cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of pentastarch in granulocyte collection by centrifugal leukapheresis

The efficacy of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (hetastarch, HS) in enhancing granulocyte harvest by centrifugal leukapheresis has been described by a simple equation which predicts the granulocyte collection efficiency (GCE) based on an intrinsic donor variable, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) : GCE (%) = 1.3 ESR (mm/hr) + 45. Ten percent low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch (pentastarch, PS) has been reported to be as effective as HS with potentially fewer adverse donor reactions (ADR). The derivation of an analogous equation for PS under conditions previously reported for HS may quantify PS efficacy and allow comparison to HS. We prospectively measured the in vitro and the in vivo effects of PS on the donor ESR in 53 granulocyte collections from 44 donors using the model CS-3000 Plus blood cell separator (CS). We then correlated the findings with the GCE of each procedure and derived an equation which expresses GCE in terms of baseline donor ESR. The in vitro addition of PS increased the donor ESR 2.4-fold, but its administration to a donor during a collection procedure did not appreciably change the ESR. Higher baseline donor ESR was more likely to result in more efficient cell collections : GCE (%) = 0.8 ESR (mm/hr) + 20 ; (r = 0.37). For granulocyte harvests using the CS and PS as the sedimenting agent 1) baseline donor ESR affects granulocyte harvests, but the poor correlation does not allow an accurate prediction of GCE and cell yield from the baseline donor ESR ; 2) in comparison with HS (results from a previous study), PS may be less effective in vitro and not effective in vivo in elevating ESR, and may be less effective in enhancing granulocyte harvest ; and 3) the parameters (slope, y-intercept, correlation coefficient) which define the linear relationship between baseline donor ESR and GCE may serve collectively as a quantitative measure of the effectiveness of different hydroxyethyl starch agents in enhancing granulocyte harvests. These parameters may be helpful in rapidly assessing the clinical efficacy of new, potentially useful hydroxyethyl starch agents prior to initiating a randomized, controlled clinical trial.
Molecular beam epitaxy growth of niobium oxides by solid/liquid state oxygen source and lithium assisted metal-halide chemistry

Abstract In order to consistently grow high quality niobium oxides and lithium niobium oxides, a novel solid/liquid state oxygen source, LiClO 4 , has been implemented in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system. LiClO 4 is shown to decompose into both molecular and atomic oxygen upon heating. This allows oxidation rates similar to that of molecular oxygen but at a reduced overall beam flux, quantified by in situ Auger analysis. LiClO 4 operation is decomposition limited to less than 400 °C, and other material limitations are identified. The design of a custom near-ambient NbCl 5 effusion cell is presented, which improves both short and long term stability. Films of Nb oxidation state +2, +3, and +5 are grown using these new tools, including the multi-functional sub-oxide LiNbO 2 .
Fourier series representation of industrial load profiles

Many industrial processes consist of motor-driven equipment and robotics operated in discrete power consuming steps or loads. The optimal sequencing of these loads makes it possible to reduce the superposition or additive load that occurs when various loads have the potential of being on at the same time. Savings in power demand costs may be realized as well as an optimization of plant production and operation. The Fourier series representation of load profiles provides a compact, flexible means of storing this information.
New complexity results about Nash equilibria

Abstract We provide a single reduction that demonstrates that in normal-form games: (1) it is NP -complete to determine whether Nash equilibria with certain natural properties exist (these results are similar to those obtained by Gilboa and Zemel [Gilboa, I., Zemel, E., 1989. Nash and correlated equilibria: Some complexity considerations. Games Econ. Behav. 1, 80–93]), (2) more significantly, the problems of maximizing certain properties of a Nash equilibrium are inapproximable (unless P = NP ), and (3) it is # P -hard to count the Nash equilibria. We also show that determining whether a pure-strategy Bayes–Nash equilibrium exists in a Bayesian game is NP -complete, and that determining whether a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium exists in a Markov (stochastic) game is PSPACE -hard even if the game is unobserved (and that this remains NP -hard if the game has finite length). All of our hardness results hold even if there are only two players and the game is symmetric.
HIV Risk Behaviors among a Sample of Young Black College Women

ABSTRACT Statistics show that African American women account for 64% of all HIV/AIDS cases reported in 2005 compared with White women (19%) and Hispanic women (15%) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2005). Typically, HIV/AIDS research focuses on prevention for high-risk minority women and men who have sex with men (MSM), while young Black college women are ignored as a risk group. This study examined factors that influence HIV risk behaviors among a sample of 189 young Black women aged 18–24 from a Historically Black University. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires that asked about their condom use with either a boyfriend or casual sex partner in the preceding 12 months, as well as their substance use and condom use self-efficacy. Results indicated that the type of sexual relationship in which the participants' were involved and their self-efficacy are positively associated with their condom use. Substance use was negatively associated with condom use.
Updates on Coronary CTA in the Emergency Department

Acute chest pain is one of the most common presenting complaints in the emergency department. Over the last several years, numerous studies have reported on the value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in evaluating patient with emergent chest pain. Some of the benefits demonstrated in these studies included more efficient patient triage, decreased health care utilization, and improved diagnostic accuracy when evaluating patients with possible acute coronary syndrome. The goal of this article is to provide the reader with an update on the advances in CCTA in the emergency department as well as review the current strengths and potential drawbacks of this imaging exam.
Striving for Educational and Career Goals During the Transition After High School: What is Beneficial?

