cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An activity layer for an intelligent automatic product design environment

Abstract An activity layer is provided for the activity-driven, object-oriented (ADOO) automatic product design shell within a top-down environment for computer-based manufacturing systems. In the activity layer, a functional treatment template at an assembly level is first presented to express a conversion from a functional-compliant view to an activity-compliant view. An activity container produced by the treatment template is then applied to a procedure for the activity organization, which includes index determining, simple circuit circle searching, topological sorting, and subcycle decoupling. These identified and organized activities are transferred into an integrated module with an object-oriented class form. A geometrical representation and feature-based modeling are implemented by using these defined activities for further applications in automatic manufacturing systems. The activity layer in an intelligent automatic product design environment supports the activity-driven modeling through the functional treatment and activity alternatives within an intelligent concurrent environment.
Bone Loss in Adolescents Using Depo-Provera

ISSUES AND PURPOSE. Contraceptive methods that decrease bone density in a population already deficient in calcium are a rising concern in women's health. CONCLUSIONS. Use of Depo-Provera (DMPA) significantly decreases bone mass density (BMD) in normal adolescents up to the age of 21. DMPA is often used in adolescents with disabilities who may already be at high risk for osteoporosis. The effects are likely to be similar to that in ablebodied adolescents, but research is limited. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Through early identification of risk factors in able-bodied and disabled adolescents, primary care providers considering the use of DMPA in adolescents can optimize BMD by providing adequate nutritional assessment, counseling on nutritional sources of calcium, calcium supplementation, guidance on exercise, and alcohol and smoking prevention or cessation.
The influence of spatially nonuniform temperature fields on the vibration and stability characteristics of EDM wires

This is an investigation into the effect of spatially nonuniform temperature fields on the free vibration and stability characteristics of the wire electrode in the wire electro-discharge machining (EDM) process. In particular, a nonlinear multi-mode structural model is developed for the translating wire along with a thermal model which accounts for heat input (from sparking), axial conduction, radial convection, and energy storage. The two models are then coupled through the internal thermal stress terms of the structural model. Using these combined models, an equilibrium and eigenvalue analysis is performed to examine the behavior of the small amplitude natural frequencies as a function of the transport speed under normal cutting conditions. It is shown that both divergence and Hopf bifurcations may occur in this system. Specifically, at low transport speeds the straight wire configuration is unstable due to a thermal buckling instability. At intermediate speeds, the straight configuration is restabilized by the reduced residency time of the wire in the kerf. At high speeds the straight configuration is again unstable; this is due to a series of transport instabilities. The influence of the input discharge energy and the applied axial wire tension on the size of the restabilized zone is determined and the implications for cutting accuracy are discussed.
Resolution of complex decisional conflicts as a function of degree of avoidance

Abstract The relationship between difficulty of conflict resolution and degree of avoidance was investigated in three experiments using imaginary conflicts consisting of choosing to have more or less of certain personal characteristics. Double forms of conflict were used to control for complexity of choice. In the first experiment, it was found that double approach-approach conflicts were resolved more quickly than double approach-avoidance which in turn were faster than double avoidance-avoidance. The second experiment showed a similar result using scaled judgments of subjective difficulty. In the third experiment, the basic finding was shown to be independent of situational pressure by permitting an undecided choice. The basic finding was also shown to be independent of individual differences in social desirability.
Effects of dominance status on defensive burying in male mice

Two experiments with male mice explored the effects of intermale dominance status on defensive burying. In the first experiment, there was no relationship between readiness to enter a novel open field and conditioned defensive burying, but males showing extensive scarring near the base of the tail, associated with lower dominance status, defensively buried less than did their unscarred, and presumably more dominant, counterparts. In the second experiment, mice that were dominant in a food competition test showed significantly more unconditioned, but not conditioned, burying than did those that were subordinate. The results of these experiments suggest that prior intermale dominance interactions contribute to an animal’s propensity to defensively bury.
Functional importance of the conserved N-terminal domain of the mitochondrial replicative DNA helicase

The mitochondrial replicative DNA helicase is an essential cellular protein that shows high similarity with the bifunctional primase-helicase of bacteriophage T7, the gene 4 protein (T7 gp4). The N-terminal primase domain of T7 gp4 comprises seven conserved sequence motifs, I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and an RNA polymerase basic domain. The putative primase domain of metazoan mitochondrial DNA helicases has diverged from T7 gp4 and in particular, the primase domain of vertebrates lacks motif I, which comprises a zinc binding domain. Interestingly, motif I is conserved in insect mtDNA helicases. Here, we evaluate the effects of overexpression in Drosophila cell culture of variants carrying mutations in conserved amino acids in the N-terminal region, including the zinc binding domain. Overexpression of alanine substitution mutants of conserved amino acids in motifs I, IV, V and VI and the RNA polymerase basic domain results in increased mtDNA copy number as is observed with overexpression of the wild type enzyme. In contrast, overexpression of three N-terminal mutants W282L, R301Q and P302L that are analogous to human autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia mutations results in mitochondrial DNA depletion, and in the case of R301Q, a dominant negative cellular phenotype. Thus whereas our data suggest lack of a DNA primase activity in Drosophila mitochondrial DNA helicase, they show that specific N-terminal amino acid residues that map close to the central linker region likely play a physiological role in the C-terminal helicase function of the protein.
Approximate theories for wave propagation and vibrations in elastic rings and helical coils of small pitch

