cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Controlling Layout Dependent Variations in Semi-Additive Copper Electrochemical Plating

An empirical model is proposed for predicting layout dependent thickness variations in the semi-additive copper electrochemical plating (ECP) process. These variations are believed to be caused by the uneven depletion of copper sulfate during plating, causing low pattern density areas to plate faster than higher pattern density areas. Effective pattern density is extracted from the layout using a spatial filter and then mapped to the growth rates using a non-linear function. Test structures are designed that represent a wide range of feature sizes and pattern densities. After plating, these structures are profiled and used to fit the model, while other structures are used to validate its accuracy. Comparisons between the validation predictions and the experimental results show an average balanced root mean squared error (BRMSE) of 0.292 $\mu \text{m}$ , and a corresponding R2 value of 0.90. Fill patterns are then proposed and shown to control plating variations, by controlling pattern density. Finally, across-chip growth rate variations for a realistic interconnect layer are predicted, and experimentally confirmed.
A Semi-Supervised Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network for Classifying Driving Fatigue from EEG signals

Predicting driver’s cognitive states using deep learning from electroencephalography (EEG) signals is considered this paper. To address the challenge posed by limited labeled training samples, a semi-supervised Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with gradient penalty (sWGAN-GP) is proposed. The proposed sWGAN-GP includes a classifier with the shared architecture with the discriminator in GAN and its loss function enables the augmentation of limited training samples with generated EEG samples during training, thus resulting in improved classification performance. The several modeling challenges including frequency artifacts and training instability, are also considered. The test results on predicting the alert and drowsy states from a simulated driving experiment demonstrate improved prediction performance and training stability over the baseline semi-supervised GAN and a convolutional neural network model.
The (Im)Balance of Externalities in Employment-Based Exclusions from Gross Income

Through the Internal Revenue Code, Congress has fashioned employment relationships by granting tax subsidies for employer purchase of particular benefits that employees may exclude from their gross income. Most of these benefits are not subject to federal employment taxes. Effective tax rates on taxable income of federal income and employment taxes are not progressive. Exclusion of a uniform amount from the income of all taxpayers makes these rates more progressive. Tax subsidies may induce taxpayers to substitute particular purchases for others, or they may make more income available to taxpayers who would purchase the benefit without a tax subsidy. Congressional purpose in providing tax subsidies in the employment relationship should be to facilitate purchase (substitution effect) of benefits that generate value beyond what the individual employee receives – not to make some taxpayers wealthier relative to others (beneficial income effect). Moreover, beneficial externalities that tax subsidies generate should be greater than the negative externalities they inevitably generate, i.e., horizontal inequity, unfair advantages for some employers, and deadweight loss. This Article examines various employment-based tax subsidies against these criteria. It concludes that employment-based tax subsidies are appropriate if they facilitate creation and maintenance of the employment relationship itself. These include expenditures for child- or dependent-care, transit passes and vanpools, moving expenses, and perhaps education benefits. Employment-based tax subsidies are also appropriate when they counter the adverse economic consequences of long-standing exclusions from gross income, i.e., Health Savings Accounts. Other subsidized benefits do not belong in the employment relationship.
Problem-Based Learning in College Science

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method that reflects active learning and constructivist philosophy. It incorporates multiple instructional strategies to help students acquire and apply content knowledge and develop higher-order thinking, problem-solving, self-directed learning, and collaborative skills. These instructional strategies include problem-initiated/problem-driven instruction, real-life complex ill-structured problems, self-directed learning, and collaborative small group learning. PBL is also highly effective in cultivating students’ soft skills, such as collaboration, teamwork, professionalism, and workplace culture where traditional lecture-based instruction falls short. PBL is an effective pedagogy for preparing the next generation of scientists as well as promoting science literacy among general education students. With PBL, science is no longer a matter of memorizing scientific terms, definitions, formulae, and algorithms for solving abstract problems. Rather, PBL makes science part of everyday life. In this chapter, we discuss what PBL is, its characteristics, and how it facilitates science learning. We also examine the effects of PBL on science student learning outcomes and conclude with a list of recommendations for implementing PBL in college science courses.
Chapter 94 – Dehydration/Overhydration

: Hypertonic dehydration is associated with decreases in both ECF and ICF volume, and increases in ECF and ICF tonicity. Hypertonic dehydration would not be expected to change the hematocrit. Uncontrolled diabetes insipidus would lead to a hypertonic dehydration. Hemorrhage is a common cause of isotonic dehydration. Hypotonic dehydration can lead to an increase in the ICF volume. Excessive administration of diuretic drugs can lead to hypotonic dehydration. Water intoxication in ruminant animals is not an uncommon occurrence. Abnormal sodium salt retention will lead to an expansion of the ECF volume.
Towards Predictive Cloud (Hurricane) Modeling

Abstract : The long-term goal of the proposed research is to develop a modeling architecture that sets the stage for future capabilities that are beyond the current generation of weather prediction models such as the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model.
Identity cues influence sexual minorities' anticipated treatment and disclosure intentions in healthcare settings: Exploring a multiple pathway model.

