cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of grain-boundary segregation and desegregation of sulfur and phosphorus during post-irradiation annealing

Abstract A study on dynamic impurity–defect interaction in Cu-doped, P-doped and Cu–P-doped ferritic alloys all containing residual S has been made in terms of the influence of post-irradiation annealing (PIA: at 573–958 K for 0.1–1000 h) on the intergranular S and P segregation and the microhardness. In a Cu-doped alloy, which shows no P segregation, PIA produced a greater rate and magnitude of S segregation than thermal annealing (TA). Grain-boundary P enrichment was achieved during an early stage of lower-temperature PIA but not during that of TA in P-containing alloys. A Cu–P-doped alloy showed a stronger effect of the PIA on the P segregation rate than a P-doped alloy. Intergranular P desegregation and S segregation concurrently occurred at higher PIA temperatures. There was a tendency for the microhardness to increase with increasing amount of segregated P. The kinetics of the impurity segregation was analyzed using a modified McLean theory. Based on the estimated activation energies, it is shown that the S segregation in the post-irradiation-annealed Cu-doped alloy is controlled by vacancy-enhanced diffusion while the P segregation in P-containing alloys subjected to lower-temperature PIA proceeds via mobile P–interstitial complexes. By applying a Gaussian relaxation model, the P desegregation during prolonged PIA at higher temperatures was found to be assisted by the formation and migration of vacancies.
Inhumane, cruel, and degrading treatment of criminal prisoners throughout the world

Recent international policy has focused on assuring the human rights of criminal prisoners. Because of the difficulty and cost of comparative research, little is known about the success of these efforts. In this study, by utilizing a secondary data source, we are able to examine various indicators of inhumane and cruel practices in 155 nations. Substandard conditions and violations of basic human rights are found in over one-half of the nations. The levels of economic development, religion, and political structure are found to be related to a nation's prison practices.
Clinical Pathways for Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors

Background Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) represent a group of diseases that pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their clinical and pathological heterogeneity as well as the limited number of patients available for clinical trials. Over the last couple of decades, a major progress in understanding tumor biology led to the discovery of new potential targets for the medical treatment of these tumors.
Care of the elderly in the emergency department.

We prospectively examined the care provided to 234 elderly patients (age greater than or equal to 65) and an equal number of nonelderly patients visiting the emergency department of an urban teaching hospital. Sociodemographic, treatment, cost, and outcome data were collected through ED record reviews and follow-up telephone interviews. The elderly comprised 19% of the ED population and were often nonwhite (31%), Medicaid recipients (39%), living alone (41%), and multiply and chronically impaired. Among old-old patients (age greater than or equal to 75), the most frequent reasons for visiting the ED (19%) were a self-care problem, a fall, or dehydration. Forty-five percent of old-old patients' visits were for true medical emergencies or urgencies. Compared to the nonelderly, the old-old more often were admitted (47% versus 18%, P = .0001), stayed a longer time in the ED (three hours versus 1.9 hours, P = .0001), and incurred a higher charge ($324 versus $208, P = .0001) Twenty-nine percent of these old-old patients who were not initially admitted returned within 14 days (recidivated). The recidivism rate for nonelderly patients was only half as high (15%) (P = .02).
Adjuvant Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

In 2006, approximately 38,890 patients in the United States will be diagnosed with kidney tumors. Roughly 90% of those will be renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Of those patients, 30% will have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. An additional 20% to 30% with clinically localized disease at the time of nephrectomy will subsequently develop metastatic disease for which there are few reliable, effective treatments. In 2006, no clinically proven, adjuvant therapy exists for patients at high risk of relapse following definitive surgical therapy. In the past, several strategies have been tried unsuccessfully in the adjuvant setting, including, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy. An improved understanding of the molecular basis of RCC has allowed for a more targeted approach to therapy. Several newer agents, including thalidomide, vitespin (heat shock protein [hsp] 96 vaccine), WX-G250, sorafenib, and sunitinib, are either currently under investigation in the adjuvant setting or being considered for future adjuvant trials. Here, we discuss the past, present, and future of adjuvant therapy for RCC patients at high risk for relapse following definitive surgical therapy.
Cosmic strings in a product Abelian gauge field theory

Abstract It is shown that multiply distributed cosmic strings arise in the product Abelian gauge field theory of Tong and Wong where vortices generated from an extra gauge sector are used to realize magnetic impurities. It is seen that, in view of the fully coupled Einstein and gauge-matter equations, the presence of such cosmic strings in the form of topological defects is essential for gravitation. Asymptotic behavior of the string solutions can be precisely described to allow the derivation of a necessary and sufficient condition for the gravitational metric to be geodesically complete and an explicit calculation of the deficit angle proportional to the string tension, both stated in terms of string numbers, energy levels of broken symmetries, and the universal gravitational constant.
Bonding of small molecules to DNA following ionizing radiation.

