cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulation of microstructural evolution induced by scanned laser annealing of metallic interconnects

Through modeling and simulations, we have determined the mechanisms that lead to the observed microstructural evolution induced by the scanned laser annealing (SLA) of interconnects. We found that higher laser powers and lower scan rates lead to greater transformation to bamboo microstructures, as well as to longer average bamboo grain lengths. The thermal profile along the interconnect length is shown to have a weak effect on the fraction transformed to bamboo, but a strong effect on the average bamboo grain length. Additionally, using simulations, we have determined SLA conditions that should lead to the development of single crystal structures, which are velocities of 1 μm/s or lower, laser powers 9.7 mW or higher, and steep thermal profiles.
Obtrusiveness of information-based assistive technologies as perceived by older adults in residential care facilities: A secondary analysis

With the anticipated growth in the older adult population in the next few years, information designers are examining new ways for assistive technologies to support independent living and quality of life for adults as they age. Central to the role of assistive technology to support and enhance quality of life is the development of non-obtrusive technologies. Despite the importance of non-obtrusiveness to the design of assistive technologies, there remains no standard definition of obtrusiveness or measurement instrument. A conceptual framework for obtrusiveness in home telehealth technologies has recently been proposed but has not yet been tested empirically. This project performed a secondary analysis of focus group and interview data to explore the presence of the dimensions of the obtrusiveness framework in older adults' responses to information-based assistive technologies in residential care facilities. We found the existing data contained examples of each dimension (physical, usability, privacy, function, human interaction, self-concept, routine, and sustainability) and 16 of the 22 subcategories proposed by the obtrusiveness framework. These results provide general support for the framework, although further prospective validation research is needed. Potential enhancements to the framework are proposed.
Intra-arterial dantrolene for refractory cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Background Intravenous dantrolene has been used to prevent and treat cerebral vasospasm. We report a case of refractory cerebral vasospasm treated with intra-arterial dantrolene after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Interconnect enhancements for a high-speed PLD architecture

As programmable logic grows more viable for implementing full design systems, performance has become a primary issue for programmable logic device architectures. This paper presents the high-level design of Dali, a PLD architecture specifically aimed at performance-driven applications. We will present significant portions of the background research that contributed to our architectural decisions, an overview of the core routing architecture and benchmarking experiments used to evaluate the prototype device.
U-25B MHD-generator performance

The performance of the U-25B MHD generator is analyzed with theoretical predictive models developed at Argonne National Laboratory. Modifications and improvements of the computer codes, motivated from study of the experimental results, are outlined and discussed. The theoretical predictions are compared to experimental results and good agreement is found. Sensitivity studies involving a number of input parameters are used to identify those parameters that have a strong impact on generator performance.
Students' Expectations and Their Answer-Changing Behavior:

Answer-changing data were collected on 100 multiple choice test items from a course in statistics and research methods taken by a class of professional school students. After the course 92 of the students responded to an instrument assessing their reasons for revising answers and beliefs relative to the consequences of answer changing. A majority (86%) indicated that their response changes reflected decisions based upon reconsideration; however, the remaining subjects cited other motives. Most subjects incorrectly expected answer changing to result in a loss of test score points. Subjects' beliefs regarding the consequences of answer changing did not influence their behavior in test-taking.
Comparison on Harmonic Response Analysis of Two Kinds of Air Cooling Fan Bridge Model

The fan bridge is the important supporting structure in the air cooling system, is mainly influenced by the fan vibration. By using ANASYS soft ware, analyzing the two different structures of Fan Bridges harmonic response, and comparing them, the conclusion is that the style that Bearing skew support is connected with the upper chord member say truss structure can effectively reduce the adverse effects of equipment vibration on the structure.
Structural evaluation of rigid pavement sections

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the structural performance of experimental rigid pavements constructed in California. The experimental project consists of seven Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement sections with various layer structures. Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) was utilized to conduct deflection testing for backcalculation of layer moduli and subgrade reaction moduli (K-value), evaluation of joint load transfer capacity, and detection of voids under the slabs. In addition, pavement distress condition was also evaluated as it relates to the integrity of pavement structure. The major findings in this study indicate that thick slab and lean concrete base lower the pavement deflection response and prevent the formation of voids under the slab corners, but lean concrete base has no significant effect on the K-values. CRCP provides a smooth ride but large amount of transverse cracks may affect its modulus.
Risk-Based Analytical Method Transfer: Application to Large Multi-Product Transfers

As pharmaceutical companies adapt their business models, a new approach to analytical method transfer is needed to efficiently handle transfers of multiple products, associated with situations such as site consolidations/closures. Using the principles of risk management, a risk-based method transfer approach is described, which defines appropriate transfer activities based on a risk assessment of the methods and experience of the receiving unit. A key step in the process is detailed knowledge transfer from the transferring unit to the receiving unit. The amount of transfer testing required can be streamlined or eliminated on the basis of a number of factors, including method capability, receiving unit familiarity, and method past performance.
Parenting style, depressive symptoms, and substance use in Mexican American adolescents.

