cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of diplopia in a pediatric population.

Purpose To evaluate the characteristics of diplopia in children at a single tertiary eye care center. Methods The medical records of patients with diplopia onset at age 18 years or younger presenting during the period 2015-2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, diagnoses, treatment, and outcome data were collected. The exact χ2 test was used to compare groups and select post hoc analyses were performed using the Fisher exact or exact χ2 tests. Results A total of 244 patients (average age, 12.2 years at presentation) were included. The most common clinical diagnoses were nonparalytic strabismus (49.2%), trauma (9.4%), and cranial nerve palsies (9%). There was no statistically significant difference in median age of diplopia onset in those with nonparalytic strabismus, cranial nerve palsies, and vision- or life-threatening conditions. There was a statistically significant difference in timing of onset of diplopia at presentation in vision- or life-threatening conditions compared to nonparalytic strabismus (P Conclusions In our study cohort, most children who presented with diplopia had nonemergent conditions. In those with life-threatening conditions, diplopia tended to have an acute onset and associated neurologic signs and visual symptoms.
Stress Analysis Based on Simultaneous Heart Rate Variability and EEG Monitoring

Objective: Stress is a significant risk factor for various diseases such as hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and even sudden death. Stress can also lead to psychological and behavioral disorders. Heart rate variability (HRV) can reflect changes in stress levels while other physiological factors, like blood pressure, are within acceptable ranges. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a vital technique for studying brain activities and provides useful data regarding changes in mental status. This study incorporates EEG and a detailed HRV analysis to have a better understanding and analysis of stress. Investigating the correlation between EEG and HRV under stress conditions is valuable since they provide complementary information regarding stress. Methods: Simultaneous electrocardiogram (ECG) and EEG recordings were obtained from fifteen subjects. HRV /EEG features were analyzed and compared in rest, stress, and meditation conditions. A one-way ANOVA and correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis to explore the correlation between HRV features and features extracted from EEG. Results: The HRV features LF (low frequency), HF (high frequency), LF/HF, and rMSSD (root mean square of the successive differences) correlated with EEG features, including alpha power band in the left hemisphere and alpha band power asymmetry. Conclusion: This study demonstrated five significant relationships between EEG and HRV features associated with stress. The ability to use stress-related EEG features in combination with correlated HRV features could help improve detecting stress and monitoring the progress of stress treatments/therapies. The outcomes of this study could enhance the efficiency of stress management technologies such as meditation studies and bio-feedback training.
Survival after minimally invasive hysterectomy for type 2 uterine cancer

Objectives: Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) staging has become the standard of care for low-grade clinical stage I endometrioid uterine cancer based on randomized studies demonstrating survival outcomes comparable to laparotomy. However, there is limited data on the use of MIS for high-grade uterine cancers at much higher risk for local disease extension and metastasis. The LACC trial showed inferior survival among early-stage cervical cancer patients undergoing MIS compared to laparotomy. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that MIS staging of type 2 uterine cancers would be associated with inferior survival. Methods: The National Cancer Database was used to identify women with type 2 uterine cancer (serous, carcinosarcoma, high-grade endometrioid, clear cell) diagnosed from 2010-2015 who underwent primary surgical management. Patients with low grade endometrioid uterine cancer were excluded. MIS included both laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance confounders between the MIS and laparotomy groups. Variables in the propensity score model included age, race, median neighborhood education and income, insurance status, year of diagnosis, tumor stage, size, and grade, medical co-morbidities, facility type, and location. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to compare survival. Results: A total of 54,027 women (mean age 65.0±10.1 years) were included in the analysis. 33,763 (62.5%) underwent MIS approach. Compared to those in the laparotomy group, patients treated with MIS were noted to have tumors that were smaller, had earlier stage disease, and were less likely to be graded as poorly differentiated. Following weighting, the 5 year survival rates were 63.4% for laparotomy and 66.5% for MIS. (Figure 1). Patients treated with an MIS approach demonstrated significantly improved survival compared to an open approach (HR=0.87; 95% CI [0.84, 0.91], p Download : Download high-res image (103KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: MIS staging was performed in two-thirds of patients with type 2 uterine cancer yet with significant baseline differences compared to the laparotomy group. Propensity score weighted matching was used in an attempt to create equivalent cohorts from this large retrospective sample. Our findings support the null hypothesis that MIS staging is not inferior to laparotomy, which are consistent with prior literature on type 1 uterine cancer and reinforce that MIS is the preferred approach for surgical staging of all types of uterine cancer.
The adverse health effects of waterpipe smoking in adolescents and young adults: A narrative review

