cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hospital readmission after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Data exist on the morbidity and mortality of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), but there are few reports about hospital readmissions after this procedure. Our aim was to evaluate the number of and reasons for readmission after PD and the factors influencing readmission. We reviewed the initial hospitalization and readmissions for 1643 patients undergoing PD compared patients requiring readmission to patients that did not require readmission. Twenty-six percent of patients were readmitted a total of 678 times after PD. Patients readmitted were younger than those not readmitted (61.8 versus 64.6 years, P 1000 ml, and age < or =65 years were independently associated with readmission. The length of stay for all patients decreased over time, from 10.5 days in 1996 to 7 days in 2003. The percentage of patients being readmitted also decreased from 33% in 1996 to 20% (P = 0.004) in 2003. The readmission rate after PD was 26%. Younger age, blood loss, postoperative complications, and vessel resection were independent risk factors for readmission. The early hospital readmission rate has not increased in association with a decreased LOS, supporting the idea that reduction in LOS did not lead to increased readmission rates.
Biochemical and behavioral evaluation of pergolide as a dopamine agonist in the rat brain.

Abstract The ergot derivative pergolide was evaluated as a dopamine agonist using various behavioral and biochemical analyses. Spontaneous motor activity was decreased by small doses (O.1 mg/kg) of pergolide and increased with larger doses (above 0.5 mg/kg). Hypermotility after larger doses persisted for as long as 24 hr and was succeeded by a period of hypomotility. The doses of drug, sufficient to produce hypermotility, also produced stereotypy. With repeated daily injections (2 weeks), the period of hypermotility decreased and the ensuing period of hypomotility increased. Stereotyped behavior was similarly affected. Chronic administration of pergolide did not alter the magnitude of the behavioral responses. Levels of the dopamine (DA) metabolites, dihydroxyphenylacetate (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA), in the striatum and mesolimbic regions were decreased during the periods of hypermotility but returned to control levels during subsequent hypomotility. Activation of putative inhibitory presynaptic dopamine receptors by pergolide was studied by following accumulation of DOPA in rats treated with the dopamine neuron inhibiting agent, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and a DOPA-decarboxylase inhibitor. Pergolide significantly inhibited both striatal and mesolimbic accumulation of DOPA. In contrast, with changes in behavioral and metabolic indices, pergolideinduced inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase was not affected by chronic treatment with pergolide. On the basis of both behavioral and biochemical data it is proposed that pergolide acts as a dopamine agonist with particularly long-lasting effects.
Analysis of Capacitance Characteristics of C60, C70, and La@C82

Fullerenes and their derivatives are promising materials for supercapacitor devices due to their unique nanostructure that combines the reversible redox charge storage with the high surface area. In this article, the reversible redox charge storage of C60, C70, and La@C82 in liquid ammonia solution is reported. An electrochemical analysis of these species using cyclic voltammetry is presented in conjunction with the theoretical interpretation. The relative magnitudes of transfer coefficients, which represent a measure of the symmetry of the energy barrier for oxidation and reduction of the monoanionic species of these fullerenes, suggest that the availability of the surface area permitting delocalization of π electrons is a determining factor of their first reduction potential. The relationship between these transfer coefficients and fullerene geometry also support previous conclusions that the La atom is located within the fullerene cage of La@C82. The electrochemical measurements analyzed were made using a modified three-compartment cell. Advantages associated with this modified cell for analysis of capacitance characteristics of C60, C70, and La@C82 are discussed.
Uncertainty and Creativity

In this article, three premises about the present of the world-system are stated from which four moral and political conclusions about the future of the world-system are drawn.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Stimulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 164 via Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase 3-p38α and p38δ Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase-dependent Pathway in Murine Mesangial Cells

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is a potent inducer of extracellular matrix synthesis leading to progressive glomerular fibrosis. The intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in this process remain incompletely understood. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a major stress signal transducing pathway that is rapidly activated by TGF-beta1 in mesangial cells. We have previously demonstrated MKK3 as the immediate upstream MAPK kinase required for selective activation of p38 MAPK isoforms, p38alpha and p38delta, and stimulation of pro-alpha1(I) collagen by TGF-beta1 in murine mesangial cells. In this study, we further sought to determine MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3)-dependent TGF-beta1 responses by gene expression profiling analysis utilizing mesangial cells isolated from Mkk3-/- mice compared with Mkk3+/+ controls. Interestingly, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was identified as a TGF-beta1-induced gene affected by deletion of Mkk3. VEGF is a well known endothelial mitogen, whose actions in nonendothelial cell types are still not well understood. We confirmed that TGF-beta1 increased VEGF mRNA and protein synthesis of VEGF164 and VEGF188 isoforms in wild-type mesangial cells. However, in the Mkk3-/- mesangial cells, both TGF-beta1-induced VEGF mRNA and VEGF164 protein expression were inhibited, whereas TGF-beta1-induced VEGF188 protein expression was unaffected. Furthermore, transfection of dominant negative mutants of p38alpha and p38delta resulted in marked inhibition of TGF-beta1-induced VEGF164 expression but not VEGF188, and treatment with recombinant mouse VEGF164 increased collagen and fibronectin mRNA expression in mesangial cells. Taken together, our findings suggest a critical role for the MKK3-p38alpha and p38delta MAPK pathway in mediating VEGF164 isoform-specific stimulation by TGF-beta1 in mesangial cells. Further, VEGF164 stimulates collagen and fibronectin expression in mesangial cells and thus in turn enhances TGF-beta1-induced extracellular matrix and may play an important role in progressive glomerular fibrosis.
Influenza polymerase encoding mRNAs utilize atypical mRNA nuclear export

