antimicrobial resistance. The transgenic β-purothionin arrested fungal growth on leaf surfaces and infection of stomata. Leaf extracts from plants producing β-purothionin and cecropin B displayed membrane permeabilizing activity. The in planta antimicrobial activity of the tested peptides was consistent with previously reported in vitro experiments. The expression strategy allowed enhanced antifungal resistance without high-level transgene expression.
Isoproterenol and nucleotide induced stimulation of Ca2+ uptake by microsomal fractions from kidney and isolated glomeruli.

Abstract Renal cortical microsomal vesicles possess an ATP-dependent Ca 2+ uptake system which is two to three times more active in accumulating Ca 2+ than are the microsomes prepared from the outer medulla or papilla of the cat kidney. The microsomal Ca 2+ uptake system was unaffected by sodium azide, and electron microscopy confirmed the absence of intact mitochondria. Ca 2+ accumulating activity was significantly increased by 13 per cent in cortical microsomes prepared from kidneys which had been perfused with isoproterenol (2 × 10 −7 M), whereas medullary or papillary microsomal Ca 2+ accumulation was unaffected. Perfusate containing a higher isoproterenol concentration (2 × 10 −6 M) stimulated cortical as well as papillary microsomal Ca 2+ uptake by 13 and 31 per cent respectively, but had no effect on medullary microsomal Ca 2+ accumulation. A lower isoproterenol concentration (2 × 10 −8 M) did not change the Ca 2+ uptake activity of microsomes isolated from either region of the cat kidney. The isoproterenol concentrations (2 × 10 −7 and 2 × 10 −6 M) which activated Ca 2+ uptake in microsomes produced graded increases in renin secretion, whereas 2 × 10 −8 M isoproterenol was relatively inactive in eliciting renin secretion. Renal cortical tissue exposed to cyclic AMP (cAMP) and 5'-AMP during subcellular fractionation showed significant increases in microsomal Ca 2+ uptake. However, microsomes exposed to cAMP or 5'-AMP in the Ca 2+ uptake medium were not stimulated. Isoproterenol also activated Ca 2+ uptake by microsomes prepared from isolated glomeruli, and this stimulation was blocked by propranolol. We conclude that the cat renal cortex possesses specific receptors for isoproterenol which activate Ca 2+ transport through a nucleotide mediated mechanism.
An automated method on analysis of blood steroids using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: application to population screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia in newborns.

Abstract Background Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is commonly accomplished by measurement of 17-α-hydroxyprogestrone (17-OHP) using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). EIA contributes a significant number of false positives. Therefore, second-tier steroid profile by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) is warranted. Methods Dried blood spots (DBS) were extracted with a mixture of methanol and water containing the deuterium labeled internal standards of d8-17-OHP, d7-androstenedione, and d4-cortisol. The final extracts were analyzed for 17-OHP, androstenedione and cortisol by LC-MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Results Mean recoveries of the target analytes, 17-OHP, androstenedione and cortisol, were between 97 and 115% with an average intra- and inter-assay CVs ranging from 3.9–9.9% to 3.6–10.1%, respectively. The high efficiency of this method enabled us to test 11,598 specimens, identified as indeterminate by EIA in ~6 years; resulting in 809 presumptive positives reducing the false positives rate by 93%. Conclusions The three steroid profile provided better screening outcomes of CAH than 17-OHP concentration alone. Our sample preparation allowed high throughput using common laboratory chemicals. Using three internal standards significantly improved method precision and accuracy. The reduction in false positives significantly reduces anxiety for newborns and their families.
Effect of Load History on Performance Limit States of Circular Bridge Columns

In this paper, the importance of displacement history and its effects on performance limit states, the relationship between strain and displacement, and the spread of plasticity in RC structures is explored. An experimental study is underway to assess the performance of 30 circular, well-confined, bridge columns with varying lateral displacement history, transverse reinforcement detailing, axial load, aspect ratio, and longitudinal steel content. Eight of these columns, with similar geometry and detailing, were subjected to various unidirectional displacement histories including standardized laboratory reversed cyclic loading and re-creations of the displacement responses obtained from a nonlinear time-history analysis of multiple earthquakes with distinct characteristics. Longitudinal reinforcing bars were instrumented to obtain strain hysteresis, vertical strain profiles, cross section curvatures, curvature distributions, and fixed-end rotations attributable to strain penetration. Results have shown that the limit state of reinforcement bar buckling was influenced by load history, but the relationship between strain and displacement along the envelope curve was not. The main impact of load history on bar buckling is its influence on accumulated strains within the longitudinal reinforcement and transverse steel.
A vibrational spectroscopic study of the oxidation of pyrite by molecular oxygen