The present work experimentally examines how identity cues that signal minority inclusion contribute to sexual minorities’ (SM) healthcare visit expectations. We find that minority representation c...
Rituximab for Treatment of Aggressive Multiple Sclerosis During Pregnancy: A Case Series (P4.2-103)

Objective: To highlight two cases where multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity paradoxically increased during pregnancy. Due to disabling symptoms and concern for further relapses during pregnancy, the patients were treated with rituximab. Their clinical course was followed through delivery. This case series will discuss the risks of rituximab treatment to the infant, a review of the literature, and will report the outcome of the pregnancies. It is important to report these outcomes to help guide future clinical decision making. Background: During pregnancy, the rate of MS relapse traditionally declines, reaching a nadir during the third trimester. The risk of relapse increases in the first 3 months post-partum, before returning to pre-pregnancy levels in months 4–6. The use of disease modifying therapy (DMT) during pregnancy is controversial as safety data is limited. Many patients stop DMT, and careful risk/benefit discussions are required when choosing to start or continue therapy. However, a minority of patients can experience severe relapses during pregnancy that may warrant treatment with DMT. Design/Methods: N/A Results: The first patient treated with rituximab during the third trimester showed improvement in symptoms over several weeks, and her infant was born at term with no complications. The second patient was treated with rituximab in the early second trimester and has similarly showed symptom improvement. She is currently in the third trimester, but no complications with her pregnancy have been identified so far. Conclusions: Treatment of aggressive multiple sclerosis with rituximab during pregnancy has risks, but may be safe and effective in the right clinical context. Disclosure: Dr. Rice has nothing to disclose.
High Rate of Overlapping Question Content Among Commonly Used Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Purpose To precisely compare the questions and content between the most commonly cited knee-specific patient-reported outcome measurements (PROs) for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Methods A literature review through Medline from November 1, 2018, to November 1, 2020, was performed to find the most cited knee-specific PROs for assessment of ACL injuries. Each question was then classified as 1) identical, similar, or unique; 2) pertaining to 1 of 6 domains (pain, symptoms, functional activities, occupational activities, sports/recreation, and quality of life). The PROs were then compared to each other to assess question overlap and domain coverage. Results A total of 133 questions were analyzed from the seven most common PROs: International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) form, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, Tegner Activity Scale, Marx Scale, Knee Outcome Survey (KOS), and Cincinnati Knee Rating System (CKRS). The total distribution of identical (31.6%), similar (31.6%), and unique (36.8%) questions was found to be relatively even. However, this distribution varied within each PRO. KOS and Lysholm had the highest percentages of identical questions (64% and 62.5%, respectively). KOOS had the highest number of unique questions (26/42, 61.9%), while Tegner held the highest percentage (11/16, 68.8%). Sports/recreation was the only domain assessed by all PROs. Conclusion Nearly two-thirds of questions overlap between the commonly used PROs for ACL injury. Although sports/recreation is assessed by all PROs, each has its own pattern of coverage across this and other domains. Level of Evidence IV, cross-sectional study.
Predictions of Pulse-Echo Ultrasonic Signals from Cracks Observed Through an Interface with a Step Discontinuity: Comparison with Experiments

In ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation, one of the factors that can greatly affect the inspectibility of a part is the condition of its surface. In nuclear reactor components, factors such as weld overlay, claddings, grinding and diametrical shrink can generate interfaces with wavy, corrugated or abruptly stepped topographies. These large scale surface roughnesses could, in turn, cause excessive beam distortion and produce unreliable results. Therefore, there has been a need to quantify the adverse effects of surface conditions during ultrasonic inspections.
Genetics and Functional Pathology of Idiopathic Scoliosis

Idiopathic scoliosis is a fixed structural lateral curve of the spine of ≥10° affecting 2–3% of children making it the most common spinal abnormality in children. Clinically, it is characterized by a subtle, pain-free onset of bony deformity in otherwise normal individuals (see Fig. 8.1). Although the female-to-male ratio is approximately 1:1 for minor curves, the proportion of females increases dramatically as the curve magnitude increases for unknown reasons (Kane and Moe 1970). The wide variation of presentation, the limited therapeutic options, and the inability to detect individuals at risk for significant progression have led to the establishment of high-cost screening programs in the United States.
Campylobacter pylori isolated from the stomach of the monkey, Macaca nemestrina.

