cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of a neural-based A/D converter using modified Hopfield network

The architecture associated with the Hopfield network can be utilized in the VLSI realization of several important engineering optimization functions for signal processing purposes. The properties of local minima in the energy function of Hopfield networks are investigated. A design technique to eliminate these local minima in the Hopfield neural-based analog-to-digital converter has been developed. Experimental data agree well with theoretical results in the output characteristics of the neural-based data converter. >
A new property of reproducing kernels for classical orthogonal polynomials

Abstract We exhibit a second-order differential operator commuting with the reproducing kernel ∑ n − 0 T φ n (λ) φ n (μ) h n each time that { φ n ( λ )} is one of the classical orthogonal polynomials: Jacobi, Laguerre, Hermite and Bessel. This is the analog of a known property in the study of time and band-limited signals.
124I-Epidepride: A PET radiotracer for extended imaging of dopamine D2/D3 receptors

Abstract Objectives A new radiotracer, 124 I-epidepride, has been developed for the imaging of dopamine D2/3 receptors (D2/3Rs). 124 I-Epidepride (half-life of 124 I=4.2days) allows imaging over extended periods compared to 18 F-fallypride (half-life of 18 F=0.076days) and may maximize visualization of D2/3Rs in the brain and pancreas (allowing clearance from adjacent organs). D2/3Rs are also present in pancreatic islets where they co-localize with insulin to produce granules and may serve as a surrogate marker for imaging diabetes. Methods 124 I-Epidepride was synthesized using N-[[(2S)-1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-yl]methyl]-5-tributyltin-2,3-dimethoxybenzamide and 124 I-iodide under no carrier added condition. Rats were used for in vitro and in vivo imaging. Brain slices were incubated with 124 I-epidepride (0.75μCi/cc) and nonspecific binding measured with 10μM haloperidol. Autoradiograms were analyzed by OptiQuant. 124 I-Epidepride (0.2 to 0.3mCi, iv) was administered to rats and brain uptake at 3hours, 24hours, and 48hours post injection was evaluated. Results 124 I-Epidepride was obtained with 50% radiochemical yield and high radiochemical purity (>95%). 124 I-Epidepride localized in the striatum with a striatum to cerebellum ratio of 10. Binding was displaced by dopamine and haloperidol. Brain slices demonstrated localization of 124 I-epidepride up until 48hours in the striatum. However, the extent of binding was reduced significantly. Conclusions 124 I-Epidepride is a new radiotracer suitable for extended imaging of dopamine D2/3 receptors and may have applications in imaging of receptors in the brain and monitoring pancreatic islet cell grafting.
Giant magnetoresistance of magnetic semiconductor heterojunctions

The giant magnetoresistance characteristics of magnetic III--V semiconductor $p\text{\ensuremath{-}}n$ heterojunctions are described. The origin of the extremely large positive magnetoresistance (2680%) observed at room temperature and at a field of 18 T is attributed to efficient spin-polarized carrier transport. The magnetocurrent ratio of the junction saturates with magnetic field. The field dependence of the magnetoresistance points to the existence of a paramagnetic component, which determines the degree of spin polarization of the junction current. This work indicates that highly spin-polarized magnetic semiconductor heterojunction devices that operate at room temperature can be realized.
Elisa determination of IAA using antibodies against ring-linked IAA

Abstract An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is described which uses antibodies raised against IAA conjugated to carrier protein on the indolic ring of IAA. As little as 0.5 pmol of IAA is detectable with the ELISA. There is no significant cross-reactivity with amide conjugates of IAA and samples do not need methylation, in contrast to an ELISA using antibodies raised against carboxyl-linked IAA. Affinity chromatography on IAA-agarose was used to purify antibody preparations. Measurements of IAA levels in crown gall tumour tissue lines were made using the assay.
In vitro cultivation of mouse ascites tumour cells for virus-host cell studies.

KLEIN1,2 has found that the so-called Ehrlich ascites tumours of mice offer several advantages over solid tumours for studying the effect of a substance on the growth-rate, on nucleic acid content and on the cytomorphology of neoplastic cells. These advantages have been applied lately by a number of investigators3,4 to studies dealing with the effect of viral infection upon the neoplastic process and with the adaptation of virus to the ascitic cells5. These investigations have all been carried out in the peritoneal cavity of the mouse. An in vitro technique which may prove feasible for similar studies, particularly host-cell virus studies in neoplastic cells cultivated apart from the animal, was recently developed in our laboratory.
Synthesis applications of aza-cope rearrangements. Stereoselective synthesis of trans-alkyl-cis-3a-aryloctahydroindolones.☆

Abstract The reaction of both cis - and trans -2-amino-1-(1-phenylvinyl)- cyclopentanols with aldehydes affords trans -2-alkyl- cis -3a-aryl-4-oxo-octahydro indoles stereoselectively.
Dykstra's algorithm and a representation of the Moore-Penrose inverse