In situ flow-through attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been used to investigate the formation, and step-wise oxidation, of sulfoxyanions at the pyrite surface during oxidation by molecular oxygen. The surface was studied under two different pH regimes (pH 2.5 and pH 5.6) and under two light conditions (dark and ultraviolet light). It was experimentally observed that multiple sulfoxyanions were present at the pyrite surface during oxidation by molecular oxygen, spectroscopically illustrating the concept of sulfur step-wise oxidation. The results from photochemical experiments were complex and suggest a dependence on both pH and surface speciation.
Phase transition in laser irradiated dye-liposome complexes with implications for photodynamic therapy

Thermal-induced release of sulforhodamine dye from laser-irradiated diphosphatidylcholine liposomes occurs during a gel-liquid crystal phase transition process and has important ramifications for targeted photodynamic therapy protocols for the treatment of a variety of diseases.
Wideband impedance-matched integrated transceivers for future THz-band wireless networks

The explosive growth in personal wireless connectivity is rapidly consuming the available spectrum in the RF and microwave bands. Major service providers and consumer electronics manufacturers are already investing in the millimeter wave band to develop transceivers to accommodate extremely large data rates needed for high-speed inter-device connectivity. It is not surprising that the next frontier in wireless spectrum utility will be the THz band.
Effects of Variety and Crop Year on Tocopherols in Pecans

Alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols (α-, β-, γ- and δ-T) were quantified in pecans (seedlings, Desirable, Stuart and Schley) of 2 crop year by using a direct extraction method coupled with normal-phase HPLC. % recoveries of the assay were about 98, 92, 97, and 97 for α-, β-, γ- and δ-T, respectively. Accuracy was excellent with low % CVs for all tocopherols. Overall precision was good except for δ-T, which was not resolved from an unidentified interference. There were significant differences in tocopherol contents among cultivars (p 0.05), but α-TE content of Desirable and seedling did vary (p < 0.05). γ-T was the predominant tocopherol for all pecan samples ranging from 20.1 to 29.3 mg/100 g. α-, β-, and δ-T occurred in low levels. Tocotrienols were not present. α-TE ranged from 3.3 to 4.2 in the different cultivars.
Nrf2 activation by sulforaphane restores the age-related decrease of TH1 immunity: Role of dendritic cells

Background The decrease in cellular immunity with aging is of considerable public health importance. Recent studies suggest that the redox equilibrium of dendritic cells (DCs) is a key factor in maintaining protective cellular immunity and that a disturbance of this homeostatic mechanism could contribute to immune senescence. Objectives We sought (1) to elucidate the role of DC redox equilibrium in the decrease of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) and T H 1 immunity during aging and (2) to determine how restoration of glutathione (GSH) levels by the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense pathway affects this decrease. Methods We assessed the effect of Nrf2 deficiency and boosting of GSH levels by the Nrf2 agonist sulforaphane or the thiol precursor N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) on the CHS response to contact antigens in old mice. We studied the effect of SFN and NAC on restoring T H 1 immunity by treating DCs ex vivo before adoptive transfer and in vivo challenge. Results Aging was associated with a decreased CHS response that was accentuated by Nrf2 deficiency. Systemic SFN treatment reversed this decrease through Nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzyme expression and GSH synthesis. Adoptive transfer of DCs from old animals induced a weakened CHS response in recipient animals. Treatment of DCs from old animals with SFN or NAC ex vivo restored the in vivo challenge response. Conclusion SFN and NAC upregulate T H 1 immunity in aging through a restoration of redox equilibrium.
PHOTOINDUCED STRAIN AS A PROBE OF ACOUSTICAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF CONDUCTING POLYMERS

We discuss applications of photogenerated strain in transient absorption experiments. These include measurements of sound velocity, phonon dispersion relations, and excited electronic state energy levels. In particular, we have identified a new type of spectroscopy in photoinduced absorption that can be used to detect both allowed and forbidden electronic transitions in thin semiconducting films. This technique was applied to a host of conducting polymers for which we detected energy levels of various excitonic states with odd and even symmetry.
Immunochemical studies of infectious mononucleosis. VI. a radioimmunoassay for the detection of infectious mononucleosis heterophile antibody and antigen.

