cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Horizontal benchmark extension for improved assessment of physical CAD research

The rapid growth in complexity and diversity of IC designs, design flows and methodologies has resulted in a benchmark-centric culture for evaluation of performance and scalability in physicaldesign algorithm research. Landmark papers in the literature present vertical benchmarks that can be used across multiple design flow stages; artificial benchmarks with characteristics that mimic those of real designs; artificial benchmarks with known optimal solutions; as well as benchmark suites created by major companies from internal designs and/or open-source RTL. However, to our knowledge, there has been no work on horizontal benchmark creation, i.e., the creation of benchmarks that enable maximal, comprehensive assessments across commercial and academic tools at one or more specific design stages. Typically, the creation of horizontal benchmarks is limited by mismatches in data models, netlist formats, technology files, library granularity, etc. across different tools, technologies, and benchmark suites. In this paper, we describe methodology and robust infrastructure for horizontal benchmark extension" that permits maximal leverage of benchmark suites and technologies in "apples-to-apples" assessment of both industry and academic optimizers. We demonstrate horizontal benchmark extensions, and the assessments that are thus enabled, in two well-studied domains: place-and-route (four combinations of academic placers/routers, and two commercial P&R tools) and gate sizing (two academic sizers, and three commercial tools). We also point out several issues and precepts for horizontal benchmark enablement.
Polymeric Liquid Crystals

Soft contact lenses and ablative heat shields for spacecraft require materials with vastly different physical properties. Yet the materials for both—permeable elastic membranes and tenacious high‐temperature composities—are products of polymer science.
Are consumers' perceptions of price–quality relationships well calibrated?

Past research has shown that, to varying degrees, consumers tend to believe price is an indicator of quality, even though there is in fact often very little correlation between objective measures of price and quality (PQ). Moreover, consumers have been observed to be poorly calibrated in their knowledge of precisely which categories exhibit the strongest association between PQ for products. Given the profound changes that have occurred in consumer markets, such as the rise of the Internet and the flood of product quality information now readily available online, the present work seeks to update this line of research. Specifically, it seeks to determine if changes in the marketplace have affected (1) consumers' perceptions of the PQ relationship; and (2) consumers' PQ calibration. Data from two sources were collected and compared: (1) Subjective ratings of the PQ relation for various common products, collected using a questionnaire format in a survey of 313 US consumers; and (2) Objective estimates of the actual PQ association of the same products, gathered from independent third-party information providers who report both prices and rank-ordered quality measures for each. Results indicate that consumers today (1) continue to perceive a modest positive relationship between PQ (more so for durables, less for non-durables); and (2) are modestly calibrated for durable products. But they are much less well calibrated in the realm of non-durables, where consumers expect a positive link between price and quality in precisely those product categories in which the relationship is actually negative. Relative to past research, the calibration of consumers has apparently ‘flipped’ from non-durables to durables today. Potential explanations for this result include (1) the rise of the Internet as an information source for quality ratings of durables; (2) a higher level of perceived risk for durable goods purchases; (3) a greater tendency for durables to exhibit a positive correlation between actual quality and price; and (4) the rising quality level of private label brands, which may render prior price–quality perceptions for non-durables outdated or obsolete.
Finite-element buckling analysis of sandwich columns containing a face/core debond

Linear and nonlinear finite-element analyses have been performed to examine the buckling and collapse behavior of foam core sandwich columns containing a through-width face/core debond. A range of foam core densities and debond lengths were examined. The results revealed that low foam densities and long debonds will reduce the buckling load. Linear analysis tends to provide higher buckling loads than nonlinear analysis. Model predictions are compared to experimental tests conducted on sandwich specimens with glass/vinylester face sheets over various PVC foam cores containing a face/core debond. Failure load predictions from postbuckling analysis were in good agreement with experimental strengths. The eigenvalue analysis produced unconservative collapse loads.
Synchrotron radiation induced reactions on surfaces: mechanisms and applications

Abstract In this paper we tabulate recent research that delves into the application of synchrotron radiation for inducing surface chemical reactions. We then present results from recent experiments designed to test whether surface photochemical reactions can be brought about by direct core-level excitation of the adsorbate, as opposed to an indirect mechanism where photoabsorption by bulk atoms produces secondary electrons that cause the reaction. Experiments were performed on SiF 4 adsorbed on Ge(100) at 30 K. It was found that direct excitation of Si2p core levels causes the reaction to occur. Finally we show the application of X-ray dependent surface photochemistry in two systems of technological relevance. The first is adamantane (C 10 H 16 ) adsorbed on Si(111) at 85 K. X-rays with energies greater than the CK edge (284 eV) cause significant bond breaking and the formation of SiC. Lower energy X-rays appear to create adamantyl radicals which bond strongly with the substrate and are stable to 625 K. The second is Teflon where irradiation with photons with energies lower than 12 eV induces the desorption of relatively large fluorocarbon fragments, as compared to photolysis with photons of energies greater than 22 eV (C2s excitation).
Can ultrasound common bile duct diameter predict common bile duct stones in the setting of acute cholecystitis