The convergence of Lardy's series representation of the Moore-Penrose inverse of a closed unbounded linear operator is proved via Dykstra's alternating projection algorithm.
Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Clinoptilolite for Removing Ammonia form Water

Abstract Clinoptilolite, a natural zeolite, is efficient for removing ammonia from water. This study was done to evaluate its efficiency for removing ammonia under various conditions of water hardness, pH, and temperature, and different granule sizes. Ammonia removal efficiency was unaffected by variations in temperature, but decreased in hard waters, in waters of low and high pH, and with size of granule. Efficiency was optimum in water of 44 mg/L or less total hardness, near neutral pH, and for granules of 20 x 30 mesh size. Adsorptive capacity ranged from 3.42 to 9.12 mg of ammonia per gram of Clinoptilolite.
Outcome of venous stasis ulceration when complicated by arterial occlusive disease.

Abstract Objective: to report the outcome of patients with venous stasis ulceration (VSU) and severe arterial occlusive disease (AOD). Design: retrospective study. Methods: using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9), codes for VSU and AOD were cross-matched to identify patients from 1989 to 1999 at two tertiary hospitals. Entry into the study required the presence of a VSU and an ipsilateral procedure to improve AOD or major amputation during the same hospitalisation. Results: fourteen patients (15 extremities) with a mean age of 80 years (range: 47–93) were identified as having VSU and AOD. Mean duration of VSU up to the time of revascularisation or amputation was 6.4 years (range: 4 months–21 years). The mean number of VSUs per extremity was 2.1 and mean wound area was 71cm 2 . Mean ankle–brachial index was 0.46 (range: 0.10–0.78). Nine extremities (60%) had a bypass procedure, 3 (20%) had an interventional procedure, 1 (0.6%) had a lumbar sympathectomy, and 2 (13%) had an amputation. Over a mean follow-up of 2.8 years, 3 extremities (23%) healed of which 2 recurred. On last review, 11 patients with 12 afflicted extremities had expired. Nine of the remaining 10 extremities were not healed at the time of death. Eight of nine bypass grafts remained patent in follow-up or at death and subsequent limb salvage was 100%. Conclusions: combined VSU and AOD represents a rare condition predominantly found in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Few patients had complete healing despite an arterial inflow procedure and mortality was high over the short term.
Process monitoring and kinetics of rigid poly(urethane–isocyanurate) foams

Process temperature profiles of a two-component rigid poly(urethane–isocyanurate) foam system were studied and compared with the predictions of a one-dimensional numerical simulation. This model is based on experimentally determined thermophysical properties including thermal diffusivity, enthalpy of reaction, and rate of reaction. Temperature profiles were measured at three positions within the foam and at the foam surface for mold temperatures of 25°C and 55°C. A high rate of reaction and heat of reaction, along with low thermal diffusivity, cause temperatures near the foam center to be insensitive to mold temperatures for thick samples. Thermal analysis was used for determination of thermophysical properties. Temperature-dependent heat capacity, reaction kinetics, and heat of reaction were evaluated using temperature-scanning DSC. Thermal conductivity was analyzed from steady-state heat profiles. The system reaction kinetics indicated much faster kinetics than reflected by process cure temperature profiles made using thermocouples. The simulations accurately predict experimental results, allowing determination of demold time dependence on process conditions, including feed temperature, mold temperature programming, and sample thickness. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 77: 374–380, 2000
Expectant management of preterm premature rupture of membranes complicated by active recurrent genital herpes.

Abstract Objective: The study objective was to examine the neonatal outcome in pregnancies with early preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) who were managed expectantly despite the development of recurrent active genital herpes. Study Design: Pregnancies complicated by PPROM at ≤14;31 weeks' gestation that developed an active recurrent genital herpes lesion were collected. The latency time from herpes lesion development to delivery and the neonatal outcome were analyzed. A control group of patients with PPROM at ≤14;31 weeks' gestation with no herpes infection was also obtained. Results: A total of 29 patients were identified during the study period. The mean gestational age at herpes lesion development after PPROM was 28.7 weeks (range 24.6-31.0 weeks). The mean latency period from herpes development to delivery was 13.2 days (range 1-35 days). No cases of neonatal herpes developed in the delivered newborn infants and all neonatal cultures were negative (0 of 29 cases, 95% CI 0%-10.4%). Twelve newborn infants (41%) had major morbidity caused by prematurity and 3 of these (10.3%) died. There were no differences seen between the study cases and the control group. In the study, 15 of the 29 pregnancies were delivered beyond 30 weeks' gestation. If delivery had occurred on the day the herpes lesion developed, only 5 pregnancies would have been delivered beyond 30 weeks' gestation. Conclusion: On the basis of the 95% CI of these data, the maximum risk for development of a neonatal herpes infection in the face of PPROM and active recurrent genital herpes was 10.4%. This was equal to the mortality rate and was 75% lower than the major morbidity rate caused by prematurity. If delivery had occurred on the day the herpes lesions developed, on average, the neonates would have been nearly 2 weeks more premature, thereby potentially increasing the morbidity and mortality related to prematurity. These data concur with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists consensus and expert opinion and would suggest that expectant management of PPROM at ≤14;31 weeks' gestation with active recurrent genital herpes is warranted. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1551-5.)
Alterations of dendritic protrusions over the first postnatal year of a mouse: an analysis in layer VI of the barrel cortex.