Abstract The coated-tube method of solid-phase radioimmunoassay has been adapted to the detection of heterophile antibodies and antigens of infectious mononucleosis. Disposable plastic hemagglutination trays were coated with purified glycoprotein from horse erythrocytes and the subsequent uptake of antibody from test sera was detected by radioiodinated horse erythrocyte glycoprotein. In a preliminary survey of sera from patients with infectious mononucleosis and sera from controls, the assay proved highly sensitive and specific. The test system was also useful in a competitive binding assay for immuno-chemical studies of glycoproteins from other heterophile antigen-positive species.
Surface Properties of Lung Extracts

Extracts of rabbit lungs from adult animals as well as from fetuses near term were studied with a dynamic alveolar model and with a modified Wilhelmy balance. With both methods the minimal value of surface tension was significantly higher in the fetal extracts, probably because they have a lower concentration of surface active material. With no change in surface area the extracts from adult lungs after 30 min had a mean surface tension of 41 ± 5 dyn/min. When surface area was compressed the tension decreased and when the surface area was expanded the tension increased. The difference between the mean value and the minimal or the maximal value was a function of change in surface area as well as time. The change in surface area and the rate with which it occurs in the lungs is more closely simulated with the dynamic alveolar model than with the modified Wilhelmy balance. The minimal value of surface tension was recorded at minimal surface area. It increased if surface area was maintained at minimal size. This demonstrates viscosity of the surface film. For alveolar stability the outlining film should probably have high viscosity as well as low surface tension. In the newborn these properties have to develop rapidly to prevent alveolar collapse.
CARDIOVASCULAR DEPRESSANT EFFECTS OF NEOMYCIN AND GENTAMICIN IN RHESUS MONKEYS

1. The acute cardiovascular effects of neomycin and gentamicin, representative aminoglycoside antibiotics, were examined in surgically-prepared anaesthetized rhesus monkeys. 2. Intravenous administration of 14, 28, and 56 mg/kg of neomycin consistently induced a dose-dependent depression of systemic blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular contractile force, maximum dF/dt of left ventricular contraction, and heart rate. Neomycin produced similar cardiovascular depressant effects when heart rate was maintained constant by electrical pacing. 3. Maximum depression of haemodynamic values usually occurred within 2 to 5 min after injection of neomycin; values then gradually returned to control levels within 20 to 30 (14 mg/kg) or 60 to 80 (56 mg/kg) minutes. 4. Injection of CaCl2 (1.35 mEq Ca2+/kg, i.v.) during the peak depressant effect of neomycin produced a rapid and maintained restoration of cardiovascular function to control levels; conversely, noradrenaline (2 mug, i.v.) of isoprenaline (0.5 mug, i.v.) produced only transient reversal of the neomycin effects. 5. Similar evidence of cardiovascular dysfunction was observed with gentamicin. 6. These findings demonstrate the direct cardiovascular depressant effects of aminoglycoside natibiotics in a higher primate species, and suggest that this adverse response is related to an alteration of calcium ion function.
Do patients with inflammatory bowel disease want genetic testing

