cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of indications for EUS among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists

Background The level of awareness among non-gastroenterologists of the indications for EUS is unknown. This study assessed knowledge of the indications and the utility of EUS among gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists in a large multispecialty academic practice. Methods A questionnaire was designed that tested knowledge of the indications for EUS with respect to 4 organ systems: esophagus, gastroduodenum, hepatopancreatobiliary system and colorectum. The questionnaire was distributed by electronic mail to gastroenterologists, general internists, non-gastroenterologist subspecialists, and surgeons in a large multispecialty practice. Results The survey was distributed to 659 attending physicians of whom 227 (34%) replied: gastroenterologists (53%), internists (30%), non-gastroenterologist specialists (33%), and surgeons (28%). Knowledge of appropriate indications was highest among gastroenterologists (84.3%) compared with internists (68.9%), non-gastroenterologist specialists (65.4%), and surgeons (65.3%) (p Conclusions Internists, non-gastroenterologist specialists, and surgeons in a large multispeciality practice have moderate knowledge of the indications and the utility of EUS. Knowledge was at the lowest level for hepatopancreatobiliary and colorectal applications of EUS for all 3 groups of non-gastroenterologists. Future studies should focus on the education of non-gastroenterologists regarding the role of EUS and assess the impact of such education on the appropriateness of EUS referral patterns.
Pesticide residues and vertical integration in Florida strawberries and tomatoes

Government regulations and consumer concern about pesticide residues in food may increase the costs of production and marketing for producers and processors associated with food safety risks. Vertical coordination is an economic response for mitigating the costs associated with uncertain pesticide residue levels. Data from a survey of Florida strawberry and tomato growers were used to test the hypothesis that vertical integration is associated with a lower mean and variance of pesticide residues. The results confirm a significant negative relationship between vertical integration and fungicide and insecticide residues in Florida strawberries and insecticides in Florida tomatoes. However, fungicides in tomatoes had the opposite effect. [Econ-Lit citations: L220, L660] © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On Calderón-Zygmund theory for p- and \({\mathcal{A}}\) -superharmonic functions

We establish global Lq boundedness of nonlinear singular operators arising from a class of quasilinear PDEs in divergence form for p- and \({\mathcal{A}}\) -superharmonic functions.
Alpha-decay hindrance-factor calculations

Abstract The hindrances factor, F , in alpha decay is defined in terms of constants A and B which are empirically determined for each element. The determination of A and B by fitting even-even alpha-decay rates is discussed. Using these values, hindrance factors for all known alpha groups of alpha emitters with greater than 128 neutrons and 83 protons have been calculated. The results are divided into four groups corresponding to odd-odd, odd-even, even-odd, and excited states of even-even alpha emitters. Hindrance factor distributions are presented in histogram form.
Effects of 17 beta-estradiol on the incorporation of pyrimidine nucleotide precursors into nucleotide pools and RNA in the mouse uterus.

The effects of 17β-estradiol on the incorporation of several pyrimidine nucleotide precursors into uterine RNA and free nucleotide pools have been investigated. Total RNA commenced increasing by 6 hr after administration of 0.05 μg 17β-estradiol, and was 60% above the control level at 10 hr. The size of the total free nucleotide pool did not change during the first 6 hr, then increased to 20% above the control level at 10 hr. In mice receiving [5-3H] cytidine or [2-14C] uridine iv 20 min before killing, the specific activities (SA) of both RNA and total free nucleotides increased to maximum values at 4 hr after 17β-estradiol administration of about ten times the respective control levels. However, in mice receiving iv injections of [5-3H] orotic acid, the SA of the total free nucleotides increased only slowly after giving 17β-estradiol, to 47% above the control level at 4 hr. The SA of RNA in the same mice increased promptly to a maximum at 2 hr of almost twice the control level. Estrogen stimulation incr...
Characterization of a mouse strain expressing Cre recombinase from the 3′ untranslated region of the dopamine transporter locus

Dopamine (DA) neurotransmission has been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is highly expressed in dopaminergic neurons of the ventral mesencephalon and regulates neurotransmission by transporting DA back into the presynaptic terminals. To mediate restricted DNA recombination events into DA neurons using the Cre/loxP technology, we have generated a knockin mouse expressing Cre recombinase under the transcriptional control of the endogenous DAT promoter. To minimize interference with DAT function by preservation of both DAT alleles, Cre recombinase expression was driven from the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of the endogenous DAT gene by means of an internal ribosomal entry sequence. Crossing this murine line with a LacZ reporter showed colocalization of DAT immunocytochemistry and β-galactosidase staining in all regions analyzed. This knockin mouse can be used for generating tissue specific knockouts in mice carrying genes flanked by loxP sites, and will facilitate the analysis of gene function in dopaminergic neurons. genesis 44:383–390, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Confocal Microscopy Findings of Acanthamoeba Keratitis