Dendritic spines are small protrusions that serve as the principal recipients of excitatory inputs onto cortical pyramidal cells. Alterations in spine and filopodia density and morphology correlate with both developmental maturity and changes in synaptic strength. In order to better understand the developmental profile of dendritic protrusion (dendritic spines + filopodia) morphology and density over the animal’s first postnatal year, we used the Golgi staining technique to label neurons and their dendritic protrusions in mice. We focused on quantifying the density per length of dendrite and categorizing the morphology of dendritic protrusions of layer VI pyramidal neurons residing in barrel cortex using the computer assisted reconstruction program Neurolucida. We classified dendritic protrusion densities at seven developmental time points: postnatal day (PND) 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, 270, and 360. Our findings suggest that the dendritic protrusions in layer VI barrel cortex pyramidal neurons are not static, and their density as well as relative morphological distribution change over time. We observed a significant increase in mushroom spines and a decrease in filopodia as the animals matured. Further analyses show that as the animal mature there was a reduction in pyramidal cell dendritic lengths overall, as well as a decrease in overall protrusion densities. The ratio of apical to basilar density decreased as well. Characterizing the profile of cortical layer VI dendritic protrusions within the first postnatal year will enable us to better understand the relationship between the overall developmental maturation profile and dendritic spine functioning.
Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix Is Rarely Detected by Colonoscopy

Appendiceal tumors represent a subset of colonic neoplasms that frequently defy early diagnosis only to present at advanced stage with peritoneal metastasis. Data on early detection by colonoscopy is limited to case reports or series. The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in detecting appendiceal lesions in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma and pseudomyxoma peritonei. We reviewed clinicopathologic data on 121 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed appendiceal adenocarcinoma with pseudomyxoma peritonei presenting to our institution for intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) and cytoreductive surgery between February, 1993 and August, 2007, focusing on the colonoscopy findings. Preoperative colonoscopic data were available on 64 patients (average age = 51; 52 for IPHC patients). Abnormal findings included seven patients with appendiceal lesions (11%), 12 patients with cecal abnormalities (19%), and 28 patients with polyps (44%). Twenty-three patients (36%) had a normal colonoscopy. Malignancy was documented in two of the 64 (3.1%) patients on preoperative colonoscopy biopsies. Appendiceal abnormalities are infrequently seen on colonoscopy and rarely yield a diagnostic biopsy in patients with appendiceal carcinoma. We found that nearly 42% of patients with carcinoma of the appendix have synchronous colonic polyps, a much higher prevalence than would be expected, supporting a role for a perioperative colonoscopy.
The method of minimal representations in 2D using model calculations

We present a new method for approximating the partition function of 2D Ising models using a transfer matrix of order 2^n. For n=30 our current program took about 20 s on a Sparc station to obtain four correct decimals in the top two eigenvalues and 5 min for six correct decimals. Eigenvectors were computed at the same time. The temperature was within 3% of critical. The main idea is to force certain entries in vectors to have the same values and to find the crudest representation of this type that delivers the required accuracy. At no time does our program work with vectors with 2^n entries.
Age and regional tectonic implications of Late Cretaceous thrusting and Eocene extension, Cabinet Mountains, northwest Montana and northern Idaho

Understanding the kinematic and temporal relationships between the Cordilleran magmatic belt and the foreland fold and thrust belt can provide insights into the development of thrust systems in retro-arc settings. Combining data from field mapping and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar geochronometry and thermochronometry, we show that Late Cretaceous thrusting in the Cabinet Mountains of the northwest Montana thrust belt coincided both spatially and temporally with hinterland magmatism. Thrusting and magmatism in the hinterland of the northwest and southwest Montana thrust belt were coeval with development of the foreland fold and thrust belt during the Late Cretaceous. Movement on the Moyie thrust, a principal thrust in the western part of the Purcell anticlinorium, occurred between ca. 71 and 69 Ma. In the Cabinet Mountains, the anticlinorium developed by systems of east- and west- directed trusts, with a southward decrease in slip on the Moyie thrust that the heloped contribute to less overall shortening in the anticlinorium in Montana than in British Columbia. The lithosphere underlying the anticlinorium may have been thermally weakened by magmatic heating, promoting the development of both the Late Cretaceous thrusts and early to middle Eocene normal faults.
Science Without Laws

