cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Slide tracheoplasty in infants and children: risk factors for prolonged postoperative ventilatory support.

Background A single-institution experience with slide tracheoplasty for management of tracheal stenosis in children with emphasis on identifying predictors of prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation is reviewed. Methods Patient characteristics, hospital course, and outcomes for children undergoing slide tracheoplasty were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors leading to prolonged mechanical ventilation (>48 hours postoperatively). Results Since April 2001, 40 children underwent slide tracheoplasty utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support at a median age of 6.2 months (range, 7 days to 15 years), and median weight of 6.1 kg (range, 1.9 to 57 kg). Thirteen patients had undergone prior operations. Thirteen patients (32.5%) were mechanically ventilated before operation. Thirteen patients underwent additional procedures at the time of the slide tracheoplasty. Mean CBP support time was 123 minutes. Seven patients required aortic cross-clamping (mean, 69 minutes). There were 2 early and 2 late deaths, none related to the tracheoplasty. One patient required repair of a recurrent tracheal stenosis, 4 patients required tracheotomy, and 3 required temporary stent placement. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) were extubated within 48 hours after tracheoplasty. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed only preoperative mechanical ventilatory support (odds ratio 28.4, p = 0.015) and duration of CPB support (odds ratio 1.06, p = 0.007) to be significant predictors of the need for prolonged intubation. Conclusions Slide tracheoplasty utilizing CPB support is a versatile and effective treatment for tracheal stenosis in children even when combined with repair of congenital cardiac anomalies. Most children can be successfully weaned from mechanical ventilatory support early after repair.
PERK Regulates the Proliferation and Development of Insulin-Secreting Beta-Cell Tumors in the Endocrine Pancreas of Mice

Background PERK eIF2α kinase is required for the proliferation of the insulin-secreting beta- cells as well as insulin synthesis and secretion. In addition, PERK signaling has been found to be an important factor in determining growth and angiogenesis of specific types of tumors, and was attributed to PERK-dependent regulation of the hypoxic stress response. In this report we examine the role of PERK in regulating proliferation and angiogenesis of transformed beta-cells in the development of insulinomas. Methodology The SV40 Large T-antigen (Tag) was genetically introduced into the insulin secreting beta-cells of Perk KO mice under the control of an inducible promoter. Tumor growth and the related parameters of cell proliferation were measured. In late stage insulinomas the degree of vascularity was determined. Principal Findings The formation and growth of insulinomas in Perk-deficient mice was dramatically ablated with much fewer tumors, which averaged 38-fold smaller than seen in wild-type control mice. Beta-cell proliferation was ablated in Perk-deficient mice associated with reduced tumor growth. In the small number of large encapsulated insulinomas that developed in Perk-deficient mice, we found a dramatic reduction in tumor vascularity compared to similar sized insulinomas in wild-type mice. Although insulinoma growth in Perk-deficient mice was largely impaired, beta-cell mass was increased sufficiently by T-antigen induction to rescue the hypoinsulinemia and diabetes in these mice. Conclusions We conclude that PERK has two roles in the development of beta-cell insulinomas, first to support rapid cell proliferation during the initial transition to islet hyperplasia and later to promote angiogenesis during the progression to late-stage encapsulated tumors.
The structure of a human α-globin pseudogene and its relationship to α-globin gene duplication

Abstract The complete nucleotide sequence of a human α-globin pseudogene (ψα1) is presented. Comparison of this sequence with a normal human α-globin gene (α2) reveals that ψα1 contains both an initiator codon mutation and frameshift deletions which would prevent the production of an α-globin polypeptide. ψα1 contains two intervening sequences with sizes and locations characteristic of mammalian α-globin genes. However, the alteration or absence of putative splicing sequences suggests that a primary transcript of ψα1 would not be processed to produce a mature mRNA. The relationship of ψα1 to the adjacent duplicated α-globin genes α1 and α2 has been investigated at the nucleotide sequence level. ψα1, α2 and α1 each possess the sequence GCCTGTGTGTGCCTG directly following their respective poly(A) addition sites. Sequence analysis of α2 and α1 3′ flanking regions further reveals that the α-globin gene duplication units are exactly bordered by this homologous sequence. We discuss the possible evolutionary origin of ψα1 and other globin pseudogenes in the context of globin gene duplication.
Partial interference functions of liquid gold-tin alloys

Abstract Three partial interference functions Iij ( K ) which describe the distributions ϱij ( r ) of Au-Au, Sn-Sn and Au-Sn pairs in reciprocal space have been calculated from the scattered X-ray intensities of liquid Au-Sn alloys which were measured by Kaplow et al. Assuming that the Iij ( K ) are independect of the relative abundance of the elements in the alloys, a least square analysis yielded I AuAu ( K ) and I SnSn ( K ) which are very similar to those observed in their respective pure liquids, whereas I AuSn ( K ) resembles closely that obtained from a model structure based on a solid AuSn alloy with NiAs-type structure.
Design of a linear Fresnel lens system for solar photovoltaic electrical power source