IONIZATION is known to cause the scission of DNA molecules in bacterial cells1–3. The effects of ultraviolet radiation, by contrast, include the formation of pyrimidine dimers, covalent links between DNA molecules, crosslinks between DNA and protein molecules, and covalent bonding of amino-acids and free purine and pyrimidine bases4–11. We now report that ionizing radiation of DNA in defined solution or in chromatin can also bring about the formation of covalent links between the DNA molecules and a variety of small molecules.
Effects of temperature and salinity during incubation on hatching and yolk utilization of Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis embryos

This study serves to determine the influence of incubation temperature and salinity on egg-yolk utilization and size at hatch in Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis. Variables such as body length, body depth at vent and yolk area at hatch have been viewed as critical aspects for larval survival at first feeding and beyond. Incubation temperatures were maintained at 20, 21.6, 23 and 29 °C using incubation chambers. Incubation trays were filled with 50 mL of water at salinity concentrations of 10 g/L and 20 g/L. Newly fertilized eggs were placed in the incubation trays and checked daily for the presence of newly hatched larvae. The larvae were collected and analyzed by image analysis software to determine the length, body depth and yolk area of each larva. Larvae incubated in lower temperatures had the longest incubation time but were more developed with the least amount of yolk. Conversely, larvae incubated in the highest temperature had the shortest incubation time but were less developed with the greater relative amounts of yolk. Larvae from the 20 g/L salinity trial had a longer mean time to hatch and total length compared to the 10 g/L trial. The results of this study may be used in estimating developmental responses to temperature and salinity. Coordination of hatch times and morphometric traits can be managed through the manipulation of temperature and salinity to achieve desired parameters.
Detecting reactive species in hot wire chemical vapor deposition

Abstract Major recent advances: A variety of in situ diagnostic techniques have been applied recently to detect reactive species, including H, Si, SiH, SiH2, SiH3 and Si2H6, in hot wire chemical vapor deposition of hydrogenated silicon films. Several recent studies confirmed silicon radicals as a major silane decomposition product from the hot wire. The dependence of silicon production on filament temperature measured in the different studies appears to be similar; however, the reported apparent activation energies vary across research groups.
A Systematic Review of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Lung Cancer

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is increasingly recognized as causing significant morbidity and mortality in modern societies; however, little is known about PE in patients with lung cancer. We systematically reviewed Medline, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library databases and selected 26 studies, including 2 randomized controlled trials, and 4 prospective, 18 retrospective cohort, and 2 case-control studies. Overall incidence of PE was 3.6%. Pulmonary embolism abbreviated survival in 2 studies when the diagnosis was synchronous with lung cancer. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, treatment, and surveillance are inconsistently reported. Clinical outcome data pertaining to this topic are limited and of overall poor methodologic quality.
Photosensitivity to Exogenous Agents

To better understand cutaneous photosensitivity reactions, a review of its etiologic factors, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, and treatment modalities was undertaken. Articles discussing the above aspects of phototoxic and photoallergic reactions were used to demonstrate what is currently known about photoinduced reactions and how to treat them. Upon interaction of solar UV radiation with the chemical that is present in significant levels on the skin, one of two known reactions may occur in susceptible patients: a phototoxicity and/or photoallergy. Phototoxic and photoallergic reactions can be diagnosed separately on the basis of pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and histology. Examples of drugs capable of inducing a phototoxic reaction include amiodarone, retinoids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, diuretics, and antibiotics. Substances known to cause a photoallergic response are fragrances, sunscreens, topical antimicrobials, NSAID, and psychiatric medications, such as chlorpromezine. Photoinduced reactions produced by exogenous chemicals are common skin disorders. Definitive therapy requires identifying and removing the offending agent, either the photosensitizing chemical or light. The use of fully protective clothing and a sunscreen of high SPF are important measures when light exposure is inevitable. Afin de mieux comprendre les reactions de photosensibilite cutanee, les facteurs etiologiques, les caracteristiques cliniques, la pathogenese et les traitements propres a cette affection ont ete passes en revue. Recours a des articles traitant des aspects sus-mentionnes de la phototoxicite et des reactions photoallergiques en vue d’exposer les connaissances actuelles sur les photoreactions et les moyens de les traiter. Chez les patients susceptibles, deux reactions peuvent avoir lieu au moment de l’interaction des radiations UV avec les substances chimiques contenues en quantites considerables sur la peau: une phototoxicite ou une photoallergie. Les reactions phototoxiques et photoallergiques peuvent etre diagnostiquees independanment, selon la pathogenese, les caracteristiques cliniques et l’histologie. Certains medicaments sont susceptibles de causer une reaction phototoxique, notamment l’amiodarone, les retinoides, les anti-inflammatoires non steroidiens, les diuretiques et les antibiotiques. Les substances pouvant causer une reaction photoallergique sont les parfums, les ecrans solaires, les agents topiques antimicrobiens, les anti-inflammatoires non steroidiens et les medicaments utilises en psychiatrie, tels que la chlorpromazine. Les photoreactions produites par les substances chimiques exogenes represented une affection cutanee courante. Un traitement definitif necessite l’identification et la suppression de l’agent en cause, soit la substance photosensibilisante ou la lumiere. Lorsque l’exposition a la lumiere est inevitable, il est essentiel de porter des vetements protecteurs et d’utiliser un ecran solaire ayant un FPS eleve.
Impact of consumption of vegetable, fruit, grain, and high glycemic index foods on aggressive prostate cancer risk