Background Influenza is a segmented negative strand RNA virus. Each RNA segment is encapsulated by influenza nucleoprotein and bound by the viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) to form viral ribonucleoproteins responsible for RNA synthesis in the nucleus of the host cell. Influenza transcription results in spliced mRNAs (M2 and NS2), intron-containing mRNAs (M1 and NS1), and intron-less mRNAs (HA, NA, NP, PB1, PB2, and PA), all of which undergo nuclear export into the cytoplasm for translation. Most cellular mRNA nuclear export is Nxf1-mediated, while select mRNAs utilize Crm1.
A Biochemical and Morphological Study of Protein Synthesis in Normal Rat Myocardium

The incorporation of tritiated leucine into normal rat myocardium was studied quantitatively by fine-structure autoradiography and protein fractionation techniques. Within the limits of this study it appears that at 15 min and at 1 hr myofibrillar proteins are synthesized at essentially the same rate as mitochondrial proteins.
Log-Pearson Type 3 Distribution and Its Application in Flood Frequency Analysis. I: Distribution Characteristics

Since the adoption of the log-Pearson Type 3 (LP3) distribution by U.S. federal agencies, it has been widely used in hydrology, but its properties are not well understood. This paper explores the characteristics of the LP3 distribution in both real space and log space, and their relationship. Comparisons with U.S. flood data summaries reveal that the LP3 distribution provides a reasonable model of the distribution of annual flood series from unregulated watersheds for log space skews ∣ γx ∣⩽1.414 (though ∣ γx ∣⩽1 is more realistic), and for γx =0 with standard deviations in the range 0.1 to 1.0 with base-e natural logarithms (0.04 to 0.43 with base-10 common logarithms). L-moment ratio relationships for the LP3 distribution are also developed so they can be compared to summary statistics for a region, and to several other distributions frequently recommended for modeling hydrometeorological extremes.
Results from Sandia National Laboratories / Lockheed Martin Electromagnetic Missile Launcher (EMML)

Sandia national laboratories (SNL) and lockheed martin MS2 are designing an electromagnetic missile launcher (EMML) for naval applications. Lhe EMML uses an induction coilgun topology with the requirement of launching a 3600 lb. missile up to a velocity of 40 m/s. Lo demonstrate the feasibility of the electromagnetic propulsion design, a demonstrator launcher was built that consists of approximately 10% of the propulsion coils needed for a tactical design. Lhe demonstrator verified the design by launching a 1430 lb weighted sled to a height of 24 ft in mid-December 2004 (Figure 1). Lhis paper provides the general launcher design, specific pulsed power system component details, system operation, and demonstration results.
The Influence of Thermal and Solvent Cycling on the State of Stress in Polyimide Coatings

To evaluate the influence of permeant and temperature exposure on the state of stress in polyimide coatings, uniaxial experiments on thin polyimide films held at constant length were performed. The uniaxially constrained poly(4,4′,-oxidiphenylene pyromellitimide) or PMDA-ODA films were exposed to methylene chloride while the stress was monitored. It was found that the stress was reduced to zero from a stress as high as 40 MPa by the swelling with methylene chloride. Attempts to remove the methylene chloride at room temperature with a nitrogen purge resulted in a stress increase of only 8 MPa. However, the remaining stress of an additional 20 Mpa was recovered when the sample was heated to 350°C and returned to room temperature. Temperature exposures of 150°C and 200°C resulted in a stress increases of only 14 MPa and 17 MPa, respectively. These observations suggest a strong coupling between the stress state, temperature and equilibrium swelling by permeants.
Psychosocial factors and the development of breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis examined the relationship between psychosocial factors and the development of breast cancer. Average effect sizes (Hedges's g) were calculated from 46 studies for 8 major construct categories: anxiety/depression, childhood family environment, conflict-avoidant personality, denial/repression coping, anger expression, extraversion-introversion, stressful life events, and separation/loss. Significant effect sizes were found for denial/repression coping (g = .38), separation/loss experiences (g = .29), and stressful life events (g = .25). Although conflict-avoidant personality style was also significant (g = .19), the effect size was less robust, and a moderate number of future studies with null results would reduce the significance. Results overall support only a modest association between specific psychosocial factors and breast cancer and are contrary to the conventional wisdom that personality and stress influence the development of breast cancer.
CONTINUIDADES E HIATOS OCUPACIONALES DURANTE EL HOLOCENO MEDIO EN EL BORDE ORIENTAL DE LA PUNA SALADA, ANTOFAGASTA DE LA SIERRA, ARGENTINA