Waterpipe (WP) smoking has rapidly grown in popularity in the United States and other Western countries with the fastest uptake among younger individuals. This growth has been encouraged by the misperception that WP smoke is harmless or less harmful than cigarette smoke. To better understand how WP affects the health of young people, we conducted a narrative review of the literature focusing on the adverse health effects of WP smoking in adolescents and younger adults. We searched scientific literature databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ISI Web and selected papers that met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-three papers met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. Data were abstracted from the selected papers into a standardized table. The evidence demonstrates that WP smoking can cause acute lung infection and injury, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, in adolescents and young adults. It is also associated with adverse subclinical effects in this sub-population, including oral and systemic genotoxicity, lung function decline, and the alteration of vascular and hemodynamic functions. Limited evidence that is available indicates associations with psychological and neurological effects and asthma. No identified publications examined the association between WP use and type 2 diabetes, a condition that is associated with cigarette smoking among young people. WP smoking by younger individuals can result in their hospitalization due to systemic CO poisoning and acute lung disease, and induce subclinical adverse effects in the oral cavity, pulmonary system, and in circulation, that are involved in the pathogenesis of local and systemic chronic diseases.
Pitching Behaviors in Youth Baseball: Comparison With the Pitch Smart Guidelines.

Background:The Pitch Smart guidelines aim to limit youth baseball pitching behaviors associated with overuse injuries. Despite many youth baseball leagues being compliant with the guidelines, durin...
De Facto Government, State of Siege Powers, and Freedom of the Press in Argentina

To the casual observer, it may seem bizarre to speak of the liberty of the Argentine press during periods of de facto government. A reference to freedom of the press during de facto periods is apt to elicit a dry remark even among Argentines. The dichotomy between the text of the national Constitution and the practices of military governments is still fresh in the Argentine psyche. An analysis of Argentine Supreme Court decisions, however, offers a different perspective. The Court has struggled to uphold basic press freedoms despite the hostile political climate. Moreover, it has helped preserve some semblance of the constitutional structure envisioned by the Argentine framers.
Roles for Education in Development and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices for Community Programs for Older Adults

It is essential for key stakeholders in evidence-based practice (EBP) to be informed about barriers and achievements in EBP and collaborate in developing and implementing EBP. This article provides information to assist educators, students, practitioners, clients, and researchers who are stakeholders in use of EBP in community-based aging programs to understand barriers to EBP and approaches for developing and implementing EBP. Highlighting roles of education in EBP, the authors describe barriers to EBP; use of education to address gaps among research, education, and practice for EBP; cultural competence; and educational approaches for community-based implementation. EBP has been central to development of quality health and social services for older adults, but challenges remain in translation of research findings into EBP. Examples of programs in which research, education, and practice are linked for provision of EBP, as well as educational resources and tools for developing and implementing EBP, are identified.
Public performance measurement

Purpose – This paper seeks to present an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art of public performance measurement in the USA. The growing degree of sophistication of performance measurement tools is highlighted as well as some of the current challenges associated with implementing meaningful performance measurement systems. More importantly, models where citizens participate directly in the process of assessing and measuring the performance of government are introduced. Overall, this article aims to address the following questions: what is the state‐of‐the‐art of public performance measurement? How are citizens adding meaning to the performance measurement process? Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers a literature review that assesses the state of practice of performance measurement as a tool for management. In addition to highlighting the value of this management tool, models of citizen‐driven performance measurement are offered as strategies for measuring what matters to citizens. Findings – While there are challenges associated with implementing systems of performance measurement, evidence shows that including citizens in the process adds value to the overall process. Originality/value – This paper assesses the state‐of‐the‐art and utility of public performance measurement. Strategies and models are offered to bridge the interests of public managers and citizens in the process. These approaches, or modified versions, can be adopted and implemented in many contexts and may serve as useful tools for the international community.
DNA Binding Properties of Human pol γB

We have recently reported the crystal structure of the accessory subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase, pol γB, and identified a region of the protein involved in DNA binding. The DNA employed in previous studies was presumed to be single-stranded, because it was generated by single-sided PCR. Further characterization of this DNA indicated that, due to a strand transfer event during synthesis by single-sided PCR, the DNA adopts a double-stranded hairpin conformation under native conditions. We used a series of double- and single-stranded oligonucleotides of different lengths to confirm that human pol γB prefers to bind double-stranded DNA longer than 40 bp with little apparent sequence specificity. Site-specific deletion mutagenesis identified clusters of basic residues in two surface loops required for DNA binding located on opposite sides of the symmetrical pol γB dimer. A heterodimer of pol γB that contains one mutant and one wild-type DNA binding region was shown to be unable to bind double-stranded DNA, suggesting that a single DNA molecule must contact both DNA binding sites in the pol γB dimer. The ability to bind double-stranded DNA is not essential for pol γB stimulation of pol γA activity in vitro, but may play a role in DNA replication or repair.
Revival and Subsequent Isolation of Heat-Injured Bacteria by a Membrane Filter Technique