The object of the paper is to describe how a linear Fresnel lens is designed using I-DEAS (Integrated design, engineering and analysis software) package. The design is carried out by drawing three curves from the focal point at specific radii. A vertical line is drawn at the extreme right end of the curve. By drawing a tangent and a normal at that point, the refracted angle is found out using Snell's law. The refracted ray is extended to meet the arc. Then suitable angles of incidence and refraction are found at that point such that Snell's law is satisfied. The new normal is drawn and the perpendicular to it forms a lens tooth. Equidistant points are plotted on the lens profile and by Lagrange's interpolation the groove angles at each point are determined. By drawing the lens tooth at the suitable groove angles, one half of the lens profile is created which is then mirrored and extruded to get the full profile. The significance of this work is that it ensures the precise focusing of the entire incident light along a straight line without any scatter. This reduces the effective photovoltaic cell area needed and hence cuts the cell cost tremendously. The thickness of the lens is 4 mm, which enables it to be bent and mounted easily.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Auto‐immunization with acute leukemia cells: Demonstration of increased lymphocyte responsiveness

Nine patients with adult acute leukemia were autoimmunized with 108 and/or 106 non-irradiated leukemia cells during remission. Six of nine receiving 108 cells demonstrated a 100% or greater increase in in vivo lymphocyte blastogenic response to their own leukemia cells measured 7 days after immunization. In four responders, increased blastogenesis was noted only in autologous serum, but not in allogeneic serum. Only one of four demonstrated increased lymphocyte blastogenic response in autologous serum after immunization with 106 cells. The increased immune response was always accompanied by significantly increased blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and/or Streptolysin-O (SLO). Three patients studied 28–42 days following immunization showed a persistent increase in lymphocyte blastogenic response to leukemia cells, but the response to PHA and SLO had returned to pre-immunization levels.
Microwave induced reactions of SO2 and NOx decomposition in the char-bed

Microwaves applied to a pyrolytic carbon matrix enhance the chemical reactions of SO2 and NOx decomposition. The SO2 and NOx in a coal combustor product gas are adsorbed in a char bed and decomposed by the microwave to elemental sulfur and nitrogen, respectively. High removal rates of SO2 and NOx -- near 98% -- were observed in the laboratory tests. The activated carbon used as an adsorbent is also produced inexpensively in the electromagnetic field from coal pyrolysis. During the 21-cycle adsorption and decomposition experiments, the surface area of the bed carbon was increased from 7 m2/g to 700 m2/g. Process concept testing and economic evaluation will be completed in the U.S. Department of Energy, SBIR Phase II Program under Contract Number DE-FG03-90ER80898. This program is also supported in part by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number EHR-910-8774. The paper presents the laboratory test results obtained to date.
Formulation of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles for rapid plasmid DNA delivery

An optimised water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion process for the microencapsulation of plasmid DNA in poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to prepare microparticles from a range of different PLGA formulations. This process has been developed using pharmaceutically accepted solvents and is potentially scaleable. Incorporation of plasmid DNA in the microparticles of up to 11 microg/mg was obtained and the retention of plasmid DNA integrity was considerably greater than previously reported. Microparticle structure was determined, by scanning electron microscopy, to be hollow and size distribution characteristics were found to be independent of polymer formulation. The ability to vary the plasmid DNA release profile by changing the PLGA formulation and polymer concentration used in the encapsulation process was also demonstrated. This ability to control the release profile of the microparticles was shown to be especially important as the physical integrity of the encapsulated plasmid DNA was found to deteriorate with extended release times in vitro.
Usefulness of a Commercial Equine IgG Test and Serum Protein Concentration as Indicators of Failure of Transfer of Passive Immunity in Hospitalized Foals

Detection of failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) is important in reducing morbidity and mortality in neonatal foals. We investigated the performance of a commercial equine IgG test (SNAP Foal IgG Test Kit) to diagnose FTPI in hospitalized foals. Furthermore, we evaluated the usefulness of serum total protein (STP) and serum globulin (SG) concentrations as indicators of FTPI. Serum IgG concentration was measured by means of the SNAP test and single radial immunodiffusion, and SG and STP concentrations were determined by means of a clinical chemistry analyzer. Subjects were 67 hospitalized foals .05) by plasma fibrinogen concentration, sepsis score, or bacteremia. Specificity for detection of [IgG] < or = 800 mg/dl was lower (P < .05) in foals with sepsis score < or =11 (50% [31-60%] versus 100% [8-100%]) and bacteremia (25% [5-56%] versus 62% [45-62%]). Sensitivity and specificity of [STP] < or = 5.0 g/dl for [IgG] < or =800 mg/dl was 94% (83-99%) and 47% (30-56%), respectively. Performance of the SNAP test in hospitalized foals is impaired because of low specificity, but can have usefulness provided that the properties of the test and characteristics of the foal being examined are considered when interpreting the results. The STP and SG concentrations are poor sole indicators of FTPI in hospitalized foals, but may be useful adjunctive tests.
Dynamic Binding and Scheduling of Firm-Deadline Tasks on Heterogeneous Compute Resources

