cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Revascularization Subtypes in Octogenarians Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background— Recent data suggest that octogenarians’ long-term survival after complete coronary artery bypass graft revascularization is superior to incomplete revascularization. Discriminating between variable definitions of “complete” complicates interpretation of survival data. We aimed to clarify octogenarian long-term survival rates by stratifying revascularization subtypes. Methods and Results— From 1986 to 2007, 580 patients 80 to 94 years of age underwent coronary artery bypass graft. Functional complete revascularization was defined as at least 1 graft to all diseased coronary vessels with >50% stenosis. Traditional complete revascularization was defined as 1 graft to each major arterial system with at least 50% stenosis. Incomplete revascularization was defined as leaving diseased, ungrafted regions. Revascularization was functional in 279 (48%), traditional in 181 (31%), and incomplete in 120 (21%). Long-term survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Of 537 operative survivors, there were 402 late deaths. Cumulative long-term survival totaled 2890 patient-years. Late survival (Kaplan-Meier) was similar between functional (mean, 6.8 years) and traditional (6.7 years) groups ( P =0.51), but diminished with incomplete (4.2 years) revascularization ( P =0.007). Survival by group at 5 years was: 59±3% functional, 57±4% traditional, and 45±5% incomplete. Survival at 8 years was: 40±3% functional, 37±4% traditional, and 26±5% incomplete. To minimize selection bias in patients with limited life expectancy, Kaplan-Meier analysis was repeated including only patients with survival >12 months. Survival was again impaired with incomplete revascularization ( P =0.04), and there was no difference between functional and traditional complete revascularization ( P =0.73). Conclusions— Bypassing all diseased arterial vessels after revascularization does not afford significant long-term survival advantage compared to a traditional approach. Incomplete revascularization, related to more extensive disease, is associated with an 18% decline in survival. These data suggest that it is important to avoid incomplete revascularization in octogenarians, but the supplementary endeavor required to perform functional complete revascularization does not improve survival.
Estrogen production by the testis

ONE hundred years ago Berthold (1), on the basis of transplantation experiments in the cock, presented evidence that the testes exert decided effects on the organism through the blood stream, independent of established nervous pathways. Since then tremendous energy has been expended on determining the nature of the hormones elaborated by the testis, the cells responsible for their production and the physiologic actions of the hormones produced. Primarily, workers have concerned themselves with a study of testicular substances having masculinizing effects but considerable work has been done in regard to feminizing testicular influences. Without reviewing the evidence, it seems fair to say that most workers agree that masculinizing effects are secondary to the production of an androgenic substance or substances presumed to come exclusively from the interstitial cells of Leydig independent of the generative tissue of the testis (2, 3). However, there is a considerable body of evidence to suggest that tubular...
Early-Childhood Nutrition and Educational Conditional Cash Transfer Programmes

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes have been linked to improvements in education, but effects on nutritional status are unclear. We develop a theoretical household model demonstrating how CCTs’ educational requirements may constrain households to shift resources from younger to older children to sustain school attendance. This could limit households’ capacity to invest in young children's nutritional status, particularly given a negative income shock. In a Nicaraguan pilot CCT, recipients’ consumption and nutritional status increased on average, but less in households with school-age children. Effects are stronger in communities dealt an exogenous income shock.
Comments on Yaruss, LaSalle, and Conture (1998)

In summary, Yaruss et al. have contributed to the literature a set of “recommendation categories” that were based on retrospective analyses of minimal information from children who might have stuttered, gathered originally by student clinicians in one training clinic who were entirely unaware that their data would be used to develop recommendations for other children in other clinics. These categories and recommendations might have led to inaccurate decisions about a significant minority of the children involved in this study (Yaruss et al.’s Footnote 1), but “suggested treatment recommendations” are nevertheless presented as “useful for clinicians to consider” (p. 73). Given some indications that delaying treatment for children who stutter may reduce the effectiveness of any eventual treatment (R. J. Ingham & Cordes, 1999), the decision not to recommend treatment after an initial stuttering evaluation is an important one. The evidence used to support such a decision should be strong, developed from well-...
Exercise-induced benefits in individuals with type 1 diabetes

AbstractIndividuals with type 1 diabetes are exposed to the pathological effects of chronic hyperglycaemia at an early age. Type 1 diabetes is associated with a variety of complications, including microvascular complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Conditions like diabetic cardiomyopathy also cause significant mortality and morbidity. The most common macrovascular complications include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Aerobic exercise is a critical component in the management of individuals with type 1 diabetes. Results from diabetic animal models reveal a variety of cellular mechanisms in response to exercise, producing beneficial effects on diabetic tissue. These results suggest that exercise training leads to improved tissue function by targeting specific adaptive mechanisms in diabetes, especially when initiated at the early stages of the disease. Hence, long-term aerobic exercises produces beneficial effects beyond in...
Balancing act: safe and evidence-based prescribing for women of reproductive age

