cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large Scale Finite Element Analysis Via Assembly-Free Deflated Conjugate Gradient

Large-scale finite element analysis (FEA) with millions of degrees of freedom (DOF) is becoming commonplace in solid mechanics. The primary computational bottleneck in such problems is the solution of large linear systems of equations. In this paper, we propose an assembly-free version of the deflated conjugate gradient (DCG) for solving such equations, where neither the stiffness matrix nor the deflation matrix is assembled. While assembly-free FEA is a well-known concept, the novelty pursued in this paper is the use of assembly-free deflation. The resulting implementation is particularly well suited for large-scale problems and can be easily ported to multicore central processing unit (CPU) and graphics-programmable unit (GPU) architectures. For demonstration, we show that one can solve a 50 × 106 degree of freedom system on a single GPU card, equipped with 3 GB of memory. The second contribution is an extension of the “rigid-body agglomeration” concept used in DCG to a “curvature-sensitive agglomeration.” The latter exploits classic plate and beam theories for efficient deflation of highly ill-conditioned problems arising from thin structures.
Development of a preschool self‐concept scale

Progress in the development of a self‐concept scale for preschool children is reported. A recently developed pictorial self‐concept scale is examined in relation to previous efforts to construct such a measure. A number of promising psychometric properties for the Piers Preschool Pictorial Self‐Concept Scale are discussed. Directions for future research include: (a) item comparisons and scale validity studies using related instruments, (b) comparisons for subjects from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and (c) examination of possible relationships between scale scores and children's optimism or their tendencies to respond in a socially desirable manner.
Delayed gastric emptying affects outcome of Nissen fundoplication in neurologically impaired children.

Abstract Background. Nissen fundoplication (NF) has a relatively high failure rate in neurologically impaired children with gastroesophageal reflux (GER). In 1990 we began to use routine technetium 99m sulfur colloid emptying scans and pyloroplasty with NF for delayed gastric emptying (DGE) in our neurologically impaired patients. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of DGE and pyloroplasty on the outcome of NF in neurologically impaired children. Methods. One hundred neurologically impaired children underwent NF by a single surgeon between August 1986 and July 1995. Beginning in January 1990 emptying scans were routinely obtained, and patients with DGE underwent pyloroplasty with NF. Outcome analysis was performed for recurrence/wrap failure and other parameters. Mean follow-up was 5.8 years, with a minimum of 18 months. Results. DGE was found in 35 (65%) of the 54 children who had emptying scans. All 11 children with normal scans had successful NF without recurrent reflux (100%). Forty (93%) of 43 children who underwent pyloroplasty and NF had successful outcomes. Thirty-eight children underwent NF without evaluation of gastric emptying with success in 30 of them (78.9%). Overall success improved from 34 (83%) of 41 in the first half of the study, when 3 (7%) of 41 children underwent emptying scans, to 55 (93%) of 59 in the second half, when 51 (86%) of 59 of the children underwent emptying scans. Conclusions. DGE is common in neurologically impaired children with GER. NF in children with normal gastric emptying has a high probability of success. Pyloroplasty improves the outcome of NF in children with DGE. Neurologically impaired children should be evaluated for DGE before operation for GER.
Systemic Imbalance of Essential Metals and Cardiac Gene Expression in Rats Following Acute Pulmonary Zinc Exposure

It was recently demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) containing water-soluble zinc produces cardiac injury following pulmonary exposure. To investigate whether pulmonary zinc exposure produces systemic metal imbalance and direct cardiac effects, male Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (12–14 wk age) were intratracheally (IT) instilled with saline or 2 μmol/kg zinc sulfate. Temporal analysis was performed for systemic levels of essential metals (zinc, copper, and selenium), and induction of zinc transporter-2 (ZT-2) and metallothionein-1 (MT-1) mRNA in the lung, heart, and liver. Additionally, cardiac gene expression profile was evaluated using Affymetrix GeneChips (rat 230A) arrays to identify zinc-specific effects. Pulmonary zinc instillation produced an increase in plasma zinc to ∼20% at 1 and 4 h postexposure with concomitant decline in the lung levels. At 24 and 48 h postexposure, zinc levels rose significantly (∼35%) in the liver. At these time points, plasma and liver levels of copper and selenium also in...
Certain Clinical Characteristics Correlated with Extent of Obstructive Lesions Demonstrated by Selective Cine-Coronary Arteriography