The present study takes a motivational perspective that views youths' educational and career engagement as influential and potentially competing for the same motivational resources in the transition to adulthood. We investigated whether motivational engagement with educational and career goals in the year after high-school graduation was differentially associated with educational, career-related and subjective well-being outcomes 2 and 4 years after school graduation. Our longitudinal study of a multi-ethnic sample of Los Angeles high-school graduates followed participants 2 years (N = 561; 61.5 % female) and 4 years (N = 364; 59.8 % female) after high school graduation. The findings indicate that motivational engagement with educational goals after high school graduation predicted educational attainments and psychological well-being at follow-up 2 and 4 years after graduation, and occupational progress at 4 years after graduation. Work hours assessed shortly after high school graduation were associated with poorer educational outcomes both at 2 and 4 years after high school. Occupational goal engagement was not associated with better outcomes, but predicted less educational attainment 4 years after graduating. Thus, educational goal engagement predicted favorable outcomes, whereas career-related goal engagement for the most part was neutral with some select associations with negative educational outcomes. A strong motivational commitment to educational goals, but not to career goals, is an important component of a successful transition to adulthood.
Soil Physical Properties of Aging Golf Course Putting Greens

United States Golf Association (USGA) specifi cation putting greens are designed to limit excess soil water and compaction; but these soil properties change over time. Objectives were to defi ne soil physical properties of sand- amended rootzones as affected by (i) rootzone mixture, (ii) establishment treatment, and (iii) putting green age. The USGA specifi cation rootzones were built and established with Agrostis stolonifera L. in four sequential years. Rootzone treatments were 80:20 (v:v) sand and sphagnum peat and an 80:15:5 (v:v) sand, sphagnum peat, and soil. An accelerated establishment treatment applied 2.5, 3, and 2.5 times N, P, and K, levels, respectively, than the control treatment. Data were collected on rootzone particle size distribution and saturated hydraulic conductivity (K sat ), bulk density, total, air-fi lled and capillary porosity for 8 yr, infi ltration rate for 10 yr. All soil physical properties changed with age, but were not infl uenced by establishment treatment. Infi ltration declined 73% but remained adequate (≥0.15 m h –1 ) for location precipitation. Capillary porosity and bulk density increased 32 and 7%, respectively, while air-fi lled porosity decreased 38%. Capillary and air-fi lled porosity still met USGA specifi cation after 8 yr. Addition of soil to the sand-based rootzone mixture had no negative effect on soil physical properties. Fine sand from topdressing and surface organic matter accumulation were thought to account for these changes.
Structure and variation of human ribosomal DNA: molecular analysis of cloned fragments

Abstract Eco-RI-A fragments of the human ribosomal RNA gene family from two types of tissue and three individuals were cloned in λ vectors and compared by restriction enzyme digestion and electron microscopy. The EcoRI fragment A contains (i) 0.2 kb of the 3' end of the 18S rDNA, (ii) 2.5 kb of internal transcribed spacer and the 5.8S rDNA, and (iii) 4.6 kb of the 28S rDNA gene. All of the six cloned rDNA fragments isolated are identical by these analyses. Moreover, all contain a HincII site that is absent in about 50% of the rDNA identified by genomic blotting. Polymorphism in the nontranscribed spacer rDNA was studied on genomic blots of BamHI-digested DNA, using the 3' end of the 28S rDNA as a probe. The boundaries between the 18S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer, 28S rDNA, and external nontranscribed spacer were determined by R-loop analysis, further defining the organization of the ribosomal RNA precursor.
Synthesis of stable and radioisotopomers of Taxa‐4(5),11(12)‐diene, Taxa‐4(20), 11(12)‐diene and Taxa‐4(20), 11(12)‐dien‐5‐α‐ol, early intermediates in taxol® biosynthesis

The synthesis of [20-C2H3]-Taxa-4(5), 11(12)-diene (3b), [20-C2H2]-Taxa-4(20), 11(12)-diene (7b), [20-3H3]-Taxa-4(5), 11(12)-diene (3c), [20-3H2]-Taxa-4(20), 11(12)-diene, (7c), [20-C3H2]-Taxa-4(20), 11(12)-diene-5-α-ol (4b ), [20-13CH2]-Taxa-4(20), 11(12)-diene (7d) and [20-13CH3]-taxa-4(5), 11(12)-diene (3d) from the previously reported ketone 6 is described. Grignard addition to ketone provides the tertiary carbinols 8 which were dehydrated to a mixture of 3 and 7. Alternatively, 7 can be prepared directly from ketone 6 by Wittig olefination. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preconception health promotion among Maryland women

