cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution behavior of chemically amplified resist polymers for 248-, 193-, and 157-nm lithography

The aqueous base development step is one of the most critical processes in modern lithographic imaging technology. Sinusoidal modulation of the exposing light intensity must be converted to a step function in the resist film during the development process. Thus, in designing high-performance resists, controlling the dissolution behavior of the resist polymer film in aqueous developer is of the utmost importance. This paper describes and compares the dissolution behavior of different polymers employed in chemically amplified imaging at 248, 193, and 157 nm. The polymers discussed in this paper are polyhydroxystyrene derivatives (248 nm), functionalized poly(cycloolefins) containing carboxylic acid (193 nm), and polymers bearing a hexafluoroisopropanol functionality for base solubility (157 nm).
Sex differences in phase angle of entrainment and melatonin amplitude in humans

Studies of sex differences in the timing of human circadian rhythms have reported conflicting results. This may be because the studies conducted to date have not controlled for the masking effects of the rest activity cycle on the circadian rhythms being assessed. In the present analysis of data collected under controlled conditions, we examined sex differences in the timing of circadian rhythms while minimizing masking from behavioral and environmental factors using a constant routine (CR) protocol. All participants (28 women and 28 men paired by habitual wake time; age range, 18 30 years) maintained a regular self selected sleep wake schedule at home prior to the study. After 3 baseline days in the laboratory, participants began a CR. Women were found to have a significantly higher melatonin amplitude and lower temperature amplitude than men. While sleep timing was the same between the 2 groups, the timing of the circadian rhythms of core body temperature and pineal melatonin secretion was earlier relative to sleep time in women as compared to men. Sleep therefore occurred at a later biological time for women than men, despite being at the same clock time. Given that sleep propensity and structure vary with circadian phase and are impacted by circulating melatonin, these findings may have important implications for understanding sex differences in sleep timing and duration, diurnal preference, and the prevalence of sleep disorders such as insomnia.
The Origins of UHMWPE in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Introduced clinically in November 1962 by Sir John Charnley, UHMWPE articulating against a metallic femoral head remains the gold standard bearing surface combination for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Charnley's design of an artificial hip joint was the product of an evolutionary process between 1958 and 1960. For the initial designs of the hip arthroplasty, Charnley made the use of pink dental acrylic cement, circulated under the trade name of Nu-Life to fix the stem to the bone. Charnley's second, interim design for a total hip replacement included an acetabular component of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) articulating against a metallic femoral head from a cemented Austin Moore or Thompson prosthesis. The fifth and final design iteration, which was clinically introduced in January 1960, included an acetabular component of PTFE, articulating against a cemented femoral component having a 22.225mm (7/8 inch) diameter head. However, after the failure of PTFE cups in vivo, Charnley experimented with filled PTFE. Charnley tested and ultimately implanted glass-filled PTFE as well as a proprietary-filled PTFE produced by Polypenco under the trade name Fluorosint.
Calcium-induced calcium release mechanism contributes to disorganization of VF dynamics during evolving global ischemia

Background: Defibrillation success as well as organization of electrical activity rapidly deteriorates with time after onset of VF leading to global ischemia. The mechanism underlying the evolution of VF organization remains speculative and poorly understood. Recently, intracellular Ca fluctuations mediated by the calcium-induced calcium release (CICR) mechanism have been implicated in wave fragmentation during VF. We hypothesized that the role of CICR in VF dynamics increases as VF/ischemia progresses. Methods: Pig hearts were Langendorff-perfused with blood. Coronary perfusion was interrupted after electrical induction of VF. Di-4-ANEPPS fluorescence movies were recorded from the anterior wall of the left ventricle during 0-7 minutes of VF/ischemia in the absence (control, n 7) and presence (n 5) of CICR channel blocker ryanodine (10 mol/l). Dominant frequency (DF) and the power at the DF (PDF) were computed for each pixel. Average PDF over the mapped area was used to assess the degree of periodicity during VF. We used Hilbert transform to detect trajectories of wavebreaks (WBs). The number of WBs per movie was used to quantify the complexity of VF. Results: PDF exhibited a biphasic dynamics in both groups, but ryanodine postponed the descending phase and caused a consistent increase in periodicity between 3 and 7 min of VF/ischemia (p 0.01, Figure). A transient decrease in the number of WBs was seen at minute two of ischemia in both control and ryanodine groups. Subsequently, WBs increased at minute 3 reaching a plateau at minute 4 in control animals. This effect was absent in the ryanodine group (p 0.001, Figure). Conclusion: CICR mechanism contributes selectively to disorganization of VF dynamics after 3 minutes of VF/ischemia, without any significant effect during earlier phases of VF.
Position Auctions with Bidder-Specific Minimum Prices