Prostate cancer is a common but complex disease, and distinguishing modifiable risk factors such as diet for more aggressive disease is extremely important. Previous work has detected intriguing associations between vegetable, fruit, and grains and more aggressive prostate cancer, although these remain somewhat unclear. Here we further investigate such potential relationships with a case-control study of 982 men (470 more aggressive prostate cancer cases and 512 control subjects). Comparing the highest to lowest quartiles of intake, we found that increasing intakes of leafy vegetables were inversely associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.46, 0.96; P trend = 0.02], as was higher consumption of high carotenoid vegetables (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48, 1.04; P trend = 0.04). Conversely, increased consumption of high glycemic index foods were positively associated with risk of aggressive disease (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.57; P trend = 0.02). These results were driven by a number of specific foods within the food groups. Our findings support the hypothesis that diets high in vegetables and low in high glycemic index foods decrease risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
The function of the earth observing system - Data information system Distributed Active Archive Centers

The functionality of the Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) which are significant elements of the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is discussed. Each DAAC encompasses the information management system, the data archival and distribution system, and the product generation system. The EOSDIS DAACs are expected to improve the access to earth science data set needed for global change research.
Need, availability, and quality of interpreter services among publicly insured Latino, Hmong, and Somali individuals in Minnesota

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is a common barrier that negatively affects access to health care and quality of care. Prior studies have examined interpreter services as a means of ameliorating LEP, but have focused on Spanish-language services, largely overlooking comparisons with other, less-established ethnic groups. Furthermore, few if any studies have assessed the quality of interpreter services provided. Data come from 2,489 Hispanic/Latino, Hmong, and Somali enrollees of public health insurance programs in Minnesota. We employ weighted, regression-adjusted comparisons of enrollee-reported need and availability of interpreters, access to professional and consistent interpreters, and problems with quality of interpreter-assisted communication. Compared with Latinos, Hmong and Somali enrollees reported greater needs and more communication problems, Somali enrollees reported lower availability, and Hmong enrollees reported lower access to professional interpreters. Further training of interpreters for relatively less-established ethnic groups is needed to increase availability of professional, high-quality communication among publicly insured ethnic minorities.
Is It Safe to Follow Side Branch IPMNs

Management of Bd-IPMN remains challenging. Critical appraisal of the published literature reveals that the actual treatment of what is presumed to be Bd-IPMN remains unsatisfactory, with a high rate of surgically overtreated patients. Until we accrue more precise knowledge of the natural history of Bd-IPMN, management of patients with this presumed diagnosis should be individually tailored and preferably carried out in centers with a high expertise. For now, the authors strongly think that the old guidelines should be followed in most patients because these have proven to correctly identify lesions that can be safely followed. Although the new guidelines allow for follow-up of lesions greater than 3 cm, and for the most part this is safe, they should be used cautiously in younger patients because very close surveillance would be required for their long remaining lifespan.
Phenytoin at Micromolar Concentrations is an Osteogenic Agent for Human-mandible-derived Bone Cells in vitro

The present study sought to test the hypothesis that phenytoin acts on normal human-mandible-derived bone cells to induce osteogenic effects. To test the effects of phenytoin on bone cell proliferation, we measured [ 3H]-thymidine incorporation into cell DNA during the final four hr of a 24-hour incubation with phenytoin. Phenytoin at micromolar concentrations significantly stimulated the [3H]-thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent, biphasic, manner with a maximal effect at from 10 to 50 uM. We confirmed the proliferative effect of phenytoin by counting cell number. To evaluate the effects of phenytoin on osteoblastic differentiation, we determined alkaline-phosphatase specific activity and found that phenytoin at micromolar concentrations significantly increased that activity in a dose-dependent manner, with maximal stimulation at approximately 1 μM. To investigate the effects of phenytoin on mature osteoblastic activities, we measured de novo collagen synthesis and osteocalcin secretion. Mitogenic ...
"Geriatricizing" hospitalists: identifying educational opportunities.

