cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Associations of neighborhood area level deprivation with the metabolic syndrome and inflammation among middle- and older- age adults

The study examines the association of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation and metabolic syndrome with inflammation. The analysis included 19, 079 black and white participants from the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study who were age > 45 years at baseline. Logistic regression examined whether neighborhood deprivation was associated with increased odds of METS and CRP-MetS. Among black adults, residing in the most deprived neighborhoods was associated with increased odds of obesity (p < .01), lower HDL (p < .001), high blood pressure (p < .01), elevated fasting glucose (p < .001), inflammation (p < .01), and CRP-MetS (p < .001). Among white adults, neighborhood deprivation was associated with higher waist circumference (p < .001), lower HDL (p < .001), higher triglycerides (p < .01), higher glucose (p < .001), higher BMI (p < .0001), higher blood pressure (p = .01), METS (p < .001), inflammation (p < .01) and CRP-MetS (p < .001). These findings highlight the role of neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on METS and CRP-MetS for black and white adults. Interventions tailored to address the contextual effects of deprived neighborhoods may reduce the observed neighborhood disparities.
Conscientious Consumerism Project in an Undergraduate Quality Management Class.

This article describes a “conscientious consumerism” project that involves the student as the consumer to either commend or complain to a company about a recent product or service experience. This activity and presentation helps students develop an understanding of the commendation/complaint management process within organizations while adding realism with the student as the customer. Students initiate communication with an organization and maintain a timeline of all contacts, calls, e-mails, letters, and visits to the company as they work to resolve or report their issue. The project begins early in the semester and concludes with a final registered, certified letter to the company CEO where students summarize the class project and praise processes or recommend any needed changes. When the project is presented, students learn how organizations manage and process customer feedback and complaints. Students have insightful comparisons of the implementation and execution of such processes within organizations. The project contributes to student learning and understanding of numerous key objectives of quality management including: how quality is managed in organizations, the strategic focus customer feedback can play in organizations, process management, voice of the customer, and benchmarking best compliment/complaint management practices.
Erythrocyte and plasma B-6 vitamer concentrations of long-term tobacco smokers, chewers, and nonusers.

Erythrocyte and plasma B-6 vitamer concentrations were determined in males aged 25-55 y who were long-term smokers, chewers, or nonusers. Tobacco users had either smoked (n = 23) or chewed (n = 11) for > 15 y ; nonusers (n = 11) had never smoked or chewed. All subjects had normal hematocrit values. Food energy, protein, and vitamin B-6 intakes of the three groups of subjects were not significantly different. All subjects had fasting plasma pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP) concentrations indicative of adequacy. Erythrocyte B-6 vitamer and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) concentrations of all three groups were not significantly different. Nonusers had significantly higher plasma PLP concentrations than did smokers, whereas PLP concentrations of chewers were intermediate between the two groups. Chewers had significantly higher concentrations of plasma pyridoxamine-5' -phosphate (PMP) than other groups. Plasma pyridoxal, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, and 4-PA concentrations of the three groups were not significantly different. Differences in some B-6 vitamer concentrations in plasma but not in erythrocytes were observed between tobacco users and nonusers. Am J Clin Nutr 1995 ;62 : 104-9.
A novel flexible wearable magnetic energy harvester utilizing inkjet masking techniques

In this paper, a novel flexible ambient energy harvesting circuit for the magnetic field from an off-the-shelf 1W two-way talk radio is discussed. As a result, a maximum output power of 146.9 mW with the RF-DC conversion efficiency of 89.2 % and open voltage of 23.86 V is achieved with H-field energy harvester placed on the back of a hand.
Runoff and erosion from a mosaic tobosagrass and burrograss community in the northern Chihuahuan Desert grassland

Abstract A mosaic plant community pattern was studied in the northern Chihuahuan Desert grassland region of sourthern New Mexico. The principal plant species of the mosaic were tobosagrass ( Hilaria mutica (Buckl.) Benth.) and burrograss ( Scleropogon brevifolius Phil.). Water runoff, sediment concentration, incremental sediment, and plant and soil properties of both species aggregations were measured. The study site was a large aggregation of burrograss plants in a tobosagrass matrix. Water runoff was three times greater from the burrograss aggregation than from the tobosagrass aggregation both before and after the growing season. Sediment concentration and cumulative sediment loss were also greater from the burrograss than the tobosagrass, except under wet conditions in the early autumn when sediment concentrations were similar. Differences are attributed to greater cover, phytomass, and surface roughness in the tobosagrass aggregation.
Prenominal adjective order and communication context