This study of 151 Mexican American adolescents ages 12 to 15 examined the relationship between parenting and adolescents' self-reported level of depressive symptoms and substance use 6 months and 1 year later. Adolescents and their parents were recruited from a large health-maintenance organization and interviewed at three time points. Lower levels of depressive symptoms were found for adolescents with more accepting mothers and fathers, and for those whose parents exerted lower levels of strict control. Higher maternal acceptance was also consistently associated with lower levels of alcohol and marijuana use at follow-up assessments; strict control was not a useful predictor of substance use. Overall, parental acceptance demonstrated consistent if modest relationships to adolescent mental health across the domains studied. We found little evidence for interactive relationships between parenting acceptance and control but some evidence for "additive" benefits of warmth and acceptance on the part of both parents. Language: en
1819 ANTIDIURETIC HORMONE (ADH) RESPONSE IN SEVERE STATUS ASTHMATICUS IN CHILDREN

Twenty two children (age range:3–14 years, Sex:m:f::12:10) admitted to Kings County Hospital of Brooklyn with status asthmaticus were studied to determine their plasma ADH levels in relation to the severity of the status asthmaticus. Plasma ADH levels were measured by RIA at the time of admission and again at 1–2 weeks following recovery from status. The results are shown in the table.
Upregulation of the 72-kDa Type IV Collagenase in Epithelial and Stromal Cells during Rat Tracheal Gland Morphogenesis

Submucosal glands secrete most of the mucus that lubricates the tracheal surface and protects it from irritants and infection. These glands develop postnatally in the rat, permitting convenient study of the mechanisms controlling this process. One such mechanism involves degradation of the supportive connective tissue matrix at the front of the growing glands. We recently showed that tracheal gland cell invasion of collagen gels in vitro is dependent on secretion of a 72-kDa type IV collagenase. In the present study, we show that the activity of this enzyme (also referred to as matrix metalloproteinase-2 or gelatinase A) is elevated at the time of gland development in vivo. That this increase is at least partly mediated at the level of steady-state mRNA was indicated by semiquantitative PCR analysis of gland-enriched, microdissected tissue samples. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the enzyme was present at the interface between the glands and extracellular matrix. In situ hybridization revealed that the cognate mRNA was present in epithelial cells of glands undergoing morphogenesis (particularly Postnatal Day 7) but not in those of adult glands or the surface epithelium. At all ages, stromal cells below the surface epithelium were labeled; labeling intensity was highest at the time and location of gland morphogenesis. These findings suggest that the 72-kDa type IV collagenase is developmentally regulated in gland and stromal cells at the level of steady-state mRNA and plays a role in the degradation of extracellular matrix during tracheobronchial gland morphogenesis.
Grading Movement Strength by Changes in Firing Intensity versus Recruitment of Spinal Interneurons

Animals can produce movements of widely varying speed and strength by changing the recruitment of motoneurons according to the well-known size principle. Much less is known about patterns of recruitment in the spinal interneurons that control motoneurons because of the difficulties of monitoring activity simultaneously in multiple interneurons of an identified class. Here we use electrophysiology in combination with in vivo calcium imaging of groups of identified excitatory spinal interneurons in larval zebrafish to explore how they are recruited during different forms of the escape response that fish use to avoid predators. Our evidence indicates that escape movements are graded largely by differences in the level of activity within an active pool of interneurons rather than by the recruitment of an inactive subset.
Flow in unsaturated fractured porous media: Hydraulic conductivity of rough surfaces

The general trend in models for flow in unsaturated fractured porous media is to regard desaturated fractures as nonparticipating elements that impede flow. Mounting experimental and theoretical evidence shows that fractures retain and conduct liquid in the form of film and partially filled corner flow to a relatively low degree of saturation. A simple geometrical model for rough fracture surfaces is developed offering a tractable geometry for calculations of surface liquid storage due to adsorbed films and capillary menisci. Assuming that under slow laminar flow the equilibrium liquid configurations on the fracture surface are not modified significantly, the average hydraulic conductivities for film and corner flows were derived and used as building blocks for a representative fracture roughness element and an assemblage of statistically distributed surface roughness elements. Calculations for a single representative element yielded excellent agreement with surface storage and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity measurements of Tokunaga and Wan [1997]. A statistical representation of surface roughness using a gamma distribution of pit depths resulted in closed-form expressions for unsaturated hydraulic conductivity averaged across the fracture length (transverse to flow) or weighted by the liquid cross section occupying the fracture surface. An important attribute of the surface roughness model is the direct link between fracture surface and matrix processes unified by the matric potential. The proposed model represents a first step toward development of a comprehensive approach for liquid retention and hydraulic conductivity of unsaturated fractured porous media based on details of liquid configuration for different matric potentials.
Diltiazem prevents hypertrophy progression, preserves systolic function, and normalises myocardial oxygen utilisation in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