Abstract From the equations of linear elasticity, three levels of approximate theories are derived for in-plane deformation and motion of thin, circular rings. The accuracy of each theory is determined by comparison with harmonic wave solutions of the elasticity solution. Boundary conditions for uniqueness are established. The results may also be applied to helical coils of small pitch and to cylindrical shells when the equations are converted to plane strain.
The Mechanism of Sleep Arousal in Infants: Relevance of Sleep Startles• 1834

Defective arousal mechanisms are viewed as contributory to sleep hypopnea disorders and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Arousal has traditionally been viewed as an “all or none” event defined behaviorally as“full arousal” (eyes open, cry) or electrophysiologically as >3 sec of altered EEG-activity. In contrast, our own recent studies suggest that arousal is a stepwise process beginning with a sleep startle which then may or may not progress to “full arousal”. However startles have not traditionally been viewed as arousal related phenomena in infants since the associated EEG changes last < 3sec and are mostly due to movement artifacts. We hypothesized that, if startles are the initial event in a sequential arousal process, then they might be associated with less obvious electrophysiological events intermediate between those of sleep and“full arousal”. We monitored EEG sleep spindles since activation of the primary arousal mechanisms in the brainstem reticular activating system eliminates spindle activity generated in the thalamus. We studied spontaneous sleep startles (n=23) as well as those elicited by briefly occluding the infants face mask airway (n=128) in 12 normal infants (age 10-19 weeks) during sleep. We recorded EEG (C3-P3), ECG, O2-Saturation, limb and nuchal EMG and video of the infant. The intensity of startles was scored on a scale of 0 to 3 based on the limb EMG magnitude and video recorded movements. We focused on the β-spindle frequency range (13-18 Hz). Spindle periodicity was analysed by using a threshold over a compressed spectral band array. Spontaneous sleep startles were immediately followed by a prolongation of the inter spindle interval from a mean of 7.9 sec (+/- 0.16 SE) during the control period to 20.4 sec (+/- 0.94 SE) after startle (p<0.005); following occlusion related startles inter spindle period increased to 24.8 sec (+/- 0.92 SE) (p<0.001). Furthermore the intensity of evoked startles was positively correlated with the inter spindle interval period (p<0.01). Conclusion: Spontaneous as well as evoked startles are immediately followed by elimination of sleep spindles. This phenomenon strongly suggests a linkage between sleep startles and increased activity in subcortical arousal mechanisms. These findings support the concept that infant arousal is not an“all or none” event but a process that begins as a series of subcortical events and reflex behaviors that potentially progress to a“full” or unambiguous EEG arousal.HD 10993
Instrumentation for Combined Dispersion and Absorption Measurements in the VUV

When the hook method that measures anomalous dispersion is combined with photoelectric photometry, a particularly powerful tool results. An apparatus that combines these techniques over a wavelength range extending into the vacuum ultraviolet has been constructed and used chiefly on the iron-group elements. It consists of hydrogen-discharge light source, a Mach-Zehnder interferormeter, a high temperature furnace, a stigmatic spectrograph, and a photoelectric photometer.
Down-regulation of neural corticosterone receptors by corticosterone and dexamethasone.

Abstract Stress or elevated corticosterone titers can reduce the concentration of corticosterone receptors in the brain. We demonstrate that corticosterone and the related glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, induce different anatomical patterns of such ‘down-regulation’. Corticosterone administration reduces receptor number in the hippocampus, particularly the CA1 and CA2 pyramidal cell fields, but nowhere else in the brain or pituitary. In contrast, equivalent dosages of dexamethasone down-regulate pituitary, amygdaloid and hypothalamic corticosterone receptor numbers. These different anatomical profiles of sensitivity to down-regulation appear due to differential access of the two steroids to the receptor pools.
Editorial Board Thoughts: Just Like Being There, or How I Learned To Stop Coveting Bare Metal and Learned to Love My VM

Editorial Board Thoughts: Just Like Being There, or How I Learned To Stop Coveting Bare Metal and Learned to Love My VM
Applications of wideband FM spectroscopy to environmental and industrial process monitoring