BACKGROUND: Our aim is assessment of ultrasound (US) common bile duct (CBD) diameter to predict the presence of CBD stones in acute cholecystitis (AC). METHODS: A retrospective review from 2007 to 2011 with codes for ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and AC was conducted. RESULTS: The incidence of CBD stones was 1.8%. Two hundred forty eight individuals had US1MRCP1ERCP1AC, of which 48 had CBD stones and 200 did not have CBD stones. US CBD diameter range was 3.6 to 19 mm. Ninety percent of MRCPs were negative, and it delayed care by 2.9 days. Mean CBD diameter was narrower in those negative for CBD stones (5.8 vs 7.08; P 5 .0043). Groups based on diameter ranges ,6, 6 to 9.9, and R10 mm demonstrated 14%, 14%, and 39% CBD stones, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: US CBD diameter is not sufficient to identify patients at significant risk for CBD stones. MRCP delayed care by 2.9 days. Intraoperative cholangiography may be more effective, based on the low risk of CBD stones in AC.
SEDPHAT – A platform for global ITC analysis and global multi-method analysis of molecular interactions

Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments can provide significantly more detailed information about molecular interactions when combined in global analysis. For example, global analysis can improve the precision of binding affinity and enthalpy, and of possible linkage parameters, even for simple bimolecular interactions, and greatly facilitate the study of multi-site and multi-component systems with competition or cooperativity. A pre-requisite for global analysis is the departure from the traditional binding model, including an 'n'-value describing unphysical, non-integral numbers of sites. Instead, concentration correction factors can be introduced to account for either errors in the concentration determination or for the presence of inactive fractions of material. SEDPHAT is a computer program that embeds these ideas and provides a graphical user interface for the seamless combination of biophysical experiments to be globally modeled with a large number of different binding models. It offers statistical tools for the rigorous determination of parameter errors, correlations, as well as advanced statistical functions for global ITC (gITC) and global multi-method analysis (GMMA). SEDPHAT will also take full advantage of error bars of individual titration data points determined with the unbiased integration software NITPIC. The present communication reviews principles and strategies of global analysis for ITC and its extension to GMMA in SEDPHAT. We will also introduce a new graphical tool for aiding experimental design by surveying the concentration space and generating simulated data sets, which can be subsequently statistically examined for their information content. This procedure can replace the 'c'-value as an experimental design parameter, which ceases to be helpful for multi-site systems and in the context of gITC.
Novel Laser-Based Deposition of Active Protein Thin Films

This paper reports the deposition of active protein thin films by a novel laser-based approach termed matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). We have deposited uniform 10 nm to nearly 1 μm thin films of insulin and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). We performed several experiments to characterize the chemical integrity of the deposited films. Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry experiments performed on MAPLE-deposited insulin films indicate that the laser−material interaction involved in this deposition technique does not modify the protein's mass. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments show that the chemical functionality and secondary structure of MAPLE-deposited HRP are nearly identical to those of the native protein. We also find that deposited HRP films retain their ability to catalyze the reduction of 3,3‘-diaminobenzidine (DAB), suggesting that the active site of transferred proteins is unaffected by the ...
The isomerization and metathesis of n-butenes: II. Acid catalysis on the fully oxidized catalyst

The mechanism of n-butene isomerization was studied over a freshly oxidized molybdena-alumina catalyst using the microcatalytic pulse technique. A 2-butyl carbonium ion common intermediate was invoked to interpret the results. A model was derived which was built upon statistical and energetic arguments and based on the experimental energy profile; it accounted for the selectivities and their temperature dependencies. In particular it was shown that temperature-dependent cis/trans ratios very different than unity are possible and sometimes found for acid-catalyzed reactions. The model also correctly described the relative reactivities and equilibrium constants for the three isomers.
What will it take to improve very low birth weight follow-up care?

The study by Wang et al1 in this issue of Pediatrics highlights the lack of quality indicators for the neurodevelopmental follow-up of very low birth weight (VLBW) survivors. It is an excellent example of the effort required to develop explicit process criteria to evaluate the quality of VLBW follow-up care. The authors systematically reviewed 437 articles on clinical predictors, screening, and treatment for VLBW children by searching the PubMed database, screening articles by prominent authors in the field and articles cited in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality evidence report Criteria for Determining Disability in Infants and Children: Low Birth Weight ,2 and reviewing the clinical practice guidelines for follow-up care of VLBW infants. They drafted a set of 96 potential quality-of-care indicators in 5 content areas (general care; physical health; vision, hearing, speech, and language; developmental behavioral assessment; and psychosocial assessment), which a panel of 10 experts rated for validity, feasibility, and quality of evidence. Validity and feasibility were rated on a 9-point scale (1, low; 9, high). The quality of evidence was rated by using the Canadian Task Force on Periodic Health Examination system,3 which ranks quality of evidence from data generated from randomized, controlled trials as level I, data from cohort or case-control studies and nonrandomized, controlled trials … Address correspondence to Linda L. Wright, MD, Center for Research for Mothers and Children, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 6100, Room 4B05J, Bethesda, MD 20815. E-mail: wrightl{at}mail.nih.gov
Alternative Panel Estimates of Alcohol Demand, Taxation, and the Business Cycle