The objective of this study was to identify differences between geriatricians and hospitalists in caring for hospitalized older adults, so as to inform faculty development programs that have the goal of improving older patient care. Eleven hospitalists and 13 geriatricians were surveyed regarding knowledge, confidence, and practice patterns in caring for hospitalized older adults, targeting areas previously defined as central to taking care of older hospitalized patients. Overall, geriatricians had more confidence and more knowledge in caring for older hospitalized adults. The areas in which hospitalists expressed the least confidence were in caring for patients with dementia, self-care issues, and care planning. Geriatricians reported more routine medication reviews, functional and cognitive assessments, and fall evaluations. Geriatricians and hospitalists differ in their approach to older adults. Where these differences reflect lack of knowledge or experience, they set the stage for developing curricula...
Evidence for the nonuniform distribution of microwave attentuating clouds in the atmosphere of Venus: Mariner 2

Data obtained by Mariner 2 in three microwave-radiometer scans of Venus are reanalyzed using model Venusian atmospheres based on observations by Veneras 4 through 8 as well as by Mariners 5 and 10. It is noted that a previous analysis of this microwave data revealed a CO2 percentage and surface pressures that were considerably lower than those measured in situ as well as a longitudinal temperature gradient that was much larger than that indicated by the more recent measurements. The reanalysis shows that the measured scan ratios require different average values of microwave-cloud opacity for each scan and that the anomalous temperature decrease observed in the south polar region of the terminator scan requires a very opaque microwave cloud between local zenith angles of 40 and 70 deg. It is suggested that a nonuniform microwave-attenuating cloud is located below the IR and visible cloud deck of Venus.
Parameter determination in parabolic partial differential equations from overspecified boundary data

Abstract Several different problems of determining unknown parameters or functions in parabolic partial differential equations from overspecified boundary data are treated. Explicit solutions are presented for various problems and the existence of a solution of various other problems is presented. The unknown parameters range over unknown sources, coefficients of u and u x , terms in the equation, and coefficients in a boundary condition.
Further Results on Permit Markets with Market Power and Cheating

Abstract This paper examines a market for pollution permits in which one firm has market power and one or more firms is noncompliant. I show that the firm with market power may choose to hold more permits than it needs, effectively retiring permits from the market. I also show that some noncompliance may be socially desirable because it can mitigate the distortion caused by market power. Similarly, some degree of market power may be socially desirable because it can, in turn, mitigate the distortion caused by noncompliance.
Statistical Mechanics of Colliding Beams

Abstract The observed performance of electron-positron colliding-beam storage rings is poorly understood theoretically. The problem of a storage ring's behavior is a particular instance of statistical mechanics in an external environment that varies periodically with time, in the limit of weak—and not necessarily isotropic—friction and (additive) noise. As a practical starting point for a general theory of such problems, the following ansatz is suggested: Phase space submanifolds (tori) with fixed canonical actions are manifolds of approximately equal probability density. Such an approach is especially well suited to analysis of the long-time effects of nonlinear resonance on storage ring behavior. Formal consequences of this ansatz and some associated conceptual difficulties are discussed. These issues are considered from the standpoint of “two-time” analysis. An example of a concrete application, closely related to Kramers' analysis of noise-induced barrier crossing, is provided. This paper is meant to be self-contained, so that it can be understood by readers outside the storage-ring community.
A Clinician's Dictionary of Pathogenic Microorganisms

Practicing clinicians, trainees, infection control practitioners, and allied health professionals will find the pocket-sized Clinician's Dictionary portable and easy to use. Coverage of pathogenic bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that affect humans is comprehensive, yet quick and concise. The dictionary provides clinicians with a convenient means of understanding clinical features of the microorganisms they encounter. Brand new in the field of clinical microbiology, the Clinician's Dictionary features a cross reference of new and old terminology of pathogenic microorganisms and includes material on not only the most common pathogens, but also on those less frequently recovered from patients. No other portable source of information examines species that may be resistant to therapy, defines various infectious syndromes, and affords users easy access to often esoteric organisms. For accurate interpretation of laboratory reports that may include new or unfamiliar organism names, this reference will be the first source of practical information. Paperback, 273 pages.
A New Model for the Study of Pulmonary Microcirculation: Determination of Pulmonary Edema in Rats