The duration of the history of angina pectoris, the distribution of the pain, the factors precipitating the pain, and serum cholesterol levels in the men less than the age of 40 years were studied in a group of 337 patients who had angina pectoris. Also the number of obstructed coronary arteries in 588 patients with severe obstruction in a larger study group of which the 337 patients were a part was compared with the number in men less than 40 years of age with severe lesions. The distribution of coronary arterial obstructions shown by selective cine-coronary arteriography was determined in relation to the clinical characteristics mentioned, and they were found to be of little predictive value. In most patients who had congestive heart failure occurring in the absence of recognized complications, multiple severe arterial obstructions were found. Division of patients who have anginal syndrome into groups on the basis of duration of history cannot clarify the natural history of symptomatic obstructive coronary arterial disease.
Radiological Imagery Enhancement

Radiological images constitute an important source of diagnostic information in medical practice. The radiological images presently available to the medical profession generally suffer from low contrast and poor resolution. Many factors contribute to the poor image quality. Some of them are inherent in the nature of the object and the basic radiological imaging process and some of them are due to imperfections or degradations of the system. In the past, little could be done in the way of restoring or enhancing the image once it had been recorded. Now, recently developed techniques allow the image to be made more intelligible to the human observer by correction or compensation of the degradations which it has undergone. Based on the knowledge of some identifiable characteristics of degrading influences and some known characteristics of the object, these techniques perform a sophisticated mathematical operation on a recorded image to undo the effects of whatever degradations may be present and restore, as nearly as possible, the image which would have been recorded in the absence of degradation. They correct various geometrical, photometric and spatial frequency distortions. Sometimes, even with a perfectly recorded or restored image the information content cannot be fully extracted or retrieved because of the limitations of human vision. Image processing techniques will allow the image to be purposely distorted in frequency domain and/or gray levels to suppress background, to emphasize some special features, etc.© (1971) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Fiber and Textile Waste Utilization

Due to the growth in world population and overall improvement of living standard, global fiber consumption has been steadily increasing in the past few decades, which leads to a higher amount of post industrial and post consumer fiber waste. This paper provides an overview on fiber and textile recycling, focusing on the case of carpets, which account for a large part of textile waste. It includes a general description of fibrous waste, statistics, material characteristics (compositions) and sources. It also offers a summary on some selected recycling technologies and products from the recycling processes. Observations on future trend and needs for further development are also discussed.
An Inquiry into the Nature of Interdependence and Growth by Investigating Molds Cultures

(1983). An Inquiry into the Nature of Interdependence and Growth by Investigating Molds Cultures. Science Activities: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 32-35.
The determination of cadmium in geological materials by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract The use of graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of cadmium in rocks and sediments by direct atomization from the solid state is described. At the 10–1000 p.p.b. level, the relative standard deviation is ± 10–20 %. Samples were ground to 100 mesh and, if necessary, 325 mesh before analysis. Two resonance lines were employed: 228.8 nm for less than 5 p.p.m. cadmium and 326.1 nm for levels above 5 p.p.m. Instrumental parameters were optimized to produce maximum peak heights. Results are given for a series of standard rocks and for stream sediment samples.
P53 suppression overwhelms DNA polymerase η deficiency in determining the cellular UV DNA damage response

Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XP-V) cells lack the damage-specific DNA polymerase η and have normal excision repair but show defective DNA replication after UV irradiation. Previous studies using cells transformed with SV40 or HPV16 (E6/E7) suggested that the S-phase response to UV damage is altered in XP-V cells with non-functional p53. To investigate the role of p53 directly we targeted p53 in normal and XP-V fibroblasts using short hairpin RNA. The shRNA reduced expression of p53, and the downstream cell cycle effector p21, in control and UV irradiated cells. Cells accumulated in late S phase after UV, but after down-regulation of p53 they accumulated earlier in S. Cells in which p53 was inhibited showed ongoing genomic instability at the replication fork. Cells exhibited high levels of UV induced S-phase γH2Ax phosphorylation representative of exposed single strand regions of DNA and foci of Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 representative of double strand breaks. Cells also showed increased variability of genomic copy numbers after long-term inhibition of p53. Inhibition of p53 expression dominated the DNA damage response. Comparison with earlier results indicates that in virally transformed cells cellular targets other than p53 play important roles in the UV DNA damage response.
Platelet transfusions: utilization and associated costs in a tertiary care hospital.

We implemented a prospective study to evaluate platelet transfusion utilization, resource use, and costs in a tertiary care hospital over a 6-month period. All hospitalized patients receiving platelet transfusions between July and December 1996 were followed prospectively to determine platelet use and costs. Clinical and financial data were collected, evaluated, and compared to identify trends in resource utilization based on admitting service and platelet-refractory status. One thousand nine hundred forty-four platelet units were transfused to 245 hospitalized patients (50.6% male, mean age 49 years) during the study period. The majority of platelet units transfused were single donor (N = 1,460, 75%) and administered to bone marrow patients and patients with a hematological malignancy/disorder. Median hospitalization costs per admission were $27,750, ranging from a high of $58,729 for admission to the Bone Marrow Transplant service to $13,856 per admission to the Internal Medicine/Other service. Patients were refractory to platelet transfusions during 21.6% of hospitalizations. Hospital stays were longer (35.0 days vs. 14.4 days, P < 0.001) and inpatient hospital costs ($103,956 vs. $37,817, P < 0.001) were more than two and a half times higher for patients refractory to platelet transfusions. Platelet utilization, resource use, and costs vary by admitting service. Refractoriness to platelet transfusion was associated with significantly greater costs and lengths of stay. Monitoring platelet transfusion practices, particularly for patients refractory to platelet transfusions, may be beneficial for limiting costs and improving efficacy.
Morphology and crystallization of ThO2 thin films on polycrystalline Ir