This paper uses a new technique of estimating dynamic heterogeneous panels developed by Pesaran, Shin, and Smith (1999) on state-level alcohol consumption as a function of income, taxes, and cyclical variables. Pooled mean group (PMG) estimators provide an alternative to extremes of pooling the data assuming slope homogeneity and estimating individual states assuming complete heterogeneity. Postsample tests indicate that a conventional fixed-effects model outperforms both the PMG estimator and individual state estimators, despite the heterogeneity of the sample. Current levels of taxation appear to have little effect on alcohol consumption, and alcohol is found to be a procyclical good.
The on-line promotion and sale of nutrigenomic services

Purpose: Nutrigenomic researchers hope to improve health through personalized nutrition, but many consider the sale of nutrigenomic services to be premature. Few studies have evaluated the promotion and sales practices of organizations hosting nutrigenomic websites. Methods: Systematic search and analysis of websites promoting nutrigenomic services in October 2006. Results: Of the 64 organizations hosting websites, 29 organizations offered (24 of 29) or promoted (5 of 29) at-home testing and 26 organizations sold services on-line (17 of 26) or provided a direct link to on-line sales (9 of 26). A lack of transparency made it difficult to identify unique tests; however, three organizations were linked to 56% of all test mentions. Most organizations were healthcare/wellness service providers (50%) or laboratories/biotech companies (27%). Few organizations provided on-line information about laboratory certifications (20%), nutrigenomic test or research limitations (13%), test validity or utility (11%), or genetic counseling (9%). Affiliation opportunities were offered by 15 organizations. Conclusions: Organizations did not provide adequate information about nutrigenomic services and at-home genetic testing. Affiliation opportunities and distribution agreements suggest the promotion and sale of nutrigenomic services will continue, increasing the importance of consumer and provider education. In absence of federal regulation, organizations promoting nutrigenomic services should equate websites to product labels and include information to facilitate informed decision-making.
Hazardous waste fixation using dry flue gas desulfurization waste

Abstract Several designated hazardous wastes (metals: Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu; plating waste; oil sludge; aluminum forming processing sludge) were studied relative to potential detoxification using dry calcium-based flue gas desulfurization (FGD) sludges. The FGD waste was generated from a pilot scale system which utilized slurried lime, a spray dryer, and a bag filter. Following detailed physical and chemical identification of the raw FGD and hazardous wastes, various mixtures were prepared and cured. In all cases, even with the organic sludge, a rigid structural material evolved due to the pozzolanic reactions occurring from the wetted dry FGD waste. Structural characteristics, physical character, and chemical leaching effects were evaluated. The solids were leached according to both the acetic acid and deionized water proposed leaching procedures. In all cases, the hazardous constituents were not leached. Finally, the feasibility of using dry FGD wastes as fixating materials is discussed.
Sedimentation properties of anthranilate synthetase from osmotic lysates of a wall-less variant of Neurospora.

Abstract Anthranilate synthetase from osmotic lysates of a wall-less variant of Neurospora crassa is shown to have a sedimentation coefficient larger than 10.35 — the value obtained for the same enzyme isolated from wild-type strains by relatively harsh extraction procedures. Sucrose gradients performed in a nitrogen atmosphere indicate that the lysates contain anthranilate synthetase which sediments up to 15S. It is implied that the more gentle extraction procedure used with the wall-less variant maintains a greater organizational integrity of the enzyme.
Formation of middle-phase microemulsions using surfactants derived from a renewable resource: Ethoxylated tall oils

Abstract The range of salinities over which a large number of multicomponent systems containing ethoxylated tall oils or tall-oil derivatives form middle-phase microemulsions was determined. n -Octane and n-decane were used as the hydrocarbons; 2 methyl-l-propanol and 2-butanol as the cosurfactants. It is possible, with an appropriate choice of surfactant, to produce systems with optimal salinities from 0 to ca. 17 wt% NaCl. Phase volume diagrams are presented for 24 of the systems investigated; interfacial tension measurements for selected systems show tensions in the millidyn/cm range at the optimal salinities.
Small-angle neutron scattering characterization of the structure of nanoporous carbons for energy-related applications