Will the communication context in which an object is described influence the ordering of prenominal adjectives? While viewing slides of objects in four different contexts, S s heard two descriptions of an object. These descriptions contained two adjectives (size and color) in either a normal or an inverted order with either a stress or a list intonation. If the context necessitated a discrimination based on color, then S s preferred the inverted order of adjectives. If size was the critical attribute, S s strongly preferred the normal order relative to control contexts. These relations were obtained only with stress intonation. The results supported a pragmatic-communication rule which determined prenominal adjective ordering rather than a simple syntactic or semantic rule.
Two-Dimensional Coherent Double Resonance Electronic Spectroscopy

A new form of coherent 2D spectroscopy involving a pair of electronic resonances appears to provide several advantages over more established techniques. It can resolve congested peaks and sort them by vibrational quantum number, rotational quantum number, and isotopomer. The high degree of symmetry in the resulting spectra facilitates the ability to assign the quantum numbers and isotopomer for each peak. Quantitative results are demonstrated using an isotopomeric mixture of bromine.
Ion-exclusion chromatography: Analysis and isolation of nucleic acid components, and influence of separation parameters

Abstract Ion exclusion, a manifestation of the Donnan effect, separates ionized from nonionized substances by excluding the former and utilizes the same ion-exchange materials as does ion exchange but at desorbing, as opposed to absorbing conditions. Ionizable substances can be partially excluded from the internal liquid of a similarly charged ion exchanger according to their degree of ionization, which can be adjusted by the pH and ionic strength of the elution solution. This principle can be applied to achieve chromatographic separations of the ionized substances, while the nonionized substances are simultaneously resolved by partition chromatography. This procedure has been studied, taking the common nucleosides as model compounds, for the influence of several separation parameters—pH, temperature, ionic strength, organic solvent, and flow rate. The results indicate that ion-exclusion chromatography is not only feasible but, with respect to “base analysis,” has practical advantages (speed; dilute, volatile eluants; small plate heights; satisfactory resolutions) over comparable forms of ion-exchange chromatography. The method successfully resolves a mixture of nanomole amounts of 4-thiouridine, pseudouridine, uridine, ribothymidine, guanosine, cytidine, and adenosine in 1 hr or less and utilizes dilute, volatile eluants (0.02 m (NH4)2CO3, pH 9.3 or 9.8). Optimum conditions for the separation of ribonucleosides, deoxyribonucleosides, and purine and pyrimidine bases by ion-exclusion chromatography are described.
Propagation of wind and buoyancy forced density anomalies in the North Pacific: Dependence on ocean model resolution

Abstract The response of the thermocline to changes in atmospheric forcing are explored in two 50-year hindcast North Pacific model runs. The model runs only differ in their resolution and horizontal viscosity values. The thermocline response is explored through a modal decomposition. The first baroclinic mode response is qualitatively similar in both model runs, with a somewhat smaller response in the lower resolution model. This mode is primarily wind driven. The second baroclinic mode shows a larger response at midlatitudes in the low-resolution model than in the higher resolution model. This is consistent with the presence of very large-scale baroclinic instability in the return flow of the subtropical gyre at low-resolution, and represents a spurious response of the ocean model to large horizontal viscosity. This spurious mode of decadal variability in the thermocline is maintained even when there is variability in atmospheric forcing. This result suggests that care must be taken in interpretation of the realism of mid-latitude modes of variability centered in western boundary current extensions of coupled ocean–atmosphere models.
Smart grid: Overview, issues and opportunities. Advances and challenges in sensing, modeling, simulation, optimization and control

The genesis of early power systems and electric power grids during the past 130 years was enabled by automation and control of electromechanical machinery and power delivery networks. Today's end-to-end power and energy systems (from fuel source to end use) fundamentally depend on embedded and often an overlaid systems of sensors, computation, communication, control and optimization. There are even more opportunities and challenges in today's devices and systems, as well as in the emerging modern power systems – ranging from dollars, watts, emissions, standards, and more – at nearly every scale of sensing and control. Recent policies combined with potential for technological innovations and business opportunities, have attracted a high level of interest in smart grids. The potential for a highly distributed system with a high penetration of intermittent sources poses opportunities and challenges. Any complex dynamic infrastructure network typically has many layers, decision-making units and is vulnerable to various types of disturbances. Effective, intelligent, distributed control is required that would enable parts of the networks to remain operational and even automatically reconfigure in the event of local failures or threats of failure. This presentation provides an overview of smart grids and recent advances in distributed sensing, modeling, and control, particularly at both the high-voltage power grid and at consumer level. Such advances may contribute toward the development of an effective, intelligent, distributed control of power system networks with a focus on addressing distributed sensing, computation, estimation, controls and dynamical systems challenges and opportunities ahead.
Catheter-Specific Rates of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Critically Ill Children