Abstract As part of a study of low work function coatings for enhanced electron thermionic and field emission, very thin films of ThO 2 (~ 40 nm thick) grown by physical vapor deposition on polycrystalline Ir have been characterized by Auger electron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy. Following resistive heating to > 1750 K strong morphological heterogeneity was observed in the ThO 2 film suggesting significant sensitivity to local surface variations in the polycrystalline Ir substrate. Observed growth paradigms include: step-flow, quasi-laminar and triangular hillocks; pyramidal structures on large terrace regions; highly anisotropic growth and coalescence of pyramids; and overlapping regions where multiple growth modes exist. Despite the variety of morphological structures, XRD confirmed a preferred (111) orientation for the ThO 2 fluorite crystallites, which is in good agreement with theoretical predictions and previous work on ThO 2 films. Further, analogous behavior of calcium fluorite thin films, where similar morphological features were observed, has been reported. Among the morphologies in the ThO 2 /Ir system, quasi-laminar growth suggests the possibility of improving the efficacy of very thin films of ThO 2 for enhanced electron thermionic and field emission.
Human parvovirus B19: a mechanistic overview of infection and DNA replication

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogen that belongs to genus Erythroparvovirus of the Parvoviridae family, which is composed of a group of small DNA viruses with a linear single-stranded DNA genome. B19V mainly infects human erythroid progenitor cells and causes mild to severe hematological disorders in patients. However, recent clinical studies indicate that B19V also infects nonerythroid lineage cells, such as myocardial endothelial cells, and may be associated with other disease outcomes. Several cell culture systems, including permissive and semipermissive erythroid lineage cells, nonpermissive human embryonic kidney 293 cells and recently reported myocardial endothelial cells, have been used to study the mechanisms underlying B19V infection and B19V DNA replication. This review aims to summarize recent advances in B19V studies with a focus on the mechanisms of B19V tropism specific to different cell types and the cellular pathways involved in B19V DNA replication including cellular signaling transduction and cell cycle arrest.
Fabrication of large number density platinum nanowire arrays by size reduction lithography and nanoimprint lithography

Large number density Pt nanowires with typical dimensions of 12 microm x 20 nm x 5 nm (length x width x height) are fabricated on planar oxide supports. First sub-20 nm single crystalline silicon nanowires are fabricated by size reduction lithography, and then the Si nanowire pattern is replicated to produce a large number of Pt nanowires by nanoimprint lithography. The width and height of the Pt nanowires are uniform and are controlled with nanometer precision. The nanowire number density is 4 x 10(4) cm(-1), resulting in a Pt surface area larger than 2 cm(2) on a 5 x 5 cm(2) oxide substrate. Bimodal nanowires with different width have been generated by using a Pt shadow deposition technique. Using this technique, alternating 10 and 19 nm wide nanowires are produced.
In vitro differentiation of functional human skeletal myotubes in a defined system

In vitro human skeletal muscle systems are valuable tools for the study of human muscular development, disease and treatment. However, published in vitro human muscle systems have so far only demonstrated limited differentiation capacities. Advanced differentiation features such as cross-striations and contractility have only been observed in co-cultures with motoneurons. Furthermore, it is commonly regarded that cultured human myotubes do not spontaneously contract, and any contraction has been considered to originate from innervation. This study developed a serum-free culture system in which human skeletal myotubes demonstrated advanced differentiation. Characterization by immunocytochemistry, electrophysiology and analysis of contractile function revealed these major features: (A) Well defined sarcomeric development, as demonstrated by the presence of cross-striations. (B) Finely developed excitation–contraction coupling apparatus characterized by the close apposition of dihydropyridine receptors on T-tubules and ryanodine receptors on sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes. (C) Spontaneous and electrically controlled contractility. This report not only demonstrates an improved level of differentiation of cultured human skeletal myotubes, but also provides the first published evidence that such myotubes are capable of spontaneous contraction. Use of this functional in vitro human skeletal muscle system would advance studies concerning human skeletal muscle development and physiology, as well as muscle-related disease and therapy.
The Self-Serving Bias and the Use of Objective and Subjective Methods for Measuring Success and Failure