Despite current guidelines that all reproductive age women receive preconception care (PCC), most US women do not, especially women with a prior birth. The objective of our study was to identify factors associated with receipt of PCC health promotion counseling among Maryland women and to assess whether prior birth outcome affects receipt of counseling. We analyzed Maryland pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system data for a stratified random sample of women with a live birth in 2009-2010; 3,043 women with PCC data were included in the analysis. The dependent variable was receipt of any PCC counseling, and the primary independent variable, prior pregnancy outcome (no prior live birth, term, preterm). 33.1 % of the weighted sample received PCC. Odds of PCC were similar for women with a history of prior prior preterm birth (aOR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.57-1.78) and no prior live birth, but decreased for women with a prior full term delivery (aOR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.51-0.94). They were decreased for women with unintended births (aOR 0.36, 95 % CI 0.26-0.51) and increased for women with a diagnosis of asthma (aOR 1.74, 95 % CI 1.05-2.89) or diabetes (aOR 2.79, 95 % CI 1.20-6.45), who used multivitamins (aOR 2.58, 95 % CI 1.92-3.47), and had dental cleanings (aOR 1.60, 95 % CI 1.16-2.18). Although selected preventive health behaviors and high-risk conditions were associated with PCC, most women did not receive PCC. Characterization of women who do not receive PCC health promotion counseling in Maryland may assist in efforts to enhance service delivery.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act Will Change the Governance of Non Profit Organizations

As a public director of a NASDAQ stock exchange listed public corporation, I have seen how quickly the reforms in corporate governance imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have changed procedures and policies in public corporations. In areas such as transparency of financial records and other financial matters including compensation of top executives and conflict of interest policies affecting both corporate boards of directors and employees of the corporation the reforms of this new federal law have quickly changed corporate practices in many corporations. Many persons who have studied this new law believe that these changes will benefit the public, shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders in the modern corporation by increasing the reputation of these organizations for integrity and transparency. Stock exchanges such as NASDAQ and the New York Stock Exchange now require all listed companies to have (after a transition time) a majority of independent directors on their boards of directors. Only independent directors may serve on the audit, nominating and compensation committees of boards in most cases. Some exceptions are made to these rules for foreign and domestic issues of companies where a majority of the voting power is held by one person. According to Morrison & Foster LLP, Corporate Board Advisory March , 2004, NASDAQ requires that the board of directors of a listed company determine that an independent director does not have a relationship that would “interfere with the exercise of independent judgment” in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.
Electronic properties of hybrid organic-inorganic semiconductors

Hybrid semiconductors comprising networks of inorganic II--VI semiconductor segments bonded to organic solvent chains show promise as a versatile material system that offers the capability of synthesizing many new electronic structures that are desirable for photonic applications. Polarized optical absorption and reflection are measured in single crystal semiconductor nanostructures composed of arrays of monolayers or linear chains. This shows very sharp spectral signatures of excitonic transitions, providing evidence of an electronic bandstructure that is strongly modified from the bulk inorganic semiconductor. Together with x-ray diffraction structural analysis, it gives a clear image of a monolayer multiple quantum well structure in which a chemical growth process has achieved a quantum confinement larger than other known heterostructure types, together with near-zero layer width fluctuations, a very large oscillator strength and large exciton binding energy.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder with predominantly scrupulous symptoms: clinical and religious characteristics.

Objectives: Scrupulosity is a relatively common but understudied subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious or moral fears. It is difficult to treat and frequently disabling. We examined scrupulosity as it relates to (a) treatment-seeking behavior and perceived treatment gains, (b) the perceived effect of symptoms on religious experience, and (c) conceptions of God. Method: Seventy-two individuals with scrupulous OCD (mean age = 36; 70% women) and 75 individuals with nonscrupulous OCD (mean age = 38; 81% women) completed an internet-based survey. Results: The groups did not differ on demographic variables or overall OCD severity. Compared with the nonscrupulous group, the scrupulous group was (a) more religious, (b) more likely to seek pastoral counseling, (c) less likely to seek medication treatment, and (d) more likely to report that symptoms interfered with their religious experience. Indeed, most scrupulous individuals endorsed that their symptoms interfered with their religious experience. Scrupulous individuals with a more negative concept of God experienced more severe symptoms, whereas a positive description of God was unrelated to severity of scrupulosity in this group. Nearly one in five scrupulous participants reported no religious affiliation. Conclusions: Scrupulous individuals have unique treatment-seeking preferences. Moreover, most scrupulous individuals perceive their symptoms as interfering with their religious experience. Focusing on the religious costs and benefits of scrupulous rituals might have clinical utility. Finally, scrupulous individuals with a more negative concept of God experienced more severe symptoms. Future research is necessary to evaluate whether addressing such concepts can improve treatment outcome. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–9, 2011.
Studies on substrate specificity of Jmjd2a-c histone demethylases.