Teratogenic medications are commonly prescribed to women of reproductive age. Caring for women who may benefit from the use of teratogenic medications requires clinicians to engage patients in shared decision-making on the risks and benefits of medication use in the context of the patient’s fertility goals, the implications of the patient’s medical condition for a pregnancy and the risks and benefits of various contraceptive methods. Effective communication about all of these issues is essential to avoiding medication-induced birth defects. However, data suggest that such communication remains inadequate, leading some women to face unintentional exposure of a pregnancy to a teratogen, undesired pregnancy or, sometimes, the need for pregnancy termination services. This review outlines key information needed to ensure safe prescribing to women of childbearing age. It includes recommendations for changes in medical education, healthcare delivery and health policy to facilitate thoughtful prescribing and comp...
Management of massively refluxing megaureters

We report on 15 patients with massively refluxing megaureters in 28 renoureteral units. All had a history of urinary tract infections, and 14 were treated with initial vesical drainage. All had ureteral reimplantation, and half of those who initially underwent diversion did not require tailoring. Overall success was 87 per cent.
Gauging of Concrete Crossties to Investigate Load Path in Laboratory and Field Testing

To meet the demands of increasing freight axle loads and cumulative gross tonnages, as well as high-speed passenger rail development in North America, the performance and service life of concrete railway crossties must be improved. As a part of a study funded by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) aimed at improving concrete crossties and fastening systems, laboratory experimentation was performed at the Advanced Transportation Research
Landfill gas with hydrogen addition – A fuel for SI engines

Abstract The recent quest to replace fossil fuels with renewable and sustainable energy sources has increased interest on utilization of landfill and bio gases. It is further augmented due to environment concerns and global warming caused by burning of conventional fossil fuels, energy security concerns and high cost of crude oil, and renewable nature of these gases. The main portion of landfill gas or biogas is comprised of methane and carbon dioxide with some other gases in small proportions. Methane if released directly to the atmosphere causes about 21 times global warming effects than carbon dioxide. Thus landfill gas is generally flared, where the energy recovery is not in place in practice. Using landfill gas to generate energy not only encourages more efficient collection reducing emissions into the atmosphere but also generates revenues for operators and local governments. However, use of landfill gases for energy production is not always perceived as an attractive option because of some disadvantages. Thus it becomes necessary to address these disadvantages involved by studying landfill gases in a technological perspective and motivate utilization of landfill gas for future energy needs. This paper discussed landfill gas as a fuel for a spark ignition engine to produce power in an effective way. It has been shown that though the performance and combustion characteristics of the landfill gas fueled engine deteriorated in comparison with methane operation, increasing compression ratio and advancing spark timing improved the performance of the landfill gas operation in par with methane operation. The effects due to composition changes in the landfill gas were found more pronounced at lean and rich mixture operation than at stoichiometry. In addition, the effects of additions of hydrogen up to 30% in the landfill gas were studied. Addition of even small quantities of hydrogen such as 3–5% delivered better performance improvement particularly at the lean and rich limit operations and extended the operational limits. Additions of hydrogen also improved the combustion characteristics and reduced cyclic variations of landfill gas operations especially at the lean and rich mixtures.
On the structure of normal spiral galaxies with finite disk thickness part II: Three-dimensional asymptotic density-potential relation

Abstract A three-dimensional asymptotic density-potential relation is established for a spiral galaxy with a disk of finite thickness. This relation is accurate to the order /kr/−3, where k is the radial wave number and r is the radial distance from the center of the galaxy. In the case of small disk thickness, some simpler and more explicit relations are obtained with the accuracy of order /kr/−2, which is usually sufficient for the discussion of spiral mode. A density-potential relation, accurate to the order /kr/−3, is also obtained for the zero-thickness disk. To the order /kr/−2, this relation reduces to that given earlier by Bertin and Mark (1979), but the present derivation is simpler. The dynamical effect of the density-potential relation for a disk of finite thickness is investigated in Yue (1981).
Range estimation from random array phase measurements

Estimation of the location of a source of radiation from antenna-array phase measurements is considered. A least-squares technique for estimation is analysed for performance.
Complete basis set, Gaussian, and density functional theory study of the vinylidine–acetylene rearrangement