Progress in understanding and developing methodologies to do low frequency, wideband FM-coding on a variety of laser sources is presented. Several practical FM-coding formats have been studied and compared for use with large, 'slow' IR detectors. The objective of this work is to establish practical methods of doing long baseline absorbance measurements in the lower troposphere that could be degraded by large integrated effects of optical turbulence. A comparative study of producing high index modulation on laser diodes and other practical laser sources is presented, along with numerical simulations and experimental result of detected signal strength. These results are presented with the intent of illustrating useful laser sources and FM- coding schemes that could allow effective detection of trace atmospherically broadened absorbance signatures. Results of field measurement will be discussed in order to suggest further improvement for this technique. Signal-to-noise issues and effects of phase distortion will be outlined with the view of suggesting correct optimization of laser transmitter and detector/preamp subsystems for these types of FM signal recovery. Finally, efforts at developing thermo-optically stable external electro-optic modulators will also be discussed.
Integrated microreactor and its components for dehydrogenation of cyclohexane to benzene

Novel highly integrated microreactors have been fabricated on silicon in order to dehydrogenate cyclohexane to benzene. There are 12 reactor chips on one single silicon wafer. The microreactor consists of three layers, which are reaction chamber integrated with heaters and thermal sensors, separation layer integrated with cantilever flowmeters and gas cover.
A Routing Architecture for the Airborne Network

In this paper we present a candidate routing architecture for the future IP-based Airborne Network (AN). This routing architecture implements each tactical mobile network and each widebody platform as separate autonomous system (AS) domains internetworked via the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). The advantages and disadvantages of this architecture are presented. The future AN will consist of multiple IP-enabled airborne platforms with wireless connections to each other and to multiple surface network domains. For example, Air Force platforms may connect to each other and may connect directly to Air Force domain ground sites. These Air Force platforms may wish to use Navy platforms as relays to access Navy ground sites and connect via SIPRNET to Air Force ground sites. Similarly, the best path may be to connect via an Army ground site to gain access to the Air Force Intranet via SIPRNET. Given the dynamically changing topology and the bandwidth-limited channel conditions corresponding to airborne networking versus terrestrial networking, it will be critical to develop effective link access protocols, routing protocols, and management strategies which can accommodate the unique characteristics of the Airborne Network. Various IP-enabled radios (e.g., TTNT) would be used to establish these connections. Military satellite links, as well as various commercial satellite links, such as INMARSAT and Iridium, would also be available. The specific IP-radios that will be available for both the air and the ground nodes of the AN certainly will influence the eventual choice of routing architecture.
An In Vitro Biomechanical Comparison Between Prototype Tapered Shaft Cortical Bone Screws and AO Cortical Bone Screws for an Equine Metacarpal Dynamic Compression Plate Fixation of Osteotomized Equine Third Metacarpal Bones

Objectives— To compare biomechanical properties of a prototype 5.5 mm tapered shaft cortical screw (TSS) and 5.5 mm AO cortical screw for an equine third metacarpal dynamic compression plate (EM-DCP) fixation to repair osteotomized equine third metacarpal (MC3) bones. Study Design— Paired in vitro biomechanical testing of cadaveric equine MC3 with a mid-diaphyseal osteotomy, stabilized by 1 of 2 methods for fracture fixation. Animal Population— Adult equine cadaveric MC3 bones (n=12 pairs). Methods— Twelve pairs of equine MC3 were divided into 3 groups (4 pairs each) for (1) 4-point bending single cycle to failure testing, (2) 4-point bending cyclic fatigue testing, and (3) torsional single cycle to failure testing. An EM-DCP (10-hole, 4.5 mm) was applied to the dorsal surface of each, mid-diaphyseal osteotomized, MC3 pair. For each MC3 bone pair, 1 was randomly chosen to have the EM-DCP secured with four 5.5 mm TSS (2 screws proximal and distal to the osteotomy; TSS construct), two 5.5 mm AO cortical screws (most proximal and distal holes in the plate) and four 4.5 mm AO cortical screws in the remaining holes. The control construct (AO construct) had four 5.5 mm AO cortical screws to secure the EM-DCP in the 2 holes proximal and distal to the osteotomy in the contralateral bone from each pair. The remaining holes of the EM-DCP were filled with two 5.5 mm AO cortical screws (most proximal and distal holes in the plate) and four 4.5 mm AO cortical screws. All plates and screws were applied using standard AO/ASIF techniques. Mean test variable values for each method were compared using a paired t-test within each group. Significance was set at P<.05. Results— Mean 4-point bending yield load, yield bending moment, bending composite rigidity, failure load and failure bending moment of the TSS construct were significantly greater (P<.00004 for yield and P<.00001 for failure loads) than those of the AO construct. Mean cycles to failure in 4-point bending of the TSS construct was significantly greater (P<.0002) than that of the AO construct. The mean yield load and composite rigidity in torsion of the TSS construct were significantly greater (P<.0039 and P<.00003, respectively) than that of the AO construct. Conclusion— The TSS construct provides increased stability in both static overload testing and cyclic fatigue testing. Clinical Relevance— The results of this in vitro study support the conclusion that the EM-DCP fixation using the prototype 5.5 mm TSS is biomechanically superior to the EM-DCP fixation using 5.5 mm AO cortical screws for the stabilization of osteotomized equine MC3.
Suckling ability and maternal prolactin levels in hypothyroid rats.