Cultures containing mixed flora from raw milk were heated at 62.8 C for 15, 20, 25, and 30 min. Dilutions were filtered through membrane filters, and the filters were incubated on Trypticase soy broth (TSB) and on TSB plus NaCl (TSBS). The TSB count indicated the total population which survived heating and included injured and uninjured cells. The colonies on TSBS indicated the uninjured cells and were marked by perforating the membrane near the colony. This membrane was then transferred to fresh TSB and incubated further. The injured organisms recovered and formed colonies which could be distinguished from previous colonies of uninjured organisms. Transfer counts on TSB were not substantially different from the initial TSB counts at 15, 20, 25, and 30 min of heating.
Self-Assembly of a Modular Polypeptide Based on Blocks of Silk-Mimetic and Elastin-Mimetic Sequences

Abstract : Spider dragline silk fiber displays a unique and technologically significant combination of high tensile and compressive strength. The structural origin of these properties arises from the alternating sequence of crystalline alanine-rich domains and amorphous glycine-rich domains, which undergo microscopic phase separation in the silk fiber. We previously reported the synthesis and the self-assembly of a novel polypeptide 1, which emulates the modular structure of crystalline and amorphous elastomeric domains in dragline silk proteins. The sequence of this polypeptide comprises an alternating arrangement of a self-complementary, amphiphilic silk- mimetic oligopeptide (Ala-Glu-Ala-Glu-Ala-Lys-Ala-Lys) and environmentally-responsive elastin-mimetic segment (Val-Pro-Gly-Val-Gly). We report herein the synthesis and the self- assembly of an analogous polypeptide (2) with an higher content of elastin mimetic pentapeptides. A synthetic gene encoding four repeats of the alternating sequence was expressed in E. coli strain BL21(DE3) as a C-terminal fusion to a decahistidine leader sequence to afford a polypeptide with a molar mass of approximately 39 kDa. The regularly alternating pattern of elastin-mimetic and silk-mimetic blocks within the protein allowed the copolymer to spontaneously self-assemble upon heating above the phase transition of the elastin-mimetic block. The self-assembly process was studied using a combination of CD and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, which suggested that the alanine-rich domains undergo a conformational rearrangement from alpha-helix to Beta-sheet. This rearrangement coincides with the macromolecular phase transition of the elastin-mimetic domains, which resulted in irreversible aggregation of the polypeptide above the Tau of the elastin-mimetic domains.
Feature Comment: Considering The Effects of Public Procurement Regulations on Competitive Markets

Professor Albert Sanchez Graells of the University of Hull (UK) recently published a vitally important book on procurement law, Public Procurement and the EU Competition Rules (Hart Publishing 2011). In his study, Sanchez Graells asked what seems like a simple question: Shouldn’t regulators, when writing procurement regulations, consider the likely impact of those regulations on competitive markets? Sanchez Graells pointed out that far too little attention has been paid to the anticompetitive impact of public procurement regulation. This article assesses Sanchez Graells’ thesis from a U.S. perspective. In many ways the U.S. federal procurement system stands at one end of a spectrum: Even when squarely addressing the intersection of procurement regulation and the commercial market, U.S. procurement regulators have not considered their rules’ likely effects on competitive commercial markets. The article points out that this is in sharp contrast to the European Union’s strong emphasis on using procurement rules to integrate a broader European market. The article notes that there is substantial legal authority in the United States for assessing, as part of the rulemaking process, the likely competitive impact of proposed procurement rules -- and that doing so could integrate the $500 billion federal procurement system much more efficiently into the commercial marketplace.
Web-Based Interfaces for Natural Language Processing Tools

We have built web interfaces to a number of Natural Language Processing technologies. These interfaces allow students to experiment with different inputs and view corresponding output and inner workings of the systems. When possible, the interfaces also enable the student to modify the knowledge bases of the systems and view the resulting change in behavior. Such interfaces are important because they allow students without computer science background to learn by doing. Web interfaces also sidestep issues of platform dependency in software packages, available computer lab times, etc. We discuss our basic approach and lessons learned.
CO 2 Transversely Excited Atmospheric (TEA) Laser Rangefinder

The system described here uses a CO2-TEA-laser that operates at 2pps with a pulse peak power greater than 300KW. Independent optical trains are used with a transmitted beam divergence of 0.5 mrad and 5-inch diameter receiving optics. A high-speed HgCdTe photodiode with a responsivity of a D* = 1.34 x 10 'cm Hz 2/W is used in the straight detection mode for detecting the leading edge of the pulse return from the target. The unit has been field-tested and range data from many natural and man-made targets has been obtained.
Multi-scale models for cross-linked sulfonated poly (1, 3-cyclohexadiene) polymer