Este trabajo se centra en las ocupaciones en Cueva Salamanca 1 (Antofagasta de la Sierra, Puna salada argentina) durante el Holoceno Medio, un periodo de aridez generalizada en toda la Puna. Esta cueva fue un espacio optimo donde grupos cazadores-recolectores realizaron actividades de subsistencia (caza y recoleccion) ademas de actividades de produccion de tecnologia y tecnofacturas. Se discute el efecto que las condiciones de aridez tuvieron sobre las estrategias de movilidad y asentamiento ca. 9.000-7.000 cal. a.p. (8.000-6.000 a.p.). Se comparan secuencias de ocupacion e hiatos con otros sitios arqueologicos cercanos durante el inicio del Holoceno Medio en el marco de un incremento en las condiciones aridas para proponer la existencia de multiples oasis fluviales a lo largo de rios cuyas vertientes se originan en el borde oriental de la Puna Salada. Los hiatos ocupacionales posteriores a ca. 7.900 cal. a.p. (7.200 a.p.) sugieren condiciones de aun mayor aridez y una reorganizacion de los sistemas de movilidad y asentamiento.
HIV's evasion of the cellular immune response

Despite a strong cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response directed against viral antigens, untreated individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) develop AIDS. We have found that primary T cells infected with HIV-1 downregulate surface MHC class I antigens and are resistant to lysis by HLA-A2-restricted CTL clones. In contrast, cells infected with an HIV-1 in which the nef gene is disrupted are sensitive to CTLs in an MHC and peptide-specific manner. In primary T cells HLA-A2 antigens are downmodulated more dramatically than total MHC class I antigens, suggesting that nef selectively downmodulates certain MHC class I antigens. In support of this, studies on cells expressing individual MHC class I alleles have revealed that nef does not downmodulate HLA-C and HLA-E antigens. This selective downmodulation allows infected cells to maintain resistance to certain natural killer cells that lyse infected cells expressing low levels of MHC class I antigens. Downmodulation of MHC class I HLA-A2 antigens occurs not only in primary T cells, but also in B and astrocytoma cell lines. No effect of other HIV-1 accessory proteins such as vpu and vpr was observed. Thus Nef is a protein that may promote escape of HIV-1 from immune surveillance.
Spectroscopy of the Kleinmann-Low nebula - Scattering in a solid absorption band

Spectroscopic observations (2.4-3.6 microns) of BN, IRc 2, 3, and 4, and three scattering locations in the KL reflection nebula are reported. A previous report (Knacke et al., 1982) of a 2.97-micron spectral feature in the BN object is not confirmed in the new data. The 2.97-micron feature is observed in sources in the KL nebula, and the spectrum is distorted by a nearby hydrogen line. All the spectra are dominated by absorption along the radiation path, making scattering effects difficult to separate. Scattering could broaden the 3.1-micron interstellar-ice feature, but the effects appear to be small. Except for a long-wavelength wing, the spectra can be modeled reasonably well with core-mantle, silicate-water-ice grains. The wing position and intensity indicate bands of C-H groups of ammonia-ice mixtures.
Dynamical Solvent Control of Electron Transfer in a Flexible, Tethered Donor−Acceptor Pair

The solvent dependence of the photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer rate constants of 1-(9-anthryl)-3-(4-dimethylaniline)propane (ADMA) is investigated by picosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in polar solvents. ADMA undergoes electron transfer by two distinct mechanisms, depending on the solvent polarity. In nonpolar solvents the excited ADMA molecule must fold prior to electron transfer, whereas in polar solvents electron transfer can occur in an extended conformation. In polar solvents, ADMA exhibits biexponential fluorescence decay. This is consistent with the proposed polar mechanism of electron transfer, in which electron transfer occurs in an extended conformation, and is followed by conformational interconversion to an emissive, folded conformation. Examination of the kinetic expressions for the time-dependent population of the locally excited state of ADMA indicates that the fast decay time of the fluorescence decay is approximately equal to the inverse of the forward electron-transfer rate constant. A linear correlation is observed between the fast decay time and the amplitude weighted average solvation time determined from time-dependent Stokes shift measurements. This indicates that solvent dynamics influences the electron-transfer rate. Analysis of the results on the basis of an expression for the rate constant of adiabatic electron transfer demonstrates that the results are consistent with previous estimates of the reorganization energy and electron-transfer barrier using a dielectric continuum model. Comparison of ADMA electron-transfer rate constants in ethers with electron-transfer rate constants in polar solvents shows that ADMA undergoes electron transfer by a mechanism that is intermediate between the polar and nonpolar mechanisms in solvents of intermediate polarity.
Reactive stir mixing of Al–Mg/Al2O3np metal matrix nanocomposites: effects of Mg and reinforcement concentration and method of reinforcement incorporation