During the 1970s, something deeply consequential happened in the cultural, economic, and social relationships between science and technology. Paul Forman has proposed that the abrupt reversal of the culturally ascribed primacy in the science-technology relationship circa 1980 be taken as a demarcation of postmodernity from modernity. Modernity's most basic cultural presuppositions-the superiority of theory to practice, the elevation of the public over the private and that of the disinterested over the interested, and the belief that the means sanctify the ends-were ascribed to science. In postmodernity, science is subsumed under technology, and the status of technology relative to science reflects our pragmatic-utilitarian subordination of means to ends. These cultural changes have resonated with deep epistemological and ontological changes within the sciences themselves, and all these have manifested themselves in universities becoming entrepreneurial, and the consequences thereof. Science Without Laws insightfully illustrates some of the changes within the life and human sciences by analyzing the role played by model systems and case studies.
Transmembrane orientation of palmitoyl-CoA: lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase in microsomes isolated from an alveolar type II cell adenoma and rat liver.

1. The transverse localization of palmitoyl-CoA : lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase in the membrane of microsomal vesicles isolated from mouse lung adenomas and rat liver was studied by treating intact and deoxycholate-disrupted microsomes with trypsin and pronase. 2. The latency of mannose-6-phosphatase was preserved during protease treatment, suggesting that membrane integrity was not affected. 3. In adenoma microsomes 35-50% and in liver microsomes 35% of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase activity is accessible to the action of the proteases. Our results suggest that at least a sizable portion of the active center of the enzyme that is responsible for remodeling phospholipids is embedded in the membrane interior. 4. Since enzymes involved in de novo lipid synthesis are reported to be located at the cytoplasmic surface of the microsomal membrane, our results support the notion that in lipid metabolism distinct metabolic pools might exist at opposite sides of the microsomal membrane.
Spatial Visualization in Solving Complex Verbal Problems.

(1969). Spatial Visualization in Solving Complex Verbal Problems. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 229-233.
Serial kinematic analysis of the canine hindlimb joints after deafferentation and anterior cruciate ligament transection

Summary Objective and Design: transection of the anterior cruciate ligament 2 weeks after ipsilateral hindlimb deafferentation leads to osteoarthritis of the knee joint within 3 weeks. We analyzed the gait of six dogs that underwent this procedure in order to identify kinematic changes that could account for this rapid joint degeneration. All animals were video taped 1, 3, 6, 9 and 13 weeks after surgery while they trotted on a treadmill. Results: In each dog, extension of the hip, knee and ankle joints of the unstable limb was increased, and the yield phase of the unstable knee was delayed or attenuated. When killed, five of six dogs showed a large full-thickness cartilage ulcer on the distal and/or anterior surface of the medial femoral condyle of the unstable knee; in the sixth dog, a smaller ulcer was observed. However, the severity of pathology in each individual was not obviously related to differences among the dogs in postoperative joint kinematics. Conclusions: These data, and results of prior studies in humans and dogs, suggest that knee hyperextension resulting from limb deafferentation, and knee instability resulting from anterior cruciate ligament transection, operate in concert to create a mechanical environment (i.e., increased tibiofemoral separation and changes in the loading of articular surfaces) that results in rapid joint breakdown.
Poor Mobilization of Peripheral Blood Stem Cells is a Risk Factor for Worse Outcome in Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation

The effect of poor blood stem cells mobilization on the outcome of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has not been well studied. Our aim is to evaluate poor mobilization as a prognostic factor in lymphoma patients undergoing ASCT. We analyzed 90 consecutive patients with Hodgkin's (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who underwent ASCT. Poor mobilization was defined as the inability to obtain ≥ 1 × 10 6 CD34+ cells/kg ideal body weight with two large volume aphereses. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1=poor mobilizers, and group 2=good mobilizers. The poor mobilizers received lower median transplant CD34+ cell dose (2 × 10 6 vs. 4.5 × 10 6 /kg for good mobilizers, P =0.001 ), were more heavily pretreated (P =0.01), and required higher number of aphereses for PBSC collection (P =0.0006). The median progression-free survival (PFS) in groups 1 and 2 was 10 and 41 months (P =0.04), while the median overall survival (OS) was 38 months and not reached (P =0.02), respectively. Univariate anal...
Magnetic Focusing of Ion Beams

In the mass spectrographs constructed hitherto, the ion beam enters the magnetic field at right angles. Herzog has shown in his treatment of ion optics that focusing can also be attained when the ion beam enters the field along a line other than the field normal. An experiment is described which affords a test of the predictions as to the effect of the angle of incidence on the position of the focus. Satisfactory agreement between the observations and the theory is found.
Chip scale integrated microresonators for sensing applications