Abstract A high level of ab initio and density functional theory computational study was performed to determine the reliability of density functional methods and the possibility to experimentally detect vinylidine in the mixture with acetylene. It was determined that vinylidine is 44.9 kcal/mol less stable than acetylene, with an enthalpy of formation of 101.2 kcal/mol and an activation barrier for its rearrangement into acetylene of only 0.4 kcal/mol. Therefore, it was suggested that this acetylene isomer would be difficult to observe experimentally.
Gamma radiation effects on mating frequency and delayed mating of male Cadra cautella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Gamma radiation doses of 0, 10, or 20 krad to 8-day-old pupae of Cadra cautella (Walker) did not significantly affect (P<0.05) the mating frequency of male moths kept constantly with female moths (1♂:5♀ per vial) for 72 hr but there were fewer matings by males exposed to 30 krad. When the opportunity of mating was restricted to 24 hr and delayed for 1–7 days, the mating frequency, and the numbers and fertility of eggs laid by young females all progressively declined with age. Increasing the radiation dose accentuated the reduction in male reproductive potential. Range of male longevity was not so critical as the period of significant male mating activity. Males in constant association with excess females had significantly lower (P < 0.01) mean longevity (4.25 ± 1.11 days) than did unmated and mated males (7.75 ± 1.99 days) in the delayed-mating studies; that was related to the increased mating frequency (maximum 8 ×) in the free-choice situation.
Complications of abdominal-based free flaps for breast reconstruction in obese patients: a meta-analysis and case series

Background Obese patients now constitute a larger proportion of women seeking postmastectomy reconstruction. Achieving optimal results with a low number of complications in the obese population is challenging. This meta-analysis compares the complication risks for obese and nonobese patients receiving abdominal-based free flaps for breast reconstruction.
An Efficient Adaptive Beamforming Technique for Operation in Frequency-Selective Channels

This paper presents an efficient adaptive beam forming technique for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) receivers operating in frequency-selective channel environments. In order to mitigate the Inter-Symbol Interference (ISI) resulted from the wireless channel's frequency-selectivity, the proposed method adopts multi-tap filters at all receiver branches, and converts the weight matrix into a long vector to facilitate efficient weight update using a recently proposed beam forming algorithm, which automatically generates a time-varying weight update at each iteration. Computer simulations are performed in MATLAB to validate the effectiveness of the proposed technique, which successfully suppresses frequency selectivity-induced ISI, while single-tap beam forming algorithms fail to converge in the presence of ISI.
The distribution of gas and galaxies around the distant quasar PKS 1614 + 051

The results of narrow-band and broad-band filter observations of the region surrounding the z = 3.21 quasars, PKS 1614 + 051, made under subarcsec seeing conditions with the 3.6 m CFHT telescope at Mauna Kea are reported. The nuclear region of the Lyman-alpha companion to the quasar is resolved with a FWHM of about 0.9 arcsec A magnitude fainter. Limits on detectable continuum flux from this object suggest that it is a gas cloud interacting with the quasar, and its emission is consistent with simple photoionization by the quasar. However, the presence of several galaxies around the periphery of the quasar is noted. A search of 11 additional quasars at z greater than 3 has failed to show any other such systems. It is argued that this is consistent with the statistics of extended emission line systems in low-z quasars.
Concerning quasi-complete spaces

Abstract In this paper we present a detailed study of the class of quasi-complete spaces. The relationship of quasi-complete spaces to wΔ-spaces and p-spaces is investigated. Among our results we show that every regular quasi-complete space with a Gδ-diagonal is a p-space and has a base of countable order. As a consequence, it follows that a completely regular M-space with a Gδ-diagonal is homeomorphic to a Gδ-set in the product of a metric space and a compact T 2 -space. We also obtain various developability and metrizability theorems for quasi-complete spaces.
Natural history and outcomes of renal failure after trauma.

Background The natural history of posttraumatic renal failure (PTRF) is not well-established. Overall prognosis and risk factors for need for dialysis in the setting of PTRF need more precise definition. Study Design We conducted a retrospective review of the trauma registry information from Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center from 1998 through 2005. PTRF was defined as the occurrence of serum creatinine ≥ 2 mg/dL after admission for trauma. Clinical course and laboratory information from the trauma registry and ICU databases were analyzed. Results Of 33,376 trauma patients identified, PTRF developed in 323 (1%), with an overall mortality of 38% (n = 120). Onset of PTRF occurred an average of 4 ± 7 days after admission, with average peak serum creatinine occurring 7 ± 1 days after admission and only 56% (n = 180) of patients normalizing serum creatinine before discharge. A total of 64 patients (20% of renal failure patients, 0.2% of all trauma patients) required hemodialysis. The only independent risk factor for the need for dialysis was laparotomy, with patients manifesting an elevated creatinine later in their course more likely to require dialysis. Although injury severity correlated well with outcomes, the only independent risk factors for mortality in this population were persistently elevated serum creatinine and head Abbreviated Injury Score > 3. Conclusions Development of PTRF in severely injured patients represents a substantial risk for morbidity and mortality in this population. Additional study is needed to determine the importance of delayed onset of PTRF, particularly in the setting of multiorgan failure, in determining outcomes.
Gender Differences in Subjective and Physiological Responses to Caffeine and the Role of Steroid Hormones.