Abstract Traditional studies of the lung microcirculation and pulmonary edema commonly employ indirect measurements of vascular hemodynamics or the examination of isolated lung segments. We have developed a new model which allows the direct investigation of the microcirculation at the surface of the lung in rats. A pulmonary window chamber of novel design was implanted into the chest wall of Sprague-Dawley rats to allow both short- and long-term observation of the pulmonary microvasculature in living animals. Pulmonary edema was induced by iv injection of either oleic acid or compound 48/80. The progression of pulmonary edema and alveolar flooding was assessed by monitoring the leakage of fluorescein-labeled albumin and rhodamine dye from the pulmonary capillaries into the alveoli. Animals given oleic acid or compound 48/80 showed progressive leakage of both fluorescein-labeled albumin and rhodamine. The greatest leakage occurred over the first 30 min of observation. No changes in pulmonary capillary permeability were observed in control animals over the period of observation.
Neural control of homologous behaviour patterns in two blaberid cockroaches

Activity patterns of motoneurones which innervate spiracular muscles in two blaberid cockroaches, Blaberus discoidalis and Gromphadorhina portentosa, have been monitored during two homologous behaviour patterns: respiratory and non-respiratory tracheal ventilation. Based upon the activity of spiracular motoneurones during these two activities, the abdominal spiracles have been divided into three functional groups: vestigial, respiratory and non-respiratory. In Blaberus discoidalis spiracle 3 is vestigial, spiracles 6, 7, 8 and 10 are respiratory, and spiracles 4, 5 and 9 are non-respiratory. In Gromphadorhina portentosa spiracles 3 and 10 are vestigial, spiracle 4 is non-respiratory and spiracles 5–9 are respiratory. Respiratory spiracles in both species are characterized by activity patterns of their motoneurones during respiratory tracheal ventilation: low frequency firing at irregular intervals during the respiratory pause and a higher frequency burst synchronous with the expiratory abdominal compression. Non-respiratory spiracles are characterized by complete inactivity of their opener motoneurones during respiratory tracheal ventilation. These motoneurones are activated by mechanical stimulation in both species, which simultaneously suppresses activity in respiratory opener motoneurones. In Blaberus discoidalis, there are no differences between activity patterns of respiratory and non-respiratory closer motoneurones. In Gromphadorhina portentosa, not only do respiratory and non-respiratory closer motoneurones have different activity patterns, but the activity pattern of respiratory closer motoneurones is different during respiratory and non-respiratory tracheal ventilation. The functional implications of these several spiracular motoneurone activity patterns are discussed.
Characterization of a novel miniature cell culture device

Abstract Recent advancements in the field of microfluidics have generated much interest in the advent of a miniaturized cell culture device. In this study, we developed a novel miniature culture system ( 1 mL ) for the continuous long-term cultivation of both anchorage dependent and suspension cells, either prokaryotic or eukaryotic in type, for both 1 g and microgravity applications. The miniature culture system may advance the development of microanalytical remote monitoring tools such as biological sentinels, biosensors, and lab-on-a-chip. Integrating the autonomous miniature culture system with a microanalytical device makes a powerful biological tool. Cells can be cultured long-term, harvested, and released directly into an analytical tool without the need for human interaction through fluid dynamic manipulations. This work characterizes the miniature bioreactor system through numerical and experimental proof of concept studies.
Impulsivity as a behavioral measure of withdrawal of orally delivered PCP and nondrug rewards in male and female monkeys

Withdrawal of phencyclidine (PCP), ethanol (ETOH), and other drugs reduces operant responding maintained by food. Experiment 1 examined the effects of withdrawing daily short access (2 h) to drug on impulsivity for saccharin (SACC) using a delay discounting task and comparing male and female rhesus monkeys. Experiment 2 examined the effects of withdrawing a nondrug substance (e.g., food or SACC) on impulsivity for PCP. In experiment 1, either PCP or ETOH was available daily with water for 2 h under a fixed ratio 16 (FR 16) or FR 8 schedule, respectively. In a second component, SACC was available for 45 min under a delay discounting schedule. Next, water was substituted, and drug access was then restored. In experiment 2, PCP was available under a delay discounting schedule during food satiation or restriction or during concurrent SACC vs water access. In experiment 1, withdrawal of 0.5 mg/ml PCP increased impulsivity for SACC, but not SACC intake, in males and females. During 16% ETOH access, impulsivity for SACC was elevated compared to baseline water access, and it returned to baseline levels during ETOH withdrawal. In experiment 2, food restriction resulted in increased PCP intake in males and females and increases in impulsivity for PCP that were greater in males than in females. SACC withdrawal had no effect on impulsivity for PCP or PCP intake. Withdrawal of PCP and reduced food access increased impulsivity for SACC or PCP, respectively. Impulsivity is a sensitive indicator of drug dependence.
Proinflammatory cytokines regulate tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases and disintegrin metalloproteinase in cardiac cells.