Miniaturized, portable sensing systems for medical and environmental diagnostics and monitoring are an excellent application area for microresonator sensors. Polymer microresonators are attractive components for chip scale integrated sensing because they can be integrated in a planar format using standard semiconductor manufacturing technologies. Vertically coupled microresonators, where the waveguides lie below or above the microresonator, can be fabricated using standard photolithography, enabling low cost integrated sensor systems. Microresonators can be surface customized for discrimination in, for example, chemical sensing applications, or the surface can be functionalized for biological sensing applications. To create chip scale integrated sensing systems, microresonators can be integrated with planar optical system components, such as polymer waveguides and thin film photodetectors, onto silicon using heterogeneous integration. Heterogeneous integration can also be used to integrate optical sources with sensors onto host substrates such as silicon.
The sodium chloride primary pressure gauge

The failure of a central force model for sodium chloride is discussed. It is noted that it does not closely satisfy the Cauchy conditions at low temperatures, and that it fails the central force requirement of the Love condition. The available shock data for sodium chloride and its analysis is examined, and two reasons why the Hugoniot transformation pressure is likely to be less than 231 kbar are discussed. The important (but unjustified) theoretical assumptions made in converting Hugoniot to isothermal data is discussed; it is noted that serious error can enter for very large pressures for a given material and that at such high pressures the isothermal data should thus be considered only semiquantitative even if the Hugoniot data itself is accurate. An alternate method of estimating the isothermal transformation pressure from the Hugoniot transformation pressure is used. This method is based on the temperature derivative of the transformation pressure. On this basis it is concluded that an upper bound for the isothermal transformation of NaCl (to a CsCl-type structure) at room temperature is 257 kbar; it is noted that the actual value may be considerably less than this.
Langerhans cells arise from monocytes in vivo

Langerhans cells (LCs) are the only dendritic cells of the epidermis and constitute the first immunological barrier against pathogens and environmental insults. The factors regulating LC homeostasis remain elusive and the direct circulating LC precursor has not yet been identified in vivo. Here we report an absence of LCs in mice deficient in the receptor for colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) in steady-state conditions. Using bone marrow chimeric mice, we have established that CSF-1 receptor–deficient hematopoietic precursors failed to reconstitute the LC pool in inflamed skin. Furthermore, monocytes with high expression of the monocyte marker Gr-1 (also called Ly-6c/G) were specifically recruited to the inflamed skin, proliferated locally and differentiated into LCs. These results identify Gr-1hi monocytes as the direct precursors for LCs in vivo and establish the importance of the CSF-1 receptor in this process.
Use of the Zetatron D-T neutron generator for the simultaneous measurement of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen in vivo in humans

Abstract A small sealed D-T neutron generator is used for the pulsed (4–8 kHz) production of fast neutrons. Carbon and oxygen are detected in vivo by counting the 4.44 and 6.13 MeV gamma rays resulting from the inelastic scattering of the fast neutrons. Hydrogen is detected by thermal neutron capture. BGO detectors (127 mm diameter × 76 mm thick) were found more tolerant to neutron exposure and improved the signal to background ratio for the carbon detection by a factor of 6, compared to 152 × 152 mm NaI(Tl). The elemental analysis of the body is used to study the changes of body composition with aging. We investigate the causes of depletion of lean body mass and the development of ways of maintaining functional capacity and quality of life of the elderly.
Data envelopment analysis, nondiscretionary inputs and efficiency: an alternative interpretation

Abstract Various methods using econometric or mathematical programming techniques are available in the literature for measurement of efficiency of firms. None of these, however, investigates the sources of differences in efficiency across productive units. In this paper we used the method of Data Envelopment Analysis introduced by Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes as the basic format to show that observed differences in efficiency can be explained in terms of differences in nondiscretionary inputs across firms.
Interpubic Ligament: Elasticity in Pregnant Free-tailed Bat

The disparity between the size of the bony pelvis of a pregncant free-tailed bat and the single full-term fetus is so great that in order for birth to occur the interpublic ligament has to stretch to more than 15 times its original length. It is a living elastic band that contains an abundance of elastic fibers.
Differential survival after coronary revascularization procedures among patients with renal insufficiency.

Differential survival after coronary revascularization procedures among patients with renal insufficiency. Background Acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and other cardiac events are the major cause of mortality among patients with renal insufficiency. Previous studies of interventions for coronary artery disease among patients with renal insufficiency have not controlled for potentially confounding factors such as coronary artery disease severity and left ventricular function. This study investigates the comparative survival for patients with renal insufficiency and coronary artery disease following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery as compared with percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI), while controlling for confounding factors. Methods This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CABG surgery or PCI discharged between 1993 and 1995 uses the New York Department of Health databases and Cox proportional hazards analyses to estimate the mortality risk associated with CABG as compared with PCI for patients with renal insufficiency. Renal function was categorized as creatinine N = 58,329), creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dL ( N = 840), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis ( N = 407). Results Patients with either ESRD or serum creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dL had more severe coronary artery disease and a greater frequency of comorbid conditions as compared with patients with creatinine P = 0.0006). Among patients with creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dL, CABG surgery did not convey a survival benefit over PCI (RR, 0.86, 95% CI, 0.56 to 1.33, P = 0.50). Conclusions This study demonstrates a survival benefit among patients with ESRD undergoing CABG surgery as compared with PCI, while controlling for severity of coronary artery disease, left ventricular dysfunction, and other comorbid conditions. These results suggest that management decisions among patients with coronary artery disease should be made in the context of not only location and severity of coronary artery lesions, but also on the presence and severity of renal dysfunction.
The constancy of ethics amidst the changing world of work