Abstract We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron contrast variation to study the structure of four nanoporous carbons prepared by thermo-chemical etching of titanium carbide TiC in chlorine at 300, 400, 600, and 800 °C with pore diameters ranging between ∼4 and ∼11 A. SANS patterns were obtained from dry samples and samples saturated with deuterium oxide (D 2 O) in order to delineate origin of the power law scattering in the low Q domain as well as to evaluate pore accessibility for D 2 O molecules. SANS cross section of all samples was fitted to Debye–Anderson–Brumberger (DAB), DAB–Kirste–Porod models as well as to the Guinier and modified Guinier formulae for cylindrical objects, which allowed for evaluating the radii of gyration as well as the radii and lengths of the pores under cylindrical shape approximation. SANS data from D 2 O-saturated samples indicate that strong upturn in the low Q limit usually observed in the scattering patterns from microporous carbon powders is due to the scattering from outer surface of the powder particles. Micropores are only partially filled with D 2 O molecules due to geometrical constraints and or partial hydrophobicity of the carbon matrix. Structural parameters of the dry carbons obtained using SANS are compared with the results of the gas sorption measurements and the values agree for carbide-derived carbons (CDCs) obtained at high chlorination temperatures (>600 °C). For lower chlorination temperatures, pore radii obtained from gas sorption overestimate the actual pore size as calculated from SANS for two reasons: inaccessible small pores are present and the model-dependent fitting based on density functional theory models assumes non-spherical pores, whereas SANS clearly indicates that the pore shape in microporous CDC obtained at low chlorination temperatures is nearly spherical.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as an Anti-Angiogenic Target for Cancer Therapy

New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) is fundamental to tumor growth, invasion, and metastatic dissemination. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway plays pivotal roles in regulating tumor angiogenesis. VEGF as a therapeutic target has been validated in various types of human cancers. Different agents including antibodies, aptamers, peptides, and small molecules have been extensively investigated to block VEGF and its pro-angiogenic functions. Some of these agents have been approved by FDA and some are currently in clinical trials. Combination therapies are also being pursued for better tumor control. By providing comprehensive real-time information, molecular imaging of VEGF pathway may accelerate the drug development process. Moreover, the imaging will be of great help for patient stratification and therapeutic effect monitoring, which will promote effective personalized molecular cancer therapy. This review summarizes the current status of tumor therapeutic agents targeting to VEGF and the applications of VEGF related molecular imaging.
Extracting and Networking Emotions in Extremist Propaganda

This paper presents a way to understand the relationship between emotive words or phrases in terrorist/extremist propaganda. The term "relationship" in this paper is defined as the degree of contact that emotional markers have in text. An ontology is used to identify emotional content before being analyzed in text networking software, specifically Automap and ORA (Organizational Risk Analyzer). Automap and ORA developed by CASOS(Computation Analysis of Social and Organizational Systems) involves computational modeling of socio-technical systems, link analysis, and network analysis. In semantic networks, closeness is a measure to understand where individual emotional nodes lie between other nodes in the network. Understanding closeness between emotive words or phrases reveals how propagandists construct their form of propaganda.
Origins and early development of the case-control study: Part 1, Early evolution

¶¶This paper traces the origins and early development of the case-control study, focusing on its evolution in the 19th and early 20th century. As with other forms of clinical investigation, the case-control study emerged from practices that originally belonged to the realm of patient care. This form of disease investigation can be viewed as the knitting together of medical concepts (caseness, disease etiology, and a focus on the individual) — and medical procedures (anamnesis, grouping of cases into series; and comparisons of the diseased and the healthy) — that are of ancient origin, but which were seldom brought together until the 20th century. The analytic form of the case-control study can be found in 19th century medical literature, but did not appear to be viewed as a special or distinct methodology. A number of clinical investigations, and several sociological studies, in the first half of this century can be described as case-control studies, the most fully developed of which was Janet Lane-Claypon's 1926 study of breast cancer.
Design of Serum Compatible Tetrary Complexes for Gene Delivery

A novel gene delivery system, called PoSC, consisting of PEI, PSP, and HA is described. In contrast to the DNA/PEI/HA ternary system whose transfection efficiency decreases significantly with increasing serum concentration, PoSC exhibits a high transfection efficiency of about 51 and 87% for NIH3T3 and HCT116 cells, respectively, at 50% serum concentration. Furthermore, PoSC shows no cytotoxic effect at its working concentration. The overall results suggest that HA adsorption on cationic complexes enhances the transfection efficiency, while PSP is essential for high transfection efficiency at higher serum concentration.
Analysis of biomechanical factors affecting stent-graft migration in an abdominal aortic aneurysm model.