Abstract Students (N = 45) were asked to judge their recent exam performance on a success versus failure rating scale. They were also asked to make causal attributions for their test performance on an internal versus external scale. The students' scores were divided into success and failure groups by using both subjective (self-reported outcome) and objective (actual exam scores) definitions of outcome. For both methods, the success group had higher internal attributions for their performance than did the failure group. The effect size for the subjective methods of defining outcome, however, produced a stronger self-serving bias that did the objective definition.
Multiplexed gas sensing based on Raman spectroscopy in photonic crystal fiber

We present the highly-sensitive Raman detection of various gases (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, toluene, acetone and 1,1,1-trichloroethane) using a hollow core photonic crystal fiber probe and demonstrate its multiplexed gas sensing capability quantitatively.
Warrant exercise and bond conversion in competitive markets

Abstract We develop a theory of warrants held by competitive warrantholders not constrained to exercise their warrants as one block; the theory also applies to convertible bonds held by competitive bondholders not constrained to convert their bonds as one block. We prove that the warrant (bond) price in each of the competitive equilibria is less than or equal to the price in an economy with the block constraint; and for at least one competitive equilibrium the warrant (bond) price equals the warrant (bond) price in the block-constrained economy. We illustrate the paths of competitive warrant exercise and bond conversion and conclude that under realistic assumptions they can be long.
New adjuvants to enhance anticoagulant activity of Warfarin

New adjuvants of warfarin anticoagulant activity have been developed. These compounds, which are 1,4-methano-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroanthracene-9,10-diol derivatives, act synergistically with warfarin to potentiate its anticoagulant effect. None of the compounds tested is an effective oral anticoagulant in the absence of warfarin.
TRIAXIAL BEHAVIOR OF REFINED SUPERIOR SAND MODEL

Abstract The note considers the response of the elasto-plastic refined Superior sand model to monotonic loading in triaxial compression tests. The model was proposed by Drescher and Mroz [Drescher A, Mroz Z. A refined superior sand model. In: Pietruszczak S, Pande GN, editors. Numerical models in geomechanics NUMOG VI. Rotterdam: Balkema, 1997. p. 21–6.] to describe static liquefaction in granular deposits, and in particular the effective undrained stress path in which the shear stress increases, decreases, and again increases with increasing strains. A novel evolution law in the hardening rule is introduced which reduces the number of parameters, and allows for describing the experimentally observed behavior of loose, medium dense, and dense granular deposits both in the undrained and drained loading. When compared with experiments, the model prediction is fairly satisfactory. Further modifications of the model are discussed.
Application of Protease and High-Intensity Ultrasound in Corn Starch Isolation from Degermed Corn Flour

ABSTRACT The conventional corn wet-milling process requires a long steeping time and has environmental and health concerns from the use of SO2. A recently proposed two-stage enzymatic milling procedure with the first stage of water soaking and coarse grinding of corn and the second stage of incubating with enzymes has been shown to reduce the soaking time and possibly eliminate the need for SO2 addition. This current work explored the applications of protease and high-intensity ultrasound in the second stage of the two-stage enzymatic milling for corn starch isolation to further shorten the process time without use SO2. of The starch yield from sonication alone was 55.2–67.8% (starch db) as compared with 53.4% of the water-only control with stirring for 1 hr and 71.1% of the conventional control with SO2 and lactic acid steeping for 48 hr. Protease digestion alone for 2 hr was not effective (45.8–63.9% yield) in isolating corn starch, but the starch recovery was increased to 61.2–76.1% when protease was c...
Chronic psychosocial stress accelerates impairment of long‐term memory and late‐phase long‐term potentiation in an at‐risk model of Alzheimer's disease

Although it is generally agreed that Aβ contributes to the pathogenesis of AD, its precise role in AD and the reason for the varying intensity and time of onset of the disease have not been elucidated. In addition to genetic factors, environmental issues such as stress may also play a critical role in the etiology of AD. This study examined the effect of chronic psychosocial stress in an at-risk (treatment with a subpathogenic dose of Aβ; “subAβ”) rat model of AD on long-term memory by three techniques: memory tests in the radial arm water maze, electrophysiological recordings of synaptic plasticity in anesthetized rats, and immunoblot analysis of learning- and long-term memory-related signaling molecules. Chronic psychosocial stress was induced using a rat intruder model. The subAβ rat model of AD was induced by continuous infusion of 160 pmol/day Aβ1–42 via a 14-day i.c.v. osmotic pump. All tests showed that subAβ rats were not different from control rats. Result from behavioral tests and electrophysiological recordings showed that infusion of subAβ in chronically stressed rats (stress/subAβ group) caused significant impairment of cognitive functions and late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP). Molecular analysis of various signaling molecules after expression of L-LTP, revealed an increase in the levels of p-CREB in control, stress, and subAβ rats, but not in the stress/subAβ rats. These findings suggest that the chronic stress-induced molecular alteration may accelerate the impairment of cognition and synaptic plasticity in individuals “at-risk” for AD. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A comparative study of the volume stability of C–S–H (I) and Portland cement paste in aqueous salt solutions