The dramatic changes of the past 25 years in the nature and conditions of work, including the globalization of organizations and the introduction of a strategic as opposed to employee-centered conception of HR have impacted the ways in which moral problems are manifested. But the paradigmatic forms taken by those problems, the character traits and motives needed to recognize them as such, the ethical reasoning used to address them, as well as the substance of the ethical principles on which such reasoning is based are all essentially unaffected and still pertain. Also discussed are distinctions among the variety of behaviors constituting the moral domain (incivility, intentional anti-organizational acts, and ethical failings); micro-versus macro-conceptualizations of “business ethics”; and formalistic versus principled mechanisms for promoting ethical organizational behavior. Viewed as critical is moral leadership from senior executives in creating salient ethical organizational cultures and climates.
The Effect of State Sentencing Policies on Incarceration Rates

This aricle explores the relationship between sentencing policies and the state incarceration rate, prison admission rate, and average sentence length in the late 1990s. Presumptive sentencing guidelines represent the only policy consistently related to incarceration and admission rates, whereas three strikes laws may increase the rate of admission to prison among those arrested for drug offenses. Determinate sentencing, mandatory sentencing, and truth-in-sentencing laws have no effect on rates of incarceration or admission. Crime rates, the percentage of the population that is Black, and citizen ideology have the greatest influence on the rates of incarceration and admission across states. The apparently limited effects of sentencing policies on incarceration or admission rates should give pause to state policy makers seeking to quickly alter prison populations through the adoption of such policies without considering other factors that independently influence prison populations in their states.
Current-dependent collector resistance of the bipolar transistor in quasi-saturation

The analytical collector resistance model is derived from device physics. The MEDICI simulation is employed to justify the assumptions used in the model derivation. The high-current collector current spreading effect on the collector resistance is accounted for, and the predictions of the collector current, using the current-dependent collector resistance model are compared with the experimental data. Good agreement between the model predictions and experimental data has been obtained.
Metallorganic Chemical-Vapor-Deposited BiFeO3 Films for Tunable High-Frequency Devices

We report the first use of a room-temperature liquid iron precursor, n-butylferrocene, to deposit polycrystalline BiFeO 3 films by metallorganic chemical vapor deposition. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the Bi/Fe atomic ratio is observed to be ∼ 1. 1. Electrical measurements show that the films exhibit ferroelectric characteristics at room temperature with negligible charge leakage. Magnetic measurements reveal a room-temperature saturation magnetization of ∼8 emu/cm 3 and provide evidence for a possible spin reorientation transition near 140 K. Data on magnetic-field dependence of dielectric constant at 18 GHz provide evidence for magnetic-ferroelectric coupling in the film, indicating potential for application in high-frequency tunable devices.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and image-guided biopsy to detect seminal vesicle invasion by prostate cancer

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the correlation between multiparametric prostate MRI (MP-MRI) suspicion for seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) by prostate cancer (PCa) and pathology on MRI/ultrasound (US) fusion-guided biopsy. Patients and Methods: From March 2007 to June 2013, 822 patients underwent MP-MRI at 3 Tesla and MRI/US fusion-guided biopsy. Of these, 25 patients underwent targeted biopsy of the seminal vesicles (SVs). In six patients, bilateral SVI was suspected, resulting in 31 samples. MP-MRI findings that triggered these SV biopsies were scored as low, moderate, or high suspicion for SVI based on the degree of involvement on MRI. Correlative prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP) pathology were reviewed by a single genitourinary pathologist. Results: At the time of MP-MRI, the median age was 64 years with a median prostate-specific antigen of 10.74 ng/mL. Of the 31 SV lesions identified, MP-MRI suspicion scores of low, moderate, and high were assigned to 3, 19, and 9 lesions, respectivel...
Finite Element modeling of hexagonal surface acoustic wave biosensor based on LiTaO 3