Abstract Focusing on a representative abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a bifurcating stent-graft (SG), a fluid–structure interaction (FSI) solver with user-supplied programs has been employed to solve for blood flow, AAA/SG deformation, sac pressure and wall stresses, as well as the downward forces acting on the SG. Simulation results indicate that implanting a SG can significantly reduce sac pressure, mechanical stress, pulsatile wall motion, and maximum diameter change in AAAs; hence, it may restore normal blood flow and prevent AAA rupture effectively. The transient SG drag force is similar in trend as the cardiac pressure. Its magnitude depends on multi-factors including blood flow conditions, as well as SG and aneurysm geometries. Specifically, AAA neck angle, iliac bifurcation angle, neck aorta-to-iliac diameter ratio, SG size, and blood waveform play important roles in generating a fluid flow force potentially leading to SG migration. It was found that the drag force can exceed 5 N for an AAA with a large neck or iliac angle, wide aortic neck and narrow iliac arteries, large SG size, and/or abnormal blood waveform. Thus, the fixation of self-expandable or balloon-expandable SG contact may be inadequate to withstand the forces of blood flowing through the implant and hence means of extra fixation should be considered. A comprehensive FSI analysis of the coupled SG–AAA dynamics provides physical insight for evaluating the luminal hemodynamics, and maximum AAA-stresses as well as biomechanical factors leading potentially to SG migration.
A Dynamic Model of a Linear Actuator Based on Polymer Hydrogel

The design and analysis of a series of linear actuators based on polymer hydrogel is presented. The actuators use arrays of pH sensitive gel fibers together with a fluid irrigation system to locally and rapidly regulate the composition of the solution. A dynamic model is constructed for one of the linear actuators, which includes the polymer gel, fluidic system, and transmission mechanics. Emphasis in the design and mechanical modeling of the actuators is placed on the com plete system including not only the polymer gel, but also on the containment system, irrigation scheme, and servo valving system.
Modeling InGaAsP/InP/Au distributed feedback lasers for optical communications

This work shows the process of computing coupling coefficients of first-order distributed feedback (DFB) metalsemiconductor quantum-well lasers. InGaAsP/InP/Au lasers with wavelength 1550 nm for optical communications are studied. The optical waveguide structure for such a laser has semiconductor layers and a built-in grating interface between the metal and semiconductor layers. Such interface has sinusoidal corrugation geometry. To compute the coupling coefficient of the metal-grating waveguide, a model is constructed by the Floquet-Bloch method (FB). The Ray-optics method (RO) is also used to calculate the coupling coefficients. These two methods have close results.
Presynaptic Inhibition Modulates Spillover, Creating Distinct Dynamic Response Ranges of Sensory Output

Sensory information is thought to be modulated by presynaptic inhibition. Although this form of inhibition is a well-studied phenomenon, it is still unclear what role it plays in shaping sensory signals in intact circuits. By visually stimulating the retinas of transgenic mice lacking GABAc receptor-mediated presynaptic inhibition, we found that this inhibition regulated the dynamic range of ganglion cell (GC) output to the brain. Presynaptic inhibition acted differentially upon two major retinal pathways; its elimination affected GC responses to increments, but not decrements, in light intensity across the visual scene. The GC dynamic response ranges were different because presynaptic inhibition limited glutamate release from ON, but not OFF, bipolar cells, which modulate the extent of glutamate spillover and activation of perisynaptic NMDA receptors at ON GCs. Our results establish a role for presynaptic inhibitory control of spillover in determining sensory output in the CNS.
Delayed bifurcations and negative hysteresis in semiconductor lasers: the role of initial conditions

The dynamical intensity response of a semiconductor laser under the influence of injection current modulation, and the resulting hysteresis behavior, is investigated experimentally and theoretically. We report the first experimental observation, in a semiconductor laser, of the transition from a negative to a positive hysteresis as the modulation frequency of the injection current is varied. The theoretical work isolates the initial conditions on the intrinsic laser parameters as the sole determinant in influencing the kind of hysteresis one observes.
Tyrosine nitration of prostacyclin synthase is associated with enhanced retinal cell apoptosis in diabetes

The risk of diabetic retinopathy is associated with the presence of both oxidative stress and toxic eicosanoids. Whether oxidative stress actually causes diabetic retinopathy via the generation of toxic eicosanoids, however, remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether tyrosine nitration of prostacyclin synthase (PGIS) contributes to retinal cell death in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of human retinal pericytes to heavily oxidized and glycated LDL (HOG-LDL), but not native forms of LDL (N-LDL), for 24 hours significantly increased pericyte apoptosis, accompanied by increased tyrosine nitration of PGIS and decreased PGIS activity. Inhibition of the thromboxane receptor or cyclooxygenase-2 dramatically attenuated HOG-LDL–induced apoptosis without restoring PGIS activity. Administration of superoxide dismutase (to scavenge superoxide anions) or l-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME, a nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) restored PGIS activity and attenuated pericyte apoptosis. In Akita mouse retinas, diabetes increased intraretinal levels of oxidized LDL and glycated LDL, induced PGIS nitration, enhanced apoptotic cell death, and impaired blood–retinal barrier function. Chronic administration of tempol, a superoxide scavenger, reduced intraretinal oxidized LDL and glycated LDL levels, PGIS nitration, and retina cell apoptosis, thereby preserving the integrity of blood–retinal barriers. In conclusion, oxidized LDL-mediated PGIS nitration and associated thromboxane receptor stimulation might be important in the initiation and progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube is indeed a "gizmo" until future research proves safety and efficacy.