Abstract Long-Evans rats and their offspring were made hypothyroid by addition of the antithyroid goitrogen 6- N -propylthiouracil (PTU) to the drinking water (0.1%) from the day of parturition. Serum concentrations of prolaetin (PRL), thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) were determined by double radioimmunoassay (RIA). From the fifth postnatal day, body weight of PTU-treated pups was significantly lower than that of control rats, and a strikingly elevated serum TSH level and nondetectable amount of T4 were measured both in PTU-exposed mothers and their offspring at Day 10 postpartum. To test the youngs′ suckling capability and the amount of maternal milk production, 10- and 15-dayold normal and PTU-treated pups were separated from their mothers for 4 hr in the morning and then reunited and allowed to suckle. Normal pups gained body weight at the end of both the first and second hour postreunion, while PTU pups gained only during the first hour and lost weight in the second hour of testing. When the pups were exchanged between normal and PTU mothers, opposite results were obtained, indicating that the reduced gain in hypothyroid rats was not due to impaired suckling capability, or insufficient sensory stimulation for milk secretion but to a decreased milk production of PTU mothers. In accordance with this, in lactating hypothyroid rats both the basal (presuekling) level and the suckling-induced rise of serum PRL were found significantly depressed.
Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae): Development, Oviposition, and Longevity in Relation to Temperature

Development of Bemisia tabaci Genn. was observed on seedling cotton plants in constant temperature cabinets. The duration of the egg stage varied from 22.5 days at 16.7°C to 5.0 days at 32.5°C, whereas eggs failed to hatch at a constant 36.0°C. The total development time from egg to adult varied from 65.1 days at 14.9°C to 16.6 days at 30.0°C. Development took longer, and there was evidence of aestivation at temperatures fluctuating between 27° and 43°C. Development rates were similar to those on other host plants recorded in the literature. Peak emergence of adults occurred between 6 and 9 a.m. The average number of eggs laid per female was 81 at 26.7°C and 72 at 32.2°C. Males lived an average of 7.6 and 11.7 days, and females lived an average of 8.0 and 10.4 days, at 26.7 and 32.2°C, respectively.
Construct Validity of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) and the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) With Justice-Involved Adolescents

Two measures of psychopathic features in youths, the self-report version of the Antisocial Process Screening Device (APSD) and the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI) were administered to 165 youths in a juvenile diversion program. For both measures, internal consistency was poor for the scales that assess the affective domain of psychopathic features; otherwise, internal consistency was excellent for the YPI and generally superior to that of the APSD. However, the published three-factor models for both measures did not replicate when examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Both measures obtained the expected correlations with measures of a variety of criminal justice (e.g., age of delinquency onset, past year delinquent behavior) and psychological constructs (e.g., internalizing and externalizing behavior), providing evidence of construct validity for both measures. The YPI appears to be the better measure for exploring the construct of psychopathy in adolescents. Recommendations are made concerning revisions to the APSD. Language: en
An effect of cell-cycle position on ultraviolet-light-induced mutagenesis in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract Using synchronous populations obtained by selectively detaching mitotic cells from cultures grown in monolayer, we demonstrate here that Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells exhibit a differential sensitivity to mutation induction by UV as a function of position in the cell cycle. When mutation induction to 6-thioguanine (TG) resistance is monitored, several maxima and minima are displayed during cell-cycle traverse, with a major maximum occurring in early S phase. Although cells in S phase are more sensitive to UV-mediated cell lethality than those in G 1 or G 2 /M phases, there is not a strict correlation with induced mutation frequency. Fluence-response curves obtained at several times during the cell cycle yield D q values approximating 6 J/m 2 . The primary survival characteristic which varies with cell cycle position is D 0 , ranging from 2.5 J/m 2 at 6 h after mitotic selection to 5.5 J/m 2 at 11 h afterward. Based on studies with asynchronous, logarithmically growing populations, as well as those mitotically selected to be synchronous, the optimum phenotypic expression time for induced TG resistance is 7–9 days and is essentially independent of both UV fluence and position in the cell cycle. All isolated mutants have altered hypozanthine—guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) activity, and no difference in the residual level of activity was detected among isolated clones receiving UV radiation during G 1 , S, or late S/G 2 phases of the cell cycle. Changes in cellular morphology during cell-cycle traverse do not contribute to the differential susceptibility to UV-induced mutagenesis.
PSYCHOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF A SEQUENTIAL ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE

Abstract Psychosis developed, in two women, in close temporal association with the use of a sequential oral contraceptive: in one case with the œstrogenic component (mestranol), in the other with the œstrogen-progestogen mixture (mestranol and chlormadinone). Previous history revealed post-partum psychiatric disturbance in both cases and psychosis with another oral contraceptive (' Ortho-novum ') in one case.
Achievable rate region for a hub-remote three-terminal satellite network