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) paste specimens and compacted C–S–H (I) powders were immersed in distilled water and aqueous salt solutions of varying concentration to study their volume change behavior. Immersion resulted in ionic interaction leading to various degrees of expansion, leaching, softening and dissolution of the test samples. In all cases relatively rapid expansion occurred. The expansion of C–S–H (I) in aggressive media was found to be large and fast in MgCl2, MgSO4, LiOH, LiNO3 and calcium (magnesium) acetate (CaMgAc) solutions. LiCl, CaCl2 and NaCl were moderately aggressive towards C–S–H (I) depending on the solution concentration. Trends in the length change behavior of OPC paste are similar to that of synthesized C–S–H (I). Similarities were observed between the length change behavior of compacted C–S–H (I) and the swelling of smectite clays in contact with these osmotic media. The similarities are compatible with explanations of expansion provided by both the osmotic and the electrical double layer (EDL) theories. The relationship between the expansive behavior of C–S–H and both Na and Ca Montmorillonite in contact with aqueous salt solutions is discussed extensively in the context of its significance in cement science.
What is a reason to act

Argues for a conception of reasons as premises of practical reasoning. This conception is applied to questions about ignorance, advice, enabling conditions, “ought,” and evidence.
Attenuating the Negative Effects of Perceived Incongruence in Sponsorship: How Message Repetition Can Enhance Evaluations of an “Incongruent” Sponsor

As sponsorship spending continues to increase worldwide, research indicates that a brand or company perceived as “congruent” with the event or cause it sponsors will enjoy more favorable consumer reactions than will a sponsor deemed “incongruent.” However, by conceptualizing perceived congruence as an inherent, static property and by exposing individuals to only one sponsorship message, much research in this domain remains limited. The current experiment demonstrated that perceived congruence is a malleable property that can be positively influenced by repeated exposure to sponsorship messages, a rather common marketing communications strategy. Further, for a sponsor initially deemed incongruent, perceived congruence mediated the positive effects of repeated exposure on other brand evaluations. Findings inform both scholars and practitioners that sponsorship affiliations—and the potential successes thereof—should not be viewed as dichotomous, all-or-none scenarios. By increasing perceived congruence, repe...
Distance Education in Medical Education: Is There “Value Added”?

At Indiana University School of Medicine, the classrooms of two regional campuses were connected, and interactive physiology instruction was provided to both classes simultaneously by computer and video teleconferencing. The physical presence of the instructor alternated between sites. The implementation of the project and its educational outcomes are presented. It was an effective teaching model as demonstrated by objective measures of student performance. The interactive classroom teaching mode in the form of team-based learning, small group work, role play, and patient simulations was well received by students, while distance education technology was perceived as a barrier to learning. The lessons learned from the connected classroom teaching mode are valuable for future medical sciences courses in which resources are shared between students, faculty members, clinicians, and patients when travel is not feasible.
Models of Independent Action for Combination Therapy

Two methods of applying Finney's concept of simple independent action are suggested for examining possible synergism in combination therapy. In one model the treatments act independently at one time to cure the disease. In the other model the treatments act independently continuously to prevent the disease from progressing to a terminal outcome. The implications of these models for the interaction terms of a proportional hazards model, a log-linear model on death rates, and a logistic model are discussed.
A Gas Heating and Humidifying Accessory for the Unidirectional Respirator

Abstract When a bird in open thoracic surgery is maintained by unidirectional, artificial respiration as described by Burger and Lorenz (1960), the loss of heat both to the flowing stream of air and by the exposed tissue is excessive. Body temperature rapidly drops under these conditions, resulting in temperature recordings below 35°C. These low body temperatures undoubtably alter physiological reactivity of various brain centers and accentuate the respiratory depression induced by the anesthesia. Although the previously described simple bubble chambers for the humidification of the gas are apparently satisfactory in less drastic surgical procedures, treating the incoming gas is desirable to prevent loss of heat by the respiratory system of the bird or even to add a moderate amount of heat to the animal in acute surgical procedures. No difficulty has been experienced in the maintenance of body temperatures at 40°C. or, in fact, above this temperature, with the apparatus to …
Alternatives for addressing major challenges in teaching introductory auditing courses