In the April 2014 issue of this journal, Richard M. Rosenfeld, MD, MPH, wrote an editorial in which he recommends distinguishing “fanciful gizmos from truly useful technology,” provides 5 criteria to evaluate a gizmo, and includes as one of the current ones balloons to “open clogged ears.” The implication is that balloon dilation for suspected eustachian tube dysfunction–middle ear disease is an unproven procedure. Coincidentally, on April 1, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded an Exploratory/Development grant to the University of Pittsburgh to evaluate this new treatment, which affirms that the NIH agrees that this procedure is of uncertain efficacy.
A computational study of some dioxin derivatives using MMP2 force field method

Abstract MMP2, a computational force field method was employed to derive molecular geometries of some polychlorinated dioxins. A preliminary report of structural features and a correlation chart of dihedral angles against IR data are presented.
Colon Polyp Surveillance: Clinical Decision Tool

The AGA “Roadmap for the Future of GI” initiative calls for the development of Clinical Decision Tools (CDTs) needed to practice within the emerging value-based reimbursement environment. 1 The AGA has developed a process, which begins with carefully vetted evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. The guidelines are used to derive a CDT with the goal of actualizing the clinical guideline in a real-life practice situation. These CDTs can be used in clinical practice, and are designed to be embedded into electronic medical record systems, to facilitate access at point of care. Subsequent steps in the Roadmap call for development of performance measures, data collection on performance measures, development of patient tools, and professional education materials for specialists and primary care providers. Colonoscopy accounts for a large proportion of endoscopy activity. It is estimated that more than 14 million colonoscopy procedures are performed annually in the United States. Since 2000, most colonoscopies are performed for screening (average-risk or high-risk) and surveillance after polyps are detected and removed. There is evidence that many follow-up exams are per
Experimental Replication and Use of Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian Antler Projectile Points

While researchers have long analysed the artistic and typological aspects of Magdalenian antler implements, relatively little effort has been expended upon learning their functional aspects. In order to understand better the applications of antler as a raw material as well as the durability and potential use life of projectile points made from it, the author hafted and threw 20 replicated Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian spearpoints at a dead animal target until breakage was induced. The results indicate the high durability of antler projectile points and their long use life, far beyond what can be expected from a stone point used in similar contexts. The choice of antler over stone in Cantabrian Lower Magdalenian hunting contexts fits within the overall hunting strategy of reliably engineered technology used to acquire large game herds in mass harvests.
Recent applications of relativistic equations to the few body problem

Recent numerical results for a relativistic OBE model of the NN interaction, obtained by solving a relativistic equation with one-particle on mass-shell, will be presented and discussed. Two meson exchange models, one with only four mesons (π, σ, ϱ, ω) but with a 25% admixture ofγ5 coupling for the pion, and a second with six mesons (π, σ, ϱ, δ, η) but pureγ5γμ pion coupling, are shown to give very good quantitative fits to the NN scattering phase shifts below 400 MeV, and also a good description of the p40Ca elastic scattering observables. Applications of this model to electromagnetic interactions of the two body system, with emphasis on the determination of relativistic current operators consistent with the dynamics and the exact treatment of current conservation in the presence of phenomenological form factors, will be described.
Whole-body energy metabolism and skeletal muscle biochemical characteristics.

A low metabolic rate for a given body size and a low fat versus carbohydrate oxidation ratio are known risk factors for body weight gain, but the underlying biological mechanisms are poorly understood. Twenty-four-hour energy expenditure (24EE), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), 24-hour respiratory quotient (24RQ), and forearm oxygen uptake were compared with respect to the proportion of skeletal muscle fiber types and the enzyme activities of the vastus lateralis in 14 subjects (seven men and seven women aged 30 +/- 6 years [mean +/- SD], 79.1 +/- 17.3 kg, 22% +/- 7% body fat). The following enzymes were chosen to represent the major energy-generating pathways: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) for glycolysis; citrate synthase (CS) and beta-hydroxyacl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (beta-OAC) for oxidation; and creatine kinase (CK) and adenylokinase (AK) for high-energy phosphate metabolism. Forearm resting oxygen uptake adjusted for muscle size correlated positively with the proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers (IIa: r = .55, P = .04; IIb: r = .51, P = .06) and inversely with the proportion of slow oxidative fibers (I: r = -.77, P = .001). 24EE and SMR adjusted for differences in fat-free mass, fat mass, sex, and age correlated with PFK activity (r = .56, P = .04 and r = .69, P = .007, respectively). 24RQ correlated negatively with beta-OAC activity (r = -.75, P = .002). Our findings suggest that differences in muscle biochemistry account for part of the interindividual variability in muscle oxygen uptake and whole-body energy metabolism, ie, metabolic rate and substrate oxidation.
The influence of surgical technique on clinical outcome of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

Background: During laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF), it is unclear whether the short gastric vessels (SGV) should be divided, the crura reapproximated, or the wrap sutured to the crus.
Evaluation of the carotid artery bifurcation: comparison of magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction arch aortography

Thirty-four carotid artery bifurcations were examined using both magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction arch aortography to determine their accuracy when compared to selective carotid angiography. The sensitivity of MRA was 73% and its specificity was 91% when compared with selective carotid angiography. The sensitivity of arch aortography was 27% and its specificity was 100%.
Peroxynitrite and myocardial contractility: in vivo versus in vitro effects.