Purpose Tandem scanning confocal microscopy was performed on two patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis to provide images detailing characteristic findings of the disease. Although tandem scanning confocal microscopy of Acanthamoeba has been described in previous reports, Acanthamoeba keratitis has not been fully characterized with this instrument. In vivo confocal micrographs showed the double-walled structure of the Acanthamoeba cyst and associated radial keratoneuritis (perineuritis). Methods We reviewed the records of two patients with a clinical diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, one with culture-proven Acanthamoeba and the other with a suspected Acanthamoeba infection. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and in vivo tandem scanning confocal microscopy were performed. The images obtained were compared with images from patients without corneal disease. Results High-contrast round bodies suggestive of Acanthamoeba cysts, as previously described, and irregular forms suggestive of Acanthamoeba trophozoites were found by tandem scanning confocal microscopy. Additionally, we showed conclusively that under certain circumstances (that is, corneal scarring) tandem scanning confocal microscopy can resolve the double-walled structure of the Acanthamoeba ectocyst surrounding the endocyst. Furthermore, radial keratoneuritis was demonstrated, consisting of an irregularly swollen nerve fiber with probable amoebic infiltration. Conclusions Confocal microscopy can be a useful, noninvasive imaging technique helpful in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Evaluation for hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Dr. Patterson: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has become increasingly recognized as an occupational or home environmental disease. 1 A clearly defined exposure obtained by history evaluation as in farmers' lung or pigeon breeders' disease may lead to establishment of a diagnosis with reasonable certainty. In other cases, clinical data may suggest immunologic pulmonary disease without a clear indication of the source of antigen or the ability to classify the patient as having one of the known types of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Humidifier disease 2 and sauna taker's disease 3 are examples of such diagnostic problems. Lists of exposures resulting in hypersensitivity pneumonitis are available 1' 4 and are useful in considering possible diagnostic procedures. We present and discuss a case of what we believe to be "New Guinea lung"5 seen in Chicago and methods for approaching possible cases of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in which the inhaled antigen is not clearly defined.
Doping semiconductor nanocrystals

Doping--the intentional introduction of impurities into a material--is fundamental to controlling the properties of bulk semiconductors. This has stimulated similar efforts to dope semiconductor nanocrystals. Despite some successes, many of these efforts have failed, for reasons that remain unclear. For example, Mn can be incorporated into nanocrystals of CdS and ZnSe (refs 7-9), but not into CdSe (ref. 12)--despite comparable bulk solubilities of near 50 per cent. These difficulties, which have hindered development of new nanocrystalline materials, are often attributed to 'self-purification', an allegedly intrinsic mechanism whereby impurities are expelled. Here we show instead that the underlying mechanism that controls doping is the initial adsorption of impurities on the nanocrystal surface during growth. We find that adsorption--and therefore doping efficiency--is determined by three main factors: surface morphology, nanocrystal shape, and surfactants in the growth solution. Calculated Mn adsorption energies and equilibrium shapes for several nanocrystals lead to specific doping predictions. These are confirmed by measuring how the Mn concentration in ZnSe varies with nanocrystal size and shape. Finally, we use our predictions to incorporate Mn into previously undopable CdSe nanocrystals. This success establishes that earlier difficulties with doping are not intrinsic, and suggests that a variety of doped nanocrystals--for applications from solar cells to spintronics--can be anticipated.
Methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) are consistently detected across ancestry, developmental stage, and tissue type

Individual genotypes at specific loci can result in different patterns of DNA methylation. These methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) influence methylation across extended genomic regions and may underlie direct SNP associations or gene-environment interactions. We hypothesized that the detection of meQTLs varies with ancestral population, developmental stage, and tissue type. We explored this by analyzing seven datasets that varied by ancestry (African American vs. Caucasian), developmental stage (neonate vs. adult), and tissue type (blood vs. four regions of postmortem brain) with genome-wide DNA methylation and SNP data. We tested for meQTLs by constructing linear regression models of methylation levels at each CpG site on SNP genotypes within 50 kb under an additive model controlling for multiple tests. Most meQTLs mapped to intronic regions, although a limited number appeared to occur in synonymous or nonsynonymous coding SNPs. We saw significant overlap of meQTLs between ancestral groups, developmental stages, and tissue types, with the highest rates of overlap within the four brain regions. Compared with a random group of SNPs with comparable frequencies, meQTLs were more likely to be 1) represented among the most associated SNPs in the WTCCC bipolar disorder results and 2) located in microRNA binding sites. These data give us insight into how SNPs impact gene regulation and support the notion that peripheral blood may be a reliable correlate of physiological processes in other tissues.
Threats at Home, Threats Abroad: Bargaining and War in the Shadow of Coups and Revolutions