Due to the numerous and extensive recent changes in business, regulatory, and auditing environments, instructors are faced with difficult choices when designing an introductory auditing course that sufficiently meets the needs of students and the firms that will employ them. Instructors whose students are primarily hired by firms that audit SEC registered companies, for example, might allocate significant class time to PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5 [Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (2007). Board proposes new standard on internal control over financial reporting. www.pcaob.com]. On the other hand, instructors whose students are primarily hired by firms that audit non-SEC registered companies, might allocate significant class time to reviews and agreed-upon procedure services. This paper presents four alternatives for designing introductory auditing courses, and discusses some of the major issues and constraints that instructors should consider in choosing which alternative best suits their needs. Finally, the paper provides an example that illustrates the differences among the four alternatives by discussing how each might incorporate one such specific regulatory change—PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 5.
Morphological Comparison of Members of the Heterodera Trifolii Species Complex 1)

A detailed morphological and morphometric comparison was made by light and scanning electron microscopy of six populations of the Heterodera trifolii species complex (including H. galeopsidis and H. lespedezae) with chromosome numbers of 2n = 24, 26, 27, 28, 32, and 34. Among nineteen morphometric characters studied in second-stage juveniles, twelve characters (body length, stylet length, stylet knob height, stylet knob width, dorsal esophageal gland orifice distance, tail length, tail terminus length, stylet knob width/height, tail length/tail terminus length, tail terminus length/ stylet length, tail length/body width at anus, caudal ratio A) were useful in differentiating the populations. Certain qualitative characters such as shape of stylet shaft and knobs, shape and rate of tapering of tail and size of tail annulation were also helpful. Cluster and discriminant analyses, based on seven morphometric characters, were only partially successful in identifying juveniles as to the populations they belonged to. In females, stylet length, and in cysts, various structures of the cyst cone, were the best distinguishing characters. Of fourteen morphometric characters of cyst cones, only five (fenestra length, dorsal semifenestra width, fenestra length/width, vulval slit length, vulva-anus distance) were helpful. The scanning electron microscope revealed additional external structural differences in cyst cones of the various populations in the structure of vulval area of unfenestrated and fenestrated cysts in top view including number and structure of radial ridges; number, shape and size of cuticular ridges between radial ridges and anus (perineal ridges) in side view; and structure of anal area. Limited host tests on eight plants showed that Trifolium repens, T. pratense, Lespedeza striata and Vicia villosa were the most favorable hosts for all six populations, whereas Rumex crispus, Dianthus caryophyllus and Pisum sativum were less favorable. None of the populations reproduced on Rumex acetosella. On the basis of these studies, it is concluded that the chromosomal forms of the H. trifolii species complex could be recognized as taxonomic units, preferably as subspecies, to emphasize their close phylogenetic relationship.
Coalescence of InP Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth by MOVPE with V/III Ratio Variation

The effects of V/III ratio and seed window orientation on the coalescence of epitaxial lateral overgrowth InP over SiO2 using metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy with tertiary butyl phosphine were investigated. Parallel lines having θ = 60° and 30° off [0\( \bar{1} \)1] were coalesced, and their lateral growth rate variation with V/III was measured. Coalescence of lines separated by narrow angles in a star-like pattern was also studied. We find the greatest extent of coalescence to occur when the window stripe is oriented just off of the ⟨010⟩ directions. V/III ratio strongly affects the extent of coalescence, showing an alternating enhancement or inhibition depending on which side of the ⟨010⟩ direction the stripes are oriented. The variation in quality of coalesced material between stripes separated by narrow angles is examined with cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, illustrating the most problematic growth directions under two V/III ratio conditions.
Outcomes of repeat revascularization in diabetic patients with prior coronary surgery

OBJECTIVES This study evaluated both short- and long-term outcomes of diabetic patients who underwent repeat coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after initial CABG. BACKGROUND Although diabetic patients who have multivessel coronary disease and require initial revascularization may benefit from CABG as compared with PCI, the uncertainty concerning the choice of revascularization may be greater for diabetic patients who have had previous CABG. METHODS Data were obtained over 15 years for diabetic patients undergoing PCI procedures or repeat CABG after previous coronary surgery. Baseline characteristics were compared between groups, and in-hospital, 5-year, and 10-year mortality rates were calculated. Multivariate correlates of in-hospital and long-term mortality were determined. RESULTS Both PCI (n = 1,123) and CABG (n = 598) patients were similar in age, gender, years of diabetes, and insulin dependence, but they varied in presence of hypertension, prior myocardial infarction, angina severity, heart failure, ejection fraction, and left main disease. In-hospital mortality was greater for CABG, but differences in long-term mortality were not significant (10 year mortality, 68% PCI vs. 74% CABG, p = 0.14). Multivariate correlates of long-term mortality were older age, hypertension, low ejection fraction, and an interaction between heart failure and choice of PCI. The PCI itself did not correlate with mortality. CONCLUSIONS The increased initial risk of redo CABG in diabetic patients and the comparable high long-term mortality regardless of type of intervention suggest that, except for patients with severe heart failure, PCI be strongly considered in all patients for whom there is a percutaneous alternative.
Algebraic transformations of objective functions