Abstract BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLA-BSI) are the most common healthcare-associated infection among hospitalized children. Active surveillance for CLA-BSI among critically ill children at our hospital has revealed a rate of infection that is above the median rate reported by NNIS for patients in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). In response to these data, we conducted intensive education about the use of maximal sterile barriers, introduction of chlorhexidine/alcohol for skin preparation and care, and strategies to reduce line utilization. To date, we have not detected a significant change in our rate of CLA-BSI. OBJECTIVES: To understand how central venous catheter (CVC) type influences the risk of CLA-BSI in a population of critically children. METHODS: We perform unit-based surveillance for CLA-BSI in our 38-bed PICU. CDC definitions are used to determine CLA-BSI. For 12 months, a daily tally of the type of catheter used was recorded on every patient hospitalized in the PICU with a CVC. The total and catheter-specific rates of CLA-BSI were determined. RESULTS: During the study period, the median rate for total CLA-BSI was 12.6 (9.5–16.4, 95%CI) per 1000 catheter days; the mean CVC utilization ratio was 0.38 line days per patient day. Despite greater than 4200 line days, we did not measure a significant difference in catheter-specific rates of CLA-BSI: for patients with non-tunneled CVC the rate of CLA-BSI was 12.7 (8.6–17.9) as compared to 14.3 (7.8–23.9) per 1000 catheter days for patients with tunneled CVC. Among patients with peripheral intravenous central catheters (PICC), the rate of CLA-BSI was 10.2 (4.4–20.0) per 1000 catheter days. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that there may be little difference in catheter-specific CLA-BSI rates among critically ill children. However, additional study with data from multiple institutions is needed to detect small differences in the catheter-specific rate of CLA-BSI in this patient population. In addition, strategies to reduce the rate of CLA-BSI among children with long-term CVC (PICC or tunneled catheters) may be needed. Strategies we are considering include 1) reducing the frequency of CVC access; 2) modifying the protocol for CVC hub preparation prior to access; and 3) establishing a dedicated catheter-care team.
Conditions for Symmetry of Multiply Separated Positions in Coplanar Motion

A generalized treatment for combinations of infinitesimally and finitely separated coplanar positions is presented for four, five, and six positions lying symmetrically about an axis in the reference plane. Symmetry of the first and second kind are shown to be distinct because of the constraint system and not due to the form of the motion specification. The solution for the Burmester points is represented by the intersection of the Bottema conics. This development is supported by an algorithm for synthesizing five multiply separated positions in coplanar motion.
EVALUATION OF AV CANAL DEFECTS USING ECG-GATED NMR IMAGING

Preoperative assessment of AV canal defects requires precise delineation of ventricular, septal and valvular morphology. In particular, recognition of ventricular hypoplasia is critical since it may preclude successful surgical correction. This evaluation is difficult even with cineangiography and 2-dimensional echocardiography. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is a new technique capable of providing excellent spatial and contrast resolution of cardiovascular structures without the need for contrast agents. We have used ECG-gated NMRI at 0.3T to evaluate 6 children with AV canal defects, including 3 with balanced chamber sizes, 2 with hypoplasia of the left ventricle and 1 hypoplastic right ventricle. All 6 defects were readily imaged and the 3 hypoplastic ventricles identified. AV valve morphology could be determined in 5 patients. Other frequently seen structures included papillary muscles, chordae tendinae and moderator bands. We conclude that gated NMRI is a valuable adjunct to angiography and echocardiography in the preoperative evaluation of children with AV canal defects.
Identifying patients with problematic drug use in the emergency department: results of a multisite study.

Study objective Drug-related emergency department (ED) visits have steadily increased, with substance users relying heavily on the ED for medical care. The present study aims to identify clinical correlates of problematic drug use that would facilitate identification of ED patients in need of substance use treatment. Methods Using previously validated tests, 15,224 adult ED patients across 6 academic institutions were prescreened for drug use as part of a large randomized prospective trial. Data for 3,240 participants who reported drug use in the past 30 days were included. Self-reported variables related to demographics, substance use, and ED visit were examined to determine their correlative value for problematic drug use. Results Of the 3,240 patients, 2,084 (64.3%) met criteria for problematic drug use (Drug Abuse Screening Test score ≥3). Age greater than or equal to 30 years, tobacco smoking, daily or binge alcohol drinking, daily drug use, primary noncannabis drug use, resource-intense ED triage level, and perceived drug-relatedness of ED visit were highly correlated with problematic drug use. Among primary cannabis users, correlates of problematic drug use were age younger than 30 years, tobacco smoking, binge drinking, daily drug use, and perceived relatedness of the ED visit to drug use. Conclusion Clinical correlates of drug use problems may assist the identification of ED patients who would benefit from comprehensive screening, intervention, and referral to treatment. A clinical decision rule is proposed. The correlation between problematic drug use and resource-intense ED triage levels suggests that ED-based efforts to reduce the unmet need for substance use treatment may help decrease overall health care costs.
Phospholipase C Beta reduces the Binding and Cleavage of Oligonucleotides by Component 3 Promoter of RISC