I analyze a two-level game in which a leader bargains over the spoils of international bargaining with a domestic opposition that can threaten her with a coup or revolution. While fighting an international war shrinks the domestic pie, it also alters the distribution of domestic power. This has three main implications. First, if war will undermine the opposition, fighting may be so attractive that leaders demand more for peace than foreign states are willing to give, leading to war. Second, if war will bolster the opposition, leaders accept harsh terms to avoid fighting—strategic selection that has implications for the observed relationship between war and political survival. Finally, prospective shifts in the distribution of domestic power caused by war can reduce the effects of international asymmetric information, though the result may be to increase or decrease the chances of war.
Cibacron blue-induced enhancement of agonist binding to cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors in solubilized pancreatic membranes

The pancreatic receptor for cholecystokinin (CCK) typifies many G protein-coupled receptors in that its ability to bind agonist can be reduced by GTP or the solubilization of membranes. We found, however, that a dye, cibacron blue, caused up to a 6-fold increase in binding of the CCK receptor agonist, 125I-CCK-8, to rat pancreatic membranes solubilized with digitonin. Binding optimally enhanced in this manner was comparable to binding of 125I-CCK-8 to native membranes with respect to time-course, maximal amount bound, reversibility, and sensitivity to inhibition by various CCK receptor ligands. Increases in affinity of the CCK receptor for CCK-8 accounted fully for the enhancement of binding of 125I-CCK-8. Cibacron blue did not enhance binding of 125I-CCK-8 to native membranes, and also failed to enhance binding of the CCK receptor antagonist, [3H]L-364,718, to solubilized or native membranes. The ability of cibacron blue to enhance binding of agonist but not that of antagonist suggests that this dye may mimic or perhaps stimulate the effects of G protein on CCK receptors. Such a phenomenon may provide new insights into the mechanisms by which receptors distinguish agonists from antagonists.
The United States government's response to HIV/AIDS today: ‘Test and treat’ as prevention

Three decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, HIV prevention programs have been only partially effective. New prevention tools are providing new reasons for optimism. Effective use of these new tools, including the 'test-and-treat' strategy, will require considerable effort to assure that their potential for prevention is fully realized. Challenges with the test-and-treat strategy are global ones, and include retention in care and adherence to treatment. Worldwide, those with HIV infection become less adherent to antiretroviral therapy over time. Many factors contributing to retention in care and adherence to therapy differ among countries and regions of the world. HIV-infected persons receiving treatment in sub-Saharan Africa have been reported to have higher adherence rates than those receiving treatment on the North American continent; higher health literacy and perception of treatment as a social obligation may enhance adherence to treatment and retention in care. The HIV test-and-treat strategy offers a major step forward when combined with other prevention efforts; we need to consider what additional steps are needed to deliver on the promise of prevention through treatment.
Degradation of 3-Chloro-p-toluidine Hydrochloride in Watermelon Bait. Identification and Chemical Characterization of Novel N-Glucoside and Oxopropanimine

Stability of the avicide 3-chloro-p-toluidine hydrochloride (CPTH) in watermelon bait was assessed. When exposed to light, the presence of CPTH accelerated nonenzymic browning (Maillard) reactions and degradation of the watermelon matrix. The addition of potassium metabisulfite appeared to hinder bait degradation. These experiments resulted in the identification and chemical characterization of two novel CPTH derivatives: N-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3-chloro-4-methylaniline and N-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-oxopropanimine. Keywords: 3-Chloro-p-toluidine hydrochloride; CPTH; DRC-1339; N-β-d-glucopyranosyl-3-chloro-4-methylaniline; N-(3-chloro-4-methylphenyl)-2-oxopropanimine; nonenzymic browning; Maillard reaction
Multiple metabolic genetic risk scores and type 2 diabetes risk in three racial/ethnic groups.

Context/Rationale: Meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies have identified many single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with various metabolic and cardiovascular traits, offering us the opportunity to learn about and capitalize on the links between cardiometabolic traits and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Design: In multiple datasets comprising over 30 000 individuals and 3 ethnic/racial groups, we calculated 17 genetic risk scores (GRSs) for glycemic, anthropometric, lipid, hemodynamic, and other traits, based on the results of recent trait-specific meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies, and examined associations with T2D risk. Using a training-testing procedure, we evaluated whether additional GRSs could contribute to risk prediction. Results: In European Americans, we find that GRSs for T2D, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and body mass index are associated with T2D risk. In African Americans, GRSs for T2D, fasting insulin, and waist-to-hip ratio are associated with T2D. In Hispanic Am...
Thermodynamics and kinetics of methylboroxine.amine adduct formation: a computational study.