Embedded systems increasingly include heterogeneous compute resources. Yet the vast majority of real-time scheduling methods are designed for single-resource or homogeneous multi-resource systems. Heterogeneity complicates scheduling; task execution time is resource-dependent. Furthermore, the best resource for one task may not necessarily be the best resource for all tasks, so one resource may not be universally more valuable than another. This paper presents new algorithms designed specifically for heterogeneous real-time scheduling. We evaluate the algorithms’ deadline miss rates for heterogeneous task sets that represent a variety of execution scenarios, and show that two of our algorithms have lower deadline miss rates than the Earliest Deadline First or Least Laxity First approaches. We also discuss how task set and system characteristics affect the schedulers’ abilities to achieve a quality schedule.
Expert System Simulation of Hardware

Hardware lint tools based on static analysis techniques only check for structural, coding and consistency problems in RTL code. They have the limitation that they do not perform behavioral analysis and have a predefined rule-base that is not enhanced by users to capture human expertise. We present RTL-CLIPS, an RTL simulation environment based on CLIPS, an open-source expert system shell. In our approach, we do a semantically equivalent translation of RTL code into CLIPS facts. The simulator can be used by an heuristic rule-base to perform dynamic analysis of RTL code. Our method can better approximate design behavior by augmenting the pattern-matching capability of the CLIPS expert system with an environment for RTL simulation. We demonstrate our approach by analyzing ITC99 benchmark circuits. We discuss how our approach supports the reverse engineering of design behavior from RTL code.
New Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposite Materials for Energy Storage Applications

A method is described by which the disulfide dimer of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (diDMcT, see Scheme 1) can be oxidatively intercalated into the layered structure of a V2O5 xerogel. This intercalation reaction produces a new organic−inorganic composite material with a layer spacing of 13.5 A, in contrast to the 11.55 A spacing for the parent V2O5 xerogel. During this oxidative intercalation, the diDMcT is polymerized to produce a polymer with thiadiazole rings linked by disulfides in the polymer main chain (PDTT, see Scheme 1). The composite material is characterized by UV−visible spectroelectrochemistry, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and electrochemistry. The electrochemical experiments comprised charging (oxidation) and discharging (reduction) of the material, with the bulk of the redox reaction occurring over a broad potential range of 0.5 to −0.6 V versus saturated calomel electrode. The cyclic voltammogram of the composite material shows features that can be attributed to the DMcT−PDTT redox respons...
The Production and Judgment of Smile Magnitude

Summary From a theoretical viewpoint which emphasized both the emotive and cognitive components of a smile, it was derived that it is important to study smile magnitude as physically measurable overt facial patterning. Two experiments involving many measurements from six adult Ss were presented. The first dealt with the functional relationship between subjectively (kinesthetically) determined linearly equidistant smile magnitudes and a set of physical measurements, such as mouth width, indicative of changes in smile magnitude. The second study dealt with how well Ss can judge the photographed smile magnitudes of themselves and others. It was found that smile magnitude expressed as overt facial patterning is a lawful phenomenon that can be quantified and studied with precision.
Developmental implications of dichotomous ossification sequences in the wrist region.

As shown in radiographs of 3,764 children of European ancestry under 11 years of age, there are 55 dichotomous (present-absent/absent-present) ossification sequences for nine wrist region centers in boys and 48 such sequences for girls, with statistically significant sexual dimorphism in more than half of the “alternative” sequences. Substantial samples of Meso-American origin (“Chicanos”) and largely-African origin (“Blacks”) evidence additional dichotomous ossification sequences, with clear population differences, while Down's syndrome children (47,G +) show a major excess of the numerically rarer sequences of the wrist region.
An Information-Processing Analysis of Graph Perception

Abstract Recent work on graph perception has focused on the nature of the processes that operate when people decode the information represented in graphs. We began our investigations by gathering evidence that people have generic expectations about what types of information will be the major messages in various types of graphs. These graph schemata suggested how graph type and judgment type would interact to determine the speed and accuracy of quantitative information extraction. These predictions were confirmed by the finding that a comparison judgment was most accurate when the judgment required assessing position along a common scale (simple bar chart), had intermediate accuracy on length judgments (divided bar chart), and was least accurate when assessing angles (pie chart). In contrast, when the judgment was an estimate of the proportion of the whole, angle assessments (pie chart) were as accurate as position (simple bar chart) and more accurate than length (divided bar chart). Proposals for elementa...
Electroreflectance of strontium titanate