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) synthesized by the inexpensive and scalable method of stir mixing have received relatively little attention due to the perceived difficulty of dispersing nanoparticles (NPs) in molten metal. However, matrix/reinforcement reactions may be useful in deagglomeration of the particles. A review of previous experimental studies shows that solid solution, Orowan, and grain boundary (GB) strengthening are most likely to influence the strength of reactive stir-mixed Al–Mg–Al2O3np MMNCs. Matrix/reinforcement reactions, porosity in stir-mixed MMNCs, and NP incorporation on grain size are also discussed. Analysis of variation of grain size with NP concentration shows that the MMNCs of this study do not follow the trend of MMNCs strengthened primarily by GB strengthening, and transmission electron microscope shows that individual NPs and agglomerates were present within the aluminum alloy matrix. This evidence coupled with strength beyond what would be expected from solid solution and GB strengthening indicate that Orowan strengthening is likely present—though significant gas porosity in low Mg concentration MMNCs is often detrimental.
The endovascular treatment of a renal arteriovenous fistula: Placement of a covered stent

We describe the case of a 40-year-old man with an acquired renal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) treated with endovascular placement of a homemade polytetrafluoroethylene covered Palmaz stent (Johnson & Johnson, Warren, NJ). The patient was seen with a abdominal bruit 5 years after exploratory laparotomy for multiple knife stab wounds. An abdominal computed tomographic scan showed an atrophic right kidney and enlarged right renal vein and inferior vena cava. Arteriography confirmed a 5-mm to 7-mm AVF between the right renal artery and vein. In November 1999, the patient was taken to the operating room where a Palmaz 308 polytetrafluoroethylene covered stent was placed within the renal artery at the site of the fistula. Exclusion of the fistula was confirmed with arteriogram. To our knowledge, this is one of the earliest reports and the longest follow-up of the endovascular placement of a covered stent for treatment of an acquired renal AVF. Continued application of covered stent treatment for renal AVFs should prove less expensive with improved renal preservation and, with prefabricated stent grafts, prove less cumbersome and time consuming than coil embolization.
MICROFLORA CHANGES IN MODIFIED‐ATMOSPHERE‐PACKAGED BROCCOLI FLORETS STORED AT REFRIGERATED TEMPERATURE

Changes in the microflora of packaged (Resinite VF-71 film) and nonpackaged broccoli florets held at 8C for 7 days were analyzed. Oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, aerobic plate, coliform, yeast/mold counts, and overall quality were determined. Level of O 2 decreased from 15.58 to 5.15%, while CO 2 increased from 2.88 to 8.22% after 94 h of storage. Within each microorganism group, similar growth trends were observed between the packaged and nonpackaged samples; however, the packaged samples consistently inhibited a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) lower microbial count compared with the nonpackaged samples throughout the storage period. Packaged and nonpackaged florets retained their green color and no off-odor was detected; however, the nonpackaged florets were found to be less crispy than the packaged samples
Wind Tunnel Testing Airfoils at Low Reynolds Numbers

This paper describes the wind tunnel testing methodology that has been applied to testing over 200 airfoils at low Reynolds numbers (40,000 to 500,000). The experiments were performed in the 2.8×4.0 ft (0.853×1.219 m) low-turbulence wind tunnel in the Subsonic Aerodynamics Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The test apparatus, methodology, and data reduction techniques are described in detail, and the measurements are validated against benchmark data. New results on the AG455ct airfoil with a large 30%-chord flap, deflected over a wide range, are presented. The results show a dramatic increase in drag with higher flap deflections, and the flap efficiency reduces with large deflections up to 40 deg. Also, tests on a flat-plate airfoil with leading edge serration geometries were conducted to explore the effects on stall characteristics. The results support the conclusions of other researchers that leading edge serrations (protuberances like those found on the fins/flippers of some aquatic animals) lead to higher lift and softer stall. The results suggest that these characteristics are accompanied by lower drag in the stall and post-stall range.
Incorporation of acylated wheat germ agglutinin into liposomes

Abstract Purified wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) was derivatized with palmitic acid at an average stoichiometry of one fatty acid per dimer. Palmitoyl WGA was readily incorporated into liposomes with a cholate-dialysis method. Liposome-bound WGA caused agglulination of red blood cells at a concentration eight-fold lower than that of the native lectin. Furthermore, enhanced binding of liposome-bound WGA to mouse spleen cells was also observed. Potential applications of the liposome-bound lectin are discussed.
Rice and memory in the age of enslavement: Atlantic passages to Suriname

This article examines the geographical corridors for the establishment of rice in seventeenth-century Dutch Guiana. One corridor of introduction is associated with the expulsion of Dutch planters from Brazil in 1644, whose slaves reestablished longstanding subsistence preferences with their exodus to the colony. Another corridor links its introduction to the African Gold Coast, where rice developed as a commodity during the 1600s. The oral histories of maroons offer an additional perspective on rice beginnings in South America, attributing its diffusion to the deliberate efforts of enslaved women.
S-100 protein in granular cell tumors (granular cell myoblastomas).