Abstract Many neural networks can be derived as optimization dynamics for suitable objective functions. We show that such networks can be designed by repeated transformations of one objective into another with the same fixpoints. We exhibit a collection of algebraic transformations which reduce network cost and increase the set of objective functions that are neurally implementable. The transformations include simplification of products of expressions, functions of one or two expressions, and sparse matrix products (all of which may be interpreted as Legendre transformations); also the minimum and maximum of a set of expressions. These transformations introduce new interneurons which force the network to seek a saddle point rather than a minimum. Other transformations allow control of the network dynamics, by reconciling the Lagrangian formalism with the need for fixpoints. We apply the transformations to simplify a number of structured neural networks, beginning with the standard reduction of the winner-take-all network from ∂(N2) connections to ∂(N). Also susceptible are inexact graph-matching, random dot matching, convolutions and coordinate transformations, and sorting. Simulations show that fixpoint-preserving transformations may be applied repeatedly and elaborately, and the example networks still robustly converge.
Impact of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program on mammography and pap test utilization among white, Hispanic, and African American women: 1996–2000

Prevention, including routine cancer screening, is key to meeting national goals for the elimination of death and suffering due to cancer. Since 1991, the U.S. government has invested in programs such as the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to detect breast and cervical cancer early among uninsured low-income women. A concomitant goal is reducing racial disparities in screening and early detection, and the NBCCEDP program targets low-income women who are more often racial and ethnic minorities. This paper analyzes data to test for effects of the NBCCEDP and other determinants of screening across racial/ethnic groups. We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for 1996 through 2000. These data indicate that gaps in testing for breast and cervical cancers between African American and non-Hispanic white women aged 40-64 years have closed but remain for Hispanics. Multivariate findings indicate that the longevity of free screening sites through the NBCCEDP significantly increased both tests for non-Hispanic white women. The data do not confirm this effect for other racial and ethnic groups. Analysis did indicate that public insurance, or Medicaid, was equal to private insurance in promoting increased testing for African Americans and Hispanics, but not for non-Hispanic whites. Assuring that Medicaid remains available for women in this nonelderly group and increasing access to free screening sites can lead us closer to national screening goals, yet policies still need to address racial/ethnic disparities in insurance and service delivery. Cancer 2007. (c) 2006 American Cancer Society.
Inviscid Spatial Stability of a Developing Supersonic Axisymmetric Mixing Layer

The instability characteristics of a developing supersonic axisymmetric mixing layer, with basic velocity profiles having wake components, is investigated numerically using linear inviscid stability theory in spatial formulation. The basic flow profiles are obtained by numerical solution of the compressible boundary-layer equations. For small convective Mach numbers, there are two unstable modes (the shear-layer and wake modes). If the convective Mach number is large enough, there are three unstable modes (the fast, slow, and wake modes). The slow mode consists of several similar modes, perhaps due to the axisymmetric geometry. It is also found that there is a mode-interchange phenomenon between the fast and slow modes and within the slow modes when the velocity profile has a wake component. Finally, the ratio hetween the streamwise and azimuthal wavelengths of the most amplified wave is almost constant. The normalized growth rate and the propagation angle of the most amplified wave are consistent with previous plane mixing layer results.
Syndecan-1: A Critical Mediator in Cardiac Fibrosis

Cardiac fibrosis is characterized by net accumulation of extracellular matrix in the myocardium and is an integral component of most cardiac pathological conditions. Fibrotic remodeling of the ventricle has profound consequences on cardiac function. Increased deposition of interstitial collagen in the perimysial space is initially associated with a stiffer ventricle and diastolic dysfunction. At a later stage, accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the cardiac interstitium activates proteolytic pathways leading to the development of ventricular dilation and systolic failure. Disturbance of the matrix network in the fibrotic heart may cause systolic dysfunction through several distinct mechanisms. First, loss of fibrillar collagen may impair transduction of cardiomyocyte contraction into myocardial force development resulting in uncoordinated contraction of cardiomyocyte bundles. Second, disruption of key interactions between endomysial matrix proteins (eg, laminin and collagen) and their receptors in cardiomyocytes may promote cardiomyocyte death.1 Finally, fibrosis may result in sliding displacement (slippage) of cardiomyocytes leading to a decrease in the number of muscular layers in the ventricular wall and subsequent left ventricular dilation. Beyond its effects on cardiac function, fibrotic ventricular remodeling also promotes arrhythmogenesis through impaired anisotropic conduction and subsequent generation of reentry circuits. Extensive evidence suggests that hemodynamic overload activates the renin-angiotensin system triggering potent fibrogenic signals that stimulate cardiac fibroblasts and enhance collagen deposition in the myocardium. Angiotensin II, the central effector molecule of the renin-angiotensin system, stimulates fibroblast proliferation and promotes matrix protein synthesis through interactions involving the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Angiotensin II–induced fibrosis appears to be mediated, at least in part, through activation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathways.2 Angiotensin II upregulates TGF-β …
Industrial restructuring in Korea