The room temperature electroreflectance (ER) measurements for cubic SiTiO3 are reported with particular emphasis on experimental conditions important for consistent reproducible lineshapes. This study includes for the first time a determination of the position of zero band perturbation (flatband) by making use of the even field nature of the ER lineshapes. The ER spectra are dependent upon dc bias, indicating the importance of a knowledge of the flatband position. A Kramers-Kronig analysis is performed and the lineshapes are reported in terms of ΔR/R, Δe1 and Δe2. The results in terms of Δe2 show that the strongest direct transition occurs near 3.8 eV. The weak structure in the 3.4 eV region is due to either indirect transitions or weak direct transitions. Our unpolarized flatband ER spectra give rise to structures which for (110) samples are resolved into contributions from [001] and [1210] polarized spectra. In addition to the large oscillations observed above the band gap, weaker oscillatory structure is observed in the range 1.5 to 2.8 eV in the polarized spectra of (110) faced samples. The oscillations for [110] polarization are 180° out of phase with those for [001] polarization.
Charles Fourier: The visionary and his world

(1991). Charles Fourier: The visionary and his world. History of European Ideas: Vol. 13, No. 6, pp. 845-847.
Particle dispersion in homogeneous turbulence using the one-dimensional turbulence model

Lagrangian particle dispersion is studied using the one-dimensional turbulence (ODT) model in homogeneous decaying turbulence configurations. The ODT model has been widely and successfully applied to a number of reacting and nonreacting flow configurations, but only limited application has been made to multiphase flows. Here, we present a version of the particle implementation and interaction with the stochastic and instantaneous ODT eddy events. The model is characterized by comparison to experimental data of particle dispersion for a range of intrinsic particle time scales and body forces. Particle dispersion, velocity, and integral time scale results are presented. The particle implementation introduces a single model parameter β p , and sensitivity to this parameter and behavior of the model are discussed. Good agreement is found with experimental data and the ODT model is able to capture the particle inertial and trajectory crossing effects. These results serve as a validation case of the multiphase implementations of ODT for extensions to other flow configurations.
Despite varying outdoor affiliations: The continued need to collaborate

This special issue of the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership (JOREL) is a compilation of research abstracts presented at the 8th Annual AORE (Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education) Research Symposium in Snowbird, UT, November 8-10, 2012, and the 5th Annual Outdoor Leadership Research Symposium (OLRS) held at the 2013 WEA Outdoor Education Colloquium in Black Mountain, NC, February 15-17, 2013. Numerous contributors provided some of the most current research related to outdoor recreation, education, and leadership. Each of the abstracts in this issue received a double-blind, peer-review process to ensure the quality of the work published here. Three other JOREL special issues covering abstracts from previous years of these two symposiums were published in 2012 (Volume 4, Issue 2), 2011 (Volume 3, Issue 2) and 2010 (Volume 2, Issue 2).
Studies of insulin release and rat pancreatic islet metabolism with diastereomers of D-glucose.

Abstract Studies of insulin release with diastereomers and other analogues of D -glucose demonstrated that only sugars which undergo oxidation to CO2 stimulate insulin release by the pancreatic islet. None of the non-metabolizable diastereomers of glucose stimulated insulin release in the presence of a substimulatory concentration of glucose for fuel. Although 5.5 mM glucose formed 77% as much CO2 as 16.7 mM mannose and twice that of 16.7 mM fructose, 5.5 mM glucose did not stimulate insulin release whereas 16.7 mM mannose and fructose did stimulate insulin release. These results indicate that the important stimulus for glucose-induced insulin release involves metabolism of glucose, but that the stimulus does not involve solely a fuel function of glucose.
Mobilization of aged cadmium deposits by dithiocarbamates

Mice with chronic cadmium intoxication were given low levels (0.6 mm/kg) of several dithiocarbamates (parent compounds: dihydroxyethylamine, iminodiacetic acid, methylhydroxyethylamine and sarcosine) in an attempt to reduce the cadmium present in the liver and kidney. Comparing the results with those obtained with the less polar sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDDTC), only ammonium di(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (NH4DHE-DTC) possessed a similar ability to reduce kidney cadmium levels. Under the experimental conditions employed, the reduction obtained with NH4DHE-DTC was less than that effected by a comparable dose of NaDDTC. A subsequent dose-dependence study showed, however, that sodium di(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (NaDHE-DTC) is quite effective at higher dosage levels (up to 5.5 mmoles/kg) where substantial reductions in both kidney (89% mobilization) and liver (38% mobilization) stores of cadmium were observed. High doses of the NaDHE-DTC are well tolerated as the LD50 of this compound in mice is greater than 19.8 mmoles/kg.
Leaf anatomy of Cunoniaceae

A study of leaf anatomy of 24 genera of Cunoniaceae was made. The prevailing petiole vasculature is a nearly complete, usually adaxially flattened, medullated cylinder with the flat dorsal segment separated from the ventral arc. Medullary and cortical vasculation in Codia, Cunonia, Geissois and Pancheria is correlated with an increase in leaf coriaceousness. Very few characters are uniformly found in leaves of all species; these are druse or prismatic crystals, bifacial mesophyll and unicellular and simple trichomes. In most species vein sheathing occurs. Characters of the lamina that show variation and are useful in generic delimitation are: trichome type, presence of a hypodermis, occurrence of mucilaginous cells, presence of specialized terminal veinlet cells, major and higher order venation patterns, vein sheathing type, and mature stomatal types. Stomata are of the anomocytic, paracytic or anisocytic types. Leaves of various cunoniaceous species of xerophytic environments exhibit a leathery texture, thicker cuticle, more intensive sclerification along the veins, a sclerified hypodermis, and an increase in the amount of vascular tissue per unit area. Leaf anatomy does not provide immediate clues toward elucidating the relationships of cunoniaceous genera.
Microvolume Spectrophotometric Analysis for Life Science Applications