The effects of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, and methyldopa, an adrenergic blocker, on left ventricular hypertrophy and left ventricular function were assessed in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto controls. Diltiazem (30 mg·kg−l/day), methyldopa (400 mg·kg−l/day), or placebo were given with water for six months. Left ventricular function was studied in 12 month old animals using an isovolumically contracting heart preparation by measuring maximum developed pressure and myocardial oxygen consumption. Systolic blood pressure was reduced by both drugs but more so by methyldopa. Despite its lesser antihypertensive effect, diltiazem reduced heart to body weight ratios in the spontaneously hypertensive rat to a similar degree as methyldopa (3.4(0.2) and 3.4(0.1) compared with placebo 3.7(0.2), p<0.05). Maximum developed pressure increased with methyldopa and diltiazem compared with placebo (188(11) and 200(11) vs 166(11) mmHg, p<0.05). Myocardial oxygen consumption was lower in the spontaneously hypertensive rat receiving placebo than in the controls (22.8(3.2) vs 28.3(3.8) ml·min−1·100 g−−1, p<0.05) and was significantly increased by diltiazem but not by methyldopa (27.9(0.4) vs 24.5(0.6) ml·min−1·100 g−l p<0.05 and NS respectively vs the spontaneously hypertensive rat receiving placebo). Diltiazem and methyldopa normalised the isomyosin composition in the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Myocardial concentrations of energy related metabolites obtained at maximum developed pressure were not different between spontaneously hypertensive rats receiving placebo and controls. However, both diltiazem and methyldopa treated spontaneously hypertensive rats showed a significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate and phosphocreatine and a rise in inorganic phosphate. The decrease in adenosine triphosphate was inversely related to developed pressure (r=-0.69, p<0.05), suggesting that after reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy there is an increase in adenosine triphosphate utilisation. Thus, reversal of left ventricular hypertrophy can be accomplished with agents that act by unrelated mechanisms and produce different degrees of blood pressure control. Reversal is associated with an improvement in left ventricular function and normalisation of myocardial oxygen consumption, particularly with diltiazem.
Expression of liver fatty acid binding protein alters plasma membrane lipid composition and structure in transfected L-cell fibroblasts.

Abstract Liver fatty acid binding protein, L-FABP, is an abundant protein that binds fatty acids in vitro. The effects of L-FABP on plasma membrane lipid composition, distribution, and physical structure were determined in intact L-cell fibroblasts transfected with cDNA encoding L-FABP. L-FABP expression altered plasma membrane phospholipids by decreasing both phosphosphatidylethanolamine and esterified oleic acid content, and increasing sphingomyelin. L-FABP also binds sterols and stimulates sterol uptake and esterification. The fluorescent sterol dehydroergosterol was used to examine sterol distribution in the transfected cell plasma membrane. Dehydroergosterol codistributed equally with the cholesterol in both the bulk membrane and the individual bilayer leaflets. The sterol/phospholipid ratio was decreased in the inner leaflet due to sterol depletion. Concomitantly, intermembrane sterol transfer from the rapidly exchangeable lateral sterol domains as measured by exchange of dehydroergosterol, was reduced. The fluidity of the plasma membrane was measured with the fluorescent molecule diphenylhexatriene by multifrequency (1–250 MHz) phase and modulation fluorometry. Both the bulk plasma membrane and the plasma membrane outer leaflet lipids were fluidized in transfected cells. These alterations of plasma membrane structure and composition are consistent with a role for L-FABP in regulating intracellular sterol and fatty acid distribution and thereby membrane lipid domain structure.
Surface structure investigations using plasma desorption mass spectrometry and coincidence counting

Abstract Coincidence counting techniques were used to study the plasma desorption of ions from a polycrystalline sample of αZirconium bis(monohydrogen orthophosphate)monohydrate (αZrP). Using coincidence counting in conjunction with time-of-flight (TOF) mass analysis, it was possible to obtain secondary ion spectra with a signal to background ratio a factor of ten better conventional TOF alone. It also was possible to produce a spectrum of SI that were desorbed in coincidence with PO−3 (characteristic of the αZrP). Cluster ions observed in this spectrum are related to the αZrP crystal structure. This supports a direct emission process for cluster ion production and demonstrates the utility of particle induced desorption in the determination of surface and crystal structure.
Perceived health status in urban minority young adolescents.