Density functional theory (B3LYP//6-311+G*) calculations including Poisson−Boltzmann implicit solvent were applied to study the formation of the trimethylboroxine·amine adduct with respect to methylboronic acid monomers and free amine in solution. Potential intermediates and transition states between intermediates were calculated to assess the thermodynamic and kinetic factors controlling this transformation. Our calculations suggest that the rate-determining steps are condensation reactions to form dimers and trimers, and closure of the boroxine ring. Fast amine exchange is expected throughout the transformation, and the most-stable intermediate is a dimer·amine adduct. Using our calculated barriers for the methyl system as a template, we assess the conversion of phenylboronic acid to the triphenylboroxine·amine adduct and find that the pathway is most likely similar, except that the transformation is thermodynamically and kinetically more favored for the phenyl system in the presence of pyridine.
Host defense against systemic infection with S. pneumoniae is impaired in endothelial selectin-deficient mice • 747

Host defense against systemic infection with S. pneumoniae is impaired in endothelial selectin-deficient mice • 747
Fatigue damage studies in high strength sheet‐molding compound fiberglass composites

The materials considered in this investigation were oriented-hybrid-glass-fiber-reinforced vinyl ester resin sheet-molding compound (SMC) composites. The composition of one material was 60 percent continuous glass and 5 percent random fibers, while the other was 45 percent continuous glass and 20 percent random fibers. The S-N curves for the two materials were determined in the continuous fiber direction. The fatigue stress levels ranged from approximately 20 to 80 percent of each material's respective ultimate tensile strength. The residual tensile strengths of the fiber-reinforced composites were not seriously reduced until near final fracture. The moduli of the composites in the fiber direction are also not reduced in any detectable manner. Damping measurements have shown that the damping increases during fatigue and that it is a sensitive measure of matrix and interface damage, generally debonding and cracking. It is shown by damping measurements that damage accumulates differently for two materials studied. The material with the higher percent of continuous glass appeared to be more cycle-dependent, while the other was more stress-dependent.
Theory of microstrip lines on artificial periodic substrates

This paper presents the theory of a microstrip line on artificial periodic substrates. A two-stage moment method in conjunction with an array-scanning scheme is proposed for the microstrip characterization. The analytic and numerical methods dealing with the interaction of microstrip components (continuous plane-wave spectrum) with artificial periodic materials (discrete plane-wave spectrum, Floquet modes) are discussed. The method of solution involves two stages of vector integral equations and moment methods. The first integral-equation formulation is to find the Green's function for a planar periodic structure. A spectral-domain moment method is applied to the second vector integral equation to determine the fields or currents on the circuit components and the associated parameters of interest. Guided-wave characteristics of a microstrip line on artificial periodic substrates, including the propagation constant and the characteristic impedance, are investigated. Propagation bandgap of a microstrip line due to periodic elements is characterized. Experiment on a three-layer microstrip-line structure with a periodic mid-layer is conducted to validate the theory.
Revisiting delay-capacity tradeoffs for mobile networks: The delay is overestimated

In the literature, one of the key assumptions in characterizing the scaling laws for wireless mobile networks, is to assume that nodes do not communicate while being mobile. In other words, contact opportunities are not considered during the mobility process itself. However, we find that this assumption leads to an inflated estimate of the delay, even in an order sense. To address this issue, a new framework that allows nodes to communicate while being mobile is proposed in this paper. Under this framework, it is shown that delays to obtain various levels of throughput for i.i.d. mobility model are overestimated and a new tighter delay-capacity tradeoff is suggested. Also, the framework is used to analytically derive the delay-capacity tradeoff of Levy flight model for various levels of throughput, where Levy flight is a random walk of a power-law flight distribution with an exponent α ∈ (0, 2]. It is known as a mobility model which closely captures human movement patterns. The tradeoffs from the proposed framework between the delay (D) and per-node throughput (λ) indicate that equation holds for i.i.d. mobility and equation holds for Levy flight.
Advanced esophageal carcinoma

From 1976 until 1990 a total of 212 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus were referred for surgical treatment. Resectability was 84.1% (161 of 191). Actuarial 5-year survival in patients with negative lymph nodes was 51.2% versus 12.4% in lymph nodepositive patients. Therefore advanced carcinoma was defined to compromise all patients with involved regional (N1) or distal lymph nodes (M+Ly) as well as patients with T4 tumors or solid organ metastasis (M+org) irrespective of their lymph node status. Comparing complete (R0) versus incomplete (R1–R2) resections for stage III and IV carcinoma revealed 20% and 0% five-year survivals, respectively. There was no 5-year survival in the stage IV group. When excluding solid organ metastasis, the median survival shifted from 8.5 months after incomplete (R1–R2) to 20 months after complete (R0) resection. In 1991 three-field lymphadenectomy was initiated that included bilateral cervical lymphadenectomy. Thirty-seven patients have been treated so far (23 squamous cell carcinoma, 14 adenocarcinomas). Cervical lymph nodes were positive in 24.3% with an incidence up to 28.5% for distal-third carcinoma. Subsequently, 6 patients (16%) moved from M0 to M+Ly status. Our results confirm the key role of surgery not only in improving survival and locoregional tumor control but in refining the accuracy of staging advanced carcinomas provided complete resection is possible. Nowadays other options in the treatment of advanced carcinoma are mainly based on neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with response rates ranging from 40% to 60% but until now without evidence of improved 5-year survival rates and with local or distant failure rates of approximately 30% and 45%, respectively. For clinically nonresectable (T4) or presumed nonresectable tumors, neoadjuvant therapy seems to have an important role, as it may convert these tumors into resectable and therefore potentially curable cancers. Toxicity remains a drawback, as it is probably responsible for preoperative dropouts and slight but definitive higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. When the disease clearly is incurable, the best options today are laser therapy and an endoprosthesis, which result in good relief of dysphagia in approximately 80% to 85% of patients and a procedure-related mortality below 5%.
Maternal occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and congenital heart defects among offspring in the national birth defects prevention study.