Background: We have shown previously that male and female adolescents differ in their responses to caffeine, but to date, the mechanisms underlying these gender differences are unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that differences in circulating steroid hormones mediate gender differences in response to caffeine. Methods: Subjective and physiological responses to caffeine were tested in adolescents using a double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover design. Participants were tested every 2 weeks for 8 weeks and received placebo and caffeine (2 mg/kg) twice each. Females were tested with placebo and caffeine in each phase of their menstrual cycle. Salivary concentrations of testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone were also measured. Results: Males showed greater positive subjective effects than females. In females, higher levels of estradiol were associated with little or no subjective responses to caffeine, but lower levels of estradiol were associated with negative s...
Detection of Clostridium difficile Pseudomembranous Colitis in the Absence of Diarrhea with an Early Use of Endoscopy in Elderly Patients

OBJECTIVE: The classic manifestation of Clostridium difficile (CD) infection is pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) with diarrhea. Rarely, it can be present as toxic megacolon without diarrhea. We present a case of CD PMC without diarrhea to heighten awareness of its atypical presentation. DESCRIPTION: An 80-year-old male with multiple comorbidites and history of recent antibiotic treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and exacerbation presented with fever, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. The patient had no complaints of diarrhea. An abdominal x-ray showed markedly dilated transverse colon with a diameter of 14.5 cm. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed thickened loops of transverse colon. A diagnosis of toxic megacolon was made. The patient was treated with intravenous metronidazole. The patient then underwent colonoscopic decompression that revealed PMC and vancomycin was added to the drug regimen. A stool study was positive for CD cytotoxins. There was complete resolution of the patient's colonic dilation following the colonoscopic decompression. CONCLUSION: The unusual combination of toxic megacolon without antecedent diarrhea should be recognized as a possible manifestation of CD PMC. Atypical presentations of this common disease necessitate an aggressive diagnostic approach for an appropriate therapeutic plan.
Four models of lateral current spreading in double-heterostructure stripe-geometry lasers

Four models of current spreading in double-heterostructure stripe-geometry lasers, both with and without a zinc diffused cap, are presented and compared. These models range in complexity from a simple analytic model to a more complex consistent model. Results show that each of the four models predicts essentially the same current spreading and carrier diffusion in the active layer. >
Liquid scintillation determination of Ca45 and Sr89 in unicellular algae

Abstract A simple rapid procedure is described for determining Ca45 and Sr89 simultaneously in whole algal cells using a single-channel Packard Liquid Scintillation Spectrometer System, Model 314-F. The cells are dehydrated and decolorized with ethyl or methyl alcohol and dispersed in toluene containing PPO, dimethyl POPOP and thixotropic gel (Cab-O-Sil). Counts are made with gain and tap settings adjusted for maximum detection of Ca45 and again with settings for maximum Sr89 detection. No detectable leaching of Ca45 radioactivity was noted after cell dehydration, as evidenced by lack of activity in the alcohols after extraction. Counting of a graded series of cell suspensions revealed little internal quenching at algal concentrations of 63.0 mg/ml, but measurable quenching at 75.6 mg/ml. The Ca/Sr ratio within algal cells obtained using the cell dehydration-suspension procedure agreed with the Ca/Sr ratio obtained following oxidation of the algal cells to the inorganic state and counting the wet ash produced.
Vapor‐liquid equilibrium: Part IV. Reduction of P‐x data for ternary systems

Total pressure measurements taken for the ternay systems acetone-chloroform-methanol and chloroform-ethanol-n-heptane at 50°C are reduced by Barker's method and correlated by an equation similar to one proposed by Wohl (1953).
The Development of Individuation in Autism.

Evidence suggests that people with autism use holistic information differently than typical adults. The current studies examine this possibility by investigating how core visual processes that contribute to holistic processing – individuation and element grouping – develop in participants with autism and typically developing (TD) participants matched for age, IQ and gender. Individuation refers to the ability to `see' up to 4 elements simultaneously; grouping these elements can change the number of elements that are rapidly apprehended. We examined these core processes using two well-established paradigms, rapid enumeration and multiple object tracking (MOT). In both tasks, a performance limit of about 4 elements in adulthood is thought to reflect individuation capacity. Participants with autism has a smaller individuation capacity than TD controls, regardless of whether they were enumerating static elements or tracking moving ones. To manipulate holistic information and individuation performance, we grouped the elements into a design or had elements move together. Participants with autism were affected to a similar degree as TD participants by the holistic information, whether the manipulation helped or hurt performance, consistent with evidence that some types of gestalt/grouping information are processed typically in autism. There was substantial development in autism from childhood to adolescence, but not from adolescence to adulthood, a pattern distinct from TD participants. These results provide important information about core visual processes in autism, as well as insight into the architecture of vision (e.g., individuation appears distinct from visual strengths in autism, such as visual search, despite similarities).
Tip-of-the-tongue states and aging : Contrasting psycholinguistic and metacognitive perspectives