We study the performance of amplify-forward (AF) protocols in a three-terminal hub-remote satellite exchange channel, which is an extension of the two-way relay channel. We want to answer two questions: 1) Can non-orthogonal signaling and partial interference cancellation bring as much improvement as what have seen in the two-way relay channel? 2) Which decoding method achieves the largest achievable rate region? Theoretical analysis and numerical plots show that for the three-flow case, three-user simultaneous signalling outperforms a time-shared AF protocol, while for the four-flow case, three-user simultaneous signalling only shows advantage when the hub terminal has much higher SNR than remote terminals.
Polymeric composites tailored by electric field

A solid composite of desirable microstructure can be produced by curing a liquid polymeric suspension in an electric field. Redistribution effect of the field-induced forces exceeds that of centrifugation, which is frequently employed to manufacture functionally graded materials. Moreover, unlike centrifugational sedimentation, the current approach can electrically rearrange the inclusions in targeted areas. The electric field can be employed to produce a composite having uniformly oriented structure or only modify the material in selected regions. Field-aided technology enables polymeric composites to be locally micro-tailored for a given application. Moreover, materials of literally any composition can be manipulated. In this article we present testing results for compositions of graphite and ceramic particles as well as glass fibers in epoxy. Electrical and rheological interactions of inclusions in a liquid epoxy are discussed. Measurements of tensile modulus and ultimate strength of epoxy composites having different microstructure of 10 vol% graphite, ceramic particles and glass fiber are presented.
Fourier path-integral Monte Carlo methods: Partial averaging.

Monte Carlo Fourier path-integral techniques are explored. It is shown that fluctuation renormalization techniques provide an effective means for treating the effects of high-order Fourier contributions. The resulting formalism is rapidly convergent, is computationally convenient, and has potentially useful variational aspects.
Gut microbiota promote hematopoiesis to control bacterial infection.

The commensal microbiota impacts specific immune cell populations and their functions at peripheral sites, such as gut mucosal tissues. However, it remains unknown whether gut microbiota control immunity through regulation of hematopoiesis at primary immune sites. We reveal that germ-free mice display reduced proportions and differentiation potential of specific myeloid cell progenitors of both yolk sac and bone marrow origin. Homeostatic innate immune defects may lead to impaired early responses to pathogens. Indeed, following systemic infection with Listeria monocytogenes, germ-free and oral-antibiotic-treated mice display increased pathogen burden and acute death. Recolonization of germ-free mice with a complex microbiota restores defects in myelopoiesis and resistance to Listeria. These findings reveal that gut bacteria direct innate immune cell development via promoting hematopoiesis, contributing to our appreciation of the deep evolutionary connection between mammals and their microbiota.
Identification of Additives to Render Mixtures of Gasoline and the Ethanol-Water Azeotrope Hiscible

SUMMARY The economical production of gasohol, in terms of both energy and dollars, is dependent upon th e use of pure, water-free ethanol. Since a small amount of water will cause phase separation in the gasohol, the ethanol must be completely water free. Rather than using pure ethanol, it was proposed to use the ethanol-water azeotrope and some kind of modifier to remove the phase splitting that would occur from using the azeotrope, thus removing the burden of producing water-free ethanol. A thermodynamic analysis of a set of mixtures containing the gasoline, ethanol azeotrope, and an additive was performed. Each system was evaluated using a computer algorithm which interfaced liquid-liquid equilibrium calculations with the UNIFAC ac tivity coefficient prediction model. The amount of each additive necessary to produce a single phase in the mixture was then determined. Thirty six compounds were evaluated as possible additives and, of these, six were found to require less than 10% by volume added in order ...
1006 IMMUNE RECONSTITUTION IN PRIMARY IMMUNODEFICIENCIES BY INTERLEUKIN-2 (IL-2)

IL-2 has been shown to have immunorestorative capabilities in some animal and human systems of acquired immunodeficiency. In this report, we present our investigations into the efficacy of recombinant IL-2 in vitro in patients with primary immunodeficiency. 4/4 patients with DiGeorge syndrome were found to have deficient NK cell function (K562 lysis was 33-58% of controls, p 90% of the controls, with the p value versus controls now > 0.3). Lymphocytes of 7 other patients with a variety of B cell and T cell acquired and primary immunodeficiencies were tested simultaneously in these assays to determine the specificity of the improvements seen in the defects of the DiGeorge patients. Depending upon the clinical status and specific immune defect in the patients tested, their NK cell function and/or IL-2 production was deficient (p < 0.01). However, none of the defects seen in these 7 patients were correctable by incubation in IL-2 (p < 0.01). Thus, specifically in DiGeorge patients, defects in NK cell function and IL-2 production can be corrected by incubation in IL-2. It is possible that the administration of IL-2 in vivo may play a role in the immunorestorative therapy of DiGeorge patients.
Firm profitability and relative firm power

This paper expands the notion of extended rivalry as cross-industry relations within the chain of production and distribution, and argues that firm power resides in the exclusivity and essentiality of the firm's function in the chain. A cross-section of U.S. manufacturing firms representing components for finished goods, capital goods, and supplies or consumable products is examined. The analysis of the three industry groups by simultaneous equation estimation provides general support for the hypothesis that firm power, as expressed in inter-industry transactions, and industry structure, is associated with firm profitability.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during patent ductus ligation: can this common complication be reduced?