BACKGROUND:There is evidence in experimental model systems that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) results in congenital heart defects (CHDs); however, to our knowledge, this relationship has not been examined in humans. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study assessing the association between estimated maternal occupational exposure to PAHs and CHDs in offspring. METHODS:Data on CHD cases and control infants were obtained from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study for the period of 1997 to 2002. Exposure to PAHs was assigned by industrial hygienist consensus, based on self-reported maternal occupational histories from 1 month before conception through the third month of pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between maternal occupational PAH exposure and specific CHD phenotypic subtypes among offspring. RESULTS:The prevalence of occupational PAH exposure was 4.0% in CHD case mothers (76/1907) and 3.6% in control mothers (104/2853). After adjusting for maternal age, race or ethnicity, education, smoking, folic acid supplementation, and study center, exposure was not associated with conotruncal defects (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–1.67), septal defects (AOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.86–1.90), or with any isolated CHD subtype. CONCLUSIONS:Our findings do not support an association between potential maternal occupational exposure to PAHs and various CHDs in a large, population-based study. For CHD phenotypic subtypes in which modest nonsignificant associations were observed, future investigations could be improved by studying populations with a higher prevalence of PAH exposure and by incorporating information on maternal and fetal genotypes related to PAH metabolism. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Film thinning in He II at temperatures above 1.1 K

We have made measurements of the velocity-dependent film thinning in saturated films of He II over the temperature range $1.1lTl1.6$ K using a new technique. Results from several experimental runs which employ different geometries in general show quantitative agreement with predicitons based on the Bernoulli equation made by Kontorovich. The effects of fluid acceleration encountered in these measurements are considered and shown to be small. A recently proposed vapor-replenishment mechanism appears inconsistent with our observations.
Robust performance using fixed order mixed-norm control

Abstract Fixed order mixed-norm controllers for the F-18 aircraft are designed to minimize the effects of wind and sensor noise while following a normal acceleration command. The basic objective was to develop a controller of low order that provides good wind and noise response while exhibiting robust performance in terms of command-following in the face of changing flight conditions. Controllers were designed using single norm methods as well as mixed H2/H∞ control with single and multiple constraints and mixed H2/μ. optimization. Comparisons illustrate the advantages of mixed H2/μ optimization with respect to noise response and controller order while guaranteeing robust performance.
Two combinatorial covering theorems

Abstract A theorem in convex bodies (in fact, measure theory) and a theorem about translates of sets of integers are generalized to coverings by subsets of a finite set. These theorems are then related to quasigroups and (0, 1)-matrices.
An Analysis of Professional Judgments.

Abstract Many states have used professional judgment panels to determine the resources schools need to meet certain performance targets. This study initiates a critical study of that method. Using budget simulations with hypothetical schools, we collected the judgments of forty-five principals about how school budgets should be allocated and how school resources affect student achievement. We found considerable variation among principals in both budget allocations and achievement predictions. We also found that principals were more optimistic about student achievement than is warranted by either achievement in comparable schools or recent research on the relationship between resources and achievement.
Double-exposure strategy using OPC and simulation and the performance on wafer with sub-0.10-μm design rule in ArF lithography