A tip-of-the-tongue state (TOT) refers to the experience of feeling certain that one knows a word, but being unable to retrieve it. A consistent finding in the literature is that TOTs are more frequent in older adults than in younger adults. We describe 2 hypotheses that account for this finding. The decrement view explains the increase in TOTs with age as a function of deteriorating connections between semantic and lexical nodes. The incremental-knowledge view accounts for the effect in terms of older adults' generally greater vocabulary. We integrated both views into a metacognitive account of TOTs, which differs from the psycholinguistic approach to TOTs and aging. Psycholinguistic approaches focus on the TOT as retrieval failure, whereas metacognitive accounts focus on the TOT as a phenomenological experience. We emphasize the role of the metacognitive approach for moving aging research beyond the study of deficits and decline and toward models of successful aging.
Advances and New Frontiers in the Pathophysiology of Venous Neointimal Hyperplasia and Dialysis Access Stenosis

Hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. The most common cause of this vascular access dysfunction is venous stenosis as a result of venous neointimal hyperplasia within the perianastomotic region (arteriovenous fistula) or at the graft-vein anastomosis (polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE, grafts). There have been few effective treatments to date for venous neointimal hyperplasia, in part, because of the poor understanding of the pathogenesis of venous neointimal hyperplasia. Therefore, this article will (1) describe the pathology of hemodialysis access stenosis in arteriovenous fistulas and grafts, (2) review and describe both current and novel concepts in the pathogenesis of neointimal hyperplasia formation, (3) discuss current and future novel therapies for treating venous neointimal hyperplasia, and (4) suggest future research areas in the field of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction.
Enhancing Creativity in a Graduate Class on Creativity: Entering the Time and Space of the Young Child.

Les AA. presentent un programme de cours pour etudiants diplomes, sur les techniques pedagogiques renforcant la creativite. Ce programme est fonde sur une experience realisee a Reggio Emilia avec des enfants âges de 6 ans
Immunosuppressive effect of epsilon amino caproic acid (EACA)

Summary o 1. Prolongation of skin homograft survival was observed in some rabbits given 300 to 500 mg. of epsilon amino caproic acid per kg. per day. 2. EACA inhibits complement activity in vitro and may, at high concentration with the formation of antigen-antibody complexes. 3. No effect of EACA on of antibody was noted. Similarly, there appeared to be no alteration of preformed antigen-antibody complexes by EACA.
A Simulation Analysis for Ranking and Selecting the Best Combination of Production and Accounting Control Systems

SYNOPTIC ABSTRACTFrequently, the objective of computer simulation experiments of accounting and business systems is to find the best policy, procedure, or decision rule. Previous accounting or business simulation studies assumed that observations taken from each population were normally distributed with unknown means and known or equal variances. Unfortunately, only in rare cases can such assumptions be expected to hold. This paper uses a multiple-ranking procedure which allows for unknown and unequal variances, to analyze simulations of production planning and accounting control systems. The model under study is a hypothetical firm with profit and sales as multiple objectives. Two multiple objective planning models with uncertain demands are formulated, and two accounting variance analysis techniques are used and incorporated into the two planning models. A two-stage sampling procedure is used to determine the sample size. The simulated data are analyzed by a multiple-ranking procedure and then the best ...
Myocardial contractile protein ATPase activities in adrenalectomized and thyroidectomized rats.

This report compares the effects of adrenalectomy and thyroidectomy, with and without hormone replacement, on loss of contractile protein ATPase activities. The rationale for this study was derived from the similarities in their intracellular receptors, mechanisms of action, and the large number of proteins regulated by both hormones. Rats were adrenalectomized, thyroidectomized, or both, and were subsequently treated for 6 weeks with hydrocortisone, triiodothyronine, or saline. Sham-operated rats were given saline for the same period of time. Six weeks of adrenal insufficiency resulted in diminished enzymatic activity of myofibrillar, Ca2+-activated myosin ATPase, and actin-activated myosin ATPase fractions. Treatment with hydrocortisone prevented the decline in enzymatic activity due to adrenalectomy. Likewise, thyroidectomy caused a loss of enzymatic activity which was prevented by treatment with triiodothyronine. The full deleterious effect of combined ablation could be partially prevented by treatment with either hydrocortisone or triiodothyronine, but the latter was most effective. The results suggest that hydrocortisone and triiodothyronine each had significant positive effects in the presence of the other, but not in its absence, on the activity of myofibrillar Ca2+-dependent Mg-ATPase and Ca2+-activated myosin ATPase. The effects of these two hormones on actin-activated myosin ATPase activity were more independent of each other. We conclude that the actions of thyroid and glucocorticoid hormones on the heart are interrelated and that optimum myocardial function results from their combined action.
Mentalization with reservations

The relationship between mentalization and Melanie Klein's concepts of depressive and paranoid-schizoid positions is noted, as well as commonalities between mentalization and narrative coherence. Two case examples are presented to illustrate the vicissitudes of mentalization as a psychotherapeutic tool and to explore the context in which mentalization can flourish.
On the shape of edge-dislocation loops in βNiAl