Outside the central nervous system S-100 is found only in Schwann cells and satellite cells of ganglia. It has also been demonstrated in Schwannomas and neurofibromas but is absent from soft tissue tumors of non-neural origin. S-100 protein was looked for in granular cell myoblastomas using an immuno-histochemical technique in an attempt to further elucidate the histogenesis of these tumors. All tumor cells in the ten tumors studied were intensely stained with antiserum to S-100 including one with some malignant features. These results support the idea that granular cell myoblastomas arise from Schwann cells.
Dose-related inhibition of brain and plasma cholinesterase in neonatal and adult rats following sublethal organophosphate exposures

Developing mammals are markedly more sensitive to acute toxicity from exposure to a variety of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. The present study examined dose-related inhibition of both brain and plasma cholinesterase activity in neonatal and adult rats exposed to sublethal doses of one of three common OP pesticides, methyl parathion, parathion and chlorpyrifos. Effective dose 50 (i.e., ED50 or dose which would inhibit 50% of the cholinesterase activity) values were determined and then correlated with an indicator of acute toxicity, the maximal tolerated dose (MTD). It was found that ED50 estimates for both brain and plasma cholinesterase correlated highly (r = 0.932–0.992) with previously derived MTD values. In no case was there a significant difference between in vivo brain and plasma cholinesterase sensitivity as expressed by ED50 values. The correlation between the extent of brain and plasma cholinesterase inhibition across doses in neonatal rats was high (r = 0.962–0.975) but lower in adults (r = 0.700–0.943). The results suggest that in vivo inhibitory potency of the three OPs towards either brain or plasma ChE activity is highly correlated with sensitivity to acute toxicity in both neonatal and adult rats. Additionally, under defined experimental conditions, plasma ChE inhibition may be a useful quantitative index for the degree of brain cholinesterase inhibition following OP exposures.
Creating and inhabiting virtual places: Indian immigrants in cyberspace

The Internet is often appropriated by groups seeking to preserve, develop and celebrate their identities across space. Using an online survey of a group of immigrants to the United States from India as well as their American-born children, this article reveals that the Internet is utilised for overcoming separation at intra- and international scales, for creating a variety of transboundary networks and for constructing a sense of identity in virtual place. Yet the results also suggest that those individuals who use websites related to Indian culture, society, politics, history and news are distinct ‘communicationally defined’ sub-populations with regard to sex, generation and citizenship status. Indeed, ‘indices of traditionalism’ demonstrate key differences in the types of users of these virtual places.
pH‐Dependent Anticancer Drug Release from Silk Nanoparticles

Silk has traditionally been used as a suture material because of its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. These properties have led to the development of different silk-based material formats for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although there have been a small number of studies about the use of silk particles for drug delivery, none of these studies have assessed the potential of silk to act as a stimulus-responsive anticancer nanomedicine. This report demonstrates that an acetone precipitation of silk allows the formation of uniform silk nanoparticles (98 nm diameter, polydispersity index 0.109), with an overall negative surface charge (–33.6 ± 5.8 mV), in a single step. Silk nanoparticles are readily loaded with doxorubicin (40 ng doxorubicin/μg silk) and show pH-dependent release (pH 4.5≫ 6.0 > 7.4). In vitro studies with human breast cancer cell lines demonstrates that the silk nanoparticles are not cytotoxic (IC50 > 120 μg mL−1) and that doxorubicin-loaded silk nanoparticles are able to overcome drug resistance mechanisms. Live cell fluorescence microscopy studies show endocytic uptake and lysosomal accumulation of silk nanoparticles. In summary, the pH-dependent drug release and lysosomal accumulation of silk nanoparticles demonstrate the ability of drug-loaded silk nanoparticles to serve as a lysosomotropic anticancer nanomedicine.
Numerical Simulations of the Dynamics and Heat Transfer Associated With a Single Bubble in Subcooled Pool Boiling

In this study, numerical simulations of a vapor bubble in subcooled pool boiling have been performed. The applied numerical procedure coupling level-set function with moving mesh method has been validated by comparing the results of bubble-growth history including bubble departure diameter with data from experiments. The predictions of bubble dynamics and heat transfer for various subcoolings as well as different gravity levels are presented.
HIV drug adherence: Special situations

Among the highly diverse population of persons living with HIV/AIDS are individuals with particularly challenging life circumstances that can be called "special situations." Substance abuse and homelessness are examples of special situations that require additional consideration when attempting to determine the appropriateness of prescribing complex antiretroviral regimens. When individual cases are examined in the context of relevant models of care and the principles of those models applied, such clinical decisions can be made with the patient. Withholding protease inhibitors from an entire population group, it is argued, is the epitome of practicing bad medicine.
A simplified solution technique for carbon adsorption model