As the pattern size becomes smaller, double or multi exposure is required unless the epochal solutions for overcoming the limits of present lithography system do appear or are discovered. ArF DET (double exposure technology) strategy based on manual OPC with in-house simulation tool, HOST (Hynix OPC simulation tool), is suggested as a possible exposure method to extend the limitation of current lithography. HOST requires no additional procedures and separate layout optimizations of each region in terms of OPC are enough. Furthermore, it is possible to change illumination condition of each region and the overlap between two regions with ease. The results from the simulation are pattern size and profile of each condition according to the defous and misregistration. 0.63 NA ArF Scanner and Clariant resist is used for wafer process. The resist was coated on Clariant organic BARC using 0.24 um thickness. Dipole illumination for cell region and annular illumination for peripheral region are used. Cell region contains 0.20 um pitch duty pattern and peripheral region 0.24 um pitch duty pattern. The boundary of two regions is investigated in view of validity of stitching itself. The layout of reticles used as the cell and peripheral region are optimized by OPC, respectively and then, additional OPC was treated to the boundary, i.e., stitching area to compensate the cross term of the boundary caused by separate and independent optimization with OPC in the cell and the peripheral regime. The final patterns were acquired by defining the cell at first and the peripheral region secondly with different defocus and registration in respect to the cell. The actual data on wafer are presented according to defocus and one region's overlay offset relatively to the other region. And the outstanding matching between simulation results and in-line data are shown. Lithography process window for stable patterning is thoroughly investigated in view of depth of focus, energy latitude, registration between two stitched regions and stitching itself in the boundary. It is found from the experiment that total DOF of DE (double exposure) is 0.5 um and the total EL of DE is 10.0% in this paper. At present, it is very difficult to ensure stable process margin for the sub-0.10 um patterning. But there is a promising technology called stitching with special optimization. In addition, this technology will be nominated as an eternal candidate process whenever our lithography is in the adversity at the limits of his days.
Lower Bounds of the Number of Threshold Functions and a Maximum Weight

A lower bound on the number of threshold functions and a lower bound on the maximum of minimum weights of a threshold element are derived from a recursively constructed family of threshold elements. All threshold functions of n variables are difficult to construct for a general value of n, but it is shown that a large number of them can be constructed recursively from threshold functions of fewer variables. Schemes of such generation and related proper ties are discussed. Threshold functions generated in this way are so numerous that they constitute a constructive proof of a good lower bound on the number of threshold functions. By a similar procedure, we can derive a lower bound on the maximum of minimum weights of a threshold element. In this paper, discussion is limited to self-dual threshold functions, but this does not sacrifice generality, because any threshold function can be derived from a self-dual threshold function by assigning 1 or 0 to a certain variable.
Perceptions of power equality among drug-using women.

ABSTRACT This study examined the associations between perceptions of the power equality in a current sexual relationship and each of several alternative indicators of power in a sample of drug-using women. Using targeted sampling, 262 women were recruited from the streets of Anchorage, Alaska. A battery of face-to-face questionnaires was administered to adult women who gave evidence of recent drug use (track marks or positive urinalysis) and had been recently sexually active. Perceived power equality was associated with physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, self-efficacy, sexual communication, and income for main partners, and the trade of sex and traditionalism of her views on home and family for casual partners. These findings suggest that power is a complex, multifaceted construct, and that type of relationship must be considered when trying to understand the meaning of power within drug-using women's lives. Implications for risk behavior interventions are discussed.
Dirac-delta function approximations to the scattering phase function

Abstract Dirac-delta function approximations are used to represent the single scattering phase function of large spherical particles or voids. The phase function for a spherical particle or void can be represented by a series of Legendre polynomials; however, as the diameter is increased, forward scattering becomes dominant and the number of terms in the series becomes very large. A Dirac-delta function approximation consists of a Dirac-delta function in the forward direction plus a finite series of Legendre polynomials. The Dirac-delta function accounts for strong forward scattering. Particular attention is given to large ice spheres and spherical voids in ice. The Dirac-delta function is shown effective in reducing the number of terms needed to describe the phase function.
Diffuse fasciitis with eosinophilia: A steroid-responsive variant of scleroderma

ment of meningeal leukemia: radiation therapy vs. conventional intrathecal methotrexate, Blood 34:301, 1969. Hustu HO, Aur RJA, Verzosa MS, Simone JV, and Pinkel D: Prevention of central nervous system leukemia by irradiation, Cancer 32:585, 1973. Willoughby MLN: Treatment of overt meningeal leukemia in children: Results of second MRC meningeal leukemia trial, Br Med J 1:864, 1976. 7. Humphrey GB, Krous HF, Filler J, Maxwell JD, and Van Houtte J J: Treatment of overt CNS leukemia, Am J Pediatr Hematol/Oncol 1:37, 1979. 8. Hustu HO, and Aur RJA: Extramedullary leukemia, Clin Haematol 7:313, 1978.
Towards Multi-generation Assemblies with Tetraphenylmethane Subunits

The synthesis of tetra(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)methane is reported. Possessing four benzyl alcohol groups, this molecule is anticipated to undergo self-assembly processes analogous to previously studied benzyl alcohol derived, deep-cavity cavitands (Gibb, C. L. D.; Stevens, E. D.; Gibb, B. C. Chem. Commun. 2000, 363–364). Towards such assembly processes, a bis-protected derivative was synthesized and its ability to undergo a macrocyclization reaction determined. Both the protection strategy employed and the macrocyclization approach are important models for more complex, repetitive self-assembly processes that can be envisaged with these types of molecules.
China's Road to Sustainability