Phospholipase C beta1 (PLCβ1), a key component in the classical pathway of G protein signaling system, relays information from G-proteins to downstream effectors upon stimulation of G-protein coupled receptors. Recently we found a novel role for PLCβ1 in gene regulation through TRAX, a protein implicated in RNA interference pathway. TRAX in complex with its protein partner translin, a DNA and RNA binding protein, has nuclease activity. We found that in cells, PLCβ1 selectively reverses the siRNA-mediated down-regulation of certain housekeeping genes such as GAPDH and LDH, but not of Cyclophilin A or Hsp90. Over-expression of TRAX inhibited the PLCβ1-mediated rescue of down-regulation of GAPDH and LDH. Our data in HEK and Hela cells indicate that PLCβ1 might play a role in TRAX-mediated RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) activities of metabolic proteins. We have carried out in-vitro studies to characterize the biochemical properties of TRAX and translin, and the effect of PLCβ1 on binding and rate of hydrolysis of oligonucleotides by TRAX and TRAX-translin octameric complex, Component 3 promoter of RISC (C3PO). From acrylamide as well as agarose native gel electrophoresis and anisotropy measurements, we observed that translin, TRAX and C3PO exist in multiple oligomeric states that bind DNA and RNA. We were able to determine the cleavage rates for ssRNA by TRAX, translin and C3PO. We found that PLCβ1 reduces the rate of hydrolysis by C3PO through decreasing the affinity of a weak binding site of RNA on C3PO complex. The effect of PLCβ1 is seen at higher concentration of C3PO suggesting a role for PLCβ1 at localized elevated levels of C3PO, as in RISC.
An analysis of the effects of smoking and other cardiovascular risk factors on obliteration rates after arteriovenous malformation radiosurgery.

Abstract Purpose: To assess the relationships of smoking and other cardiovascular disease risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and gender) to rates of radiosurgery-induced obliteration of arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Methods and Materials: We evaluated follow-up imaging and clinical data in 329 AVM patients who received gamma knife radiosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh between 1987 and 1994. There were 113 smokers, 29 hypertensives, 5 diabetics, 4 hypercholesterolemics, 159 male patients, and 170 female patients. All patients had regular clinical or imaging follow-up for a minimum of 3 years after radiosurgery. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that smoking had no effect on AVM obliteration ( p > 0.43). Hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia had no discernible effect on AVM obliteration in this study ( p > 0.78). However, females aged 12–49 had a statistically significant lower in-field obliteration rate than males (78% vs. 89%, p = 0.0102). Conclusion: Smoking has no effect on AVM obliteration. Hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia had no discernible effect in this study. Further study is needed to establish whether estrogen has a vascular protective effect that could partially limit radiosurgical AVM obliteration, as suggested by this study.
Protection by cyclosporin A of cultured hepatocytes from the toxic consequences of the loss of mitochondrial energization produced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium.

Abstract Cyclosporin A prevented the killing of cultured rat hepatocytes by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP + ). However, in the presence of both cyclosporin and atractyloside, there was no protection. Cyclosporin had no effect on the depletion of ATP or the loss of mitochondrial energization by MPP + . Cyclosporin, however, did prevent the increase in the molecular order of hepatocyte membranes produced by MPP + . These data suggest that mitochondrial de-energization produced by MPP + is accompanied by a “permeability transition” analogous to that which occurs in vitro in the presence of calcium. By preventing this transition, cyclosporin protects the cells. By antagonizing this action of cyclosporin, atractyloside restores the cell killing. The mitochondrial transition is causally linked to cell killing by a mechanism that increases the molecular order of the hepatocyte plasma membrane.
The role of reducing agents in the action of tyrosinase.

Abstract The effect of ascorbic acid and reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide on the enzymic oxidation of phenol and p -cresol has been examined. The results confirm previous work and show that reducing agents cause elimination of the induction period and a concurrent increase in the rate of oxidation of the monohydroxy compound. Evidence is presented which substantiates the hypothesis that the hydroxylation of phenolic compounds catalyzed by tyrosinase is similar in mechanism to the enzymic hydroxylation of aromatic compounds and sterols.
Effects of Emotional Mood States in Recognizing Places: Disentangling Conscious and Unconscious Retrieval

The effects of emotional mood states on remembering scenes along a route of travel were examined in two experiments. For Experiment 1, 48 participants were exposed to a route of travel following a sad, happy, or neutral mood-induction procedure. Process dissociation (Jacoby, 1991) was used to derive separate estimates of the relative roles of conscious recollection and sense of familiarity (unconscious retrieval) in recognizing scenes. Conscious recollection, but not familiarity, was adversely affected by being in an emotional mood state during exposure. For Experiment 2, 24 participants given neutral mood induction were divided according to self-reports of induced mood. Participants in the sad mood group selected more old frames such as "looking sad" in a later test of implicit memory (unconscious retrieval) than did those in the happy mood group. These results reinforced that researchers must address diverse memory processes to understand the role of emotional mood states in spatial cognition.
Sex-role differentiation in feeding and defence of young by a biparental catfish, Bagrus meridionalis