Position auctions such as the Generalized Second Price (GSP) auction are in wide use for sponsored search, e.g., by Yahoo! and Google. We now have an understanding of the equilibria of these auctions, via game-theoretic concepts like Generalized English Auctions and the "locally envy-free" property, as well as through a relationship to the well-known, truthful Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG) mechanism. In practice, however, position auctions are implemented with additional constraints, in particular, bidder-specific minimum prices are enforced by all major search engines. The minimum prices are used to control the quality of the ads that appear on the page. We study the effect of bidder-specific minimum prices in position auctions with an emphasis on GSP. Some properties proved for standard GSP no longer hold in this setting. For example, we show that the GSP allocation is now not always efficient (in terms of advertiser value). Also, the property of "envy-locality" enjoyed by GSP--which is essential in the prior analysis of strategies and equilibria--no longer holds. Our main result is to show that despite losing envy locality, GSP with bidder-specific minimum prices still has an envy-free equilibrium. We conclude by studying the effect of bidder-specific minimum prices on VCG auctions.
Structurally dependent redox property of ribonucleotide reductase subunit p53R2.

p53R2 is a newly identified small subunit of ribonucleotide reductase (RR) and plays a key role in supplying precursors for DNA repair in a p53-dependent manner. Currently, we are studying the redox property, structure, and function of p53R2. In cell-free systems, p53R2 did not oxidize a reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicator carboxy-H2DCFDA, but another class I RR small subunit, hRRM2, did. Further studies showed that purified recombinant p53R2 protein has catalase activity, which breaks down H2O2. Overexpression of p53R2 reduced intracellular ROS and protected the mitochondrial membrane potential against oxidative stress, whereas overexpression of hRRM2 did not and resulted in a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. In a site-directed mutagenesis study, antioxidant activity was abrogated in p53R2 mutants Y331F, Y285F, Y49F, and Y241H, but not Y164F or Y164C. The fluorescence intensity in mutants oxidizing carboxy-H2DCFDA, in order from highest to lowest, was Y331F > Y285F > Y49F > Y241H > wild-type p53R2. This indicates that Y331, Y285, Y49, and Y241 in p53R2 are critical residues involved in scavenging ROS. Of interest, the ability to oxidize carboxy-H2DCFDA indicated by fluorescence intensity was negatively correlated with RR activity from wild-type p53R2, mutants Y331F, Y285F, and Y49F. Our findings suggest that p53R2 may play a key role in defending oxidative stress by scavenging ROS, and this antioxidant property is also important for its fundamental enzymatic activity. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(4): 1900-5)
Electron transport in fast dielectric liquids at high applied electric fields

The drift velocity, w, of excess electrons as a function of the applied uniform electric field, E, in liquid 2,2-dimethylpropane (TMC), tetramethylsilane (TMS), tetramethylgermanium (TMG), tetramethyltin (TMT), and 2,2,4,4-tetramethylpentane (TMP), as well as in mixtures of TMS with TMP (mole ratio M=1.31/1) and n-pentane (M=102/1, 17/1, and 5.6/1), has been measured for E-values up to approximately 10/sup 5/ V-cm/sup -1/. The thermal electron mobility in the above liquids is 71.5, 119.3, 114.7, 85.7, 31.8, 39.1, 118, 85, and 47.6 cm/sup 2/ s/sup -1/ V/sup -1/, respectively. Electrical breakdown in TMS, TMP, and the mixtures occurred at E>16/sup 5/ V-cm/sup -1/. In TMT it occurred at rather low fields (E not=7.5*10/sup 4/ V-cm/sup -1/), and it led to significant decomposition of the liquid and deposition of tin on the cell walls and the electrodes. In TMC and TMG no breakdown occurred up to the highest field reached. >
Using Rheology to Probe the Mechanism of Joint Lubrication: Polyelectrolyte/protein interactions in Synovial Fluid

The outstanding lubricating properties of synovial fluid, found in freely moving mammalian joints, may be due to intermolecular associations between hyaluronic acid, an anionic polysaccharide, and the plasma proteins. A synovial fluid model comprised of hyaluronic acid and the plasma proteins albumin and γ-globulins, was constructed. Rheological measurements reveal a pronounced viscoelasticity with a strong shear history dependence for the synovial fluid model and the plasma protein solutions at low shear rates. The addition of the anti-inflammatory drug D-Penicillamine to the solution alters the rheology of the synovial fluid model. We present two ideas about the structural features of synovial fluid that may explain this viscoelasticity and suggest further experimental techniques that can be used to test these ideas.
Image communication: integrating hospitality marketing and public relations.