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during patent ductus ligation: can this common complication be reduced?
Effect of high-temperature annealing on the microstructure and thermoelectric properties of GaP doped SiGe

Annealing of GaP doped SiGe will significantly alter the thermoelectric properties of the material resulting in increased performance as measured by the figure of merit Z and the power factor P. The microstructures and corresponding thermoelectric properties after annealing in the 1100 to 1300 C temperature range have been examined to correlate performance improvement with annealing history. The figure of merit and power factor were both improved by homogenizing the material and limiting the amount of cross-doping. Annealing at 1215 C for 100 hr resulted in the best combination of thermoelectric properties with a resultant figure of merit exceeding 1x10 to the -3 deg C to the -1 and a power factor of 44 microW/cm/deg C sq for the temperature range of interest for space power: 400 to 1000 C.
Liver retransplantation of patients with hepatitis C infection is associated with acceptable patient and graft survival.

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of liver transplantation (LT), while liver retransplantation (RT) for HCV is controversial as a result of concerns over poor outcomes. We sought to compare patient and graft survival after RT in patients with and without HCV. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing RT at our center between February 1998 and April 2004. Indications for RT, HCV status, patient, and donor characteristics, laboratory values, and hospitalization status at RT were collected. A total of 108 patients (48 HCV and 60 non-HCV) underwent RT during the study period, with mean post-RT follow-up of 1,096 days (range, 0-2,888 days). Grafts from donors aged >60 years were used less frequently in HCV patients at RT (6%) compared with LT (47%), P < 0.001. There was no difference between HCV vs. non-HCV patients in 1- and 3-year patient survival (respectively, 79% vs. 63%, and 71% vs. 63%) and graft survival (respectively, 67% vs. 66%, and 59% vs. 56%). Post-RT mortality and graft failure in HCV patients occurred within the first year in 89% of patients, and 83% were unrelated to HCV recurrence. We conclude that patients should not be excluded from consideration for retransplantation solely on the basis of a diagnosis of HCV. Liver Transpl 13:1717–1727, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
Toward Convergence in the Medication Treatment of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Reaching a correct differential diagnosis among patients with psychotic symptoms was especially important during the era of first-generation antipsychotics, when treatments for the different disorders varied in terms of adverse events and likelihood of response. The historical “overdiagnosis” of schizophrenia and “underdiagnosis” of bipolar disorder in the United States was blamed for an increased exposure to neuroleptics among patients who might have benefited from lithium. With the recognition that second-generation antipsychotics are useful in the treatment of both schizophrenia and bipolar mania, and that combining them with classic mood stabilizers such as valproate may result in increased efficacy, the field is witnessing a convergence of pharmacological approaches to the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Substantially more data is available regarding combination treatments for bipolar disorder than for schizophrenia, and appropriate diagnosis remains important in predicting prognosis...
CN Surface Interactions and Temperature-Dependent Film Growth During Plasma Deposition of Amorphous, Hydrogenated Carbon Nitride

The properties of amorphous hydrogenated carbon nitride (a-C:N:H) materials create the potential for a variety of commercial applications. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) provides a convenient means of creating thin a-C:N:H films, but the chemistry that dominates the deposition remains unclear. The CN radical likely plays a role in the process; here, CH3CN was used as a single-source precursor for the generation of CN radicals and the PECVD of a-C:N:H films. Several plasma diagnostic techniques were used in an effort to clarify important deposition mechanisms, with special attention given to the role of CN radicals in the deposition process. Gas phase characterization methods, including laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES), provide insight into the formation and gas phase properties of CN(g). In addition, the behavior of CN at the plasma-surface interface was probed using the imaging of radicals interacting with surfaces (IRIS) technique. Results sugge...
Determinants of degree of internationalization for U.S. restaurant firms.

Abstract Internationalization has been an important strategy for many restaurants, and decisionmaking process to internationalize is complicated. This study includes a firm's financial performance, degree of franchising, and restaurant-type as factors to influence a restaurant's expansion into international markets. The generalized least squares (GLS) random-effect model was employed to examine the relationships including publicly traded U.S. restaurants during 1990–2010. The findings suggest a curvilinear, inverted, U-shape relationship between the industry-relative Tobin's q and the degree of internationalization (DOI), and a positive impact of franchising on the DOI. Regarding restaurant-type, compared to the mix-type restaurants, full-service restaurants are less likely to expand operations to international markets. Based on the results, this study provides theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for future research.
Locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the breast without distant metastasis treated with multimodal therapies.