Abstract Abstract. Parental feeding of young is well documented among endothermic vertebrates and social insects but is rare among fish. Bagrus meridionalis parents feed their young in a manner analogous to birds and social insects. Females feed trophic eggs to the young and the male burrows to expose benthic invertebrates for the young to eat. These behaviour patterns and parental defence of the young were directly observed with remote video-cameras. Division of labour between parents exists not only in the feeding of the young but also in their defence. Role differentiation in defence of the young was greatest when the young were subjected to the most attacks from predators. The female attacked and chased potential brood predators at the edge of the school while the male remained with the brood, executing more frontal displays. On the other hand, as the young grew older and predation decreased, both parents engaged in more sex-specific food provisioning behaviour such as egg release by the female and nest burrowing by the male. Parental role differentiation and monogamy in this species might have evolved both to enhance the growth rate of the young and to reduce their susceptibility to predation.
DNA-DNA interstrand cross-linking by FR66979 and FR900482: Requirement of metal ions during reductive activation

Abstract The antitumor antibiotics FR66979 and FR900482 are believed to undergo bioreductive activation in vivo, enabling them to alkylate DNA. Reduction has previously been accomplished in vitro using sodium dithionite or dithiothreitol. We find that metal ions are a previously unrecognized, critical component of these reactions, which are suppressed by addition of EDTA and greatly stimulated by addition of catalytic quantities of iron(II) salts. This finding should greatly facilitate the elucidation of the details of the reaction cascades which follow reductive activation.
Interactions between Meloidogyne incognita and endophytic bacteria in cotton and cucumber

Abstract Greenhouse studies with cotton and cucumber were made to determine the effects of inoculation of the parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita on population dynamics of indigenous bacterial endophytes and introduced endophytic bacterial strains JM22 (Enterobacter asburiae) and 89B-61 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) applied as seed treatments. Internal communities of endophytic bacteria in roots were generally largest in the presence of M. incognita. Recovery of JM22 from cucumber roots was positively, but not significantly, associated with soilborne nematode inoculum size, except at 2 weeks after inoculation. The internal populations of 89B-61 applied to seed also increased with nematode applications. The diversity of indigenous bacterial endophytes changed within 7 d after M. incognita inoculation. Species richness and diversity of endophytic bacteria were slightly, but not significantly, greater for nematode-infested plants than for non-infested plants. Alcaligenes piechaudii and Burkholderia pickettii occurred only in nematode-infested plants, whereas Brevundimonas vesicularis was mainly isolated from nematode-free plants. Agrobacterium radiobacter and Pseudomonas spp. were the most common taxa found in both treatments, accounting for a total of 41% and 37% of the community for non-inoculated and inoculated plants, respectively. JM22 colonized cotton roots internally and was also found in high numbers on the root surface around nematode penetration sites and on root galls where the root tissue had been disruptured due to gall enlargement. Single cells of JM22 were attached to the cuticle of M. incognita juveniles. Endophytic bacteria and M. incognita form complex associations, and an understanding of these associations will aid efforts to develop and manage microbial communities of endophytic bacteria for practical use as biocontrol agents against plant-parasitic nematodes and soil-borne pests and pathogens.
Low stress creep of fine-grained materials at intermediate temperatures: Diffusional creep or grain boundary sliding?

Abstract The work of Burton, Crossland, Jones and others on the creep of polycrystalline metals, of grain size about 10 – 100 μm, at intermediate temperatures (about (0.4 – 0.6)Tm) and low stresses ((10−5 - 10−4)E), is reviewed. These investigators suggest that such materials will deform by diffusional (Coble) creep accompanied by a threshold stress below which creep will not occur. Jones' observations that the creep rates of such metals are generally faster than those predicted by Coble creep and that the observed threshold stresses are unpredictably high has led us to consider alternative mechanisms for plastic flow. Our analyses indicate that the creep of such materials follows a relation of the form ϵ ∝ D gb δ 2 / d 3 , with no threshold stres, in agreement with the relation developed for describing fine-grained two-phase superplastic alloys. These correlations suggest that grain boundary sliding accommodated by slip is the principal mechanism of plastic flow. It is shown that diffusional creep (Coble) and grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusional creep (Ashby-Verrall) are mechanisms which are not likely to contribute to plastic flow at stresses above 10−5E.
Influence of magnetic field on peristaltic flow of a Casson fluid in an asymmetric channel: Application in crude oil refinement