Abstract The shapes of edge dislocation loops in β-NiAl have been studied. These loops have {001} habit planes, 〈001〉 Burgers vectors and exhibit two distinct forms. One of these is roughly square with segments nearly parallel to 〈010〉; this corresponds to the equilibrium shape calculated on the basis of elastic anisotropy. The other form consists of segments aligned accurately parallel to 〈110〉, which should be elastically unstable. It is proposed that this second shape is stabilized by dissociation of the perfect dislocation into three partial dislocations on the intersecting {110} planes for example The consequences of such a dissociation for the plastic deformation of β-NiAl are discussed.
Silica colloidal crystals as three-dimensional scaffolds for supported lipid films.

This report describes the assembly of laterally diffusive lipid layers within the pores of colloidal crystals for potential application in membrane-based sensing. The amount of lipid encapsulated within colloidal crystals depends upon the method used to introduce the lipid to the crystalline substrate. Relative to a planar supported lipid bilayer, lipid loading in a 6.6 μm thick crystal was 15−73 times greater, as observed by fluorescence microscopy. Protein adsorption studies indicate that the crystal pores are open and that the silica surface of the crystal is passivated with respect to adsorption of a model protein when coated with POPC. Furthermore, the mesoporous environment of the colloidal crystal is found to protect lipid films from drying and rehydration processes that destroy planar supported lipid bilayers. The potential of colloidal crystal encapsulated lipid films for chemical sensing is demonstrated by a model protein binding assay.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Pediatric Neck : An Overview

Evaluation of neck lesions in the pediatric population can be a diagnostic challenge, for which magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is extremely valuable. This article provides an overview of the value and utility of MR imaging in the evaluation of pediatric neck lesions, addressing what the referring clinician requires from the radiologist. Concise descriptions and illustrations of MR imaging findings of commonly encountered pathologic entities in the pediatric neck, including abnormalities of the branchial apparatus, thyroglossal duct anomalies, and neoplastic processes, are given. An approach to establishing a differential diagnosis is provided, and critical points of information are summarized.
Human recombinant erythropoietin and the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity: a multiple regression model.

Background Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is used for the treatment of anemia of prematurity. However, it has also been found to have properties similar to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the major angiogenic factor implicated in the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We sought to determine whether rhEPO is an independent risk factor for the development of ROP. Methods Data were analyzed from 264 infants admitted to the Loma Linda University Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit in 1994 and 2002. The data included demographic characteristics, incidence of major morbidities, rhEPO treatment, number of red blood cell transfusions received, and incidence and severity of ROP. A multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the relation of the studied risk factors to the incidence (any stage) and severity (threshold ROP requiring cryotherapy or laser photocoagulation) of ROP. Results The risk of developing ROP increased among infants who received >20 doses of rhEPO was higher compared with those who received ≤20 doses (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.59, 7.85). These infants were also more likely to require laser photocoagulation (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.99, 9.33). The age at which rhEPO was started was also a significant risk factor, with those starting rhEPO after 20 days of age having almost fourfold the risk of ROP compared with those starting it on or before 20 days of age (OR, 3.57; 95% CI, 1.59, 8.03). Conclusions rhEPO was found to be a significant independent risk factor for the development of ROP.
Defect Semantics and Yield Modeling

The variety of IC technologies increases the problem of choosing realistic fault models[49]. Traditional approaches to fault modeling assume a convenient high-level abstraction without considering the technology. Yet, faults have their origins in changes of the chemical and material compositions occurring in the IC. Defects have very complex physical characteristics and may be significantly different from technology to technology [15,16,92]. The adequacy of fault modeling can be expressed in terms of defects occurring in the specific technology. This chapter presents a formal semantic model for IC technologies and process induced defects[64]. The model is a theoretical description of the physical properties of microelectronic processing including the necessary relationship between process induced defects and faults[24,42,74,94].The second main topic is an objective discussion on yield modeling, it’s difficulties and development through the last 30 years.
High surface area carbon nanotube-supported titanium carbonitride aerogels†

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of a high surface area titanium carbonitride aerogel are presented. The aerogels were made by the carbothermal reduction of a titania-coated carbon nanotube-based foam under flowing nitrogen at 1400 °C. The resulting monoliths consisted of titanium carbonitride (TiC1−xNx, x = 0.95) nanocrystals supported by the nanotubes and exhibited surface areas in excess of 250 m2/g.
Advanced planarized passivation for sub-micron technology