Abstract A new method of solving the homogeneous surface diffusion model for activated carbon absorption makes use of Laplace transforms on the equations developed by applying orthogonal collocation. The simultaneous equations which are developed are non-linear so an interative method is introduced to make them solvable when one wishes to calculate the surface diffusion coefficient, Df, and the film transfer coefficient, Kf, from batch adsorption data. The proposed model has the advantage of being continuous in time in contrast to earlier models which relied on finite difference numerical methods to solve the system of equations comprising the homogeneous surface diffusion model. The model is applied to one data set from the literature. The proposed method gave values of Kf and D1 nearly identical to values found by other investigators. The model was applied to three new data sets obtained in our laboratories: an agricultural waste, a dye waste and an aqueous waste stream containing a herbicide. The industrial wastes were composed of a mixture of species, whereas the herbicide waste contained a single organic compound. The model produced a good match between experiment and prediction for all waste streams. The final form of the equations is presented in a form readily useable by the person interested in applications to carbon adsorption bed practice.
Effects of a propionic acid-based preservative on storage characteristics, nutritive value, and energy content for alfalfa hays packaged in large round bales1

Abstract During 2009 and 2010, alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.) hays from 2 cuttings harvested from the same field site were used to evaluate the effects of a propionic acid-based preservative on the storage characteristics and nutritive value of hays stored as large round bales. A total of 87 large round bales (diameter = 1.5m) were included in the study; of these, 45 bales served as controls, whereas 42 were treated with a commercial propionic acid-based preservative at mean application rates of 0.5±0.14 and 0.7±0.19% of bale weight, expressed on a wet (as is) or dry matter basis, respectively. Initial bale moisture concentrations ranged from 10.2 to 40.4%. Internal bale temperatures were monitored daily during an outdoor storage period, and heating characteristics were summarized for each bale as heating degree days (HDD) >30°C. For acid-treated bales, the regression relationship between HDD and initial bale moisture was best fitted to a quadratic model in which the linear term was dropped to improve fit (Y=2.02x 2 − 401; R 2 =0.77); control hays were best fitted to a nonlinear model in which the independent variable was squared [Y=4,112 − (4,549×e −0.000559x*x ); R 2 =0.77]. Based on these regressions, acid-treated bales accumulated more HDD than control hays when the initial bale moisture was >27.7%; this occurred largely because acid treatment tended to prolong active heating relative to control hays. Linear regressions of recoveries of dry matter on HDD did not differ on the basis of treatment, yielding a common linear relationship of Y=−0.0066x+96.3 (R 2 =0.75). Regressions relating changes (post-storage – pre-storage) in concentrations of several nutritional components (neutral detergent fiber, lignin, ash, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients) with HDD for acid-treated hays typically exhibited more inflection points or were higher-ordered polynomial regressions than those of control hays. These more complex responses probably reflected the perturbation of normal heating patterns following acid treatment; however, overall effects on post-storage nutritive value were relatively limited in scope. The potential to improve nutritive value relative to cost for these large round bales was not especially favorable, and hay producers may find that diligence to achieve adequate field desiccation before baling, or use of oxygen-exclusion methods, such as wrapping in plastic, may be better alternatives for preserving moist hays.
Electronic structure of the poly(3-hexylthiophene):indene-C60 bisadduct bulk heterojunction

The electronic structure of the poly(3-hexylthiophene):indene-C60 bisadduct (P3HT:ICBA) blend is investigated with direct and inverse photoemission spectroscopy. The energy gap between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of ICBA and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of P3HT, which is central to the performance of photovoltaic cells made with this blend, is found equal to 1.68 eV. This value is larger than the difference between the ionization energy of the donor and the electron affinity of the acceptor, implying the existence of an interface dipole barrier between these two materials. Complementary contact potential difference measurements are done with a Kelvin probe in the dark on similar donor/acceptor pairs, e.g., P3HT:C60 and copper phthalocyanine (CuPc):C60, and confirm the existence of a dipole at these interfaces. It is estimated that a 0.3–0.4 eV ground state dipole exists at the P3HT:ICBA interface.
Rigorous Rate Constants for Diatomic Recombination and Dissociation in a Dilute Gas

We obtain rigorous formulas for the forward and backward rate constants for the reaction ${A}_{2}\ensuremath{\leftrightarrows}A+A$. Explicit evaluations are given near equilibrium. General asymptotic results for deep, as well as for shallow, binding potentials are derived. Experimental data for ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ in Ar compare favorably with our theoretical results. We conclude that the attractive part of the catalytic potential is essential to obtain the negative value of the temperature coefficient that is demanded by experimental evidence.
Teaching Programming Via The Web: A Time-Tested Methodology

Advances in information and communication technologies give us the ability to reach out beyond the time and place limitations of the traditional classroom. However, effective online teaching is more than just transferring traditional courses to the World Wide Web (WWW). We describe how we have used “off the shelf” software and the infrastructure that is available via the WWW to develop and deliver a complete learning experience in programming business applications using a popular programming language. The course is unique in its coordinated use of traditional and nontraditional materials to introduce and explain difficult programming constructs. Student performance, job placement, and feedback have confirmed the convenience and effectiveness of this method.
Conservation corridors affect the fixation of novel alleles