Abstract Atomistic and coarse-grained (CG) models of cross-linked sulfonated Poly (1, 3-cyclohexadiene) (xsPCHD) were developed and implemented in Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of PCHD chains with different architectures. In the atomistic model, PCHD chains are cross linked by a sulfur–sulfur bond. Sulfonic acid groups are evenly distributed along the chain. The architecture is specifically aimed for application as a proton exchange membrane used in fuel cells. An atomistic force field for this architecture was tested and applied in the atomistic MD simulation of xsPCHD for the first time. The atomistic simulations generate the density and cross-linker separation distribution. To further study the structural properties of longer chain systems, a CG model was proposed. The bonded structural probability distribution functions (PDFs) and non-bonded pair correlation function (PCF) of the CG beads were obtained from the atomistic simulation results. The bonded CG potentials are obtained by simple inversion of the corresponding PDFs. The CG non-bonded potential is parameterized to the PCF using the Iterative Boltzmann Inversion (IBI) method. The CGMD simulations of xsPCHD chains using potentials from above method satisfactorily reproduce the structural properties from atomistic MD simulation of the same system. The transferability of the CG potentials has been further tested through CGMD simulation of xsPCHD homopolymer with different architectures.
Pessimistic quasipartitioning protocols for distributed database systems

A communication link failure can result in a network partitioning that fragments a distributed database system into isolated parts. If a severed high-speed link (e.g. satellite link) between the partitions can be replaced by a much slower backup link (e.g. a dial-up telephone line), the partitioning becomes a quasipartitioning. Two protocols for transaction processing in quasipartitioned databases are proposed. The protocols are pessimistic in that they permit transactions to be updated in exactly one partition. The first protocol is defined for a fully partition-replicated database in which every partition contains a copy of every data object. The second protocol is defined for a partially partition-replicated database in which some objects have no copies in some partitions. Both protocols improve their major performance measures linearly with the backup link speed but are not visibly affected by duration of the partitioning or the database size. >
Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Control of mRNA from lrtA, a Light-Repressed Transcript in Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002

Transcription regulation and transcript stability of a light-repressed transcript, lrt A, from the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002 were studied using ribonuclease protection assays. The transcript for lrt A was not detected in continuously illuminated cells, yet transcript levels increased when cells were placed in the dark. A lag of 20 to 30 min was seen in the accumulation of this transcript after the cells were placed in the dark. Transcript synthesis continued in the dark for 3 h and the transcript levels remained elevated for at least 7 h. The addition of 10 μm rifampicin to illuminated cells before dark adaptation inhibited the transcription of lrt A in the dark. Upon the addition of rifampicin to 3-h dark-adapted cells, lrt A transcript levels remained constant for 30 min and persisted for 3 h. A 3-h half-life was estimated in the dark, whereas a 4-min half-life was observed in the light. Extensive secondary structure was predicted for this transcript within the 5′ untranslated region, which is also present in the 5′ untranslated region of lrt A from a different cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Evidence suggests that lrt A transcript stability is not the result of differences in ribonuclease activity from dark to light. Small amounts of lrt A transcript were detected in illuminated cells upon the addition of 25 μg mL −1 chloramphenicol. The addition of chloramphenicol to dark-adapted cells before illumination allowed detection of the lrt A transcript for longer times in the light relative to controls without chloramphenicol. These results suggest that lrt A mRNA processing in the light is different from that in the dark and that protein synthesis is required for light repression of the lrt A transcript.
Why options anyway

With industry becoming increasingly interested in the engineering graduate with strong training in basic sciences, it is time to review the causes and reasons for specialized engineering education. Options in their present form are creating some serious problems and changes in curricula should be made both to interest students in engineering and to answer industry's insistence upon more fundamentals in science and mathematics.
46-year-old man with treatment-resistant hypertension.