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by nonmendelian inheritance, incomplete penetrance, and disease susceptibility but not disease certainty. Genotype and phenotype associations are described, but the level of interest of patients with IBD in genetic testing for themselves or at-risk family members remains unknown. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the interest of patients with IBD in genetic testing and their willingness to accept the uncertainty inherent in complex genetics. Materials and Methods: Consecutive outpatients with IBD were recruited to complete a 57-item self-administered survey. The survey included a layperson explanation of the limits of IBD genetics. A 5-point Likert scale was used to determine willingness to undergo genetic testing to determine diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment; to help their family; and to advance medical knowledge. The IBD Questionnaire, a validated measure of the health status attitudes of patients with IBD, was used. To determine limits of patient interest in testing family members, the standard reference gamble paradigm was used. Patients were presented with situations for the genetic test with various levels of certainty in 10% decrements starting with 100%. They indicated the lowest degree of certainty that they would accept to test their family member. Results: One hundred fourteen patients (mean age 38.4 years; 48.2% women) completed the survey. Of these 114, 71.9% (82) had Crohn's disease. Among the patients who answered questions on self-willingness, 76.8% (86 of 112) would undergo testing for diagnostic confirmation, 81.3% (91 of 112) for prognostic value, 88.4% (99 of 112) for therapeutic decision making, and 85.0% (96 of 113) for advancement of medical knowledge. We found that 28.1% of patients (32 of 114) had a first-degree relative with IBD. Those patients with a first-degree relative with IBD were more willing to undergo genetic testing than those without a first-degree relative with IBD (raw score on self-willingness 4.62 vs 4.36; P = 0.026). There was no significant association between patients' health status and their willingness to undergo genetic testing (IBD Questionnaire score and raw score on self-willingness; Spearman's correlation coefficient -0.06; P = 0.51). We also found that 88.6% of patients (93 of 105) indicated an interest in testing family members if the test provided absolute certainty of future disease. The average lowest level of certainty these patients were willing to accept was 42.2%. Conclusions: Despite the complexity of IBD genetics, most patients with IBD are interested in testing and willing to accept a variable degree of uncertainty about the results. An important minority of patients does not wish to be tested. Future work should better identify the reasons for these different attitudes. This information should be factored into plans for widespread clinical testing.
Prospective study of optimal obesity index cutoffs for predicting development of multiple metabolic risk factors: the Korean genome and epidemiology study.

BACKGROUND In this prospective cohort study, we estimated the risk of developing more than 1 metabolic risk factor, using different obesity indices. In addition, we investigated the relative usefulness of the obesity indices for predicting development of such risk factors and calculated optimal cutoffs for the obesity indices. METHODS The cohort comprised 10 038 representative residents of a small city and a rural county who were recruited in 2001-2002. Follow-up examinations were conducted every 2 years. Among the 3857 participants without metabolic syndrome at baseline, 1102 new cases occurred during the 6-year follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the obesity indices were plotted to compare the usefulness of the obesity indices. RESULTS The numbers of new cases of multiple metabolic risk factors among people in the highest quintiles of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-height ratio at the baseline examination were 2 to 3 times those in the lowest quintiles. The area under the ROC curve for WHR was significantly higher than that for BMI. The optimal BMI cutoff was 24 kg/m(2) in men and women, and the optimal WC cutoffs were 80 cm and 78 cm in men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both overall obesity and central obesity predicted risk of developing multiple metabolic risk factors, and WHR appeared to be a better discriminator than BMI. To prevent development of metabolic diseases among Koreans, it might be useful to lower the cutoff for abdominal obesity, as defined by WC.
Gas and condensate relative permeability at near-critical conditions: Capillary and Reynolds number dependence

Abstract Measurement of gas and condensate relative permeabilities is typically performed through steady state linear coreflood experiments. Experiments are normally designed to minimize the saturation variations throughout the core so that the relative permeabilities can be evaluated through direct application of Darcy's Law to each phase. This study addresses relative permeability prediction from linear corefloods for low permeability, near-critical gas–condensate systems at velocities typical of the near wellbore region. In this regime, relative permeabilities are capillary number dependent and non-Darcy terms are significant. This paper looks at combining both the nonlinear (in velocity) terms into a single “effective relative permeability” term. Synthetic “experimental” data were generated numerically through simulation (and not from laboratory experiments). The synthetic data considered a range of capillary numbers at both low and high Reynolds numbers. Simplified correlations were developed to represent both the gas and condensate effective relative permeabilities. Effective relative permeabilities were then history-matched from the synthetic experimental data through non-linear regression. History matching results indicate that the Reynolds number should be included explicitly in the gas effective relative permeability correlation. Two-phase injection experiments are easier to interpret than single-phase injection experiments.
Soft tissue management in glenohumeral arthoplasty

Abstract The soft tissue envelope is the composite of anatomic parts that includes the deltoid muscle, part of the coracoacromial arch, the rotator cuff, the capsule, and the synovium. Successful management of these parts relative to their tension, balance, competence, and quality greatly affect the function and longevity of total shoulder replacement prosthetics. This article addresses the surgical techniques required to deal with the specific soft tissue envelope problems peculiar to different disease entities.
The Association Between Persistent Fetal Occiput Posterior Position and Perinatal Outcomes: An Example of Propensity Score and Covariate Distance Matching