Purpose: To describe perceptions of health status among a sample of urban minority adolescents and the contribution of demographics intrinsic motivation general self-efficacy risk taking and stressful life experiences on the adolescent’s perception of health status. Method: Correlational design. A total of 71 adolescents were studied using the Adolescent Health Chart for perceived health status the Health Self-Determinism Index for Children the Self-Efficacy Scale the Risk Taking Instrument and the Life Events Checklist. Results: There were no statistically significant effects of demographics on perceived health status. Scores of Perceived Health Status correlated with scores of self-efficacy (r= 0.56; p< .0001) risk-taking (r= 0.39; p< .001) negative events (r= 0.32; p< .01) and violent events (r= -0.41; p< .001). Clinical Implications: The study findings suggest that self-efficacy risk taking and life events are predictive of perceived health status in urban minority adolescents. The results contribute to the present body of knowledge about patterns of adolescent health as perceived by the adolescent. In addition to expanding the understanding of the minority adolescent experience in relation to health promotion attributes and health compromising behaviors the results identify antecedents that are predictive of improved perceived health status for the urban adolescent. (authors)
Viscoelastic characteristics of magnetic tapes with PEN substrates

Viscoelastic characteristics of magnetic tapes with poly(ethylene naphthalate) substrates were studied using experimental techniques. Measurements were made using samples cut from commercially available tapes, and solvents were used to remove front and/or back coat layers to obtain substrates and dual-layer samples. Experimental results allowed for fundamental compliance and viscosity parameters to be determined using a Kelvin-Voigt model. Rates of creep-compliance were also predicted, and comparisons were made with results for tapes that used poly(ethylene terephthalate) and aromatic poly(amide) substrates. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to help make correlations between viscous characteristics measured from the creep-compliance results and molecular characteristics of the substrates. Time-temperature superposition (TTS) was used to predict creep-compliance over extended time periods, and a rule-of-mixtures method was used to predict the compliance of constitutive layers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Momentum Advection and the Gradient of a Vector Field: A Discussion of Standard Notation

Abstract The confusion and ambiguity in the literature regarding the notation (V · ∇)V versus V · ∇V is discussed, and the equivalence of the two expressions is demonstrated. The invariance of this notation in any coordinate system is also shown.
Circulating Trypanosoma cruzi from the same cloned population show differences in the ability to infect cells and to cause lethal infection in mice.

Two subpopulations of circulating parasites displaying different abilities to infect mammalian cells and to cause lethal infection when inoculated into normal mice were demonstrated in the blood of mice acutely infected withT. cruzi. Parasites of one subpopulation rapidly penetrated mouse fibroblasts and were readily phagocytized by normal mouse peritoneal macrophages whereas parasites of the other subpopulation showed little ability to invade non-phagocytic cells and resisted phagocytosis. Inoculation of organisms of this latter population into mice resulted in infections with lower parasitemias and longer time to death as compared to controls inoculated with organisms from a population containing both types of parasites. When a population of parasites containing both types of trypanosomes was cultured in acellular medium at 28°C a decrease in the number of parasites was noted to occur in the initial days of culture. This decrease was not noted when parasites of the subpopulation of trypanosomes resistant to phagocytosis were cultured similarly.
Subcritical arterial stenosis enhances distal atherosclerosis

The effects of various degrees of aortic stenosis on atherosclerotic lesions were studied in cynomolgus monkeys fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months. Eight monkeys had mild or subcritical stenosis (54 * 4% stenosis by angiography and slight or no aortic pressure gradient) and six had severe or critical stenosis (72 r 4% stenosis and an aortic pressure gradient of 18 2 9 mm Hg). Standard microscopic sections of the aorta proximal and distal to the coarctation were compared quantitatively to corresponding sections of aortas from unoperated controls fed the same atherogenic diet. The ratio of intima area to media area was taken as a measure of lesion severity. Proximal to the coarctation, there was no difference in lesion severity or complexity between coarcted animals and controls. Distal to severe stenoses, lesion severity was 62% less than in controls while distal to mild stenoses lesion severity was increased 48%. In addition, there was a threefold increase in the prevalence of complex lesions distal to mild stenoses compared to controls. Thus, severe stenosis inhibited the development of distal lesions while mild stenosis without a pressure gradient enhanced lesion size and complexity. Neither operative manipulation nor turbulence in the vicinity of the coarctation channel accounted for this effect. The findings suggest that flow fields may be altered for considerable distances beyond mild constrictions and that early atherosclerotic lesions may potentiate the progression of distal atherosclerosis and the development of lesion complications.
Relative efficiency and accuracy of two Navier-Stokes codes for simulating attached transonic flow over wings