Objective: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are downregulated in the failing human heart. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that cytokines might be involved in the regulation of TIMPs in cardiac cells. Methods: Neonatal Sprague–Dawley rat ventricular cells were exposed to 100 units/ml tumor necrosis factor-α and/or 5 ng/ml interleukin-1β. The mRNA and protein expression of TIMPs-1–4 and disintegrin metalloproteinase was analyzed using Northern blot, ELISA and/or Western blot, respectively. Proteolytic activity and extracellular matrix degradation and turnover were determined using gelatin zymography and pulse-chase experiments. Results: The TIMP-1 mRNA was upregulated in cardiac cells, while TIMP-1 protein levels were unchanged in myocytes but downregulated in non-myocytes. The TIMP-2 expression did not change with the cytokine treatment. TIMP-3 was downregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in cardiac cells. TIMP-4 protein was transiently increased and then returned to control level. In contrast, disintegrin metalloproteinase mRNA and protein were significantly upregulated in those cells. The gelatinolytic activity and extracellular matrix protein degradation were significantly increased. Conclusions: Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β regulate the expression of TIMPs and disintegrin metalloproteinase, which may in turn contribute to the increased matrix degradation in cardiac cells. Since heart failure in humans is characterized by both re-expression of myocardial cytokines and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, those in vitro results suggest a potential role for those cytokines in the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling and therefore in the transition to the end-stage heart failure phenotype.
The chondrotoxicity of single-dose corticosteroids

Purpose Corticosteroids are commonly injected into the joint space. However, studies have not examined the chondrotoxicity of one-time injection doses. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Decadron®), methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol®), betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate (Celestone® Soluspan®), and triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog®) on human chondrocyte viability in vitro.
Ten Years Later: A Joint Library Evolves

Abstract In 2003, a unique joint library was created. A partnership between the San Jose Public Library system and San Jose State University, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library serves a city population of more than a million and a campus population of over 30,000 students. With different patrons and different missions, bringing the two library cultures and functions together presented many challenges, but the library today is a vital, innovative space for learning. In the ten years since its opening, however, the cost savings envisioned when the library was created have not been realized. Also, the partnership originally presented in the library's organizational structure has undergone alterations. This restructuring was driven by changes in funding, staffing, and patron needs. Despite this organizational evolution, the King Library still provides a richer resource to its communities than either partner could have provided alone and can serve as a model to other communities considering the creation of a joint library.
Mechanisms behind Active Trends in Body Size Evolution of the Canidae (Carnivora: Mammalia)

Abstract: Clade‐level interactions can impart trends on observed characters. In this study, origination and extinction events were compiled for the three subfamilies of the Canidae (dogs): Hesperocyoninae, Borophaginae, and Caninae. These events were binned into 2‐million‐year time slices, and median body masses were calculated for each time slice. Originations and extinctions were classified as “large” or “small” relative to these median values. Likelihood ratios demonstrate that originations were significantly biased from random in four time slices, while extinctions were never significantly different from random. Two models were chosen by the Akaike Information Criterion to describe the evolutionary dynamics of canid body size. Both proposed a consistent, significant bias toward larger originations, punctuated by episodic “pulses” of increased bias toward larger originations and a Quaternary “pulse” favoring smaller originations, tracking the Quaternary diversification of foxlike canids. These pulses c...
Strength of the metal-ligand bond in LCr(CO) 5 measured by photoacoustic calorimetry

Abstract The Cr-L bond strengths for Cr(CO)5L in heptane have been determined using photoacoustic calorimetry. For L = CO, PBu3, CH3CN and THF, ΔHBDE = 27.0, 21.6, 18.2, 12.4 kcal mol respectively. Comparison of the Cr-CO bond dissociation energies in the gas phase and in heptane solution suggests a 10 kcal mol stabilization of Cr(CO)5 by coordinated heptane.
Mediators of the Association Between Age of First Sexual Intercourse and Subsequent Human Papillomavirus Infection

Objective. Previous studies have demonstrated that early age of first sexual intercourse is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The objective of this study was to identify a set of risk behaviors and partner characteristics that mediate the association between age of first sexual intercourse and subsequent HPV infection in adolescent and young adult women. Methods. Female university students completed surveys and underwent HPV testing every 6 months for up to 3 years. HPV-positive participants were matched to HPV-negative participants (252 pairs, total N = 504). Associations were examined between risk behaviors/partner characteristics and both age of first sexual intercourse and HPV infection. Those variables associated with either age of first sexual intercourse or HPV infection were entered into a generalized estimating equation (to account for the matched study design) modeling the association between age of first sexual intercourse and HPV infection. Results. Mean age of first sexual intercourse was 16.7 (±1.8) years, and early age of first sexual intercourse was associated significantly with HPV infection (β = −0.20; odds ratio: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.74–0.90). The association was mediated by number of sexual partners in the past 6 months, history of sexually transmitted infection, alcohol and drug use related to sexual behaviors, and partner’s number of sexual partners. Conclusion. A set of behavioral risk factors and partner characteristics partially mediate the association between age of first sexual intercourse and subsequent HPV infection.
Multidimensional Constructs in Organizational Behavior Research: An Integrative Analytical Framework