In a retrospective cohort study of 18,880 full-term, cephalic singletons born in San Francisco, California, during 1976-2001, the authors used multivariable logistic regression (MVLR) and propensity score analysis (PSA) to examine the association between persistent fetal occiput posterior (OP) position and perinatal outcomes. The principles and applications of these techniques are compared and discussed. Pregnancies with OP positions at delivery were compared with those with occiput anterior positions. Perinatal outcomes were examined as adjusted odds ratios determined by MVLR and PSA and as risk differences determined by propensity score matched bootstrapping based on covariate distance. Persistent OP position was associated with operative delivery and maternal morbidity. The odds ratio estimates based on PSA were somewhat larger than those obtained with standard MVLR, and the confidence intervals were narrower. When statistical inference was evaluated with the permutation test, the results were more consistent with the PSA. These analyses demonstrate that PSA is likely to provide more precise estimates of exposure associations and more reliable statistical inferences than MVLR. The authors show that PSA can be extended with Mahalanobis distance matching to obtain estimates of risk difference between exposed and unexposed subjects that avoid violations of the experimental treatment assignment (positivity) assumption that is required for valid causal inference.
Factors Associated with Alcohol Use and its Consequences

The aim of this study was to examine the self-reported experiences of an adult population living in the community, as they relate to alcohol use and potential negative outcomes (emotional/physical problems, role function problems, drinking and driving, risk behaviors, and alcohol abuse/dependence). Analyses focused on 37,026 individuals that are weighted to the population of 212,686,651 drawn from a large representative cross-sectional survey of the US. population—the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and health (NSDUH). Alcohol use of 1–9 drinks in the past month showed a significant increase in the odds ratios for most of the study outcomes compared to those who did not drink alcohol. As alcohol use increased, the odds ratios for all of the study outcomes linearly increased. Mental health symptoms and illicit drug use in the past year also significantly increased the odds ratios for all of the study outcomes. Hispanic and other race reflected an increased odds ratio for alcohol caused role function probl...
Steady-state determination for RF circuits using Krylov-subspace methods in SPICE

A SPICE-based direct shooting-Newton method for the determination of the steady-state response of RF circuits has been developed. Different Krylov-subspace methods, including GMRES, CGS, BiCG, QMR, and BiCGSTAB, were used to solve the iterative equations generated by the shooting-Newton algorithm. The public-domain circuit simulator, SPICE, was used for the implementation of the new steady-state analysis. Compared to standard transient analysis for the determination of the steady-state response for non-linear circuits encountered in RF design, this new method is much more efficient. RF circuits that are difficult to simulate are evaluated. For larger circuits, the GMRES, QMR, and BiCGSTAB algorithms show the most improvement in the time to calculate the steady-stale.
Influence of plasma spray parameters on mechanical properties of yttria stabilized zirconia coatings. I: Four point bend test

Abstract Yttria (8 wt.%) stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with a NiCrAlY bond coat was atmosphere plasma sprayed on mild steel substrates. The bond coat thickness (100–250 μm), YSZ coating thickness (300–500 μm), stand off distance (80–100 mm), and substrate temperature (273–393 K) were changed in a four by 17 experimental design matrix to investigate the influence of each spray parameter on the mechanical properties of coatings. Coatings were tested using a four point bend test arrangement. Coatings sprayed with thinner bond coat on a cold substrate exhibited higher yield strength and stiffness under bending. Change in the stand off distance and the top coat thickness did not statistically influence either yield strength or stiffness of the coatings.
An Examination of the Determinants and Contents of Corporate Voluntary Disclosure of Management's Responsibilities for Financial Reporting:

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) of 2002 requires principal officers to certify under oath to the veracity of information contained in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings and opine on the effectiveness of the internal control system. This study examines the determinants and contents of corporate voluntary disclosure of management's responsibilities during the five-year period preceding the SOX Act. We predict that the voluntary disclosure of management's responsibilities for financial information signals certain incentives and characteristics of the reporting firm that are relevant to financial statement users and regulators. Consistent with our predictions, our findings reveal significant differences between issuing and nonissuing firms as to the effectiveness of the firm's internal control system, access to capital markets, audit committee characteristics, and ownership structure. An empirical analysis of the contents of these assertions also reveals different areas of emphasis and selectivity ...
Pervasive embedded real time monitoring of EEG & SpO2