Spectrophotometric analysis of microvolume samples in life science applications enables rapid, accurate quantification of precious samples. Paper will discuss optical system design, and application advancements.
Scalability of Parallel Spatial Direct Numerical Simulations on Intel Hypercube and IBM SP1 and SP2

The implementation and performance of a parallel spatial direct numerical simulation (PSDNS) approach on the Intel iPSC/860 hypercube and IBM SP1 and SP2 parallel computers is documented. Spatially evolving disturbances associated with laminar-to-turbulent transition in boundary-layer flows are computed with the PSDNS code. The feasibility of using the PSDNS to perform transition studies on these computers is examined. The results indicate that PSNDS approach can effectively be parallelized on a distributed memory parallel machine by remapping the distributed data structure during the course of the calculation. The performance of the PSDNS indicates that 32 nodes on the IBM SP1 or SP2 are required to match a comparable computation on the CRAY C-90 single processor; the hypercube was found to be two times slower than the CRAY Y/MP for this application.
Translation Through Argumentation in Medical Research and Physician-Citizenship

While many "benchtop-to-bedside" research pathways have been developed in "Type I" translational medicine, vehicles to facilitate "Type II" and "Type III" translation that convert scientific data into clinical and community interventions designed to improve the health of human populations remain elusive. Further, while a high percentage of physicians endorse the principle of citizen leadership, many have difficulty practicing it. This discrepancy has been attributed, in part, to lack of training and preparation for public advocacy, time limitation, and institutional resistance. As translational medicine and physician-citizenship implicate social, political, economic and cultural factors, both enterprises require "integrative" research strategies that blend insights from multiple fields of study, as well as rhetorical acumen in adapting messages to reach multiple audiences. This article considers how argumentation theory's epistemological flexibility, audience attentiveness, and heuristic qualities, combined with concepts from classical rhetoric, such as rhetorical invention, the synecdoche, and ethos, yield tools to facilitate translational medicine and enable physician-citizenship.
Milk feeding and weaning of goat kids — A review

Abstract Our studies on milk feeding and weaning methods for goat kids suggest that kids can be weaned earlier than the traditional weaning age of 3 months. Kids can be successfully weaned at 9 kg of body weight, 8 weeks of age or at the time when at least 30 g/day of solid feed are consumed. Weaning shock is reduced when any of the above criteria are achived. Restricted milk feeding encouraged solid feed consumption by goat kids. In comparison with feeding milk three or four times per day, feeding milk twice daily reduced labor requirements, milk consumption and growth rate, and increased efficiency of weight gain. If solid feed intake can be stimulated, early weaning is possible as well as economical. Delayed weaning is costly and can be harmful to the development of a functional reticulo-rumen.
Low-to-moderate alcohol intake and health status in heart failure patients

Abstract Background Although heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend alcohol abstinence, existing evidence indicates that alcohol may not worsen survival and no data about associations between alcohol and health status (patients' symptoms, function, and quality of life) exist. Methods and Results Alcohol use was quantified in 420 HF outpatients. The associations between moderate alcohol intake (1 to 60 drinks/month) and health status were assessed by comparing baseline and 1-year Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) scores between moderate and nondrinkers. No differences in baseline KCCQ or SF-12 scores between abstainers (n = 245) and moderate drinkers (n = 175) were observed (KCCQ 60.5 ± 24 versus 61.9 ± 23.5, P = .55; SF-12 Physical Component Score (PCS) 33.6 ± 11.2 versus 35.3 ± 10.2, P = .14; and SF-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) 49.1 ± 11.1 versus 49.4 ± 11.4, P = .78). Abstainers and drinkers also had similar 1-year KCCQ scores (65.8 ± 24.5 versus 69.3 ± 24.1, P = .23), mortality (10.5% versus 11.6%, P = .72) and HF hospitalizations (18.0% versus 15.4%, P = .51). Multivariable analyses controlling for baseline differences also revealed similar outcomes between abstainers and drinkers—1-year KCCQ change = 4.3 ± 1.8 versus 5.2 ± 2.5; P = .75), mortality (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 0.67–2.64), or HF hospitalization (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.60–2.11). Conclusion No relationships between moderate alcohol consumption and health status or 1-year outcomes were identified in this multicenter observational study. These data do not support the need for complete alcohol abstinence for all HF patients among those who drink in moderation.
A novel human papillomavirus sequence based on L1 general primers

Over 65 human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified. The majority have been isolated on the basis of cloning systems in bacteria. Recently, general consensus or degenerate primers from the L1 region have been used in PCR to identify novel genotypes. In this fashion, we employed general primers in the L1 region followed by DNA sequencing to identify a novel HPV sequence in association with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Capacitance studies of cobalt oxide films formed via electrochemical precipitation