Abstract The influence of magnetic field on peristaltic flow of a Casson fluid model is considered. The model for peristaltic literature is modelled first time. The governing coupled equations are constructed under long wavelength and low Reynold's number approximation. Exact solutions are evaluated for stream function and pressure gradient. The important findings in this study are the variation of the Hartmann number M , Casson fluid parameter ζ and amplitudes a, b, d and ϕ . The velocity field increases due to increase in Hartmann number M near the channel walls while velocity field decreases at the centre of the channel.
Chemically amplified photoresist characterization using interdigitated electrodes: an improved method for determining the Dill C parameter

We have recently developed a technique that utilizes capacitance data from resist coated interdigitated electrodes to measure the kinetic rate constant of photoacid generation (commonly referred to as the Dill C parameter) for photoacid generators in chemically amplified resists. The work presented in this paper focuses on a recently improved version of the IDE Dill C measurement technique. The original version of the technique required coating several IDEs with resist films containing different loadings of photoacid generator and then using the capacitance data from these IDEs to calculate linear mixing relationships between IDE capacitance and the content of PAG or photoproducts within the resist film. The improved version of the technique reported here totally eliminates the need for this “calibration process” through the use of normalized capacitance data. Elimination of the need to measure linear mixing relationships independently for each PAG and polymer combination gives the improved technique many advantages over the prior version. These include improved curve fitting and accuracy of Dill C calculations; fewer raw materials, IDEs, and experimental time; and most importantly, the potential to measure the Dill C for a resist from a single IDE with no prior knowledge of the resist’s photoacid generator type or loading. A detailed derivation of the normalization scheme is presented in this paper, along with evidence of the dramatic improvement in model curve fit that can be achieved using this technique. In addition, Dill C parameters measured for five different photoacid generators with both the original and normalized version of the IDE technique are presented to demonstrate that both techniques measure the same Dill C parameter and hence are describing the same physical phenomena.
The Consumer's Micro-Micro Gasoline Buying Decision

A “micro-micro” consumer problem of gasoline purchases is examined using daily price data. Comparing the optimizing consumer with one who buys gasoline at random, the paper finds optimizers save about 4% of their annual gasoline bill. The paper also provides some evidence about the costs of non-optimal gasoline buying strategies.
Cultured sympathetic neurons: Effects of cell-derived and synthetic substrata on survival and development

Abstract The long-term culture of dissociated rat sympathetic neurons requires strong adhesion of the neuronal processes to the culture substratum. A variety of artificial and cell-derived substrata was examined for their effects on the survival, neurite outgrowth, and neurotransmitter development of these neurons. Compared to dried collagen films, both three-dimensional hydrated collagen gels and surfaces coated with basic polymers provided a substratum highly adherent for developing neurons. Polylysine and polyornithine were most suitable for long-term culture when covalently linked with glutaraldehyde to an underlying layer of dried gelatin. Dissociated neurons also attached strongly to a substratum of killed nonneuronal cells fixed by paraformaldehyde, heat, ethanol, or trichloroacetic acid. In addition, an extracellular, substrate-associated material apparently produced by nonneuronal cells (rat cardiac myocytes and associated fibroblasts) promoted the long-term adhesion of growing neurites. The adhesive property of this microexudate was sensitive to trypsin, periodate, and alkali, but resistant to hyaluronidase, chondroitinase, 8 M urea, and 0.5 M acetic acid. Similar characteristics have been reported for fibronectin, an extracellular glycoprotein produced by many cells and cell lines. This protein, or one with similar features, may function in vivo in the extension and guidance of neuronal fibers. The choice and development of neurotransmitter function were unaffected by the various substrata tested, with one exception. Nonneuronal cells fixed with paraformaldehyde caused a significant induction of cholinergic properties similar to that seen with nonneuronal conditioned medium.
Correlation between electrochemical reactions with bare surfaces and corrosion fatigue crack growth in steels

Abstract The results of this preliminary correlation demonstrate the relationship between electrochemical reactions with bare metal surfaces and CF crack growth for steels in aqueous environments, and is very encouraging. These findings provide further support for the hypothesis of surface/electrochemical react control, and indicate the effectiveness of the in-situ fracture technique in providing unambiguous measurements of bare-surface reaction kinetics. For quantitative modeling, efforts will be needed to provide measurements of current and charge densities, and to address the issue of actual surface areas of cracks. Additional research is in progress and will be reported.
Linear Ti:Linbo 3 Modulators At 1.3 μm For Electromagnetic Field Sensing