Abstract Jumonji domain containing iron (II), 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent dioxygenases from Jmjd2 family demethylate trimethylated histone3-lysine 9 (H3-K9me3), and also H3-K9me2 and H3-K36me3, albeit at lower rates. Recently, we have identified the first non-histone substrates of JmjD2 demethylases. Here, we studied the substrate specificity of Jmjd2a-c demethylases using site-directed mutagenesis and novel non-histone substrates. We identified preference of Arg at −1 position and a smaller amino acid at −2 position using both singly and doubly mutated peptide substrates by Jmjd2a-c demethylases. Our results also identified similarities in substrate selectivity by H3-K9 methyltransferase, G9a and Jmjd2 demethylases despite their distinct reaction mechanisms.
Improving healthcare empowerment through breast cancer patient navigation: a mixed methods evaluation in a safety-net setting

Breast cancer mortality rates in the U.S. remain relatively high, particularly among ethnic minorities and low-income populations. Unequal access to quality care, lower follow up rates, and poor treatment adherence contribute to rising disparities among these groups. Healthcare empowerment (HCE) is theorized to improve patient outcomes through collaboration with providers and improving understanding of and compliance with treatment. Patient navigation is a health care organizational intervention that essentially improves healthcare empowerment by providing informational, emotional, and psychosocial support. Patient navigators address barriers to care through multilingual coordination of treatment and incorporation of access to community services, support, and education into the continuum of cancer care. Utilizing survey and qualitative methods, we evaluated the patient navigation program in a Northern California safety-net hospital Breast Clinic by assessing its impact on patients’ experiences with cancer care and providers’ perspectives on the program. We conducted qualitative interviews with 16 patients and 4 service providers, conducted approximately 66 hours of clinic observations, and received feedback through the self-administered survey from 66 patients. The role of the patient navigator at the Breast Clinic included providing administrative assistance, psychosocial support, improved knowledge, better understanding of treatment process, and ensuring better communication between patients and providers. As such, patient navigators facilitated improved collaboration between patients and providers and understanding of interdisciplinary care processes. The survey results suggested that the majority of patients across all ethnic backgrounds and age groups were highly satisfied with the program and had a positive perception of their navigator. Interviews with patients and providers highlighted the roles of a navigator in ensuring continuity of care, improving treatment completion rates, and reducing providers’ workload and waiting time. Uncertainty about the navigator’s role among the patients was a weakness of the program. Patient navigation in the Breast Clinic had a positive impact on patients’ experiences with care and healthcare empowerment. Clarifying uncertainties about the navigators’ role would aid successful outcomes.
Social Capital and Grassroots Development: The Case of Roma Self-Governance in Hungary

This study investigates the determinants of Roma local minority self-government (LMSG) capacity in Hungary and the role of Roma LMSGs in community development. Following the work of Woolcock (1998), Granovetter (1973 ; 1985) and others, we develop and operationalize a multi-dimensional framework of aggregate-level social capital to investigate factors associated with inter-municipal variation in LMSG capacity. We analyze data from a survey of Roma LMSG leaders and demonstrate that LMSGs possess higher institutional capacity in localities where the Roma population, itself, demonstrates high levels of social cohesion ; where Roma-majority social networks are characterized by norms of trust and cooperation ; and where the local Roma government has effective institutional linkages with extra-local organizations. This study is relevant to broader questions of institutional impacts on minority-majority relations, community-level social network resources, and how the dynamics of local development in the post-socialist context are shaped by local social logics embedded within broader social and historical processes
Solenoid pumps for flow injection analysis

Methods employing flow injection analysis (FIA), particularly for in situ seawater techniques, would benefit from reduction in pump size and power requirement, longer maintenance intervals, and the ability to incorporate microprocessor control of each reagent and sample flow stream. In this work, the peristaltic pump of a conventional FIA system was replaced by three solenoid-driven diaphragm pumps with integral Viton check valves, and the system was tested by performing the simple nitrite analysis, which has well-defined FIA performance characteristics. Sixty injections per hour were possible with flow rates of 0.5 mL/min for reagents and sample. The coefficient of variation was 1% for 10 μM NO2- concentrations, and the detection limit was less than 0.1 μM NO2-. These values match the reported performance for this method using peristaltic pumps.
Higher order asymptotic crack tip fields in a power-law hardening material

Abstract The asymptotic stress and deformation fields for plane problems are developed for a crack tip embedded in a power-law elastic-plastic material. Using an asymptotic expansion and separation of variables for the stress function, a series solution is obtained for the stress and deformation at a crack tip. The most singular term in the series solution is the HRR solution, after Hutchinson and Rice and Rosengren. The stress exponents and the angular distributions for several higher order terms are obtained for different hardening exponents. Both Mode I and Mode II cases are investigated. Good agreement with the finite element results confirms the analytical findings. It is further demonstrated that in the plane strain, Mode I case the first three terms, controlled by two parameters, can be used to characterize the crack tip stress fields for a variety of specimen geometries and materials with various hardening exponents.
The Current Status of Tissue Engineering as Potential Therapy