In the present study, two codes which solve the three-dimensional Thin-Layer Navier-Stokes (TLNS) equations are used to compute the steady-state flow for two test cases representing typical finite wings at transonic conditions. Several grids of C-O topology and varying point densities are used. After a description of each code and test case, standards for determining code efficiency and accuracy are defined and applied to determine the relative performance of the two codes in predicting turbulent transonic wing flows. Comparisons of computed surface pressure distributions with experimental data are made.
Beijing: perspectives on preservation, environment, and development

Abstract The capital city Beijing, known for its cultural heritage and aesthetic urban design, has been transformed into a seriously polluted heavy industrial city in the past five decades. Beijing's industrial structure is dominated by fuel and material processing that can be located in other parts of China. Suggestions are made in this paper to make the city more sustainable by restoring and conserving selected landscapes in the city, modifying its urban function and economic structure, developing satellite cities and underground spaces, recycling industrial wastes, transferring water from South China, and improving irrigation efficiency in the municipality. However, improving revenue sharing with the central government is most essential to make this cultural capital sustainable.
The study of the absorption of sodium ions in the white rat using radioactive tracer techniques.

The absorption of sodium ion in the rat has been studied after introduction into the gastrointestinal tract and after subcutaneous injection using radioactive sodium-24 and 22 labeled NaCl. By these methods the effect of various osmotic pressures, various pH's, and of certain astringent materials on normal absorption from these areas was determined.
Hidden dangers of coadministration of antibiotics and digoxin in children: Focus on azithromycin

The management of congestive heart failure (CHF) and supraventricular tachycardia in infants and children remains a clinical challenge. Despite the availability of many new agents, digoxin is still the drug of choice for the treatment of these disorders and other dysrhythmias. The use of digoxin in children with CHF normalizes cardiac output and decreases associated symptoms, thereby enhancing quality of life. Unfortunately, potentially serious digoxin-associated adverse effects (arrhythmias, thirddegree heart block, mental confusion) continue to accompany its use.1-3 In a small number of patients, the apparently innocuous short-term administration of an oral antibiotic (eg, penicillin, a cephalosporin, or a macrolide) for the treatment of an acute bacterial infection (eg, acute otitis media or tonsillitis) could substantially influence the bioavailability of digoxin, predisposing the patient to or precipitating acute digoxin intoxication. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for such a clinically important interaction between selected newer antibiotics and digoxin that could lead to enhanced digoxin bioavailability and resultant toxicity.
Electrophysiological measures of maintaining representations in visual working memory.

Visual working memory (WM) is a limited capacity system which maintains information about objects in the immediate visual environment. Recent neurophysiological and neuroimaging studies have identified sustained memory-item specific activity during the retention period of WM tasks, and this activity may be a physiological substrate of maintaining representations in WM. In the present study, we present an electrophysiological measure of delay activity using eventrelated potentials (ERPs). Subjects were asked to remember the items in a single hemifield presented within a bilateral display. Approximately 200 msec following the onset of the memory array, we observed a large negative wave at electrode sites that were contralateral with respect to the position of the memory items. This activity persisted throughout the retention period and appears to be an analog to delay activity observed in monkey single-unit and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) WM studies. The contralateral delay activity is modulated by the number of items in the memory array but reaches asymptote for arrays of 3 to 4 items. This activity is similar across different classes of simple objects and the amplitude is smaller on incorrect response trials relative to correct trials, suggesting that this activity is necessary for correct performance on a given trial. Together, these results appear to indicate an electrophysiological index of the maintained representations in visual WM.
Hyperfine Structure in the Spectrum of Mercury Hydride

Measurements of hyperfine structure splittings have been made from interferometer patterns for about 600 lines of the Hg199H spectrum in the A2Π–X2∑+ system. In many bands the splittings are measurable up to the termination of the branches. There are no observable splittings in the levels of the Π232 state. For the Π212 state the coupling is Hund’s case aβ with the “hyperfine doubling” contribution the predominant term in the hyperfine interaction energy. For the ground state the coupling is case bβS at very low J values and case bβJ otherwise. Generally, only transitions with ΔF=ΔJ=0, ±1 are observed. The interferometer patterns of about 400 lines of Hg201H have also been observed. The conclusions for Hg199H may be extended to Hg201H without contradictions.
Transesophageal echocardiographic evaluation of aortitis