Abstract The paper explores some of the industrial restructuring cconcerns facing the Korean economy at a time when direct government intervention is rapidly being replaced by functional incentives. Restructuring issues are descending forcefully on Korea as the economy moves through a rapid industrial transition from labor-intensive to capital-and skill-intensive exports. Problems affecting sunset industries are complicated by stresses on the financial sector, the pervasive role of conglomerates in the economy, and the worldwide impediments to free trade. All these factors complicate strictly market solutions. Following a discussion of some conceptual and historical aspects, the paper identifies key problem areas affecting industrial policy decisions. surveys lessons from industrialized country experiences, and provides an agenda for future policy reform.
Sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine observed in mammalian sciatic nerves during acute pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy and recovery

In vitro physiologic properties of rat sciatic nerve were examined during pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy and following recovery. Compound action potential waveform characteristics, recovery cycle properties during paired stimulation, and ability to follow stimuli presented at high frequencies were examined. All parameters were assessed before and after potassium channel blockade with 4-aminopyridine in nerves from acutely toxic, recovered, and age-matched control rats. Compound action potential waveforms recorded from acutely toxic nerves were less affected by application of 4-aminopyridine than were those recorded from control nerves. Recovery cycles were less prolonged and frequency-following abilities less compromised a 3-month recovery period, experimental nerves demonstrated a more pronounced sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine than did age-matched control nerves. It is proposed that these differences in the physiological effects of 4-aminopyridine reflect the selective loss of large-caliber sensory fibers during the acute toxic phase and the increased sensitivity to the drug of regenerated sensory fibers following recovery.
Direct syntheses of β‐hydroxyvaline and [4,4′‐2H6]‐β‐hydroxyvaline

The anion of N,N-dibenzylglycine ethyl ester was condensed with acetone to afford N,N-dibenzyl-β-hydroxyvaline ethyl ester which was debenzylated and hydrolyzed to yield β-hydroxyvaline in 72% overall yield. A variety of β-hydroxyvalines labelled on the isopropyl group can be prepared by this procedure as shown by the preparation of [4,4′-2H6]-β-hydroxyvaline from d6-acetone.
Diapause and nondiapause behavior of the cereal leaf beetle.

The biology of diapausing Oulema melanopus (L.), was compared with insects in a culture in which females initiated oviposition instead of diapausing. Feeding of prediapause beetles was significantly greater than feeding of nondiapause beetles of the same sex held at similar laboratory conditions 2–6 days after emergence. Virgin ovipositing postdiapause females paired with newly emerged non- or prediapause males deposited fertile eggs when the males were 13.3 or 16.4 days old, respectively. Sperm of maximum length was always found in testes squashes of beetles 12 days old or older at 26.7°; this result closely corresponds with the oviposition of first fertile eggs by mated beetles. A nondiapause culture was maintained in the laboratory for 29 consecutive generations. Selection of females in each generation was based on oviposition within 20 days after emergence at 26.7°. The average number of days between generations for the main nondiapause culture was 56.1 ± 15.8 days and was not correlated with the time of the year, the numbers of individuals per generation, or the generation number. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Biologie der Diapause des Getreidehahnchens Die Biologie diapausierender Getreidehahnchen***, Oulema melanopus (L.) wurde mit derjenigen einer nicht diapausierenden Laboratoriumzucht verglichen, in der die Weibchen mit der Eiablage begannen. Die Futteraufnahme von Vordiapausetieren war unter ***ahnlichen Laboratoriumsbedingungen signifikant grosser als bei Nichtdiapausetieren desselben Geschlechts. Unbegattete, eierlegende Nachdia-pauseweibchen wurden bei 26,7° mit 13 oder 16 Tagen alten Nicht- oder Vordiapausemannchen gepaart. Spermien maximaler Lange*** wurde in Quetschpraparaten der Hoden bei 12 Tagen alten und alteren ***Mannchen gefunden. Dies stimmt gut uberein mit dem Ablagebeginn befruchteter Eier durch begattete Weibchen. Eine Nichtdiapausezucht wurde im Laboratorium bei 27° uber 29 Generationen gehalten. Die Weibchen wurden aufgrund der Eiablage wahrend der ersten 20 Tage selektioniert. Die Generationendauer war 56 Tage. Sie wurde nicht beeinflusst durch Jahreszeit, Individuenzahl und Generationenfolge.