End-stage organ disease and tissue loss continue to be major medical problems. Although transplantation has become an established and successful method of therapy, the severe scarcity of donor organs, especially in the pediatric population, has become a major limitation and has stimulated investigation into selective cell transplantation. The authors have been investigating the fabrication of functional living tissue, or tissue engineering, using cells seeded on highly porous synthetic biodegradable polymer scaffolds as a novel approach toward the development of biological substitutes that may replace lost tissue function. Over the past decade, we have applied the principles of tissue engineering in the fabrication of a wide variety of tissues, including both structural and visceral organs. This article reviews the progress that has been achieved and the current status of tissue engineering as potential therapy for endstage organ disease and tissue loss.
Influence of Automatic Firearms on the Presence of Multiple Victims of Violence A Research Note

This study investigates the impact of automatic firearm usage on the presence of multiple victims within a violent encounter. In addition, key situational and contextual variables from the criminal events perspective are controlled. Data were collected from the National Incident-Based Reporting System of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine if automatic firearms, compared to semiautomatic firearms, increased the chance of multiple victims appearing within incidents of serious violence. Results indicate that automatic weapons increase the likelihood of multiple victimization, although various situational and contextual factors such as incident circumstance and victim—offender relationship increase these odds as well.
Decision strategies and design of agent interactions in hierarchical manufacturing systems

Decisions in manufacturing planning environments involve various interdependent hierarchical levels, ranging from shop-floor operations over production planning to enterprise coordination. Distributed decision making across these hierarchies reduces the complexity compared to an otherwise monolithic planning approach. We develop a stochastic model with two decision makers (agents) and analyze their strategic interaction using game theory. The mutual influence between agents depends on organizational parameters, which, in a first case, agents themselves can regulate, and, in a second case, an organizational designer can control. The model provides managerial insights on how to achieve cooperation among self-interested agents and how decisions and preferences of agents can be aligned with the goals of the organization. Moreover, we investigate the degree and fidelity of information necessary for optimal decision making. The model is applied to a manufacturing enterprise context.
Septic arthritis of the knee induced by Pasteurella multocida and Bacteroides fragilis following an attack by a wild boar

A 24-year-old Swiss tourist sustained an attack by a wild boar in a tiger reservation park in India. The animal bite produced a wound with associated tibial fracture and pyogenic arthritis. Cultures grew abundant Pasteurella multodda and few Bacteroides fragilis . This case report adds to the list of animal-borne P. multocida infections and underlines the necessity for careful initial surgical treatment of bite wounds.
Alignment of the MAM testbed to enable micro-arcsecond astrometry performance for SIM

Future space-based optical interferometers, such as the Space Interferometer Mission, require fringe measurements at the picometer level in order to produce astrometric data at the micro-arc-second level. More specifically, both the position of the central starlight fringe and the change in the internal optical path of the interferometer must be measured to a few tens of picometers. The internal path is measured with a small metrology beam, whereas the starlight fringe position is estimated with a CCD sampling a large concentric annular beam. One major challenge for SIM is to align the metrology beam with the starlight beam to ensure consistency between these two sensors. The Micro-Arcsecond Metrology testbed (MAM) developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory features an optical interferometer with a white light source, all major optical components of a stellar interferometer, and heterodyne metrology sensors. The experiment is installed inside a large vacuum chamber in order to mitigate atmospheric and thermal disturbances. Both the white light and metrology sensors have been proven to work independently at the required levels. The next step is to integrate them as a micro-arc-second capable system. A complex alignment sequence has been developed in order to match the absolute tilt and shear of the metrology and starlight paths to 1 micro-radian and 10 micrometers respectively. This paper describes the MAM optical setup, the alignment process, the contribution of the fine alignment to the final performance, and how they relate to SIM.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Self-reported responses to medication therapy management services for older adults: Analysis of a 5-year program

Abstract Background Medication therapy management (MTM) services provide essential reviews of drug regimens and are increasingly recognized as beneficial to patient safety, improved health outcomes, and cost savings. Objective To assess patient behavioral outcomes from an MTM service, including actions following receipt of a pharmacist report. Methods A retrospective analysis of an MTM program at the Sanford Center for Aging (NV, USA) was conducted. Outcome measures included whether the patient discussed the review with the physician, whether any changes in the client’s drug regimen occurred, and whether the client feels more knowledgeable about his or her medications. Predictor variables included basic demographics, prescription insurance status, number of prescriptions taken, self-reported health status, and use of medications considered to be high risk. The analysis plan involved the use of multivariate logistic regression models. Results The odds of discussing the medication review with physicians, making changes recommended in the report, and both discussing and making a change were 65%, 60%, and 67%, respectively, lower among those below poverty level than among those above poverty level; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.15, 0.80; 0.18, 0.85; and 0.15, 0.73, respectively. The odds of those using high-risk drugs of making changes in drug regimens, and of discussing with physicians and making changes together, were 2 times higher than the odds of those not using these drugs, 95% CIs: 1.02, 4.31 and 1.20, 4.87, respectively. The likelihood of those reporting good or excellent health of doing the combination of discussing the MTM report with physicians and to make a drug regimen change was 2 times greater than for those reporting poor to fair health, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.65. Gender, ethnicity, age group, rural status, prescription drug insurance, and high polypharmacy were not significant factors for acting on the medication review in the adjusted model. Conclusion MTM services are associated with enhanced patient self-advocacy, but like other interventions, they are constrained by social disparities. Greater attention to the resources of target populations to respond to pharmacy services is merited.
Dimensional synthesis of adjustable path generation linkages using the optimal slider adjustment