Abstract An advanced passivation gap-fill process was developed for sub-micron technology. Excellent gap-fill was achieved using the stack of triethoxyfluorosilane (TEFS) doped fluoro-silicate (FSG) and silicon nitride films. This TEFS-based gap-fill process provides both high throughput and cost-effective planarized passivation. The TEFS-FSG film can completely fill 0.45 μm width ×0.9 μm height gap. No forbidden void or cavity was observed in larger gaps wider than 1 μm after the deposition of a silicon nitride cap-layer. Various reliability tests such as pressure cooker test, corrosion test, and seven-alloy anneal test were carried out. Corrosion test result showed that there was no peeling or corrosion mark on TEFS-FSG film deposited on TiN/Ti/Al metal wafers. FTIR data indicated there was no water absorption in TEFS-FSG film after pressure cooker and corrosion tests.
Canalization Breakdown and Evolution in a Source‐Sink System

Understanding the process of adaptation to novel environments may help to elucidate several ecological phenomena, from the stability of species range margins to host-pathogen specificity and persistence in degraded habitats. We study evolution in one type of novel environment: a sink habitat where populations cannot persist without recurrent immigration from a source population. Previous studies on source-sink evolution have focused on how extrinsic environmental factors influence adaptation to a sink, but few studies have examined how intrinsic genetic factors influence adaptation. We use an individual-based model to explore how genetic canalization that evolves in gene regulation networks influences the adaptation of a population to a sink. We find that as canalization in the regulation network increases, the probability of adaptation to the novel habitat decreases. When adaptation to the habitat does occur, it is usually preceded by a breakdown of canalization. As evolution continues in the novel habitat, canalization reemerges, but a legacy of the breakdown may remain, even after several generations. We also find that environmental noise tends to increase the probability of adaptation to the novel habitat. Our results suggest that the details of genetic architecture can significantly influence the likelihood of niche evolution in novel environments.
Relationship of the time of origin and death of neurons in rat somatosensory cortex: Barrel versus septal cortex and projection versus local circuit neurons

The birth of a neuron initiates a series of ontogenetic events, e. g., neuronal migration and differentiation. The outcomes of these events are neurons that successfully integrate into the cortical circuitry and neurons that are unsuccessful and ultimately die. The present study determined whether there is a relationship between the generation and death of cortical neurons. The decrease in the density of postmigratory neurons (heavily labeled by a single injection of [3H]thymidine) during normal development was used as an index of neuronal death. The survival indices of neurons varied with their times of origin. Neurons born from gestational day (G) 15 to G18 had the highest rates of survival. In contrast, the earliest and latest generated neurons (i. e., those born on G12-G13 and those born on G19-G21, respectively) had the lowest survival rates. The role of neuronal death in the formation of cortical patterns was determined by assessing the survival of neurons in the barrels and septa of somatosensory cortex. No differences in the survival index were determined for neurons in the C-row barrels and adjacent septa with a particular time of origin. The survival rate of projection and local circuit neurons was determined with a doublelabeling technique. One label, [3H]thymidine, was used to determine the time of origin of the neurons. The second label was used to identify the chemical or hodological characteristics of a neuron; projection neurons were labeled either by retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase or by glutamate immunohistochemistry, and local circuit neurons were immunohistochemically identified with an antibody directed against gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antibody. The survival rate for projection neurons (labeled by either technique) was as much as twice that for GABA-immunoreactive local circuit neurons. Thus, the death of cortical neurons is related to their time of origin. Although neuronal death is not important for sculpting cortical patterns, death does selectively affect neurons with a specific hodological phenotype.
Modeling the effects of Pt loading on NOx storage on Pt/BaO/Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract Platinum plays an important, multi-functional role during NOx storage and reduction (NSR). Understanding and predicting the effect of Pt loading is essential to optimize the lean NOx trap. In this study, a microkinetic model is developed for NOx storage on a series of Pt/BaO/Al 2 O 3 catalysts with a range of Pt loadings (0–3.7 wt.%). A classification of the Ba sites into two storage site populations, proximal and non-proximal (bulk), is presented. A simple model for estimating the capacities of the two Ba site populations using the Pt loading is used to explain trends in the storage of NO/O 2 and NO 2 /O 2 . The model integrates existing literature models for NO 2 storage on BaO/Al 2 O 3 , Pt-catalyzed NO oxidation to NO 2 , and spillover chemistry involving NO 2 . Wherever possible, simplifications in the model are made based on sensitivity analyses. Literature estimates of kinetic parameters are adjusted if estimates of spillover rate constants are not sufficient to predict the storage data. The dual-site model comprises proximal storage sites that participate in the spillover chemistry and non-proximal sites that involve NO 2 that is generated by the Pt-catalyzed NO oxidation. The model shows reasonable agreement with the measured storage of NO and NO 2 in O 2 at 340 °C for a range of storage times and Pt loading. The model helps to elucidate the storage dynamics and the roles of Pt and should be useful for incorporation into a complete NOx storage and reduction model. Some further refinements to the model are discussed.
Electron Reflector Strategy for Thin CdTe Solar Cells