Abstract Generation of peroxynitrite (ONOO−) as a result of altered redox balance has been shown to affect cardiac function; however, inconsistencies in the data exist, particularly for myocardial contractility. The hypothesis that the cardiac impact of ONOO− formation depends on its site of generation, intravascular or intramyocardial, was examined. Cardiac contractility was assessed by pressure-volume analysis to delineate vascular versus cardiac changes on direct infusion of ONOO− into the right atria of conscious dogs both with normal cardiac function and in heart failure. Additionally, ONOO− was administered to isolated murine cardiomyocytes to mimic in situ cardiac generation. When infused in vivo, ONOO− had little impact on inotropy but led to systemic arterial dilation, likely as a result of rapid decomposition to NO2− and NO3−. In contrast, infused ONOO− was long lived enough to abolish β-adrenergic (dobutamine)-stimulated contractility/relaxation, most likely through catecholamine oxidation to aminochrome. When administered to isolated murine cardiomyocytes, ONOO− induced a rapid reduction in sarcomere shortening and whole cell calcium transients, although neither decomposed ONOO− or NaNO2 had any effect. Thus, systemic generation of ONOO− is unlikely to have primary cardiac effects, but may modulate cardiac contractile reserve, via blunted β-adrenergic stimulation, and vascular tone, as a result of generation of NO2− and NO3−. However, myocyte generation of ONOO− may impair contractile function by directly altering Ca2+ handling. These data demonstrate that the site of generation within the cardiovascular system largely dictates the ability of ONOO− to directly or indirectly modulate cardiac pump function.
Sectoral shifts and structural change in the Japanese economy: Evidence and interpretation

This paper documents long-term trends in the sectoral composition of employment and output in the Japanese economy over the last four decades. The share of the manufacturing sector in total employment has declined steadily while the share of service sector employment has trended upward. In real terms, however, the share of the manufacturing sector in the total output has remained stable over the last two decades, reflecting relatively rapid productivity growth in this sector. Various measures of productivity and changes in the inter-industry relative wage structure are examined in order to interpret these and other long-term trends. This paper also computes measures of inter-sectoral labor reallocation at different levels of disaggregation and finds no evidence of a recent increase in the pace of structural change in the Japanese economy.
Current Gain Simulation of Npn AlGaN/GaN Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors

A drift-diffusion model has been used to explore the performance capabilities of Npn AlGaN/GaN heterojunction bipolar transistors. Numerical results have been employed to study the effect of the p -type Mg doping and its incomplete ionization on device performance. The high base resistance induced by the deep acceptor level is found to be the cause of limited current gain values for Npn devices. Several computation approaches have been considered to improve their performance. Reasonable improvement of the DC current gain β is observed by realistically reducing the base thickness in accordance with processing limitations. Base transport enhancement is also predicted by the introduction of a quasi-electric field in the base.
COUPLING CONSTANTS OF SPIN-2 MESONS WITH TWO PSEUDOSCALAR MESONS

Spin-two meson coupling constants with two pseudoscalar mesons with appropriate quantum number
Use of an outcomes research collaborative training curriculum to enhance entry-level dietitians' and established professionals' self-reported understanding of research

Abstract This project pilot tests a unique outcomes research training curriculum that prepares entry-level dietitians (goal 1) and provides established dietetics professionals with the resources to successfully execute an outcomes research plan (goal 2). The learning objectives for each goal were met via lectures and assignments in two courses, one taught in the fall and one in the winter semester of the second (senior) year of the Coordinated Program at the University of Missouri. At their respective healthcare facilities, registered dietitian (RD) preceptors along with the students progressed through all stages of the research process, from proposal development to data presentation. At the completion of the process, a questionnaire was administered to students and preceptors to evaluate the curriculum. Fourteen of the 15 possible student respondents and four of the five possible RD preceptors returned their questionnaires. Salient findings as well as actions to be taken in subsequent course offerings include: (a) clarify expectations, (b) limit geographical distance, (c) increase in-class time, (d) limit project scope, (e) add more statistics training/practice, (f) introduce outcomes research earlier, (g) preceptors' participation was positive. This endeavor allowed us to acquire the information and experience required to make outcomes research training a more significant component of dietetics education. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003;103:77-84.
Comparable Worth Theory and Policy