Campylobacter pylori was isolated from the gastric mucosa in 6 of 24 pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) examined by gastric biopsy and culture; 3 isolates were recovered during gastroendoscopy, and 3 were recovered at necropsy. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically similar to the human type strain NCTC 11638, differing only in colony diameter, pigmentation, and rate of growth. Identity of the isolates was confirmed by whole-genomic DNA-DNA hybridization with the type strain. Colonization of the monkey stomachs was associated with hypochlorhydria and histologic features resembling type B chronic gastritis in humans. Host animals exhibited no morbid clinical effects of colonization, although endoscopy revealed inflammation, erythema, and friable tissue in some animals. The discovery of C. pylori occurring spontaneously in M. nemestrina extends the known range of the hosts of the organism and offers the possibility of a natural or experimental model of the infection in monkeys. Images
A Moment in the Times: Law Professors and the Court-Packing Plan

When Franklin Roosevelt unveiled his "court-packing" plan, law professors found themselves in an unfamiliar position. For perhaps the first time ever, their professional opinions were being sought by journalists and politicians, for consumption by the general public. In faculty meetings and private correspondence, law professors considered the propriety of taking a stand for or against the President's plan. Ultimately, some professors chose to go public with their support (or opposition); others considered such commentary as a form of advocacy that was incompatible with their job descriptions. This article relates and examines the debate among law professors over both the court-packing proposal and their proper role, if any, in the public sphere.
The Paradox of Low Field Values and the Long‐Term History of the Geodynamo

The long-term strength of the geomagnetic field has been defined on the basis of Thellier-Thellier paleointensity experiments using igneous whole-rock samples and submarine basaltic glass. Yet many of the virtual dipole moments derived from these analyses are comparable to values that characterize geomagnetic excursions and reversal transitions. The low field stability implied by these values represents a paradox: it is in stark contrast to what is known from the history of paleosecular variation and the frequency of geomagnetic reversals. Taken at face value, the paleointensity data imply the field has been extraordinarily energetic during the last 10 million years. But factors that could change the magnetic field energy are characterized by time scales orders of magnitude greater than those needed to account for this apparent signal. We suggest instead that processes that lead to field underestimates (natural and experimental alteration) are far more common than is usually supposed. In particular, we focus here on the roles of low-temperature oxidation (maghemitization) and hydrothermal alteration. We conclude that the mean strength of the field since Mesozoic times was probably similar to that of the last 10 million years (7 to 8 x 10 22 Am 2 ), except during periods of very low (superchron) and very high (e.g. the Late Jurassic) reversal frequency. Paleointensity estimates for the latter interval are anomalously low relative to all available data and, together with Thellier paleointensity estimates based on analyses of single plagioclase crystals, suggest that reversal rate and field intensity are inversely related.
Meaningful change in cancer-specific quality of life scores: differences between improvement and worsening.

Introduction: There has been increased recent attention to the clinical meaningfulness of group change scores on health-related quality of life (HRQL) questionnaires. It has been assumed that improvements and declines of comparable magnitude have the same meaning or value. Method: We assessed 308 cancer patients with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) and a Global Rating of Change. Patients were classified into five levels of change in HRQL and its dimensions based upon their responses to retrospective ratings of change after 2 months: sizably worse, minimally worse, no change, minimally better, and sizably better. Raw score and standardized score changes on the FACT-G subscales and total score were then compared across different categories of patient-rated change. Results: The relationship between actual FACT change scores and retrospective ratings of change was modest but usually statistically significant (r: 0.07 to 0.35). Change scores associated with each retrospective rating category were evaluated to determine estimates of meaningful difference. Patients who reported global worsening of HRQL dimensions had considerably larger change scores than those reporting comparable global improvements. Although related to a ceiling effect, this remained true even after removing cases that began near the ceiling of the questionnaire. Discussion: Relatively small gains in HRQL have significant value. Comparable declines may be less meaningful, perhaps due to patients' tendency to minimize personal negative evaluations about one's condition. This has important implications for the interpretation of the meaningfulness of change scores in HRQL questionnaires. Factors such as adaptation to disease, response shift, dispositional optimism and the need for signs of clinical improvement may be contributing to the results and should be investigated in future studies.
Phenoloxidase Activity in Organisms Isolated from Lepromatous and Tuberculoid Leprosy

Abstract Anaerobic corynebacteria (propionibacteria), isolated in pure culture from the plasma of a case of tuberculoid leprosy and from lepromata of cases of lepromatous leprosy, exhibited phenoloxidase activity such as that shown by Prabhakaran to be associated with leprosy bacilli harvested from patients suffering from leprosy. Several corynebacteria, mycobacteria, and nocardias similarly examined did not produce phenoloxidase.
Bounds on capacity in multi-channel grid networks

We give lower and upper bounds for capacity in grid networks when using one channel and one radio per node. We also analyze the capacity for multiple channels and make connections to channel assignment algorithms that we introduced previously, which are robust to the presence of primary users. These algorithms could be used in wireless networks or networks with limited resources.
N6-Trimethyl-lysine metabolism. Structural identification of the metabolite 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyl-lysine.