Corridors are a popular tool for conservation of small populations. However, two purported benefits of corridors, increasing gene flow and providing a means for the recolonization of extinct patches of habitat (population rescue), may have unappreciated impacts on the likelihood that a new allele will become incorporated (fixed) within a population. Using a simulation model, I demonstrate that connecting a stable, isolated population with a population that requires periodic rescue (due to extinction via natural or anthropogenic disturbance) can affect fixation of alleles in the stable population, largely by changing the effective population size Ne of the two-patch complex. When disturbance is rare, connecting the two patches with corridors can increase fixation of beneficial alleles and increase loss of harmful alleles. However, the opposite occurs when rates of disturbance are high: corridors can promote fixation of harmful alleles and reduce fixation of beneficial alleles. Because the impact of corridors hinges upon disturbance frequency (i.e. rate of population rescue), population growth rate, movement rates, and habitat quality, different species are likely to have different responses to corridor-mediated fixation, even if the species reside within the same ecological community. By changing fixation, corridors could thus either promote adaptation or extinction.
Incidence and Demographics of Childhood Ptosis

Purpose To report the incidence and demographics of childhood ptosis diagnosed over a 40-year period in a well-defined population. Design Retrospective, population-based cohort study. Participants Patients ( Methods The medical records of all potential patients identified by the Rochester Epidemiology Project were reviewed. Main Outcome Measures Calculated annual age- and gender-specific incidence rates and demographic information. Results A total of 107 children were diagnosed with ptosis during the 40-year period, yielding an incidence of 7.9 per 100000 younger than 19 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.4–9.5). Ninety-six (89.7%) of the 107 had congenital-onset disease. Eighty-one (75%) of the 107 had simple congenital ptosis, yielding a birth prevalence of 1 in 842 births. A family history of childhood ptosis was present in 12% of queried patients with simple congenital ptosis. Three (4%) of the simple congenital ptosis cases were bilateral and 55 (68%) of the unilateral cases involved the left upper eyelid (95% CI, 57%–78%; P Conclusions Childhood ptosis was diagnosed in 7.9 per 100000 patients younger than 19 years (95% CI, 6.4–9.5). Simple congenital ptosis was the most prevalent form, occurring in 1 in 842 births, and was significantly more likely to involve the left side. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
An example application of the trusted network interpretation

The National Computer Security Center has issued guidance for trusted computer networks called the Trusted Network Interpretation (TNI) of the Trusted Computer System Evaluation Criteria (TCSEC). The TNI provides requirements for trusted computer networks that extend the guidance provided for traditional stand-alone computer systems by the TCSEC. It is expected that this Department of Defense (DOD) technical security guidance will be used as the basis for certification of DOD network system acquisitions. The author presents three major steps illustrating an application of the TNI. The steps are: formulating a TNI view; determining the appropriate TNI security requirements that will apply; and formulation of a network security architecture based on the allocation of the determined security requirements. >
In vivo microelectrode track reconstruction using magnetic resonance imaging

To obtain more precise anatomical information about cortical sites of microelectrode recording and microstimulation experiments in alert animals, we have developed a non-invasive, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for reconstructing microelectrode tracks. We made microelectrode penetrations in the brains of anesthetized rats and marked sites along them by depositing metal, presumably iron, with anodic monophasic or biphasic current from the tip of a stainless steel microelectrode. The metal deposits were clearly visible in the living animal as approximately 200 μm wide hypointense punctate marks using gradient echo sequences in a 4.7T MRI scanner. We confirmed the MRI findings by comparing them directly to the postmortem histology in which the iron in the deposits could be rendered visible with a Prussian blue reaction. MRI-visible marks could be created using currents as low as 1 μA (anodic) for 5 s, and they remained stable in the brains of living rats for up to nine months. We were able to make marks using either direct current or biphasic current pulses. Biphasic pulses caused less tissue damage and were similar to those used by many laboratories for functional microstimulation studies in the brains of alert monkeys.
The maximum throughput on a golf course

We develop stochastic models to help manage the pace of play on a conventional 18-hole golf course. These models are for group play on each of the standard hole types: par-3, par-4, and par-5. These models include the realistic feature that k−2 groups can be playing at the same time on a par-k hole, but with precedence constraints. We also consider par-3 holes with a “wave-up” rule, which allows two groups to be playing simultaneously. We mathematically determine the maximum possible throughput on each hole under natural conditions. To do so, we analyze the associated fully loaded holes, in which new groups are always available to start when the opportunity arises. We characterize the stationary interval between the times successive groups clear the green on a fully loaded hole, showing how it depends on the stage playing times. The structure of that stationary interval evidently can be exploited to help manage the pace of play. The mean of that stationary interval is the reciprocal of the capacity. The bottleneck holes are the holes with the least capacity. The bottleneck capacity is then the capacity of the golf course as a whole.
On-line process optimization and control using the sequential design of experiments