Theory and experiment at 1.3 μm are presented to describe and compare the behavior of two kinds of channel waveguide modulators in Ti-indiffused LiNb03: Mach-Zehnder interferometers and directional couplers. Each device can be operated as a linear modulator when biased to an appropriate point, either by passive geometrical means or by application of a DC voltage. However, the device voltage responses differ, being sinusoidal for an interferometer and varying as sin2x/x2 for a directional coupler. There is good agreement between calculated and measured device responses. The linear dynamic range of each kind of modulator is reported. We have measured linearity over 76 dB and voltage sensitivities of ~ 13 μV.
Toxicological findings in deaths due to ingestion of pentazocine: a report of two cases

Abstract Two cases of fatal suicidal ingestion of pentazocine are presented. Toxicological findings in these deaths are compared to those of twelve similar pentazocine fatalities gleaned from various compilation of toxicology data. Pentazocine blood and liver concentrations in the presented cases were 3.3 and 9.2 mg/l, and 34 and 43 mg/kg, respectively. Blood and liver concentrations in references cases ranged from 0.8 – 38 mg/l and 3 – 197 mg/kg, respectively. The interpretation of toxicology findings following the ingestion of pentazocine is discussed.
Patient perceptions of the risks and benefits of infliximab for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Background: For a patient to make informed, preference based decisions, they must be able to balance the risks and benefits of treatment. The aim of this study was to determine patients' and parents' perceptions of the risks and benefits of infliximab for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Adult patients with IBD and parents of patients attending IBD patient education symposiums were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the risks and benefits of infliximab. Results: One hundred and sixty-five questionnaires were completed. A majority (59%) of respondents expected a remission rate greater than 50% at 1 year and 18% expected a remission rate greater than 70% at 1 year. More than one-third (37%) of respondents answered that infliximab is not associated with a risk of lymphoma and 67% responded that the lymphoma risk is no higher than twice that of the general population. When presented a scenario of a hypothetical new drug for IBD with risks mirroring those estimated for infliximab, 64% of respondents indicated that they would not take the medication, despite its described benefits. Thirty percent of these patients were either currently taking or had previously taken infliximab. Patients actively taking infliximab predicted the highest remission rates for the infliximab (P = 0.05), and parents of patients predicted the lowest (P = 0.01). Parents estimated a higher risk of lymphoma than patients (P = 0.003). Risk and benefit perception was independent of gender and age of patient respondents. Conclusions: Compared to published literature, patients and parents of patients overestimate the benefit of infliximab and underestimate its risks. We conclude that effective methods for communicating risks and benefits to patients need to be developed. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2007)
Stereoselective and isozyme-selective drug interactions.

A surprisingly large number of marketed drugs are racemic mixtures. The pharmacokinetic literature on racemic drugs contains a vast amount of information on drug–drug interactions derived from the measurement of total drug concentrations in plasma and urine. The appreciation of the role of stereochemistry in drug interactions with racemic warfarin resulted in a long-overdue scientific rigor being applied to the study of drug interactions. It also compelled us to recognize that much of the literature was uninterpretable. A better understanding of oxidative metabolism, particularly the complexity of the cytochrome P-450 family of enzymes, has also strengthened the scientific basis of drug interactions. We now recognize that investigators and clinicians must consider both stereoselectivity and isozyme selectivity in the study of drug interactions to understand the nature of the interaction so as to more effectively use new and potent drugs. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ontogeny of hypothalamic-hindbrain feeding control circuits.

Ingestive behavior is a complex product of distributed central control systems that respond to a diverse array of internal and external sensory stimuli. Relatively little is known regarding the pathways and mechanisms by which relevant signals are conveyed to the neural circuits that ultimately control ingestive motor output. This report summarizes findings regarding the postnatal development of descending hypothalamic inputs to the hindbrain dorsal vagal complex (DVC). Evidence accumulated primarily in rats indicates that descending neural projections from the hypothalamus to the DVC are both structurally and functionally immature at birth. The progressive postnatal maturation of these projections occurs in parallel with newly emerging physiological and behavioral responsiveness to treatments and stimuli that affect food intake in adults. Thus, the postnatal emergence of new feeding controls may reflect the emerging access of these controls to DVC neural circuits. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 48: 389–396, 2006.
The evolution of the cancer niche during multistage carcinogenesis

The concept of the tumour microenvironment recognizes that the interplay between cancer cells and stromal cells is a crucial determinant of cancer growth. In this Perspectives article, we propose the novel concept that the tumour microenvironment is built through rate-limiting steps during multistage carcinogenesis. Construction of a 'precancer niche' is a necessary and early step that is required for initiated cells to survive and evolve; subsequent niche expansion and maturation accompany tumour promotion and progression, respectively. As such, cancer niches represent an emergent property of a tumour that could be a robust target for cancer prevention and therapy.
Effects of radiofrequency energy on human articular cartilage: an analysis of 5 systems.