Abstract Cobalt oxide films were prepared by electrochemically precipitating the hydroxide and heating it in air to form Co3O4. The resulting oxide films behave as a capacitor. The materials were studied emphasizing their use as either positive or negative electrodes in devices. The capacitance of the material was estimated at different heating temperatures and insight was gained into the charge storage mechanism. It was seen that the charge storage in cobalt oxide was similar to that of nickel oxide, although their capacitances were different. While, the material was shown to be inferior to nickel hydroxide/oxide when used as a positive electrode, it was seen to be superior as a negative. An asymmetric capacitor with NiO as a positive electrode and Co3O4 as a negative promises adequate capacitance over a large voltage window.
Adolescent Sexual Victimization, ADHD Symptoms, and Risky Sexual Behavior

This study examined the association between ADHD symptoms experienced before age 12 and sexual victimization during adolescence in a sample of 374 college women who had not been sexually victimized as children. The linkage with risky sexual behavior and the moderating effects of sociodemographic factors also were considered using structural equation modeling. ADHD symptoms were associated with greater sexual victimization during adolescence and were linked with sexual victimization through engagement in risky sexual behavior. Sociodemographic factors did not affect the overall model; however, sociodemographic factors were differentially related to certain paths in the model. In particular, the associations between ADHD symptoms and sexual victimization, as well as risky sexual behavior, were stronger for Black than White women. Also, the relation between ADHD risky sexual behaviors was stronger for young women who grew up with only their mother than with both parents, and for those whose primary caregiver was employed rather than unemployed.
Effects of exposure to ethylene glycol ethers on shipyard painters: II. Male reproduction

To determine whether 2-ethoxyethanol (2-EE) and 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) affected the reproductive potential of exposed men, we examined the semen of 73 painters and 40 controls who work in a large shipyard. An industrial hygiene survey was performed to characterize the work environment. The men supplied information on demographic characteristics, medical conditions, personal habits, and reproductive history; underwent a physical examination; and provided a semen sample. Semen samples were analyzed for pH, volume, turbidity, liquidity, viability by stain exclusion and hypo-osmotic stress, sperm density and count per ejaculate, motility using a videotape technique, morphology, and morphometry. Serum was analyzed for testosterone, FSH, and LH. The industrial hygiene survey revealed that the painters were exposed to 2-EE at a time-weighted average (TWA) of 0-80.5 mg/m3 with a mean of 9.9 mg/m3, and to 2-ME at a TWA of 0-17.7 mg/m3 with a mean of 2.6 mg/m3. Painters had an increased prevalence of oligospermia and azoospermia and an increased odds ratio for a lower sperm count per ejaculate, while smoking was controlled. This finding is consistent with prior animal studies and with one human study. Potential biases and confounding of the data are discussed.
Frustration effect as a function of training magnitude in a within-S design

Incidental findings from two studies in which rats were differentially conditioned in the first alley (Al) of the L-shaped double alley apparatus and subsequently administered nonreward (N) test trials in both the positive (S+) and negative (S−) discriminandum are reported. The speeds with which Ss ran the second alley following an N trial were, for two groups, independent of whether N occurred in S+ or S−; for a third group speeds were faster following N in S− than following N in S+.
Absent Meibomian Glands in the Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal Dysplasia, Cleft Lip-Palate Syndrome

A 27-year-old woman with the syndrome characterized by ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, and cleft lip-palate had an absent lacrimal punctum in each eye, with signs and symptoms of nasolacrimal obstruction during childhood. Examination disclosed bilateral corneal vascularization and opacification, with diffuse superficial punctate staining of the ocular surface epithelium by fluorescein, an instantaneous tear film break-up time, and normal Schirmer tear measurements. A full-thickness biopsy specimen of the eyelid confirmed the absence of meibomian glands that had been suspected because of absent meibomian gland orifices and secretions. The total absence of meibomian gland secretions in this patient may be a primary feature of this case and may contribute to a lipid-deficient and unstable tear film with resultant desiccation and destruction of the ocular surface epithelium. Breakdown of the corneal epithelium in association with obstruction and infection of the nasolacrimal system may be a particularly disastrous combination for the cornea that resulted in the recurrent, severe bacterial corneal ulcers found in our patient.
Temperature and acclimation effects on salinity preferences of post-larvae of the giant Malaysian prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

The movement of individual post-larvae of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) among horizontally-juxtaposed salinity layers of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28%. was observed during 135-min test periods. The time that post-larvae spent in each salinity was measured at 20, 27, and 34 °C with prawns acclimated to 0, 14, and 28%. salinity. The young prawns generally moved readily into salinities lower than the acclimation salinity at 27°C, and less frequently into higher salinities. At both 27 and 34°C, post-larvae tended to spend more time in lower salinities than in the salinities to which they were acclimated. Post-larvae acclimated to fresh water rarely reentered saline waters. Temperature effects on activity resulted in little movement of the prawns at 20°C. High temperature shortened the range of salinities post-larvae occupied for significant periods of time.
The Impact of an Interpersonal Encounter-Group Class for North American College Students Studying Abroad.