1H and 13C nuclear-magnetic-resonance spectroscopy and functional-group analysis were used to determine the molecular structure of an isolated metabolite (IIb) of trimethyl-lysine as 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyl-lysine, an important intermediate in the conversion of trimethyl-lysine into trimethylammoniobutyrate and carnitine [Hoppel, Cox & Novak (1980) Biochem. J. 188, 509–519]. Functional-group analysis revealed the presence of a primary amine and reaction of metabolite (IIb) with periodate yielded 4-N-trimethylammoniobutyrate as a product, showing 2,3-substitution on the molecule and suggesting that the 3-substitution on the molecule may be an alcohol ([unk]CH–OH), amine ([unk]CH[unk]–NH2) or carbonyl ([unk]C=O) functional group. 1H integration ratios, 1H and 13C chemical-shift data and 1H and 13C signal multiplicities from the sample (IIb) were used to complete the identification of metabolite (IIb) as 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyl-lysine. For example, the proton multiplet at δ 4.2p.p.m. and doublet at δ 4.1p.p.m., positions representative of amine or alcohol substitution on methylene carbon atoms, integration ratios of 1:1:2:9:4 and a positive ninhydrin test suggest 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyl-lysine as the molecular structure for metabolite (IIb). 13C chemical-shift data obtained from the sample (IIb) and compared with several model compounds (trimethylammoniohexanoate, trimethyl-lysine and 3-hydroxylysine) resulted in generation of the spectrum of the metabolite and allowed independent identification of metabolite (IIb) as 3-hydroxy-N6-trimethyl-lysine. The 1H spectrum of erythro- and threo-3-hydroxylysine are presented for comparison, and the 1H and 13C n.m.r. spectra of the erythro-isomer support this analysis.
Cybersecurity Challenges and Compliance Issues within the U.S. Healthcare Sector

Increasingly there are security breaches in U.S. Healthcare organizations that result in billions of dollars of damage to the healthcare system and a high personal cost to individuals whose identifiable and private information is unprotected. The Privacy Act of 1974, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) are three prominent Acts by the federal government that regulate and protect the confidentiality of personal information in the Healthcare system against breaches. This is a case study examining three organizations in the Healthcare Sector using document analysis to ascertain the problems that resulted in information breaches and the consequences of such breaches. It indicates the failures that occur with the inadequate compliance to the above federal Acts and provides recommendations to control future breaches from occurring. The organizations examined are: The Veterans Administration which lacked basic security controls, the Utah Department of Technology Service that failed to control their personally identifiable information, and private healthcare organizations which revealed shortcomings in HIPAA compliance after data breach disclosures or random audits. Each case results from a lack of proper protection on systems and equipment containing sensitive data. The study recommendations include the need for organizations to lead by example as well as the establishment of tighter regulations and enforcement measures relating to civil fines, and audits to review organizational compliance with federal laws.
Crystalline As2Se3: Optical properties.

Realistic ab initio total-energy calculations are performed to investigate the optical properties of crystalline ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$. The complete dielectric tensor is calculated using interband transitions. This includes the off-diagonal element, which has not previously been considered in the literature. The presence of the off-diagonal element leads to optical axes which are not aligned with the crystal axes and whose directions change with frequency. Comparisons with experimental results on diagonal elements are made and a prediction of the off-diagonal reflectivity is given. The origin of the off-diagonal element is investigated, and the element is found to arise solely from interlayer interactions. Accordingly, experimental measurements of the off-diagonal element may reveal unique and interesting features of the environment in between the layers.
A Warm Magnetoactive Plasma in a Large Volume of Space

A diffuse ionized warm gas fills a large volume of space in the general direction of Radio Loop II. There are three types of observational evidence: Faraday rotation measures (RM's) of extragalactic sources; emission measures (EM's) derived from the H alpha emission line in the diffuse interstellar medium; and magnetic field strengths in HI clouds derived from Zeeman splitting observations.
Isolation of Clostridium difficile from patients with inactive Crohn's disease.