A 46-year-old man presented for evaluation of treatment-resistant hypertension (HTN). He recalled being told that his systolic blood pressure was high when he was in high school; however, he did not begin taking antihypertensive medications until age 42 years. Despite multiple antihypertensive regimens, his HTN has been difficult to control and is consistently above his blood pressure target (<140/90 mm Hg) in multiple settings, including the physician's office and at home. His current regimen consists of 320 mg of valsartan, 200 mg/d of extended-release metoprolol, and 10 mg/d of amlodipine, which were his only medications. He had previously taken 25 mg/d of hydrochlorothiazide (in combination with valsartan and metoprolol); however, this was discontinued because of the inability to reach his blood pressure target and the development of hypokalemia (potassium level, 2.8 mmol/L). The patient reported that he adhered strictly to a low-sodium diet, rarely drank alcohol, never smoked, and rode a stationary bicycle for 60 minutes every day. He had intentionally lost about 11.4 kg (25 lbs) in the past 4 years. His medical history included obesity, hyperlipidemia, impaired fasting glucose levels, hypothyroidism treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, gout, and obstructive sleep apnea treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). He was recently evaluated in the sleep clinic, and his obstructive sleep apnea was being adequately treated with his current CPAP settings. The patient reported adherence to his antihypertensive medication regimen and CPAP use. He denied using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or stimulant medications. He also denied headaches, palpitations, and diaphoresis.
ALK1 and p80 expression and chromosomal rearrangements involving 2p23 in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Background: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon tumor of extrapulmonary and pulmonary tissues with an unpredictable clinical course, occasional recurrences, and rare malignant transformation. Clonal abnormalities with rearrangements of chromosome of 2p23 and the ALK gene have been reported in a few cases. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether these are consistent abnormalities among IMTs or represent a distinct subset. Design: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue sections from 47 IMTs in 40 patients were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against ALK and p80. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for ALK rearrangements was done on 22 IMTs from 19 patients. Findings were correlated with clinical features and outcome. Results: ALK positivity was observed in 17 of 47 IMTs (36%) and p80 positivity in 16 of 47 IMTs (34%). Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed ALK rearrangements in nine cases (47%), aneuploidy in three cases (16%), and no rearrangement in seven cases (37%). IMTs with ALK abnormalities by immunohistochemistry and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization originated in the abdomen/pelvis/retroperitoneum, chest, and extremities. The mean age was 6.6 years, with a male/female ratio of 1.3. 64% of patients had no evidence of disease at last follow-up, 45% had one or more recurrences, and 18% displayed histologic evidence of malignant transformation. The IMTs without ALK abnormalities occurred in older children, were more frequent in females, and had fewer recurrences. However, in this group of 40 patients, the differences between the groups with and without ALK abnormalities did not have statistical significance. Aneuploidy without ALK abnormalities was associated with malignant transformation in three of five cases. Conclusions: Abnormalities of ALK and p80 and evidence of chromosomal rearrangements of 2p23 occur in a significant proportion of IMTs. These changes are most frequent in abdominal and pulmonary IMTs in the first decade of life and are associated with a higher frequency of recurrence. These findings confirm the neoplastic nature of a subset IMT with ALK abnormalities and suggest that aneuploid IMT is a subset with more aggressive clinical behavior.
Site-Selective Catalysis: Toward a Regiodivergent Resolution of 1,2-Diols

This paper demonstrates that the secondary hydroxyl can be functionalized in preference to the primary hydroxyl of a 1,2-diol. The site selectivity is achieved by using an enantioselective organic catalyst that is able to bond to the diol reversibly and covalently. The reaction has been parlayed into a divergent kinetic resolution on a racemic mixture, providing access to highly enantioenriched secondary-protected 1,2-diols in a single synthetic step.
Acetylation of spermidine in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Summary Incubation of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells with [14C]spermidine resulted in a linear uptake of radiolabel over a 24-h period. Qualitative analysis of the [14C]metabolites present in the cells demonstrated the formation of both N1- and N8-acetylspermidine. Quantitatively, N1- and N8-acetylspermidine represented 0.5% of the total endogenous spermidine in the cell. Polyamine acetylation appears to be of widespread occurrence, but its exact function is unknown.
Lateral migration of hillcrests in response to channel incision in soil-mantled landscapes

[1] We investigate lateral migration of hillcrests in response to vertical offsets or transient incision rates of channels bordering these hillcrests in soil-mantled landscapes. For hillslopes undergoing sediment transport that is linearly proportional to the slope, the hillcrest offset distance is one quarter of the ratio of the vertical offset between the channels to the relief of the symmetric hillslope. If channels are downcutting at different rates, the speed of hillcrest migration will depend on the ratio of the downcutting rates and the density ratio, which is the ratio of the bulk density of the bedrock to the bulk density of the soil. The density ratio plays a fundamental role in determining the transient response of the hillcrest; lower-density ratios lead to faster transient responses to changes in channel downcutting rates. Other parameters that affect the transient response of the hillcrest are the magnitude of transient differences in downcutting between the two channels, the time-averaged incision rate, and a ratio of the elevation of the hillslope to a length that characterizes the decay in soil production with increasing soil thickness; different parameters will be important for different sediment flux laws. The profile of soil thickness reacts to transient changes in downcutting at a different rate than surface topography. Hillslopes experiencing transient channel downcutting may have surface topography that is symmetric about the hillcrest but will at the same time have a soil thickness profile that is asymmetric.
Waveform-agile multiple target tracking using probability hypothesis density filtering