Aortitis is an uncommon infection which may occur in patients with preexisting atherosclerotic disease of the aorta. The clinical features in two patients presenting with fever and nonspecific symptoms are reviewed. In these patients, transesophageal echocardiographic features of wall thickening and false aneurysm formation were suggestive of the diagnosis of aortitis. Both patients were taken for surgical excision of the descending aorta and subsequently improved.
Disruption of Limbic Pathways in a Case of Profound Amnesia

We report a case of episodic amnesia in which the anatomical basis of injury was investigated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Two months after an adult male suffered severe closed head injury, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) revealed only a right superior frontal lesion. However, 14 years later, DTI revealed structural anomalies not visible on CMRI involving limbic white matter tracts, notably the fornix, which could explain the amnesia.
Charged pion photoproduction from 10B and 13C

Abstract Positive and negative pion photoproduction cross sections from 10 B and 13 C leading to the ground state of the residual nucleus have been calculated in the plane-wave and distorted-wave impulse approximations. The results are compared with experiment and with other theoretical calculations. While a large discrepancy is observed between experiment and theory in the case of negative pion photoproduction from 13 C, fair agreement is obtained between experiment and the plane-wave calculations in all other reactions. It is found that in all reactions studied, except in the case of positive pion production from 13 C, the inclusion of the pion-wave distortions moves the theory away from the experimental points. It is also found that the photopion differential-cross-section calculations show a sensitivity to the nuclear wave function different from that predicted by the electron scattering form-factor calculations.
Informed consent for inguinal herniorrhaphy and cholecystectomy: describing how patients make decisions to have surgery

Abstract Background We describe how patients perceive the process of informed consent and its influence on decision making for elective surgery. Methods A cohort of 38 patients documented consent for cholecystectomy or inguinal herniorrhaphy using the Veterans Affair's computer-based tool for documenting informed consent for clinical treatment. Participants completed semistructured telephone interviews exploring their attitudes about informed consent, iMed, and the decision-making process. We used qualitative methods to code and analyze the data. Results Sixty-nine percent of patients decided to have surgery before meeting their surgeon, and 47% stated that the surgeon did not influence their decision. Although the surgeon was an important source of information for most patients (81%), patients frequently described using information gathered before meeting the surgeon, such as other health care providers (81%) or family members (58%). Most (68%) patients perceived iMed as a legal formality with little influence on decision making. Conclusions Future research should examine whether patient decision making regarding elective surgery becomes better informed if nonsurgeon clinicians connect patients to educational resources such as iMed closer to the time of initial diagnosis and before meeting the surgeon.
Metabolic and Antioxidant System Alterations in an Astrocytoma Cell Line Challenged with Mitochondrial DNA Deletion

Oxidative stress can induce mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion, and neurodegeneration, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The major mitochondrial antioxidant system that protects cells consists of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH). To investigate the putative adaptive changes in antioxidant enzyme protein expression and targeting to mitochondria as mtDNA depletion occurs, we progressively depleted U87 astrocytoma cells of mtDNA by chronic treatment with ethidium bromide (EB, 50 ng/ml). Cellular MnSOD protein expression was markedly increased in a time-related manner while that of GPx showed time-related decreases. The mtDNA depletion also altered targeting or subcellular distribution of GPx, suggesting the importance of intact mtDNA in mitochondrial genome-nuclear genome signaling/communication. Cellular NADP+-ICDH activity also showed marked, time-related increases while their GSH content decreased. Thus, our findings suggest that interventions to elevate MnSOD, GPx, NADP+-ICDH, and GSH levels may protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
Elastic dielectrics with polarization gradient

Abstract The internal energy of elastic dielectrics is assumed to depend on polarization gradients in addition to deformation gradients and polarization. The field equation, jump conditions and constitutive equations are obtained by a variational principle.
The nature of cadmium binding in commercial eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica).

In contrast to previous results which examined oysters exposed to artificially high cadmium (Cd) levels, the forms of cadmium occurring in “natural” commercially available oysters were partially characterized. About one-third of the Cd was associated with insoluble material. Of the soluble Cd, about 20% occurred in a high molecular weight protein of 40,000–50,000 daltons. The low molecular weight soluble Cd consisted of at least two different forms,i.e., that associated with amino acids (a small peptide) and inorganic Cd. The small peptide fraction also contained zinc and copper. The forms of Cd in commercial oysters were compared to those occurring in both commercial scallops and artificially cultured oysters. Scallops bind Cd to three soluble proteins, all of which are of higher molecular weight than the small oyster peptide. Oysters cultured in 10 ppb Cd medium contained binding sites similar to commercial oysters except that none of the soluble Cd in the cultured oysters was associated with a high molecular weight protein. The results suggest that extremely high environmental Cd levels are necessary to induce a metallothionein-like protein in oysters. Implications of the results to public health are discussed.
Atomistic simulation of void nucleation in aluminium lines