Abstract Based upon studies of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, Clostridium difficile and an associated cytotoxin have been proposed as contributory factors in relapse of disease. These studies have not included a comprehensive search for other bacterial pathogens. Fifty patients with Crohn's disease were investigated to determine if selected enteric pathogens colonize the bowel and if they play a role in the activity of the disease. Clostridium difficile was recovered from 8% of patients, all with inactive disease, and recovery of the organism did not presage relapse. Except for Salmonella species in one asymptomatic patient, no other bacterial pathogens were isolated. It was concluded that Clostridium difficile may be part of the bowel flora of patients with Crohn's disease without relationship to activity of disease.
Effect of dietary cholesterol on phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines in bile and gallbladder mucosa in the prairie dog

Humans with cholesterol gallstones have been reported to have alterations in the molecular species of phospholipids in bile. Both decreases in phospholipids with linoleic acid and increases in those with arachidonic acid have been found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a lithogenic diet (0.34% cholesterol) on the relative abundance of individual molecular species of phospholipids in the biliary tract of the prairie dog. In hepatic bile, cholesterol feeding resulted in increases in phospholipid species containing arachidonate and decreases in the major species containing its precursor, linoleate. In gallbladder bile of both control and cholesterol-fed animals, phospholipid species containing linoleate were significantly less abundant than in hepatic bile, suggesting that linoleoyl species were selectively absorbed by the gallbladder epithelium. This apparent uptake was significantly increased by cholesterol feeding. Phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines containing arachidonate were also significantly increased in the gallbladder mucosa of the cholesterol-fed animals. These increases in arachidonate-containing phospholipids in the gallbladder mucosa may contribute to the increase in gallbladder prostaglandin synthesis that precedes gallstone formation in this animal model.
Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies On Hemoglobin: Cooperative Interactions And Partially Ligated Intermediates

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes the molecular basis of the cooperative oxygenation of human normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A). Various experimental results relating to the understanding of the molecular basis for the cooperative oxygenation of Hb A, as well as the structural and functional properties of the ligation intermediates formed during the transition from the deoxy to the oxy state of an Hb molecule are focused. The two-state allosteric model proposes that there can be only two types of quaternary structure of the Hb molecule, the deoxy (T) and the oxy (R), with a single quaternary structural transition (T R) being responsible for the cooperativity of the oxygenation process. There are three separate approaches to investigate the structural features of Hb A associated with the cooperative oxygenation process. First, the structural changes during the oxygenation process of Hb A are investigated by monitoring the H NMR spectral changes of several resonances, which are sensitive to tertiary and quaternary structural changes on the oxygenation of Hb A. Second, H NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate the ligation process in naturally occurring valency hybrid hemoglobins, and in synthetic cross-linked mixed-valency hybrid hemoglobins as well as cross-linked asymmetrically modified hemoglobins. Third, H NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate crosslinked asymmetrically modified Hbs. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance investigations of human normal, abnormal, and modified hemoglobins are reviewed.
Facial, Pedal, and Other Regional Dermatoses

This article discusses disorders of the head and face, including feline acne, solar dermatoses, pruritus of the head and neck, and nodular or ulcerative dermatoses of the head. Disorders of the pinna, otitis externa, and nasal diseases are highlighted. In addition, a discussion of pododermatitis and diseases of the claws and ungual fold is presented. Miscellaneous regional dermatoses include midline ulcerative dermatitis, stud tail, and vaccine-induced lesions.
NEW DELIGHTS FROM AN OLD POLYOLEFIN: A RETURN TO THE CHEMISTRY OF CYCLOOCTATETRAENE*

The nonthermal structural rearrangements of cyclooctatetraene to semibullvalene and 2,3-dihydrotriquinacen-2-one are described. The first pathway, which is entirely general in its scope, entails as its key step the Ag(I)-catalyzed 1,8-bishomocubane snoutane isomerization reaction. Subsequent hydrolysis-oxidation provides 9,10-diazasnoutenes, which cannot be isolated but lose nitrogen rapidly with generation of the semibullvalenes. The equilibrium imbalances that arise upon monosubstitution and 2,8-annulation of this divinylcyclopropane system are also outlined. Cycloaddition of TCNE to cyclooctatetraeneiron tricarbonyl affords an unusual α,π-Fe(CO)3 complex, oxidative decomposition of which gives 2,2,3,3-tetracyanodihydrotriquinacene. A four-step conversion of the latter to triquinacene-2-carboxylic acid is outlined. Resolution of the acid and conversion of the chiral material to (+)-2,3-dihydrotriquinacen-2-one serves as a prelude to dimerization of these “halves” to potential dodecahedrane precursors. The thermally promoted degenerate isomerization and rearrangement reactions of a variety of cyclooctatetraenes are next presented. Lastly, the latent potential of the [8]annulene ring system to function as a neighboring group in carbonium ion processes is discussed.
Adsorption of styrene on Ag(1 1 1)

Abstract Temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS) have been used to investigate the adsorption, desorption and molecular conformation of styrene adsorbed on Ag(1 1 1) at 100 K. Styrene adsorbs and desorbs molecularly. Three peaks are resolvable in TPD—257 K (α1), 187 K (α2) and 167 K (α3)—depending on the coverage. RAIRS indicates that the α1 and α2 adsorption states are in contact with silver surface. For α1, the aromatic ring lies parallel to the Ag(1 1 1) surface and for α2, nearly parallel. Although the α3 state in TPD is ascribed to the bulk-like multilayer desorption, RAIRS indicates that, as-dosed, this coverage region is separable into two components—a second layer and subsequent layers. In the second layer, the principle axis of styrene lies between 5° and 8° away from the surface normal, making a T-like configuration with the first layer. For subsequent layers, the RAIRS data are consistent with a mixture of orientations.
The family heart dietary intervention program: Community response and characteristics of joining and nonjoining families☆