This paper discusses the implications of image communication to both the hospitality industry and industry educators. The first section of the paper examines current trends in public relations and ...
CALCIUM MEDIATED DIFFERENTIATION OF AMELOBLAST LINEAGE CELLS IN VITRO

Calcium is a key component of the mineralized enamel matrix, but may also have a role in ameloblast cell differentiation. In this study we used human ameloblast lineage cells to determine the effect of calcium on cell function. Primary human ameloblast lineage cells were isolated from human fetal tooth buds. Cells were treated with calcium ranging from 0.05 to -1.8 mM. Cell morphology was imaged by phase contrast microscopy, and amelogenin was immunolocalized. Proliferation of cells treated with calcium was measured by BrdU immunoassay. The effect of calcium on mRNA expression of amelogenin, Type 1 collagen, DSPP, amelotin, and KLK-4 was compared by PCR analysis. Von Kossa staining was used to detect mineral formation after cells were pretreated with calcium. Calcium induced cell organization and clustering at 0.1 and 0.3 mM concentrations. Increasing concentrations of calcium significantly reduced ameloblast lineage cell proliferation. The addition of 0.1 mM calcium to the cultures upregulated expression of amelogenin, Type I collagen, and amelotin. After pretreatment with 0.3 mM calcium, the cells could form a mineralized matrix. These studies, which utilized human ameloblast lineage cells grown in vitro, showed that the addition of calcium at 0.1 and 0.3 mM, induced cell differentiation and upregulation of amelogenin Type I collagen and amelotin.
The lipid composition of isolated brain cells and axons.

The current status of the published work on the lipid composition of isolated brain cells is reviewed and some new work on the sphingolipids of these cells is presented. In spite of considerable differences in isolation techniques between different groups, the lipid analyses of different cell preparations are similar enough to permit several generalizations. This fact is an encouraging sign that cell separation methods have considerable usefulness in defining the composition of normal brain cells. It is a general finding that astrocytes have more lipid than neuronal perikarya but that the gross lipid composition of these two cell types is surprisingly similar. Oligodendroglial lipids are quite different from those of the other two cell types and are characterized by a high galactolipid content. Although such a lipid pattern might be expected in oligodendroglia, which are myelin-forming cells, axonal lipids have an even higher galactolipid content. In an effort to find more cell-specific patterns, the glycosphingolipids were examined in more detail. Differences were seen in the distribution and fatty-acid pattern of these minor lipids in neurons and astrocytes, although it may be premature to conclude that these differences will prove to be cell-specific. All of the isolated cells were found to contain galactosylceramide, sulfatide, glucosylceramide, dihexosylceramide, and gangliosides. The distribution of these lipids in the normal cells was found to differ considerably from that reported in cultured neuroblastoma cells or astrocytoma cells. Not only were gangliosides present in all cells but the ganglioside patterns of neurons and astrocytes were nearly identical. The fatty-acid patterns of the neuronal and astroglial sphingolipids generally do not resemble each other, and both are quite different from those found in oligodendroglia and axons. However, the fatty-acid composition of the sphingolipids from bovine oligodendroglia and from axons are similar and resemble those of myelin lipids. The fatty acids of glucosylceramide and dihexosylceramide are similar in all three cell types. They have rather large amounts of 16:0 and acids longer then C18; thus they are considerably different from the ganglioside fatty acids (which have mostly 18:0) isolated from the same fractions.
Non-motor cognitive-perceptual dysfunction associated with drug-induced parkinsonism

Objective The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between drug-induced parkinsonism (DIP) and subjective non-motor cognitive impairments in schizophrenia by performing comprehensive assessments of extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) and the subjective cognitive-perceptual functioning. Methods Ninety-one outpatients with schizophrenia were evaluated for DIP and other EPS. Subjective cognitive-perceptual dysfunction was comprehensively assessed using the Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire (FCQ). To examine the association between DIP and non-motor cognitive-perceptual dysfunction, Pearson's partial correlation analysis was performed between the FCQ scores and the severity of DIP, controlling for relevant variables. Results The analysis revealed that the severity of DIP had a significant correlation with the total FCQ score (p < 0.05). In phenomenological subscales, the severity of DIP showed significant correlations with “deterioration of discrimination,” “psychomotor disorder,” “perceptual disorder,” “cognitive floating,” and “automatic behavior disorder” (p < 0.05). Conclusions The results of our study suggest that DIP is significantly associated with a wide range of subjective non-motor cognitive impairments. Clinicians should be careful of the appearance of DIP and the associated non-motor cognitive-perceptual symptoms, which may cause considerable distress and reduce the quality of life in an already vulnerable group of patients. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glucocorticoid attenuates the anabolic effects of parathyroid hormone on fracture repair.

Long-term use of glucocorticoid (GC) not only reduces bone mass and strength, which leads to a greater risk of fracture, but also hinders fracture repair. In this study, we produced open fractures in GC-treated mice and investigated the effects of human parathyroid hormone 1–34 (hPTH) on fracture repair. Swiss-Webster mice were randomly divided into five groups. Three groups of GC-treated mice were given prednisolone, which was slowly released from subcutaneously implanted pellets at the rate of 1.4 mg/kg/day. Placebo pellets were implanted into the animals in two placebo groups. Three weeks later, osteotomies at the midshaft femora were performed and intramedullary pins were inserted to stabilize the fracture site under general anesthesia. Following fracture surgery, three GC groups were treated subcutaneously with vehicle, PTH at a low dose (40 ug/kg/day), and PTH at a high dose (80 ug/kg/day), respectively. Two placebo groups were given vehicle and PTH at a dose of 40 ug/kg/day, respectively. Radiographs, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and mechanical testing (four-point bending) were used to evaluate fracture repair at 4 weeks after fracture surgery. Callus development, endochondral ossification, and recovery of mechanical strength at the fracture sites in GC animals treated with vehicle were significantly suppressed compared to placebo animals. Normally, PTH accelerates fracture repair. In GC-treated mice, PTH fails to improve endochondral ossification and mechanical properties compared to vehicle treatment, suggesting that the anabolic effect of PTH on fracture healing can be attenuated by GC administration in mice.
Urban seismology—Northridge aftershocks recorded by multi-scale arrays of portable digital seismographs