The main advantage of numerical methods such as Finite Elements (FE) in modeling surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices lies in their ability to model devices involving complicated transducer geometries. We present a 3-D finite element model of a novel hexagonal SAW biosensor based on LiTaO3 substrate. This SAW biosensor involves the use of one delay path for biological species detection whereas the other delay paths are used to simultaneously remove the non-specifically bound proteins using the acoustic streaming phenomenon, thus eliminating biofouling issues associated with other biosensors. Prior to this biosensor fabrication on any piezoelectric substrate, it is important to establish the type of waves that are generated along the various delay paths. The choice of a delay path for sensing and simultaneous cleaning application depends on the propagation characteristics of the wave generated along the crystal cut and orientation corresponding to that delay path. The frequency response as well as wave propagation characteristics along the delay path corresponding to crystal orientation with on-axis propagation along 36deg YX LiTaO3 substrate are analyzed using a coupled field FE model. Similar analysis is extended to the off-axis propagation directions corresponding to Euler rotations by 60deg and -60deg along the x-z plane. Our findings indicate that the on-axis direction with a significant surface shear horizontal (SH) component should be employed for biological species detection whereas the off-axis directions having mixed modes with a dominant Rayleigh wave component are most suitable for simultaneous cleaning or removal application.
In situ observations of midlatitude stratospheric ClO and BrO

A balloon-borne experiment to measure midlatitude stratospheric BrO and ClO concentrations by NO chemical conversion/atomic resonance fluorescence was flown from Palestine, Texas, on May 20 1986. In this first study of BrO, no signal attributable to BrO was detected, and upper limits (2 sigma uncertainty) between 35 and 24 km altitude give BrO mixing ratios less than 15 pptv. Current models predict mixing ratios that are 1.7 times larger. Measurements of ClO were obtained at less than 0.2-km altitude resolution from 41 to 22 km. The smoothly varying altitude profile lies within the range of two-dimensional model calculations.
Meeting the unique challenges of drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases

There is a mounting need for therapeutics to effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis almost all share pathological hallmarks of accumulated misfolded protein, ultimately leading to cellular degeneration and death [1]. There is much to be learned by the successes and failures of drug discovery efforts for these respective diseases. Exciting and novel ideas from academia often fail to reach drug discovery platforms and pharmaceutical companies have had little success in their neurodegenerative disease programs thus far; currently, only symptomatic treatments are available for the majority of these diseases [2,3]. While these diseases present unique challenges in terms of drug discovery, they also offer many opportunities to change the way academics and industry work together to efficiently develop new drugs. To bring new drugs into clinical practice for neurodegenerative diseases, efforts to translate academic discoveries into drug discovery and development efforts can be expanded and partnering between academic biologists, medicinal chemists and industry researchers encouraged. Cross-fertilization of ideas between these different neurodegenerative diseases as well as between academia and industry will foster novel developments and hopefully bring us closer to developing effective treatments for these diseases. These proceedings highlight new approaches to address and overcome the specific challenges of drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases that were discussed at the 3rd Drug Discovery for Neurodegenerative Conference (held in Washington DC on 2–3 February 2009). This conference was hosted by the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, in partnership with the National Institutes of Health, to advance drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases by educating scientists on the process of translating basic research into novel therapies. Over the two day conference, speakers presented lectures and case studies on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, as well as orphan neurological diseases. All of these diseases share common challenges and require a broad and coordinated, multi-disciplinary approach to progress novel discoveries into effective therapeutics.
The effect of the molecular weight of polyethylene glycol on the microstructure of freeze-cast alumina

Abstract Soluble polymers are frequently used in freeze casting of ceramics to improve the structural integrity of the unfired ceramics. This study examined the effect of the molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the sintered microstructure of freeze-cast porous alumina ceramics. Increasing the molecular weight was shown to reduce the measured pore size from 10 μm to 5.5 μm, with the observed trend being qualitatively consistent with the effects of molecular weight on the diffusivity of PEG and constitutional supercooling.
Boundary points and arcs in constrained, time-optimal satellite reorientation maneuvers

†Previous work on time-optimal satellite slewing maneuvers, with one satellite axis (sensor axis) required to obey multiple path constraints (keep-out cones centered on high-intensity astronomical sources) revealed complex motions with no part of the solution touching the constraint boundaries (boundary points) or lying along a finite arc of the constraint boundary (boundary arcs). This paper examines four cases in which the sensor axis is either forced to follow a boundary arc, or has initial and final directions that lie on the constraint boundary. Numerical solutions, generated via a Legendre pseudospectral method, show that the forced boundary arcs are sub-optimal. Precession created by the control torques, moving the sensor axis away from the constraint boundary, results in faster slewing maneuvers.
Evaluation of the parents as primary sexuality educators program

Abstract Purpose To determine the effectiveness of a sexuality education program designed to help parents become more confident and competent in communicating with their children about sex and sexuality. Methods Parents attending a four- to five-part workshop series between February 2001 and April 2002 were recruited to participate. A total of 27 workshop series were conducted at various sites in neighborhoods with high teen pregnancy and STD rates. For each series, program staff administered written pre- and post-workshop surveys to parents and parent surrogates. A follow-up telephone survey was conducted with participants 10 weeks after the last workshop. Matched pre-workshop and follow-up surveys were obtained from 174 participants. Results Comparison of follow-up to pre-workshop responses revealed that more participants thought discussing sexuality with their children was very important (83% vs. 75%; p p values Conclusions The Parents as Primary Sexuality Educators program may be an effective way to increase parent-child communication about health, sexuality, and values. Enhancing parents' ability to communicate expectations and values about sexuality may help support children in making healthy decisions about sexual behavior as adolescents.
3DNALandscapes: a database for exploring the conformational features of DNA