A random sample of 501 eligible families was selected from a designated neighborhood in Portland, Oregon, and given the opportunity to join a 5-year intervention program promoting a low-fat and low-cholesterol eating pattern designed to reduce risk for coronary heart disease. Participation entailed three baseline assessments of clinical, dietary, and psychological indices, periodic follow-up measurements, and monthly small group meetings led by psychologists and nutritionists. A prior home health survey allowed comparisons of respondents from joining and nonjoining families in terms of reported health status, health beliefs, health locus of control, knowledge about health and nutrition, and demographic characteristics. Almost half (47%) of all invited families agreed to join this long-term nutrition intervention program and completed the necessary baseline assessments. Factors discriminating joiners and nonjoiners were not generally consistent with the health belief model of preventive health behavior. Joiners were similar to nonjoiners in terms of perceived susceptibility to disease, family health histories, and reports of elevated plasma cholesterol levels in the family. However, families with hypertensive members were less likely to join this heart disease prevention program. Positive predictors of participation included higher occupational status, greater knowledge about heart disease, a more internal health locus of control, and the belief that there are few barriers preventing the adoption of a healthier low-fat eating pattern. These findings indicate that there is widespread community interest in optimal nutrition, and they also provide suggestions as to what motivates the general public to take preventive health actions.
Pirt, a TRPV1 modulator, is required for histamine-dependent and -independent itch.

Itch, or pruritus, is an important clinical problem whose molecular basis has yet to be understood. Recent work has begun to identify genes that contribute to detecting itch at the molecular level. Here we show that Pirt, known to play a vital part in sensing pain through modulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, is also necessary for proper itch sensation. Pirt−/− mice exhibit deficits in cellular and behavioral responses to various itch-inducing compounds, or pruritogens. Pirt contributes to both histaminergic and nonhistaminergic itch and, crucially, is involved in forms of itch that are both TRPV1-dependent and -independent. Our findings demonstrate that the function of Pirt extends beyond nociception via TRPV1 regulation to its role as a critical component in several itch signaling pathways.
41.2: Judder‐Induced Edge Flicker in Moving Objects

The threshold motion rates that produce edge flicker were determined as a function of contrast, luminance and sampling frequency. A passive filtering scheme, called the Movieola filter, appears to mitigate this artifact. The Movieola filter produces interpolated frames based on a passive two-tap discrete dissolve. It is simple to implement and therefore relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
Isolation of Erucic Acid from Rapeseed Oil by Lipase-Catalyzed Hydrolysis

Three lipases were compared for their ability to hydrolyze high erucic acid rapeseed oil, with the objective of concentrating the erucic acid in a single glyceride fraction. Lipase fromPseudomonas cepacia released all fatty acids rapidly and did not result in selective distribution of erucic acid.Geotrichum candidum lipase released C20 and C22 fatty acids extremely slowly, resulting in their accumulation in the di- and triglyceride fractions. Less than 2% of the total erucic acid was found in the free fatty acid (FFA) fraction. Lipase fromCandida rugosa released erucic acid more slowly than C20 and C18 fatty acids at 35°C but only resulted in a limited accumulation of the erucic acid in the di- and triglyceride fractions. However, when hydrolysis catalyzed byC. rugosa lipase was carried out below 20°C, the reaction mixture solidified and was composed solely of FFAs and diglycerides. The diglyceride fraction contained approximately 95% erucic acid while about 20% of the total erucic acid was found in the FFA fraction. It is concluded that hydrolysis at low temperature withC. rugosa lipase results in a higher purity of erucic acid in the glyceride fraction than can be obtained withG. candidum lipase, but with considerable loss of erucic acid to the FFA fraction.
Elucidation and Chemical Modulation of Sulfolipid-1 Biosynthesis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis possesses unique cell-surface lipids that have been implicated in virulence. One of the most abundant is sulfolipid-1 (SL-1), a tetraacyl-sulfotrehalose glycolipid. Although the early steps in SL-1 biosynthesis are known, the machinery underlying the final acylation reactions is not understood. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence for the activities of two proteins, Chp1 and Sap (corresponding to gene loci rv3822 and rv3821), that complete this pathway. The membrane-associated acyltransferase Chp1 accepts a synthetic diacyl sulfolipid and transfers an acyl group regioselectively from one donor substrate molecule to a second acceptor molecule in two successive reactions to yield a tetraacylated product. Chp1 is fully active in vitro, but in M. tuberculosis, its function is potentiated by the previously identified sulfolipid transporter MmpL8. We also show that the integral membrane protein Sap and MmpL8 are both essential for sulfolipid transport. Finally, the lipase inhibitor tetrahydrolipstatin disrupts Chp1 activity in M. tuberculosis, suggesting an avenue for perturbing SL-1 biosynthesis in vivo. These data complete the SL-1 biosynthetic pathway and corroborate a model in which lipid biosynthesis and transmembrane transport are coupled at the membrane-cytosol interface through the activity of multiple proteins, possibly as a macromolecular complex.
Kainic acid induced excitotoxicity and cfos expression in fibroblasts transfected with glutamate receptor subunit, GluR1