Recent research has underscored the potential role of analysis of EEG signals as indicators of cognitive decline. In addition, we have also seen the emergence of embedded systems that are capable of analyzing biological signals in real time to track a number of physiological variables and make accurate conclusions about the individual's physiological status and health. This paper presents the design of an embedded system which is capable of tracking relevant bio-signals from the person in real time and facilitating a dependable decision making process that provides alerts for potential brain activity changes. The design focuses around the use of sensors and a processing element. It incorporates the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) signals. As an early proof-of-concept, our system collects data from the sensors, performs initial processing and provides the framework to compute significant physiological variables.
A naturalistic study of stereotype threat in young female chess players

The present research sought to determine whether young female chess players would demonstrate stereotype threat susceptibility in a naturalistic environment. Data from 12 scholastic chess tournamen...
E-021 Endovascular management strategies for anterior cerebral artery aneurysms: a single low volume center experience

Purpose To evaluate management strategies, efficacy and clinical outcomes of anterior cerebral artery aneurysm endovascular treatment at a low volume community hospital. Material and Methods Prospective data entry and retrospective review of endovascular anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (ACA) treatment was performed from September 2004 to November 2009. Endovascular treatment of 17 anterior ACA (7 ruptured and 10 unruptured) was performed for 17 consecutive patients (6 males, 11 female; mean age 65.2 years). Procedural adverse events, morbidity, mortality, hospital length of stay and angiographic outcomes were analyzed. Results Three aneurysms were treated with Neuroform stent placement and two aneurysms were treated with balloon support. Complete occlusion was achieved in 64.7% (11/17) aneurysms. A residual neck was present in 35.2% (6/17). None showed aneurysm filling. Permanent procedure related morbidity and mortality was 0% and 5.2% (1/17), respectively. The single death occurred in a Fisher and Hunt and Hess Grade 4 patient with a procedural aneurysm perforation. Procedural adverse events occurred in 4 (21%) patients. This included 2 (10.5%) aneurysm perforations, 1 (5.8%) thromboembolic event and 1 (5.85%) stretched coil. At a mean 6 months angiographic follow-up, persistent complete occlusion was identified in 58.3% (7/12) of aneurysms. 16.6% (2/12) demonstrated a residual neck and 25% (3/12) aneurysm refilling. Two aneurysms were retreated with subsequent complete occlusion. Mean hospital length of stay was 2 days. Conclusion Endovascular coil embolization of anterior cerebral artery aneurysms at a low community hospital is feasible with acceptable clinical outcomes.
Formal education and back pain: a review

OBJECTIVES—To summarise the scientific evidence on the relation between educational status and measures of the frequency and the consequences of back pain and of the outcomes of interventions among back pain patients, and to outline possible mechanisms that could explain such an association if found. DESIGN—Sixty four articles published between 1966 and 2000 that documented the association of formal education with back pain were reviewed. MAIN RESULTS—Overall, the current available evidence points indirectly to a stronger association of low education with longer duration and/or higher recurrence of back pain than to an association with onset. The many reports of an association of low education with adverse consequences of back pain also suggest that the course of a back pain episode is less favourable among persons with low educational attainment. Mechanisms that could explain these associations include variations in behavioural and environmental risk factors by educational status, differences in occupational factors, compromised "health stock" among people with low education, differences in access to and utilisation of health services, and adaptation to stress. Although lower education was not associated with the outcomes of interventions in major studies, it is difficult, in light of the current limited available evidence, to draw firm conclusions on this association. CONCLUSION—Scientific evidence supports the hypothesis that less well educated people are more likely to be affected by disabling back pain. Further study of this association may help advance our understanding of back pain as well as understanding of the relation between socioeconomic status and disease as a general phenomenon. Keywords: back pain; educational status
On-Demand Information Extraction

At present, adapting an Information Extraction system to new topics is an expensive and slow process, requiring some knowledge engineering for each new topic. We propose a new paradigm of Information Extraction which operates 'on demand' in response to a user's query. On-demand Information Extraction (ODIE) aims to completely eliminate the customization effort. Given a user's query, the system will automatically create patterns to extract salient relations in the text of the topic, and build tables from the extracted information using paraphrase discovery technology. It relies on recent advances in pattern discovery, paraphrase discovery, and extended named entity tagging. We report on experimental results in which the system created useful tables for many topics, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.