A modular framework is being used for the implementation of process control in VLSI fabrication. The function of process control has been divided into three core modules: the flexible recipe generator, the run by run controller and the real-time controller. These three modules act to divide up the control function on the basis of the time scale of the response and the range of operating space encompassed. The flexible recipe generator has the task of taking the best first guess about where to begin operations, resulting in a recipe for use in the first run of a new product. The run by run controller starts from the recipe provided by the flexible recipe generator and then updates the recipe between product runs based on the post-process measurements. The real-time controller accepts in-situ measurements as inputs and modifies the recipe during a process step in order to bring the result as close as possible to target. Here, the authors focus on the run by run controller. The run by run controller covers a smaller range of space than the other modules and is invoked after each run of product. As part of a system for process control, the run by run controller implements a form of adaptive control based on the sequential design of experiments. The run by run controller was tested in application to an equipment simulator of polysilicon low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD). Growth rate uniformity from wafer to wafer was achieved. Optimization and control speed were further enhanced by an improved modeling approach
How country-specific should a country-specific cost-effectiveness analysis be?

This editorial refers to ‘Cost-effectiveness of dabigatran compared with warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation in Sweden’†, by T. Davidson et al. , on page 177 and ‘Cost-effectiveness of treating acute coronary syndrome patients with ticagrelor for 12 months: results from the PLATO study’‡, by E. Nikolic et al. , on page 220 Two recent cost-effectiveness analyses published in the European Heart Journal add to a growing evidence base regarding the costs and health outcomes associated with dabigatran vs. warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation1 and ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel for patients with acute coronary syndromes.2 Conducted from the perspective of the Swedish healthcare system, both analyses are trial-based economic evaluations augmented with decision models to extrapolate short-term trial outcomes to longer term estimates of costs and quality-adjusted survival. The Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) provided primary data for the cost-effectiveness analysis of dabigatran vs. warfarin.3 The Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial provided primary data for the cost-effectiveness analysis of ticagrelor vs. clopidogrel.4 Both trials were large, multinational, randomized controlled studies. RE-LY enrolled 18 113 patients in 44 countries, and PLATO enrolled 18 624 patients in 43 countries. In both analyses, the analysts relied on clinical data that were pooled across all countries represented in the trial. To inform decision making in Sweden, …
Characterization of cognitive dysfunction in Sjögren’s syndrome patients

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting women, with decreased saliva and tear production as the principal characteristic. Cognitive, neurological, and psychiatric disorders also are associated with Sjogren’s. The present study addressed the hypothesis that patients with Sjogren’s syndrome differ significantly from matched controls in the prevalence and impact of a number of neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Sjogren’s patients and controls (n = 37 per group) underwent medical and psychiatric evaluation, demographic assessments, quality of life and symptom evaluation, and extensive testing of cognitive function and memory. Patients and controls were closely matched for age, gender distribution, verbal IQ, marital status, educational level, employment status, and current/past medical or psychiatric history. On most subjective self-ratings, Sjogren’s patients reported greater fatigue, impaired physical functioning, feeling depressed, and autonomic symptomatology compared to controls. Impaired memory was described mainly as loss of thought continuity in the midst of a task or activity. However, the majority of objective measures of cognition, psychomotor function, and memory showed minimal differences between groups. Sjogren’s patients rate themselves as impaired on multiple ratings of emotional, cognitive, and physical function, but objective measures of cognition reveal fewer substantive differences between patients and matched controls. Sjogren’s patients perceive deteriorated physical function over time, but they achieve a level of functioning comparable to controls despite the burden of their illness.
Intrinsic membrane properties of locus coeruleus neurons in Mecp2-null mice

Rett syndrome caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (Mecp2) gene shows abnormalities in autonomic functions in which brain stem norepinephrinergic systems play an important role. Here...
A reliable return address stack: microarchitectural features to defeat stack smashing

Buffer overflow vulnerability is one of the most common security bugs existing in today's software systems. In this paper, we propose a microarchitectural design of a return address stack aiming to detect and stop stack smashing. This approach has been used in other proposals to guard against buffer overflow vulnerabilities. Our contribution is a design that handle multipath execution, speculative execution, abnormal control flow, and extended call depth. Our solution makes no assumption about the presence of architecturally visible calls and returns.
Factors Controlling the Stability of Colloid-Stabilized Emulsions: I. An Experimental Investigation

Experimental data are presented to show the influence of colloidal particles on the stability of oil-water emulsions. It is shown that these solids stabilize emulsions both by providing steric hindrance to drop-drop coalescence and by modifying the rheological properties of the interfacial region. Coalescence occurs as a result of the displacement of the colloids along the interface. Results are presented on the effects of pH and salt concentration in the aqueous phase, the concentration of surfactant in the oleic phase, and the properties of the solid particles on the type and the stability of emulsions formed.
Stereospecific conversion of chiral 1,2-cyclic sulfates to chiral imidazolines

Abstract The one pot preparation of imidazolines from 1,2-cyclic sulfates is reported. Amidines react with cyclic sulfates to give zwitterionic intermediates, and subsequent intramolecular cyclization affords imidazolines. The preparation of enantiopure stilbene diamine (stien) is achieved by the hydrolysis of its corresponding chiral imidazoline.