AbstractLocally advanced breast cancer has been treated with a variety of primary treatments with or without adjuvant therapies. This study combines radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery as a multimodal program for Stage III breast cancer. Radiation was started on day 1: 4600 rod were administered to the breast and 4500 rod were administered to the axilla and supraclavicular areas. Chemotherapy was started on day 1 with weekly intravenous injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) (300 mg/m2), methotrexate (15 mg/m2), vincristine (0.625 mg/m2), oral Cytoxan (60 mg/m2), and prednisone (30 mg/m2 for two weeks, then 20 mg/m2 for two weeks, then 10 mg/m2 for two weeks). The 5FU, methotrexate, and Cytoxan were given for 10 months post-surgery. This combination of modalities produced a complete remission in all 13 patients with Stage III breast cancer after two months of therapy. The median disease-free period was two years. The median survival was 44 months. This approach to the management of Stage III breast cancer is...
Frequency analysis of multispectral photoacoustic images for differentiating malignant region from normal region in excised human prostate

Frequency domain analysis of the photoacoustic (PA) radio frequency signals can potentially be used as a tool for characterizing microstructure of absorbers in tissue. This study investigates the feasibility of analyzing the spectrum of multiwavelength PA signals generated by excised human prostate tissue samples to differentiate between malignant and normal prostate regions. Photoacoustic imaging at five different wavelengths, corresponding to peak absorption coefficients of deoxyhemoglobin, whole blood, oxyhemoglobin, water and lipid in the near infrared (NIR) (700 nm – 1000 nm) region, was performed on freshly excised prostate specimens taken from patients undergoing prostatectomy for biopsy confirmed prostate cancer. The PA images were co-registered with the histopathology images of the prostate specimens to determine the region of interest (ROI) corresponding to malignant and normal tissue. The calibrated power spectrum of each PA signal from a selected ROI was fit to a linear model to extract the corresponding slope, midband fit and intercept parameters. The mean value of each parameter corresponding to malignant and adjacent normal prostate ROI was calculated for each of the five wavelengths. The results obtained for 9 different human prostate specimens, show that the mean values of midband fit and intercept are significantly different between malignant and normal regions. In addition, the average midband fit and intercept values show a decreasing trend with increasing wavelength. These preliminary results suggest that frequency analysis of multispectral PA signals can be used to differentiate malignant region from the adjacent normal region in human prostate tissue.
Strengthening the collaboration between public health and criminal justice to prevent violence.

Over the last two decades in the United States, public health practitioners, policy makers, and researchers have charted new tenitory by increasingly using public health strategies to understand and prevent youth violence, which has been considered a criminal justice problem. The utilization of public health approaches has generated several contributions to the understanding and prevention of violence, including new and expanded knowledge in surveillance, delineation of risk factors, and prop design, including implementation and evaluation strategies.While public health activities generally complement those of criminal justice, confrontations, challenges and turf issues within this cross-disciplinary enterprise remain inevitable. Continued progress is dependent upon expanded efforts and greater collaboration within both disciplines.
Contact-line dynamics of a diffuse fluid interface