Glutamate receptors participate in the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain. Excessive excitation of these receptors has been linked to neuronal dysfunction and death through a process termed excitotoxicity. In this study we demonstrate that transfection of a single non-NMDA glutamate receptor subunit, GluR1, into cultured fibroblasts is sufficient to confer kainic acid mediated excitotoxicity similar to that seen in neuronal cells. Death of transfected cells requires at least 24 h of continuous exposure to kainic acid and can be blocked with a glutamate receptor antagonist. Also, the induction of protooncogene cfos transcripts occurs 30 min following kainic acid administration, and Fos protein accumulated in the nucleus within 90 min. These observations suggest that the signaling system(s) required to initiate gene expression and kainic acid excitotoxicity from a neuronal ionotropic receptor to the nucleus is present in these nonneuronal cells. Finally, antibodies prepared to amino acids 185–449 of GluR1 are demonstrated to be useful for fluorescence-activated sorting of live cells transfected with a GluR1 expression vector. This supports the conclusion that this region of the protein is located extracellularly. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A Mixed Uncertainty Quantification Approach using Evidence Theory and Stochastic Expansions

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is the process of quantitative characterization and propagation of input uncertainties to the response measure of interest in experimental and computational models. The input uncertainties in computational models can be either aleatory i.e. irreducible inherent variations or epistemic i.e. reducible variability which arises from lack of knowledge. Previously, it has been shown that Dempster-Shafer Theory of Evidence (DSTE) can be applied to model epistemic uncertainty in case of uncertainty information coming from multiple sources. The objective of this paper is to model and propagate mixed uncertainty (aleatory and epistemic) using DSTE. In specific, the aleatory variables are modeled as Dempster-Shafer structures by discretizing them into sets of intervals according to their respective probability distributions. In order to avoid excessive computational cost associated with large scale applications, a stochastic response surface based on point-collocation non-intrusive polynomial chaos has been implemented as the surrogate model for the response. A convergence study for accurate representation of aleatory uncertainty in terms of minimum number of subintervals required is presented. The mixed UQ approach is demonstrated on a numerical example and high fidelity computational fluid dynamics study of transonic flow over RAE 2822 airfoil.
The inheritance of high density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I and A-II☆

A large pedigree was ascertained through cases of early myocardial infarction. High density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I and A-II were measured on family members. Likelihood analysis, using the polygenic/major gene mixed model, provided no evidence that major loci play a role in determining the levels of any of the three measurements. Heritability estimates, assuming polygenic inheritance, were 0.59 and 0.26 for HDL-C level and A-II level, respectively. No evidence of genetic transmission of A-I level was found.
Natural Killer Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A monoclonal antibody, HNK-1, that detects a differentiation antigen on human granular lymphocytes with natural killer (NK) activity was used to enumerate this subpopulation in the peripheral blood of 14 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nine patients had severely decreased numbers of HNK-1+ cells, 3 patients had elevated levels of HNK-1+ cells, and 2 patients had appropriate numbers of HNK-1+ cells compared with the levels in 112 normal controls. All SLE patients exhibited low NK killing ability against K562 target cells compared with controls. An increased proportion of the HNK-1+ cells was categorized as immature granular lymphocytes in over 50% of the SLE patients because their HNK-1+ cells coexpressed the OKT3 antigen and contained a paucity of cytoplasmic granules. The numbers of HNK-1+ cells or the HNK-1+ OKT3+ subgroup did not correlate with steroid therapy. This evidence suggests that levels of HNK-1+ lymphoctyes are abnormal and functionally immature in most SLE patients. Longitudinal studies conducted over several months on a number of SLE patients demonstrated fluctuations in the ratio of mature and immature HNK-1+ cells and total HNK-1+ cells. Additional patients tested over longer periods of time will have to be studied to determine whether the proportion of mature NK cells (HNK-1+ OKT3-) and immature NK cells (HNK-1+ OKT3+) will be useful in predicting the clinical course of disease.
Preparation and properties of tri-μ3-oxo-triaquotris(L-amino acid) tris(dihydrogen phosphito)triiron(III) nitrates: Synthetic probes for the ferritin iron core