Background: Previous radiofrequency work has not rigidly controlled energy application to the articular cartilage, giving uncertain results published to date.Hypothesis: At minimal settings, radiofrequency probes cause cell death in measurable areas when applied to human articular cartilage.Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.Methods: Simulating operating room conditions, 5 commercially available radiofrequency probes were attached to a customized jig to standardize a minimal contact pressure of each probe tip to 2.0 g. Keeping all variables the same, probes were placed on specific points of fresh grade II human cartilage with treatment times of 1 and 3 seconds at the manufacturer’s recommended settings. Grade III cartilage was also tested with a treatment time of 3 seconds, and grade II cartilage was studied with the probe held 1 mm off the cartilage surface. Cartilage was blindly analyzed by confocal microscopy using a live/dead cell viability assay to determine the extent of cell death.Results: R...
Comments on Crispin Wright on basic arithmetical knowledge

This is a commentary on an unpublished paper by Crispin Wright that was presented at the 2010 Oberlin Philosophy Colloquium, entitled "Basic Arithmetical Knowledge", which will not appear in this issue of Philosophical Studies.1 I have tried to make my comments intelligible to those who have not had the opportunity to read Wright's paper. To my mind, the trifecta of really big problems in the theory of knowledge is this: (1) skepticism about knowledge of the external world, (2) the nature of selfknowledge, and (3) the nature of a priori knowledge. Crispin Wright's paper tackles some fundamental issues regarding the third member of the formidable trio. In other work, as we know, Crispin has shed light on the first two members of the trio. We blithely tell our Philosophy 1 students that 4 + 3 = 7 is a paradigm case of a priori knowledge. Crispin raises the question, How, in the simplest instances, can we gain such a priori knowledge? He wants to start by considering what he calls simple process and picture proofs of basic arithmetical propositions. Imagine a child, or me, doing the fingers "counting proof' that Crispin describes as follows (a process proof): Count four fingers in a row on your left hand, starting with the pinky; then count three more fingers, left thumb followed by right pinky and ring finger; then count all those same fingers, and you get the seven result (assuming no Evil Genius!). So 4 + 3 = 7. It is interesting to compare Crispin's "proof' of 4 + 3 = 7 with what Kant says in a famous passage in the Introduction to the Critique of Pure Reason. Kant considers whether 7 + 5 = 12 is "a merely analytic proposition", following "by the principle of contradiction from the concept of a sum of 7 and 5":
Signal transduction: Wnt signalling shows its versatility

Wnt signalling controls many different cell fate choices in a wide variety of animal species. Recent studies have revealed that regulatory interactions at several steps in the pathway can modify its outcome, helping to explain how the same pathway can, in different contexts, have very different characteristics and consequences.
Uniform shell patterning using rubber‐assisted hot embossing process. II. Process analysis

This two-article sequence on rubber-assisted embossing was aimed to understand the basic mechanisms affecting the pattern uniformity and replicability and to determine a process window for achieving uniform patterning and faithful replication. In Part I, the effects of major process and material parameters were identified and studied, and strategies for successful hot embossing with rubber as a pressure medium were proposed. In Part II, the rubber-assisted embossing process was analyzed considering the unique rheological behavior of the materials involved to develop useful predictive capabilities for this new process. Specifically, a finite-strain hyperelastic formulation was used for simulating the isothermal embossing stage, and a generalized Maxwell model was used to study the stress relaxation during the holding stage and to predict the elastic recovery after demolding. The rheological properties obtained in Part I were fitted to the constitutive models and implemented in the simulation procedures. The simulation results agreed with the major findings in the experimental work and provided a more quantitative insight into the process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative study between robotic laparoscopic myomectomy and abdominal myomectomy

Abstract Study objective To compare short-term surgical outcomes of robotic and abdominal myomectomy and to analyze the factors affecting the short-term outcomes. Design Retrospective study of a consecutive case series at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Atlanta, USA. Subjects and method From February 2007 to June 2009, 122 patients with symptomatic leiomyomata underwent either robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM, n = 77) or abdominal myomectomy (AM, n = 45). The variables investigated included the type of surgery, age, BMI, gravity, parity, number of leiomyomata, diameter of largest tumor size, total operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Results No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding age, gravity and parity. However, BMI, number of leiomyomata and tumor sizes were significantly higher in AM compared to RALM. The total operative time was significantly longer in RALM compared to AM. The total estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in RALM compared to the AM group. The predicted odds of staying one day or less in the hospital for patients receiving RALM was 193.5 times the odds for patients receiving AM when adjusted for the number of leiomyomata and the tumor size. The probability of one day admission or less in the hospital was significantly increased for patients receiving RALM. Conclusion RALM has shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and increased operative time compared to AM, regardless of tumor size and number of tumors. Although operative time was increased with the RALM procedure, blood loss and hospital stay were integral outcomes in the study result.