An investigation is made into the moving contact line dynamics of a Cahn–Hilliard–van der Waals (CHW) diffuse mean-field interface. The interface separates two incompressible viscous fluids and can evolve either through convection or through diffusion driven by chemical potential gradients. The purpose of this paper is to show how the CHW moving contact line compares to the classical sharp interface contact line. It therefore discusses the asymptotics of the CHW contact line velocity and chemical potential fields as the interface thickness e and the mobility κ both go to zero. The CHW and classical velocity fields have the same outer behaviour but can have very different inner behaviours and physics. In the CHW model, wall–liquid bonds are broken by chemical potential gradients instead of by shear and change of material at the wall is accomplished by diffusion rather than convection. The result is, mathematically at least, that the CHW moving contact line can exist even with no-slip conditions for the velocity. The relevance and realism or lack thereof of this is considered through the course of the paper.The two contacting fluids are assumed to be Newtonian and, to a first approximation, to obey the no-slip condition. The analysis is linear. For simplicity most of the analysis and results are for a 90° contact angle and for the fluids having equal dynamic viscosity μ and mobility κ. There are two regions of flow. To leading order the outer-region velocity field is the same as for sharp interfaces (flow field independent of r) while the chemical potential behaves like r−ξ, ξ = π/2/max{θeq, π − θeq}, θeq being the equilibrium contact angle. An exception to this occurs for θeq = 90°, when the chemical potential behaves like ln r/r. The diffusive and viscous contact line singularities implied by these outer solutions are resolved in the inner region through chemical diffusion. The length scale of the inner region is about 10√μκ – typically about 0.5–5 nm. Diffusive fluxes in this region are O(1). These counterbalance the effects of the velocity, which, because of the assumed no-slip boundary condition, fluxes material through the interface in a narrow boundary layer next to the wall.The asymptotic analysis is supplemented by both linearized and nonlinear finite difference calculations. These are made at two scales, experimental and nanoscale. The first set is done to show CHW interface behaviour and to test the qualitative applicability of the CHW model and its asymptotic theory to practical computations of experimental scale, nonlinear, low capillary number flows. The nanoscale calculations are carried out with realistic interface thicknesses and diffusivities and with various assumed levels of shear-induced slip. These are discussed in an attempt to evaluate the physical relevance of the CHW diffusive model. The various asymptotic and numerical results together indicate a potential usefullness for the CHW model for calculating and modelling wetting and dewetting flows.
EFFECTS OF BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA) AND BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT) ON GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were applied to six strains of toxigenic and six strains of non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in a method similar to antibiotic susceptibility testing. The cultures were examined for growth inhibition, spore formation, pigmentation, and aflatoxin production. BHA (0.005–0.020 g per plate) had an inhibitory effect on growth and toxigenesis of the test organisms, while BHT (0.005–0.020 g per plate) had no visible inhibitory effects. Sporulation of the cultures had no direct relationship with toxigenesis in the presence of BHA. However, pigmentation of the mycelium is directly related to the intensity of fluorescence of the culture under UV. Heating of BHA did not reduce the inhibitory effect of the compound on A. flavus.
A probabilistic model for clock skew

A probabilistic model for the accumulation of clock skew in synchronous systems is presented. The model is used to derive upper bounds for expected skew and its variance, in tree distribution systems with N synchronously clocked processing elements. The results are applied to two specific models for clock distribution. In the first, which is called metric-free, the skew in a buffer stage is Gaussian with a variance independent of wire length. The second, metric, model, is intended to reflect VLSI constraints: the clock skew in a stage is Gaussian with a variance proportional to wire length, and the distribution tree is an H-tree embedded in the plane. Upper bounds on skew are obtained for both models. Estimates of the constants of proportionality as well as the asymptotic behavior have been obtained and verified by simulation. >
Locus for atrial fibrillation maps to chromosome 6q14-16

Background— Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common clinical arrhythmia, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although AF is often associated with other cardiovascular conditions, many patients present without an obvious etiology. Inherited forms of AF exist, but the causative gene has been defined only in a single family. We have identified a large family (family FAF-1) in which AF segregates as a Mendelian trait. Methods and Results— Thirty-four family members were evaluated by 12-lead ECG, echocardiogram, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and laboratory studies. Individuals with electrocardiographically documented AF were defined as affected. Subjects were considered unaffected if they were >60 years of age, had no personal history of AF, and had no offspring with a history of AF. DNA was extracted and genotypic analyses were performed using polymorphic microsatellite markers. Evidence of linkage was obtained on chromosome 6, with a peak 2-point logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 3.63 (θ=0) at the...
Continuous electrical in situ contact area measurement during instrumented indentation

The primary tool for mechanical characterization of surfaces and films is instrumented indentation using the Oliver-Pharr data analysis method. However, this method measures contact area between the indenter and sample indirectly, thus confounding instrumented indentation tests when characterizing dynamic properties, thin films, and materials that “pileup” around the indenter. Here, we demonstrate an electrical technique to continuously measure the in situ contact area by relating nonlinear electrical contact current–voltage (I–V) curves to the instantaneous contact area. Using this approach, we can obtain hardness as a continuous function of applied force.
A high-swing 2 V CMOS operational amplifier with gain enhancement using a replica amplifier

An open-loop gain enhancement circuit in 1.2- mu m CMOS that does not require cascode or long-channel transistors, thus maximizing output swing and input common-mode range, is described. Since gain enhancement is not achieved by increasing output resistance, but by matching main and replica amplifiers, high effective open-loop gain is maintained even with resistive loads. This circuit can be used with any transconductance amplifier circuit. A basic two-stage amplifier circuit demonstrates gain enhancement for low-voltage applications. The effective DC gain is increased by a factor of approximately 18 with no load resistor, and by a factor of 58 with a 1-k Omega load. >
Weaving the foundation into the culture of a community college

This chapter explores the role of the president as enabler and leader in promoting a foundation that is engaged with the community and responsive to the college mission.
New test methodology for evaluating protective relay security and dependability

This paper presents a new test methodology for evaluating the security and dependability of protective relay operations. A discussion of the important impact of relay security and dependability on power system reliability especially during cascading events and unusual operating conditions is presented. The new test methodology includes comprehensive power network modeling, generating test scenarios and automating simulation. The digital simulator based protective relay test setup used for the application of physical relay testing is described. Three distance relays are tested using the proposed methodology. The test tools utilized and results obtained are outlined at the end.