3DNALandscapes, located at: http://3DNAscapes.rutgers.edu, is a new database for exploring the conformational features of DNA. In contrast to most structural databases, which archive the Cartesian coordinates and/or derived parameters and images for individual structures, 3DNALandscapes enables searches of conformational information across multiple structures. The database contains a wide variety of structural parameters and molecular images, computed with the 3DNA software package and known to be useful for characterizing and understanding the sequence-dependent spatial arrangements of the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone, sugar-base side groups, base pairs, base-pair steps, groove structure, etc. The data comprise all DNA-containing structures--both free and bound to proteins, drugs and other ligands--currently available in the Protein Data Bank. The web interface allows the user to link, report, plot and analyze this information from numerous perspectives and thereby gain insight into DNA conformation, deformability and interactions in different sequence and structural contexts. The data accumulated from known, well-resolved DNA structures can serve as useful benchmarks for the analysis and simulation of new structures. The collective data can also help to understand how DNA deforms in response to proteins and other molecules and undergoes conformational rearrangements.
BRCA Germline Mutations in Jewish Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Purpose The prognostic significance of germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Jewish patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) is unknown. Our objective was to define the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in an unselected group of Jewish patients and to compare the clinical characteristics and overall survival (OS) of patients with resected BRCA mutation-associated PAC to PAC patients without mutations. Patients and Methods Jewish patients with PAC resected between January 1986 and January 2004 were identified. DNA was extracted from the archived material, anonymized, and genotyped for founder mutations in BRCA1 (185delAG, 5382insC) and BRCA2 (6174delT). Standard two-sided statistical tests were utilized. Results Of the 187 Jewish patients who underwent resection for PAC, tissue was available for 145 patients. Eight subjects (5.5%) had a BRCA founder mutation (two with BRCA1 [1.3%], six with BRCA2 [4.1%]). The BRCA2 founder mutation was identified in 4.1% of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared...
Primary hepatic tumor

There is a wide variety of primary liver tumors which present as mass lesions in young women of childbearing age. Since 1973 100 cases of primary liver tumors have been reported in women taking oral contraceptives (OCs); however it is impossible to estimate the degree of the association or to define the relative risk. The term liver cell adenoma (LCA) is used for benign tumors of apparently normal hepatocytes; complication of rupture of LCA is less common in patients who have taken OCs. Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a different benign tumor not a true neoplasm but a reactive or hamartomatous lesion. It is usually present between the ages of 20-50 and it occurs twice as often in women than in men. Unfortunately the distinction between FNH and LCA has not always been considered important; both lesions are benign and LCA is more probably linked to OC use than FNH. The diagnosis of both types of tumors is very difficult; ultrasonography can be of great help as is angiography and especially a computed tomographic scan. The advent of such new radiologic and angiographic techniques and the alpha-fetoprotein assay have been able to raise the accuracy of diagnosis of hepatic tumor to 85-90%. There is the doubt that LCA may in some instances evolve to carcinoma. The article also reports on the case of a 25 year old women who had been taking OCs for 4 years and who was hospitalized for surgical management of an abdominal mass; computerized body tomography showed that this mass had almost completely replaced the right lobe of the liver. Surgery was performed and the patient was put on chemotherapy.
Cultivated tomato clock runs slow

The plant circadian clock is a complex network of genes crucial for plant survival. A new study finds that domestication gradually slowed down the circadian clock of tomato via selection on two major genes-one that delayed phasing of the clock with daylight, whereas the other induced a longer period.
Management of Pancreatic Abscesses

Acute pancreatitis passes through successive stages of injury to the gland and its surroundings. In the first few days, inadequate perfusion of the pancreas along with the escape of enzymes into the parenchyma may cause varying amounts of cell death. The accumulation of substantial volumes of necrotic tissue provides a culture medium for subsequent infection [1]. This chain of events occurred in 2.5% of 1818 cases of acute pancreatitis treated at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1974 to 1983 [2].
Production of Σ 0 and Λ Hyperons by Σ − Capture in Deuterium

The branching ratio for the reactions ( SIGMA /sup -/ + d yields SIGMA /sup 0/ + n + n) and ( SIGMA /sup -/ + d yields LAMBDA + n + n) when SIGMA /sup -/ hyperons are captured at rest in deuterium was determined to be 0.037 plus or minus 0.022; th SIGMA /sup -/ - SIGMA /sup 0/ mass difference is then) 3.53 Mev. It is concluded that both the branching ratio and spectrum of the reactions can be understood in terms of a simple impulse model. (C.J.G)