Multidimensional constructs are widely used to represent several distinct dimensions as a single theoretical concept. The utility of multidimensional constructs relative to their dimensions has generated considerable debate, and this debate creates a dilemma for researchers who want the breadth and comprehensiveness of multidimensional constructs and the precision and clarity of their dimensions. To address this dilemma, this article presents an integrative analytical framework that incorporates multidimensional constructs and their dimensions, using structural equation modeling with latent variables. This framework permits the study of broad questions regarding multidimensional constructs along with specific questions concerning the dimensions of these constructs. The framework also provides tests of issues underlying the multidimensional construct debate, thereby allowing researchers to address these issues on a study-by-study basis. The framework is illustrated using data from studies of the effects of personality on responses to conflict and the effects of work attitudes on employee adaptation.
Invasive litter, not an invasive insectivore, determines invertebrate communities in Hawaiian forests

In Hawaii, invasive plants have the ability to alter litter-based food chains because they often have litter traits that differ from native species. Additionally, abundant invasive predators, especially those representing new trophic levels, can reduce prey. The relative importance of these two processes on the litter invertebrate community in Hawaii is important, because they could affect the large number of endemic and endangered invertebrates. We determined the relative importance of litter resources, represented by leaf litter of two trees, an invasive nitrogen-fixer, Falcataria moluccana, and a native tree, Metrosideros polymorpha, and predation of an invasive terrestrial frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui, on leaf litter invertebrate abundance and composition. Principle component analysis revealed that F. moluccana litter creates an invertebrate community that greatly differs from that found in M. polymorpha litter. We found that F. moluccana increased the abundance of non-native fragmenters (Amphipoda and Isopoda) by 400% and non-native predaceous ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) by 200%. E. coqui had less effect on the litter invertebrate community; it reduced microbivores by 40% in F. moluccana and non-native ants by 30% across litter types. E. coqui stomach contents were similar in abundance and composition in both litter treatments, despite dramatic differences in the invertebrate community. Additionally, our results suggest that invertebrate community differences between litter types did not cascade to influence E. coqui growth or survivorship. In conclusion, it appears that an invasive nitrogen-fixing tree species has a greater influence on litter invertebrate community abundance and composition than the invasive predator, E. coqui.
Thermomechanical response of bare and Al2O3-nanocoated Au/Si bilayer beams for microelectromechanical systems

We present results on the thermomechanical behavior of bare and nanocoated gold/polysilicon (Au/Si) bilayer cantilever beams for microelectromechanical system applications. The cantilever beams have comparable thicknesses of the Au and Si layers and thus experience significant out-of-plane curvature due to a temperature change. The experiments focus on the inelastic behavior of the bilayer beams due to thermal holding and thermal cycling. In uncoated Au/Si beams, thermal holding directly after release or thermal cycling both lead to a curvature decrease as a function of time or cycle number, respectively. The drop in curvature during thermal cycling or thermal holding in uncoated beams was not accompanied by a change in the slope of the thermoelastic curvature–temperature relationship. The absolute change in curvature depends on the temperature and the holding time. When holding or cycling to a temperature of 175 °C, the curvature change in uncoated beams is minimal for hold times up to 4500 min or 15,000 cycles. When holding or cycling to temperatures of 200 or 225 °C, the curvature in uncoated beams drops by a factor of three for hold times up to 4500 min or 15,000 cycles. The surface structure induced by long-term holding of uncoated beams shows grooving at the grain boundaries while the surface structure induced by cycling of uncoated beams shows consolidation of the grain boundaries. The Au/Si beams with a conformal 40-nm atomic layer deposition Al2O3 coating show a considerably different response compared to identical Au/Si bare beams subjected to the same thermal histories. The coating completely suppresses decreases in curvature when the beams are held at 225 °C for 4500 min. On the contrary, the coating does not always suppress thermal ratcheting when the beam is cycled from a low temperature to 225 °C. In the coated beams, the drop in curvature due to thermal cycling was accompanied by a change in the thermoelastic slope of the curvature–temperature relationship. Negligible microstructural changes were detected on the Al2O3-coated Au surface after holding or cycling. The results are discussed in light of potential deformation mechanisms and a simple analysis linking the mismatch strain between the layers to the curvature in the beams.
Application of formulation technologies in lead candidate selection and optimization