We investigate a waveform-agile technique for tracking multiple targets using the probability hypothesis density filter (PHDF). We assume that waveforms can be chosen from a class of linear frequency-modulated signals with varying parameters and implement the PHDF sequentially using particle filtering. The selection process myopically chooses the transmit waveform for each target by minimizing the predicted mean-squared error (MSE) across a pre-computed waveform library. Using simulations, we compare the performance of the proposed waveform-agile PHDF tracker with a fixed waveform PHDF tracker, demonstrating improved MSE tracking performance.
OBJECTIVE DETERMINATION OF CANNED TUNA QUALITY: IDENTIFICATION OF ETHANOL AS A POTENTIALLY USEFUL INDEX

An apparatus is described, designed to collect and analyze volatiles from canned tuna by gas chromatography. Although tracings from experimental packs of tuna of varying degrees of freshness were distinctly different, only one peak was found to regularly increase with spoilage. Differences, in terms of peak size between organoleptically good, questionable and decomposed samples were statistically significant. The substance represented by the peak was isolated and identified as ethanol. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Inkjet printing colorimetric controllable and reversible poly-PCDA/ZnO composites

Abstract Water-based 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA)/ZnO nanocomposites with different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt%) have been successfully inkjet printed. The inkjet printing fabricated poly-PCDA/ZnO composites show reversible and stable chromatic properties at corresponding thermochromic transition temperatures. Attentuated Total Reflection (ATR)–Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) results suggest that the chelation between head groups on neighboring side chains of polymer and ZnO facilitates the release of stress on cooling from the red phase to rapidly form the blue phase. Moreover, by varying the concentration of ZnO, the chromatic properties of poly-PCDA/ZnO can be tailored to provide a simple way to apply poly-PCDA/ZnO for different thermal sensing applications.
Rofecoxib for the treatment of pain

Rofecoxib, like Celecoxib, is a COX-2 specific inhibitor. Both agents are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis, whereas Rofecoxib also has approval for management of acute pain. Both drugs demonstrate a reduced incidence of endoscopic ulcers. One can anticipate that these drugs can be used with reduced incidence of serious GI events. Whether or not patients with previous ulcer complications, the highest risk patients gastroenterologists are asked to treat, can use these drugs without co-therapy remains uncertain. This patient subgroup has not been studied in these clinical trials. There is also limited safety information for patients with significant hepatic disease. Despite their cost, the use of safer nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs can be highly cost effective, particularly in high-risk patients because of the reduction in subsequent overall disease management costs [11]. While long-term studies demonstrating the proven reductions in serious GI complication rates are ongoing, one can anticipate that these agents appear to have disassociated the GI risks of antiinflammatory therapy from their benefits in the management of arthritis and pain.
Copper metallization for ULSL and beyond

Abstract The investigation of copper for use as an interconnection metal in the ultra large-scale integration (ULSI) era of silicon integrated circuits has accelerated in the past several years. The obvious advantages for using copper to replace currently used Al are related to its lower resistivity (1.7 μΩ-cm vs. 2.7 μω-cm for Al) and its higher electromigration resistance (several orders of magnitude higher compared with Al). The goal of this review is to examine the properties of copper and its applicability as the interconnection metal. A comparison of electromigration behavior of various possible interconnection metal in standard “bulk” state is made. This is followed by a review of the calculations made comparing (a) the RC (resistance × capacitance) time constants of various material systems and (b) the joule heating of the interconnection materials. A comparative study of various metal systems for the application as the interconnect metal is then made. These discussions will clearly establish the ...
The effect of low-intensity ultrasound treatment on shear properties, color stability and shelf-life of vacuum-packaged beef semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles.