Incorporation of an electron reflector is a proposed strategy to improve the open-circuit voltage of CdTe thin-film solar cells. An electron reflector is basically a conduction-band barrier at the back surface, which can reduce the recombination resulting from the electron flow to the back surface. It should be particularly beneficial for cells with thicknesses below two microns when the CdTe absorber layer is fully depleted at its typical carrier density, because back-surface recombination is a primary limitation to the performance of fully depleted cells. Cells with thickness below two microns can also benefit from optical reflection at the back interface. One-dimension numerical simulation is used to investigate the electron reflector strategy and optical back reflection for thin CdTe cells. Theoretically, about a 200-mV increase in voltage and 3% in efficiency are achievable for a thin CdTe solar cell with 2×1014-cm-3 hole density, 1-ns lifetime, and a 0.2-eV electron reflector barrier. Furthermore, with the electron reflector, good CdTe cell performance at thicknesses as thin as 0.4 μm should be possible.
Merged-transistor logic (MTL)-a low-cost bipolar logic concept

The authors describe a novel bipolar logic featuring a direct injection of minority carriers into the switching transistor. MTL is based on inverters having decoupled multicollector outputs for the logical combinations. The devices are self-isolated and no ohmic load resistors are required. This is a key to monolithic logic chips of very high functional density and low power dissipation. On experimental chips an excellent power-delay product of 0.35 pJ has been measured. These experiments show that a density of 100 gates/mm/SUP 2/ can be achieved with present manufacturing tolerances (minimum dimensions: 0.3-mil metal line width, 0.15-mil spacing, 0.2/spl times/0.2-mil/SUP 2/ contact holes).
Effects of a Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analog on Endogenous GH Pulsatility and Insulin Sensitivity in Healthy Men

Context and Objective: Strategies to augment pulsatile GH may be beneficial in patients with excess visceral adiposity, in whom GH secretion is reduced. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a novel GHRH (GHRH1–44) analog, tesamorelin, on endogenous GH pulsatility and insulin sensitivity in healthy men. Design, Participants, and Intervention: Thirteen males (mean age 45 ± 3 yr and body mass index 27.3 ± 1.2 kg/m2) received tesamorelin 2 mg sc once daily for 2 wk, with assessment made at baseline, after 2 wk of treatment, and after 2 wk of withdrawal. Outcome Measures: The primary end point was change in mean overnight GH as determined by overnight frequent sampling. Secondary end points included insulin-stimulated glucose uptake as measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp; IGF-I; and GH secretion parameters, including pulse area, pulse frequency, and basal secretion. Results: Tesamorelin treatment increased mean overnight GH (change +0.5 ± 0.1 μg/liter, P = 0.004), average log10 GH peak area (change +0.4 ± 0.1 log10 μg/liter, P = 0.001), and basal GH secretion (change +0.008 ± 0.003 μg/liter · min, P = 0.008). IGF-I increased by 181 ± 22 μg/liter (P < 0.0001). Neither fasting glucose (P = 0.93) nor insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (P = 0.61) was significantly affected by tesamorelin. Conclusions: Once-daily short-term treatment with a GHRH1–44 analog, tesamorelin, augments basal and pulsatile GH secretion. Moreover, although tesamorelin significantly increases IGF-I, peripheral insulin-stimulated glucose uptake appears to be preserved.
Gastric O-acyl transferase activates hunger signal to the brain.

Some of us may remember from school biology lessons that goats are classified as ruminants because they have four stomachs. However, recent findings now demonstrate that most mammals have GOAT in their stomach. In this issue of PNAS, Gutierrez et al. identified and characterized the enzyme ghrelin O-acyl transferase (GOAT) that adds a fatty acid moiety to the gastric hormone ghrelin (1). This important discovery marks a major step forward in understanding the ghrelin signaling system and could have significant implications both for body weight regulation and nutrient–gene interactions.
A General Strain Theory of Community Differences in Crime Rates

This article draws on Agnew's general strain theory to explain community differences in crime rates. After reviewing the communities and crime research, the author discusses the ways in which community-level variables contribute to strain, including the failure to achieve positively valued goals and the loss of positive stimuli/presentation of negative stimuli. The ways in which community-level variables condition the impact of strain on crime are then examined.
Interference self-mitigating beamforming for the K-user MIMO IC

This work studies distributed linear transmission strategies for the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) interference channel with multiple concurrent links. We introduce the notion of interference self-mitigating beamforming (ISM-BF), where each transmitter minimizes the interference it causes to other users while satisfying its own signal-to-inter-ferenceplus-noise ratio requirement. The computation of the optimal transmit beamformers is shown to decouple into a generalized eigenvector problem. In addition, we analyze the optimality and uniqueness of the proposed distributed beamforming solution. Numerical simulations of the sum rate performance of ISM-BF show it to be a viable alternative to interference alignment-based techniques.
Employment issues in the community college

Discrimination, affirmative action, and evaluation are legal issues that involve community college leadership. Prudent leaders must cultivate the required legal knowledge of these and other employment issues if they are to lead effectively.