Abstract Among all the models proposed for the structure of the ferritin iron core, iron(III)-L-amino acid perchlorates and nitrates containing the [Fe 3 O] 7+ unit are among the most attractive because of the similarity between their physical properties and those of the ferritin iron core. The role of phosphorus in the structural organization of the ferritin iron core is less well understood. The tri-μ 3 -oxo-triaquotris(L-amino acid)tris(dihydrogen phosphito)triiron(III) nitrates, with the general formula, [Fe 3 O(L-amino acid) 3 (H 2 PO 3 ) 3 (H 2 O) 3 ] (NO 3 ) 4 , containing the unit ([Fe 3 O] 7+ , have been prepared from a variety of L-amino acids and their spectral and magnetic properties investigated. They are much like those of the known complexes having the [Fe 3 O] 7+ unit. It is therefore concluded that the iron(III) complexes containing the [Fe 3 O] 7+ unit remain promising candidates as synthetic models of the ferritin iron core. The presence of the phosphorus containing ligand has minimal effect on the spectral and magnetic properties of iron(III) L-amino acid complexes containing the [Fe 3 O] 7+ unit - an observation made with regard to the ferritin iron core some time ago.
Surface analysis of nickel-chromium dental alloys

Abstract In this study, the surface compositions of four commercially available nickel-chromium alloys, Neptune, Rexalloy, Regalloy T, and Vera Bond, were compared and corelated to the alloys' corrosion behavior. The alloys were chosen to be representative of alloys with acceptable and unacceptable Cr levels, with and without Be additions. The results showed that the non-Be-containing alloys exhibited a homogeneous CrMo oxide surface which resulted in more corrosion resistant alloys. The Be-containing alloys were shown to have non-uniform oxide surfaces. Areas on the surfaces of these alloys were low in Cr and O and enriched in Be. The oxide surfaces of these alloys were more easily disrupted and provided little resistance to accelerated corrosion processes. Thus, it was found that not only were the Cr and Mo content of the alloys important for corrosion resistance, but the composition of the surface oxide as well.
Wife's role in monthly insurance expenditures

This study investigates the wife's role in monthly insurance expenditures of couples who have been married almost 13 years. Although previous research has shown that husbands dominate decisions about insurance, this study indicates that wives are involved in monthly expenditures for insurance. A wife's involvement is greater if she is less sex-role traditional, if her earnings are lower, if her husband's earnings are lower, if her husband's parents shared financial roles, if she perceives that net worth increased over the past 3 years, if she expects finances to be worse off in 3 years, and if she has a high school diploma or less. Involvement also increases with increases in number of children. Further research is essential in enhancing women's economic well-being.
Membrane cholesterol and tumor bioenergetics.

We have established that a preferential export of pyruvate-generated citrate occurs from cholesterol-rich tumor mitochondria, with both isolated mitochondrial systems as well as with viable tumor tissue slices (i.e., with whole tumors cells). Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the more rapid citrate efflux kinetics (catalyzed by the tricarboxylate exchange carrier) of isolated tumor mitochondria is completely inhibited upon addition of 1,2,3-benzenetricarboxylate (BTC) and have shown that this inhibition is apparently also obtained in viable tumor tissue when the inhibitor is added to the tissue incubation. Upon BTC inhibition of tumor mitochondrial citrate export in viable tumor tissue incubations, the incorporation of [14C]pyruvate into newly synthesized cholesterol is severely inhibited as well. Among the most interesting conclusions drawn from our results, we catalog the following. The preferential export of citrate from isolated tumor mitochondria appears to be coupled, functionally, to a high linear rate of incorporation of 14C from pyruvate to cholesterol in viable tumor tissue slices, simultaneously supporting the postulate of a truncated Krebs cycle and corroborating the well-established deregulated and continuous cholesterogenesis pathway in tumors, especially hepatomas. The extent of [14C]pyruvate flux to newly generated cholesterol in either tumor or normal liver tissue is inversely related to the extent of 14CO2 production. Despite the evolution of some CO2 during cholesterogenesis, the predominant portion presumably arises via metabolic processing of pyruvate-generated citrate during Krebs cycle-linked respiration. Isolated tumor mitochondrial systems, as well as viable tumor tissue incubations, can manifest a reversal in the pattern of enhanced mitochondrial citrate efflux coupled to increased cholesterogenesis, when BTC is added to the system. This implies that BTC, a hydrophobic but negatively charged moiety at pH 7, can indeed penetrate the plasma membrane of cells. Upon entry into the cell, BTC apparently blocks the tricarboxylate carrier of tumor tissue mitochondria, thus forcing the mitochondrial citrate into Krebs cycle-linked respiration rather than permitting it to serve as the predominant provider of an increased supply of cytosolic acetyl CoA precursor required for deregulated cholesterogenesis during the development of the tumor.