Abstract The formation of voids in aluminium interconnects in integrated circuits was studied atomistically with emphasis on nucleation. Input computational cells included different levels of concentrations of vacancies and stresses together with the typically observed structural defects (grain boundaries and dislocations) in metal lines. The input cells were relaxed using Monte Carlo (atom transpose) and static energy minimization (strain relaxation) techniques concurrently. Besides agglomeration of vacancies in unstrained crystals, the formation of vacancies in crystals under tension was found to be a main contributor to void nucleation. Climb and glide of dislocations were observed atomistically during the formation of voids. Compressive stresses in the metal lines, on the other hand, prevented the formation of voids.
The role of lateral boundary conditions in simulations of mineral aerosols by a regional climate model of Southwest Asia

The importance of specifying realistic lateral boundary conditions in the regional modeling of mineral aerosols has not been examined previously. This study examines the impact of assigning values for mineral aerosol (dust) concentrations at the lateral boundaries of Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3) and its aerosol model over Southwest Asia. Currently, the dust emission module of RegCM3 operates over the interior of the domain, allowing dust to be transported to the boundaries, but neglecting any dust emitted at these points or from outside the domain. To account for possible dust occurring at, or entering from the boundaries, mixing ratios of dust concentrations from a larger domain RegCM3 simulation are specified at the boundaries of a smaller domain over Southwest Asia. The lateral boundary conditions are monthly averaged concentration values (μg of dust per kg of dry air) resolved in the vertical for all four dust bin sizes within RegCM3’s aerosol model. RegCM3 simulations with the aerosol/dust model including lateral boundary conditions for dust are performed for a five year period and compared to model simulations without prescribed dust concentrations at the boundaries. Results indicate that specifying boundary conditions has a significant impact on dust loading across the entire domain over Southwest Asia. More specifically, a nearly 30% increase in aerosol optical depth occurs during the summer months from specifying realistic dust boundary conditions, bringing model results closer to observations such as MISR. In addition, smaller dust particles at the boundaries have a more important impact than large particles in affecting the dust loading within the interior of this domain. Moreover, increases in aerosol optical depth and dust concentrations within the interior domain are not entirely caused by inflow from the boundaries; results indicate that an increase in the gradient of concentration at the boundaries causes an increase of diffusion from the boundaries. Lastly, experiments performed using a climatology of dust concentrations yield similar results to those using actual monthly values. Therefore, using a climatology of dust mixing ratios is sufficient in implementing lateral boundary conditions for mineral aerosols. In short, this work concludes that realistic specification of lateral boundary conditions for mineral aerosols can be important in modeling the dust loading over arid regional climates such as Southwest Asia.
Asymptomatic Clostridium difficile colonization in a tertiary care hospital: Admission prevalence and risk factors

Background The role of Clostridium difficile (CD) carriers in health care-associated CD transmission has been identified as an area needing research. We investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, asymptomatic CD colonization at hospital admission. Methods Adults admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Minnesota on predetermined study days between March 1 and April 30, 2009, and without symptoms of C difficile infection, were eligible. The first stool sample after admission was requested from each consenting patient and tested for toxigenic CD using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that detects tcdC . Clinical data were obtained through interviews and chart reviews. Results Of 320 participants, 31 (9.7%) were positive for toxigenic CD. Using multivariate logistic regression, independent predictors of CD colonization were recent hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-5.84), chronic dialysis (OR, 8.12; 95% CI: 1.80-36.65), and corticosteroid use (OR, 3.09; 95% CI: 1.24-7.73). Screening patients with risk factors (48% participants) would identify 74% (95% CI: 55%-88%) of CD carriers. Conclusion Asymptomatic CD colonization at hospital admission was detected in nearly 1 of 10 patients. The majority of colonized patients had one or more identifiable risk factors. These data could provide the basis for designing studies of targeted surveillance for C difficile .
Retention of mitochondrial DNA species in somatic cell hybrids using antibiotic selection.