This forum the complexity of forces that have affected Chi- na s sustainability over the past six decades and offers perspectives for the future. Both internal and external forces vary across time. can offset each other depending on the context, which to nonlinear and unexpected consequences. During the past 60 years, negative impacts have been stronger than conditions worsening and few improving. The Great Leap Pro- gram ( 7) banned logging forests after devastating fl oods that were widely to be the tion soil erosion. China s economy, domi- nated low-effi ciency industry, is gradually econ- omy that applies the of reduce, reuse, and recycle and uses one facility s waste as another facility s input. Since attend- ing the the Human Environment, China has to recognize environmental problems, signed international environment-related treaties, imported green technologies, and collaborated with countries and orga- nizations to undertake
Clothianidin Seed Treatments Inconsistently Affect Corn Forage Yield When following Soybean

Cool conditions after corn (Zea mays L.) planting frequently delay emergence in the northeastern USA, which is conducive to damage by the soil insect pest, seed corn maggot (Delia platura). Two hybrids with three seed-applied insecticide treatments, which included a control, 0.25 mg a.i. seed clothianidin [(E)1-(2-chloro-1, 3-thiazol-5-ymethyl)-3-methyl-2-nitroguanidine], and 1.25 mg a.i. seed -1 clothianidin, were evaluated in 2004 and 2005 in New York. The objective of the study was to determine if clothianidin affects final plant densities, total dry matter (DM) accumulation during vegetative growth, DM yield, and forage quality in an environment with occasional soil insect pests. Corn emerged in 7 d in 2004 so clothianidin did not affect final plant densities, but the 1.25 mg a.i. treatment vs. the control of one hybrid had 1.3 Mg ha -1 greater DM yield. Corn emerged in 17 d in 2005, and the 0.25 mg a.i. treatment averaged 3296 more plants ha -1 while both clothianidin treatments vs. the control of one hybrid had 1.4 to 1.7 Mg ha -1 greater DM yields. Lack of negative responses of final plant densities, vegetative growth, and DM yield indicates that clothianidin seed treatments have no phytotoxic effect on corn. Nevertheless, seed treatments did not affect forage quality or calculated milk yields so our study indicates that clothianidin seed treatment is not justified when corn follows soybeans [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] in the northeastern USA.
A History of First Step Fallacies

In the 1960s, without realizing it, AI researchers were hard at work finding the features, rules, and representations needed for turning rationalist philosophy into a research program, and by so doing AI researchers condemned their enterprise to failure. About the same time, a logician, Yehoshua Bar-Hillel, pointed out that AI optimism was based on what he called the "first step fallacy". First step thinking has the idea of a successful last step built in. Limited early success, however, is not a valid basis for predicting the ultimate success of one's project. Climbing a hill should not give one any assurance that if he keeps going he will reach the sky. Perhaps one may have overlooked some serious problem lying ahead. There is, in fact, no reason to think that we are making progress towards AI or, indeed, that AI is even possible, in which case claiming incremental progress towards it would make no sense. In current excited waiting for the singularity, religion and technology converge. Hard headed materialists desperately yearn for a world where our bodies no longer have to grow old and die. They will be transformed into information, like Google digitizes old books, and we will achieve the promise of eternal life. As an existential philosopher, however, I suggest that we may have to overcome the desperate desire to digitalize our bodies so as to achieve immortality, and, instead, face up to and maybe even enjoy our embodied finitude.
Effect of ethanol and ethanol-induced hypothermia on protein synthesis in pregnant and fetal rats.

The effects of acute and chronic maternal ethanol intake and concomitant hypothermia on in vivo net protein synthesis in maternal and fetal tissues were investigated. No consistent effect on net protein synthesis was found in rats chronically exposed to ethanol if they were tested at a time when blood alcohol levels averaged 0.76 mg/ml and body temperatures were normal (38°C). If rats chronically exposed to ethanol were given ethanol acutely, which raised blood ethanol levels to 3 mg/ml and reduced maternal body temperature by 2.3°C, net protein synthesis was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in maternal brain and viscera, placenta, and in fetal brain and viscera. Acute ethanol exposure alone, yielding blood levels of 2.7 mg/ml and reducing maternal body temperature by over 2°C, also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced net protein synthesis in the same tissues. In both groups of animals hypothermia was then eliminated to assess the effects of ethanol alone on protein synthesis. The etha-nol-induced hypothermia was found to be the major contributor to the observed depression in net protein synthesis in maternal brain and heart and in fetal brain. However, at high blood ethanol levels, ethanol directly, independent of hypothermia, also reduced net protein synthesis in maternal kidney, liver, and placenta, and in fetal heart, kidney, and liver. In conclusion, both ethanol-induced hypothermia (to a major degree) and ethanol per se, at blood ethanol levels in excess of 1 mg/ml, depress net protein synthesis in vivo in rats.
Relative developmental abilities of hamster 2- and 8-cell embryos cultured in hamster embryo culture medium-1 and -2.