Abstract An interpersonal encounter-group class for North American students studying abroad was developed to improve interpersonal functioning, develop community, and counter the negative effects of group living.
System analysis of stereotactic neurosurgery based on CT scans

Abstract Stereotaxic localization of target points identified on single CT scan slices obtained using commercially available frame systems is widely available. These systems have intrinsic limitations imposed by the computational algorithms used to determine the stereotaxic frame settings for a desired approach to the target. The extant descriptions of stereotaxic frames are mathematically incomplete, confounding efforts to delineate the limitations of these devices and improve their versatility. This report provides a complete mathematical description for a commercially available device (Brown-Roberts-Wells stereotaxis system). This systems analysis was used to design and implement microcomputer-based (Apple Macintosh) interactive graphics software providing enhanced versatility in locating target points, seelcting approach directions, and handling sequences of frame settings needed in procedures where multiple interventions are required. Application of this new software in neurosurgical procedures to uniformly distribute interstitial radiotherapy sources through tumor masses is described.
Geochemical and petrographic studies of oldhamite, diopside, and roedderite in enstatite meteorites

— In Qingzhen (EH3), oldhamite contains numerous types of inclusions and intergrows with other phases; but in equilibrated enstatite chondrites and aubrites, it usually occurs as individual grains. I suggest that oldhamite in unequilibrated enstatite chondrites (UECs) crystallized from a melt, probably during chondrule formation. Subsequent thermal metamorphism on the parent bodies further modified the oldhamite occurrences in enstatite chondrites. This suggestion is consistent with the results of melting experiments on UECs and aubrites and with the volatile element enrichments in this mineral. I analyzed minor and trace element abundances in diopside from two aubrites. These data and petrographic observations suggest that diopside formed by igneous crystallization. I report the first known occurrence of roedderite in an aubrite and its major, minor, and trace element concentrations. This mineral is rich in alkalis but is depleted in siderophile and refractory lithophile elements. A negative Sm anomaly was noted in albite from equilibrated enstatite chondrites and aubrites.
Deep Seismic Sounding with Nuclear Explosives in the Soviet Union

A large geophysical program of exploration that uses deep seismic sounding has been under way in the Soviet Union for decades. Underground nuclear explosives have been used as strong seismic sources since 1971. The wide spacing between these seismic sources-for example, 500 kilometers-has permitted seismic exploration of inaccessible areas in traverses up to 3000 kilometers in length. During the same time an ultra-deep drilling program has also been under way. The data gathered have been used to elucidate details of the crust as well as to describe layering and inhomogeneities in the underlying mantle. By Soviet account, deep seismic sounding has been instrumental in confirming the existence of numerous sedimentary structures containing oil and gas fields in western and eastern Siberia. 36 refs., 1 tab., 5 figs.
Immediate breast reconstruction for stage III breast cancer using transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap.

Background: The management of stage III breast cancer is challenging; it often includes multimodal treatment with systemic therapy and/or radiation therapy and surgery. Immediate breast reconstruction has not traditionally been performed in these patients. We review the results of immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap in 21 patients treated for stage III breast cancer.
Misuse the Power, Miss the Point

Unlike previous entries in this series, the present column will address itself to a problem that plagues virtually all academics, as well as most people in business, K-12 education, and many other ...
Automated accompaniment of musical ensembles

This paper describes a computer accompaniment system capable of providing musical accompaniment for an ensemble of performers. The system tracks the performance of each musician in the ensemble to determine current score location and tempo of the ensemble. "Missing parts" in the composition (i.e., the accompaniment) are synthesized and synchronized to the ensemble. The paper presents an overview of the component problems of automated musical accompaniment and discusses solutions and their implementation. The system has been tested with solo performers as well as ensembles having as many as three performers.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors decrease reelin promoter methylation in vitro

We investigated the effects of agents that induce reelin mRNA expression in vitro on the methylation status of the human reelin promoter in neural progenitor cells (NT2). NT2 cells were treated with the histone deacetylase inhibitors, trichostatin A (TSA) and valproic acid (VPA), and the methylation inhibitor aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA) for various times. All three drugs reduced the methylation profile of the reelin promoter relative to untreated cells. The acetylation status of histones H3 and H4 increased following treatment with VPA and TSA at times as short as 15 min following treatment; a result consistent with the reported mode of action of these drugs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments showed that these changes were accompanied by changes occurring at the level of the reelin promoter as well. Interestingly, AZA decreased reelin promoter methylation without concomittantly increasing histone acetylation. In fact, after prolonged treatments with AZA, the acetylation status of histones H3 and H4 decreased relative to untreated cells. We also observed a trend towards reduced methylated H3 after 18 h treatment with TSA and VPA. Our data indicate that while TSA and VPA act to increase histone acetylation and reduce promoter methylation, AZA acts only to decrease the amount of reelin promoter methylation.
Vertical And Horizontal Integration Of Laboratory Curricula And Course Projects Across The Electronic Engineering Technology Program