Abstract A series of experiments were conducted to assess the impact of low-intensity ultrasound treatment on shear properties, color and shelflife of packaged beef muscles. For the first experiment, 15 beef semitendinosus muscles were sliced (6.4 × 2.5 × 70.2 cm) weighed, vacuum packaged, subjected to a 1.55 W/cm2 intensity ultrasonic field for 8, 16 or 24 min then stored at 3 °C for 4 days; controls were not sonicated. Muscles were then removed from vacuum bags, weighed, cooked to 70 °C internal temperature in a convection oven and evaluated for cooking and shearing properties. For the second experiment, 14 beef semitendinosus muscles were sliced (2.5 × 5.1 × 10.2 cm), vacuum packaged and allocated to either a simultaneous ultrasound/water-bath-heating treatment or water-bath-heating treatment only. Muscles were removed from the water-bath when the water temperature reached 70 °C, removed from the vacuum bags, cooked further to an internal temperature of 70 °C in a convection oven and evaluated for instrumental shear. For the third experiment, 30 beef biceps femoris pieces (1.3 × 7.6 × 10.2 cm) were mixed together to more evenly distribute native microflora, vacuum packaged and allocated to either ultrasound (1.55 W/cm2, 3 °C, 30 min) treatment or control (no ultrasound treatment). Vacuum-packaged muscles were stored in a retail display case (3 °C) and evaluated at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 days for microbial count and instrumental color (CIE L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ ). Ultrasound had no effect (p > 0.05) on storage purge loss, cooking loss, or textural properties (Experiments 1 and 2). Microbial levels were initially reduced (p 0.05) during storage (Experiment 3).
Comparison of optimization procedures for 2×2 Sinclair, 2×2 Graves, 3×3 covariance, and 4×4 Mueller (symmetric) matrices in coherent radar polarimetry and its application to target versus background discrimination in microwave remote sensing and imaging

Basic principles of radar polarimetry are introduced and various optimization procedures for the propagation (scattering) range operator equation and the received power expressions are presented and compared. Based on a complete description of isolated and distributed scatterers, target classification, target-versus-clutter discrimination, and optimal contrast enhancement algorithms are derived and shown to be of great utility in the proper interpretation of POL-RAD/SAR microwave signatures in terrestrial and planetary remote sensing.
Multi-kernel floorplanning for enhanced CGRAS

Signal processing applications have been shown to map well to time multiplexed coarse grained reconfigurable array (CGRA) devices, and can often be decomposed into a set of communicating kernels. This decomposition can facilitate application development and reuse but has significant consequences for tools targeting these devices in terms of allocation and arrangement of resources. This paper presents a CGRA floorplanner to optimize the division and placement of resources for multi-kernel applications. The task is divided into two phases aligned with the respective goals. Resource allocation is accomplished through incremental assignment to minimize performance bottlenecks while operating within the bounds of the maximum available resources. The resulting allocation of resources is arranged in the device using simulated annealing and a perimeter-based cost function which serves to minimize resources needed for both interand intra-kernel communications. The floorplanner is applied to a set of multi-kernel benchmarks demonstrating resource allocations providing maximum throughput across a range of available resources. The algorithms are very fast, taking only a few seconds while producing high quality results. Inter-kernel wire lengths are almost always minimal, and the resource allocation is proven optimal.
Migration of the anterior segment following anterior commissure advancement: A case report

A 53-year-old man with severe vocal fold atrophy underwent bilateral type 1 thyroplasty and anterior commissure advancement. Postoperatively, he developed a strained voice with less projection and volume than prior to surgery. This was verified by objective assessment of vocal function. Videoendoscopy revealed bilateral false vocal fold fullness and blunting of the anterior commissure. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated cephalic migration of the posterior ends of the implants and retrusion of the anterior commissure segment. Surgical exploration revealed that the type 1 implants had rotated and buckled. The anterior commissure segment was rotated and displaced inferiorly, and its inferior surface was tethered to the cricoid by scar tissue. The implants were removed, the anterior segment was repositioned and rigidly fixed, and bilateral lipoinjection performed. Vocal function was significantly improved, and endoscopy revealed normal tension and length of the vocal folds and restoration of the anterior commissure. This case demonstrates the importance of stable fixation during laryngeal framework surgery.
Global cities in the age of hypermobile capital

Global cities seem to be the pacemakers of the age of hypermobile capital, Nevertheless, Barney Warf concludes his survey of these cities and their context with the suggestion that their days are numbered
Relaxing the cosmological moduli problem

Typically the moduli fields acquire mass ${m}_{\ensuremath{\varphi}}^{2}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{C}^{2}{H}^{2}$ in the early universe, which shifts the position of the minimum of their effective potential and leads to an excessively large energy density of the oscillating moduli fields at the later stages of the evolution of the universe. This constitutes the cosmological moduli problem, or Polonyi field problem. We show that the cosmological moduli problem can be solved or at least significantly relaxed in the theories in which $C\ensuremath{\gg}1$, as well as in some models with $C\ensuremath{\ll}1$.
An Augmented Lagrange Multiplier Based Method for Mixed Integer Discrete Continuous Optimization and Its Applications to Mechanical Design

An algorithm for solving nonlinear optimization problems involving discrete, integer, zero-one, and continuous variables is presented. The augmented Lagrange multiplier method combined with Powell’s method and Fletcher and Reeves Conjugate Gradient method are used to solve the optimization problem where penalties are imposed on the constraints for integer/discrete violations. The use of zero-one variables as a tool for conceptual design optimization is also described with an example. Several case studies have been presented to illustrate the practical use of this algorithm. The results obtained are compared with those obtained by the Branch and Bound algorithm. Also, a comparison is made between the use of Powell’s method (zeroth order) and the Conjugate Gradient method (first order) in the solution of these mixed variable optimization problems.
Electromagnetic Shielding with Transparent Coated Glass