A desired continuous path can be generated precisely by an adjustable four-bar linkage. In this paper, a slider is used to adjust the pivot location of the driven side link. The linkage feasibility conditions and path generation flexibilities are analyzed. The synthesis model is established based on the optimal adjustment of the slider location. The global optimal solution is searched by genetic algorithm. The effectiveness of the synthesis approach proposed in the paper is verified by two demonstrated examples.
Clinical Factors Associated with Biochemical Adrenal-cortisol Insufficiency in Hospitalized Patients

Abstract Background Diagnosis of adrenal-cortisol insufficiency is often misleading in hospitalized patients, as clinical and biochemical features overlap with comorbidities. We analyzed clinical determinants associated with a biochemical diagnosis of adrenal-cortisol insufficiency in non-intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalized patients. Methods In a retrospective cohort study we reviewed 4668 inpatients with random morning cortisol levels ≤15 μg/dL hospitalized in our center between 2003 and 2010. Using serum cortisol threshold level of 18 μg/dL 30 or 60 minutes after Cortrosyn (250 μg; Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif) injection to define biochemical adrenal-cortisol status, we characterized and compared insufficient (n = 108, serum cortisol ≤18 μg/dL) and sufficient (n = 394; serum cortisol >18 μg/dL) non-ICU hospitalized patients. Results Commonly reported clinical and routine biochemical adrenal-cortisol insufficiency features were similar between insufficient and sufficient inpatients. Biochemical adrenal-cortisol insufficiency was associated with increased frequency of liver disease, specifically hepatitis C ( P = .01) and prior orthotopic liver transplantation ( P P = .005), and reported pre-existing male hypogonadism ( P P = .0001) and higher diastolic blood pressure ( P = .05), and females ( P = .009) were more likely not to be treated, while those with previous short-term glucocorticoid treatment ( P = .002), other coexisting endocrine diseases ( P = .005), or who received an in-hospital endocrinology consultation ( P Conclusions Commonly reported adrenal-cortisol insufficiency features do not reliably identify hospitalized patients biochemically confirmed to have this disorder. Comorbidities including hepatitis C, prior orthotopic liver transplantation, HIV, and reported pre-existing male hypogonadism may help identify hospitalized non-ICU patients for more rigorous adrenal insufficiency assessment.
Melanocortin potentiates leptin-induced STAT3 signaling via MAPK pathway.

The co-existence of receptors for leptin and melanocortin in cerebral microvessels suggests possible interactions between leptin and α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) signaling. In this study, we showed that ObRb and melanocortin receptor MC3R and MC4R were present in enriched cerebral microvessels. To test the interactions between ObRb and MC3R or MC4R-mediated cellular signaling, we over-expressed these plasmids in RBE4 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and HEK293 cells in culture. Activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) in response to leptin was determined by western blotting and luciferase reporter assays. Production of cAMP downstream to melanocortin receptors was determined with a chemiluminescent ELISA kit. αMSH, which increased intracellular cAMP, also potentiated leptin-induced STAT3 activation. This potentiation was abolished by a specific MEK inhibitor, indicating the involvement of the mitogen-activated kinase pathway. Reversely, the effect of leptin on αMSH-induced cAMP production was minimal. Thus, melanocortin specifically potentiated STAT3 signaling downstream to ObRb by crosstalk with mitogen-activated kinase. The cooperation of ObRb and G protein-coupled receptors in cellular signaling may have considerable biological implications not restricted to feeding and obesity.
Free grafting of traumatically displaced or resected mandibular condyles

A technique of free grafting of the mandibular condyle with a vertical ramus osteotomy is advocated in cases presenting with markedly displaced fracture dislocation of the condyle, in reconstruction of the TMJ after mandibular resection, and in providing access for vascular surgery approaches to the treatment of carotid aneurysms. The technique of free transplantation of the condyle did not result in any aseptic necrosis or any arthritic changes in 35 patients observed over a period of 3 to 15 years. All patients had excellent TMJ function.
Assimilation and Storage of Manganese in the Developing Embryo and Growing Chick