We deployed portable digital seismographs in the San Fernando Valley (SFV), the Los Angeles basin (LAB), and surrounding hills to record aftershocks of the 17 January 1994 Northridge California earthquake. The purpose of the deployment was to investigate factors relevant to seismic zonation in urban areas, such as site amplification, sedimentary basin effects, and the variability of ground motion over short baselines. We placed seismographs at 47 sites (not all concurrently) and recorded about 290 earthquakes with magnitudes up to 5.1 at five stations or more. We deployed widely spaced stations for profiles across the San Fernando Valley, as well as five dense arrays (apertures of 200 to 500 m) in areas of high damage, such as the collapsed Interstate 10 overpass, Sherman Oaks, and the collapsed parking garage at CalState Northridge. Aftershock data analysis indicates a correlation of site amplification with mainshock damage. We found several cases where the site amplification depended on the azimuth of the aftershock, possibly indicating focusing from basin structures. For the parking garage array, we found large ground-motion variabilities (a factor of 2) over 200-m distances for sites on the same mapped soil unit. Array analysis of the aftershock seismograms demonstrates that sizable arrivals after the direct S waves consist of surface waves traveling from the same azimuth as that of the epicenter. These surface waves increase the duration of motions and can have frequencies as high as about 4 Hz. For the events studied here, we do not observe large arrivals reflected from the southern edge of the San Fernando Valley.
Application of Zienkiewicz-Zhu's error estimate with superconvergent patch recovery to hierarchical p -refinement

The Zienkiewicz—Zhu error estimate is slightly modified for the hierarchical p-refinement, and is then applied to three plane elastostatic problems to demonstrate its e⁄ectiveness. In each case, the error decreases rapidly with an increase in the number of degrees of freedom. Thus Zienkiewicz—Zhu’s error estimate can be used in the hp-refinement of finite element meshes. ( 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
HACMS: high assurance cyber military systems

Embedded systems form a ubiquitous, networked, computing substrate that underlies much of modern technological society. Such systems range from large supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems that manage physical infrastructure to medical devices such as pace-makers and insulin pumps, to computer peripherals such as printers and routers, to communication devices such as cell phones and radios, to vehicles such as airplanes and satellites. Such devices have been networked for a variety of reasons, including the ability to conveniently access diagnostic information, perform software updates, provide innovative features, lower costs, and improve ease of use. Researchers and hackers have shown that these kinds of networked embedded systems are vulnerable to remote attack, and such attacks can cause physical damage while hiding the effects from monitors.
Parent Vessel Guglielmi Detachable Coil Herniation during Wide-necked Aneurysm Embolization: Treatment with Intracranial Stent Placement: Two Technical Case Reports

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Despite recent advances in technology, parent vessel coil herniation occasionally complicates successful Guglielmi detachable coil embolization, particularly in wide-necked aneurysms. We report endovascular stent deployment performed in two patients specifically to treat this complication. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: Two patients underwent Guglielmi detachable coil embolization of cavernous segment aneurysms. Both developed coil herniation into the internal carotid artery. In one patient, the herniation occurred during the initial procedure; in the other, it was discovered in a delayed fashion during a follow-up examination for ocular symptoms. INTERVENTION: In both patients, endovascular stent deployment was performed to isolate the herniated portion of the coil from the internal carotid lumen. Follow-up angiography at 6 months demonstrated no aneurysm recanalization and no stenosis of the parent internal carotid artery in the stented region in either patient. CONCLUSION: The use of intraluminal stents has been reported to be a helpful technical adjunct to the conventional endovascular treatment of aneurysms and balloon angioplasty. One additional indication for the use of this technology is sequestering herniated coils from the lumen of the parent artery to reduce potential embolic or occlusive sequelae.
Demonstration of a Primary Antidiuretic Action of Angiotensin II: Effects of Intrarenal Converting Enzyme Inhibition in the Conscious Dog*

This study was designed to determine whether angiotensin II of renal origin physiologically mediates free water production by the kidney. The effect of renal arterial infusion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, teprotide, on renal function was studied under conditions of hydropenia and hydration in uninephrectomized conscious dogs after 5 days of equilibration on a normal or low sodium diet. In low sodium animals, intrarenal infusion of teprotide (0.25 μg/kg-min) after 12 h of water restriction elicited marked increases in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and free water formation. After 24 h of water restriction, vasopressin (10 /μU/min) was infused iv to achieve an effective maximal urine concentration. Under these conditions, the inhibitor again increased the GFR and free water formation. After the production of a state of stable hydration, intrarenal infusion of teprotide also increased the GFR and free water formation. In the normal sodium animals, intrarenal infusion of the convertin...
DNA Binding Specificity of Proteins Derived from Alternatively Spliced Mouse P53 mRNAs