Abstract Interspecific cell hybrids were constructed by fusion of an antimycin-resistant, thymidine kinase − (TK − ) Chinese hamster cell line with a chloramphenicol-resistant, hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase − (HPRT − ) mouse cell line. Hybrids were selected in HAT medium alone, or HAT supplemented with chloramphenicol, antimycin, or both antibiotics. Analysis of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of these hybrids indicates that antibiotic selection directed at the mitochondrial populations results in retention of the resistant parental genome and loss of the sensitive parental genome.
A new class of algorithms for classical plasticity extended to finite strains. Application to geomaterials

A recently proposed methodology for computational plasticity at finite strains is re-examined within the context of geomechanical applications and cast in the general format of multi-surface plasticity. This approach provides an extension to finite strains of any infinitesimal model of classical plasticity that retains both the form of the yield criterion and the hyperelastic character of the stress-strain relations. Remarkably, the actual algorithmic implementation reduces to a reformulation of the standard return maps in principal axis with algorithmic elastoplastic moduli identical to those of the infinitesimal theory. New results in the area of geomechanics included a fully implicit return map for the modified Cam-Clay model, extended here to the finite deformation regime, and a new semi-explicit scheme that restores symmetry of the algorithmic moduli while retaining the unconditional stability property. In addition, a new phenomenological plasticity model for soils is presented which includes a number of widely used models as special cases. The general applicability of the proposed methodology is illustrated in several geomechanical examples that exhibit localization and finite deformations.
Rare decays of cadmium and tellurium

We report on the pulse height spectrum observed with a CdTe detector in a low-background shield. The spectrum is dominated by the T/sub 1/2/approx.10/sup 16/ yr ..beta../sup -/ decay of /sup 113/Cd. Limits are set on the double beta decay of the isotopes /sup 106,114,116/Cd and /sup 128,130/Te, and the prospects for a more sensitive search for this mode of decay are discussed.
Spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging detects increased myocardial blood flow after endothelial cell transplantation in the infarcted heart.

Background— We quantified absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) using a spin-labeling MRI (SL-MRI) method after transplantation of endothelial cells (ECs) into the infarcted heart. Our aims were to study the temporal changes in MBF in response to EC transplantation and to compare regional MBF with contractile function (wall motion) and microvascular density. Methods and Results— We first validated the SL-MRI method with the standard microsphere technique in normal rats. We then induced myocardial infarction in athymic rats and injected 5 million ECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) suspended in Matrigel or Matrigel alone (vehicle) along the border of the blanched infarcted area. At 2 weeks after myocardial infarction, MBF averaged over the entire slice ( P =0.038) and in the infarcted region ( P =0.0086) was significantly higher in EC versus vehicle group; the greater MBF was accompanied by an increase of microvasculature density in the infarcted region ( P =0.0105 versus vehicle). At 4 weeks after myocardial infarction, MBF in the remote region was significantly elevated in EC-treated hearts ( P =0.0277); this was accompanied by increased wall motion in this region assessed by circumferential strains ( P =0.0075). Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plot revealed a good reproducibility of the SL-MRI method. Conclusions— MBF in free-breathing rats measured by SL-MRI is validated by the standard color microsphere technique. SL-MRI allows quantification of temporal changes of regional MBF in response to EC treatment. The proof-of-principle study indicates that MBF is a unique and sensitive index to evaluate EC-mediated therapy for the infarcted heart.
Sudden disappearance of electrocardiographic pattern of anteroseptal myocardial infarction. Result of superimposed acute posterior myocardial infarction.

In a 76-year-old man an electrocardiographic pattern of acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction disappeared suddenly. At necropsy, a more recent posterior myocardial infarct was found, in addition to an acute anteroseptal infarct. "Normalization" of the electrocardiogram from the pattern of anteroseptal myocardial infarction in this case resulted from the loss of opposing electromotive forces in the posterior wall because of posterior infarction.
High-aspect-ratio trench etching

A high aspect ratio (> 15:1), sub-micron, deep capacitor trench process is demonstrated in an 8 inch Applied Materials P5000E magnetically enhanced reactive ion etcher (MERIE) using HBr/NF3/He-O2 chemistry. Through the insertion of ferro-magnetic sheet material into the pedestal, sub-micron trenches can be etched to depths greater than 10 micrometers , with etch rates > 6000 angstroms/min, uniformity 40:1. The importance of the wafer surface temperature on trench etch properties is established. Studies indicate that there is a threshold temperature below which the chosen recipe would need to be modified to produce satisfactory trenches.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Suppression of maintained activity of retinal ganglion cells.

Abstract Recordings were made of the changes in unit discharge rates of on-center and off-center retinal ganglion cells when the luminance of a spot in the receptive field was increased or decreased from a background level. A prolonged suppression of maintained activity to background illumination was observed in both transient and sustained cells of cat and monkey. On-units decreased in rate when the luminance of the spot was reduced: off-units decreased in rate when the luminance of the spot was increased. Long duration silence of maintained activity was dependent upon spot size, position and luminance. The most effective spots covered only the receptive field center. With low contrast levels a response time course was found which did not follow a recovery back to maintained rate along a single exponential function. Increasing contrast silenced a progressively greater proportion of retinal ganglion cells.