This paper discusses the details of the curricular development effort with a focus on the vertical and horizontal integration of laboratory curricula and course projects within the Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) program at Texas AM these tools are then used in several junior and senior level courses. Through early and repeated exposure to these tools, students learn to use them more effectively to solve various engineering problems in laboratory and course projects. A DC permanent magnetic motor is identified as one of the common hardware platforms for multiple course projects. By using a common platform for different course projects, the students can spend much less time preparing for the course projects. With each course adding different features to the common platform, the learning experience in several courses becomes seamlessly integrated. Surveys were conducted to show that the curriculum development effort improved the efficiency of student learning and enhanced the students’ educational experience.
A Comparison of Algorithms for the Efficient Solution of the Linear Systems Arising from Multigroup Flux-limited Diffusion Problems

Flux-limited diffusion has become a popular method for treating radiation transport in multidimensional astrophysical simulation codes with multi-group flux-limited diffusion (MGFLD) undergoing increasing use in a number of applications. The most computationally demanding aspect of this technique is the solution of the large linear systems that arise from the implicit finite-difference scheme that is used to solve the underlying integro-PDEs that describe MGFLD. The solution of these linear systems often dominates the computational cost of carrying out astrophysical simulations. Hence, efficient methods for solving these systems are highly desirable. In this paper we examine the numerical efficiency of a number of iterative Krylov subspace methods for the solution of the MGFLD linear systems arising from a series of challenging test problems. The problems we employ were designed to test the capabilities of the linear-system solvers under difficult conditions. The algorithms and preconditioners we examine in this study were selected on the basis that they are relatively easy to parallelize. We find that certain algorithm/preconditioner combinations consistently outperform others for a series of test problems. Additionally, we find that the method of preparing the linear system for solution by scaling the system has a dramatic effect on the convergence behavior of the iterative methods.
64-Slice multidetector row CT angiography of the abdomen: comparison of low versus high concentration iodinated contrast media in a porcine model.

Objective: In this study we aimed to assess the image quality and degree of vascular enhancement using low-concentration contrast media (LCCM) (300 mg I ml–1) and high-concentration contrast media (HCCM) (370 mg I ml–1) on 64-slice multidetector row CT (MDCT) abdominal CT angiography (CTA). In addition, we aimed to study the feasibility of using HCCM with a reduced total iodine dose. Methods: CTA of the abdomen on a 64-slice MDCT was performed on 15 anaesthetised pigs. Study pigs were divided into three groups of five each based on the iodine concentration and dose received: Group A (LCCM; 300 mg I ml–1), Group B (HCCM; 370 mg I ml–1) and Group C HCCM with 20% less iodine dose. The total iodine injected was kept constant (600 mg kg–1) in Groups A and B. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed to study and compare each group for image quality, visibility of the branch order of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), artefacts, degree of enhancement in the aorta and main stem arteries and uniform...
Rotary subsoiling newly planted winter wheat fields to improve infiltration in frozen soil

Water erosion and runoff can be severe due topoor infiltrationthrough frozen soil inthe drylandwheat (Triticum aestivumL.) production region of the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW), USA. For more than 70 years, farmers and researchers have used variousmethods ofsubsoilingtoreducerunoffanderosion andtoimproveinfiltrationandsoilmoisture storage.The practiceand equipment have evolved from chiseling continuous open channels across hillslopes to the rotary subsoiler that pits the soil. Farmers often subsoil wheat stubble after harvest, but do not employ this practice on newly planted winter wheat fields. These fields are especially vulnerable to erosion because of meager residue cover after a year of fallow. A 6-year field study was conducted in eastern Washington to determine the effect of rotary subsoiling in newly planted winter wheat on over-winter water storage, erosion, infiltration, and grain yield. There were two treatments, rotary subsoiling and control. The rotary subsoiler created one 40 cm-deep pit with 4 L capacity every 0.7 m 2 . Natural precipitation did not cause rill erosion in either treatment because of mild winters during the study period. Net change in water stored over winter was significantly (P < 0.05) improved with rotary subsoiling compared to the control in 2 of 6 years. Grain yield was not affected by treatments in any year or when averaged over years. In 2003, we simulated rainfall for approximately 3 h at a rate of 18 mm/h on both subsoiled and control plots to determine runoff and erosion responses on frozen soils. Rotary subsoiling reduced runoff (P < 0.01) by 38%. Rotary subsoiling also significantly reduced erosion (P < 0.01) during the 20‐45 min period after runoff had begun. The total quantities of eroded soils were 1.3 and 3.4 Mg/ha for the subsoiled and control treatments, respectively, with inter-rill the dominant erosion process. The average infiltration rate for the control treatment (3.3 mm/h) was half of the rate for the subsoiled treatment (6.6 mm/h), at the end of the 3 h simulation. Rotary subsoiling of newly-planted winter wheat can increase soil moisture stored