The mouse p53 gene generates two alternative splice products encoding p53 protein and a naturally occurring protein (p53as) with changes at the C-terminus. In p53as the negative regulatory region for DNA binding and PAb421 antibody binding site are replaced, and p53as is constitutively active for sequence-specific DNA binding. Using the technique of randomized synthetic oligonucleotide in cyclic amplification and selection of targets, we have found that p53as and p53 proteins have the same DNA binding specificities but that these specificities frequently diverge from the consensus of two copies of PuPuPuCATGPyPyPy. The importance of tetranucleotide CATG was confirmed but there was a less rigorous requirement for patterns of flanking or intervening sequences. In particular, the three purines upstream and three pyrimidines downstream of CATG are not required for p53 or p53as binding, 29 or more intervening nucleotides are tolerated, and one CATG is sufficient where adjacent nucleotides contain a region of homology with certain previously reported non-consensus p53 binding sequences. These results suggested further definition of the non-consensus motifs, and database searches with these uncovered additional candidate genes for p53 protein binding. We conclude that p53as and perhaps other activated forms of p53 exert their effects on the same genes and that differential activities of p53 protein forms are not due to inherently different sequence selectivities of DNA binding.
Success for LEP Students: The Sunnyside Sheltered English Program

The TESOL Quarterly invites readers to submit short reports and updates on their work. These summaries may address any areas of interest to Quarterly readers. Authors' addresses are printed with these reports to enable interested readers to contact the authors for more details.
Parallel MATLAB: Doing it Right

MATLAB is one of the most widely used mathematical computing environments in technical computing. It is an interactive environment that provides high-performance computational routines and an easy-to-use, C-like scripting language. It started out as an interactive interface to EISPACK and LINPACK and has remained a serial program. In 1995, C. Moler of Mathworks argued that there was no market at the time for a parallel MATLAB. But times have changed and we are seeing increasing interest in developing a parallel MATLAB, from both academic and commercial sectors. In a recent survey, 27 parallel MATLAB projects have been identified. We expand upon that survey and discuss the approaches the projects have taken to parallelize MATLAB. Also, we describe innovative features in some of the parallel MATLAB projects. Then we will conclude with an idea of a "right" parallel MATLAB. Finally we will give an example of what we think is a "right" parallel MATLAB: MATLAB*P.
LIKELIHOOD‐BASED INFERENCE IN ISOLATION‐BY‐DISTANCE MODELS USING THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF LOW‐FREQUENCY ALLELES

Estimating dispersal distances from population genetic data provides an important alternative to logistically taxing methods for directly observing dispersal. Although methods for estimating dispersal rates between a modest number of discrete demes are well developed, methods of inference applicable to “isolation-by-distance” models are much less established. Here, we present a method for estimating ρσ2, the product of population density (ρ) and the variance of the dispersal displacement distribution (σ2). The method is based on the assumption that low-frequency alleles are identical by descent. Hence, the extent of geographic clustering of such alleles, relative to their frequency in the population, provides information about ρσ2. We show that a novel likelihood-based method can infer this composite parameter with a modest bias in a lattice model of isolation-by-distance. For calculating the likelihood, we use an importance sampling approach to average over the unobserved intraallelic genealogies, where the intraallelic genealogies are modeled as a pure birth process. The approach also leads to a likelihood-ratio test of isotropy of dispersal, that is, whether dispersal distances on two axes are different. We test the performance of our methods using simulations of new mutations in a lattice model and illustrate its use with a dataset from Arabidopsis thaliana.
Gastroprotective actions of bombesin, L-DOPA, and mild irritants: roles of prostaglandins and sensory neurons.

Abstract Background: Bombesin and dopamine prevent gastric injury by an unknown mechanism. Sensory neurons and endogenous prostaglandins play an important role in gastric mucosal defense. This study was designed to assess the role of these two local defense mechanisms in bombesin and dopamine-induced gastroprotection, as well as mild irritant-induced adaptive cytoprotection. Methods: Conscious, fasted rats were given either capsaicin (125 mg/kg subcutaneously) to ablate sensory neurons or indomethacin (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, 2 weeks and 30 minutes, respectively, before administration of bombesin (100 μg/kg subcutaneously), the dopamine precursor L-DOPA (25 mg/kg intraperitoneally), or the mild irritant 25% ethanol (1 mL orogastric). A 1-mL orogastric bolus of acidified ethanol (150 mmol/L HCl/50% ethanol) was given 30 minutes after pretreatment with these peptides and 15 minutes after administration of the mild irritant. Rats were killed 5 minutes later and the total area of macroscopic gastric injury quantified. Results: Ablation of sensory neurons with capsaicin negated the protective actions of bombesin but failed to reverse gastroprotection by L-DOPA or 25% ethanol. Cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin partially reversed bombesin and mild irritant-induced gastroprotection but did not diminish the protective actions of L-DOPA. Conclusions: Bombesin requires intact sensory neurons to exert its protective actions through a mechanism mediated, at least in part, by endogenous prostaglandins. Adaptive cytoprotection by the mild irritant 25% ethanol requires the presence of endogenous prostaglandins but not sensory neurons. L-DOPA–induced gastroprotection is independent of both local defense mechanisms. (Surgery 1998; 124:864-70.)
A Midrash for Louise Rosenblatt