The relative developmental abilities of hamster 2- and 8-cell embryos in culture were compared using two versions of hamster embryo culture medium (HECM). These media differed primarily in the number of amino acids present, i.e., 20 amino acids in HECM-1 and four amino acids in HECM-2. When 2-cell embryos were cultured for 24 h, the percentages of greater than or equal to 4-cell embryos obtained in both HECM-1 and HECM-2 were comparable (congruent to 93%); at the end of 48 h, the proportion of greater than or equal to 8-cell embryos obtained in HECM-1 (82.5%) was significantly (P less than or equal to 0.001) more than that obtained in HECM-2 (67.9%). Interchange of media, after 24 h culture, did not enhance the ability of cultured 2-cell embryos to become blastocysts. When 8-cell embryos were cultured for 18 h in HECM-1 and -2, there was no appreciable difference in the proportion of total blastocysts formed (89-91%). However, there were significantly (P less than or equal to 0.001) more late blastocysts in HECM-2 than in HECM-1 (68.2% vs. 38.4%). Embryo development from 2- and 8-cell stages was compared in media that differed by the presence and absence of phenol red and penicillin-G. There was no difference in embryo development when these compounds were present or absent. Similarly, the difference in pyruvate concentration between HECM-1 and -2 (0.5 and 0.2 mM, respectively) did not affect embryo development.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Increasing efficiency for estimating treatment-biomarker interactions with historical data

Detecting a treatment–biomarker interaction, which is a task better suited for large sample sizes, in a phase II trial, which has a small sample size, is challenging. In this paper, we investigate how two plausibly available sources of historical data may contain partial information to help estimate the treatment–biomarker interaction parameter in a randomized phase II study. The parameter is not identified in either historical dataset alone; nonetheless, both can provide some information about the parameter and, consequently, increase the precision of its estimate. To illustrate the potential for gains in efficiency and implications for the design of the study, we consider Gaussian outcomes and biomarker data and calculate the asymptotic variance using the expected Fisher information matrix. We quantify the gain in efficiency both through a numerical study and, in a simplified setting, insights derived from an algebraic development of the problem. We find that a non-negligible gain in precision is possib...
Effect of fat in ground beef on the growth and virulence plasmid (pYV) stability in Yersinia pestis.

Abstract Knowledge of the behavior of Yersinia pestis in food may be useful in the event Y. pestis is used in a bioterrorism attack on the food supply. However, there are no reports on the growth of plasmid-bearing (pYV) virulent Y. pestis in food. The growth of a conditionally virulent pYV-bearing Y. pestis KIM5 in sterile raw ground beef with 7, 15 and 25% fat content was studied at 0, 4, 10 and 25 °C. The Y. pestis KIM5 did not grow but survived in raw ground beef at 0 and 4 °C. In raw ground beef with fat contents of 7, 15 and 25% Y. pestis KIM5 replicated at 10 °C with growth rates of 0.06, 0.05, and 0.06 log 10 CFU/h and maximum population densities of 8.65, 8.30, and 8.43 log 10 CFU/g, respectively. The growth rate was 4-fold higher and the maximum population density was slightly higher at 25 °C in raw ground beef at all levels of fat as compared to 10 °C. Moreover, there was no loss of pYV in surviving Y. pestis KIM5 in raw ground beef stored at refrigerator temperatures or during its growth in raw ground beef. This suggests that raw ground beef contaminated with virulent Y. pestis could cause oro-pharyngeal plague due to refrigeration failure, temperature (10–25 °C) abuse, and if the meat was not properly cooked. The resultant disease may lead to outbreaks of highly infectious pneumonic plague.
Laptop Enabled Active Learning in the Software Engineering Classroom: An Experience Report

Over the past four years the University of Hawaii has been steadily moving towards an "active learning" approach to software engineering education by replacing passive slide-show lectures with a series of short lectures followed by in-class exercises, enabled though the use of wireless networked laptops. In this paper we report on our experiences and early results with this approach. The results suggest that students like this approach more, do better, and evaluate the courses more positively.
The Effect of Dissolved Chlorine on the Pitting Behavior of 304L Stainless Steel in a 0.5 N NaCl Solution

Abstract Electrochemical experiments were performed on a 304L (UNS S30403) stainless steel alloy in a 0.5 N NaCl solution as a function of chlorine content (0 to 180 mg/L) at room temperature. Experiments performed included a measurement of the corrosion potential as a function of time, the determination of both the breakdown and repassivation potentials using cyclic polarization curves, and the use of a scratching electrode technique to measure the kinetic aspects of the breakdown of passivity. The addition of chlorine to a solution of pH 5 in the concentration range of 20 to 60 ppm chlorine resulted in a significant shift in the corrosion potential in the noble direction. At higher concentrations of chlorine, the corrosion potential shifts back toward that observed without chlorine additions. Chlorine also results in a monotonic shift in the breakdown potential, suggesting that the passive film is rendered more stable against the initiation of localized corrosion. However, the repassivation potential ex...