Abstract THE results of experiments reported by Gallup and Norris (1939) constitute additional evidence that perosis in chicks is due to a deficiency of manganese. The results support the contention that the deficiency is of dietary origin intimately related to the manganese requirements of the breed under investigation. Perosis consistently occurred in about 4 percent of the chicks in several experimental groups which were allowed adequate amounts of manganese. Since these cases developed soon after hatching the possibility of impaired manganese utilization induced by factors, dietary or otherwise, which operated during embryonic development and early growth was indicated. Accordingly, a study has been made of the assimilation and storage of manganese in the developing embryo, and in chicks receiving diets of medium and low-manganese content. The present paper reports the results of this investigation. EXPERIMENTAL Eggs from a selected group of New Hampshire hens were incubated weekly. The hens received an . . .
Dilute phosphide nitride materials as photocathodes for electrochemical solar energy conversion

Dilute nitride materials have been used in a variety of III-V photonic devices, but have not been significantly explored in photoelectrochemical applications. This work focuses on using dilute phosphide nitride materials of the form (Al,In)P 1-x N x as photocathodes for the generation of hydrogen fuel from solar energy. Heteroepitaxial MOCVD growth of AlPN thin films on GaP yields high quality material with a direct bandgap energy of 2.218 eV. Aligned epitaxial growth of InP and GaP nanowires on InP and Si substrates, respectively, provides a template for designing nanostructured photocathodes over a large area. Electrochemical testing of a AlPN/GaP heterostructure electrode yields up to a sixfold increase in photocurrent enhancement under blue light illumination as compared to a GaP electrode. Additionally, the AlPN/GaP electrodes exhibit no degradation in performance after galvanostatic biasing over time. These results show that (Al,In)P 1-x N x is a promising materials system for use in nanoscale photocathode structures.
Microscopic Simulation Analysis for Automated Highway System Merging Process

The automated highway system (AHS) concept with dedicated lanes is not designed as a stand-alone transportation facility. Drivers will by necessity need to drive from their origins to the AHS entrance and from the AHS exit to their final destinations. Therefore, the AHS will affect other transportation facilities and will need to be integrated with all other facilities in the transportation system. Interfaces create much of the congestion for today's transportation systems. AHS interfaces may cause similar problems, as a result of either AHS interactions with conventional systems or internal limitations from AHS merging capabilities. If these problems exist, either the AHS or the conventional road network cannot function properly. Then the system as a whole will break down, and the AHS could prove a detriment to the overall transportation system. Clearly not enough is known about the automated merging process to determine what conditions would lead to congestion at interface points. Current macroscopic techniques assume parameters that are not applicable to an AHS, and no detailed AHS merging models have been developed and validated. The AHS to conventional roadway interface problem is addressed by presenting a microscopic simulation model for one scenario of the automated merging maneuver. Some numerical results are presented for this merging scenario.
On exchange rates, nominal and real

Abstract The paper first develops an Australian `commodity currency' exchange rate model, which is extended to deal with real exchange rates as well. The nominal and real exchange-rate versions are then tested on Swiss data for the post-Bretton Woods period. While the model tracks the Swiss franc nominal exchange rate vis-a-vis the dollar and the major European currencies very well, Swiss PPP real exchange rates are found to be heavily contaminated with measurement error. As that error explains the large co-movements in nominal and PPP real exchange rates, those co-movements are largely irrelevant to the PPP debate.
A survey of active galactic nuclei jets with the RadioAstron space VLBI mission

Launched in 2011, the Russian RadioAstron orbiting radio telescope gives the highest angular resolution ever attained in astronomy. By observing in concert with large Earth-based telescopes, it has successfully achieved a record angular resolution of 30 microarcseconds, and is currently being used to survey a large set of radio jets associated with active galactic nuclei (AGN) at 1.3, 6, and 18 cm wavelengths. A major goal of its AGN key science program is to directly measure the sizes of the synchrotron emission regions in AGN jets, near the central black holes where they are formed. Earth-based VLBI has not yet been able to probe this regime. RadioAstron is thus providing new important details on the geometry, emission mechanisms, and amount of relativistic beaming in these powerful outflows. We present preliminary results from the RadioAstron AGN survey, demonstrating that very high flow Lorentz factors (> 100) or coherent emission mechanisms may be needed to explain the extreme compactness of the radio emission. We also compare our findings to those from the ground-based MOJAVE VLBA survey, which has found Lorentz factors ranging up to only ∼ 40 in a large sample of the brightest known AGN jets.
SAM Regulation of RyR2