For what purpose is this midrash presented? As parable, paraphrase, prophecy, and dramatic monologue, midrash offers an illuminating perspective on Louise Rosenblatt's Literature as Exploration. Deeply influenced by libertarian ideals of her family, Rosenblatt crafted a unique philosophy in which the process of reading literature was intertwined with the aims of democratic citizenry. Working to understand her insistence on the need for imaginative extension helps us to recall a vanished ideal of democratic culture and the role that literature was to play within it.
Low-cost coincidence counting apparatus for quantum optics investigations

We have recently started investigating quantum optics for our advanced laboratory and quantum mechanics classes. For a small department, the expenses of much of the apparatus is daunting. As such, we look for places where we can reduce the costs while still providing benefits for our students. One of the places where there can be some cost savings are in the coincidence counter. The coincidence counter is a critical piece of the investigation, and while not the most expensive component, cost savings are still available. We have developed a low-cost coincidence counter (less than $50) based on a Cypress Programmable System on a Chip (PSoC). The PSoC is quite flexible. It has a microcontroller as well as FPGA like capabilities which enable us to build the coincidence detection and the counter. The design process and several investigations will be presented.
Computational Techniques for Density Functional Based Molecular Dynamics Calculations in Plane-Wave and Localized Basis Sets

Modern theoretical methods, aided by the emergence of increasingly powerful high-speed computing architectures, have advanced to a level such that the microscopic details of chemical processes in condensed phases can now be treated on a relatively routine basis.
Predominance of Neutrophils in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of AIDS Patients With Cytomegalovirus Radiculopathy

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) radiculopathy has been associated with both viral cytopathic inclusions and an increased number of neutrophils in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with AIDS. The significance of these findings is unknown. To evaluate this, the authors reviewed all CSF cytology specimens from patients with a history AIDS or HIV infection over a 9-year period. Of 193 specimens identified, 42 (22%) had neutrophils present. Neutrophils were rare ( 10/hpf) had positive CMV CSF cultures and symptoms of radiculopathy. Definite viral inclusions were not seen. The prognosis was poor in all cases. The authors conclude that diagnostic CMV inclusions are quite rare. However, the presence of elevated numbers of neutrophils in the CSF of a patient with AIDS without an identified infectious agent is highly suggestive of CMV radiculopathy.
Debris Flow Hazard Assessment System Based on GIS and Neural Network

This paper proposes a debris flow hazard assessment system of Tianshan road based on ArcEngine component tools and .Net platform. The system integrats the theoretics of neural network and GIS in the process of debris flow regional hazard evolution,plays powerful management of spatial information visualization and analysis functions,and makes it available of the depicting the nonlinear phenomena by BP neural network to the assessment processing of debris flow regional hazard,actualizes the visualization management of debris flow regional hazard evolution and provids stronger decision support scheme to both the policymakers and managers.
Who Pays for White-Collar Crime?

Using a proprietary dataset of 667 companies around the world that experienced white-collar crime we investigate what drives punishment of perpetrators of crime. We find a significantly lower propensity to punish crime in our sample, where most crimes are not reported to the regulator, relative to samples in studies investigating punishment of perpetrators in cases investigated by U.S. regulatory authorities. Punishment severity is significantly lower for senior executives, for perpetrators of crimes that do not directly steal from the company and at smaller companies. While economic reasons could explain these associations we show that gender and frequency of crimes moderate the relation between punishment severity and seniority. Male senior executives and senior executives in organizations with widespread crime are treated more leniently compared to senior female perpetrators or compared to senior perpetrators in organizations with isolated cases of crime. These results suggest that agency problems could partly explain punishment severity.
“They know there is hope:” How migrant educators support migrant students and their families in navigating the public school system

Abstract This study, which draws on the practice knowledge of 20 migrant educators employed in the public school system in Florida who were interviewed in 2013, shows how migrant educators support migrant students and their families in navigating the public school system. We found that migrant educators supported students and their families in navigating the school system in several ways: by helping students access supplies, technology and practical help and other school-related assistance; providing students with a supplemental education; supporting students emotionally; liaising between students, parents and the school; empowering parents to resist discrimination; and by managing school logistics. We discuss our findings in the context of existing scholarship and present implications for policy and future research.
Mobile pump deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis: just say no to drugs.