During the last 25 years, the wage gap between men and women full-time workers in the United States has commanded much attention. Comparable worth theory asserts that sex segregation in the workplace has unjustly depressed wages in female-dominated jobs. Comparable worth policy is designed to eliminate pay differentials between male- and female-dominated jobs for which the skill, effort, responsibility, and risk are equivalent. Social scientists have important contributions to make to public debate over the theory and practice of comparable worth. Social psychological theorists and labor economists provide models of wage determination. Industrial-organizational psychologists and compensation administrators evaluate jobs for the purpose of setting pay and serve on management–labor negotiating teams. Measurement specialists use their skills to reduce bias in job evaluation. All these professionals sometimes serve as expert witnesses, assisting attorneys in their presentation of evidence in pay litigation. This journal issue examines the theory and the implementation of comparable worth from all these perspectives. The presentation acknowledges the importance of social structural factors that perpetuate discrimination in wages, and it aims to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of comparable worth as a tool for overcoming that discrimination.
Settlement, first-year growth, and mortality of surfclams, Spisula solidissima

As part of a long-term study of factors affecting inshore recruitment of surfclams, Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn) at 12-m deep sites off New Jersey, USA, we followed patterns of settlement and growth of surfclams and their invertebrate predators in benthic samples taken from July 1993 to July 1996. A large pulse of surfclam settlement occurred in late June or early July in all four years. There was also evidence of low-level settlement as late as December in some years. The highest settling density, which occurred in 1993, was 2.4 x 10 5 m -2 . This was the only cohort to survive to the following year in substantial numbers. Settlement appeared to be correlated with downwelling following near-shore upwelling events. The naticid gastropod predator Neverita duplicata Say settled at approximately the same time as surfclams while the naticid Euspira heros Say appears to have settled later. Crab predators (Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus), Cancer irroratus Say, and Pagurus longicarpus Say) settled later in the summer. Timing of settlement by sea stars Asterias forbesi (Desor) was variable relative to surfclam settlement. Predator abundances were highly variable among samples, but in general were three orders of magnitude lower than surfclam abundances. Naticid boreholes in the juvenile surfclam death assemblage were used to estimate the impact of naticid predation, to determine whether or not naticids were size-selective predators, and to estimate naticid growth rates. Naticid predation never accounted for >21 % of surfclam mortality, and was usually < 10%. From June to October, the mean size of surfclams consumed by naticids was close to the mean size available. From October to December, coincident with a sharp decline in surfclam growth, the mean size of clams consumed by naticids was greater than the mean size available. Based on maximum abundances of sea stars and previously determined laboratory feeding rates, recently settled sea stars may have consumed 4.2 x 10 3 clams m -2 d -1 , and naticids may have consumed 90 clams m -2 d -1 . Surfclam growth rates varied during the summer, and between years (range = 14.6 to 63.5 μm shell length d -1 ), in part reflecting low and high bottom temperatures during near-shore upwelling and downwelling events, respectively. Surfclams ceased growing over the winter. Maximum length of surfclams at 6 months post-settlement was 16 mm, smaller than the length reported by other researchers. This suggests site specific differences in first-year growth, or the possibility that others may have overestimated first-year growth. We conclude that inshore surfclam growth is temperature dependent, and that survival to one year is dependent on high-density surfclam settlement in the preceding summer.
Layout of oil filled cable systems

Problems concerned with the supply of oil largely govern the layout of oil filled cable installations. Consideration must be given not only to the characteristics of the oil itself, but also to certain properties of the cable and duct structure governing the volume and pressure of oil required.
Synthesis and structure of two new (guanidinate)boron dichlorides and their attempted conversion to boron(I) derivatives

To test the feasibility of the guanidinate architecture for the support of boron(I) carbene analogues the energy gap between the singlet and triplet states of the model compound, [Me2NC{N(Ph)}2B:] (7), has been probed by both DFT and second order Moller–Plesset (MP2) methods. The singlet state is calculated to be more stable than the triplet state by between 6.0 and 10.1 kcal mol−1. The new (guanidinate)boron dichlorides [Ph2NC{N(Mes)2]BCl2 (14) and [Ph2NC{N(Dipp)2]BCl2 (15) have been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Attempts to reduce 14 and 15 to the corresponding boron(I) species were not successful.
A SiC-Based Converter as a Utility Interface for a Battery System

The purpose of this work is to provide validated models to estimate the performance of a SiC-based converter as a utility interface in battery systems. System design and modeling are described in detail. Simulations are done for both a SiC JFET converter and its Si counterpart based on the quality of tested devices. The simulation results indicate that in both charging and discharging modes, the SiC converter has a better performance compared to the Si one. (1) With the same heatsink size and ambient temperature, great advantages in efficiency and junction temperatures were found in the SiC-based converter. (2) With the same thermal limit, large savings in system weight and volume combined with a high efficiency were found in the SiC-based converter.