Transmission of uniform plane waves at normal incidence through a multilayer transparent coated glass structure, with thin conductive layers, is investigated. Dependence of the degree of shielding obtainable on the type of construction, thickness and dielectric constant of the glass layers, and on the surface resistivity of the coating is studied from the standpoint of both analysis and design, and correlated with the resulting transparency. Dependence on frequency and, to some extent, reflection from the structure, are also investigated. Theoretical results are correlated with experimental data to show the applicability of this analysis to practical cases of more complex fields.
UNUSUAL CHLORINATED HOMO-DITERPENES FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN NUDIBRANCH CHROMODORIS HAMILTONI

Abstract Extracts of the South African nudibranch Chromodoris hamiltoni were found to contain four unusual chlorinated homo-diterpenes, hamiltonins A - D (3a-6), and a new sesterterpene hamiltonin E (7), in addition to the known toxins latrunculins A (1) and B (2).
Quantitation of lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme patterns of the developing human fetus.

Abstract The differentiation of heart and liver lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes during embryological development of the human was studied. At the end of 3 mth the percent level of heart monomer in heart and liver were identical. However with further development heart monomers decreased in liver and increased in the heart. The greatest rate of change occurred during the last trimester (7–9 mth) of development, whereby at this time patterns similar to those demonstrable in corresponding adult organs were evident. A similar study involving stillborns suggests the possibility that some of these cases might result from the lack of differentiation of LDH isoenzymes rich in heart monomer.
Tissue dosimetry of 632 nm light delivered through brachytherapy needles

It would be useful to be able to deliver both interstitial photodynamic therapy (PDT) and brachytherapy with the same applicator system. At present, data on the attenuation of PDT-range light in human tissues are scarce and there are no data using brachytherapy needles. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the effective attenuation coefficient (μeff) of 632 nm light in human ex vivo muscle, liver, and prostate specimens with the light delivered through the type of needles that are commonly used to deliver interstitial brachytherapy. Specimens of human psoas muscle, liver, and prostate were obtained at autopsy. Light (632 nm) was delivered to the tissues and collected (measured) with standard optical fibers placed inside the type of plastic needles that are commonly used for interstitial brachytherapy. Light intensity, as a function of the distance between source and collection fiber, was measured at 0.1 mm increments along the catheter tract that was perpendicular to the light source. The μeffs for human muscle, liver, and prostate were 0.27, 1.52, and 0.17 mm−1. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 4:281–286, 1996. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Positive and negative responses to personal discrimination: does coping make a difference?

Abstract Although researchers (e.g., K. L. Dion, K. K. Dion, & A. W.-p. Pak, 1992) have associated perceiving personal discrimination with negative psychological symptoms, group consciousness theorists (e.g., S. L. Bartky, 1977) have suggested that perceiving personal discrimination can be empowering. To attempt to reconcile these presumably opposing findings, the author suggested that the method of coping with perceiving personal discrimination would better predict whether the outcomes are negative or positive than would the perception of personal discrimination alone. Female university students (N = 262) in the United States completed questionnaires assessing perceptions of personal discrimination, psychological symptoms, and psychosocial behaviors. Coping mechanisms predicted psychosocial behaviors better than did personal discrimination: The more the participants used social support to cope, the more collective action and less helplessness behavior they reported. Also, the more the participants used a...
Infinite dilution partial molar volumes of butanal and 2-methylpropanal in supercritical carbon dioxide

The partial molar volume is a very important thermodynamic property for describing the temperature and pressure effects in the supercritical fluids. We have utilized the dynamic tracer response technique to measure the infinite dilution partial molar volumes of butanal (n-butyraldehyde) and 2-methylpropanal (isobutyraldehyde) in supercritical carbon dioxide at 318 K and 360 K and in the pressure range of 90.6−207.8 bar.
On the various forms of palladium diacetate

Abstract Two forms of palladium diacetate have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography.
Stress-corrosion cracking in silicon

Stress‐corrosion cracking—the phenomonon in which the initiation and propagation of cracks is enhanced by a chemically active environment—has previously not been observed in silicon. For example, extensive experiments have shown no effect of water on the fracture properties. However, using indentation cracks in the presence of a HF etch, we have been able to show stress‐corrosion cracking in silicon for the first time. This is attributed to the initial removal of the native silica layer, and the subsequent lowering of the fracture resistance by passivation of the crack surfaces.