RyR2 channel activity is subject to allosteric and posttranslational regulation. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), the primary methyl group donor for enzyme-mediated methylation of proteins and other biological targets, activates RyR2 via an unknown mechanism. To determine if activation of RyR2 by SAM requires methyltransferase activity, cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (CSR) vesicle [3H]ryanodine binding was performed in media containing 150 mM KCl, 20 mM PIPES pH 7.0, 3 μM Ca2+, 1 mM SAM, and 0–1 mM sinefungin, a competitive methyltransferase inhibitor. Sinefungin did not alter CSR vesicle [3H]ryanodine binding, and the SAM-induced increase in [3H]ryanodine binding was not altered by sinefungin. To investigate further whether activation of RyR2 by SAM involves RyR2 methylation, RyR2 was immunoprecipitated from CSR vesicles pretreated for 30 min at 37°C with 3 μCi; 285 nM [3H]SAM plus or minus 500 fold excess cold SAM or 1 mM SAH, an inhibitor of methyltransferase activity, followed by centrifugation through sucrose. Radioactivity incorporated into pretreated CSR and immunoprecipitated RyR2 was determined by liquid scintillation counting. Although the amount of radioactivity incorporated into [3H]SAM pretreated CSR vesicles was reduced from 6.54 to 1.86 and 1.69 pmol [3H]SAM/mg protein in the presence of SAH and excess cold SAM respectively, the amount of radioactivity recovered by immunoprecipitation with anti-RyR was not increased over control (immunoprecipitation without RyR specific antibody). Because SAM contains an adenosine moiety and may activate RyR2 via interaction with the channel's adenine nucleotide binding site(s), the affects of SAM and ATP on RyR2 activity were compared. The SAM and ATP concentration dependence of CSR vesicle [3H]ryanodine binding virtually overlapped with no differences at any concentration tested. This work suggests SAM does not methylate RyR2 and the similarities between ATP- and SAM-induced RyR2 activation support allosteric regulation of RyR2 by SAM.
The Embedded Librarian: Innovative Strategies for Taking Knowledge Where It's Needed, by David Shumaker. Medford, New Jersey: Information Today, 2012. 212 p. $49.50. ISBN: 978-1-57387-452-6

David Shumaker's The Embedded Librarian is a distillation of what the author learned in three years of studying the best practices of what we now call embedded librarianship; Shumaker was able to c...
A pipelined-loop-compatible architecture and algorithm to reduce variable-length sets of floating-point data on a reconfigurable computer

Reconfigurable computers (RCs) combine general-purpose processors (GPPs) with field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The FPGAs are reconfigured at run time to become application-specific processors that collaborate with the GPPs to execute the application. High-level language (HLL) to hardware description language (HDL) compilers allow the FPGA-based kernels to be generated using HLL-based programming rather than HDL-based hardware design. Unfortunately, the loops needed for floating-point reduction operations often cannot be pipelined by these HLL-HDL compilers. This capability gap prevents the development of a number of important FPGA-based kernels. This article describes a novel architecture and algorithm that allow the use of an HLL-HDL environment to implement high-performance FPGA-based kernels that reduce multiple, variable-length sets of floating-point data. A sparse matrix iterative solver is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the reduction kernel. The FPGA-augmented version running on a contemporary RC is up to 2.4 times faster than the software-only version of the same solver running on the GPP. Conservative estimates show the solver will run up to 6.3 times faster than software on a next-generation RC.
Characterization of anandamide-induced tolerance: comparison to Δ9-THC-induced interactions with dynorphinergic systems

Abstract The endogenous ligand for the cannabinoid receptor, arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide), has been shown to produce antinociception using the tail-flick test following intrathecal administration. Anandamide was administered i.p. (40 mg/kg) to mice four times per day for 3 days. Tolerance developed to anandamide; the ED 50 for anandamide (i.t.) was shifted from 40 (26–61) to 139 (79–248) μg/mouse. Anandamide-tolerant mice were cross-tolerant to Δ 9 -THC and CP55,940, but not cross-tolerant to mu-, delta- or kappaopioids, including dynorphins. Conversely, Δ 9 -THC-tolerant mice are cross-tolerant to anandamide, CP55,940 and kappa agonists. Our data indicate that anandamide and Δ 9 -THC differ in the mechanisms by which they induce tolerance, in particular the interaction with endogenous dynorphinergic systems.
Safety of eptifibatide when added to bivalirudin during ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background Patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) represent a high-risk group for in-hospital adverse events and bleeding. The safety and outcomes of eptifibatide in addition to bivalirudin in this population have not been determined. Methods Over an 11-year period, we identified 1849 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), of which 1639 received bivalirudin monotherapy compared with 210 patients who received both bivalirudin and provisional eptifibatide. Safety of combination therapy was assessed by the occurrence of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) major bleeding. In-hospital event rates of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI), and acute stent thrombosis were evaluated for efficacy. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for significant differences between groups. Results Patients treated with bivalirudin plus eptifibatide, when compared with patients with bivalirudin monotherapy, had increased rates of cardiogenic shock (15.7% vs. 9.4%), aspiration thrombectomy (48.5% vs. 23.7%), pre-TIMI flow ≤ 1 (63.5% vs. 40%), and higher peak troponin I (93.65 ± 92.7 vs. 49.16 ± 81.59; all p Conclusion The addition of eptifibatide to bivalirudin during primary PCI reflects a high-risk STEMI population. This therapy results in similar in-hospital outcomes without an increase in major bleeding. Therefore, when required, combination therapy may be considered in this population.