AimsThe purpose of this article was to review the current literature pertaining to the use of mobile compression devices (MCDs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) following total joint arthroplasty (...
Trends in the Authorship of Peer-Reviewed Publications in the Urology Literature

AbstractIntroduction: We evaluated the authorship count of all original research and review articles published in prominent urology journals in relation to trends in authorship during the last deca...
Anticommunism and Academia

Cold war ideology had serious consequences for American academia. Legend holds that professors were persecuted into silence by McCarthyism, and that everything returned to normal once the paranoia had run its course. But anticommunism had lasting systemic effects upon American scholarship and contributed to a general depoliticizing of research. A spirit of empiricism and logical positivism came to dominate the social sciences, and philosophy became largely analytic. Behaviorism excluded psychoanalysis from psychology. Literary studies developed a “new criticism” that sought to view texts as context-free and autonomous. The role of philanthropic foundations, especially the Ford foundation, also privileged empirical studies. A form of myopia eventually ensued, in which professors became viewed as “leftist liberals,” when, in fact, their concrete political and voting practices maintain a right-wing orientation. The misnomer “leftist liberal” masks the pervasiveness of neoliberal policies that, over the past decades, have reshaped higher education in the US.
Surgical management of epiphrenic diverticulum: A single-center experience and brief review of literature.

Abstract Background We present single-center experience of surgery for primary epiphrenic diverticulum (PED) over a 12-year period. Methods Prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients who underwent PED surgery. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms, operative data, perioperative complications, and follow-up were reviewed. Results Twenty-seven patients (14 females; mean age–67-years) underwent PED surgery. The most common primary presenting symptoms were dysphagia and regurgitation (mean duration–3.6-years). 82% patients underwent laparoscopic procedures (one conversion), 11% operated via left thoracotomy and 7% via combined laparoscopy–right trans-thoracic approach. All patients received myotomy, all but one received diverticulectomy. Five-patients experienced intraoperative complications that were managed intraoperatively without sequelae. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity was seen in 3-patients, including one staple-line leak managed with endoscopic washes and stent placement. 90% patients with ≥1-year follow-up reported “excellent” satisfaction. Conclusions Minimally invasive surgery for PED is both feasible and safe. We observed low morbidity, short hospital stay, and excellent patient-reported outcomes.
Triage amalgamated dermoscopic algorithm (TADA) for skin cancer screening.

Importance: Dermoscopic triage algorithms have been shown to improve beginners' abilities for identifying pigmented skin lesions requiring biopsy. Objective: To estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the Triage Amalgamated Dermoscopic Algorithm (TADA) for pigmented and nonpigmented skin cancers. Secondarily, to compare TADAs performance to those of existing triage algorithms for the identification of pigmented skin cancers. Design: Cross-sectional, observational, reader study that took place at a beginner and intermediate level dermoscopy course. Participants: Two hundred medical professionals of various specialties attended the course and 120 voluntarily joined the study (60% participation rate). Exposures: After receiving basic dermoscopy training, participants evaluated 50 polarized, dermoscopic images of pigmented (22 benign, 18 malignant) and nonpigmented (1 benign, 9 malignant) skin lesions using TADA. Pigmented lesions were also evaluated using the Three-Point Checklist and AC Rule. With TADA, participants first determined if a lesion was an unequivocal angioma, dermatofibroma, or seborrheic keratosis, which would exclude it from further evaluation. All other lesions were assessed for architectural disorder, starburst pattern, blue-black or gray color, shiny white structures, negative network, ulcer/erosion, or vessels. Any one feature indicated suspicion for malignancy. Results: Most participants were dermatologists (n=64, 53.3%) or primary care physicians (n=41, 34.2%), and many lacked previous dermoscopy training (n=52, 43.3%). TADA's sensitivity and specificity for all skin cancers was 94.6% (95% CI=93.4-95.7%) and 72.5% (95% CI=70.1-74.7%), respectively. For pigmented skin cancers, the sensitivity and specificity were 94.0% (95% CI=92.9-95.0%) and 75.5% (95% CI=73.8-77.2%). This compared to 71.9% (95%CI=69.8-73.9%) and 81.4% (95%CI=79.7-83.0%) for the Three- Point Checklist and 88.6% (95%CI=87.1-89.9%) and 78.7% (95%CI=76.9-80.3%) for the AC Rule. Conclusions: These results suggest that TADA compares favorably to existing triage algorithms and might be a useful triage tool with high sensitivity and specificity for pigmented and nonpigmented skin cancers. Further studies are needed to validate these preliminary observations.
Uses and Functions of Onsite Evaluations

Onsite evaluation is one of the most frequently employed strategies to evaluate programs in education, social services, and related areas. Its popularity is doubtlessly due, at least in part, to the fact that it can be a simple and straightforward approach that is not dependent on extensive technical expertise in psychometrics, statistics, or data manipulation. For those who view professional judgment as constituting the core of evaluation, onsite evaluation is often the preferred approach. Further, onsite evaluation is a flexible method that can be used as a part of a wide variety of evaluation methods.
Defining Angiotensin Receptor Subtypes