Formulation development during early drug discovery and lead optimization, involves several challenges including limited drug supply, the need for rapid turnaround, and limited development time. It is also desirable to develop initial formulations that will be representative of final commercial formulations. Nanoparticles offer a unique platform for the formulation of poorly soluble drugs - such formulations can be injected (intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular), as well as administered through other routes, such as oral, ocular and inhalation. Thus, a single formulation can be used to test and eventually develop multiple dosage forms. Furthermore, nanoparticles offer the opportunity for high drug loading, for low potency compounds, and thus support toxicological evaluation of such compounds.
Power-aware multimedia systems using run-time prediction

The need for low-power multimedia processing is integral to portable and embedded devices such as cell phones, wireless terminals, multimedia handhelds and PDAs. The multimedia processing in these devices is often done in software on programmable processors under the control of real-time operating systems (RTOSs). The paper describes a novel approach for power-aware scheduling of multimedia tasks in RTOSs that trades off computation deadlines against power consumption. Our proposed technique is based on exploiting (a) the inherent tolerance of many real-time multimedia systems to lost data samples due to factors such as communication noise and network congestion, and (b) the ability of many new processors to operate under dynamically changing voltage and frequency. We use history-based prediction of multimedia sample processing time to aggressively adapt the processor voltage and frequency for significantly reduced power consumption, at the cost of missed task deadlines that are handled by adaptive multimedia applications as a form of noise leading to data loss. Simulation results showing the effectiveness of our technique are presented.
Wireless distributed sensing and computing in SDR based radio network — Implementation and applications

As the important step towards building the large scale cognitive radio network in TTU(Tennessee Technological University), a wireless distributed sensor network has been embedded into a novel radio cluster, in which the cluster nodes are running over the SDR(Software Defined Radio) platform, e.g., USRP(Universal Software Radio Peripheral). This network demonstrates the combination of the wireless distributed sensing applications with corresponding communications capability. The SDR based sensing nodes are capable of sensing the environment in real time manner, while keeping the wireless networking simultaneously. The centralized network topology with round-robin control protocol has been deployed. The network implemented in this paper enables the real time wireless sensing and big network data fusion. The centralized and distributed computing schemes are demonstrated considering wireless distributed sensing applications. For low data rate networking, the in-network distributed processing of the SDR nodes plays key role to the mobile sensing applications, in accelerating the computing as well as reducing the traffic burden and processing delay.
Automatic generation of kinematics for a reconfigurable modular manipulator system

An algorithm is proposed that automatically generates the Denavit-Hartenberg (DH) kinematic parameters of a reconfigurable manipulator. The DH kinematic parameters are then used to obtain the forward kinematic transformation of the system. The authors also address the problem of obtaining the inverse kinematics of reconfigurable manipulators. To automate the inverse kinematics and to make the procedure as general as possible, they use a numerical approach. In the case of a redundant manipulator they utilize the extra degrees of freedom to achieve singularity avoidance. >
The "weekend effect" in pediatric surgery - increased mortality for children undergoing urgent surgery during the weekend.

Abstract Background For a number of pediatric and adult conditions, morbidity and mortality are increased when patients present to the hospital on a weekend compared to weekdays. The objective of this study was to compare pediatric surgical outcomes following weekend versus weekday procedures. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the Kids' Inpatient Database, we identified 439,457 pediatric ( Results Patient characteristics of those admitted on the weekend (n=112,064) and weekday (n=327,393) were similar, though patients admitted on the weekend were more likely to be coded as emergent (61% versus 53%). After multivariate adjustment and regression, patients undergoing a weekend procedure were more likely to die (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.21–2.20), receive a blood transfusion despite similar rates of intraoperative hemorrhage (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.26), and suffer from procedural complications (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14–1.74). Conclusion Pediatric patients undergoing common urgent surgical procedures during a weekend admission have a higher adjusted risk of death, blood transfusion, and procedural complications. While the exact etiology of these findings is not clear, the timing of surgical procedures should be considered in the context of systems-based deficiencies that may be detrimental to pediatric surgical care.
Absolute Magnitude of Front Surface Reflections in Ultrasonic Measurements

It has been shown in other papers in this volume (1,2) that the application of deconvolution, diffraction, and attenuation corrections to received ultrasonic signals is sufficient to extract the absolute value of the flaw scattering amplitude from the signal. This capability provides a new opportunity to obtain additional flaw characterization information from the ultrasonic signal. More specifically, it is postulated upon reasonable grounds that the absolute magnitude of the front surface ultrasonic echo from a flaw can be related to both the flaw dimensions and its acoustic impedance. Assuming that the size can be obtained by other means, the front surface echo can then be utilized to help identify the flaw. The purpose of this paper is thus twofold: 1) to utilize the diffraction and attenuation corrections developed by Thompson and Gray (3) to obtain absolute values of flaw impulse responses, and 2) to investigate the feasibility of using absolute values of front surface echoes to determine a flaw’s identity.