Historically, suggestions of multiple receptor subtypes for angiotensin II (ANG II) were based on a number of experimental observations involving the differences in the concentration—response relationships in isolated smooth muscle preparations,1 differences in membrane binding properties in various tissues such as in rat liver2 and kidney,3 and differences in the coupling to various second messenger systems.4 Early in our evaluation of a series of nonpeptide ANG II receptor antagonists, which led to the development of DuP 753 (losartan), it was noted that 20–30% of the labeled ANG II-specific binding could not be displaced by these compounds, in contrast to saralasin and unlabeled ANG II, which completely inhibited this binding.5 With the patent disclosure of two novel series of nonpeptide antagonists exemplified by losartan6 and by PD 123177,7 it was found that losartan selectively inhibited one population of ANG II binding sites, whereas PD 123177 selectively inhibited the other losartan-resistant site.8 A similar observation was independently established by using losartan and a novel peptide ligand, CGP 42112A, which also showed selectivity for the losartan-resistant site.9 Subsequently, a unified nomenclature for these two binding sites or receptors (AT1 and AT2) was recommended by a committee established by the American Heart Association Council for High Blood Pressure Research in 199010 and has now gained widespread acceptance. Accordingly, the ANG II binding sites or receptors that are specifically blocked by losartan and dithiothreitol (DTT) are designated the AT1 receptor subtype and those blocked by PO 123177 or CGP 42112A and enhanced by DTT are designated the AT2 receptor subtype.
The Role of Cellular Glutathione in Protecting Mammalian Cells from X Radiation and Chemotherapy Agents in Vitro

Clonogenic cells in solid tumors are heterogeneous in their response to cancer therapeutic modalities, i.e., ionizing radiation and chemotherapy. The heterogeneity may be due to cellular factors, arising in clonally-derived tumors from genetic or epigenetic drift, or to microenvironmental factors arising from intratumor gradients in, for example, oxygen tension (pO2), glucose or other nutrients and pH. These factors may directly influence cellular response to treatment or may exert indirect influence by affecting, for example, cell proliferation.
The Concepts of Private, Public and Merit Goods

In this chapter I expand on Adam Smith’s observation that roads and education cannot be conceptualized satisfactorily by the concept of private goods. The concepts of public and merit goods need to be added. I reduce the eighteen different characteristics of public goods, found in the economic literature, to the two crucial ones of non-rivalness in consumption and non-exclusion possibility of non-payers. I build upon the partial insight of Samuelson to claim that the three concepts of private, public and merit goods are ideal concepts which can be present jointly and in varying degrees in every economic event. Given that both Samuelson and Olson show the need for the government to make, in some cases, a decision without sufficient scientific evidence (Samuelson) or on ethical considerations (Olson), I argue that the concept of public goods demands the ethical concept of merit goods as introduced by Musgrave. I provide the different definitions and justification given by Musgrave. A discussion of the secondary literature allows me to strengthen Musgrave’s own confession that he has only been able to give a partial justification of the concept of merit goods. I announce that in the next chapter I will provide a Kantian inspired justification for merit goods.
Mycobacterium smegmatis HtrA Blocks the Toxic Activity of a Putative Cell Wall Amidase.

Summary Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, withstands diverse environmental stresses in the host. The periplasmic protease HtrA is required only to survive extreme conditions in most bacteria but is predicted to be essential for normal growth in mycobacteria. We confirm that HtrA is indeed essential in Mycobacterium smegmatis and interacts with another essential protein of unknown function, LppZ. However, the loss of any of three unlinked genes, including those encoding Ami3, a peptidoglycan muramidase, and Pmt, a mannosyltransferase, suppresses the essentiality of both HtrA and LppZ, indicating the functional relevance of these genes’ protein products. Our data indicate that HtrA-LppZ is required to counteract the accumulation of active Ami3, which is toxic under the stabilizing influence of Pmt-based mannosylation. This suggests that HtrA-LppZ blocks the toxicity of a cell wall enzyme to maintain mycobacterial homeostasis.
The past, present and future of opioid withdrawal assessment: a scoping review of scales and technologies

A common challenge with all opioid use disorder treatment paths is withdrawal management. When withdrawal symptoms are not effectively monitored and managed, they lead to relapse which often leads to deadly overdose. A prerequisite for effective opioid withdrawal management is early identification and assessment of withdrawal symptoms. The objective of this research was to describe the type and content of opioid withdrawal monitoring methods, including surveys, scales and technology, to identify gaps in research and practice that could inform the design and development of novel withdrawal management technologies. A scoping review of literature was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched using a combination of search terms. Withdrawal scales are the main method of assessing and quantifying opioid withdrawal intensity. The search yielded 18 different opioid withdrawal scales used within the last 80 years. While traditional opioid withdrawal scales for patient monitoring are commonly used, most scales rely heavily on patients’ self-report and frequent observations, and generally suffer from lack of consensus on the criteria used for evaluation, mode of administration, type of reporting (e.g., scales used), frequency of administration, and assessment window. It is timely to investigate how opioid withdrawal scales can be complemented or replaced with reliable monitoring technologies. Use of noninvasive wearable sensors to continuously monitor physiologic changes associated with opioid withdrawal represents a potential to extend monitoring outside clinical setting.